Vaccine hesitancy can be defined as the ‘delay in acceptance or refusal of [the] vaccine despite the availability of vaccine services’.1 This was the focus of a recent study – perception and willingness of people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The study included the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The four major
By the end of October 2021, more than 245 million cases and almost 5 million deaths have been attributed to the COVID-19 virus (1). While vaccines have been developed for the SARS-Cov-2 virus, access to the vaccines is limited in some settings (2). Scientists turned the search for effective treatments towards existing medications in the
Do you love eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast but get a runny nose or find yourself blotchy every time you eat something that has oats in it? Then, you might have an oat allergy. This happens due to the presence of the protein called avenin in oats.1 Oat allergy results in the activation
Do you enjoy watching videos of cute animals on social media? Do you find that it helps you cope with stress? If you do, you are not alone. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that engaging with nature-related content through social media has provided important support for well-being.1 This University of Surrey
During the first year of the pandemic, ‘lockdowns’ were a common public health strategy to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This disruption to daily life may have both long-term positive and negative consequences for individuals. A recent article – ‘Understanding changes to children’s connection to nature during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects 6 million children in the United States. That is about 9.4 percent of the young population. Because of how prevalent it is, parents are starting to be more aware of this condition. One of the sources many parents have easy access to is the internet. It is why
A recent study by Stanford University suggests that being insulin resistant may contribute to the development of major depressive disorders.1 This link between insulin resistance and depression may lead to the development of more effective treatment and prevention options for those with depressive disorder. Depressive disorders are the number-one cause of disability.2 People who develop
Blepharitis is a common eye inflammatory condition that affects nearly 25 million Americans in the United States. Demodex blepharitis is caused by the infestation of Demodex mites in either the hair follicles or sebaceous glands located at the base of the eyelid.1 These mites cause irritating eye symptoms that have the potential to cause eyelid
The volume of olive oil produced globally has tripled in the last six decades. With the shifting consumer preferences, increasing consumer disposable income, and increased availability of olive oil on the market, consumption is expected to keep growing. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already released a report which indicates an optimistic world
Acupuncture has been used to relieve pain for thousands of years. The practice involves inserting tiny needles into treatment points called acupoints. These acupoints contain immune, nerve, and circulatory tissues, and triggering these areas is thought to launch a response that helps regulate these pathways.1,2 So, what is electroacupuncture? Electroacupuncture is an extension of this
The antibodies produced from the original COVID-19 virus strain are not equipped to fight against viral variants, a study suggests. The study, published in June, identified two gene sequences commonly found in antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19.1 These gene sequences called “clonotypes” are part of the antibodies that bind to the spike protein.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is an infection that typically occurs between the webs of toes, and may be accompanied by some painful blisters or bubbling.1 Athlete’s foot can also present itself on the soles, sides, and top of the feet.1 More aggressive forms have been associated with pain and foul odors.2 In
Hallux valgus or bunions occur when the big toe slants towards the second toe causing inflammation and pain.1 The development of this condition occurs slowly and sometimes without any painful symptoms.1,3 In extreme cases, the big toe may overlap the second toe. The rotation of the toe causes the nail of the big toe to
The increasing volume of research on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and vaping products, especially among youth and young adults, raises public health concerns. In 2016 the ban policy was adopted nationwide by the FDA, followed by 8 out of 10 Canadian provinces during 2015-2017, and nationwide since 2018. Online surveys revealed an increase in
A recent study is the first to reveal that COVID-19 can leave micro clots post-infection. These blood clots may contribute to persistent COVID-related symptoms post-infection including fatigue and muscle weakness, also termed Long COVID. What is “Long COVID”? The research group led by Professor Resia Pretorius at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, set out to
Researchers in Sweden evaluated the effects of being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the scheme of monumental life changes, giving birth ranks towards the top of the list. New mothers often feel excitement and look forward to the day they meet their new baby. However, pregnancy can be a time of uncertainty for mothers-to-be.
As the famous saying goes, “trust your gut”, holds true not just metaphorically but also works well for overall health. The digestive health or gut health is responsible for almost all functions of the body. So taking care of it should be the first priority for any person if they want to live a healthy
Parasomnia is a type of sleep disorder that is more common than you think. This disorder involves abnormal behaviour in a sleeping state. A person having parasomnia might move around, walk, talk or do any unusual activities while sleeping. The person does these activities during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle. A person having parasomnia
A new study investigates whether UV light can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, which is the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, has had a significant global impact throughout the pandemic. In order to reduce the risk of future adverse events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to know how the
Restylane is an injection that acts to “fill in” wrinkles. Restylane contains Hyaluronic Acid, a compound naturally found in connective tissues, around joints, and cartilage.1 Injection of Hyaluronic Acid promotes the formation of collagen – a connective tissue – on the skin, which bridges the gaps between skin to fill in wrinkles. Juvéderm and Perlane
A new study investigates whether there is an association between cannabis and heart attacks in young adults. Cannabis is becoming legalized in a growing number of places, both for recreational and medical use. Its use is also relatively common; one 2019 Gallup poll found that 12 percent of U.S. adults reported smoking cannabis.1 Young adults
A new study investigates whether depression in parents around the time of pregnancy is associated with increased rates of depression in their children. Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a mental health condition that can often affect mood, concentration, sleep, and eating habits.1 In 2017, over seven percent of U.S. adults experienced at least
Now more than ever, households are reaching for natural remedies to common ailments, and one of the most recent choices has been essential oils. You can find a wide selection of essential oils in most pharmacies today. Each one of these oils is touted to target specific ailments or discomfort, but it’s easy to get
Incorporating stretching into your home fitness routine can have a wide range of benefits for your health. Stretching is great for you whenever you get the opportunity to do it, but stretching at home can be especially helpful since it will encourage you to stretch regularly every day. Here are five great ways to help
A new research study, published in the journal Brain, explores the occasional link between SARS-CoV-2 and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Following SARS-COV-2 infection, doctors have reported over 90 cases of patients with central and peripheral neurological disorders, including Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness
Measuring the weight of the fetus is an important part of keeping both mother and baby safe, since a clinically high birth weight is a risk factor for pregnancy-related complications. A recent study investigated 3D limb volume together with abdominal circumference to create a measurement that would be able to predict fetal weight. According to
While Botox is most commonly associated with cosmetic procedures, it is also one of the most common preventive treatments for chronic migraine. Clinical trials have found Botox treatment to be effective at reducing the number of migraine days and reducing the severity of migraine attacks in patients with chronic migraine. But what do patients think
Having too much time can be as bad as having too little time. People are often busy and are looking for more free time to contribute to their sense of well-being.1 But how much free time do you need to be happy? Free time is often associated with a higher sense of well-being, but we