March 2016 - St Mark James Training

Bloating After Eating Fish or Shellfish: Allergy, Intolerance, or Just Digestion?

Fish and shellfish are nutrient-dense, low in saturated fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids — but some Canadians experience uncomfortable bloating or digestive symptoms shortly after eating them. Bloating itself is harmless, but it’s disruptive and can make people avoid otherwise healthy foods. The most common causes include food intolerance, digestive sensitivity, or (less […]

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Cashews: Nutrition, Allergy Risks & Side Effects

Cashews are native to South America and technically seeds (not true nuts). They provide healthy fats and approximately 5 g of protein per ounce, making them a popular “healthy snack” option in moderation. Despite these benefits, cashews are also associated with significant allergic reactions, possible drug interactions, and issues for individuals who need to limit

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Rotator Cuff Injury, Weight Training & Safe Recovery

What is the Rotator Cuff? The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that keep the shoulder stable, allowing it to move in multiple planes. The shoulder joint has one of the widest movement ranges in the body, making it vulnerable to strain, tears, and overuse injuries. Common causes include: Wear & tear from

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Knee Pain After Kicking a Ball: Causes, First Aid & Prevention

Soccer is one of the most popular sports and recreational activities in Canada — from youth/community leagues to adult rec teams and corporate wellness programs. While generally safe, knee pain after kicking a ball is common, often linked to repetitive motion, strain, or overuse of the knee joint and surrounding muscles. Understanding what causes

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Foods That May Worsen Knee Pain: What Canadians Should Know

Knee pain linked to gout, arthritis, injury or sport can disrupt daily living—from playing pickup hockey or soccer to performing physical work duties or simply walking comfortably. While there is no definitive medical proof that diet alone worsens knee pain, many Canadians report symptom flare-ups after eating certain foods. For individuals with workplace roles involving

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Chest Pain While Running in Cold Weather: What Canadians Should Know

Running is a popular recreational activity across Canada—from urban trails in Vancouver to winter jogging in Ottawa or Montreal. While it offers cardiovascular benefits, some runners experience unexpected chest discomfort, especially when exercising outdoors in cold temperatures. Chest pain during exercise should never be ignored. Understanding possible causes helps determine when to stop activity,

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Karate: Why do I experience knee pain?

Karate is a popular martial art in Canada for both kids and adults. While head impacts and bruises are often talked about, knee pain during or after training is also very common. The knees absorb repetitive force from kicks, pivots, stances, and explosive movements — all of which can irritate muscles, tendons, and ligaments if

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Foot Pain & Swelling — Causes, Injuries & First Aid (Canada)

Foot pain and swelling are extremely common because every step places significant stress on the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the feet. Symptoms can affect any area—from the heel to the toes—and may be caused by acute injury, repetitive strain, or overuse. In Canada, these injuries are frequently seen in workplace settings, sports, and

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Bone Spurs in the Shoulder: Symptoms, Treatment & When to Seek Care (Canada)

Bone spurs in the shoulder often form due to osteoarthritis, natural age-related wear, repetitive strain or previous injuries. These bony growths form as the body attempts to stabilize or protect the joint. While some individuals experience no symptoms, larger spurs may compress nerves, irritate soft tissues or reduce joint space—leading to pain and mobility limitations.

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Carotid Stenosis: Symptoms, Stroke Risk & When to Seek Emergency Care (Canada)

Carotid stenosis occurs when the carotid arteries in the neck become narrowed, often due to atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of plaque on arterial walls. These arteries supply the brain with oxygenated blood, so narrowing can significantly impact brain function. If blood and oxygen delivery become restricted, brain cells can become damaged or die, leading

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