Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS), you’re not alone, as an estimated 5 million Canadians suffer from it, while an estimate 120,000 Canadians are diagnosed with IBS each year, therefore making it one of the more common disorders of the digestive system. In fact, Canada is said to have one of the highest diagnosis rates of IBS in the world.

Most individuals diagnosed with IBS are under the age of 50, though it can affect older adults as well. IBS affects everyone different. It can be a mild inconvenience for some, while for others it can be severely debilitating and have a negative impact on many aspects of their life – from emotional wellbeing, to the ability to socialize, as well as one’s professional life (i.e. work or school.) This is because symptoms of IBS can be unpredictable. One can develop diarrhea, while another may have constipation. These two symptoms may also often alternate. One of the most common symptoms that may be indicative of IBS is abdominal pain…particularly if that pain is relieved after a bowel movement. Symptoms of IBS are generally easily recognizable, so it is not a difficult condition to diagnose. In addition to the symptoms of IBS, it’s also not uncommon for individuals with IBS to also suffer from other chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, dyspepsia, chest pain, urinary or other gynecological symptoms, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

What causes IBS is unknown, though it’s suspected that it is a result of a disturbance in which the way the gut, brain, and nervous system interact with one another.

Along with paying attention to the symptoms in which the patient is experiencing, Dr. Ali Ghahary may also refer them for other diagnostic testing. These may include a blood test, stool test, colonoscopy, barium enema, and other miscellaneous tests – many of which are done to rule out any other gastrointestinal related problems other than IBS.

Once a patient has received a firm diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it’s all about managing the symptoms. Because IBS is a chronic condition, it’s not something that can do away. There are, however, things you can to do relieve the discomfort and improve your quality of life. As abdominal pain is a common symptom associated with IBS, taking an antispasmodic or probiotic prior to meals may provide short-term relief of pain, especially after eating meals. If you suffer from constipation, taking a soluble fibre supplement may help – though in some cases you may also need to take a laxative. Alternatively, if you suffer from diarrhea, a medication known as loperamide will be beneficial. It’s also a good idea to talk with your physician about changing your diet, as this can also help with gas and bloating, both of which are also common in patients with IBS. 

For more information on IBS, visit AboutIBS.org.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a very common health condition that currently affects an est. 800,000 Canadian woman, and even more women on a worldwide scale. While it is most commonly found in females between the ages of 25 and 40, it does not discriminate, and symptoms of endometriosis can also be present in teenagers – it has even been reported in girls as young as 12 years of age. 

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus and becomes trapped, resulting in persistent and oftentimes severe abdominal and/or pelvic pain, painful periods, as well as infertility. While there is no known cause of endometriosis, many health experts are in agreement that there are several factors that can play a role in the development of endometriosis, such as genetic and hormonal reasons. Women are also at a higher risk of developing endometriosis if it runs in their families – for example, a blood relative, such as a sister or mother.

There are many health conditions that can mimic the symptoms of endometriosis, such as ovarian cysts, STI’s, pelvic inflammatory disease, or urinary and bowel problems. In order to accurately diagnose endometriosis, it is important for Dr. Ali Ghahary to rule out these or any other conditions with symptoms similar to that of endometriosis. 

In order to confirm endometriosis, a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy is often performed by a medical specialist (such as a gynecologist or OB/GYN.) To perform a laparoscopy, the patient is put to sleep under general anesthesia. A tiny incision (or incisions) is then made, and a small, telescope-like tube, known as a laparoscope, is then inserted into the skin. If endometriosis is present, the surgeon will be able to see patches of endometrial tissue.

Upon confirmation of endometriosis, your family physician and/or specialist will determine the best course of treatment for you, and will often base the treatment on the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. In mild cases of endometriosis, it’s highly recommended that patients try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before moving on to stronger pain relief medications. If you aren’t planning to get pregnant, oral contraceptives can also be helpful in reducing pain. However, if symptoms are severe or if fertility is an issue for you, then the patient may opt for alternative treatment methods – including the use of fertility drugs, and sometimes even surgery.

More information on endometriosis, including support groups as well as details on upcoming events to help raise awareness about this condition, can be found via the Endometriosis Network of Canada.

