Dr Cory Couillard

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net A popular type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been linked to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm birth.  A mother’s use of SSRIs during pregnancy has also been found to produce potentially life-threatening health conditions to the newborn. A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction has highlighted new warnings for women’s use of SSRIs during childbearing years.  Depression, infertility and birth defects are far too common and the occurrence continues to grow with no definitive prevention or treatment guidelines.  Are SSRIs the solution? Depression is now estimated to affect 350 million people and fewer than 10 percent receive proper care despite known, effective prevention and treatment techniques.  The diagnosis is more common in females, which can further complicate effective and proactive depression care in ...

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net The number of older persons - defined as aged 60 and over - are growing in virtually every country. There were an estimated 605 million older persons in 2002 and the number of older persons worldwide is expected to reach more than 1.2 billion by 2025. The vast numbers of the aging population is creating a dramatic change in how healthcare professionals view, manage and deliver services.  Prevention and lifestyle modification is proving to be the most effective mechanism to managing one of the leading health condition in aging females – menopause.  Women comprise the majority of the older population in virtually every country, largely because women live longer than men. However, women also tend to manage and take better care of their health.  1 in 3 at risk of fractures Menopause creates special nutritional needs and lifestyle modification techniques to ensure hormonal balance, strong bones, effectiv...

Diabetes is a devastating global public health threat that currently affects 366 million people according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Over 550 million will suffer by 2030 if immediate action is not taken.  November is diabetes awareness month and the IDF leads a global campaign of awareness, education and prevention through the World Diabetes Day (WDD).  WDD is celebrated by over 200 member associations and is active in more than 160 countries.  The World Diabetes Day will help save and improve the lives of millions of people on the 14 th of November 2012.  The comprehensive educational campaigns will help educate the public of what diabetes is, the risk factors and specific lifestyle recommendations that are needed to curb the destructive condition.  The global burden is yours A staggering 50 percent of diabetics do not know that they are diabetic. The nearly silent disease is a leading cause of heart disea...

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net The American Cancer Society reports a record one million new worldwide cases of stomach cancer and 800,000 deaths per year.  Stomach cancer has been found to be the fourth most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death.    It is reported that 1 in 114 men and women are at significant risk of developing stomach cancer at some point in their lives.  Stomach cancers are especially prevalent in the African and Hispanic populations.  Lifestyle induced cancers The risk factors for stomach cancers are very similar to other lifestyle induced cancers.  The leading causative factors include smoking, a poor diet, lack of physical activity and obesity.  Proactive lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a diet rich in vegetables can reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer. Stomach cancers are known to be more prevalent in men over the age of 50, individuals wit...

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Child maltreatment and abuse is a global problem that equates to serious life-long consequences.  The overall health and wellbeing of a child at an early age directly correlates to the health and wellbeing of future generations.  A positive future tomorrow is caused by the actions of today. Approximately 20 percent of women and 5 to 10 percent of men report being sexually abused as children, while 25 to 50 percent of all children report being physically abused according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These trends cannot continue.  To solve this global concern we must start with the education and awareness of what child maltreatment and abuse is defined as.  Maltreatment can impair the physical and mental health of an individual, a family, a community and a nation. What is child maltreatment? Child maltreatment is the abuse and/or neglect of a child that includes but is not limited to a...