Port Hardy Primary Health Care Center welcomes new physicians to the care team

Residents of Port Hardy and nearby areas now have enhanced access to primary care, as Dr. Sinan Alkhaleeli, a recent addition to Port Hardy Primary Health Care Center since November 2023, is now accepting new clients.

dr-sami-ph.jpeg

From left to right: Alex Lumley, Dr. Sinan Alkhaleeli, and Lisa Greer

Dr. Alkhaleeli is a seasoned family doctor who brings a caring approach to meeting the health care needs of his patients. In addition to his role at the Port Hardy Primary Health Care Centre, he will also contribute his expertise at the Port Hardy Hospital Emergency Department and take on the responsibility

Continue Reading

CVS Health® survey shows mental health concerns continue to rise

Concerns higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the effects of social media a driving factor

WOONSOCKET, RI, May 8, 2024 — A recent CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS)/Morning Consult survey found that a majority of adults have significant concerns about their mental health and rates across the country continue to rise.

  • Two-thirds (65%) of adults have experienced concerns about their own mental health or the mental health of their friends and family, which is up six percentage points from 2022 and 15 percentage points from 2020.

  • About eight in 10 adults (77%) are concerned about mental health in the country,

Continue Reading

Small steps to improve your mental wellbeing

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday 13 May – making time for mental wellbeing and self-care is important.

Embedding small things as part of your routine can help you feel better and more resilient.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple steps that you can take to help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

Here in Devon, you can find plenty of inspiration for making changes that are good for you.

Connect

Good relationships and connecting with others are important to build a sense of belonging and self-worth and

Continue Reading

WHO launches directory of resources for planning healthy environments

In an effort to address the pressing global challenges from environmental risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive directory of resources aimed at guiding urban planners, policymakers and communities towards healthier environments. With around one quarter of human deaths globally attributed to environmental factors, and air pollution associated with 7 million premature deaths annually, prioritizing health in the planning and design of urban spaces has never been more critical. The directory, consisting of nearly 200 open-access resources, serves as a vital online repository which offers invaluable insights and tools to promote the creation of healthier environments and

Continue Reading

Home Away from Home: Niagara Health Laboratory Team’s Tribute to Ronald McDonald Family Room

Kristin and Siena Provenzano
My daughter Siena was born 14 weeks prematurely and weighed under two pounds. Little did I know the battle that lay before us; 71 days of multiple blood transfusions, ventilation, lung steroids, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line for a lengthy antibiotic treatment, more needle pokes than can ever be counted, several head ultrasounds, temperature fluctuations, endless prayers, and more tears than conceivable. Navigating all of this during a global health pandemic was just the icing on the cake. Even the good days were harder than you can imagine. Thankfully, my little girl went from

Continue Reading

A bird flu primer: What to know and do

A weathered sign with red background and big white and black letters spelling out bird flu

A bird flu strain that began circulating in 2020 continues to evolve globally and locally within the United States. If you’re wondering what this means, understanding the basics — what bird flu is, how it spreads, whether foods are safe, and prevention tips — can help. More information will come in as scientists learn more, so stay tuned.

1. What is bird flu and how does it spread?

Bird flu, or avian flu, is a naturally occurring illness. Just as certain flu viruses spread among humans, Type A influenza viruses often spread among wild birds. The strain of virus circulating

Continue Reading

New Weight Loss Procedure Can Help Reduce Hunger Hormones

Man and woman walk arm in arm on a trail.Share on Pinterest
A minimally invasive procedure can target a hormone that affects appetite. adamkaz/Getty Images
  • A novel, minimally-invasive procedure that targets the “hunger hormone” ghrelin could someday help treat obesity.
  • The procedure uses endoscopic ablation to burn targeted areas of the stomach lining to reduce the production of ghrelin.
  • Participants in the small, six-month trial showed weight loss, lower fasting ghrelin, and reported being less hungry.

A new minimally-invasive procedure that targets the production of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin in the stomach is showing promise in early-stage trials.

Researchers conducted a six-month trial involving endoscopic ablation of the gastric

Continue Reading

Mother’s Day 2024: Top 5 crucial reasons why mothers shouldn’t overlook health insurance

As a mother, your love knows no bounds when it comes to taking care of your family. From nurturing your children to supporting your spouse, you juggle multiple roles effortlessly. However, amidst the daily hustle, it’s crucial not to overlook your own health and well-being. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family against unexpected medical expenses is by investing in health insurance. Here are the top five reasons why mothers should prioritize health insurance:

Protection against medical emergencies

Life is unpredictable, and health emergencies can arise when least expected. Whether it’s a sudden illness or

Continue Reading