Mental Health Week

Visit Dr. Ali Ghahary's blog on Wordpress where you can find out more information on mental health & addiction in Canada.

http://alighahary.wordpress.com

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in Canada

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in Canada. For more information on Parkinson's disease and how you can get involved in the campaign, visit Dr. Ali Ghahary's website at http://www.alighaharyvancouver.ca/blog.

The Integumentary System

The integumentary system, compromised of the skin and its appendages such as hair, nails and exocrine glands, is responsible for acting as a barrier and protecting our bodies from any damage or disease, in addition to regulating body temperature. The skin consists of three layers: the top layer of skin known as the epidermis, the middle layer of skin known as the dermis, and the deepest layer of skin known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue. 

In this article, Dr. Ali Ghahary will discuss the common disorders associated with the integumentary system, including the signs and symptoms to watch for.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the leading types of cancers in the world today, affecting more than 80,000 Canadians each year. Skin cancer occurs when normal skin cells change and form a mass known as a tumor. 

There are three major types of skin cancer:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of diagnoses. Basal Cell Carcinoma is usually a result of overexposure to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With BCC, patients may first notice changes in their skin such as an odd growth, changes in appearance of moles, skin wounds that do not heal and/or skin irritation. Basal Cell Carcinoma commonly affects the nose but it can also affect other areas of the body including the back, beck, chest, shoulders and head.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the formation of a malignant tumour affecting the middle layer of skin, also known as the dermis. Similar to Basal Cell Carcinoma, you may notice changes to the skin including growths on the lips, mouth, tongue or genitals. Neglect of this condition can cause the cancer to spread. Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma is depending on the size of the tumour…however, the cure rate is high if treated early.

3. Malignant Melanoma

This is a less common form of skin cancer – however, it is the most aggressive and can be fatal due to its high tendency to spread to various parts of the body. Malignant Melanoma occurs when cells called the melanocytes grow out of control and form tumours.

Other diseases and disorders of the skin include congenital skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, bacterial skin conditions such as rosacea and impetigo, viral skin conditions such as warts and herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and fungal conditions such as boils and folliculitis. For more information on skin conditions and diseases, visit the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance website at http://www.canadianskin.ca.

You can also follow Dr. Ali Ghahary on Twitter at @DrAliGhahary.

Chronic Sinusitis

Scan showing sinuses/sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis, also commonly referred to as Rhinosinusitis, is a recurring condition causing inflammation of the nasal passages in addition to mucus buildup, causing a vast array of symptoms. Chronic sinusitis has a reported prevalence of 5% in Canada, which increases with age, as well an increased prevalence in individuals with other chronic health conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.) 

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis, the common cold and allergies can all be similar. Each of these conditions can cause the patient to have a congested or runny nose, headache, cough, ear pain/pressure, and even fatigue. When trying to determine whether you have chronic sinusitis, Vancouver physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary will perform routine examinations by checking to see if you have tenderness in the nose or face and will also ask if you have discolouration of nasal discharge or nasal obstruction, which may oftentimes be indicative of a sinus infection. To confirm a suspect sinus infection, your physician may give you a requisition for an X-Ray, which can often be done by walking into any Radiology clinic without any appointment necessary, or send you for a CT Scan or MRI, which is typically done by appointment at any Vancouver or Lower Mainland hospital. These kinds of imaging scans will help to detect deep inflammation within the sinuses as well as confirm whether or not any infection is present, and will help guide your physician on the appropriate treatment required.

Nasal Polyps

Causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps (growth of tissue that blocks the sinuses and/or nasal passages), a deviated or damaged septum (restricts or blocks the nasal passages), and respiratory infections (can be viral, bacterial or fungal.) Other medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux and other immune system related disorders have also been linked to the development of chronic sinusitis. You are also at a greater risk of developing chronic sinusitis if you have asthma or are exposed to pollutants such as smoke (or secondhand smoke.) Serious complications of chronic sinusitis include vision problems, potential or complete loss of your sense of smell, and meningitis.

Treatment of chronic sinusitis is dependent on the symptoms and their level of severity. If less than 7 days, chronic sinusitis is typically treated symptomatically; with intranasal corticosteroids (such as Nasonex) being prescribed in effort to help reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms you may be experiencing. Other treatment may include immunotherapy (allergy shots) to decrease the body’s reaction to certain allergens. If you are non-responsive to treatment or if the duration of symptoms is greater than 7 days (in addition to imaging showing a present infection), the likelihood of a bacterial infection increases and physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary will then consider prescribing antibiotics to the patient. In recurring cases, as well as with persisting severe symptoms, a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in Vancouver (or the surrounding area) may be required to determine if any further treatment, such as Endoscopic sinus surgery, is necessary. Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually done as a last resort when treatment has not been effective, and will remove any inflamed tissue or nasal polyps, as well as enlarge narrow sinus openings to help sinus drainage.

Common Types of Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are a common condition that can affect both adults and children. Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea are the most common, recurrent skin conditions that are found in adults; Chicken Pox, Measles, Heat Rash, Hives, and Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease are the most common skin conditions that affect children.

A skin rash can also be the result of an allergic reaction – usually the result of a food or medication – with the rash typically appearing within 30 to 40 minutes of consumption or contact with the allergen.

For specific information on food allergies, visit https://alighahary.wordpress.com.

Psoriasis

While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is thought to have genetic predispositions as well as environmental factors. Stress has also been said to play a significant role in the flare-ups of psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause small patches of red, scaly, flaky and crusty skin that can be itchy and/or sore. It commonly occurs on the knees, elbows, scalp or lower back, but can appear almost anywhere on the body.

Psoriasis

Eczema

Similar to Psoriasis, Eczema can also cause itchy, scaly skin. It affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of infants and 3 to 5 percent of adults. The cause of Eczema is also unknown but it has been linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system, usually to an irritant.

Eczema

Rosacea

Unlike Psoriasis and Eczema, Rosacea does not typically cause itching. Instead, the main symptom of Rosacea is inflammation causing burning, redness and/or flushing of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It can also cause soreness or burning of the eyes. Rosacea can worsen over time if left untreated, so it is important to see your physician if you suspect you have Rosacea to get appropriate treatment.

Rosacea

With many of these skin conditions, Dr. Ali Ghahary will prescribe lotions or creams to reduce the symptoms. The most commonly prescribed lotion is hydrocortisone, which works by reducing inflammation of the skin.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Affecting up to as many as 200,000 Canadians each year, Deep Vein Thrombosis (commonly referred to as DVT) is a condition that occurs when blood clots form in the veins located in your body – typically affecting the thigh or lower leg. However, it is not unlikely for them to also develop in other areas of the body.

DVT usually occurs most commonly in Canadian adults aged 50 or older, and can be the result of many risk factors and health conditions that change how blood moves throughout your veins, such as injury to the veins, obesity, smoking, birth control pills, hormonal therapy, smoking, and staying seated for long periods of time. Certain forms of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and heart failure have also been found to be linked to Deep Vein Thrombosis, and it can also occur as a result of pregnancy due to an increase in hormone levels and slower blood flow as the uterus expands. The increased risk of developing DVT can last as many as 6 weeks after giving birth. Certain surgical procedures can also lead to the development of DVT, so it is important to talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of surgery.

Dr. Ali Ghahary, a physician in Vancouver, treats patients with DVT based on the symptoms they present with. However, not all individuals with Deep Vein Thrombosis are even aware that they have this condition, as symptoms usually only occur in approximately half of individuals with DVT. The most common symptoms of DVT include swelling in extremities such as the ankles, legs, or feet, cramping or severe and unexplained pain, skin that feels warm to the touch or an area of skin turning blue or reddish in colour. One complication of DVT is known as a Pulmonary Embolism, a life-threatening condition that results in arteries in the lungs being blocked. Signs and symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism include dizziness, sweating, chest pain, fast breathing, rapid heart rate and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.

As mentioned, Deep Vein Thrombosis is usually diagnosed in combination with the symptoms patients present with. Dr. Ali Ghahary and other Vancouver physicians may order tests such as an ultrasound study, venogram, MRI, and a blood test known as a d-dimer. If you are diagnosed with DVT, medications such as Heparin or Warfarin may be prescribed. These medications help to thin the blood, thus making it difficult for the blood to clot and decrease the risk of developing blood clots in the future. If blood thinners are not successful, you may be given medication known as a Thrombolytic drug via intravenous. Thrombolytic therapy works to break up blood clots. 

To prevent DVT, it is important to make certain lifestyle changes. These changes include smoking cessation, weight loss, and physical activity. 

Ear Infections in Children

Dr. Ali Ghahary is an experienced physician in Greater Vancouver, practicing at Burnaby’s Brentwood Medical Clinic – a combined family practice and walk-in clinic – where he sees patients ranging in age from elderly to infants. Children have accounted for over 80% of doctor visits in North America in the last year alone, with 5 out of 6 children in Canada having had at least one ear infection before they turn 3 years old, and it is one of the leading reasons for a parent to take their child to see a physician.

As most ear infections in children occur before they are able to fully speak, it is important to watch out for the signs and symptoms that may indicate that your child has developed an ear infection. These signs and symptoms include pain, constant tugging at the ears, unusual fussiness, difficulty sleeping, difficulty with balance, trouble hearing, and a fever.

Children are more prone to developing ear infections than adults due to their immune systems not being fully developed, thus making them unable to fight infections as well as adults. Eustachian tubes in children are also smaller than those in adults, which makes the drainage of ear fluid also difficult. Ear infections usually develop in children as a secondary infection and are commonly the result of a child having had a cold or other upper respiratory infection.

There are three types of ear infections, all with varying symptoms. The most common form of ear infection is Acute Otitis Media (AOM). AOM affects the middle ear, and usually results in it being swollen, causing fluid to get trapped behind the eardrum. A child with AOM will notice pain and may develop a fever. The second most common form of ear infection is Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). OME typically happens once an ear infection has been treated and is no longer present, but results in fluid remaining trapped behind the ear drum. There are usually no symptoms present with OME. Lastly, Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME). This is a result of fluid remaining in and failing to drain from the middle ear, even when there is no infection present. However, Chronic Otitis Media can make it difficult to treat new ear infections that may develop, and can also have a significant impact a child’s hearing.

In order to diagnose whether or not your child may have an ear infection, Vancouver physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary will ask a child’s parent or guardian a series of questions about their general health, and will also look in the child’s ear using a lighted instrument scientifically known as an Otoscope. Upon inspection, if the eardrum looks swollen or red, that is usually indicative that an infection is present. To treat the infection, Vancouver physicians will prescribe a course of antibiotics for 7 to 10 days – usually Amoxicillin – as well as recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to help reduce pain, inflammation and ever. In cases where the physician is unable to make a definitive diagnosis of an infection, they may require that you wait a couple of days to see if the child’s symptoms improve. If the child is not better within 48 to 72 hours, then antibiotic therapy will be started. Once antibiotic therapy has begun, your child should begin to feel better within a few days time. If your child is still feeling unwell after approximately 3 days of being antibiotics, it is important to let your physician know as they may need to prescribe a different antibiotic.

In order to prevent ear infections it is important to practice good hygiene including frequent hand washing. It is also a good idea to get your child vaccinated against the flu, and to ensure that they are not around other sick children. For more information on the flu vaccine and ways to prevent bacterial infections, click here. Dr. Ali Ghahary can also be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Psoriasis Exacerbated by Cooler Weather

As summer comes to a close in just over two weeks, cooler temperatures and a change in the weather will soon follow suit – and the colder the season, the drier, itchier and inflamed the skin can become.

Psoriasis, a common autoimmune disorder that affects as many as 1 million Canadians and 125 million individuals, manifests itself as a skin problem. With Psoriasis, skin may feel itchy and/or sore and appear scaly and/or red. While the exact cause of Psoriasis is unknown, a combination of genetics and certain triggers (such as stress) are likely to play a part in the disorder; and while family physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary may need to prescribe medication to individuals with Psoriasis, there are also some steps you can first try in order to help sooth the skin as well as prevent flare-ups of the disorder. The following steps are also beneficial to anyone who might be suffering from dry skin.

First and foremost, individuals suffering from dry skin should moisturize daily. Moisturizer will not only leave your skin feeling smoother and softer, but also help to prevent irritation. The thicker the moisturizer, the better, as it well help to lock water into the skin, leaving it moist. If you have sensitive skin then you should make sure you use products that are perfume and lanolin-free. Cleansing skin is also important, but make sure you do not overdo it as you may actually wind up stripping the skin of its natural moisturizing factors. 15-minute oatmeal or Epsom salt baths will also help to sooth dry, irritated skin.

Protecting exposed areas of the skin while out in cold, windy weather is another important factor as Psoriasis can oftentimes be exacerbated by the cooler elements. When outdoors you should always wear soft, warm layers of clothing, as well as hats, gloves and scarves.

