What is OCD?

OCD is a serious mental health condition that can cause a person to have repetitive intrusive thoughts, images, or urges known as obsessions. These can be about many different things like contamination, causing violence or harm to oneself or others, religiosity (fears of offending god), and more.

Sometimes people will say things like “I’m so OCD” when cleaning or tidying up. This, in fact, is a stereotype that’s harmful to those living with OCD.

The term OCD is also often used as a personality trait or “quirk”. By using OCD as a personality trait or quirk, it takes away from the severity of the mental health condition that over 200 million people in the world live with.

What do people living with OCD experience?

OCD triggers an individual to have compulsions: a repetitive behaviour performed to relieve anxiety about an obsession.

For example, someone living with OCD might check and re-check things like locks and stoves, excessively wash their hands or engage in counting. A person may have other compulsions and is not limited to these few. People with OCD engage in compulsions to ease their anxiety about an obsession. However, this may take away hours from the persons daily life, causing emotional and mental fatigue.

These obsessions don’t just pass as they would for someone without OCD. They are recurrent and persistent, and cause the person experiencing them extreme anxiety which they try to ease through compulsions. It’s important to be mindful of a person’s lived experience and not judge or mock them because of this.

What causes OCD?

There is a lot of research about OCD – it’s complex because there isn’t just one cause. Researchers have discovered that OCD is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and other factors. It’s a myth to assume that OCD is caused only by a traumatic childhood and bad parenting.

What can make OCD symptoms more significant?

Stress and trauma can intensify OCD symptoms, but there is also a large biological role. OCD is linked in an imbalance in the brain chemical serotonin which regulates mood and behaviour. Researchers have also found OCD is linked with increased activity in different areas of the brain. OCD tends to run in families, it’s been found that if a close relative has OCD there is a higher likelihood of developing the mental health condition.

How common is OCD?

OCD is a very common mental health condition. There is a misconception that OCD doesn’t affect many people – it impacts millions globally. OCD can impact anyone regardless of age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

What resources are available for people living with OCD?

There are many resources and supports available for those living with OCD. A common form of therapeutic support a person can receive is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It’s always best to speak with a primary care provider to discuss treatment options, as each person’s needs are different. Online resources are also available – the International OCD Foundation helps provide education and a variety of resources for those in need.

This OCD Awareness Week, you can help break the stigma and misconceptions associated with OCD. Being mindful of how the term is used and encouraging others to use better words is important. Education on OCD and how it can impact people’s lives is a step in the right direction to promote awareness and positive change.

The post Fact or Myth? Debunking OCD Stereotypes appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Alcohol is a known carcinogen, which increases the risks of certain cancers such as colorectal and breast cancer. However, health risks associated with alcohol consumption go beyond this – impacting mental, emotional and social health as well.

Additionally, alcohol is a depressant that influences the central nervous system by slowing brain functions related to behavior, thought processes, attitudes, breathing, and heart rate. Those who misuse alcohol are at a greater risk of facing a number of health and social issues.

Tom Nguyen is a social worker at Sunnybrook’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic. He works alongside patients from many different walks of life who are struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. As a social worker, his job is to help patients through a harm-reduction approach and reduce the impacts of substance and alcohol use on their overall health by offering education, addiction focused counselling and connecting them to resources.

Tom spoke with Your Health Matters about the alcohol consumption, the impacts it has on a person’s health, and what resources are available for support.

What are the risks related to alcohol consumption that can impact health?

The consumption of alcohol can impact a person’s physical, mental and social health. Common risks discussed with patients focus on physical health, including increased risks of liver damage, cardiovascular issues, weakened immune systems, possible negative interactions with medications, and other health issues. However, social workers also emphasize the risks of alcohol consumption on mental and social health, such as worsening mental health conditions, increasing risky behavior that can lead to accidents and injuries, straining relationships with others, and potentially impacting activities of daily living like work, school, or self-care to name a few examples.

How does alcohol consumption affect mental and emotional health?

