Latest news with #symptoms
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
B.C. clinicians underscore gaps in menopause care and celebrate recent progress
Clinicians in Canada are calling for a ramping up of care received by patients with menopause. (Getty Images) As millions of Canadians experience menopause, clinicians in B.C. are flagging opportunities to improve the care patients receive. 'I don't think there are enough resources for not only this, but nothing at all,' said Dr. Ana Teresa Armas Enriquez, a physician in Nanaimo. Armas Enriquez owns Women's Vita Medical Clinic, where she prioritizes menopause care. It can take up to six months for someone experiencing symptoms to get in to see her. 'If you wait for a year, you're actually postmenopausal by the time you come see me,' she said. Menopause is when a patient goes 12 months without their period, typically around the age of 50. Some people start experiencing the hallmark symptoms in their mid-30s, during a transitional phase called perimenopause. While mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, joint paint, vaginal dryness, and dozens of other symptoms present a challenge, Armas Enriquez said medical intervention isn't always required. In the case of one of her patients who spoke with CTV News, it was. 'It really felt like in one day there was a very rapid, massive change,' said Pam Shaw, who started experiencing symptoms a decade ago. Shaw is one of roughly 10 million Canadians – a quarter of the population – over the age of 40 affected by perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, according to the Menopause Foundation of Canada. She had hot flashes and insomnia, often waking up 15 times a night. At her job as an instructor at Vancouver Island University, she experienced brain fog and had a hard time keeping up with her 'bright-eyed, bushy-tailed' students. 'In the past, the symptoms of menopause have been treated kind of like a joke – that it's something trivial, not that important, something that women have to endure,' Shaw said. 'I was very fortunate to find a doctor with advanced knowledge on menopausal (and) postmenopausal symptoms and (who) was able to very quickly get me onto a treatment program that worked.' 'Old, outdated information' For the past 10 years, Shaw said her symptoms have been at bay thanks to a low dose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replenishes hormones that decline with age. Kassidy Delcaro, a nurse at Women's Vita Medical Clinic, said some clinicians are reluctant to prescribe HRT. 'There is a lot of very old, outdated information about hormone replacement therapy,' said Delcaro, pointing to old studies that link HRT to a serious cancer risk. The Canadian Cancer Society says the risk is low, and using HRT is a personal decision to be made with a clinician. 'There's definitely safe ways of going about it,' said Delcaro, noting there are various risk assessments to consider before prescribing HRT. 'People who are appropriate providers of menopausal care do know those different guidelines.' Next March, the provincial government said it will start covering the cost of HRT for treating menopause symptoms. For care providers, it's a positive step as conversations about menopause become more common. 'Menopause is definitely having a moment,' said B.C. Women's Health Foundation CEO Cally Wesson. 'Not every woman will have a baby, but every woman will go through menopause.' New clinic a first for Western Canada Wesson, Delcaro, Shaw, and Armas Enriquez agree education about menopause symptoms and treatment options needs to expand. 'A lot of times, we hear stories of women going to their primary care physician and not getting the care that they need,' Wesson said. That's unlikely to happen at the Complex Menopause Clinic in Vancouver, which opened earlier this year. It's the first of its kind in Western Canada, offering specialized care to people with severe symptoms. 'It… could become a standard of care that then other health authorities would adapt,' said Wesson. 'The more we get the right information out, not only to the general community but also to physicians, the better.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What is Parkinson's Disease? Symptoms explained after Ozzy Osbourne's death
What is Parkinson's Disease? Symptoms explained after Ozzy Osbourne's death What is Parkinson's Disease? Symptoms explained after Ozzy Osbourne's death Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday after living with Parkinson's disease for almost six years. News of his death was announced by his family. A statement read: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. The Black Sabbath singer was diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and spent the last 12 months in 'constant' pain. Nevertheless, Osbourne teamed up with his bandmates one final time for a special concert at Villa Park earlier this month and it was later revealed that the performance raised $190 million for charity. ADVERTISEMENT The epic 'Back to the Beginning' concert at Villa Park in Birmingham saw the singer reunite with his band Black Sabbath to headline a bill that also featured Metallica, Guns N' Roses and a cavalcade of other heavy metal superstars. It was announced before the event, which was live streamed around the world to an audience of 5.8 million, that proceeds would be split between Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice. But what is Parkinson's disease, what are the symptoms and can it be treated? What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that create the chemical dopamine. What are the symptoms? Ozzy Osbourne passed away on Tuesday, July 22 (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) People begin to develop symptoms of Parkinson's when the brain is no longer able to make enough dopamine to adequately control movement. ADVERTISEMENT The three main symptoms are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness). Subtle changes in a person's walking pattern could be an early sign of Parkinson's disease. Some people develop very small handwriting, a loss in their sense of smell, nerve pain or insomnia. Symptoms usually develop slowly over several years. Can it be treated? There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. Treatments include drugs such as levodopa, dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors. Levodopa is absorbed by the nerve cells in the brain and turned into dopamine. Increasing the levels of dopamine in this way usually cuts down problems with movement. Other therapies include physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. What does Parkinson's UK say? Chief executive Caroline Rassell said: 'News of Ozzy Osbourne's death, so soon after his celebratory homecoming show, will come as a shock to so many. ADVERTISEMENT 'By speaking openly about both his diagnosis and life with Parkinson's, Ozzy and all his family helped so many families in the same situation. 'They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone with a condition that's on the rise and affecting more people every day. 'All of our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends and fans worldwide. His memory and the impact he left on the world will live on in all of them.'
