Que Rock is an Anishinaabe multidisciplinary artist and professional muralist from Nipissing First Nation. His traditional name is Manitou Neeman – Spirit Dancing. Que is currently based in Toronto.

Que recently designed and painted a wall-to-wall mural in Sunnybrook’s new Indigenous Wellness Space, with the help of assistant Sadie Marshall.

The Indigenous Wellness Space is a room within the hospital’s Bayview Campus that is now available for Indigenous patients and families for meeting and ceremony, and for Indigenous care partners who are on site to have a space to work or meet with clients. Medicine bundles, a ceremonial drum and a rattle are available as well for use within the room and around the hospital.

Here, Que talks a little bit about the mural, the meaning behind it, and why it’s important to have an Indigenous Wellness Space – and Indigenous art – in a hospital.

What goes into designing and creating a mural like the one you’ve done in the Indigenous Wellness Space?

When creating a piece, I always take into consideration the environment that I’m in. Because we’re in a hospital setting, I just automatically thought of the visual healing arts that I was raised into — my Anishinaabe culture — and that it was a perfect marriage for the environment. Our medicines are all based off of the earth elements and how we pick our medicines. I decided to do a floral pattern and include a few layers of Anishinaabe teachings and our value system, including our medicine wheel. I tried to create a visual healing experience for the viewer by using geometry patterns.

I was taught through ceremony — that is our Anishinaabe education system. So for us, it was being part of ceremonies growing up and then learning how to channel those ceremonies, learning how to communicate them, and then eventually becoming an artist. I learned about the geometry patterns that are in nature, and then how to recreate that in my paintings. This is sacred geometry, essentially, the laws of nature. And it’s showing us and teaching us the repetitive things that are constantly happening. I use these foundations of my Anishinaabe culture in my work.

How important do you think having this space — and having art within this space — is to healing?

Oh, this is huge. It’s really important to have space for Indigenous people, considering that we feel that we’re not really welcomed in a lot of places. I think when people see imagery that they can identify with, that they can recognize, that they’ve been raised with, it creates a sense of comfort and a sense of welcoming.

Can you tell us a little bit about the mural and its elements?

I love these opportunities because it challenges me to create something unique for the space. I challenge myself to recreate some of the teachings that I’ve been taught and embed the sacred geometry that’s in everything in life and in nature, while also creating a nice balance overall within the room. I want to like feel like it’s always been here.

It’s really important to me that people understand the meaning behind everything, for non-Indigenous people, and Indigenous people too, who are learning their culture. For that reason, there’s a consistency throughout the entire design.

My culture is based off of the laws of nature and so we really are paying attention to a lot of numbers, and those numbers have multiple meanings to them. You’ll see lots of groups of two, four and seven.

I repeated duality teachings, which is the balance of the polarity, the balance of all life. So there’s a consistency and patterns of two that you’ll see.

There’s also a consistency and balance of four. The four is based off of the Medicine Wheel teachings. And the Medicine Wheel is a guiding principle. It’s a tool that we use to help us understand and navigate our own natures and also the natures that are from our environments that we live in. The Medicine Wheel is a strong symbol for healing in most Indigenous communities. Although there are various types of medicine wheels, I chose to use the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel from Ontario so that it would be accurate to this area. The Medicine Wheel starts off with the four directions: north, south, east and west. And then each direction is allocated different layers of nature. So, after you have your four directions, you have the four elements: earth, wind, water and fire. Then you have the four seasons: summer, spring, winter, fall. Then you also have the four natures of humanity. Every human has a spirit. They have emotions. They have a body. They have a mind. And the layers continue to keep growing and growing and growing. In the south, where you have the earth nation, I did it resembling a turtle based off of our creation stories with Turtle Island.

Another value incorporated into the artwork is the seven grandfather teachings. The seven grandfather teachings are layered with a value system of how you treat yourself and how you treat other people. And so I’ve included that. So you’ll see a lot of patterns that have seven in them and those are references to the seven grandfather teachings.

What else will people see in this work?

