Opioids include prescribed and illicit drugs such as morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydromorphone. They are an important category of medications to manage pain for cancer patients, chronic pain sufferers, post-operative pain, and pain associated with many chronic conditions. It is also prescribed for withdrawal from opioid dependence. However, it can be misused for its ability
Summer is when that cold beer or pop calls out to you. But both are dehydrating. Just make sure you drink moderately and compensate for having extra water. Hydration should be continual, and slow. The best way to keep hydrated is to drink water throughout the day, eat foods that have higher water content (fruits,
A healthy mouth is part of leading a healthy life. Oral care affects your smile, diet, and how you speak. Did you know that the most important part of your mouth to keep clean is the gumline? It is also the most difficult, especially between teeth. Effective oral care includes using proper brushing technique and
If there is something that all Canadians need more of, it would be summer. Summer is just a blink of the year, so enjoy every moment of this brief season. But…, don’t forget to get your skin protection on. It does mean you have to do some preparation. Sunscreen should be worn 30 minutes
All ages are at risk to fall or injury, including young children learning to walk, or the elderly. Did you know that falls are one of the major causes of injuries to the elderly, and the chance of head injury is high? Avoiding falls and injury cannot always be done, so wearing an approved,
There are a few tick varieties in Canada, but Lyme disease is carried by the black-legged tick which transfers Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium through its bite. Not every black-legged tick carries the bacteria which causes Lyme disease, but some areas of Canada are considered higher risk. Ticks migrate by attaching to wildlife and birds, so they
Most people don’t worry about what they eat. However, food allergies are serious and potentially life-threatening. Allergic reactions to food can occur without warning, are alarming and uncomfortable. Allergic reactions can range from mild reactions to anaphylactic shock which can lead to death. Even trace exposure to these food allergens may be fatal. Food
Asthma can affect you at any age and is the third most common chronic disease in Canada. Breathe easy, when properly managed, asthma is a mere nuisance for most, but if not managed it can be very severe. Asthma attacks can kill. Symptoms of asthma can vary and may change over time. Symptoms may
Contact dermatitis is when you touch something that causes redness or rash to appear on your skin. It can be itchy, irritating, tender or blister, but isn’t contagious nor a serious condition. It is caused by contact with something (an allergen or irritant) that your body thinks is bad. Common allergens include perfume, plants, jewelry,
No – don’t eat there! Are there places you know to avoid, certain cooks, restaurants or food? Ever wonder why it only bothers you and not others? Do you have a sensitive gut and need to run to the loo? Perhaps your sensitivity has a label, irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects
