Seniors

Learning is an important part of our lives. However, education has
historically catered mainly to children and young adults, because the
brain was thought to be at its most malleable during the formative years.
Although the learning process during this time is extremely important,
the brain’s development is no longer thought to be “hard-wired” and
immutable thereafter.

Common Ailments

Alternatives
Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms and Cures
Home Remedies

Yeast infections primarily inflict women of child-bearing age. According to the medical statistics, 70% to 80% of this infection is caused by Candida Albicans, a common strain of yeast. Normally, this and some other strains of yeast present in a woman’s vagina in miniscule amount, are kept in control by Lactobacillus Acidophilus which is a bacterium existing naturally in the vagina. However, when there is an imbalance of these organisms, yeast infection occurs.

Yeast Infection Causes:

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids and certain birth control pills that kill the bacteria responsible for maintaining the balance.

• During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes. This can also contribute to yeast infection problem.

• When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen, the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.

• Sanitary products, including sanitary napkins, sprays, body washes etc. (especially the ones with fragrance) can cause infections.

• Wearing tight clothing such as skin-fitted jeans does not leave room for skin to breathe and can create an environment for this infection.

• Reduced body immunity levels due to illness, lifestyle or heredity.

• Physical and mental stress can cause the yeast level to go up considerably.

• Diabetic conditions may cause the infection in certain cases.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Itching and burning in the vagina. May be mild in the beginning and increase gradually.

• Swelling, itching and burning around the skin surrounding the vagina (known the vulva). Vulva may become very tender and sensitive to even the lightest of contact.

• Vaginal discharge. This is typically white, thick and odourless secretion.

• Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

• Burning sensation during urination, and sometimes even after urination, on the skin in and around the vagina.

Maintaining good hygiene and health can help prevent yeast infection. But if you get it then, rather than rushing to a drug store to pick up a quick-fix medication, try these home remedies. Not only they have a lasting effect, they save you the trouble of exposing yourself to known and unknown side-effects.

Following is a list of time tested home remedies for yeast infection:

• Daub diluted apple cider vinegar in the vaginal areas.

• Eat garlic. Raw as well as cooked garlic helps cure the infection.

• Include curds and yogurt in your daily diet to prevent and cure yeast infection.

• Soak a tampon into curds and place it in the vagina for at least an hour. Repeat a couple of time a day. This helps as it takes the healthy bacteria from the curds to replace the unhealthy yeast bacteria.

• Include buttermilk in your daily diet to prevent and cure yeast infection.

• Mix olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extraction in a glass of water to prepare a curative tonic for this infection.

• A few drops of tea tree oil poured on a tampon and inserted in the vagina can provide some relief.

• For non-vaginal yeast infections, apply garlic paste directly on the affected parts. This remedy is not for the vaginal yeast infection.

• Avoid wearing tight underwear or acrylic garments. Opt for easy fitting cotton underwear and panties. Say NO to tight jeans, leggings and pantyhose.

• Use cotton sanitary pads without deodorant. Change them often. Avoid sprays and other such external agents as they could cause irritation.

• Wearing wet clothes for a long time can provide a breading ground for infection causing bacteria. Wash thoroughly your affected body parts and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

• Avoid fruits that are rich in sugar content as this can fuel the yeast problem.

• Avoid foods high in carbohydrates as these turn into sugar if not burned off through exercise. Instead, try to keep a diet that consists of mostly vegetables.

Men’s Health

Healthy Living
Choosing Mens Underwear: Boxers vs. Briefs
Men’s Health

Choosing men’s underwear

Boxers or briefs? It is as perplexing as the chicken-egg question. This men’s room debate came into open during 1992 MTV Rock the vote special, when a young lady flanked former President Bill Clinton with this question. Well, if you are guessing an answer, he is “usually” a brief guy.

But in spite of what Bill Clinton, Superman and Spiderman have in common, many men prefer boxers. They believe that nothing can beat the feeling of freedom. On the other hand, brief buffs bet on the sung feeling.

However, whether you belong to the “freedom” camp or "tighty whities" camp, there are some myth-busting facts you should know about man’s underwear.

• Women prefer men in boxers.

Men may love the idea of women banishing the bra – but women creed is intelligent enough to not consider it a reason enough for the bounce. Hope you got the hint!

• Boxers are sexier

May be, if it helps you camouflage your flab. Briefs are what many models prefer to strut their stuff.

• Potent power

Counting on your boxers for a better sperm count? A study done by the doctors from State University of New York at Stony Brook showed that underwear type didn’t affect semen quality or scrotal temperature, and did not affect fertility.

