July 2016 - Page 2 of 3 - St Mark James Training

Clostridium perfringens Food Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Clostridium perfringens food poisoning is caused by infection with Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, as well as in soil and areas contaminated by feces. In Canada, this type of food poisoning is often linked to improperly cooked or stored foods, particularly during large meals, catered events, or […]

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Chickenpox (Varicella): Symptoms, Spread, and Care for Children

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Before routine vaccination, it was very common in childhood. In Canada, widespread immunization has greatly reduced cases, but chickenpox can still occur—especially in children who have not been vaccinated. Chickenpox most often appears in late winter and early spring. Symptoms usually develop 10

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Ragweed Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers, and Seasonal Prevention

Ragweed allergy is a common cause of seasonal allergy symptoms in Canada, especially as late summer transitions into early fall. People affected often experience sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes—symptoms commonly associated with hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Ragweed plants grow easily across Canada, including along roadsides, vacant lots, fields, and urban areas,

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Allergy Testing in Children: When, Why, and What Parents Should Know

Allergy testing isn’t just for adults. In some situations, children—including infants—may benefit from allergy testing to help identify triggers and guide safer symptom management. Many allergy medications are approved for use starting at six months of age, which makes early identification of allergies especially helpful. This article is intended for general education and family health

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Hives (Urticaria): What Canadians Should Know for First Aid and Workplace Safety

Hives—medically known as urticaria—are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on the skin. Many Canadians assume hives are always caused by food allergies or products like soap or detergent. While allergies can be a trigger, hives are often linked to other causes, including infections, stress, medications, and underlying health conditions. From a first aid

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Animal Dander and Asthma: First Aid and Workplace Safety Awareness for Canadians

Animal dander is produced by all furred and feathered animals. For Canadians living with asthma, exposure to animal dander can significantly worsen symptoms and make asthma more difficult to control—particularly for those who are highly sensitive. From a first aid, CPR, and workplace safety perspective, understanding animal dander allergies is important because asthma flare-ups can

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Herniated Disc Injury: First Aid Awareness and Workplace Safety in Canada

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae rupture or bulge outward. This most often affects the lower back (lumbar spine) because it supports much of the body’s weight and absorbs stress from lifting, bending, and twisting. In Canadian workplaces—especially those involving manual labour,

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Persistent Cough: First Aid Awareness, Workplace Safety, and When to Seek Help in Canada

A persistent cough is a common symptom with many possible causes. While coughing helps clear the airways, a cough that won’t go away can disrupt sleep, strain chest muscles, cause fatigue, and interfere with daily activities at home, school, or work. From a first aid and workplace safety perspective, a persistent cough matters because it

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Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis): First Aid Awareness and Emergency Response in Canada

Coughing up blood—medically known as hemoptysis—can be frightening to witness and alarming for the person experiencing it. Blood may appear mixed with mucus or phlegm and often looks frothy or bubbly, which usually indicates it is coming from the airways or lungs rather than the mouth or stomach. From a first aid, CPR, and workplace

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Rib Stress Fracture: First Aid Awareness for Athletes and Physically Demanding Work in Canada

A rib stress fracture is an overuse injury that develops when repetitive, low-impact stress gradually weakens the bone faster than it can repair itself. Unlike a sudden traumatic fracture, a stress fracture forms over time due to repeated strain, making it harder to recognize early. While less common than stress fractures in the legs or

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