February is Recreation Therapy Month and in honour of the many Recreation Therapists who support patient care at Sunnybrook, let’s set the record straight by addressing some common myths!

Myth #1: Recreation Therapy Is just playing games

Reality: While fun and enjoyment are important in Recreation Therapy, the activities are purposeful and goal-oriented. Whether it’s facilitating adapted sports, music and art programming, meaningful connections or brain aerobics, every program is designed to address the domains of well-being (social, cognitive, physical, spiritual and emotional). Recreation Therapists use specific facilitation techniques to help patients regain or adapt to their new abilities, build confidence and improve their overall quality of life.

Myth #2: Recreation Therapy is not a “real” therapy

Reality: Recreation Therapy is a recognized health-care profession, backed by research and delivered by certified professionals. Recreation therapists use evidence-based, relational practices to address conditions such as brain injuries, strokes, mental health disorders, and chronic illnesses. Recreation Therapy is not an add-on; it’s a vital part of holistic care that complements medical and rehabilitative treatments.

Myth #3: Recreation Therapy is only for children or the elderly

Reality: While Recreation Therapy is widely used in pediatric and geriatric care, it benefits people of all ages. Individuals recovering from surgeries, managing mental health conditions or rehabilitating from injuries can all gain from personalized Recreation Therapy programs. Whether it’s a young adult overcoming anxiety through expressive arts or a middle-aged patient regaining mobility through a variety of active games (e.g., seated volleyball, dance, tennis, Wii Sports, Bocce Ball). Recreation Therapy is for everyone.

Myth #4: Anyone can provide/facilitate Recreation Therapy

Reality: Registered Recreation Therapists of Ontario (R/TRO) and Certified Recreation Therapists (CTRS) are specially educated and trained to assess patient needs and develop tailored programs. They must meet academic requirements by obtaining a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, which included the completion of a 560-hour clinical internship and often obtain professional certification. Their expertise makes sure that their programs are safe, effective and aligned with patient goals.

Myth #5: Recreation Therapy isn’t as important as Physical or Occupational Therapy

Reality: Recreation Therapy works alongside other therapies to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. While physical and occupational therapies focus on specific physical functions, Recreation Therapy addresses emotional, cognitive and social needs. Many patients find Recreation Therapy to be the key to regaining motivation to participate in PT/OT, rediscovering joy and reintegrating into their communities.

Myth #6: Is only for people with severe disabilities

Reality: Recreation Therapy benefits individuals across a wide spectrum of abilities and health conditions. Whether someone is dealing with stress, recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, integrating to a new community, interested in building social connection and beyond, Recreation Therapy offers valuable coping mechanisms and lifestyle adaptations to promote long-term wellness.

What it all comes down to…

Recreation therapy is far more than just fun and games—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool that enhances well-being and recovery. If you or a loved one are receiving Recreation Therapy services, know that each activity is designed with purpose and professional expertise. By breaking these misconceptions, we can better appreciate the role of Recreation Therapy in fostering health, independence and quality of life for patients of all backgrounds. Happy Recreation Therapy Month!

The post Breaking the Myths: What Recreation Therapy Really is appeared first on Your Health Matters.

After experiencing worldwide lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing headlines like “global health emergency” might cause some unease. But what is mpox and how is it spread? We sat down with Dr. Adrienne Chan, infectious disease physician at Sunnybrook, to talk about the rising cases, how mpox is spread, and how people can protect themselves from infection.

What is mpox and how is it spread?

Mpox is a pox virus in the same family as smallpox. It historically was endemic to central and western Africa, but people around the world have become more familiar with it since 2022, when a global outbreak marked the first time there was widespread community transmission outside of Africa.

There are two types of mpox – Clade I and Clade II. The mpox outbreak we have been managing in Canada over the last couple of years has been Clade II, which typically causes a milder infection. WHO’s latest declaration of a global health emergency comes as a result of a new subvariant of the Clade I virus, called Clade 1b. This new subvariant, which had been causing a local outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread across borders within that region over the last few weeks. WHO’s emergency order was declared to help mobilize global resources to more equitably support the response in that region, and also develop a better understanding of the presentation and management of Clade 1b.

As a pox virus, mpox typically causes a painful rash or lesions that begin as flat red spots (that can look like pimples), which turn into blisters and then form a crust. The lesions can occur on the hands, feet, chest and other parts of the body (including the inner part of the mouth, tongue and genitals). The virus can also cause flu-like symptoms like fever, headache and a sore throat.

