http://www.bowmanvillehealthcentre.ca/

Bowmanville Health Centre, Bowmanville, ON (2025)

07/28/2025

🌍🧬 Today is World Hepatitis Day. 🧬🌍
Hepatitis, caused by viruses A through E, causes inflammation of the liver, resulting in both acute and chronic illnesses. Despite being preventable and treatable, viral hepatitis remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, with over 300 million people living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and 1.3 million deaths in 2022 alone.

🔥 Viral hepatitis: What it is and how it spreads
Hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) spread via blood and bodily fluids—such as shared needles, transfusions, or mother-to-child transmission.

Hepatitis A and E spread through the fecal–oral route, often via contaminated food or water.

Chronic HBV affects about 262,000 Canadians, and chronic HCV affects about 214,000, 38% of whom are unaware of their status.

🇨🇦 The situation in Canada
In 2021, new HCV infections were estimated at 8,200 cases (21 per 100,000), and new HBV infections at 3,524 cases (9.2 per 100,000). Canada is actively working to hit 2025 targets: fewer than 13 HCV and 11 HBV cases per 100,000 people. Encouragingly, HCV deaths have declined (to 2.5/100,000) thanks to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which cure over 95% of treated patients.

✅ What works for prevention and treatment
Vaccines are available for HBV and HAV—but not for HCV. Since 2014, Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized HCV care: Canada now treats more people annually than new cases emerge. Harm reduction tools—like needle exchanges, safe tattooing, and universal blood screening—save lives.

🎯 Why this matters now
Canada has pledged to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, a commitment echoed in federal action on STBBI prevention.

The World Health Organization theme for 2025—“Hepatitis: Let’s break it down”—calls for tearing down barriers: stigma, cost, access, and misinformation.

🛡️ What you can do
💉 Get tested—especially if you’re from regions with high HBV/HCV rates, use injectable drugs, or received a transfusion before 1992.
💉 Vaccinate against HBV (and HAV, if recommended).
💉 Treat early—DAAs are quick, safe, and curative.
💉 Support harm reduction and safe practices in your community.

📣 Join the movement
Today, on July 28, let's work together to raise awareness, encourage testing, champion vaccination, and push for access to treatment—because eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 is within reach. Visit catie.ca or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CATIEInfo for more information.

07/25/2025

💥 Back pain? Neck strain? Sports injury got you sidelined? 💥

Skip the referral—walk right in to expert care! 🧠💪

Did you know chiropractic is a primary contact healthcare profession? That means you can book a consultation at the CMCC Chiropractic Clinic in Bowmanville Health Centre—no referral needed! 🙌

🌀 Whether it’s a sudden low back flare-up, a lingering neck ache, or a sports-related injury, CMCC’s highly trained chiropractic interns are ready to help. They use evidence-based care, guided by experienced professionals and teachers, to help you move again—safely and effectively. ✅

🩺 They’ll even team up with your family doctor to create a personalized, science-backed treatment plan aimed at reducing your pain and getting you back to doing what you love.

📅 Appointments available 6 days a week!
📞 Call 905-419-2622 to book your spot today! They are located on the ground floor of the west wing, down the hall to the right of the elevator.

Your spine will thank you. 😉

07/24/2025

🌿💆‍♀️ Happy International Self-Care Day! 💆‍♂️🌿

July 24 reminds us that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. 🧘‍♀️🫶

From sipping green tea 🍵 to skipping doomscrolling 📵, from long walks 🚶 to long naps 😴—whatever fills your cup, today’s the day to do more of it.

✨ Why July 24? Because self-care is for 24/7 living—body, mind & spirit!

Here’s your Self-Care Starter Pack:
✅ Hydrate like you love yourself. 💧
✅ Move your body (even if it’s just dancing in your kitchen). 💃
✅ Say no (guilt-free). 🙅‍♂️
✅ Get that check-up, eye exam, or massage. 🩺🕯️
✅ Do absolutely nothing (and enjoy it). 😌

💬 How are you caring for yourself today?

