Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are widespread throughout the world, including in developed countries like Canada. All people, including students in Canada, should be aware of the risks, treatments and precautions regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections. STIs affect all genders, and half of all infections occur in people that are younger than 25 years old. STI infections can happen after exposure to an infected person via sexual contact. Contact of genitals, mouth and rectum are a few examples of sexual contact. Other modes of exposure include sharing needles and breastfeeding. Learn More Groups of Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually transmitted infections can be benign or become a serious health risk. There are three main groups of STIs. These are: Viral infections, such as HIV and genital herpes. Read More Bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Read More Parasitic infections, such as Trichomoniasis and Pubic Lice. Read More Signs of Sexually Transmitted Infections The signs and symptoms of an STI range widely and depend on the particular infection. Sometimes, signs are not noticeable and therefore may go unnoticed and untreated. Therefore it is very important to go for routine medical exams and STI tests, especially if you have multiple partners and do not use protection. High risks of infections include infertility and in some cases, death. Get an STI test whenever necessary. Preventative Measures Preventative measures for STIs include learning about different types of infections and making informed decisions regarding safe sex practices. One common and effective method of protection against STIs is condom use. Especially when you use it consistently and properly. Condoms are 98% effective against most STIs, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. However, infections that spread from skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes and genital warts, may occur even with condom usage. Treatments Treatments also range, depending on the type of infection you contract. STIs that are transmitted through viruses or bacteria can often be treated by a course of antibiotics. Other infections, such as skin lesions due to genital warts or herpes, can only be treated topically. Lastly, some infections cannot be cured such as HIV. However, new antiretroviral therapies can help those infected live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others. Because of the risk of passing infections along to other people you come into contact with, it is very important to perform routine STI tests and medical exams. Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing is Free If you are living in British Columbia, the MSP(Medical Services Plan) covers STI testing via blood work and cultures. Therefore, you should not hesitate to go for routine medical exams and STI tests if living in BC and are sexually active. There are many free clinics that perform medical exams and STI testing to choose from in Lower Mainland BC. MSP reimburses the screening fee for sexually transmitted infections. To find a clinic near you, as well as hours of operation, visit this website. In Canada, STIs are a very real and common issue. The most common infections are Chlamydia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These are the most common because symptoms are often not noticeable. Therefore without knowledge, they can be passed along. Often, discussing safe sex practices and STI testing can be a challenge with the social stigmas. This is why it is important to read about it, take precautions, and go for routine tests and medical exams, even if you are not aware of any symptoms. For more details on Sexually Transmitted Infection, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor during the Student Medical Exam. Thank you for reading our blog. For more click here Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome.
PharmaCare for International Students
MSP and PharmaCare for International Students in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley and all over BC. All International Students need to have MSP and pay for its fees. You can also benefit from discounts on drugs with PharmaCare. Please read this article to learn about its cost and coverage. Read time for this article is 5 – 7 minutes. Firstly, International students in British Columbia have to pay for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). This will provide coverage for necessary healthcare services. MSP will also allow you to be eligible for BC’s Fair PharmaCare program. In addition, MSP offers partial coverage on prescription drugs based on your income. How much is MSP for international students? International students coming to British Columbia to attend school must enroll in the province’s Medical Services Plan, including all K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions. This costs $75 per month and covers all essential healthcare services, as well as physicians and surgeons. This fee has changed in recent years. On January 1, 2020, the province of British Columbia eliminated MSP premiums for BC residents, while simultaneously doubling the rates for international students. The previous rate of $37.50 per month changed to the current rate of $75 per month. What is PharmaCare? Canada has a universal healthcare system. But unlike most other countries with such healthcare systems, our country does not automatically cover the costs of prescription drugs, medical supplies or pharmacy services. Instead, many Canadians pay for medications out-of-pocket. Additionally, you can have supplemental health plans through private insurance companies, which help pay for essential medications obtained at pharmacies. Fair PharmaCare Fair PharmaCare is an income-based program that helps BC residents pay for certain prescription drugs and medical supplies. This ensures that no British Columbia residents will face catastrophic medication costs, regardless of their financial situation. Also, the program is income-based, meaning that families with lower incomes will receive more financial help from Fair PharmaCare. In contrast, families with larger incomes will pay a higher amount out-of-pocket. However, Families, not individuals, determine coverage: A single person without a spouse or common-law partner, who is not dependent and doesn’t have any dependent children, is considered a family. International students are eligible for the Fair PharmaCare program, provided that they have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Personal Health Number. You must provide your net family income from two years ago, so that the province may determine your need for financial assistance. Those who already have private health insurance coverage may still be eligible for Fair PharmaCare. Register for Fair PharmaCare today! New residents who have not yet filed a tax return in Canada can phone 1-800-663-7100 to request an affidavit form (HLTH 5357). You will need to notarize and submit the tax return before applying for Fair PharmaCare. What is covered? Eligible prescription drugs, up to a certain amount (the exact amount covered will differ depending on the drug) Certain medical devices Some pharmacy services Certain pharmacy dispensing fees, up to $10 per fee IME Clinic Inc. is based in the Lower Mainland, BC, offering Immigration Medical Exams (IME) and Student Medical Exams (SME). The IME is a required part of the Canadian immigration process. Please note that MSP does not cover IME or SME fees. The doctors we work with have a flat fee of $260/Adult and $200/Child (under 15 years old) for IME. This does not include blood tests or x-rays performed at other clinics (Lifelabs and Downtown Radiology, respectively). For Student Medical Exam (SME), the cost is $195 and doesn’t require an x-ray or a blood test. If you wish to have a blood test done for an STI check, you can ask the doctor for a requisition during your SME. Contact Us to get started. We serve clients throughout the Lower Mainland and across Canada from multiple locations in Greater Vancouver. Thank you for reading our blog. For more click here Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome.