If you find that following these steps do not improve the skin’s appearance, you should talk with your doctor so that an effective treatment plan can be put into place.

Cases of Melanoma Growing Rapidly in Canada

On average, an estimated 500 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each day. Out of each type of cancer that exists, Melanoma is one of the fastest rising cancers in the country. As many as 6,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with Melanoma; 3,700 of those diagnosed are men, while 3,100 are women.

Melanoma occurs when the skin has been exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation – either from natural sunlight or other forms of UV radiation such as tanning beds – which causes a change in the skin cells. As a result, a malignant tumour or tumours will form in the melanocytes. The melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of your skin and eyes. Keeping the skin protected at all times is important. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is culpable in protecting the skin from injury, infection and sunlight. The skin is also plays an essential role in keeping your body temperature under control by ridding itself of bodily waste via the sweat glands. Malignant tumours can also oftentimes metastasize to different parts of the body, and it is not limited to just the skin. Albeit rare, Melanoma can be found anywhere in the body that melanocytes are present, including the mucosal tissue (Mucosal Lentiginous Melanoma), internal organs, and the eyes (Intraocular Melanoma.)

The most common and earliest symptoms that an individual with Melanoma may present with is changes to otherwise normal-looking skin or moles. While it is not uncommon to have moles (the average person has as little as 10 moles and as many as 40), they should not change in size, shape or colour, be more than 6mm in length, or feel itchy or painful. Late signs of Melanoma include enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms, feeling out of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

While Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, taking some straightforward protective measures against ultraviolet radiation can also help to prevent it. If spending a protracted amount time outdoors, you should always ensure that you have the proper protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wearing sunglasses and other protective articles of clothing, applying sunscreen and staying in the shade are all crucial factors in avoiding Melanoma. For more information on how you can avoid other heat-related illnesses, read Dr. Ali Ghahary's article on summer health and safety tips.

UV Protection

Nice weather is always a great excuse to get outdoors and be active. However, you should always ensure that you are taking extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness and other health problems associated with overexposure to UV rays. Below is a look at some further insight and recommendations from Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician at Brentwood Medical Clinic in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Firstly, it is important to know the difference between the types of UV radiation that exist. While UVC rays are the strongest, they are the least concerning as the ozone layer prevents them from reaching the earth. On the other hand, UVA and UVB rays are the most concerning and should be taken very seriously as they can cause irreparable damage. Whether you are exposed to natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet rays, you are at risk of developing heat stroke, severe sunburn, skin damage, and even damage to your eyes.

Just as we would wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, it is also important to protect the eyes; therefore, if you are going to be in an environment that leaves you exposed to ultraviolet rays, it is also recommended that you wear sunglasses. Both natural and artificial UV radiation can cause severe damage to the eyes, including damage to the cornea and the lens, as well as burning the frontal surface of the eyes (similar to a sunburn.) Failure to protect your eyes from UV rays can lead to both short-term as well as long-term, serious health effects, including a higher risk of developing cataracts, irreversible damage to the retina, chronic eye problems, and even skin cancer. 

When looking for a pair of sunglasses that will give your eyes enough protection, you should make sure they are free of any distortion and ensure that they screen out at least 75% (and up to 90%) of visible light, and block 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around frames will also provide you with increased protection.

Chronic Fatigue

We all know what feeling tired is like – it can happen after a long day at work or strenuous physical activity. Tiredness is the body’s natural reaction to any kind of exertion. As a result, we must allow our bodies time to rest in order to allow it the capability to function as normal and perform new duties. However, if you are feeling tired after very little activity, if it is constant, and is not relieved by rest, you may suffer from something called Chronic Fatigue.

Chronic fatigue, a diagnosis that was once dubious amongst those in the medial field, is now being accepted as a true medical disorder, with just under 400,000 Canadians having been diagnosed. It typically affects individuals over the age of 40, with the majority of chronic fatigue sufferers being women. Certain viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus, hypotension (low blood pressure), a weakened immune system and hormonal imbalances have all been suspected to play a part in the diagnosis of chronic fatigue, but there has been no direct link between them. With no current cure for chronic fatigue, treatment is focused solely on the symptoms that are presented by the patient. 

Below are some common symptoms of chronic fatigue:

• Excessive tiredness (lasting longer than 24 hours)

• Mental exhaustion

• Inability to focus/concentrate

• Memory loss

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

It is also important to rule out any other potential causes of your tiredness, as there are other conditions with symptoms that mimic those of chronic fatigue such as Lyme disease, lupus, mononucleosis, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and even depression.

Perhaps the most important thing one can do to relieve symptoms associated to chronic fatigue is by making lifestyle changes, something Dr. Ali Ghahary already recommends to his patients under many different circumstances and for certain health conditions. These lifestyle changes include making dietary changes, and limiting or all together eliminating intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and sodas (doing so well help you get a better night’s rest.) You should also limit your use of nicotine and alcohol, and ensure that you are not overexerting yourself during the day, especially when involved in any physical activity. It may also be a good idea to work with a trainer or physical therapist to help you with an easy exercise routine. Alternative medicine such as acupuncture, yoga and massage therapy have also been found to be constructive for chronic fatigue sufferers, but you should always check with your physician beforehand.

The Many Benefits of Exercise

Along with promoting healthy eating, Dr. Ali Ghahary is a strong advocate of patients also introducing regular physical activity into their daily routines. The rewards of exercise can be obtained regardless of your age, gender, or physical ability. Below are some of the positives of fitness.

Prevent Weight Gain / Maintain Weight Loss

This is one of the most common reasons why Canadian adults choose to introduce regular physical activities into their routines, especially with obesity on the rise in Canada. By engaging in physical activity, you burn calories, which in turn reduces body fat and builds muscle. Physical activity can be done by working out at a gym, going for brisk walks, participating in yoga classes, and even swimming. It is important to choose something that you like doing so that you can stick with it.

Reduces Pain

As we age, bone loss occurs which can result in back pain. Regular physical activity does not only help reduce pain and lessen the risk of osteoporosis, but it also increases muscle strength, endurance, and helps improve your posture and flexibility.

Improves Mood / Alleviates Anxiety

In addition to helping with weight loss, regular fitness and exercise also helps to improve the mood. Partaking in moderate to high intensity exercise helps stimulates the brain cells and provides you with emotional stability, relieves stress and anxiety, and boosts your confidence. You will be left feeling happier and relaxed as a result.

Lessens the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Exercise helps to raise the HDL levels (also known as the “good” cholesterol) and decreases LDL levels (the bad cholesterol.) It also strengthens the heart muscle and increases the working capacity of your heart. As a result, this lessens your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Boosts Energy

In addition to helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently, exercise has also been proven to be beneficial in boosting your energy as it delivers oxygen and important nutrients to your tissues.

Productivity

Whether you are a student studying, need to get an important task at work completed, or simply want better concentration, exercise produces new brain cells (also known as neurogenesis) which helps to boost the brain’s performance. As a result, you are able to get more done.

Lastly, while it can sometimes be difficult to get motivated, exercise doesn’t have to be something that is thought of as a chore, but can instead be thought of as something that is fun. There are many different types of exercise and ways you can go about it – from working out in a gym, enjoying the outdoors by going on a bike ride, or playing your favourite sport.

It is important to note that strenuous physical activity is not needed in order to reap the benefits. Something as simple as a 30-minute workout can prove to be beneficial for your overall health.

An Introduction to the Biopsychosocial Model

As a family physician in Burnaby, British Columbia, Dr. Ali Ghahary offers comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. Dr. Ali Ghahary uses the biopsychosocial approach to treat clients as complete individuals with multiple contributors to illness and health.

The biopsychosocial model assumes that personal health stems from an integrated web of emotional, physical, and societal factors. Biologic factors include ineffective agents and genetic predispositions as well as hormone levels and a history of physical trauma. These factors contribute to physical as well as to mental illness, just as a person's psychological state may mitigate or worsen a physical condition. For example, emotional depression may predispose a person to alcohol use, which is a known risk factor for liver disease.

Social circumstances may also contribute to both mental and physical illness. A culture that values thin bodies over heavier ones may have a higher rate of anorexia nervosa than that of a society with less emphasis on weight. Further, economic uncertainty in those of a lower socioeconomic status may lead to high levels of stress, which may increase a person's predisposition to disease. Consideration of these factors allows a physician to assess the whole patient and to understand his or her illness on multiple levels, from the cellular to the global.