Mpox is spread in various ways, but the majority of cases we have seen in Canada are from close contact with persons with the disease, like through sexual contact and in household settings. This typically involves skin-to-skin contact with a mpox rash or lesions.

What are some ways people can protect themselves from mpox? Can people get vaccinated against it?

Canada has been able to manage our current Clade II mpox outbreak through a vaccination program and the leadership and engagement of affected communities. Canada has access to a mpox vaccine called Imvamune.

In Ontario, Imvamune is available for those who meet the eligibility critieria defined by the province’s Ministry of Health. We are seeing a slight uptick of local mpox cases in Ontario, and have been encouraging eligible higher risk patients to get vaccinated. Many eligible individuals received a single dose in 2022 and are encouraged to book a second dose now if they have not yet received it, to optimize protection. 

To learn more about booking an mpox vaccination appointment, reach out to your local Public Health unit or sexual health clinic.

Practicing consistent and proper hand hygiene can also play an important role in the spread of infectious diseases like mpox, COVID-19 and the flu.

Are there specific populations that are more vulnerable to mpox?

Individuals who are immunocompromised (including people living with severe HIV), infants and children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are at a higher risk of more severe infections and complications from mpox.

The majority of reported cases of mpox in Canada have been between people who have close, intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus, disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.

Stigma and discrimination make it more difficult to stop the spread of mpox, and can harm the people and communities that experience it.  It’s important to note that anyone can get mpox and although certain communities are currently more affected, there is nothing about the virus that specifically targets people of certain sexual orientations, genders, and races.

Is there anything else people should know about mpox?

It is important to know that travel is not a significant factor for the current increase in mpox cases in Canada, which rather suggests local ongoing community transmission of Clade II mpox.

The current risk of Clade I mpox is low for people in Canada. WHO’s declaration of a Global Health Emergency hopes to see the rollout of 10 million vaccine doses in Africa, an intervention that will be critical in the coming weeks.

Learn more about mpox

If you want to learn more about mpox, there are many helpful resources including:

• Government of Canada – Mpox update
• Ontario Ministry of Health – Mpox
• Public Health Ontario – Mpox
• Toronto Public Health – Mpox vaccination clinics

The post What is mpox? A Sunnybrook doctor tells you what you need to know 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.

In 1998, Canada achieved elimination status for measles thanks to widespread and successful routine vaccination programs. But public health officials are now warning about a significant increase in measles, due in part to a decrease in vaccinations during the pandemic.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer at the Public Health Agency of Canada, says this trend combined with the upcoming spring break travel season is cause for concern.

“I am concerned that the global surge in measles activity, combined with the decline in measles vaccine coverage among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to an increase in imported measles cases, potentially resulting in transmission in communities in Canada,” Dr. Tam said in a statement on February 23, 2024.

“I strongly advise everyone in Canada to be vaccinated with two doses of a measles vaccine, especially before travelling.”

Dr. Jerome Leis is the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He spoke to Your Health Matters about what people need to know about measles at this time.

What is measles?

Measles is a virus that is highly contagious but that fortunately is preventable as part of routine childhood vaccinations.

Before we had vaccines, measles used to cause large outbreaks with devastating complications. Since we started vaccinating for measles, it has almost disappeared. And yet we still see a resurgence of it from time to time, like when vaccine rates are slightly lower because even small differences in vaccine coverage can give measles an opportunity to transmit. It is the most infectious virus that we know.

Common measles symptoms include a respiratory infection with runny nose, inflamed and runny eyes, and a full body rash. These symptoms are generally mild. But measles can cause serious complications. The virus can lead to a bacterial infection like pneumonia. And sometimes the virus can travel to the brain and cause inflammation, called encephalitis, which can be very devastating especially for young children. This can lead to long-term morbidity due to the brain damage.

It is important to remember that these complications are completely preventable through vaccination. It is always unfortunate to see measles resurge when we know we can be doing better.

You said the measles virus is the most infectious virus we know. What makes it so contagious?

The virus has been recognized for a long time to be spread through the air. It can be inhaled in any air space where an infected person has been, often without being in close contact with the individual.

For example, you can be at a distance, you can be in an air space after the infected person has already left, and you can inhale those particles and become infected if you are susceptible. The rate of transmission for susceptible people is significantly higher than any other virus we know.

Why are we seeing more measles cases right now?

I think the major factor that we are seeing here is a pandemic related knock-on effect of the disruptions to primary care that occurred.

Keeping up to date with vaccines was less likely to occur during specific periods of the pandemic when children were not being seen for their regular vaccine appointments. There have been a lot of efforts to catch up on those missed vaccines, but when it comes to measles, even a one percentage drop in vaccine coverage introduces potential opportunity for measles to resurge.

