The Wellwise™ Blog was created to provide aging Canadians, their families and caregivers, and healthcare providers with helpful resources that inspire, uplift, and educate. Explore a variety of articles focusing on health and wellness, mobility, fitness, home safety, financial resources, and much more!
Not sure what 15–20, 20–30 or 30–40 mmHg means? Learn how graduated compression socks work, what different compression levels mean and what to consider when choosing the right option.
A hard landing, a repetitive swing, or an unexpected misstep can turn a favourite activity into a few weeks on the sidelines. Here's how to choose the right wrist, elbow, or ankle brace to support your recovery — and help you ease back into what you love.
Wellwise® is featured in the Ostomy Canada Connects E-News September 2026 issue with a Live Every Moment ad marking Ostomy Awareness Day. See how Wellwise® supports Canadians with an ostomy through a curated product range and the Wellwise Loyalty Card.
Understanding your heart rhythm and blood pressure can help you take a more informed approach to heart health. Learn about atrial fibrillation (AFib), at-home monitoring, and when to discuss your readings with a healthcare professional.
This article walks through the everyday signs that often trace back to disrupted sleep, why a proper diagnosis has to come from a doctor or sleep study, and what to look for once you have a CPAP prescription in hand — from mask type and sleep position to noise level and portability. It closes with a few Wellwise®-curated CPAP machines and masks to help you find the right fit.
Wellwise® is proud to support the Canadian Lymphedema Framework with a feature in the Fall Edition of Pathways Magazine, helping bring trusted lymphedema education and resources to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals across Canada.
Not everyone needs the same lift chair. From an easy everyday recline to full zero-gravity support, here's how to find the curated Wellwise® lift chair that fits your needs.
For many people, the holidays are about celebrating with friends and family – and perhaps a little overindulgence. If you’re living with an ostomy, these changes to diet and routine can affect the way your stoma functions. But this doesn’t have to mean an end to the festivities. Read on for our top tips on managing your stoma throughout the holiday season!
Indulge in festive foods in moderation
Over the holiday season, it’s not uncommon to eat more than we normally do and indulge in richer foods than usual. This can increase your stoma output and affect the consistency of stools. Many of the foods typically associated with the holiday season are high in fibre, which can cause excess wind and odours. Particular culprits include brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, nuts, and dried fruits. Rich cheeses can also increase stoma odour.
An increased intake of indigestible fibre can also lead to a blockage. If this happens, drink plenty of water, while monitoring and reducing what you choose to eat for the next 24 hours. You can also gently massage the abdomen in a circular clockwise motion or take a soak in a warm bath to help the blockage to pass. If this is unsuccessful, the pain becomes worse, or is accompanied by vomiting, you should seek urgent medical advice.
When preparing food during the holiday season, make sure to peel and cook vegetables well to reduce fibre and make them easier to digest. If you’re introducing a new food, try a small amount first to see how your stoma reacts. And whatever you eat, be sure to chew properly and take your time eating to support digestion. Though it may be tricky to coordinate, try to keep mealtimes as regular as possible. And don’t be afraid to inform whoever is hosting about your dietary requirements – chances are they’ll be more than happy to accommodate you and ensure you enjoy yourself.
Choose flat over fizzy drinks
Hydration is an important part of managing your stoma, so make sure you’re taking on enough fluids – around 1,500mls is recommended. Alcohol and fizzy drinks can both cause increased gas and looser stools, so make sure to enjoy these in moderation. If you are sipping on a fizzy drink, let it stand for around 10 minutes first to allow some of the bubbles to escape.
Prioritize your mental health
Despite the holidays being a time to enjoy ourselves, they can also bring increased stress and anxiety, which can affect stool output. This is especially true if you usually take on the lion’s share of the hosting duties. If you find yourself in this situation, try to communicate with your family that it would help if they took some of the organizing off your plate. It’s also important to set aside some time just for yourself to do whatever you find most relaxing, whether that’s reading a book, going for a walk, meditating, or doing some yoga.