You will also see some of the medicines. We have four sacred medicines. Tobacco is our most popular medicine that we use when we’re doing a lot of our ceremonies. It’s pretty much part of every ceremony. There’s an old saying “Tobacco first.” And that’s what I was trying to show here. I depicted the tobacco that actually I grow. I’ve been given seeds that have been in my family for more than 2,000 years. It’s a special tobacco; it doesn’t really grow often. It’s really old and very unique because this tobacco flowers. It has a very nice beautiful yellow flower that comes out of it. Most tobacco plants don’t do that.

You will also see Spider Woman. She wove the first human being and then we were lowered down from the Big Dipper, from our umbilical cords to Turtle Island.

You will see a butterfly, representing the story of the first grass dancer Rocky Boy, who could not walk until he was at a gathering and heard the beat of the drum. A butterfly landed upon his forehead and helped him dance.

You will see a heart, representing the care that went into creating us.

What do you hope staff, patients or visitors take away from experiencing your art in this space?

I would love for people to feel really safe and really comfortable. Welcomed. This style of art is a visual healing art. It’s very layered; it has a different effect on the viewer, depending on what they see. My goal is to create a healing experience, or at least something that resonates within the DNA, where they’re feeling really good overall after being in the space.

The post Meet Que Rock: the Anishinaabe artist behind Sunnybrook’s new Indigenous Wellness Space mural appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Wes Roberts has been a spiritual care practitioner in Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre for almost two decades.

Where does your spirituality stem from?

I was born and raised in a religious family, so faith and spirituality have always been a part of my life. I was fortunate to see people who modelled and lived out their faith in front of me, but there came a time where I had to live it for myself and not live on the faith of my parents and grandparents.

You provide comfort for others. Is that a learned skill?

Comforting people is part of my nature but I fought my sensitivity for a long time. I was insecure and rejected it because I didn’t understand it. It took a crisis in my life to appreciate who I really am as a person. It was through struggle and searching that I came to embrace the qualities I have.

How different is it working at a hospital in your line of work?

A health-care professional may use certain instruments to help care for a patient. I don’t have surgical tools but I’ve learned that I can extend comfort to people who are struggling and in need of support by listening to the emotions that are being expressed and helping someone live in the moment.

It must be hard trying to guide people through uncertain times.

I find uncertainty can be expressed in the deeper questions someone might ask; especially when a life-altering event occurs, I rarely have the answers. I know I give the best of myself when I am listening deeply, being curious about someone’s story and exploring together with them their own perspectives about what they are expressing.

The benefit of hearing so many stories of many of our residents over the years is they linger with me, and if I let them, they often can help to inspire me whenever I face struggle in my own life.

How do you feed your own soul?

I love watching sports and am a huge Blue Jays and Raptors fan. Being a pro baseball player would have been my fantasy job. Not that I was that good, but it was a dream!

My son played youth baseball, so I took pictures at games and shared those with the families of the other players. Photography became a creative outlet and a healthy distraction. I also enjoy photographing my daughter when she horseback rides. I love photography and took a course a few years ago with Sunnybrook’s Kevin Van Paassen. He got me off using the automatic settings of my camera and onto manual, which has really helped my hobby along. Woodland and nature photography enables me to enjoy the therapeutic environment of these places.

My family is supportive and always there to listen. We try to do a lot of laughing at our house.

I also have a couple of encouragement groups that meet regularly on zoom. One of my mentors once told me there is no such thing as a wasted experience. Years ago, I didn’t fully understand what this means but it’s now become a guiding principle. If I’m in a place to receive, I can personally learn something from every experience. What is yet to be discovered will, with time, reveal itself.

The post How to live like the experts: Feeding your soul with Wes Roberts appeared first on Your Health Matters.

What is a garden weed? 

By definition, “a weed is a plant considered undesirable in a particular situation, or a plant in the wrong place.” That means your lovely Kentucky blue grass found growing in your garden bed would be considered a weed. Likewise, your carrot, tomato plant or zinnias found growing in your lawn would be considered weeds. We have created expectations around the “perfect” lawn or garden based on the tidiness of the landscape and culturally manicured spaces.