• Uncomfortable comfort

The looseness which makes boxer lovers go for them, can cause them to ride up. Now what’s so comfortable about your underwear halfway up your chest under your tight trousers? Also, the thick waistband boxers are adorned with often causes irritation.

• Boxers and health concerns

Not only boxers increase the chances of physical injury, lack of support down under is also linked to hernia.

• Briefs – the best bet?

Not really if you sit at one place for long periods of time. Wearing tight briefs can lead to moisture, warmth and friction between skin folds and your underwear causing problems of fungal infection, jock itch etc.

You can have best of both worlds

If you desire more room to breathe without sacrificing scrotal support, answer is boxer briefs. Shaped like briefs around the pelvis with legs like boxers, these are just firm enough to provide support without strangulation. Also, without giving up on the sex appeal of your bright, colourful boxers, you can wear briefs/boxer briefs underneath for the support.

Protect your possession

For athletics, briefs are necessary. But if you are a boxer fan, arm yourself with a high quality athletic cup and supporter. An athletic supporter prevents strain on delicate cords and muscles during periods of action.

The supporter pouch or a jockstrap also confines the genitals and protects them from external injuries. When choosing a jockstrap, look for a medium-tension pouch that is soft and roomy to allow for comfortable suspension

Hard cups are highly recommended for both football and baseball. Supporters with a narrow waistband are best for running and swimming. Many athletes choose to wear more than one pair of underwear at the same time for extra support.

Getting injured on a bike is very common. Wearing briefs or supporters helps. On the steps and on a bumpy surface you should walk your bike or stand up on the pedals to protect your groin.

In case of an injury, lie down and apply an ice pack for immediate relief. An anti-inflammatory like Tylenol or ibuprofen may also help. See a doctor as soon as possible. In case of dizziness, swollen testicle or persisting pain head to your nearest emergency room.

Remember, your underwear is not a fashion apparel, it’s a necessity.

Sexual Health

Healthy Living
Transgendered: In Quest of a Place on the Gender Spectrum
Transexuals

An interesting way to look at gender identity is to imagine a spectrum between the standard "male" and "female" sexes. Physical, mental, and emotional factors all help us decide where we lie on that spectrum. While this concept sounds simple enough, it leads us to an understanding of the turmoil some people go through in a society that does not view gender as having grey or mid-points.

Furthermore, it takes a great amount of soul-searching to determine where, exactly, we lie in this spectrum. 

Transgendered individuals are those who feel uncomfortable within their predefined biological gender roles. They feel more at ease somewhere on the spectrum other than at the end points, "male" or "female." The American Psychiatric Association diagnoses these individuals as having "gender identity disorders." Such a diagnosis seems to stick another label on someone who seeks freedom from categories. However, the diagnosis can often help individuals achieve a sense of rightness.

Many individuals make a decision to move to a different place on the spectrum. They seek to achieve a more appropriate identity through the use of clothing choices, name changes, hormone therapy, surgery, or other means that feel right for them. The end result is a sense of liberty.

MEDICAL ISSUES

Mental Health

As if feeling out of sorts in your own body and making a difficult decision, aren’t rough enough; transgender individuals face a whole new set of problems when exercising their choices of change. First, seeking our financial, medical, and psychological help can be difficult. Once resources have been found and the process is underway, unexpected feelings may arise.

Individuals, who have been socialised as one gender, face emotional obstacles as they make changes. Peers may also be unsporting. Extreme physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes happen. All this leads to high stress levels. During this time, individuals may become depressed or anxious, and may turn to substance abuse. Some people may even turn to suicide and self-harm. Having a counsellor who understands transgender issues is very important for making a successful transition.

Physical Health

Transgender individuals often take hormones throughout their lives. Others undergo surgeries that change their bodies. Both can have health effects that need to be acknowledged and monitored to maintain the good health of a transsexual person.

Transgender people often do not receive the thorough and sensitive health care they deserve. However, they are a population who require comprehensive medical attention. Hormone therapy can increase probability of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic events, liver abnormalities, and other diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the body in tip-top shape and regularly see a knowledgeable (who understand transgender issues well) physician. Aerobic exercise, yoga, tai chi as well as working with weights will help keep the body in good shape and keep bone density high.

Individuals in transition may benefit from calcium supplements. Also, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat a diet high in vegetables and omega-3 fats and to limit intake of sugar, trans fats and saturated fats.

