Health Hub.
Managing Medications During Ramadan
For 30 days in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, many individuals worldwide who practise the Muslim...
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Daylight Savings Time, That Time of Year Again?!
This Sunday, March 12th, we “spring ahead” and set our clocks an hour ahead to gain an extra 60 minutes...
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Compound Solutions for Feet!
Your feet take a pounding every day, literally. It’s essential to care for those aches, pains, nicks,...
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Warning Signs of Early Heart Failure & SmHeart Card
_February is Heart Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health and what...
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WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique and distinct system of medicine in approaching health care. A naturopathic...
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What is Pharmacogenomics and Why Are We Talking About It?
Ever wonder why acetaminophen never works for you, but your spouse touts it as the best for their headaches?
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Understanding Sleep Aids and Their Risk
Youve spent the past few nights staring at the ceiling, thinking about your grocery list, lining up your...
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Is Your Pill Box Overflowing? We Can Help.
take at least five prescription medications. More than 1 out of 4 Canadians (27%) over 65 take at least ten prescription medications.
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Bio-Identical Hormones: Progesterone and Estrogen
Hormones regulate various biological activities, including growth, development, reproduction, energy...
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Vitamin D, What’s the Hype?
We always seem to hear more about it in the winter months. Well there is a lot to share, year round actually.
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Flu Season: 5 Facts
1. THE FLU IS MUCH WORSE THAN A BAD COLD. Commonly known as "Flu," influenza is an airways infection caused by the influenza virus.
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What is the difference between hemoglobin testing and iron testing?
A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red...
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What Makes LUMIFY Different From Other OTC Drops?
This low-dose ophthalmic solution (Lumify 0. 025%) will be the first OTC (over-the-counter) brimonidine...
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Monkeypox, Keeping You Informed
We have experienced our first full-on global pandemic, so people are prone to panic or to pass along...
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What Can Pharmacists Do For Minor Ailments?
First, lets ask, what are minor ailments? Also known as common ailments, they are conditions that do...
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Managing Kidney Stones
Kidney stones (renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.
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Using your Emergency Medicines to Treat Asthma & Allergies
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in Canada. Spring has sprung. And with it… allergy and...
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Pain Is Inevitable. Suffering Doesn’t Have to Be.
Pain is the most common symptom for which people seek medical help. Acute pain (short-term pain) can...
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Sitting IS The New Smoking
For many people, work means hours and hours of sitting, with a few pauses scattered throughout the day...
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What Can I Do With My Old and Expired Medications?
Disposing of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, appropriately is essential. Expired...
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Food Allergens: How the Body Responds and Why We Test
Food allergies occur when the body has an adverse or abnormal response to food. An allergic reaction...
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Healthy Skin Year Round
We love skin. It is such an important marker of your overall health, and as compounders, we work with...
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The Cold, The Flu, and The Gut
There is growing evidence that a healthy gut microbiome may be your best immune defence. What is a “gut microbiome”?
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You Snore Like a Tractor!
Have you been told you snore like a tractor? It could be more than just snoring. You might have sleep apnea.
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What Should You Expect From a Medication Review?
For many people, taking medication is a regular part of their daily routines and essential for staying healthy.
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LDN - a potential Game Changer for Colitis or Crohn’s Disease
The month of November has been observed across Canada as Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month and we want...
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November is Osteoporosis Month - Let’s Create Awareness
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS? Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones, often going undiagnosed, even when it breaks them.
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How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Your Body?
We all know that alcohol consumption can reduce the communication between your brain and your body.
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Why Do I Need Vitamin B12 and What Are the Symptoms of Deficiency?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role...
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Are There Medical Exemptions From the COVID-19 Vaccine? Yes, But They’re Rare
> YOU MIGHT BE KEEPING YOURSELF FROM GETTING VACCINATED UNNECESSARILY. Medical exemptions to...
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Fat Is Not A Bad Word
Fat is NOT a bad word, but we should understand why we need it and the healthy way to get it. Dietary...
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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple joints in the body. RA...
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Why is Brain Health So Important?
September is World Alzheimer's Month so, it makes sense to talk about a healthy brain. The brain is one...
