Charley Horse (Muscle Spasm): Causes, Relief, and Prevention A charley horse is the common name for a sudden, involuntary muscle spasm. It can affect almost any muscle in the body, but it most often occurs in the legs, especially the calf muscles. These spasms cause intense tightening of the muscle that may last several […]
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Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning: Risks, Symptoms, and Safety Awareness Carbon tetrachloride is a highly toxic, man-made chemical that was once used in refrigerants, dry-cleaning agents, pesticides, and industrial cleaners. Because of its serious health risks, it is no longer used in most household products in Canada, but it may still be encountered in certain industrial or
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Hydrocarbon Poisoning: Symptoms, Risks, and Emergency Care Hydrocarbon poisoning occurs when substances such as fuels, solvents, or petroleum-based products are inhaled or swallowed. These products are commonly found in items like gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinners, and certain cleaning or industrial products. In Canada, hydrocarbon exposure is a serious safety concern—especially for young
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Mothball Poisoning: Risks, Symptoms, and Safe Handling Mothballs are classified as pesticides and are designed to slowly release toxic vapours that repel insects. Some types contain naphthalene, a chemical that can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or handled improperly. Even products marketed for household use can pose serious health risks—especially to children and pets. This
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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