Agronomically speaking, weeds are considered plants that are better adapted to the existing growing conditions more than the plants you prefer to see in that location. Because of their persistency, tolerance and ability to adapt to the environmental growing conditions, these plants — such as dandelion, plantains and clover — are considered weeds in our North American environment. When one species is unable to grow, dies or performs poorly, another environmental adaptive species (weed) takes its place.

The hidden benefits of weeds

The truth is, weeds are useful for a few reasons. They provide visual clues of the nutrient content in your soil, and what may be lacking or imbalanced. For example, dandelions thrive in soil with very low calcium, low humus, poor residue decomposition and iron deficiencies. Clover is an indication that nitrogen is lacking. If your garden contains many different types of weeds, that’s usually a sign that the overall fertility of the soil is unbalanced. A soil test can be helpful in pinpointing exactly what you are dealing with.

Some weeds actually add food back into the soil that our chosen plants aren’t able to. For example, clovers help bring nitrogen into the soil, which in turn feeds the surrounding crops and plants.

The best way to get rid of weeds

You may be tempted to pull weeds out, or use harsh chemicals to kill them, but these approaches don’t address the root of the problem. In addition to be ineffective, these methods can be frustrating, expensive and even harmful.

Instead, let nature do the weed control for you. Because the soil dictates what grows, the best way to control weeds is by addressing your soil’s nutrition and pH levels. Each plant species has its preferred pH range, so make sure yours supports the plants you want in your garden.

If the pH of your soil is outside the normal ideal range, plants also won’t be able to absorb nutrients and your garden won’t grow properly. That’s why it’s also important to check the pH of any fertilizers you use.

Until your soil chemistry is in balance, pulling weeds out by hand — or with an extended tool for those with mobility issues — is the best option that won’t interfere with soil biology and biodiversity.

Other helpful tips

• Apply organic vegetable compost to help balance soil density and pH.
• Avoid tilling (cultivating) in order to protect soil structure and microbiology.
• Use organic mulch when and where possible, even though this may require balancing your expectation and appreciation for the “perfect” garden.
• Be patient and supportive. If you have to remove flowering weeds such as clover, do so only after the flower has started to die. These plants help to feed our pollinating insects, especially our declining honey bee population.
• Learn more about the wonderful array of plants that are native to your area. Opting for these varieties will help minimize the risk of dealing with “weeds” in the future.

The post Weed prevention: Some surprising tips from Sunnybrook’s Grounds Department appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Rohan is an Accredited Organic Land Care Practitioner and Team Leader of Sunnybrook’s Grounds Department.  

Were you a dig in the dirt and find bugs kind of kid?

That was me, but I also learned to love the outdoors from my family. I grew up in Jamaica, and my family was involved in farming there. We had a sugar farm, livestock as well as egg and honey production. My home was separate from the farm, but from a really young age, I would go there before school every day to milk the cows and deliver milk. After school, I had to wash the bottles and get them ready for the next day before I could play with my friends. By the age of 12, I was driving a tractor. So naturally, I gravitated to farm school and got a degree in agriculture.

It’s interesting that you ended up working at a hospital.

I came to Canada in 1991, started my own landscaping business and eventually saw an opportunity at Sunnybrook. I truly believe that our landscapes enhance healing, so coming here was a chance to bridge everything and bring it to life.

You have a namesake garden at the hospital. How does it feel to see people using it?

Really good! When people enjoy our grounds, I feel they are benefiting from restorative healing because nature helps us physically and mentally.

Do you think many people know that the Rohan Harrison Garden was part of your reward for participating in the show ‘Undercover Boss’ a few years ago?

No, not at all. Someone actually told me I was arrogant for putting my name on a garden. I took a breath and explained the situation. I feel the weight of seeing my name there because I’m a behind-the-scenes person. I’d rather be in the background doing than be seen.

What does your garden at home look like?

After I leave Sunnybrook, the place I spend the most time is my backyard. It’s a respite from my daily challenges. My garden has different areas, including green space for entertaining, a water feature and vegetables. Some of my favourite things to grow are celery and kale and I put them into my daily green juice. I also have a labyrinth in my yard. I walk through it barefoot and it helps me recharge physically, mentally and spiritually.