Medical Services Plan (MSP) B.C. – A Complete guide
In this article, we will discuss Medical Services Plan(MSP) here in British Columbia. Read this article to learn about how to apply and discover what the Medical Service Plan (MSP) covers. The read time for this article is 7 – 9 minutes British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) Explained Are you looking for healthcare coverage in British Columbia? Firstly, you’ll need to enrol in BC’s Medical Service Plan, known as MSP (Medical Service Plan). MSP is a government-paid health insurance plan. It pays for medically required services of physicians and surgeons. Additionally, it also includes dental or oral surgery. However, only when medically required to be performed in a hospital.Furthermore, MSP is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in BC for six months or longer. Therefore, residents of BC are required to enrol themselves and their dependents with MSP at their earliest. Apply for Medical Service Plan Canada Medical Exam Society aims to create a healthy and safe Canada. Thus, CMES strongly urges everyone, including international students, to Apply for MSP instantly after arriving in Canada. Read further to learn more about MSP, eligibility, coverage and application submission options. Additionally, we have gathered the information below to help you learn and apply for PHN and SIN as well. Team CMES and our proud Operational Partner Team IME Clinic Inc. is happy to welcome all questions and queries relating to MSP, and all other medically related services in Canada. Feel free to Email us. What is Medical Service Plan and who is eligible? British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan covers medically required healthcare. The Medication Protection Act requires that all eligible residents and their dependents be enrolled with MSP. If you are an International Student, you should apply as soon as you arrive in Canada. People who are eligible for MSP include: All Residents who are either a citizen of Canada or lawfully admitted into the country for permanent residence. To be eligible you must live in BC for at least six months in a calendar year Dependants (including spouses, children, as well as dependent post-secondary students) Status First Nations residents of BC Certain individuals with Study Permits or Work Permits who may be considered BC residents What Does MSP Cover? BC’s Medical Services Plan covers medically required medical services with physicians and surgeons. This includes: Dental and oral surgery performed in a hospital Some orthodontic services Eye examinations if medically required Maternity care, including midwives Diagnostic services, including x-rays Supplementary healthcare services for eligible individuals, including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathy as well as non-surgical podiatry What is NOT Covered by MSP? Prescription drugs Cosmetic surgery Dental services, except for surgical procedures performed in hospitals Eyeglasses and contact lenses Preventative screenings Counsellors or psychologists Medical examinations required for: immigration, driving a vehicle, employment, life insurance, school or sports Routine eye examinations for people aged 19 to 64 Supplementary healthcare services for non-eligible individuals, including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathy as well as non-surgical podiatry Ways to Apply for MSP New Canadian residents should apply for MSP as soon as they arrive. But your coverage may start three months after arriving in BC; you should get private healthcare insurance until then. International Students also need to get a private Student Medical Exam if they study in one of our partnered schools, even if they are still in the process of applying for MSP. Applying for MSP online takes about 15 minutes. Firstly, you will need identification for everyone on your application, as you will have to include digital images of documents that show your name and immigration status. You can apply here If you wish to apply by mail, print and fill out the form found here and mail it to this address: Health Insurance BC Medical Services PlanPO Box 9678 Stn Prov GovtVictoria, BC V8W 9P7 How to get a Personal Health Number (PHN) Your Personal Health Number is the unique identification number you will receive when you enrol with MSP. It stays with you for your entire life. And will remain the same regardless of where you live or any changes to your personal status. Furthermore, It can be found on BC Services Card, which one should have whenever healthcare services are required. How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada. It is also necessary to have access to federal programs and benefits. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary workers must apply for one before receiving government services, including healthcare. You may apply for a SIN online here. You will need a primary identity document to prove; Your status in Canada (such as a Permanent Resident card) A secondary document (such as a passport or other government-issued ID) Proof of address (such as a lease) Note that if the name on one of your documents is different, you will also require a supporting document. How to get healthcare coverage in BC? One of the benefits of being a permanent resident in Canada is having access to the country’s universal healthcare, which covers essential healthcare services. That’s why when coming to Canada, you will need to prove that you are not: A danger to public health (carrying an infectious disease) A danger to public safety (violent behaviour or physical/mental incapacity) An excessive demand for healthcare or social services. This does not apply to refugees and protected persons. Also, some people sponsored by family members like dependent children or spouses are exempted. Thank you for reading our blog. We have more Medical Resources for you to read, gain information and stay healthy in Canada. Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome. If you have any further queries relating to MSP, please feel free to discuss it further with our Registered Doctor during your Student Medical Exam. Alternatively, you can Email us your query and we will provide you with all the necessary information you request.