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I am way past my teens yet; I still have acne?
Yup. Acne can continue well into adulthood (the '40s and beyond) and have severe consequences, especially for women.
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Plastic. It’s Everywhere. What Does It Mean For My Health?
It's next to impossible to avoid. Today you will find it in bowls, wraps, bottles and bags used to store various foods and beverages, but is it safe?
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It’s Walking. Can It Really Help Me?
If your goal is to trim down then yes, walking 20 minutes a day can be a healthy addition to a healthy weight loss plan.
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Compounding Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
FIRST, WHAT IS NALTREXONE? Naltrexone is a drug that was approved in 1997 by Health Canada (1984 by...
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Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT), For Men and Women
Hormones are chemical messengers that manage many bodily functions. Production increases during puberty...
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What Are The Benefits of Compounding?
A one-size-fits-all approach to medications doesn’t always work, and this is where we can help! Sometimes...
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I Have IBS? What's That?
WHAT IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the intestine.
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Pulmonary Hypertension
WHAT IS PULMONARY HYPERTENSION? Well the words themselves describe it: * Pulmonary = Lung * Hypertension...
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Rhinitis...Also Known As Nasal Allergies
WHAT IS RHINITIS? The word _rhinitis_ means “inflammation of the nose. ” The nose produces a fluid called mucus.
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Thyroid Support
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of the neck below your Adam’s...
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Andro...What ?
Andropause. Essentially, it is the male version of menopause. Male menopause involves a drop in testosterone...
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COMPOUNDING FOR YOUR COMPANION
"You make drugs for pets? " is a question that we get a lot. Yes. Yes, we do. Preparing custom...
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WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects over three million Canadians. The central face is the most commonly affected area.
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CELIAC DISEASE, IT’S NOT A FAD DIET
This month we are bringing awareness to Celiac disease (CD). A common disorder that is estimated to affect about one percent of the population.
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WHAT IS LUPUS?
Monday, May 10th was World Lupus Day and not everyone knows what Lupus is. Lupus is a chronic disease with no cure.
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DO YOU NEED PROBIOTICS FOR YOUR GUT HEALTH?
By Dr. Chi Hung La, ND Each year in Canada alone multi-millions of antibiotic prescriptions are filled.
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BRING BACK THE GRAINS!
Low-carb, no-carb, and Paleo seem to be the diets of the times, and many people are pushing grains off...
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What Are Antibiotics and Can They Be Overused During a Pandemic?
Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria...
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COVID Antigen Screening Now Available at ALL Locations
Screening is available to anyone who meets the asymptomatic criteria. In order to be screened in the pharmacy you must:Be asymptomatic (you have no symptoms of COVID-19)Have not been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within the past 14 daysHave not been advised to quarantine in the last 14 daysHave not been advised to get tested for COVID-19 through an exposure notification through the COVID-19 appHave not previously tested positive for COVID-19A rapid COVID-19 antigen screen is NOT used to diagnose COVID-19, so it’s different from a COVID-19 test. Here are a few key differences:
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What is custom compounding & what does it do for me?
Custom compounding is the art and science of curating prescriptions to better work with specific allergies,...
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More Reasons to Love My Avocado!
While full of healthy benefits, avocados also happens to be one of the tastiest and most versatile foods we have.
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Thanks, But I Will Skip The Soda!