Have you ever killed a plant? Be honest.

For some reason, I can’t grow indoor plants. My outdoor garden looks good, but when I go inside I think, what’s happening? I think it’s just a lack of care because I spend so much time outdoors.

Not everyone has a green thumb. What can be done?

There are lots of resources out there, so use them. Or ask me!

Do a lot of people already do that?

Oh yes. The two most common questions I get are how to keep grass green, and how to get rid of weeds. I really don’t mind, though, because I see education and development as part of my role. Helping people enjoy nature is really important.

The post How to live like the experts: Embracing nature and your green thumb with Rohan Harrison appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Increase in trauma consults during COVID-19

While many older adults have been battling the effects of increased isolation during the pandemic, Dr. Norris has seen a “tragic” development for some in the kind of trauma consults she is providing in Sunnybrook’s emergency department.

“What has struck me is the increased consults that reflect violence affecting seniors, either self-harming or they’ve been [harmed] by a family member. I’ve never seen that in 16 years at Sunnybrook, and this is really, for me, a signal,” she says. “I believe what I’m seeing on the trauma consult is a reflection of senior distress.”

For patients with dementia, especially if they haven’t seen their family doctor or specialist regularly throughout the pandemic, their condition can deteriorate to the point where they are harming themselves. Some of the violence could also be a result of caregivers who are stressed and burnt out from caring for their loved ones at home.

Don’t put off calling the doctor

Dr. Norris says another concerning trend during the pandemic has been older adults who delay getting health care.

“It was already normal [that] seniors tend to under report their symptoms and delay going to the doctor,” she says, adding they often blame ailments on aging. This mindset has become more problematic during the pandemic because it has increased the chances of older adults delaying care because they are concerned about crowded hospitals, or nervous about leaving their home for fear of contracting the virus.

Dr. Norris says it’s a “recipe for disaster,” and that hospitals and doctors’ offices are safe and open to provide care.

“One year into the pandemic, we’ve really developed fantastic ways to mitigate the challenges and we’ve gotten really good at virtual care and at hybrid models.”

Mental and physical health go hand-in-hand

For those older adults in the community who are not experiencing trauma, but are still struggling to manage their mental health and well-being in the pandemic, Dr. Norris says it’s important to remember mental and physical health are connected.

“Being well is a mind, spirit, body affair,” she says.

So while finding ways to socialize safely, whether it’s church over Zoom or visits with grandchildren while following Public Health guidelines, is important for mental health and can be “uplifting” for older adults, it’s also necessary that older adults are caring for themselves physically as well.

“We have to get back to basics: sleep, nutrition, exercise,” she says. “It could just be easy walks. And it’s better to do something than nothing. Even people who are frail, I will tell them: walk five minutes, three times a day after every meal.”

And, of course, physical health means contacting your family doctor if you are experiencing concerning symptoms. Dr. Norris says that could be falling, unexplained weight loss, forgetfulness or new and different pain.

If you need help in an emergency, please call 911 or visit your local emergency department.

If you’re feeling like you’re in crisis or need somebody to talk to, please know that help is also available through community resources:

• Find a local crisis resource at ca/gethelp
• Crisis Services Canada
  • Phone: 24-hour, toll-free 1-833-456-4566
  • Text:45645 (4:00 p.m. – midnight Eastern Time)

The post Older adults face unique health challenges during COVID-19 appeared first on Your Health Matters.

How does spending time on screens affect our eyes?

We know that doing prolonged near work, where you are sitting close to a screen, can promote the development of myopia (nearsightedness) in the growing eyes of young children. This is also true of books or other activities that require close-up work.

Prolonged screen use can also lead to tired or dry eyes. This is because when we concentrate on something, we tend to not blink enough. Blinking is important because it spreads tears evenly over our eyes, and it should happen on average 15 times per minute.

What symptoms indicate there may be reason for concern?