There have been numerous studies to show the negative impacts of alcohol on one’s mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that persistent and excessive alcohol over time can create structural changes in the brain that impact how we manage our emotions, memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. Additionally, alcohol consumption can worsen current mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It may even contribute to development of new mental health issues like addictions and/or substance use disorder, sleep issues, emotional instability, and social isolation. In extreme cases, excessive alcohol consumption can also impair a person’s judgement and make them impulsive or more likely to engage in risky behaviours that can put them or others at risks for harm.

What should people take away from Canada’s new low-risk drinking guidelines?

Canada’s new low-risk drinking guidelines were updated in January 2023 due to recent research on the negative impacts of alcohol use on a person’s physical health. The guidelines show the risk associated with alcohol consumption on a weekly basis with an emphasis on the negative health impacts. It is recommended that anyone who consumes alcohol should not have more than two standard drinks per week to minimize health risks. However, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume any alcohol.

This change is a drastic shift from the previous recommendations of men having up to 15 standard drinks per week with no more than three drinks per day and women having no more than 10 standard drinks per week with no more than two drinks per day. This major change in recommendations is a result of research that shows how much alcohol can negatively impact a person’s life.

The current recommendations may be a shock to some people, but the low-risk drinking guidelines are meant to serve as a tool to help people make informed decisions about alcohol consumption to minimize health risks. What’s most important is individuals making a change that is impactful for them and aligns with their personal needs, values and lifestyle.

What are some ways that people can minimize the risks to themselves and others posed by alcohol consumption?

Minimizing the risks associated with alcohol consumption involves a combination of being self-reflective, keeping oneself informed, monitoring one’s drinks, planning ahead, and being receptive of supports. People can use the low-risk guidelines as a tool to identify where they or others may fall in the continuum of risks of alcohol use. People can also get professional help from a family doctor, other care providers, or resources like RAAM clinics to help provide recommendations to address any risks.

Who is the most at risk of misusing alcohol?

Anyone can be at risk of misusing alcohol if they are not informed of the potential risks and negative consequences of long-term consumption. However, there are some characteristics that make some people more likely to misuse alcohol, such as underlying or untreated mental health issue, genetic predisposition or family history, working in high-stress environments, having a history of trauma or abuse, social isolation, and financial stress.

What general advice do you have for people about how they can drink responsibly and develop a low-risk and health-conscious relationship with alcohol?

I suggest that a good starting pointing is for individuals to ask themselves what a “healthy relationship” with alcohol looks like. Based on their own expectation of what that would mean, it may be good to involve others such as family members or doctors to give their input as well. We often think alcohol effects the individual consuming it, but it can also effect other people such as family or friends. It is also important for people to speak with their primary care provider or other medical professional to have them share their input on this matter. I encourage people to set intentional and well-informed expectations about their drinking decisions because this helps contribute to a healthy relationship with alcohol.

What resources are available for those who may be struggling with alcohol misuse?

For those who may be struggling with alcohol use, I recommended connecting with a nearby RAAM clinic. There are a number of clinic locations across the province and they are meant to be lower barrier and fast access to get support for alcohol and substance use.

Another helpful resource is ConnexOntario. This is a 24/7 information hotline that helps people navigate and connect with mental health and/or addiction services all across Ontario.

Sometimes people may not feel comfortable connecting to resources on their own and would prefer to have a professional like a social worker or family doctor help – this is also a great step forward. Self-awareness and knowing what may be needed for support will help a person’s recovery.

The key takeaway is to know that while alcohol consumption is a common part of life for many people, it is also important to be self-aware and educated on the risks associated with it.

There are many different resources available for anyone who is struggling, and social workers are one of the many professionals who offer support to those seeking help.

The post How does alcohol impact health? A Sunnybrook social worker highlights what to keep in mind appeared first on Your Health Matters.

June is Seniors’ Month, a good time to reflect on health issues particularly concerning to older adults – including the risks associated with soaring temperatures – like those being felt across Canada this week – and other climate-related events.

At the latest Sunnybrook Speaker Series, experts shared their insights about how climate change is impacting our health. Dr. Rajin Mehta, a geriatrician and internal medicine specialist and former head of Sunnybrook’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, shared his insights on how climate change, including extreme heat, can impact seniors’ health and well-being.