Transgendered individuals should never borrow hormones from friends or buy them from the black market. Individuals should be beware of dietary supplements called "herbal hormones," and SHOULD NEVER use these without their physician’s permission. It is important to refrain from smoking while on hormone therapy as it can aggravate risks associated with hormones. Hormonal scans are a regular part of a medical check-up.

Some people who have undergone sex reassignment surgery do not realise that they may still have remaining breast or prostate tissue. It is important to be upfront with doctors about the surgery and be aware that screening of the breasts, uterus, and cervix (in female to male) or prostate (in male to female) may still be a priority.

Sexually transmitted diseases occur disproportionately among the transgender community. Like everyone, transgender people should keep their sexual partners to a minimum and use condoms every time. Furthermore, sharing needles is a dangerous practice and should never be permitted.

With great soul-searching, dedication, and a healthy lifestyle, every individual can find a happy place within the spectrum of gender.

Children/Teens

Health Guides
Little Footprints
Foot Care

Foot care is important at all stages in life, but the first few years are the most crucial to your children’s development of healthy feet. After all, these little twinkle toes are going to carry them places for the rest of their life. Ensuring good foot care in the initial days will help preventing problems that might arise at a later stage.

Baby Steps:

During the first year, the infant’s feet undergo radical changes. Avoid putting too much strain on them, as they are very flexible and delicate and hence, more prone to damage. Allow the baby to freely kick and stretch its feet for normal growth. Also, make sure that the socks and shoes do not squeeze the toes.

The First Steps:

It is not advisable to force your toddler to walk. Avoid making comparisons with other toddlers as they learn how to walk between the ages of 10-20 months. Hence, if the neighbour’s child walked at 10 months and your 15-month-old kid still wobbles in a walker, do not press the panic button. When ready, the baby will take the first steps.

The Little Dynamo:

By the time children are 7-8 years old, their feet are fully formed. Measure your growing child’s feet every 2-3 months and if required, change his/her footwear. Even though foot problems arise mostly from play injury, illness, deformities or heredity, improper footwear can further agonise those conditions. Timely medical intervention can help prevent bone risk problems.

Common foot dilemmas

In-toeing: Metatarsus Adductus, popularly called Pigeon Toes, is a common foot condition affecting young children. It affects babies of both sexes. Though the actual cause is not known, doctors believe that this happens due to the babies being tightly curled up in mother’s womb. This condition may make it difficult for the child to walk and he/she may trip often. These kids rarely require treatment and get better with time. Occasionally they might need casts or special corrective shoes. Surgery may be suggested only in extremely rare cases.

Flat feet: Baby feet are way different than adult feet. Though the structure is the same, many babies at birth naturally appear flat-footed. This is because of the arch that is yet to develop and a thick layer of baby fat, which protects your infant’s feet. Do not worry, if your little one’s feet are fat, flat and floppy. Just as in-toeing, even this condition will disappear in most cases as your baby begins to stand and walk. However, check with your podiatrist if this condition prevails even by the time your child turns five years of age.

With or Without Shoes

Under proper conditions, it is healthy for kids to roam around barefoot for the proper development of their feet. Footwear is very important from the point of view of healthy development. Wearing poorly fitting shoes in childhood can lead to a number of problems in adulthood. Children’s bones are so flexible that the feet will deform even without their realising it. Despite footwear being essential for the protection of little feet, it is advisable to limit its usage to outdoors and certain dress-up functions at home.

Physical Activity

Healthy Living — Physical Activity
Leaner, Longer and Stronger
Humera Sayeed

Often described as an intelligent and precise approach to exercise, Pilates continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Introduced to North America in the early 1920s by Joseph Pilates, the exercise method focuses on lengthening and strengthening the muscles by creating a union between mind and body. It helps people of all ages stay fit, increase flexibility, improve posture and get rid of back pain.

Lynne Stewart, a Pilates instructor at Sol Pilates in Markham, Ontario believes that the exercise tackles the body’s imbalances caused by daily activities and helps alleviate stress. “Activities such as long hours in front of a computer or driving can cause many muscle imbalances. Pilates programs create a balance in muscles and hence, lead to a healthier posture,” she says.

Pilates can be practiced either at home or with a certified instructor in a studio environment. Depending on the instructor, class settings can vary from one-on-one training to group training of up to 20 people. Commonly Pilates is practiced two to three times a week, but results will depend on each individual.

Different types of Pilates

Over the years, many instructors have developed their own versions of Pilates programs, based on the fundamental principles taught by Joseph Pilates. Mari Winsor creator of Winsor Pilates has taught her program for over 15 years in the United States. Former professional dancer, Moira Merrithew created Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to the exercise regime.

