To find out about a variety of health-related concerns, select one of the tabs below and open the panel to see a short video on each topic. If you have a question about a topic that is not listed, contact us to find out more. We may even add your question to the list!
Heart Attack and Stroke
General Stress and Relaxation Information
Asthma Canada has an excellent explanation called “What is Asthma” as well as a wealth of other information on their site.
Or watch this video for kids!
Low back pain is a very common issue. Watch this video by Dr. Evans for help & advice!
Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)
This condition is not a major cause for concern, usually caused by changing position or other movement occasionally, but is not a constant “spinning of the room” sensation.
Treatments
Colon Cancer
Small polyps (skin tags) on the wall of the colon can start to slowly grow into a colon cancer. This usually takes many years to occur. Doctors usually start screening for these polyps after the age of 50.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
This is usually the first method of screening. It is a stool test that you can do at home. It looks for small quantities of blood in your stool, which may indicate cancer, although it can miss a significant number of polyps. Visit the CancerCareOntario website for more information.
Also, you can watch this video demonstration:
If anything is detected, you will probably have a colonoscopy done.
Colonoscopy
This test is done by inserting a small scope and visually inspecting the walls of the bowel for signs of cancers or polyps.
As this is more invasive, it is not done as frequently. If you have polyps or have a family history of cancer or polyps, however, your doctor may recommend this procedure.
Concussions
Concussions are the result of impacts to the head, and are basically injuries to the brain itself. Most concussions are mild and the person recovers in a short while, but they always need to be taken seriously because there can be long-term, severe symptoms.
Symptoms include impairment of vision, balance, alertness, headache, be confused or dazed, nauseous, feel dizzy and have short term memory loss. They may also feel fatigued or irritable and have difficulty concentrating.
Visit the official Ontario Coronavirus website for a wealth of current and reputable information about the virus, testing, protecting yourself and others, and what different organizations are doing at this point in time to help stop this pandemic.
An important step that almost everyone can do
Please install the secure and anonymous COVID Alert app on your mobile phone and get alerts if you have been with someone who had the virus!
CPOD
The biggest cause of COPD is smoking. If you smoke, the most important thing to do is quit. Call us for help quitting.
The source of most ear, nose and throat infections are usually a virus. This means that antibiotics will not do any good, and can make it harder for your body to fight off the next infection. Take a look at Choosing Wisely for more information on this.
Symptoms can consist of sinus congestion, runny nose, ear discomfort, cough and sore throat, and can include mild fever or chill.
Fortunately, your own body can usually conquer most viral infections in 7 to 10 days. They do last longer than people expect however.
Antibiotics can assist your body to recover faster if you have a bacterial infection (like Strep throat) but have their own issues.
Please do not come to the office if you have:
– fever
– cough or
– cold symptoms
Do call the office for current testing information or other recommendations
Most viral infections, including common cold, flu and even coronavirus, are mild to moderate infections and the best option is to stay home, rest and isolate from others.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from the Ontario Medical Association at virusfacts.ca
Check the latest information about steps the government is taking for your safety at how Ontario is responding to covid-19
Interested in cases around the world? John Hopkins University has a map tracking cases in their Coronavirus Resource Center.
See Coughs, Colds & Sore Throats above for general information about colds and viruses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Many employers provide a mental health benefit called an EAP. This benefit provides counselling services to identify issues and help employees when personal problems arise such as marital, financial or emotional problems, as well as family issues and substance abuse).
The service and counselling is always confidential and no personally identifiable information is given back to your company.
Check with your Human Resources department to see if this is available to you and how to gain access to the services.
CAMH
CAMH is a mental health hospital which supports people experiencing a wide variety of Mental Health issues, from dealing with the current pandemic to suicide prevention.
Online discussion forum “This online peer-to-peer discussion forum is a space where you can offer support, encouragement, and share your experiences with managing your stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 virus. You can also get tips and suggestions for how best to cope in this difficult time. Moderators will be available during business hours to provide general information and encourage the use of available resources.”
