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Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks. In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu triggered the development of new vaccines, which were speedily introduced and given to many at the height of the pandemic. In 2010, researchers from Sweden and Finland reported a link between narcolepsy and a H1N1Continue reading “Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children”

Tips for a thinner Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend, Canada! Below are a few tips for an enjoyable and healthier Thanksgiving. 1) Are there any foods we should avoid during the festive season? As a general guideline, foods that are deep fried, batter-coated, starchy (such as breads, pasta, rice, potatoes) or drenched in a cream sauce or gravy should be avoided.Continue reading “Tips for a thinner Thanksgiving”

Hair loss: possible causes and what you can do about it

Your hair doesn’t just affect your looks- it’s also often an indicator of your health. The average person loses 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the normal hair growth cycle, and with around 100,000 hairs on your head, this amount of hair loss should not be noticeable. Noticeable hair loss or thinningContinue reading “Hair loss: possible causes and what you can do about it”

PCOS and fertility- how natural medicine can help

The problem with PCOS Women with PCOS don’t ovulate regularly, resulting in irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of period) and infertility. They may have high levels of testosterone which lead to acne, excessive facial/ body hair growth and head hair loss. On their pelvic ultrasound, ovarian cysts resembling a “string of pearls” can be seen. They alsoContinue reading “PCOS and fertility- how natural medicine can help”

Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed

When your child’s temperature rises, your stress levels may rise as well. A fever is not an illness, but rather a signal from the body that something is not right. Experts say that in healthy kids, fevers usually don’t indicate anything serious. In fact, a fever is a good thing in a way- This spike inContinue reading “Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed”

Breastfeeding: giving your newborn “liquid gold”

August 1st to 7th marked the annual World Breastfeeding Week. In Hong Kong, the statutory maternity leave lasts only 10 weeks, forcing many new moms back to work when the baby is not yet 3 months old. But fortunately, numerous moms decide to extend their maternity break with annual leave or non-paid leave to spend moreContinue reading “Breastfeeding: giving your newborn “liquid gold””

News alert: New Zealand milk powder products (including infant formula) contaminated with botulism bacteria

New Zealand’s Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy exporter, issued a warning yesterday that some of its products used in infant formula and sports drinks may contain a bacteria that causes botulism, which can lead to severe food poisoning, paralysis and even death. According to Fonterra, it sold New Zealand-made whey protein concentrate contaminated with the ClostridiumContinue reading “News alert: New Zealand milk powder products (including infant formula) contaminated with botulism bacteria”

Calcium and lactose intolerance

Calcium is an essential nutrient necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. It is also helpful in preventing heartburn, premenstrual syndrome and other ailments. For adult women and men, you should aim to get 1000mg of calcium each day. If you are pregnant, you should be getting 1300mg of calciumContinue reading “Calcium and lactose intolerance”

Throat cancer linked to oral sex

So, what exactly is the link between throat cancer and oral sex? In a recent interview, American actor Michael Douglas admitted that his throat cancer may have been caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV, transmitted through oral sex. HPV is a virus that is spread through physical, oral or genital contact. There areContinue reading “Throat cancer linked to oral sex”

Ear infections: are antibiotics necessary?

Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common infections among children, affecting 3 in 4 kids by the time they are three years old. Concerned parents are often eager to go to the doctor for antibiotics right away. But are antibiotics always necessary? What parents may not be awareContinue reading “Ear infections: are antibiotics necessary?”