In Europe, they have noticed a drop in vaccination rates and they have seen thousands of cases of measles in the last several months. In the Canadian context and in Ontario, what we are seeing is mostly cases of measles that are related to people who have travelled into those areas where there is more measles circulating.

The risk in Toronto is currently low but there are cases and even clusters of cases that are occurring, mainly following international travel. Most cases are related to people who are susceptible, meaning they have not had the two doses of vaccines required to provide optimal protection.

What is the MMR vaccine and how does it work?

The MMR vaccine is made up of attenuated viruses – meaning they are viruses that are not capable of causing infection but that will elicit a very strong immune response. In the MMR vaccine there are three attenuated viruses: measles, mumps, and rubella.

As part of the childhood vaccine series in Ontario, as in other provinces and territories across Canada, there are two doses of MMR that are given in childhood. And it is the two doses that give optimal long-term protection against measles.

The majority of measles cases we see, however, are people who have had less than two doses.   Getting measles with two doses rarely occurs, but these breakthrough infections can happen. We generally see this when lots of measles is circulating, and these cases are usually milder.

It is clear that two doses of MMR is extremely effective against preventing these infections including measles. You can just look at how infrequent and rare measles has become since widespread vaccination with the two-dose schedule was introduced, as evidence. If vaccination rates decrease even a little, we experience outbreaks of measles.

Which groups are most vulnerable to measles?

Young children are particularly vulnerable to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can have devastating consequences.

Those complications are also more likely to happen in immune-compromised patients such as people who might have an underlying cancer or be receiving immune-suppressant treatment, or who have had an organ transplant. Those individuals may be susceptible and we cannot vaccinate them, so we need others to be vaccinated to protect them.

The other vulnerable group is pregnant people. Measles can cause pregnancy complications if the pregnant person becomes infected. We cannot give the vaccine to pregnant people because it is a live attenuated vaccine, so it is important to vaccinate people before they conceive.

Public health authorities are recommending people ensure they’re up to date on the MMR vaccine, especially if they’re travelling. What should people consider at this time?

If you are planning to travel, it is an opportunity to look at your vaccine record and make sure you are covered, especially if you are going to travel to higher risk areas.

If you have children who might have missed their usual vaccine appointments during the pandemic, or if you have recently come to Canada and might not have had the vaccine schedule that is in place here, or if you are planning to get pregnant in future, it is a good time to talk to your primary care practitioner to make sure you and your family are up to date on your vaccines and as protected as possible.

The post What to know about measles right now appeared first on Your Health Matters.

SMART goals

Serene says she often uses the acronym “SMART” to help guide goal-setting. The letters in the acronym stand for:

S — specific

M — measurable

A — achievable

R — relevant

T — time-bound

It’s important that you have ways to measure whether you’re successful, you’ve considered how your resolutions will tie in to what makes your life meaningful and to set time limits for your goals. And Serene says it’s also key not to try and take on too much.

“Be realistic (set achievable goals),” she says. “January is a hard month for people — it’s darker, it’s winter, it can be overwhelming and can be hard for people to have these big, lofty goals.”

In addition to the SMART goal framework, Serene says you should also make the resolutions or intentions rewarding for yourself.

“A lot of people choose things they’re not sure they like yet,” she says. “Give yourself some time to figure out what workout, what healthy foods or spiritual/meditation practices will work for you. If it’s rewarding and you like it, you’re going to succeed at it.”

Stacking

It’s a tip Serene picked up from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits — “stacking” small habits onto everyday tasks to make them easier to remember.

She gives the example of taking her supplements every morning right after brushing her teeth, or someone who meditates right after pouring their coffee.

“It’s about incorporating these small habits into existing routines, to things you already do every day,” she says.

Be kind to yourself

You might think self-criticism is a good way to motivate yourself, but Serene says research actually shows self-criticism is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, so she says it’s important to speak to yourself kindly and compassionately.

“Change is really hard, and it’s easier if we don’t spend so much energy beating ourselves up about the habits we’re trying to form,” she says.

And while January 1 is a fun time to start a new project or goal, we can take some of the pressure off ourselves if we remember that we can start fresh or adjust our goals and resolutions at any time.

“There’s always a new week or a new month to look forward to, for us to refresh what’s not serving us,” she says.

Reflect on what went well

The beginning of a new year is not only a great time for resolutions and goal setting, but also for reflecting on the previous year and thinking about what went well.

“Think about what you have to be grateful for, and what you’re proud of accomplishing,” Serene says.

