Author: Michael Pe
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What you need to know about this years Flu Shot
We have been getting a lot of questions about the flu shot this year in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. We compiled some of your great questions and wanted to share them with everyone. Enjoy! Q: I’m on the fence about getting the flu shot. Should I really get it? A: The flu shot…
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What is INR Testing?
What is an INR test? INR stands for International Normalized Ratio. It’s a blood test that measures the time it takes for your blood to clot. Who needs the test done? This test is required if you are taking warfarin (or Coumadin) which helps your health care team monitor the effect of the drug. It…
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Drug allergy vs. intolerance
Medications can sometimes cause negative experiences for some people. But how do you know if these reactions are an allergy or an intolerance to a medication? Knowing the difference is very important for a few reasons. First it helps your health care professional manage the reaction appropriately. Secondly, if it is a true drug allergy,…
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What you should know about e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes (or electronic cigarettes) are battery operated devices that heat a liquid into a vapour for inhaling or also known as “vaping”. The liquid used in e-cigarettes is sometimes called “e-juice” or “e-liquid” and is a mixture of chemicals that include propylene glycol, glycerol (vegetable glycerin) and combined with other ingredients such as flavouring agents.…
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Trouble sleeping? You better read this
There are a variety of reasons why we might have trouble sleeping. It might be a recent issue such as a trip where you travelled across different time zones. Or it might be related to a work project or personal issue that’s causing you stress. In these scenarios, poor sleep is temporary and may resolve…
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What you need to know about medications used for anxiety and depression
Mental illness is more common than you think – 1 in 5 Canadians in any given year will personally experience a mental health problem. Unfortunately, almost half of those who feel they have symptoms of depression or anxiety do not seek medical help due to the stigma associated with mental illness and the surrounding myths…