A stroke occurs when blood flow is disrupted to any portion of the brain. This causes damage to the brain cells because they need a constant supply of blood for oxygen and nourishment. A stroke can occur at any age and they affect women more than men. Women have a higher risk of stroke during...Read More

Seasonal allergies are now upon us.  The trees are budding and that brings about tree pollen allergies – which have hit many with a vengeance.  The common cold is still lurking around as well!  Combine seasonal allergies and the common cold with COVID-19 and this leads to a great deal of confusion. Many are left...Read More

As the weather gets warmer and people start working on their lawns and gardens we need to remember ticks. Ticks tend to be found in wooded areas, areas of tall grass, brush and undergrowth. However, they can be found wherever there is grass. Be sure to look carefully for ticks when you come indoors. Ticks...Read More

Did you know that 90% of cold and flu symptoms are caused by viruses? Viruses have been in the news recently, with the emergence of the novel coronavirus that has caused a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China. The novel coronavirus is causing mild to severe respiratory symptoms. These symptoms include: fever, cough and shortness of...Read More

We are now officially into the year 2020. Many people will have made New Year’s Resolutions. Some common resolutions include: eating healthier, dieting and going to the gym. Might I suggest a shift in focus to embrace and future one’s mental health? It is time to put the “me” back into mental wellbeing (Australian College...Read More

Medication mistakes can happen. Doctors, nurses, pharmacy team, caregivers and patients can make mistakes. To Err is Human is a book published in 1999 that led the movement towards increasing patient safety from all medical errors. It focused on a systems reform and helped to change our thinking. We are not to blame humans, but...Read More

Bone is living tissue that is always renewing and repairing itself from everyday wear and tear. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that happens when the body loses too much bone or makes too little bone. As bone becomes more brittle people are at a greater risk of fractures. Males and females achieve peak...Read More

Depression in young people can be difficult to identify. Many children and teenagers do not want to talk about feelings. In youths aged 12 to 19, 5% of males and 12% of females will experience depression (CMHA). In Canada, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 29. We need...Read More

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year the focus is on working together to prevent suicide. Every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide. In Canada approximately 10 people die by suicide each day suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canadians aged 10 through 29 for every 1 death caused...Read More

Depression is a complex feeling of sadness and hopelessness that is present daily and lasts most of the day for at least 2 weeks. Depression impairs how a person functions in day-to-day activities (e.g.: at work, in school). Symptoms of depression can include: change in appetite problems with sleep loss of interest in work, hobbies,...Read More