07/22/2025

👂🔬 Did you hear? It’s time for a hearing check! 🔬👂
Your ears are more powerful than you think—don’t take them for granted.

1 in 5 Canadians lives with hearing loss—and many don’t even realize it. Hearing loss often happens gradually, which means it can go undetected for years before symptoms start interfering with daily life.

🧠 Why it matters:
Hearing is closely linked to your brain health, balance, memory, and even mood. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to:
✔️ Social isolation
✔️ Cognitive decline
✔️ Depression
✔️ Increased risk of falls

👩‍⚕️ What happens in a hearing exam?
A licensed audiologist or hearing specialist uses painless, non-invasive tools to:
🔹 Measure how well your ears pick up different sounds
🔹 Identify any signs of damage or hearing loss
🔹 Recommend personalized solutions—like hearing protection, therapy, or hearing aids

✅ Benefits of early detection:
🔊 Catch problems before they get worse
🧠 Support brain function and communication
👪 Improve relationships and social well-being
🎧 Find hearing solutions that work for your lifestyle

📆 Tip: Adults over 50 or anyone with noise exposure (like concerts or construction) should have annual hearing exams.

🦻 Don’t wait for silence to notice your hearing. Book a hearing exam—it’s science-backed, innovative, and essential self-care. Call Amplifon Clinic Bowmanville at 905.623.1994 today. 🎶💙

07/19/2025

🧬📢 Measles alert in Canada: What you need to know. 📢🧬
A preventable virus is making an alarming comeback.

Measles, one of the most contagious viruses in the world, is spreading in parts of Canada and globally due to declining vaccination rates and increased international travel. In 2024–2025, Canada has seen a notable rise in confirmed cases, particularly in under-vaccinated communities and among global travellers. Ontario has become the measles epicentre of the Western Hemisphere, with over 2,000 cases reported since October 2024. The province has recorded its first 2025 measles-related death—a premature infant infected in utero from an unvaccinated mother.

🔬 What is measles?
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Measles morbillivirus. It spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

😷 How it spreads:
• Inhaling droplets from coughs/sneezes
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face
• Being in the same room as an infected person—even if they’ve already left.

⚠️ Symptoms:
• High fever
• Cough, runny nose, and red eyes
• White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Widespread rash (starting on the face and spreading).

🧠 Complications can include:
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (brain swelling)
• Death (particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals).

🩺 There’s no cure—only supportive treatment for symptoms. Prevention is key.

✅ Prevention:
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe, effective, and prevents over 97% of cases after two doses.

📌 Health Canada recommends:
• Children get their first dose at 12–15 months, and a second dose at 4–6 years
• Adults born after 1970 should ensure they’ve received two doses
• International travellers should confirm their vaccination status before departing.

🛡️ Protect yourself, your family, and your community.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider. Immunization isn’t just personal—it’s public protection and a responsible choice for you, your children and the world at large.

Keep your babies safe.

07/17/2025

🦷🚨 Do you have a dental emergency? Don’t wait—act fast! 🚨🦷

Toothaches aren’t just annoying—they can be serious health emergencies. From a knocked-out tooth to sudden swelling or infection, dental emergencies can strike at any time and often require immediate care. Dental emergencies are medical emergencies—treat them with the urgency they deserve.

❗ Common dental emergencies include:
🔹 Severe toothache or pressure.
🔹 Broken or knocked-out tooth.
🔹 Infection, abscess, or swelling.
🔹 Injury to the mouth, jaw, or gums.
🔹 Lost fillings or crowns causing pain.

💥 Left untreated, dental emergencies can lead to:
⚠️ Infection spreading to other parts of the body.
⚠️ Difficulty eating, sleeping, or working.
⚠️ Permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

👉 What to do:
✅ Call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic right away.
✅ Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
✅ Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria.
✅ Don’t delay—timing is critical, especially for knocked-out teeth!

