Tag Archives: mental health

Dogs Are Superheroes In Disguise

Posted on March 18, 2019 by SabrinaCheema | 1 comment

DOGS ARE SAVING OUR HEARTS

My furry best friend Pablo at 7 weeks. Picture taken by myself, Sabrina Cheema.

From approximately 20,000 to 40,000 years ago humans have developed a special bond with dogs, which began with helping man to hunt for food to becoming mans’ best friend. Recent research is suggesting that man’s four-legged furry best friend could help to increase our lifespan. A study was conducted at the University of Sweden that observed and examined more than 3.4 million adults for approximately 12 years. The findings suggested that dog owners were at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels compared to non-dog owners. Currently, CVD is the leading cause of death globally and accounts for approximately 45% of all deaths in Europe and approximately 29% of all deaths in Canada. Also, the findings suggested that dogs provide a form of social support and motivation for physical activity.

LETS GO FOR A WALK

Furthermore, several studies including one from University of Missouri and Glasgow Caledonian University found seniors were tending to exercise for longer periods of time due to their dogs. For example, walking is the easiest form of exercise as no equipment is required therefore, it is the most common form of physical activity for seniors. Also, the more seniors walked their dogs there was a decrease in their body mass index (BMI) and they had fewer doctor visits.

Pablo modelling for Popeyes Abbotsford. Picture taken by myself, Sabrina Cheema

Dogs don’t only help save adults and seniors but babies and children too!

SAVING THE CHILDREN TOO

Children and unborn babies in the womb that were exposed to dogs during and after pregnancy showed lower risk of developing eczema and reduced asthma symptoms. The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) findings stated that children exposed to dogs were less likely to develop eczema, a skin condition characterized by rashes and patches of dry, itchy skin by the age of 2 years, compared to children that weren’t exposed to dogs. Also, the ACAAI findings suggested children exposed to bacteria and particles from dogs experienced reduction in their asthma symptoms too.

Dogs are also, helping students in university too!

DOGS AND FINAL EXAMS

The greatest benefit for students in post-secondary education is that dogs help decrease stress and anxiety. When students interact with dogs the hormone oxytocin levels increase within the blood stream. Oxytocin helps boost physiological well-being and decreases levels of stress and anxiety. That is why dogs are often used as therapy animals and also brought to university campuses during midterm and exam weeks, to help reduce levels of stress and anxiety among students.

In this video Doctor Mike is sharing the health benefits of having a pet dog. Source of video is by Doctor Mike from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NvMZlavv0k

Now, we can agree dogs aren’t only our furry best friends but our own personal superheroes trying to save our lives with their cute furry faces.

Sabrina Cheema

1 Comment

Posted in Biological Sciences, Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged Biology, health, heart disease, mental health, Public Engagement, Stress

The N.H.L. Calling For A Cloudy Forecast

Posted on March 18, 2019 by riley cox | Leave a comment

Hockey has been touted as a sport near the top of the totem pole in terms of inherent risk for concussion. You don’t have to look much beyond the fact that the game is played on a sheet of ice to realize why head injuries are so common. Add some body contact into the mix, slapshots that rifle a dense rubber puck over 100 miles an hour, and players with long fiberglass sticks who skate faster than a car drives on a residential street and you have a tragic recipe for head trauma, otherwise known as hockey.

Ding Dong No One’s Home

Ever since the dawn of hockey, players have been getting their “bell rung” regardless of whether they are wearing a helmet or not. The game of hockey is an intense test of determination and power and as a result of such ferocity at some point, if you play the game, it is inevitable that you will get injured. Injuries are an all too familiar part of the game and many are only now realizing that getting your “bell rung”, or in other words receiving a concussion, can have grave consequences.

WASHINGTON, DC – February 1, 2011: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (#8) upends and topples Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (#76) with a check during their NHL ice hockey game at Verizon Center. Source: Flickr

Despite more information being made accessible to the general public (players included) regarding concussions and their relation to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), it seems nearly every week another player out with a concussion, some taking longer than others to return. A concussion is noted by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons as being an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function, which is usually caused by a blow to the head. The brain is surrounded by spinal fluid which acts as a barrier between the soft tissue of the brain and the hard bones of the skull. Any jolt or hit to the head can cause rapid movement of the brain in the cranial cavity potentially damaging brain cells and tissue. Concussion symptoms vary depending on the intensity of impact but in general, can last for less than a day or persist for weeks – even months.

WASHINGTON, DC – March 6, 2012: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (#8) hits Carolina Hurricanes forward Patrick Dwyer (#39) during their NHL ice hockey game at Verizon Center. Source: Flickr

Millions or Brain Damage?

To help reduce such head injuries the National Hockey League (NHL) implemented a new concussion protocol two years ago. The new procedures included off-ice education for players regarding concussions as well as mandatory removal of a player from the game for an acute evaluation if he is hit and a concussion is suspected. Contrary to recent amendments, concussion rates are as high as they’ve ever been in the history of the sport, but, despite this, players like Rick Nash are making use of the off- ice education. The six-time All-Star has called it quits at the young age of 34 due to concussion-related symptoms, passing up millions of dollars in hopes of saving his mental health. With almost anyone who laces up the skates, their dream is to make it to the big leagues but many fail to realize that the dream often comes at a price, and there is no amount of money that can reconcile for serious brain damage.