Temperature and its impact on the body

Temperature affects how humans feel and how bodies function.

“Humans can handle colder temperatures better than heat,” said Dr. Mehta. “The slightest change of just a few degrees in temperature elevation can impact the cells in our bodies, and in turn affect our organs.”

Neurological, liver, cardiac, and renal systems can all be affected by increased temperature, Dr. Mehta said. For older adults, who often have a number of illnesses or health conditions at once (known as multi-morbidity), this can be particularly concerning.

“Higher temperatures affect the function of these very important organs and if someone has more than one impairment in these systems, it can become very complicated, very fast,” said Dr. Mehta.

As people age, it also becomes more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature, a process known as thermoregulation. Seniors have a decreased ability to thermoregulate, which makes it harder for them to adjust to hotter temperatures, even if the elevation in heat is minimal. This can lead to things like dehydration or heat stroke.

Unfortunately, not all seniors have access to things like air conditioning that can help minimize the effects of extreme heat.

“A person’s socioeconomic status is a critical aspect to consider because it has a direct correlation to one’s health and well-being.”, said Dr. Mehta.

Seniors can also be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses if they are taking certain types of medication, such as anticholinergic drugs which are commonly used to treat bladder and gastrointestinal conditions. These medications can impair the body’s ability to sweat, which is a natural way to cool down when temperatures rise.

Indirect Impacts to Health: Food Insecurity & Displacement

 A concern that’s top of mind for many, especially seniors who may already have limited finances, is food insecurity.

“We cannot forget that global issues impact us locally as well,” said Dr. Mehta.

“Seniors are disproportionately affected by poverty, and many are faced with the decision of paying for food or other costs of living like rent.”

Older people are also at a greater risk of displacement due to climate change, Dr. Mehta said. In the event of an environmental emergency such as a tornado or a flood, older people with limited mobility are more likely to face barriers getting to safety.

Given the increase in climate-change related natural disasters, it is important for seniors to have a safety plan in place in the event of an emergency, Dr. Mehta said, especially if there are underlying health concerns or mobility issues.

Key Takeaways

It is crucial to remember that climate change impacts all of us, but the senior population faces heightened risks.

However, there are steps older adults can take to protect their health, such as remembering to stay hydrated and cool, and talking to a health-care provider about how things like extreme heat events may impact their health or interact with their medications.

For seniors experiencing food insecurity, community resources like food banks can provide help. Some organizations also offer support for delivering food bank services to people who have limited mobility and are unable to leave their homes.

Seniors with limited mobility can also make a plan for family or friends to check in on them or help them find alternative living arrangements in the case of an extreme weather event or hazard.

Climate change impacts everyone, but seniors are especially at risk. Offering support, planning preventative measures, and talking openly about the issue can help lessen the risks and impacts caused by climate change among the senior population.

The post The Impact of Climate Change on the Senior Population appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is home to the Odette Cancer Centre, the second largest cancer centre in Canada. The centre is leading the way in innovative cancer care that is designed to meet the unique needs of individual patients living with cancer.

At the latest Sunnybrook Speaker Series, experts from the centre shared their insights about personalized cancer care and how it is evolving.

Dr. Calvin Law, chief of the centre, described the transformative future of personalized cancer care as the health-care system moves away from a “one-size-fits-all approach” and instead focuses on each individual’s experience and treatment needs in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

“At the end of the day, it is the individual patient who we are serving,” said Dr. Law. “The personalized care we provide needs to get better every day.”

How do Genes Play a Role in Personalized Cancer Care?

Tracy Graham, genetic counsellor and manager with the Odette Cancer Centre Genetics Program, shared her insights on how a person’s genes can play a role in the personalized cancer care they receive – something many patients might not be aware of.

“All cancer is genetic because there has to be genetic mutations occurring within the cells of our body for cancer to occur,” explained Graham. “But only five to ten percent of cancer is hereditary.”

Genetic testing can be done for both hereditary cancers (germline mutations) and those which are acquired throughout a person’s lifetime (somatic mutations) to help determine the most effective treatment options.