There is nothing inherently dangerous about looking at screens, but if you are noticing changes in your vision, reach out to your doctor. Any loss of vision or significant visual symptoms should be investigated.

Generally, for tired or dry eyes, rest and lubricating eye drops can offer some relief. Using a humidifier in the space where you do most of your online work can also be helpful.

Does the type or size of screen matter?

No. Just make sure the font size is at a comfortable setting to read without straining.

Are there recommendations for the amount of time children or adults should be online every day?

In terms of your eye health, there are no formal recommendations. You may have heard of the 20-20-20 rule, which will definitely help give your eyes a rest: every 20 minutes, look at something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If you are spending significant amounts of time online, you might find that frequent breaks will help give your eyes, and body, a good rest and stretch.

Are certain screen settings better than others?

Some people prefer cutting the glare on their screens by using a filter or choosing settings like night mode, which eliminates blue light. There is no specific setting I recommend to my patients as this is really all about personal preference.

Any other tips?

For everyone, including children as they grow and develop, remember that regular eye exams are important. They are an opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes and to examine the eye for more serious problems.

The post Protecting your eyes from increased screen time appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Along with these dietary changes, many also wonder if they should choose lower fat milk, avoid fried foods or opt for margarine over butter. While choosing foods containing lower levels of fats won’t directly improve blood sugar levels, this can help protect and improve heart health. That’s important because people living with diabetes may be at risk of developing heart disease up to 15 years earlier compared to people who don’t have this condition. Here are some of the reasons why:

Gender
In Canada, women with diabetes are 4 times more likely to develop heart disease due to its connection with hormonal levels during menopause, as diabetes cancels out the protective effect that estrogen provided.

Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance plays a role in the development of diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin is the hormone in our bodies that regulates energy or glucose, and resistance happens when the cells in your muscles, fat and liver don’t respond properly. Over time, your blood sugar levels go up because your body isn’t able to use glucose from your body for energy. Insulin resistance plays a role in the development of plaque in the arteries. If plaque builds up too much, it can lead to blocking the blood vessel, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Diabetes can increase the risk of “bad” cholesterol in the body, and lower the “good” cholesterol, which in turn can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

High blood pressure
Many people with type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. There are likely many factors contributing to both conditions including obesity, a diet rich in fat and salt as well as inactivity.

Inactivity
Physical activity is important for overall general health, and may be especially important if you have diabetes. It can help maintain a healthy weight, keep the heart strong and reduce insulin resistance.

Increased body weight
Insulin therapy can lead to weight gain, as insulin promotes fat storage in the body. In turn, being overweight or obese means your heart has to work harder to do its job, increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiac complications.

Ways to protect your heart

When it comes to diabetes there are many ways to protect your heart, such as having regular check ups with your doctor or endocrinologist to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar A1C to get these levels into health ranges. The target ranges for blood pressure and cholesterol are much lower for people with diabetes, and similar to targets for someone who has already has had a heart attack or stroke. It’s also important to not smoke, and to take any medications as directed.

Coming back to diet, it plays a critical role. Worldwide, diets low in fruits and vegetable are major contributors to the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, and nutrition therapy is an integral part of managing both conditions together. Generally, avoid processed foods as they are normally high in salt, sugar and saturated fat. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, whole grains and lean proteins, while limiting alcohol intake. Be sure to reach out to your diabetes care team for more information and direction.

View the full Speaker Series event here:

The post Managing your heart health with diabetes appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Whether it’s checking your Facebook feed or scrolling through Instagram, there’s no shortage of “stuff” to look at, and it can be easy to lose track of time. Before you know it, 10 minutes of your day — or sometimes way more minutes than you care to admit —are lost forever, thanks to social media.

Breaking up with social media

If you’ve ever felt like taking a social media time out, you’re not alone.

Even social media sensations themselves need a digital detox. Toronto-native YouTube star Lilly Singh announced her decision to take a break from social media and focus on mental health. Over the years, several celebrities have also quit various social media platforms for reasons ranging from too many negative comments or being harassed, hackers or publicity stunts, or just needing a little (or a lot) more privacy.