Stock up on supplies
Stock up on your ostomy supplies to make sure you have enough to keep you going throughout the holiday season. Be aware that shipping times may be longer and make sure you place your order in advance. If you’re going away for the holiday season, whether to visit family or on vacation, make a list of everything you’ll need to avoid the stress of not bringing enough. And remember that plans can change – so be sure to bring extra in case you decide to stay somewhere an additional night or two.
Spending more time with family and friends combined with eating richer foods than usual may mean you’re more aware of odours related to your stoma. An ostomy deodorizer can help put your mind at ease. The Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant is one example. It’s added to your pouch where it serves the dual function of neutralizing odour while ensuring the content of the pouch collects at the bottom rather than staying up around your stoma.
If you’re going to be taking a long journey by car, train, or plane, make yourself an ostomy travel kit that you can slip into your backpack or purse. Keep it compact by pre-cutting the flange and packing individually wrapped wipes and travel sized products. Some little black disposable bags might come in handy too.
At Wellwise™, we understand how important it is for those living with ostomy to have the products they need – when they need them. That’s why you can order your ostomy supplies via our website and receive them in as little as 48 hours. You can also order over the phone with your local Wellwise® store and your products will be ready for pick up in as little as 48 hours. We know that it takes a while to find the brand of adhesives, creams, and pouches that best suit you and your stoma, that’s why our custom order service is available to our ostomy customers. All you have to do is leave your usual order on file with us, and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up monthly or bi-weekly.
The changes in diet and routine that happen during the holidays can have an affect on your stoma, however that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the festive period just as much as everyone else. As long as you’re well prepared, stocked up with products, and enjoy your favourite food and drink in moderation, your stoma doesn’t have to put a stop to the celebrations.
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Resources
https://www.ostomycanada.ca/ostomy_holidays/
https://www.colostomyuk.org/managing-your-stoma-at-christmas/
https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/a-guide-to-surviving-christmas-dinner-with-a-stoma/
https://www.securicaremedical.co.uk/blog/christmas-with-a-stoma-advice-from-our-stoma-care-nurse
https://meplus.convatec.co.uk/everyday-life/christmas-with-a-stoma-all-wrapped-up/
https://www.salts.co.uk/en-gb/news-and-events/14-tips-christmas-with-a-stoma?PID=91&Action=1¤tPage=2
According to a 2018 survey by Statistics Canada, one in four Canadians provide care to a family member or friend. Many caregivers (47%) reported caring for parents or parents-in-law, followed by a spouse (13%), and a child (8%).
Caring for someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also normal for caregivers to feel stress, exhaustion, loneliness, and frustration.
Signs you’re experiencing caregiver stress
It’s important to recognize the signs of caregiver stress and caregiver burnout so you know when to seek help. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, these signs include:
Depression, anxiety, and irritability
Trouble concentrating
Disturbed sleep
Feeling exhausted despite adequate rest
A weakened immune system
Loss of interest in personal needs, desires, and pastimes
Increased feeling of resentment towards the care recipient and/or family/friends
Loss in satisfaction of being a caregiver
Feeling helpless, hopeless, and isolated
Tips for managing caregiver burnout
1. Ask for help
First of all, know that asking for help is not a sign of inadequate caregiving, but an important part of looking after your own wellbeing.
When asking friends or family members for support, put together a list of specific things you’d like them to do and let them pick one – most people will be happy to help and glad you asked them.
Alternatively, you may consider hiring someone to come in on a regular basis to carry out specific tasks. These could be household chores like cooking and cleaning, or personal support work like helping your loved one shower and get dressed.
If you feel like you need a complete break from caregiving, you might consider arranging for your loved one to enter a respite care facility for a short time.
2. Learn about the condition or illness
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a specific condition, learning about the illness can help you feel more in control. Knowing what to expect as the condition progresses can also help you plan for the future. You may need to set up power of attorney, for example, or explore care options as the illness advances. Having this plan in place can be a weight off your mind, helping improve the symptoms of caregiver burnout.