Often conducted with a simple blood or saliva test, genetic testing can also provide patients with a sense of closure by answering the question, Why was I diagnosed with cancer?, said Graham.

“For example, for a patient who is diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their 20s – which is a young age – finding out there is a hereditary genetic reason behind it sometimes gives them that explanation they are looking for.”

Genetic testing and counselling can also help guide screening and early detection for other types of cancer a person could be at risk of developing, as well as for their family members.

The Future of Precision Oncology

Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, program research director with the Odette Cancer Centre, explained that experts are trying to better understand why standardized cancer treatments are more effective for some patients than others.

A key goal for the future of cancer care is to shift towards personalized treatment for each individual, as opposed to the same approach being used for all patients with the same type of cancer.

Thanks to breakthrough scientific technologies, cancer researchers can now pinpoint the molecular profile of cancers in order to recommend optimal personalized treatment plans.

“With molecular profiling, we now can see this individual with breast cancer, for example, has a different molecular profile than others,” explained Dr. Rakovitch. “Once you do that, you can match and individualize the best drug or radiation treatment for that specific individual.”

Added Dr. Rakovitch: “This is going to enable us to direct better and more effective treatments to patients and help them avoid side effects of treatments that are ultimately not going to be effective. This is the future of cancer treatment.”

Targeting Cancer with Personalized Radiotherapy

Dr. Deepak Dinakaran, a radiation oncologist with the Odette Cancer Centre and scientist with the Sunnybrook Research Institute, discussed how advances in radiation treatment are also contributing to personalized cancer care.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses high energy X-rays targeted at the cancer site to damage cancer cells in the hopes of stopping the future growth and spread of the disease.

“Thanks to technological advances over the past 10 to 20 years, radiation oncology has evolved to better target the site of cancer and significantly reduce how much radiation is going to the rest of the body,” said Dr. Dinakaran. “This precision radiotherapy has allowed us to evolve what we can do clinically to help patients.”

The next frontier of radiation treatment, he said, is adaptive radiotherapy. This aims to adjust a patient’s treatment plan on any given day based on sudden changes within the body. In simple terms: If the tumour or cancer site requiring treatment has suddenly moved, instead of directing radiation where it may no longer be needed, a more accurate site of the body can be focused on.

“Currently it is very hard to adapt to those kinds of internal shifts, but that is what adaptive radiotherapy aims to do by leveraging leading-edge equipment and artificial intelligence for image analysis,” explained Dr. Dinakaran.

“All of this happens within minutes while the patient is still on the bed. It is still new and evolving, but it will really open up new opportunities in how to use radiotherapy.”

The post Better Understanding the Complexities of Personalized Cancer Care appeared first on Your Health Matters.

What damage can looking directly at the solar eclipse cause to the eyes?

“Looking at the sun directly is never a safe thing to do as it can cause permanent damage to the retina called solar retinopathy,” says Dr. Eng. “This can cause permanent blindness in one or both eyes.

What should someone do if they don’t have the special protective eyewear to watch the eclipse? Are there are any specifications people should look for when it comes to protective eyewear to watch the eclipse?

“The only way to avoid the risk of damage to the eyes is to wear approved, special-purpose glasses, also known as solar filters,” Dr. Eng says. “Approved glasses meet a special international standard that is called ISO 12312-2.”

Visit the  American Astronomical Society for more information on approved glasses.

According to Dr. Eng, very dark sunglasses, homemade filters, squinting, or looking through a tinted window are not safe methods to look at the sun.

For those without access to approved eclipse glasses, the other options to view the eclipse include using a pinhole projector or watching the livestream of the eclipse. These options are safe and can be just as exciting!

Can someone watch the solar eclipse if they have pre-existing eye health concerns?

“As long as the eclipse glasses or solar filters are used, a person with pre-existing eye condition can still safely enjoy watching the solar eclipse.”, says Dr. Eng.

The key takeaway is that yes – today’s solar eclipse is a rare and exciting experience, but make sure you keep your eyes safe!

The post The wait is over – the solar eclipse is happening today! Are you prepared to watch it safely? appeared first on Your Health Matters.