The post Tips for keeping those New Year’s resolutions all year long appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Move it! Even though temperatures are still cold, being physically active will help boost both your energy levels and your mood. Indoor exercise can help a lot, so choose something you enjoy and work it into your regular routine. Aim for 30 minutes of more vigorous activity about 5 times per week. If you are dealing with mobility or health issues, talk to your doctor about the best exercises for you.

Get outside. Even in cold temperatures, a brisk walk or short bursts of activity outside can help you feel better. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, and choose areas that are free of ice to prevent slipping. Natural outdoor light can be very beneficial for mood and energy. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, even during the winter months.

Set a routine. Maintaining a regular schedule of getting to bed and waking up in the morning can be helpful all year long. Especially during these short days with dark mornings, sticking to a good routine that allows for proper sleep can help you feel energized throughout the day.

Laugh! It’s an easy and natural way to release feel good chemicals and enjoy your day. Even if you only have a few minutes, queue up a funny podcast, read some jokes or reach out to a friend to create the space to smile.

Eat right. While it may be tempting to reach for calorie-rich comfort foods, opt for fresh produce and healthier options instead. These will give you sustained energy throughout the day and help support an overall balanced lifestyle.

Keep friends close. Remember that you’re not the only one feeling the effects of the shorter and darker days of winter. Stay connected to supportive friends and family, as strong social connections will go a long way in keeping spirits high. 

Get busy. Stay engaged in activities you enjoy and that you can continue to do, no matter the weather. Also, setting achievable goals will help you focus on positive things that are within your control, rather than things that are not, like Mother Nature!

Seek help if needed. While many people feel some negative effects during the winter months, a smaller percentage have a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a recurrent form of depression, and it’s believed that reduced exposure to sunlight triggers hormonal changes in the brain that affect mood. Treatments are available, so be sure to reach out to your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

The post Shedding the winter blahs appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Jessie Gibson, a registered nurse in Sunnybrook’s Tory Trauma Program, knows it isn’t always easy for new nurses or health-care workers to navigate working through the holidays, so she’s sharing some tips on how to keep those traditions, make the season special and find time for what matters without burning yourself out.

Prioritize your most important holiday events

Jessie says everyone’s schedule is going to be different, whether they’re working days or nights, but she says one thing she’s found helpful is to determine ahead of time what traditions, events or days are most important and trying to ensure those happen, even if nothing else does.

“My grandparents, for example, are really big on hosting Christmas Eve, so in that case I might prioritize attending Christmas Eve at my grandparents’, even if it means working on Christmas Day,” she says.

And maybe it’s waking up a little earlier before a shift to participate in a special tradition with family before work, or celebrating on a different day when everyone is available (this can work well if your family members have more flexible schedules).

“I’d say it’s important to pinpoint what’s most important for your family and trying to make those instead of trying to attend every event because that’s just not realistic when you’re working 12-hour shifts,” Jessie says.

Managing disappointment from loved ones

It can definitely be disappointing for family members, and you, if you’re working the holidays for the first time. Jessie says one of the things she’s learned is the importance of open communication with your loved ones.

“If they’re not aware of the health-care system, really explaining that it’s 24/7, 365 days a year. The hospital doesn’t close on Christmas, and there will be people there who still need to be cared for,” she says.

Making time for the most important traditions can help ease some disappointment for everyone. Jessie gives the example of her family’s tradition of baking before the holidays.

“My family does Christmas baking every year, so I’m going to see them this weekend actually, and we’re going to do our baking together,” she says.

It can be difficult to explain to children, but Jessie says explaining that just as they want someone to take care of them when they’re sick, there will be people in the hospital who are sick or hurt and will need someone to take care of them.

And since holiday schedules are often set weeks in advance, that provides an opportunity to discuss with your loved ones what days you’ll be working and begin to set expectations, for them and for you, early.

Remember who make the holidays special 

It can feel as though everyone around you is celebrating their holidays, and you might feel as though you’re missing out because you’re working. But Jessie says there are ways to make the holidays special regardless, which can also help manage those feelings of disappointment.

“I think, first, it’s remembering that it’s not necessarily the day that makes it special, it’s the people,” she says.

It might mean celebrating a bit early or late, depending on your schedule, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep all the same traditions and eat all the same food and celebrate the way you would on the “right” days. And that’s what matters most.

“With the holidays, it’s more about who you’re with than the actual day it’s on, so I think if you’re going to dinner, do it how you always would and if it’s on a different day, that’s fine — you’re still celebrating with your loved ones,” Jessie says.