Written by: Riley Cox

Miracle Drug Or The Devil’s Lettuce?

With marijuana making its way into the spotlight across the globe in recent years as well as the recent legalization here in Canada, it seems the stigma & sentiment around the herb is quickly changing. However, now that weed is legal & can be purchased by anyone over the age of 19, does that mean consuming marijuana on regular basis (or at all) is free of risk and repercussions?

Canadian cannabis flag captured by Cannabis Culture at the Global Marijuana March 2013 in Vancouver. Source: Flickr

Differing Opinions

People opposing the newly legal drug, argue that cannabis consumption puts you at greater risk for mental impairment & that it stifles motivation, while those in favor of the substance tout it as a miracle drug capable of curing cancer & reducing pain. So, is it really that bad after all?

Cannabis Use in Teenagers and Young Adults

One demographic that has had red flags raised regarding the consumption of cannabis, is those under the age of 25. The reason being that is the age when the human brain has fully matured & is less susceptible to some of the harmful effects of marijuana. But it seems as though most young adults & teenagers alike, are not waiting until their brains have reached maturation to try the drug, as a recent census bureau report found that 32.7 percent of teenagers had smoked marijuana in the previous 3 months.

Caution, cannabis is not for everyone. Source:Pixabay

Teens Stuck In A Haze

Frequency & potency of cannabis use are the main detrimental drivers of damage to the developing brain. Research has shown that frequent use of marijuana in adolescence has a strong correlation to anxiety & depression with many users also disruptive behaviour & overall general cognitive decline. In addition, many researchers have cited that persistent use of marijuana by teenagers increases one’s risk of schizophrenia & other brain structure abnormalities. The effects of marijuana on the young brain are summarized well in the following video made by Dr. Jodi Goodman, who is the director of neuroscience at the Center for Addiction Medicine.

Source: Youtube, uploaded by Massachusetts General Hospital

Simply Put – We Love To Get Intoxicated

How come it seems like the number of cannabis users is increasing despite the endless research on the negative cognitive effects it has? One explanation for this is that weed allows many to feel a sense of relaxation & contentment that may not otherwise be achievable. Although this reason itself may commonly be overlooked, it is within the same bounds as Canadians spending twenty-two and a half billion dollars on alcohol last year. Having said this, it seems reasonable that anyone over the age of 19 is legally allowed to choose whether or not they want to use safe intoxicants (like alcohol or marijuana).

Dried marijuana ready for consumption Source: Pixabay

So What’s The Big Idea?

While the use of cannabis has many unfavorable effects, when used in moderation it can be an effective method for alleviating pain, anxiety, & much more. Therefore, once the risks are known, I think it should be left to one’s own discretion on whether or not to consume cannabis & how often at that.

Written by Riley Cox

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Posted on January 28, 2019 by riley cox in Biological Sciences, Issues in Science, Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged brain, canada, health, marijuana, mental health, Neuroscience, Public Engagement, science, weed

Cultural Influence on Schizophrenia

Posted on January 13, 2019 by gloria chan | 1 comment

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes a person to lose touch with reality. Symptoms would often include hallucinations, delusions, depression, and abnormal speech and behaviour. But did you know that a person with schizophrenia can behave and think differently depending on the culture they’re in?

A woman hallucinating. Image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ill_dict_infernal_p0333-317_hallucination.jpg

In America, people with schizophrenia would often hear voices that are rather harsh and violent. These voices would often say something that would insult the person or tell them to do something violent or inappropriate. This can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, and also violent tendencies.

However, the voices that Africans and Indians hear are considered to be benign. According to studies, Africans and Indians would often hear voices that would encourage them or voices that were rather playful in nature. The voices can also be thought of as a companion for them.

The difference between how schizophrenia appears in people of a different culture is most likely to be caused by the societal values of the culture and also how different cultures portray schizophrenia.

In America, schizophrenia is seen as a mental illness that causes a person to lose themselves. The person would lose their individuality and their sense of self. The voices as thus are seen as an intrusion which would then create a conflict between the person and the voices. As a result of the rising conflict between the “voices” in the person’s head, the voices would begin to become violent and uncontrollable.

Meanwhile, Eastern and African cultures have a more collectivist view. This shaped their auditory hallucination in a way that allowed them to hear voices from their relatives or friends that have passed away. They think of the voices as a form of their close ones trying to help and guide their life and some even think of it in a religious context, where God is trying to talk to them and guide them. This allowed them to make peace with the voices and think of the voices as companions.

Angel talking to a man. Image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dream_of_Saint_Joseph.jpg

The comparisons between how cultures affect schizophrenia could allow for improved or new treatments for schizophrenic patients.

Gloria Chan

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Posted in Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged cultural difference, mental health, schizophrenia

Tag Archives: mental health

Dogs Are Superheroes In Disguise