3. Seek support
While there are many people out there who can help you with the day-to-day realities of caregiving, there are also people you can turn to for emotional and psychological support.
This support can come from many places. It could be meeting a trusted friend or family member to talk over a coffee. Or you could find a local or online support group to meet people in a similar situation to yours. Alternatively, you might decide to speak to a qualified healthcare professional such as a counsellor or psychologist who may use tactics such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, or Psychodynamic Therapy to help you manage your caregiver stress.
4. Focus on your own health
This is important in any situation, but especially when you’re experiencing caregiver stress or caregiver burnout. Try setting a bedtime routine to help you get enough sleep, make sure you eat a varied and balanced diet, and aim to get 20 minutes of moderate intensity activity per day. Find time to relax and disconnect with activities you enjoy like going to the movies, reading, or listening to the radio. And finally, be sure to visit the doctor for regular checkups if your caregiver stress is becoming too much.
5. Accept your feelings
When caring for someone, it’s normal to feel a whole range of emotions. On any day you may feel happy, sad, frustrated, angry, afraid, and everything in between. Remind yourself that it’s ok to feel these emotions. Having negative feelings towards the situation or the person you’re caring for doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job of caregiving. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation can be a good way of learning to accept your feelings and not give them so much importance.
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784
https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/looking-after-yourself/reducing-caregiver-stress
https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-caregiver-stress/
https://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/en/toolsResources/HomeCareSafety/Documents/Resources%20for%20family%20caregivers%20and%20clients%20-%20Resource%20guide%20for%20supporting%20caregivers%20at%20home.pdf
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/responding-stressful-events/self-care-caregivers.html
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
According to the Canadian Continence Foundation, around 10% of Canadians are living with incontinence – that’s around 3.5 million people. Several celebrities have even spoken out about their experience with the condition including Stephen King, Samuel L. Jackson, Katy Perry, Kate Winslet, and Helena Bonham Carter. So, if you’re living with incontinence, rest assured you’re in good company.
Despite all this, however, urinary incontinence can be very distressing for those experiencing it. The shame and stigma surrounding it can prevent people from seeking care and many go to great lengths to keep their condition a secret, meaning they miss out on living life to the fullest.
If this sounds like you or someone you care for, know that a lot of treatment and support options are available, so you don’t have to let incontinence hold you back.
The different types of incontinence
Incontinence is divided into various different types:
Stress incontinence
When the urethra can’t handle the increased pressure during exercise, coughing, or sneezing, causing urine to leak out.
Urge incontinence
When you get a sudden urge to pee and can’t hold on long enough to get to a toilet.
Overflow incontinence
When you’re unable to fully empty your bladder, causing frequent leaks.
Total incontinence
When your bladder can’t store any urine, causing you to pee constantly or have frequent leaking.
Tips to help you manage incontinence
See a doctor
First thing’s first, if you or someone you care for is experiencing incontinence, visit your doctor. They’ll be able to give you a proper diagnosis, which will inform the treatment recommended to you.
As a first step, your doctor might suggest some simple lifestyle changes that may help you manage leaks.
Weight loss
Having a body mass index above 30 may worsen incontinence. If this is you, consider working towards a healthier weight through a mixture diet and exercise. Not sure where to start? Check out our blogpost on simple ways to stay active throughout the year.
Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol
Drinks that contain caffeine, like tea, coffee, and energy drinks, and those that contain alcohol are diuretics, meaning they can make you need to pee more often. So, try reducing your intake of these and see if your symptoms improve.
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are a way of strengthening the muscles that control your bladder. They can be especially effective for stress incontinence but may also help urge incontinence. You can find your pelvic floor by imagining you’re peeing and squeeze the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine. Pelvic floor exercises involve squeezing and releasing these muscles. Start with 10 to 15 repetitions a day and add in more squeezes each week – though be sure not to overdo it. If you’d like guidance on doing these properly, pelvic floor practitioners can often be found at health clinics such as RMT or chiropractor clinics.
Bladder training
Your doctor may also recommend bladder training. To do this, try holding on for 10 minutes every time you feel the urge to urinate. The goal is to increase the amount of time between trips to the toilet so that you’re only urinating every 2.5 – 3.5 hours. This may not be suitable for everyone, so always speak to your healthcare provider first.
Discreet products
To compliment other treatments and help you go about your life with confidence, there are a wide range of incontinence products available depending on your needs, such as:
Pads and absorbent underwear
Furniture protection
Catheters
Handheld urinals
Shop the whole range of incontinence products on wellwise.ca.
At Wellwise in-store locations, our staff are here to support you and your loved ones with any products or guidance you may need, offering high-quality expertise and personal confidentiality to help you feel comfortable and confident. If you or your loved ones wish to shop online, wellwise.ca can be a great resource for you as well.
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814
https://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/seniors-aging-bladder-control-problems-incontinence.html
https://www.canadiancontinence.ca/pdfs/en-incontinence-a-canadian-perspective-2014.pdf
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Working from home or remote working has become the new normal for many Canadians. This practice has become increasingly more common over the last few years with advancing technology and the global pandemic. While working from home has its obvious benefits such as flexibility, no commute times (maybe just a few steps to your home office), and increased productivity, there are also negative impacts as well. The need to constantly be “online”, readily available on our mobile devices and computers, takes a toll on our overall well-being which includes our sleeping habits.
Continue reading the information presented below to understand the effects remote working can have on your sleep routine, as well, ways you can help improve your sleep, even during these challenging times.
Effects of Remote Working on Sleep
Working from home can blur the line between workplace and the place of rest and relaxation.
Although commuting can be viewed as unused time, it allows many individuals to have a routine and exposure to natural light and fresh air; remote working has caused many to stay indoors more which affects our circadian rhythms and sleeping habits.
Increased screen time and exposure to blue light, which in turn negatively impacts your circadian rhythm.
For people who have children, combining childcare with a remote work environment means interrupted work, leaving less time for sleep as they may choose to work later instead to finish projects.
How to help improve sleep when working from home
1. Set boundaries and defined working hours
Setting clear guidelines for your work day hours while also scheduling exercise, meals and leisure time is very important.
2. Sunlight and Exercise
Exposure to natural light is crucial to a healthy body clock. Making time for at least one outdoor activity a day while the sun is out can make an help make an impact on your sleep quality.
3. Limit screen time at night
More than ever, screens such as our cellphones, tablets and televisions have found their way into our bedrooms. We find the need to check one more email before bed or scroll through copious amounts of social media feeds. The blue light that is emitted stimulates alertness and makes it much harder to sleep and get good quality sleep. Trying to prevent screen time at least 1 hour before bed can be extremely beneficial.
4. Get dressed for work
Finding a replacement for your normal work routine is important. This could be as simple as changing out of your pjs, or those beloved sweatpants and into your pre-pandemic work clothes every morning. This will help teach your brain the difference between working and relaxing.
5. Keep a consistent sleep schedule
Working remotely has changed our regular daily routines. Sleeping in later and working longer seem to be the norm with our computer at our finger -tips. Trying going to sleep and wake up at the same time every day will help keep a healthy sleep schedule.
6. Create a healthy and relaxed environment
Check out our wide range of humidifies, aromatherapy products and wake-up lights online and in-store to find what bests suits you and your sleep needs.
Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health. These tips can help you balance working from home and still achieving good quality sleep!
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Resources
https://www.sleepcycle.com/sleep-habits-and-health/remote-work-impact-sleep/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/remote-work-and-sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/study-explores-remote-work-electronic-device-impact-on-sleep-post-covid-reopening
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/sleep/zsab250/6390581
Tired achy legs by the end of your shift aren't something you have to accept. Here's how compression works, how easy it is to get properly fitted, and why it fits almost every kind of workday.