A rare glass of soda is not poison, but a can of cola a day certainly is. If you are in the habit of guzzling cans of soft drinks after a hot day out, with your evening spirit, or wash down a meal, you may want to rethink your hydration drink. The harmful effects of soft drinks extend beyond the obvious weight gain and obesity. Soft drinks can cause and exacerbate diabetes, asthma, heart, liver, and kidney disease, bone loss, tooth decay, and cancer.According to the USDA, 16% of calories in the typical American diet come from refined sugars and half of those calories come from beverages with added sugar. Where it once was a treat to have a pop now it has become part of the everyday culture around us.Any beverage without “hard” alcohol or dairy products in it may come under the bracket of soft drinks, but they usually indicate the sweet, bubbly, carbonated sodas or flavored drinks found on the shelves of grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. The “Contains No Fruit” label ironically tells us about the zero nutritional content of the drink. More worrying than the lack of nutrition, however, is the high level of unhealthy ingredients in the average soft drink and the health risk they pose.1. Increases Risk Of Diabetes And Metabolic SyndromeThe high sugar levels in the average drink cause a sharp spike in your blood glucose level, and without helping you stay satiated for long. As a result, your body feels hunger and fatigue, unleashing a vicious cycle that negatively impacts your waistline and ups your risk of type 2 diabetes (1). Having 1 or more soft drinks per day leads to a substantial weight gain and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes in women (2). In men too, having 1 or 2 servings of such drinks daily increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (by 26%) and metabolic syndrome (3).While the WHO (World Health Organization) has set the limit of daily consumption of sugar at 6 teaspoons, a 12 oz can of soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. That is 1-1/2 of your daily limit in one swoopCan Diet Soda Make You Gain Weight?Short answer: yup. If you are thinking that the diet version is better, prepare to be disappointed. Contrary to what they are advertised for, diet sodas may actually make you gain weight. Researchers believe that artificial sweeteners in sodas don’t satisfy your sweet tooth like normal sugar and you tend to reach for more sugar as a result(4). They are also responsible for negatively affecting the microbiome in your gut. Aspartame has been implicated in cancer in some animal studies (5) and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol may also cause diarrhea or aggravate irritable bowel syndrome (6).2. Raises Obesity Risk In ChildrenSince children enjoy guzzling these sugary drinks sometimes daily (often replacing healthy foods), they are at a greater risk of becoming obese. Pediatricians who treat overweight children claim that many of their patients take in 1,000 to 2,000 calories a day from soft drinks alone. Some kids drink pop all day long and getting all the calories they need for a day in sugary drinks with zero nutritional value. Decreasing soft drink intake can significantly reduce obesity in children and adolescents (7).3. Raises Risk Of Heart DiseaseObesity, metabolic syndrome, and type-2 diabetes, all of which become more likely with sugary drink consumption, are all markers for cardiovascular disease. Those who consume soft drinks regularly have a 20% higher risk of getting a heart attack. When you’re consuming too much sugar from unhealthy sources, there are fewer chances of your eating nutrient- and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. This can lead to an imbalance in your lipids and cause heart problems. In a study conducted over 2 decades, men who consumed soft drinks regularly were found to be 20% more at risk of getting a heart attack (8).4. Causes Tooth ErosionThere is yet another reason why too much sugar in your soda can wipe away smiles. The sugar in your sodas, when acted upon by the bacteria in the mouth, becomes an acid. And this acid attacks teeth enamel and weakens it. Children and adolescents are especially susceptible to tooth decay because of their underdeveloped enamel. Using a straw to drink a soda, gulping quickly, and brushing your teeth 30 mins after consumption can reduce damage. Is diet soda the way out? Sadly, no. The damage caused to your teeth when you drink diet soda is the same as consuming meth or cocaine (9). This is because apart from the sugar, sodas also contain citric acid and phosphoric acid as preservatives. This can sometimes make the drink highly acidic. These acids can wear away the teeth' enamel and dentin, the layer beneath, right from the moment they come in contact with the teeth. For the occasional soda, and even citrus fruit juice, use a straw, take a quick gulp, and brush after 30 minutes5. Leads To Osteoporosis And Bone FracturesPhosphoric acid is a food additive added to colas to give them a tangy flavor and also to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the sugar-rich environment. Too much phosphate in the blood can intervene with proper calcium metabolism essential for healthy bones. Caffeine too can interfere with mineral absorption. According to one study, having cola daily led to osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fractures in older women, possibly due to an imbalance in the calcium and phosphate ratio. Interestingly, non-cola drinks showed no such effect. Nor did any of these affect the bone mineral density in men. Smaller bones, less physical activity, and hormonal changes may put women more at risk (10). 