BounceBack is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
BEACON digital therapy (iCBT) is now available free of charge to support Ontarians through stress and mental well-being concerns during COVID-19, funded by the Government of Ontario.
TogetherAll
TogetherAll is a peer to peer support discussion board, which is moderated 24/7 by trained personnel.
ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling. We are funded by the Government of Ontario. Our system navigation and information service is live-answer 24/7, confidential, and free.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada was funded by the Government of Canada in response to the unprecedented rise in mental distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are being challenged like never before due to isolation, physical health concerns, substance use concerns, financial and employment uncertainty, and the emotional dialogue around racial equality. Weโre all going through this together, and we believe that mental health is a journey, not a destination. Each day, we can take a step for our own wellbeing. Wellness Together Canada is here to support everybody on that journey. Click here to learn more.
Special Tools
MoodGym
moodgym is like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practise skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Over 1 million users worldwide
- Anonymous, confidential
- Secure handling of your data
- Access anytime, at your own pace
- Scientifically evaluated
E-Couch
e-couch is a free self-help interactive program with modules for depression, generalised anxiety & worry, social anxiety, relationship breakdown, and loss & grief. It provides evidence-based information and teaches strategies for a Social Anxiety coping program drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and physical activity.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a group with members who are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Family members have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar issues. You can call Al-Anon at 1-888-425-2666 or visit their website.
Understanding Stress
This video can help you understand the causes of stressful feelings and tips to cope.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a simple and easy method to help you cope with stress and relax more. It is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to your experience in the present moment without judgment, a skill one develops through meditation or other training. (Wikipedia).
Information on this technique can be found at many sites around the Internet such as Mindful and the Mayo Clinic.
You can get started for free with a trial of apps for your smart phone such as Headspace or Calm.
Here’s a little infographic to keep in mind if you’re having an anxiety attack:
The website for Diabetes Canada is an excellent source of information and help for those at risk and those who have developed diabetes.
Here is an excellent introductory video by Dr. Evans as well.
Acute Diarrhea is the term used for newly onset diarrhea and lasts less than two weeks. It is frequently caused by a flu bug or similar infection.
Chronic Diarrhea describes a problem that reoccurs or lasts a long time.
Causes of Acute Diarrhea
An infection is the most common cause of acute diarrhea and usually due to a virus. It frequently occurs with nausea, vomiting and/or stomach cramps. These viral infections usually require you to just wait for your body to fight off the infection on its own. They usually last 3 to 7 days, although can last up to two weeks.
Note: a case of diarrhea does not usually require a doctor’s visit and you should rather stay home and rest, avoiding spreading the infection to others.
Rarely, the diarrhea can be caused by a bacterial infection, which could require a doctor visit and medical treatment.
Reasons to See a Doctor
You may need to see a doctor if you have:
- recently required an antibiotic treatment regimen
- recently travelled outside of North America
- recently been hospitalized
- may have eaten spoiled foods or contaminated water
- been camping recently and drank untreated water
You definitely should see a doctor if you have:
- severe, watery diarrhea with signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and tongue, thirst, muscle cramps, very dark urine, infrequent urination, dizziness/light-headedness after sitting up. You may even need to go directly to an ER for intravenous fluids instead of waiting to see your family doctor or urgent care clinic.
- severe stomach pain
- a very high fever or one that last more than a day or two
- blood in the diarrhea or stool
- if the infection lasts longer than two weeks
- you have frequently recurring diarrhea
Treating Acute Diarrhea
The main cure is just time, in order for your body to fight off the virus. While you’re waiting for this, you can also:
- drink lots of fluids – this will help keep you safe from dehydration
- if you do not need to see a doctor, you can take the over-the-counter product Imodium. This product reduces the functional speed of the bowels, which will reduce the bowel movement incidents. Beware of taking too much however, as it can cause the opposite problem – constipation!
- if you have nausea or vomiting, Gravol is an option
- if you have stomach cramps, anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve Ibuprofen or Naproxen are options as long as you have not been told to avoid them for other reasons
- if you have pain, fever or muscle aches, Tylenol is another option