Most women know the tell-tale signs: that persistent itch, irritation, and sometimes a cottage cheese-like discharge – classic symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are extremely common; about 3 out of 4 women will experience at least one in their lifetime. Though they’re not usually serious, they can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient. The good news is that yeast infections are generally easy to treat once you recognize what you’re dealing with. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify a yeast infection (and not confuse it with other issues), effective treatments – including medications and home care – and ways to prevent those pesky infections from coming back. Is It Really a Yeast Infection? The vagina has a delicate balance of flora, including the yeast, Candida. A yeast infection happens when something upsets that balance (like antibiotics, hormonal changes, or diabetes) and yeast overgrows, leading to irritation. However, other infe...

  Retirement is often portrayed as a carefree golden era – a time to relax, travel, and enjoy the fruits of decades of labour. But for many new retirees, the reality can be more complicated. Stepping away from a long-term career and routine can lead to unexpected feelings of sadness, loss, or lack of purpose. Retirement-related depression is a real phenomenon: studies have found that retirees are more likely to experience depression than those still working . In fact, about one in three retirees reports feeling depressed or frequently down after retiring . This emotional struggle can come as a surprise – after all, isn’t retirement supposed to be blissful? The truth is, while retirement can indeed be a joyous time, it’s also a major life transition that brings challenges. The good news is that by understanding why these feelings occur and taking proactive steps, it’s possible to overcome the “retirement blues” and find fulfilment in this new chapter of life. ...

  When a person suddenly develops weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, it’s natural to fear the worst – but two relatively common conditions, Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease, are often behind these alarming symptoms. Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease can both cause facial paralysis, making it difficult to smile, close one eye, or control facial muscles. However, they have very different causes and treatments, so telling them apart is crucial for proper care. Bell’s palsy is a temporary facial paralysis of unclear origin (often linked to a viral inflammation of the facial nerve), whereas Lyme disease is an infection from a tick bite that can affect the nervous system. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of each condition, how to recognize the differences, and why getting the diagnosis right leads to the best recovery. Understanding Bell’s Palsy Bell’s palsy is a form of sudden, temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, ...