CBC
16 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Measles exposure alert issued for Alberta Children's Hospital emergency room
Alberta Health Services has issued a measles exposure alert for the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary after a person with a confirmed case of measles visited the hospital's emergency department while infectious. The exposure period is between 10:08 a.m. and 2:14 p.m. on July 13. If you were in the emergency department at that time, and you were born after 1969, and you've had fewer than two documented doses of measles vaccine, health officials warn that you may be at risk for developing measles and should self-monitor for symptoms. "Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air," AHS said in a statement. Symptoms of measles include: Fever of 38.3 C or higher; and Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see. "Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death," AHS said in the statement. "Persons who are pregnant, less than five years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk." If you do develop symptoms of measles, you are advised to stay home and call the province's measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting a hospital, doctor's office or pharmacy. Alberta has seen 1,454 cases of measles so far this year, the most since 1979.
The National
2 days ago
- Health
- The National
What is meno-washing? What to look out for in products marketed for menopause
menopause is not one of the most joyous parts of a woman's life. Lasting up to 10 years – with four years the average – it typically begins in a woman's early fifties, but for some, it begins in their thirties or forties, with symptoms wide-ranging and difficult to pinpoint. Indicators include brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats, irregular menstruation, joint pain and thinning hair. And these days, a menopausal woman is likely to be bombarded with myriad products and services all promising to alleviate those symptoms – many with no scientific or medical evidence to back up their claims. Dubbed 'meno-washing', this relatively new trend has seen a boom in the number of products, often everyday items, which are being re-branded as menopausal aids. 'Women should be cautious because the menopause market has exploded with products promising quick fixes, often without robust evidence to back their claims,' says Sara Beattie, positive psychology practitioner and menopause coach. 'Many menopause-branded products fall into the unregulated supplement category, meaning they're not required to prove safety or effectiveness before being sold,' adds Sharon James, menopause coach and co-founder of the GCC Menopause Hub. 'Some brands have taken advantage of the growing awareness around menopause by slapping a 'menopause' label on everyday products, like skincare, snacks and drinks, and increasing the price. This kind of meno-washing plays on women's insecurities and the lack of access to reliable education or guidance.' Supplements and celebrities With a trend report from the Global Wellness Summit projecting the 'business of menopause' will hit $600 billion this year, celebrities have been quick to jump on the menopause bandwagon amid wider public conversations around the time of change in a woman's life. Actresses Naomi Watts and Judy Greer have both launched menopause products and solution companies, Stripes and Wile, respectively, while Halle Berry has co-created 'a three-month, structured menopause programme' through her lifestyle company, Re-spin. 'Given the wide range of products readily available that claim to be menopausal aids, it is natural for women to fall prey to fancy labels and unrealistic claims,' says Dr Mehnaz Abdulla, specialist obstetrics and gynaecology at Aster Clinic, Al Nahda. 'It is important to understand that products marketed as 'natural' or 'herbal' can also have side effects and are usually not studied for adverse effects, as they do not fall under standard pharmaceutical regulations.' She adds: 'Though some may have positive effects in relieving symptoms, it is always best to consult a doctor to determine which supplements are the most suitable and safest.' More research into the products and their side effects is essential, says James, who adds: 'We do need to better understand why we're taking them, what evidence exists behind their use, and whether they're appropriate for our individual health needs. Be aware of how long the trials and studies have been conducted on the product, and who has funded them.' Menopause and skincare Along with supplements, skincare is one of the biggest industries that has pivoted to marketing menopause-specific products. During perimenopause, oestrogen levels decrease, affecting the skin's moisture content, collagen and elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging and fine lines. It can also affect the skin's ability to heal as quickly. 'Some products that were originally marketed as anti-ageing are now being rebranded with menopause on the label,' says Beattie. 'But just because something targets ageing does not mean it addresses the specific hormonal changes linked to menopause, such as the effects of falling oestrogen on collagen, hydration, or skin barrier function. Anti-ageing and menopause skincare are not the same, and slapping menopause on a product does not turn it into a solution for hormonal changes.' How to avoid falling for meno-washing When it comes to products being marketed as menopause-specific, women are advised to watch out for items that claim to over-deliver and use vague words such as 'balance' or fear-based marketing to drive sales. 'It is virtually impossible for a single supplement or treatment to address all menopause symptoms effectively,' says Beattie. 'Menopause affects multiple systems in the body, hormonal, cognitive, emotional, cardiovascular, skeletal, so symptoms vary widely from person to person. Any product claiming to be a universal solution should raise red flags.' Doctors point out that lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are the most effective ways to manage the menopausal symptoms, but that each woman's needs are different. 'Menopause is not just a biological change, but an existential transition. Every woman has her own unique story,' says Dr Giuseppe Bellucci, expert in functional nutrition, metabolism, and longevity at Baldan. 'The strategy may involve a combination of tools such as targeted therapy, local remedies, diet, exercise, psychological support if needed, and supplements for individual symptoms. However, these should only be used if supported by studies validating their actual effectiveness.'
