Health. Fitness. Wellness. You.
The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, and is crucial to keeping the body healthy. It contains a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that collect and carry watery, clear lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. When these vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, […]
Diabetes is so commonplace today that all of us may know a bit about the chronic disease. However, there is a lot of misinformation floating out there. Here are some facts to clear up any confusion… 1. You don’t have to be overweight to develop Type 2 diabetes. The image in our mind of the […]
We may all have a general idea that diabetes is chronic, lifelong, and basically bad news… but how many of us really understand this disease and its impact on our health? Let’s recap a bit, to make sure we’re all on the same page… What is diabetes? There are three (3) main types of diabetes: […]
Is that shooting pain a sports injury… or could it be plantar fasciitis? If you’ve ever experienced the heel hell of the piercing pain at the bottom of your foot, you know it can seriously cramp your style. Under normal circumstances, the plantar fascia — which runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to […]
Contraception is not one-size-fits-all. The ideal solution for each person or each couple would depend on age, health, frequency of sexual activity, future plans to have children, and family history of certain diseases. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best method for you. Contraception can be divided into: Barrier methods Hormonal methods Intrauterine methods All […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks elements of the digestive system. What is IBD? IBD is often confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a troublesome but much less serious condition. IBD occurs when the lining of the GI (gastrointestinal) or digestive tract becomes inflamed. This […]
Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills. Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal or natural part of aging, but a serious mental decline that affects only some persons as they age, and […]
For the best chance at fathering a child, you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Having regular sex also helps! Here are a few more tips… Overheating Avoid spas, saunas and hot baths. Wearing boxer shorts may also help keep things cool down there. Infections Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) STIs, especially untreated gonorrhoea […]
There are many ways you can prepare for your pregnancy. These simple tips on how you and your partner can improve your general health will ensure you not only have the best chance of getting pregnant, but will also help you maximise your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Folic Acid Folic acid […]
Finding out that you or your partner is experiencing sub-fertility or infertility issues can take a huge toll on your emotional health and your relationship, but there are lots of reasons to be hopeful if you still want a baby. Science keeps advancing, treatments keep getting better, and more and more babies are being born […]
Sleep disorders that involve difficulty breathing during sleep are classified as sleep related breathing disorders. Of these, the most common disorder of this type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Here are the basics you should know about OSA. OSD is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. The symptom most commonly […]
Today there are still many misconceptions about Down syndrome and those who have it. This guide dispels some of these common myths. MYTH: People with Down Syndrome have a short life span. TRUTH: Life expectancy for individuals with Down Syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years, with the average life expectancy approaching that of peers without […]
Article written by Gerard M. Antoine, MD The World Health Organization reports that Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 12.7 million new cases and 7.6 million deaths in 2008. Occupational cancers cause in 1.3 million deaths globally each year. A carcinogen is any substance that is an agent directly involved in causing […]
We often hear about the dangers of “second-hand” smoke, but have you considered the dangers of “third-hand” smoke? “Third-hand” smoke is the invisible yet toxic brew of cigarette smoke residue containing gases and particles that cling to smokers’ hair and clothing, cushions, carpeting, walls and other fabrics and surfaces — even after the “second-hand” smoke […]
Ophthalmologist Dr. Debra Bartholomew is part of the National Eye Survey team. You can read more about her here. Here are a few of her tips for optimal eye care. Use safety eyewear Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. Wear the appropriate safety equipment at all times, and encourage your coworkers to […]
What is dengue fever? Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway. […]
Are you consistently experiencing low energy and fatigue? The average person who yawns frequently might chalk it up to tiredness or plain old boredom — the idea of a nutritional deficiency may not even cross one’s mind. Iron deficiency is particularly insidious because its symptoms seem so innocuous. But as the body becomes more deficient in […]
We all know the utter joy of emerging refreshed after a good night’s sleep, but too often the importance of sleep is lost to the seeming necessities of the fast-paced modern world. When you are scrambling to meet all the demands of home, work and otherwise, cutting back on sleep may seem like the only choice […]
In this issue of WellnessConnect, we had the honour of meeting renowned local urologist who has made significant contributions to the field throughout the Caribbean and the world at large. Read our article on Dr. Lall Ramnath Sawh here. Here a few of his tips for leading a healthy lifestyle: 1. Men, check your prostate annually […]
Is your desk job hazardous to your health? Try these tips to alleviate your pain and improve your posture. Check your posture Sit as close as possible to your desk, with your upper arms parallel to your spine and your hands resting on the work surface. Your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle. […]
Caregiving can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Occupational therapist Lesley Garcia shares a few tips: 1. A sense of humor goes a long way When you’re having a tough day and nothing is going right, imagine you’re the star of a comedy sitcom. Stop and look around at what’s happening to you and […]