If this is you, Bowmanville Smiles Dental Centre is here to help. Call 647.695.1222 for initial first aid assistance and determine the next steps. There is a lot of great information about what to do on their website at https://bowmanvillesmiles.com/dental-emergencies/ 🦷 😀

🩺 A healthy mouth = a healthier you.

07/15/2025

🗣️💬 Every word counts: The Power of Speech-Language Therapy. 💬🗣️

Behind every new word, every clear sentence, every "I love you"—there’s often a speech-language pathologist (SLP) helping make it happen. 💛

For many children, speech and language challenges can affect learning, confidence, friendships, and family connections. But with the proper support, everything changes.

👶👧👦 Speech-language therapy helps children:

✅ Improve articulation and clarity
✅ Build vocabulary and expressive language
✅ Understand and follow directions
✅ Communicate wants, needs, and emotions
✅ Thrive in social and school settings

📢 And it’s not just about words—it’s about connection. For families, progress in therapy means less frustration, more joy, and greater understanding at home.

✨ Whether it’s a toddler learning their first words, a preschooler finding their voice, or a child overcoming a stutter, speech-language therapy opens doors to confidence, communication, and connection.

Connect2Communicate (C2C) is a private speech therapy clinic that serves preschool and school-aged children in the Durham Region. Don't hesitate to contact C2C for any speech and language questions or concerns at hello@connect2communicate.ca, or visit their website at connect2communicate.ca to explore the comprehensive range of services they offer. Additionally, you can call 905.424.0220.

07/12/2025

🧬✨ Hope on the horizon: a possible cure for diabetes! ✨🧬

Exciting new research from China offers real promise for millions living with diabetes:

🔬 What’s happening

For the first time, a patient with chronic Type 2 diabetes has been functionally cured using personalized cell therapy. Chinese researchers at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and affiliated institutions used the patient’s blood cells to transform them into insulin-producing pancreatic islets, which were then transplanted, restoring the patient's natural insulin production. Within 11 weeks, he no longer required insulin injections, and after a year, he was off all diabetes medications. He remains insulin-free to this day, over 33 months later.

🌱 In another groundbreaking case, a young woman with Type 1 diabetes received stem-cell-derived islet transplants and regained stable, healthy insulin production—again, freeing her from injections

💡 Why it matters:

🧪 Resets diabetic treatment by targeting root causes, not just symptoms.
🧪 Reduces or eliminates lifelong dependence on insulin.
🧪 Minimizes the risk of complications, such as kidney failure, vision issues, and heart disease, by restoring natural blood sugar control.

⚠️ What’s next

🩸 These are initial success stories—we need larger clinical trials to confirm safety across broader patient groups.
🩸 If proven effective, this therapy could redefine diabetes care, bringing hope for a life without daily injections or strict regimens.

🌍 In summary

These breakthroughs are more than breakthroughs—they’re beacons of hope. Each step in regenerative medicine and cell therapy takes us closer to a world where diabetes isn’t just managed—it’s potentially reversed.

Let’s celebrate the incredible science, the courageous patients, and the visionaries working toward a cure.

07/11/2025

👀✨ Eye exams: more than meets the eye! ✨👀

Think eye exams are just about glasses? Think again! Whether you're 6 or 60, regular eye exams are a vital part of your overall health check-up.

🧠 Your eyes are the windows to your health—literally. An optometrist can spot early signs of:

🩺 Diabetes
🧠 High blood pressure
👁️ Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts
💓 Even brain tumours or stroke risk!

🧒👩👴 For all ages:

👶 Kids: Detect vision issues early to support learning and development.
👩‍💻 Adults: Prevent digital eye strain, track prescription changes.
👵 Seniors: Catch age-related vision problems before they progress.

⏰ How often?

🗓 Children & teens: every 1–2 years
🗓 Adults 20–64: every 2 years (or more if advised)
🗓 65+: annually
💡 Bonus: Most exams are covered by OHIP for people under 20 and adults 65+ in Ontario!

