-
Keeping Track of Medications
For some people, medications are a daily necessity to help stabilize many health conditions. For example, individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory-related conditions often require the use of an inhaler or bronchodilator, while individuals who suffer from thyroid disorders and heart problems also require daily medication. Depending on the type of health condition (or conditions) you’re dealing with, keeping track of medication can sometimes be difficult. Below are a few different tips that Dr. Ali Ghahary has put together to help you keep you organized. 1. Make a List If you’re someone who has to take several types of medications throughout the day, it’s not uncommon to forget –…
-
Why Energy Drinks Are Harmful for Children
Member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and professor of kinesiology at the University of Calgary, Jane Shearer, is speaking out in effort to warn parents, coaches and medical professionals about the risks that are associated with the consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks. Many of these energy drinks, which are easily found in convenience stores, tend to be marketed in ways that make them look more appealing to children and young adults – for example, friendly and colourful packaging; and while they might seem enticing to someone looking for a quick and easy energy boost, Shearer warns that consumption of these beverages in anyone under the age of 18…
-
Influenza: Who’s Most at Risk?
As many as 12,000 Canadians – primarily seniors and children – are hospitalized due to the flu each year. According to a recent report done by the CBC, there have been approximately 15,000 cases of the flu reported this season – a rather large spike compared to the 9,000 cases that were reported around this time last year. In their latest FluWatch report, the Public Health Agency of Canada says that influenza activity remains high across Canada and that the number of cases reported are greater than normal for this time of year – particularly in adults aged 65 and older – although there have also been some indicators that…
-
How This Latest Internet Trend Can Harm Your Health
The internet is no stranger when it comes to memes and trends; first it was the ‘Cinnamon Challenge’, followed by the ‘Mannequin Challenge’, and the ‘Whisper Challenge’ made popular by late-night television host Jimmy Fallon – all relatively harmless. However, there is one new trend that has recently picked up steam and has caught the attention of health officials all across Canada, the United States, and around the world – prompting those officials to issue warnings. While it’s unknown how it first got started, the latest challenge, known as the ‘Tide Pod Challenge’, sees young children and teenagers sharing videos of themselves on social media that shows them biting into…
-
Understanding Inflammation
When Canadians think of inflammation, we often think of it as damage to the body that causes pain and swelling, and even infection. While this is true to a certain extent, inflammation is actually the body’s natural response to something it perceives to be harmful. So while infection is oftentimes easily associated with inflammation, inflammation does not necessarily mean an infection is present. Inflammation occurs by releasing chemicals from the white blood cells, which assists in protecting the body from and removing any damaged pathogens, cells or other irritants. A bacterium, fungus or virus causes infection, and inflammation is simply the body’s response to it. When inflammation is present, this…