Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body. This nerve begins in the lower back, runs through the hips and buttocks, and travels down each leg to just below the knee. In Canada, sciatica is a common condition among people […]
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpes virus family. In Canada, most people are exposed to CMV at some point in their lives, often without realizing it. Healthy individuals usually experience no symptoms or only mild illness. However, CMV can cause more noticeable symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, and
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Ringing or buzzing in the ears is a symptom often associated with tinnitus, a condition where a person hears sounds such as ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or humming without an external source. These sounds may be heard in one or both ears and can be constant or intermittent. In Canada, ringing ears are commonly linked
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation when the head changes position. Symptoms often occur when rolling over in bed, getting up in the morning, or looking upward. In Canada, BPPV is a frequent cause of dizziness, particularly among older adults, and it
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A bruised sternum occurs when the breastbone is injured due to a direct blow or trauma to the front of the chest. The sternum, together with the ribs, protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Because of this, any chest injury should be taken seriously. In Canada, bruised sternums commonly occur during motor
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Some people experience headaches after overeating or eating heavy, rich meals. These headaches are often linked to indigestion, dehydration, or changes in blood flow and digestion rather than a primary headache disorder. While often uncomfortable, these headaches are usually temporary and resolve once digestion improves. Common Symptoms A headache linked to indigestion may include: Dull
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A bruised liver, also known as a liver contusion, occurs when the liver is injured by a strong blow to the torso, causing internal bleeding within the organ. This type of injury is most commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions, falls, or significant blunt trauma which are topics covered in intermediate first aid training. Because
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A blood spot in the eye is most commonly caused by a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which occurs when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the clear surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). This results in a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. Although it can look alarming, many cases are harmless and
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A gunshot wound to the chest is a life-threatening emergency due to the number of vital organs located within the chest cavity, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. Injuries to this area can deteriorate rapidly and require immediate emergency medical care. Gunshot wounds are considered penetrating injuries, meaning the projectile enters the body
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Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that causes painful sores in or around the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, and sometimes the buttocks. The condition mainly affects infants and young children, but adults can also become infected. HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7–10 days and
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