Cluster your care

When you’re working 12-hour shifts, the long holiday to-do list might feel daunting. How do you buy presents, do your grocery shopping, make all the goodies (along with everything else) without burning out?

“I think, one, online shopping,” Jessie says with a laugh.

As for running errands, she says she uses an approach she’s learned as a nurse called “clustering your care.”

“The idea is, if you have two or three days off, maybe you can run all your errands on one day: pick up your gifts, do your groceries, things like that. And then that leaves you a day for yourself to decompress and rest,” she says.

This won’t be true for everyone, but Jessie says cooking and baking are self-care activities for her, so that helps with the holiday baking or cooking tasks. If they’re not relaxing for you, maybe you don’t need to bake as many treats, or can simplify holidays meals so it’s not overwhelming.

Avoiding burnout is critical, though, so while it’s important to be organized, have a plan and get those tasks done, Jessie emphasizes taking at least a day of your time off to rest and recuperate and take some time for yourself, especially during the busy holiday season.

Don’t forget to care for you

You don’t have to pretend that you’re happy working over the holidays if it’s disappointing for you.

“I think it’s okay to be upset that you’re working over the holidays,” Jessie says. “It’s okay to feel that way, to maybe feel a bit left out of the festivities.”

For health-care workers working their first holiday season, it can be a big adjustment, especially since you get holidays off while in school. If you’re finding it particularly tough, Jessie recommends reaching out to family, to your support system, or a professional to help you manage — because it’s important to take care of yourself.

“Yes, you spend your days taking care of other people and you’re trying to coordinate your holiday schedule to work for everyone, but make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too. It’s really important,” says Jessie.

The post Working the holidays for the first time? An experienced RN has some tips appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Tip 1: Exercise

Regular physical exercise helps maintain mental health and boost our mood. In fact, regular moderate physical exercise has been studied and included in our psychiatry guidelines as an approach to help treat depression.

Tip 2: Sleep

Good sleep habits can help improve our mood and prevent mental illness. One third of our lives is spent sleeping, so learning good sleep habits is definitely worthwhile.

Tip 3: Balanced Thinking

We can change our mood by changing how we think. If we notice we are having all or nothing thinking (for example,  “nothing goes my way”, or, “no one likes me”), practice making those thoughts more balanced by seeing the other side of things (“some things don’t work out for me but other things do”, or, “some people like me while others don’t like me”).

This is a key component of cognitive behavioural therapy and can actually help us start to change our moods to become less depressed or anxious and more positive and balanced.

The post Top 3 tips for maintaining mental health appeared first on Your Health Matters.

How is this year’s flu season different?

This year, we are really dealing with a triple threat as COVID, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  —  a respiratory infection that most commonly affects young children — and Influenza are all circulating. When travel was suspended earlier in the pandemic, we didn’t see a lot of flu cases, but it’s now back to the seasonal epidemic that we see every winter. This was predicted based on the experience in the southern hemisphere earlier in 2022, and we expect that this will be the most challenging flu season since 2017.

Are flu and COVID symptoms the same?

Both the seasonal flu and COVID are respiratory diseases caused by different viruses. Many of the symptoms are similar, including headache, cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, fatigue and muscle aches. Some symptoms, like a new loss of smell or taste, are likely more indicative of COVID infection, but that can only be confirmed through testing.

While many people recover from the flu within 3 to 5 days, like COVID, it poses a major health risk for others. Those with existing health issues are at higher risk for more serious complications. Flu can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure and can precipitate serious health problems like a heart attack – all of which can cause death.

When are you contagious with the flu?

People can spread the flu one day before they even experience symptoms, but most are contagious in the first three to four days of feeling ill. If you’re not feeling well, stay home. Not only will that give you a chance to rest and recover, but it will safeguard against the spread of illness to others including coworkers and the community.

How can I best prevent the flu?

Most importantly, get vaccinated. We know that the flu and bivalent COVID vaccines can be safely given at the same time, and both are well matched against the currently circulating strains. Stay home if you are symptomatic to both speed your recovery and protect others from illness. The final layer of protection is wearing masks and performing hand hygiene indoors. Both have been shown to reduce transmission of flu and other respiratory viruses in the community.

What are the best flu treatments?

For most people, the treatment is supportive care. That means staying hydrated with simple fluids like water and getting as much rest as possible. Over the counter medications, like acetaminophen, can help ease symptoms like aches and fever. Your local pharmacist can help guide through possible options for your specific symptoms. People who are at risk of more severe complications from flu should connect with their doctor to see if prescription medications may be appropriate to take.

The post Protecting yourself from seasonal flu appeared first on Your Health Matters.

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.

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