Healthy thoughts & industry news Thoughts, inspiration, and stories about healthcare in Canada and beyond, brought to you by Maple Most recent General health Mental health Diet and nutrition Skin and hair care Sexual health COVID-19 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…Read more 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…Read more 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…Read more 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…Read more 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…Read more How Long Does a Flu Last The flu, or influenza, is a common respiratory virus that affects thousands of Canadians each year. In many cases, the illness passes within 3-14 days without severe complications. Understanding the typical duration of the flu can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and to know when to seek medical attention. Read on to learn…Read more How do Men Get Tested for STIs? Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and understanding how to get tested for STIs is a key part of maintaining it. It’s important to understand that “STI,” or sexually transmitted infection, is the current term replacing “STD,” which stands for sexually transmitted disease. This change reflects the fact that many infections do…Read more Can You Test for Herpes Without an Outbreak? Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that many people carry without realizing it. Around one in seven Canadians carry the virus — caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — but most people don’t have symptoms. This makes understanding and managing the virus even more important. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1…Read more How Accurate are At-Home STI Tests It’s easy to see why at-home STI tests have become so popular in Canada — they offer privacy and convenience, allowing you to test for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) right from the comfort of home. But with something as important as your sexual health, you might be wondering: how accurate are these tests, and…Read more 3 Ways Virtual Health Care Can Help You Manage Back-to-School Sicknesses The back-to-school season means the return of a few fall delights, like a new pair of sneakers, just-sharpened pencils, and a classroom full of new friends. But it can also bring a few unpleasantries — like back-to-school sicknesses. When kids return to the playground, they can’t seem to help but bring home some kind of…Read more 10 Ways Parents Can Manage School Stress and Anxiety School can be an exciting time for kids — they get to reunite with their friends, embrace a new timetable, and learn new things every day. But it can also be a time that’s steeped in stress and anxiety. Let’s face it: School can be an intimidating, pressure-packed place. That’s because an array of factors…Read more Load More