6. Can Cause Kidney TroubleIn a study on 465 patients with chronic kidney disease and 467 healthy people, it was found that drinking 2 glasses of cola daily, but not non-cola beverages, raised the risk of kidney disease by 2 times. This was attributed to the phosphoric acid in colas which causes urinary disturbances, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease (11).7. Can Cause Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseA common sweetener used in soft drinks is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), made from corn starch. Unlike glucose, which can be broken down by the cells of your body, fructose can only be processed by the liver. When consumed in excess, it can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that is also associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure (12). Since HFCS, being cheaper than sugar, is commonly used to sweeten drinks, some research goes so far as to attribute the obesity epidemic, in large part, to the HFCS in soft drinks.8. Increases Cancer RiskThe added colors and preservatives in drinks spell more trouble for you. Cola Color: The trademark caramel color of the popular colas may be aesthetically pleasing but its effects are pure evil: 4-methylimidazole is a carcinogen found in brown food coloring (13). In a laboratory setting, 4-methylimidazole caused lung, liver, and thyroid cancer in mice (14). The caramel color in cola is a cancer-causing agent.Orange-flavored drinks: The vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in cheerful orange drinks are known to react with sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in soft drinks, to form benzene (15). Benzene is a carcinogen that has been found to damage bone marrow cells and cause blood cancer in animal studies.9. Can Disrupt SleepThe daily caffeine limit for kids is 45 mg, which is just 1 can of diet cola. The caffeine found in your soft drinks is highly addictive and acts as a stimulant by enhancing the production of adrenaline. That’s good news when you need a pick-me-up to get through that deadline at work or that mammoth home renovation project. But if it’s a regular feature, things take a turn for the worse. When consumed in excess, caffeine can interrupt your sleep and digestion. What Can You Drink Instead Of Soft Drinks?Water or infused water: Nothing beats plain old H2O when it comes to replacing sugary sodas and bottled drinks. Toss in some cucumber and lemon or a handful of pomegranate seeds or frozen raspberries for some color and a subtle hint of flavor. Iced tea, coconut water, or real fruit juice minus the added sugars are also a healthy option.Sparkling water: If you just can’t give up on that fizz, drink sparkling water jazzed up with a squeeze of citrus. Or try reducing the sugar in a canned or packaged juice by drinking it diluted with sparkling water 50:50 or more.Chilled teas or coffees are also a good alternative, just watch your caffeine intake.Here at Dispensaries, we promote a whole health approach to health!
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Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
WHAT IS NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD)? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease...
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Understanding the COVID VACCINES IN DIAGRAM
We are getting a lot of questions about the various COVID19 vaccines and how they work. Hope these diagrams help!
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Food additives 101
March is nutrition month so, why not become knowledgable of what is in our food.Food additives are basically anything added to food during production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation, or storage. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are more than 3,000 additives used in foods to—among other things—enhance flavor, texture, or shelf life. They range from simple ingredients like sugar or salt to chemical compounds with unpronounceable names. Even though most of those ingredients are safe to eat in limited quantities, some experts say that certain food additives are increasing our risk of obesity and can be damaging to our health. Some to be aware of are:1 SodiumSodium is an increasingly controversial food additive. Last year, research from a university in Georgia found that teens who eat a high-sodium diet are more likely to be obese, regardless of other factors like total food intake or consumption of sugary beverages. Health Canada recommends keeping your daily sodium intake under 2,300 milligrams.2. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)HFCS is the sugary stuff made from a highly-processed, genetically-modified corn starch base, from which fructose is extracted. It is relatively cheap to make and thus saves manufacturers money rather than using regular sugar. Research suggests that our bodies treat HFCS differently than other sugars and that it's associated with an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly enough, obesity has in fact risen in North America in correlation with the increased use of HFCS. It may be more difficult to avoid than one thinks since it is used not just in the obvious sodas and candies, but also in products like bread and sauces such as pasta sauce.3. Trans fatsAdding hydrogen to vegetable oil turns it into partially hydrogenated oil, more commonly known as a trans fat. While there are small amounts of trans fats found in animal foods, manufacturers began adding them in larger quantities to processed foods in the '90s. Unfortunately, trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In 2018 Health Canada banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in foods to effectively reduce trans fats in the Canadian food supply to the lowest level possible, and help achieve the World Health Organization’s public health recommendation to reduce the intake of trans fats to less than 1% of total energy intake. With the ban in effect, it is now illegal for manufacturers to add artificial trans fats to their products. The ban applies to all foods produced for sale in Canada including imported products and foods prepared and served in restaurants and food service establishments and as of September 2020, all artificially produced trans fat will be removed from the food supply. Having said this it is good to be aware of the impact of trans fats as they remain in use outside of Canada.4. EmulsifiersEmulsifying ingredients like cellulose and polysorbate are used in a wide variety of processed foods in order to improve texture. They help mix together ingredients like oil and water that would normally separate. The research is early, but a study published in Nature found