Meditation for Mental Health in Vancouver and other parts of B.C. Canada.
Meditation – A Holistic Practice and Its Power The Power of Meditation is Unneglectable! Healthy mental stability is the key to success. A variety of studies have explored the power of meditation for strong mental health. Moreover, in recent times, as the world is changing, people are incorporating more and more holistic practices and mindful practices into their daily lives. As a result, regardless of the demographics, from men to women and from children to elders, everyone is adding meditation activities into their daily lives. Looking around our surroundings, we all know someone who takes on the practice of meditation. For some people, it is a daily practice while for others it is just for emergency situations. This blog post will elaborate on the power of meditation for strong mental health. Firstly, starting with explaining the means and measures of meditation, it will highlight the ultimate powers of meditation and what benefits it can bring to our daily working activities. Furthermore, it will highlight the meditation techniques and practices to get you started. Lastly, it will explore why including holistic practices in our life is important and encourage you to promote as you follow. The read time of this blog article is estimated to be between 6 and 8 minutes. What Is Meditation? It is a practice of self-control and self-awareness that’s been around for centuries. People have followed this religiously. Additionally, the art and practice of meditation basically have a simple goal in mind – that is to slow down the mind and strengthen your mental health. The Ultimate Powers of Meditation While for some people it is a daily practice for strong mental stability. However, for others, it is a practice that doesn’t really work. Furthermore, according to the study by Emmy Vadnais “The Power of Meditation,” there are strong powers behind it. When a person meditates, his brain waves change, which has the power to change his mind, or at least his mindset. Moreover, meditation has a lot of benefits to our mental health. Firstly, tt can help slow down the incoming information. Additionally, with regular holistic practices emotions are not as strong. Lastly, sensory inputs slow down. Thus, information is not overloaded and overthinking ceases. Other benefits include; Improved memory Increased focus Decreased anxiety Increases compassion and empathy Unlocks creativity Fight’s stress and make you smile more often Need assistance with your mental health? We can give you recommendations! Contact Us Now Techniques and Practice to Get You Started Grounding One of the most effective and commonly used practices of meditation is grounding which is the physical connection between the electrical frequencies of the human body with Earth’s. Walking barefoot on the grass or wet sand or connecting with a tree or sea can produce overwhelming benefits and a sense of relaxation. Centring Another very effective and popular holistic practice is the practice of centring oneself from the rest of the world. It is a process of returning to your thoughts, from the stressfulness of everyday activities. It helps you focus on the present moment, taking power away from stressful events and negative thoughts and helps you remain stable and centred. Focus on breath In order to reset one’s sense of self and get back to the centre of thoughts, focusing on the breath is a widely followed approach that helps you to focus on the act of breathing in and out. Importance of Holistic Practices As you may agree, it is a generally accepted fact that the overall wellness of the human body revolves around physical health. Although physical health is very important, so is mental health equally. Yet not many people practice activities routinely for strong mental stability. Holistic practice fills the missing gap between physical and mental wellness. A widely known fact is that holistic practices include not only mental health but simultaneously physical health as well. It is a balance of both. The holistic practice is not just an act. It’s a long-term lifestyle that promotes a sense of happiness, satisfaction and physical well-being. Read More Promote Meditation for Mental Health as You Follow You will find a lot of different people, wellness groups and health clinics promoting the act of meditation. Do you wonder why? Simply because it works. The power of meditation is unneglectable for a better lifestyle. Similarly, more and more people are utilizing this holistic approach to strengthen their physical and mental health. Try it yourself and then promote meditation as you follow. Try it out for FREE If you want to try meditation for a few days before you stick to it, you can download apps on your phone to get some Meditation sessions: Headspace offers 7 day free trial Calm also offers a 7 day free trial Those two apps are the most common ones and give you not only Meditation session guidance, but also articles, classes, and podcasts about meditation, stress relief, sleep and much more. For more information regarding Meditation for Mental Health, Contact Us. Thank you for reading our blog! Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome.