Community News
(part 2)

Symptoms & Diagnosis
Recognizing the Red Flags: Common Symptoms of PPD
Understanding the signs of PPD is a crucial step toward getting the support you need. PPD can show up in many ways, affecting your emotions, body, thoughts, and behaviours. Knowing what to look for can help you seek help sooner and get ahead on your recovery.

Emotional Symptoms
● Feeling persistently sad or down
● Experiencing severe mood swings
● Crying more than usual
● Feeling intensely irritable
● Struggling with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt

Physical Symptoms
● Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
● Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
● Feeling unexplained aches and pains
● Constantly feeling tired and drained of energy

Cognitive Symptoms
● Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
● Having memory problems
● Experiencing intrusive thoughts, especially about your baby’s safety

Behavioural Symptoms
● Withdrawing from family and friends
● Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Struggling to take care of yourself or your baby
● Having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

Everyone’s experience with PPD is different. Some moms may feel primarily emotional symptoms, while others might have more physical or cognitive challenges. This is why getting a personalized assessment from a healthcare provider who can understand your unique situation and provide the proper treatment for you is so important.

Understanding Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful and joyous time, but it can also bring unexpected challenges for some new mothers. PPD is a severe form of depression that some mothers experience after childbirth. It’s different from the short-lived “baby blues” that many moms go through; PPD lasts longer and can profoundly affect a mother’s ability to care for her little one and manage daily life.
“Depression is the leading complication of childbirth. Left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences for both mother and child, including suicide and developmental problems for children.” — Dr. Lauren Osborne, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Women’s Reproductive Mental Health.
Understanding Other Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
During pregnancy and the first year after giving birth, many new mothers can face various mental health challenges. Among these, PPD is just one, and knowing the differences between these conditions is critical to getting the right help.

● Postpartum Blues: Affects up to 80% of new mothers and usually resolves within two weeks. However, if your symptoms are more severe and last longer, you might be dealing with PPD, which needs more attention and care.
● Postpartum Anxiety: This involves excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations and dizziness.
● Postpartum OCD: Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours focused on your baby’s safety are signs to watch out for.
● Postpartum PTSD: If your childbirth experience was traumatic, you might experience flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, making it hard to cope with postpartum life.
● Postpartum Psychosis: This is a rare but severe condition involving delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking that require immediate attention.

A Call to Men

The fact is that your family and loved ones are counting on YOU for their experience of love, safety, and direction. The massive impact that we have as leaders and role models is unquestionable. That’s why as men and fathers, our commitment to our health and masculine integrity – which are inseparable – speaks volumes, then continues to speak for decades and generations. So if you want to change the course of your family legacy, start prioritizing your lifestyle habits because they determine not only your form and function, but ultimately how you show up as a man. “After working together for 90 days, Kai has had a profound effect on the trajectory of my life” – Will Cordingley –

Denture Care Tips

It’s important to continue proper denture and oral health care, even during the busy summer months. To keep them in good condition, rinse your dentures after meals to prevent buildup and stay hydrated to maintain oral moisture. Avoid leaving dentures in direct sunlight or hot environments, as this can affect the acrylic. Clean them daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner to remove bacteria (do not use toothpaste to clean your dentures). For a refreshing feel, store your dentures overnight in water with a bit of mouthwash. Regular denture check-ups are essential to ensure proper fit and function. Enjoy the summer with a confident and comfortable smile!

Avoid Summer Food Poisoning

Foodborne illness peaks in the summer, as more people are cooking outside without the safety controls of a kitchen. Symptoms of food poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The severity and duration of symptoms vary depending on the type and amount of contaminated food ingested. Common causes of food poisoning include improper food handling, inadequate cooking, cross-contamination, and consuming expired or spoiled food. It is essential to practice good hygiene, proper food storage, thorough cooking, and regular handwashing to prevent foodborne illnesses. If food poisoning is suspected, seeking medical attention, staying hydrated, and resting are crucial for recovery and avoiding complications.

New Virtual Care Services

Are you concerned about loved ones feeling isolated during vacation or while you are away from home? Consider this innovative service tailored just for you. Home Care has advanced to provide a variety of options for you and your family. Reliable Home Care Agency now offers Virtual Care through phone or video calls, ensuring daily medication reminders and well-being check-ins. They can arrange in-person visits when necessary and promptly communicate any issues or concerns to you and your relatives. Stay connected and worry-free with these comprehensive care solutions, designed to keep your loved ones connected with you, no matter where you are.

(part 2)

Symptoms & Diagnosis
Recognizing the Red Flags: Common Symptoms of PPD
Understanding the signs of PPD is a crucial step toward getting the support you need. PPD can show up in many ways, affecting your emotions, body, thoughts, and behaviours. Knowing what to look for can help you seek help sooner and get ahead on your recovery.

Emotional Symptoms
● Feeling persistently sad or down
● Experiencing severe mood swings
● Crying more than usual
● Feeling intensely irritable
● Struggling with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt

Physical Symptoms
● Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
● Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
● Feeling unexplained aches and pains
● Constantly feeling tired and drained of energy

Cognitive Symptoms
● Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
● Having memory problems
● Experiencing intrusive thoughts, especially about your baby’s safety

Behavioural Symptoms
● Withdrawing from family and friends
● Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Struggling to take care of yourself or your baby
● Having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

Everyone’s experience with PPD is different. Some moms may feel primarily emotional symptoms, while others might have more physical or cognitive challenges. This is why getting a personalized assessment from a healthcare provider who can understand your unique situation and provide the proper treatment for you is so important.

Enter for a Chance to Win

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Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are heat-related conditions with varying severity. Heat exhaustion precedes heat stroke and occurs when the body is overwhelmed by excessive heat, causing heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Moving to a cooler place, resting, and hydrating can prevent progression to heat stroke, a medical emergency marked by a dangerous rise in body temperature, no sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke requires urgent medical intervention. During heatwaves, check on vulnerable individuals and consult a health professional if needed. For advice, ask one of our Pharmacists.

Essential Summer Home Care

Home care during the summer months is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and well-being. High temperatures can pose risks, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Home care professionals help manage hydration, ensure air conditioning is functioning, and monitor for heat-related illnesses like heatstroke. They can also assist with daily activities, reducing the risk of accidents due to heat-induced fatigue. Additionally, home care provides companionship, which can mitigate the isolation often felt during long summer days. Overall, professional care supports a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable summer season for vulnerable individuals.

Why Coaching Gets Results

Your habits, daily presentation, and commitment to integrity—including your health—need to be non-negotiable. It’s time to legitimately man up. A coach can undeniably help with that by enhancing self-awareness and offering indispensable experience and accountability. Whereas a male coach provides the vital support of another man who genuinely gives a damn about what you’re going through. For sustainable results, having this calibre of external support is often the missing piece. “Kai exceeded all my expectations as a nutrition, fitness and life coach. I was so astounded with my turn-around that I rehired him for an additional six-month term.” Michael C. St. Andrews.