that emulsifiers affect the gut bacteria of lab mice, increasing inflammation and metabolic syndrome, which is associated with higher obesity risks.5. Sodium BenzoateSodium benzoate is a commonly used preservative used in a wide variety of processed foods such as fizzy drinks and sour preserved foods, such as pickles and salad dressings. Sodium benzoate has been shown to be a potential trigger for hyperactivity in children and ADHD in all ages. The combination with vitamin C or with artificial sweeteners causes the substance to change into benzene that can be carcinogenic.Generally speaking, this is a food additive to avoid entirely. Choose carbonated drinks that aren’t preserved artificially or just avoid these types of drinks altogether. Drink water, wholesome juices, herbal teas, or other drinks that are part of a healthy, whole food diet.5. Nitrates and NitritesThese food additives are used mainly as preservatives in processed meats—like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats. It is used as a preservative, as well as for flavoring and coloring (it stabilizes the red color of cured meats, preventing them from turning grey) and also hinders the growth of bacteria that may cause botulism.When these foods are cooked at high heat, like when you fry bacon or grill a hot dog, or when they mix with stomach acid during digestion, the added nitrites can generate nitrosamines. Studies now show that nitrites and nitrosamines might be linked to increased rates of type 1 diabetes, as well as many different types of cancer.Look for bacon products that contain ascorbic acid or erythorbic acid; both are safe additives that help inhibit the potentially dangerous reaction.6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods particularly Chinese. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance that overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG affects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengages the "I'm full" function which explains the effects of weight gain.Many people actually have a sensitivity to it and can have reactions. These symptoms often include headaches, numbness, nasal stuffiness, and sweating. If you’re in tune with your body and notice that you feel bad after eating foods with MSG, it’s probably a good idea to start skipping it.7. Common Food DyesArtificial colors are often used to make foods bright and vibrant, especially in products geared toward children. While natural dyes derived from plants (such as beets) are safe, artificial dyes, often derived from coal tar, are more cost-effective and therefore used more often. Though studies on artificial dyes have generally focused on cancers that have led to a handful of bans, scientists are now also researching their effects on children, such as disruptive behavior, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorder, as well as learning disabilities. These are some of the most questionable synthetic dyes still on the market but note Canadian law does not require companies to list which dyes they use in their products; they only need to indicate "color" as an ingredient.Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)Often found candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks, and pet foods. It is banned in Norway, Finland, and France. May cause chromosomal damage and increase cancer risk. Blue #2 may cause brain tumors in male mice.Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124)Found in fruit cocktails, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, and bakery products. Banned in 1990 after years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market worldwide. It has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission.Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)Found in American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade, and more. Banned in Norway and Sweden. Causes increases in the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals and may cause chromosomal damage.8. Artificial SweetenersThese sugar substitutes, such as acesulfame potassium (Ace K), aspartame, and sucralose, are much sweeter than sugar and have few or no calories.Because they’re used in “diet” foods, one may think that if you don’t eat such products, you aren’t consuming any artificial sweeteners. But some, especially sucralose, are showing up in a variety of regular products not necessarily labeled as “diet” or “low calorie” so reading a label is key.Studies have shown that aspartame and other non-caloric sweeteners are actually associated with weight gain and researchers suggest it might be that sweet tastes increase our appetite, no matter where the sweetness comes from.Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and a growing body of evidence suggests they can be harmful to the gut microbiome.8. SorbitolSorbitol is a sugar alcohol that has about half the calories of sugar but also about half the sweetness. It is used as a sweetener in sugar-free versions of foods like candy, cookies, and gum, as well as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in some products. But it also occurs naturally in some dried fruits—particularly prunes. Sorbitol brings water into the colon and acts as a laxative and at high doses, it can have unwanted side effects, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.9. PhosphatesPhosphates are a form of phosphorus, a mineral that supports bone health. But phosphorus-containing additives, such as phosphoric acid and disodium phosphate, are found in a variety of processed foods including soda, baked goods, dairy products, and fast food. Phosphorus from additives is more readily absorbed than when it occurs naturally in food.High phosphorus intake is hazardous for people with kidney disease or those at risk for kidney disease. If kidney function is impaired, getting too much phosphorus puts extra strain on the kidneys to try to excrete it. Even those with healthy kidneys should be cautious about eating too many foods with phosphate additives. Too much phosphorus can bind to calcium, pulling it from bones and leaving them brittle. And researchers have found a link between high phosphate levels and increased cardiovascular risk.
