It’s time for advocates on both sides of the abortion divide to be true to their preferred monikers
There’s perhaps no more contentious topic of discussion in Canada than abortion. Even Canadian lawmakers are hesitant to debate the subject. As a high school teacher of a class called Social Justice 12, I can’t ignore the topic. And my code of ethics requires that I facilitate legitimate research and respectful discussion, all the while…
An Ontario court decision reveals a vision that’s equal, equitable and a la carte – and defies doctors freedom of conscience
This is one of those times I’m glad I’m not a family doctor. Or, more specifically, a family doctor (any medical doctor, really) who objects to certain procedures based on my conscience. Because if I was, and if I was working in Ontario, I’d find myself choosing between my career, and all I’ve worked for,…
Margot Micallef talks about the The Lady Ball Gala, and what we can all do to support women and battle ovarian cancer
Margot Micallef is CEO of Oliver Capital Partners and Gabriella's Kitchen. What does it mean to you being the honorary chair of The Lady Ball Gala coming up? Micallef: I am honoured to be involved in this year’s Lady Ball Gala benefiting Ovarian Cancer Canada. I have yet to meet someone who has not been…
Outdated material used by the task force could result in the deaths of far too many women. A new set of guidelines must be drawn up
Changes to breast cancer screening guidelines have been big news since the release of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care’s updated guidelines in December. Women aged 50 to 74 are now recommended to undergo screening mammography every two to three years, while women 40 to 49 are advised not to undergo screening and…
Although there are potential risks involved with taking medication, there are very real risks if important psychiatric medication is stopped
Women with psychiatric conditions enter into murky territory when it comes to making decisions about their treatment during pregnancy. As a general rule, women are advised not to take any medications during pregnancy and for many this is not a big sacrifice. Forgoing the use of aspirin or cold medication might make for a couple…
It is vitally important for women experiencing postpartum illness to seek help, not only for themselves but to help to keep children safe
A child’s birth is supposed to be a joyful, special time for parents. After months and sometimes years of waiting, mother and father finally get to meet the little person they’ve been anxiously expecting. With a new life and growing family, possibility is everywhere. For some mothers though, this joyful time can become a nightmare…
People with IBS tend to be more prone than the general population to psychological symptoms including anxiety or depression
Between 10 and 20 per cent of the general population suffers from a puzzling and uncomfortable condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is one of the most common disorders seen in general practice and it affects more women than men. As the name suggests, this is an illness that affects the bowel and the…
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects about two per cent of women, is a disabling condition that requires treatment
PMS: those three letters have been made the brunt of many jokes and snide comments since they were coined to describe the variety of symptoms many women experience at a certain point in their menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, while the symptoms of PMS are distressing to the 80 per cent of women who experience them, a…
A much greater emphasis needs to be put on dual placements – whenever possible, mothers and children should be placed together
Girls who spend time in the care of child protection services have higher rates of teenage pregnancy and teenage mothers are more likely to have their child taken into care. Teenage mothers who give birth when they’re in care are also more likely to have their children taken into care. Until recently, we didn’t know…
Not only are women more likely to have a mood disorder, but women experience different symptoms than men
Almost anyone can attest to the fact that men and women are different in many ways. Scores of books – which have achieved varying degrees of success and acclaim – have been published that attempt to quantify and explain the differences. In the field of psychiatry, gender differences are an important phenomenon as men and…