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Healthy thoughts & industry news

Thoughts, inspiration, and stories about healthcare in Canada and beyond, brought to you by Maple

What is the Strongest Weight Loss Prescription Pill?
Diet and exercise can help you lose weight. However, many people need more support. For some, this comes in the form of prescription weight-loss medication. With so many options available, choosing the right medication can be daunting. Which one fits your lifestyle? What results can you expect? And how do they actually work? In this…

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When is Cold and Flu Season
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we welcome the comforting embrace of sweater weather and warm drinks. Unfortunately, sweater weather also signals the start of cold and flu season. Read on to learn when cold and flu season peaks and the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones, so…

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How Much Does Birth Control Cost in Canada?
Birth control, also known as contraception, works by preventing pregnancy in several ways. Typically, conception occurs after ejaculation when millions of sperm enter the vagina and make their way up to the uterus, where one may fertilize an egg released from the ovaries during ovulation. Different methods of birth control interrupt this process—by increasing the…

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What is the Syphilis Testing Window?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. In the 1990s, North America was close to eradicating the disease, but since 2014, Canada has experienced a steep increase in infection rates due to many contributing factors such as reduced funding for prevention and treatment, as well as barriers to…

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Understanding Timelines for UTI Symptoms to Appear
Recognizing the signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs) early enough can make a big difference in managing the infection effectively. Here’s a look at the typical symptoms of a UTI and how they might present depending on the severity and location of the infection. What are UTI symptoms? Typically, symptoms of a lower urinary tract…

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How Long Does it Take for Chlamydia to Show up on a Test?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections  (STIs) in Canada and around the world, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite its prevalence, it’s an infection that can be managed effectively with timely intervention. Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals that reported cases of chlamydia have been steadily…

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What Causes Lower Back Pain During Cold or Flu
As the cold and flu season sets in, many of us are bracing for the familiar symptoms: a runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. But for some, a less common discomfort may also arise — lower back pain. While lower back pain isn’t a typical symptom of a cold or the flu, some people do…

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Why do my Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms Come and Go?
Dealing with discomfort while urinating or suddenly feeling the need to go can be unsettling. However, you’re not alone; urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common reasons people head to their doctors. These infections can pop up anywhere along your urinary tract, which includes the urethra (the tube that lets urine leave…

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How Long Does a Flu Cough Last
When flu season approaches in Canada — by November and December — the usual symptoms like fever and fatigue are common companions. However, one symptom that often overstays its welcome is the lingering flu cough. If you’ve been battling a cough that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. Understanding why it sticks around and how…

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How Do You Test for Herpes?
Herpes is a common but often misunderstood sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects millions of people worldwide. Herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful sores around the mouth or genital region, affects one in seven in Canada, and the majority don’t know they carry the virus. Although herpes remains in the body for…

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Stages of the Flu
During the 2022 to 2023 season, there were over 74,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in Canada. For many families, the flu means missed school days, loss of work, and, in severe cases, hospitalization.  The flu hits in stages, each with its own set of symptoms and discomfort. But by understanding these stages, you can…

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