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Vaginal Health and Menopause
_By Betty Dolman, Pharmacist_ People often think of Menopause as hot flashes, night sweats and mood...
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HEALTHY HABITS TO HELP YOUR HEART
February is the month that we talk about Heart Health! Here at Dispensaries we like to encourage all our patients to live a healthy lifestyle.
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Iron: why do we need it
_Betty Dolman, Pharmacist_ Iron is crucial to many of our bodies functions, including breathing, energy production, and growth.
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PAINFUL JOINTS KEEPING YOU AWAY FROM EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES?
Our joints are very important; they connect bones to provide support and help us move. When there is...
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A Time Line of The Benefits of Quitting Smoking?
January 17 to 23 is No Smoking Week. What better time to highlight the benefits of quitting and to...
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Managing Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a magical and natural joy of being a mother. It offers a special bond between mother and baby.
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What Is Heart Failure?
The name of this condition can be a little confusing. When you have heart failure, it doesn't mean your ticker stopped beating.
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Is it My Thyroid?
We fill A LOT of prescriptions for thyroid medication in a given week. Synthetic, dessicated thyroid,...
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What is 'Maskne'?
What is “maskne”? It is a new term describing the acne caused by wearing masks. It is also simply referred to as “mask acne.
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does my heart rate change during sleep?
Sleep represents an uninterrupted, unconscious resting time for your body and mind. Adults typically...
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The Days Are Getting Shorter, Do We Still Need to Protect Our Eyes From UV Rays?
The leaves are gone and it’s cold outside BUT the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky...
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
WHAT IS PCOS Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal condition affecting women in their...
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CHANGE OF SEASON DETOXIFICATION
_ Dr. Chi Hung La, ND_ Why does one need to detoxify? Is it necessary and a good idea? Simple answer,...
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sick of itch of psoriasis?
October 19th is National Psoriatic Arthritis Day. Psoriasis is a NON-CONTAGIOUS skin...
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Let’s Keep Hand Sanitizer in Perspective
If you didn’t know what hand sanitizer was before or you didn’t use it, chances are you DO NOW! ...
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Flu shot: do i or don't I get it?
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR: SHARING THE MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT FLU TO HELP YOU MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION...
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HPV: Human papilloma virus
WHAT IS HPV? HPV is a common virus that affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Around 100...
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My gut and my immune system? What?
A HEALTHY GUT MICROBIOME MAY BE YOUR BEST IMMUNE DEFENSE What does gut health have to do with immunity?
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Vaccines for adults: Which do you need?
You are not a kid anymore, so you don't have to worry about vaccines, right? Actually, no. Here is how to stay on top of you vaccines.
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Low-dose atropine eye drops for the slowing progression of myopia in kids
In this day and age, we are making tremendous technological advances. Take a look around you now.
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Why do women need to get their zzz's
Getting better sleep is probably the most underrated strategy we can adopt for better health. Research...
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COVID Fatigue.....it's a thing.
It is all that you read and hear about on our 24/7 news cycle…. . and we have all had our fill.
