December 2015 - St Mark James Training

Open Water Swimming in Canada: Hazards & Safety Tips for Lakes, Rivers & Oceans

Many Canadians enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Open-water swimming is exciting and refreshing, but natural waterways can introduce risks that indoor pools do not. With proper safety awareness, most risks can be reduced. Jellyfish Stings (Saltwater) In marine areas, jellyfish are a common cause of stings. Most species in Canadian waters are not […]

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Hand care and tetanus protection illustration

Tetanus & Wound Protection in Canada: When a Tetanus Shot May Be Needed

A tetanus shot may be recommended when an injury breaks the skin and vaccination status is unclear or not up to date. Tetanus is rare in Canada due to vaccination, but it can occur when bacteria enter the body through a wound. What Is Tetanus? Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the Clostridium tetani

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Dandruff: What It Is & How Canadians Can Manage It

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes small white flakes to shed from the skin. It’s harmless but can feel embarrassing when flakes fall onto clothing. Mild dandruff is often manageable with simple self-care and over-the-counter products. Everyday Measures That May Help People with mild dandruff often find improvement with gentle changes to scalp

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Insect Bites & Stings in Canada: What to Know & What to Expect

Most insect bites and stings cause a small, itchy bump and may develop a surrounding raised area filled with fluid (called a wheal). In most cases, symptoms improve within several hours and can be safely managed at home. Reactions vary depending on the insect and the individual’s sensitivity. Fleas Flea bites may appear in

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Shoulder inflammation and limited mobility

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): What Canadians Should Know

A frozen shoulder causes pain, limited movement, and gradual stiffness in the joint. The condition progresses slowly and can take months to years to fully resolve. People typically experience shoulder pain for several months, followed by increasing stiffness. Daily tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, driving, or lifting objects may become difficult. In more advanced

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Back Pain: What Canadians Should Know About Treatment Options

Back pain is a common concern in Canada and affects people of many ages and activity levels. Treatment varies depending on how long the pain has been present, how intense it is, and the individual’s goals and preferences. For most people, back pain improves over weeks to months. Short-Term Back Pain (Often Less Than Six

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Psoriasis: Understanding a Chronic Skin Condition

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that causes areas of red, flaky skin covered with silvery scales. These patches most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp, but they can develop elsewhere. For many people, the patches are mild, while others may experience itchiness, discomfort, or periods when symptoms significantly affect daily

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Hay fever and antihistamine treatment breakdown

Antihistamines and Hay Fever: What Canadians Should Know

Many Canadians use antihistamines during allergy seasons to help relieve hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes. If symptoms continue despite treatment, or if allergies begin affecting breathing or day-to-day activities, a healthcare provider may recommend adjustments. Seasonal allergies can also overlap with asthma symptoms for some individuals, so

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Minor Burns: Awareness, Safety & When to Seek Medical Care

Minor burns can happen at home, in the kitchen, during recreational activities, or in Canadian workplaces. Many burns are mild and heal over time, but burns that are large, deep, or located on sensitive areas require medical assessment. Understanding burn severity and safety considerations helps reduce complications. Everyday Minor Burns Common causes include brief

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Chickenpox in Children: Symptoms, Care, and When to Seek Medical Help (Canada)

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Most Canadian children encounter the virus at some point, and while the condition is usually mild, it can be uncomfortable and easily spread to others. What Chickenpox Looks Like The condition typically begins with: Mild fever Tiredness or irritability Itchy red spots that

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