Health Line
4 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
8 Reasons Why You Should See a Doctor for the Flu
Key takeaways It's not typically necessary to see a doctor for the flu, but certain symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain warrant immediate medical attention. People with existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease, as well as pregnant individuals and young children, are at higher risk of flu complications and should seek prompt medical care. Antiviral medications can help lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, but they require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Most people who come down with the flu experience mild illness that usually runs its course within a week or two. In this case, a trip to the doctor might not be necessary. But for people who are at risk of complications from the disease, the flu can become life-threatening. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, you can get seriously ill from flu. The flu can cause some or all of these symptoms: cough sore throat runny or stuffed nose muscle aches headaches tiredness fever vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) chills Every year, between 5 to 20 percent of Americans get sick with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated between 9.3 million and 49 million cases of the flu every year since 2010. So, when should you see a doctor if you've got the flu? Here are eight reasons to seek medical attention. 1. You have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Being sick with flu shouldn't affect your breathing. It could be a sign of a something more serious, such as pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious complication of flu. It causes up to 49,000 deaths in the United States every year. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. 2. You feel pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen Feeling pain or pressure in your chest is another warning sign that you shouldn't ignore. The flu can trigger heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease. Chest pain is also a common symptom of pneumonia. 3. You're vomiting often Vomiting depletes your body of fluids, making it difficult to get well from the flu. Because of this, you should call your doctor to get examined. Vomiting or not being able to keep liquids down could also be a sign of sepsis, a serious flu-related complication. If not treated immediately, sepsis can lead to organ failure. 4. You're pregnant If you're pregnant and get sick with the flu, you're at a higher risk of complications, such as bronchitis. You're also at a higher risk of having your baby prematurely or at a low birthweight. In some cases, having the flu while pregnant may even lead to stillbirth or death. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot. But it does not recommend the nasal spray flu vaccine for pregnant women. 5. You have asthma One in 13 Americans has asthma, a disease that affects the airways in the lungs. Because people with asthma tend to have weaker immune systems, symptoms of the flu are often worse. Adults and children with asthma are also more likely to be hospitalized for flu complications and develop pneumonia compared with those who don't have asthma. If you have asthma, you should see your doctor about taking an antiviral medication. But you shouldn't take the antiviral drug zanamivir (Relenza), as it can cause wheezing or other lung problems. 6. You have heart disease About 92 million Americans have some form of heart disease or live with the aftermath of a stroke. If you are one of these people, you're more likely to develop serious flu-related complications. Researchers have found that the risk of a heart attack goes up six-fold during the first week of a confirmed flu infection. If you live with heart disease, the best way to avoid the virus and potential hospital care is to get the flu vaccine. 7. Your symptoms get better, then come back worse Your symptoms shouldn't reappear after they've subsided. A high fever and a severe cough that produces green or yellow mucus are possible signs of an infection such as pneumonia. 8. You're among those considered at high risk of complications from flu You're at a higher risk of flu complications and should seek medical treatment right away if you fall into one of these categories: women who are up to two weeks postpartum children younger than 5, but especially those younger than age 2 adults ages 65 years and older residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, and chronic lung disease people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV or cancer people younger than 19 who are on long-term aspirin therapy or take salicylate-based medication people who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more people of Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native) descent If you're over the age of 2, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to ease your symptoms at the start. However, it's more important to see a doctor immediately. Parents of children under 2 should consult a pediatrician before giving them OTC medications. Antiviral drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. Taking antiviral medications within two days of getting sick has been shown to lessen symptoms and shorten the length of the illness by one day.
