Most people have heard of premenstrual syndrome or PMS, but have your heard of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Roughly 5% of women experience PMDD. PMDD is more severe than PMS. It occurs when hormones levels change starting 1-2 weeks before menstruation (period). It tends to go away 2-3 days after menstruation begins. This is not...Read More
Depression that happens during pregnancy or within the first year after the birth of a child is called perinatal depression. It is one of the most common medical complications in pregnancy, occurring in up to 20% of women. Symptoms of perinatal depression typically include: low mood anxiety unable to feel pleasure changes in sleep...Read More
EdemaWear is a tubular elastic compression stockinet that is made out of nylon and lycra. It is an open weave material so it remains cool. How does it work? EdemaWear provides compression using longitudinal ridges that run parallel to the limb. It provides a higher compression under the ridges and no compression between the ridges. ...Read More
As more of us are wearing facial coverings to go out to the store, or in the workplace, we are facing the dreaded “maskne.” Add to that the increased stress being felt by many, due to COVID-19, and we have the perfect storm for triggering acne outbreaks. “Maskne” is the term being used for mask-related...Read More
With summer now in full swing, let’s discuss a less than desirable effect of the hot, sunny weather: sun-induced reactions (photosensitivity) from medications! You might be wondering: what is that? do my medications put me at risk? what do I do in case of such a reaction? So here we go! Sun-induced reactions to medications...Read More
The hot summer days are here! Although many of us love this weather there are some drawbacks that can affect health. Hot summer days often come with elevated humidex readings, high pollen counts and poor Air Quality. The Air Quality Index is a measure of the pollutants in the air. With the arrival of summer...Read More
Stinging nettle is a perennial that grows across Canada, and has a defense mechanism to protect them from being eaten. It can be found growing in moist areas: along rivers and streams and in ditches. It can also grow in open woodlands, farmyards and old pastures. Stinging nettles grow to a height of approximately 1-2...Read More
Giant hogweed is an invasive perennial. It grows in moist areas along roadsides, ditches and streams and in open fields and woodlands. The plant spreads easily and does grow in Ontario. Giant hogweed can grow to a height of 2 to 5 ½ metres. The plant has a thick, hollow stem that is covered in...Read More
The warm weather has arrived! With the warm weather comes more time spent outdoors — going for walks, hikes or staying around the house and gardening. These are opportunities where you can come into contact with poisonous plants. Poison ivy and poison sumac are both found in Ontario. However, poison oak is not usually found...Read More
With the warm weather now upon us many people are spending time outside. It is important to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunlight is composed of two types of UV rays that can reach the earth. Overexposure of either of these two UV rays can cause skin cancer....Read More