So don’t just look good—see well and stay healthy!

📅 Book your eye exam today and give your vision the care it deserves; a small investment that yields significant benefits for your health and quality of life. Don't neglect your eyes—prioritize regular eye exams to see the world in all its vibrant glory! 👁️💙 Call Bowmanville Eye Centre today at 905.623.4333.

As always, the eyes have it!

07/07/2025

🚧🛡️ Today is National Injury Prevention Day. 🛡️🚧

Today, we shine a spotlight on something often overlooked—but entirely preventable: injuries.

From falls and traffic collisions to sports mishaps and workplace accidents, injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Canada, especially among youth and older adults.

📊 Did you know?
🔹 Every day in Canada, over 13,000 people are hospitalized due to preventable injuries.
🔹 Injuries cost the Canadian healthcare system billions annually.
🔹 Most injuries aren’t “accidents”—they’re predictable and preventable.

🚦 What can you do?
✔️ Always wear seatbelts and helmets.
✔️ Make your home fall-safe, especially for kids and seniors.
✔️ Stay focused and sober while driving.
✔️ Use proper equipment at work and play.
✔️ Learn basic first aid and CPR.

🟢 Let’s on injury prevention.

Wear green today to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety, from our homes to our highways and everywhere in between.

Because one moment of prevention can save a lifetime of recovery.

07/05/2025

☀️💊 Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin with superpowers! 💊☀️

Did you know that Vitamin D isn’t just a vitamin—it’s a hormone your body produces when exposed to sunlight? And it plays a vital role in keeping you strong and healthy from head to toe.

🦴 Why you need it:

✅ Supports bone health by helping absorb calcium.
✅ Boosts your immune system to fight off infections.
✅ May help improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
✅ Supports muscle strength and reduces fall risk in older adults.
✅ Plays a role in heart health and inflammation regulation.

🌥️ But here’s the catch:

In Canada, especially during the fall and winter months, many people don’t get enough sun to produce the Vitamin D they need. That’s why deficiency is common, especially in:

🔹 People with darker skin.
🔹 Older adults.
🔹 Those who work indoors.
🔹 People who wear full-body coverings or sunscreen daily.

🍳 Top sources of Vitamin D:

🎣 Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
🐮 Fortified dairy and plant-based milks
🥚 Egg yolks
💊 Supplements (check with your doctor first!)

💡 Tip: Step outside for 10–30 minutes of midday sun (without sunscreen) a few times a week—just enough to trigger production, but not sufficient to burn.

Know your levels. Talk to your healthcare provider. And remember: a little sunshine goes a long way—inside and out.

07/04/2025

☀️🔥 The dog days of summer are here! 🔥☀️

When the temperature climbs, so does your risk of dehydration—but staying hydrated isn’t just about chugging water!

💧 Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Drink regularly—even if you’re not thirsty; that's a later warning sign. Most people don't drink enough water daily.
✅ Include water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
✅ Watch for signs of dehydration: headache, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, mood changes and cognitive decline.
✅ Even when you're not visibly sweating (or glowing), your body loses water through breathing and from your skin.

🚫 Myth busters:
🥤 “Only water hydrates you.” ❌ Not true! Herbal teas, milk, diluted juice, and even watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes and berries all count.
☕ “Coffee dehydrates you.” ❌ Not quite. Moderate coffee intake still hydrates, despite its caffeine content.
💦 “8 glasses (64 ounces or nearly 2 litres) a day for everyone.” ❌ Hydration needs vary depending on factors such as heat, activity level, and individual body composition.
🏃"Sport drinks are better than water." ❌ Not typically. If you're exercising intensely or sweating heavily, the electrolytes in a sports drink can help replenish sodium and potassium.

👶🏽👵🏽 Remember: Kids, seniors, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk in the heat. Keep an extra eye on them!

Stay cool, sip smart, and enjoy summer safely.

Bowmanville Health Centre

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