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just move! How to Add Movement to Your Day
How to sneak some physical activity into your day. Sometimes, 30 minutes of exercise feels like too much...
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12 myths about the birth control pill
There are a lot of out there for effective birth control and it can be confusing and create confusion when hearing anecdotal stories of others.
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It's summer time....time to sunscreen up!
SUNBURN AND SUNSCREEN SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND HAVING FUN Before you hit the lake, the...
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summer safety for kids
WAYS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER The sun is shining, the swimmers are splashing and the kids...
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8 Causes of Night Sweats
Doctors and pharmacists often hear their patients complain of night sweats. Night sweats refer to excess sweating during the night.
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PHysical distancing and masking......still? Yup.
Earlier this month The Lancet (Medical Journal) published the most comprehensive study to date providing...
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Hypothyroidism in menopause — a whole-body perspective
If you’re a woman heading into menopause – or perhaps already there – and you know you have an...
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Resilience in Times of Uncertainty
By Linda Cattelan Do you feel overwhelmed by all the negative information currently circulating?
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How Can I Tell the Difference Between COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold or Seasonal Allergies?
With the easing of restrictions we still need to be diligent in our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID.
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Taking care of the elderly during COVID-19
While life seems to be phasing in to a new normal, there is still a very vulnerable population...
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May is hemochromatosis awareness month
WHAT IS HEMOCHROMATOSIS? Hereditary hemochromatosis (he-moe-kroe-muh-TOE-sis) causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat.
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A researcher's advice on stress
THESE ARE STRESSFUL TIMES BUT HANDLING IT WELL CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. _Dr.
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How much do you know about eye health?
Written By: Susanne Medeiros for American Academy of Ophthalmology Apr. 22, 2020 Study after study...
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Larger portion of Canada’s public drug dollars spent on high-cost drugs
December 17, 2019 Toronto — Figures released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)...
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Exercise is medicine, and doctors are starting to prescribe it
Clinical research has established exercise as a safe and effective intervention to counteract the adverse...
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Antibiotics before birth and in early life can affect long-term health
BY THE TIME THEY TURN ONE, HALF OF AUSTRALIAN BABIES HAVE HAD A COURSE OF ANTIBIOTICS WHICH MAY HAVE...
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How high is too high to drive?
WITH CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AROUND THE CORNER, HERE'S A SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH THAT YOU CAN REFERENCE WHEN YOUR PATIENTS ASK _WRITTEN BY DR.
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Just how bad is all that sugar for the heart?
WRITTEN BY SCOTT LEAR ON FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Still nibbling Valentine’s Day goodies? Munching packaged cereals, pancakes or muffins for breakfast?
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Marijuana at school: Loss of concentration, risk of psychosis
WRITTEN BY PAUL BENNETT ON JANUARY 29, 2018 FOR CANADIANHEALTHCARENETWORK. CA One of the enduring...
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E-cigarette use by teens linked to later tobacco smoking: study
_WRITTEN BY SHERYL UBELACKER ON OCTOBER 30, 2017 FOR THE CANADIAN PRESS_ TORONTO – Teenagers who...
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This is why child obesity rates have soared
_Published by Dr. Sarah Kirk for canadianhealthcarenetwork. ca_ New data on almost 13 million people,...
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How Lack of Sleep Can Ruin Your Marriage
From time. com Published by Amanda MacMillan and July 5, 2017 A fight with your significant other can do more than just spoil your mood.
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How To Keep Your Back Healthy At Work
From www. dougrawlickdc. com Published on August 24, 2016 by Doug Rawlick, D. C. We spend far too much...
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Young Children Given Cold Remedies Despite Warning Labels
1 IN 5 YOUNG CHILDREN GIVEN COLD REMEDIES DESPITE WARNING AGAINST THEIR USE: STUDY Health Canada-mandated...
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Zika Virus
On February 1, 2016, World Health Organization declared the Zika virus a health emergency. Check out...
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Guidelines on Managing Traveller's Diarrhea
If you’re a snowbird you might want to pay close attention attention to the article below. Thousands...
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