We are hearing a lot about the directives from our local Public Health Units for protecting our physical health during this global pandemic. We can’t deny that these protocols and steps are absolutely necessary for ensuring not only our health, and the health of our family, but also the health of the community at large including our most vulnerable populations. What we don’t hear a lot about is the fact that during this difficult time, our mental health and well-being is greatly impacted.
Read MoreFeeling sad, low mood, tired, irritable, anxious, not interested? You may have the “winter blues” also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Other symptoms include: sugar cravings, difficulty concentrating, over sleeping, weight gain, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that is related to the change in seasons, typically it occurs in winter but some people can also be affected at other times of seasonal change.
Read MoreIn recognition of National Aboriginal Day I wanted to write about some of the health challenges that Canada’s Aboriginal population are facing and the challenges they experience in accessing health care and resources.
Read MoreToday marks "Men's Mental Health Awareness" day in Canada and although the gender gap amongst individuals with mental illness has narrowed, the overall stigma associated with mental health remains, especially amongst males. Statistics Canada completed a Community Health Survey on Mental Health and found that 10% of men reported experiencing symptoms associated with mental health concerns and/or substance abuse. This is only one percent less than that of the female population (11% reported mental health concerns). These findings show that mental health concerns are just as prevalent amongst males, whereas previous research has not demonstrated this, however, that was likely due to under-reporting by men.
Read MoreNaturopathic doctors use a variety of tools and treatment methods to address all types of conditions. Naturopathic doctors commonly treat using therapies such as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional/lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, physical medicine, injection/intravenous therapy, and homeopathy. Some naturopathic doctors have additional training in skills or tools such as live blood cell analysis, Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) technology, therapeutic ultrasound or laser, and many others. Naturopathic doctors may also choose to have a focus on a particular condition or body system, such as skin or the endocrine system. Below is a detailed description of all the therapies used.
Read MoreNaturopathic doctors play an integral role in your health care as we are often the ones to look at the whole person and evaluate all aspects of a patient's health, including physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual.
Read MoreYou may be wondering how does someone become a naturopathic doctor? What is their training? Are they licensed? And, how is the profession regulated?
To become a naturopathic doctor, you need to graduate from an accredited naturopathic institution. But, before that, you need to complete a 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
Read MoreThis week is "Infertility Awareness Week"; to bring awareness to a greatly stigmatized topic I want to share some information about fertility.
Infertility is described as the inability to conceive after 1 year of trying for women under the age 35 years old or 6 months in women over 35 years of age. Roughly, 1 in 6 couples in Canada are dealing with infertility. Infertility can affect females and males. Below are 10 must-know facts about infertility.
Read MoreIn honour of naturopathic medicine week, I will be writing a series of entries, starting with "What is naturopathic medicine?" Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary care system that uses evidence-based research and natural treatment methods to address a variety of acute and chronic health conditions and concerns.
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