“The programs have evolved based on various things including recent research into biomechanics and anatomy,” Stewart says. “While all the programs have similarities, the general public is primarily aware of the popular ones such as Winsor (Pilates) or those with a strong international presence such as Stott Pilates.”

Other Pilates programs include Body Harmonics Riverdale Pilates and Body Control.

Pilates vs. Yoga

The core teachings of Pilates and Yoga are quite similar to one another, yet both differ in their practice. Both forms of exercise focus on creating unison between mind and body. Each one develops, tones and increases muscle flexibility by using the natural resistance created during movement.

Pilates principles include proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flowing movement – all similar to Yoga’s core teachings.

The main difference is that while Pilates concentrates on developing core strength in the body and proper alignment in the spine, Yoga focuses on the wellbeing of body in unison with mind.

Breathing techniques also differ in the two styles of exercise and therefore, offer different results. Pilates requires inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth while, Yoga teaches inhalation and exhalation through the nose only.

Being careful, not careless

It is advisable that one learns Pilates from a well-trained instructor. “Without the guidance of a well-trained instructor, a person may move too quickly, too far into a range or overuse certain muscles,” Stewart says.

It is important to let your instructors know of any injuries and medical conditions, so that he or she can help you focus on strengthening that area or deal with that problem. Always consult your physician before attempting any exercise program.

Healthy Habits

Healthy Living
Boost Your Immunity
Healthy Habits

Canadian society is largely health conscious and has good healthcare facilities like other developed nations. But when it comes to developing our immune system, which is a vital element in the protection against diseases, the Canadian society surprisingly lags behind the rest of the developed nations in the world. Researches show that 30% of the post World War II Canadian population is affected by diseases such as asthma and hayfever, indicating our weak immunity power.

How to improve immunity

Fortunately, improving your immune system does not require lots of time, energy or efforts. Some simple changes in food habits and lifestyle along with proper vaccinations will boost the immune system of your body.

Following are the super seven ways to boost your immune power:

1. Change your food habits: Switch to “immunity friendly” food habits. Start using more of fresh lemon juice in your food because lemon restores acid-alkali balance in your body. Add lemon to water, tea, salads, baking or cooking, and use them often. Eat foods rich in proteins and drink enough water.

Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.. Raw fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and enzymes to your body. Many vitamins found in these fruits and vegetables, such as Vitamin C, protect the cells in your immune system from getting damaged by the toxins in the environment.

Knock off the junk foods and caffeine from your food list completely or reduce as much as possible. If you are advised by your doctor that your immune system needs improvement, stop drinking coffee. Caffeine in the coffee takes away minerals and vitamins, dehydrating you in the process. If you can’t live without your coffee, at least make sure that you drink two more glasses of water for every cup of coffee you drink. Also, stop eating refined white sugar as it can be the single most important factor in decreasing your immunity.

2. Sleep well: A simple, but very effective way of boosting your immune system in the body is to sleep well. A goodnight’s sleep not only keeps you and your skin fresh, it also improves your immune system significantly.

3. Get vaccinated: Vaccines provide you the disease specific immunity. According to Dr. Monika Naus, medical director of the immunization program at the BC Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver, you need to keep checking with your doctor or public health authority on a regular basis to get the required vaccinations for adults and children.

4. Maintain cleanliness; but don’t overdo it: While maintaining clean surroundings is definitely a good thing, overdoing it can work against your immune system! When you clean your house to maximum possible extent, you kill even the milder germs present in the environment. Your immune system needs these milder germs to practice its skills and be ready when the more dangerous germs attack your body. If there are no germs at all, your immune system may be ill-prepared when faced with a real danger.

5. Stop smoking: When you smoke your body gets flooded with the toxic mixture of chemicals that exposes your body to illnesses. Also, smoking blocks the airways’ natural mechanisms, which clean out the infectious agents in the body. So, the message is loud and clear. If you want a better immune system, stop smoking, now!

6. Use Antibacterial sanitizers with care: No doubt, antibacterial sanitizers keep your house clean; but if you overuse them, even the less dangerous viruses may be wiped out of the atmosphere and your immune system may loose out on the opportunity to practice its skills for the big fight!

7. Exercise: Because of our modern lifestyles, most Canadians spend a better part of their lives within four walls, hardly getting any exercise. Getting a good workout is imperative to boost the immune system in your body.

Conclusion

As we can see, boosting your immune system is not just about introducing one or two elements in your daily routine. It’s about adopting a new lifestyle. But doing this can be both easy and fun. And of course, it will definitely boost your immune system!