Why a digital detox can be a good thing

“Taking a break from anything can provide needed time for critical reflection,” says Dr. Jeremy Rezmovitz, a family physician at Sunnybrook. “We can enhance our lives and learning through real world experiences, and by taking the time to think and reflect on our feelings.”

Less time on social media can also help you connect more with people face-to-face.

“Engaging with others, in person, fulfills our senses wholly; it fulfills our needs to physically feel, hear, see, touch and smell,” Dr. Rezmovitz says. “These are primal components to living life fully.”

So, how do you know it’s time to take a time-out from social media?

Dr. Rezmovitz recommends asking yourself these questions: Is social media a problem in my life? Why would I need to take a break? Do I need to turn it off completely, or just turn it down?

The benefits of taking a break from social media

Taking time off of social media, he adds, means freeing up your time for other activities that are good for both brain and body:

1. Mindfulness: being aware of your thoughts and feelings, and being present in the moment
2. Movement: when people are online, they’re often sitting and sedentary. It’s great to get up and move!
3. Opportunity to experience nature
4. More time to learn about yourself
5. More time to sleep

Catching more ZZZs with less social media

“If an individual is experiencing stress, anxiety or strong emotions in the context of social media use, this could also impact their ability to fall asleep,” says Dr. Mark Boulos, a Sunnybrook neurologist and sleep specialist.

Ever scroll through your phone in bed when you should be going to sleep? That could mean not getting enough sleep at night, and that can have an impact on overall health.

“Poor quality sleep could lead to lead to poor energy levels and fatigue throughout the day,” Dr. Boulos explains. “Chronically poor sleep is linked with health consequences such as obesity, motor vehicle collisions, and in the worst case scenarios: stroke, heart attack, or early death.”

To help get a better night’s rest, “We generally encourage people to avoid use of electronic screens in the time leading up to bedtime as this could lead to difficulty falling asleep,” says Dr. Boulos. “Taking a break from social media could help improve sleep by reducing anxiety levels.”

Taking some time away or limiting technology can help boost a person’s mental and physical health. It’s a great way to find more time for yourself and to get more of those lost minutes back — just one of the many benefits of taking a break from social media.

The post Why taking a break from social media can be good for your health appeared first on Your Health Matters.

While these certainly may be great ideas, you might want to re-think how you word it, says Dr. Jeremy Rezmovitz, family doctor on Sunnybrook’s Academic Family Health Team.

“It’s not enough to say ‘exercise’,” he says. “We need to reframe this and ask ‘what are my health goals and how can I achieve them?’”

Dr. Rezmovitz says in his practice, he works with his patients to set ‘training goals’.

Training means approaching lifestyle changes in a structured, measurable and goal-oriented way. It makes Dr. Rezmovitz, as he puts it, “a health coach”.

For example, if a patient is found to have high blood pressure, Dr. Rezmovitz doesn’t simply pull out his prescription pad and call it a day.

“We talk about it,” he says. “What are the benefits to lowering your blood pressure? Do you want lower blood pressure? Do you want to do that with or without medication? Would you change your diet in order to achieve that goal?”

Sustained high blood pressure can put patients at risk of heart attack and stroke. Stress, genetics, diet and low physical activity levels can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.

“So, in the case of high blood pressure, I can’t change your genetics, but we can outline some goals that could help you lower it, if that is your goal,” he said. “If you want to make healthy eating choices, don’t buy potato chips the next time you do your grocery shopping. If you want to eat healthier lunches, plan ahead, pack your lunch and skip the drive-through. Align your actions with your goal. ”

Dr. Rezmovitz recommends talking to your primary care doctor or nurse about your goals, be they around your blood pressure, physical activity level or reducing your risk of illness.

“It’s a real shift in the relationship with your care team,” he says. “Rather than just taking about what ails you today, let’s talk about your overall health and your overall values. Is the way you are living your life matching those values?”

So maybe today you are a few pounds heavier than you’d like to be, he says. But instead of making your goal “lose weight” and then losing heart when you step on a scale, reflect on why you want to lose that weight.

