Tag: Health
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Carless in North America: Pandemic Edition
Illustration by Marlee Jennings “Just come by and pick it up.” “Curbside delivery.” “Just wait in your car.” How many times have you heard those phrases over the past two and a half years? A lot? So have I. In North America, it’s assumed that everyone has easy access to a vehicle. Being without a car in Canada or the USA puts you at a distinct disadvantage, and this has only been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. I … READ MORE
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Diet culture has no place in blood donation campaigns
Illustration by Marlee Jennings As the Omicron surge took the world by storm last winter, the Red Cross declared a historic blood shortage in the U.S., and the internet was filled with pleas for donations. While donating blood is a great way communities can come together to save lives, the information available for people planning to donate is influenced by a culture that moralizes body size and food consumption. For example, blood donation campaigns encourage donors … READ MORE
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In the Blog
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The Gut
Camille Côté shares her experiences through creative non-fiction about looking back on the importance of listening to your body. In the midst of an unhealthy relationship, intense family changes and illness, and just trying to get through the day as a young person and comedian in her early 20’s, Camille struggled with the dissonance of trying to ignore her gut and how important it is to listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Content warning for mentions of drug use. READ MORE
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In the Blog
How To Eat Ethically After An Eating Disorder
But first, a classic chicken and egg problem: “Are vegetarian diets a risk factor for disordered eating, or – and research strongly favours this option – do those at risk of eating disorders gravitate towards vegetarian diets?” READ MORE
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In the Blog
How STD Stigma Shapes the Masses
Please note this post contains some spoilers for Season 2 of Sex Education. Over the past 10 years, the ‘sex-positive’ movement has grown dramatically. The movement advocates for embracing sexuality as an important part of identity and health, regardless of age or social constructs. In other words, it says sex is human, and you’re human, so it’s a healthy part of your life. Educate yourself, and embrace it. Another interesting trend is the growth in sexually transmitted … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Eating Disorders are not just a White Feminist Issue
I developed an eating disorder at 18 years old. This was a time in my life when I was grappling with my identity, having just graduated high school, parted ways with many close friends, and unsure of what my future held. I attempted to assert control over my life by conforming to idealistic, and often unattainable, societal beauty norms marked by thinness. These efforts became the catalyst for my eating disorder and were heightened by predispositions … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Dealing With Racism Is All in a Day’s Work for Medical Professionals
Racism in the medical setting isn’t only experienced by patients, as explored in our previous posts. No matter how much education, training, and experience a person can acquire, sometimes people will only see skin colour, a name, or hear an accent. This prejudice exists in many institutions in Western society, especially in medicine. Like patients, BIPOC (Black Indigenous, People of Colour) medical professionals and students can also face discrimination every day from patients, peers, and … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Take Two Pills a Day and a Dose of Racism
Even with all the progress that has been made in civil rights and equality, prejudice and discrimination can still be found in every corner of the world. As I interact with people and see how people interact with my family on a daily basis, I wonder when our perceived ethnicities come into play in how we’re treated. When is bad customer service actually discrimination? Or, when is a denial of access to something because of … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Gender, Race and Autism
I have always been separate from others. When I was little, I was content to melt into the corner with a peanut butter sandwich in one hand and a book in the other, oblivious to the intricate lives of others around me, content to be on my own. However, as I got older, I began to watch other kids my age more - I noticed girls talking together about the latest episode of Hannah Montana, … READ MORE
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In the Blog
How Transitioning Re-Educated Me About Male Privilege
The title really says it all! Maverick Smith provides a personal reflection on how transitioning changed their relationship to male privilege. READ MORE
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In the Blog
The Kids Will Be Alright: Youth Positive Sexual Health Services Across Canada
I really like sexual health related stuff. I’ve written about how much I love IUD’s, and amazing sex ed programs for youth like Queering Sex Ed. If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, I’ve probably brought up something sexual or reproductive health related just because of who I am as a person. Anyways, I have more things to say in light of the “controversy” of Ontario’s update of sex education curriculum, as well … READ MORE
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In the Blog
IUD’s for everyone!
A few weeks ago, a study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine that found when you give folks in depth information about birth control methods like intrauterine devices (IUD’s) that are long lasting, reversible, and super effective at preventing pregnancy, many youth and adults will be interested in it and pregnancy rates will plummet! In other news, water is wet. IUD’s are small, T-shaped little pieces of plastic that are inserted into one’s … READ MORE