“Maybe you want to lose weight so you can live longer, or you can avoid diabetes or you can reduce your risk of stroke,” Dr. Rezmovitz says. “So then instead of making the goal a negative action — like “lose weight” or “stop eating badly” — reframe it into a positive one: what will you do to make a change?”

And that’s where the training approach comes in, he says.

“Let’s reframe it together: I want to live a long life, free of illness. How can I do that?”

(A version of this post appears as a monthly health column in The Leaside Streeter)

The post Rethink your health goals for better results appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Before you panic (or call your grown children and start nagging, Mom), wait – the yearly check-up for your family doctor to bang your knees with her little hammer or listen to your breathing has kind of gone out the window.

According to Dr. Sharon Domb, Division Head of Sunnybrook’s Academic Family Health Team, research suggests that annual physical visits aren’t exactly necessary or effective at catching disease early or preventing chronic health issues.

But you aren’t off the hook.

“You should still visit your family doctor at least once a year – but the focus for family physicians has shifted toward prevention,” Dr. Domb says.

Here are some tips from Dr. Domb to help you communicate with your doctor on your next annual preventative visit.

Ask ‘Is my screening up-to-date?’

Your doctor will likely ask you this and have access to your records. But you can still start the discussion. For example, sexually active women over age 21 should be having a Pap test every three years. There are other guidelines for cancer screenings. Check Cancer Care Ontario  for more information.

Share your family history.

Your doctor likely took a family history when you had your first appointment (which may have been years ago!) and so things change. Changes in your family members’ health could have an impact on your health. “So, you are 40 years old. You normally wouldn’t have any screening for colon cancer yet,” Dr. Domb says. “But, let’s say your father or sibling has just been diagnosed with colon cancer – those screening recommendations change and so it’s important for your doctor to have all the information.”

Learn more about immunizations.

Your doctor will offer you the standard immunizations but there are also new or optional immunizations (not covered by OHIP) that may be recommended by physicians. For example, the shingles vaccine has been approved and recommended for adults over age 50. (And may soon be funded according to the provincial budget).

Ask your doctor about the latest vaccines that may be recommended for your age or your children.

‘Is there something I can do to my lifestyle to reduce my risk of chronic disease?’

Maybe it’s your weight. Could be your diet. Maybe you have difficulty finding the time or energy to exercise. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent illness. “Do you smoke? Be honest with your doctor. We can give you support to help you quit,” Dr. Domb says.

Ask about Advance Care Planning.

Do your loved ones know your values and wishes in the event of a devastating illness or accident leaves you unable to speak for yourself? Is now a good time to start having those discussions? Your family doctor can help you get advance care planning discussions started. (Visit advancecareplanning.ca for more information)

Remember: Secrets, secrets are no fun. All they do is hurt someone.

When it comes to your health, secrets can hurt you!

Firstly, at your annual visit or during any visit, be open and honest about other remedies you are taking. “It’s generally believed anything ‘natural’ or ‘homeopathic’ is unharmful and therefore, patients often don’t mention them to me,” Dr. Domb says. The truth is, these other remedies can have interactions with prescribed medications. So, share the list with your doctor.

Secondly, tell your doctor about stress and weight changes. “Patients come to me saying, ‘I need to be off work for six months, I can’t handle the stress,’ and when I ask how long it’s been going on they say a year,” Dr. Domb says. “If only they’d have come to me sooner.” Your family doctor can support you before it gets to the point that you are at the end of your rope. A similar situation often occurs with weight changes – if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, talk to your doctor.

Sounds like communication is key when it comes to your annual check-in with your doctor. (Don’t worry Mom, I’ll give my doctor a call!)

If you don’t have a family doctor, visit Health Care Connect.

[toggle title=”Click here to view a plain-text version of the infographic”]

Seeing your family doctor?

At your annual check-up, ask or tell your doctor about:

• Screening and immunizations
• Family history
• Lifestyle
• Advance Care Plan

Secrets can be bad for your health. Talk to your doctor about your

• remedies and supplements
• Weight gain or loss
• Stress level

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A version of this post appears in the Town Crier newspaper in Toronto, Ontario.

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