When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived here in Nova Scotia, it was a time of fear and uncertainty for many. With strong leadership from Dr. Strang and Premier McNeil, we received directions on how to flatten the curve. As deaths occurred from the pandemic, we grieved with the families and the friends of our fellow Nova Scotians.

Then on Apr 18 and 19, 2020, we suffered a tragic loss involving 22 individuals from 5 communities. Either directly or via the one degree of separation ( ie. a person knowing someone who knows someone involved), we were each affected. We came together virtually, via letters, artwork and in so many other ways to show their loved ones our support.

Once more, our home province was rocked on Apr 29, 2020 when a NATO helicopter went down during exercises off the coast of Greece, and we learned that 3 of the 6 crew had connections with Nova Scotia. We rallied again to show our sadness at their losses and support for their families.

Our lives have forever changed and we will have a new normal when this is over. I am proud of the way Nova Scotians have stepped up to the challenge of all that has come our way. The compassion and ingenuity of Nova Scotians can only be rivalled by the love and support we have shared with families and friends of those that have passed for various causes. ” Social distancing” was a new term that has made its way into everyone’s language, the importance of washing hands has become key in helping to keep us healthy and the new catch phrase “Stay safe” ( or some variation of it) has become the new parting phrase.

During this time, mental health issues and abuse has the potential to rise. If you are experiencing either of these, please call on your support systems – your family physicians if you have one, mobile mental health crisis team, your local law enforcement agencies and many others that are important community resources to receive the help you need to keep you safe.

Stay safe.

Dr. Natasha Deshwal

Wear Red Day was celebrated on Feb 13, 2020 in Halifax. It was the second annual event,with a lunch and learn program held at the Halifax Infirmary for everyone – clinicians and the public.It was broadcast to various Maritime locations.

Click HERE to read my blog based on the speech I gave that day.

For more information and resources, visit: WEARREDCANADA.CA

Every female should be checked for Chlamydia with each new partner or if they have concerns. Symptoms can occur 2-6 weeks after contact with an infected partner. Women may have discharge from the vagina, pain with intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen, bleeding with intercourse or pain with urinating.

The age groups at highest risks have always been thought to be the teens and twenties only,however, there has been an increase in women that are menopausal and even the senior population. The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use a condom if you are having vaginal intercourse (even close genital contact) or anal intercourse or to use a dam (thin, flexble piece of latex) if you are having oral intercourse.

Women often think of the condom for birth control and they will stop using it once they are menopausal. It should still be used for prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STI), such as Chlamydia.

This can be done by self referral.

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), National Standards and Guidelines for Breast Screening, recommend screening for women at least 40 years of age yearly, with no new breast symptoms, no breast implants, nor personal history of breast cancer and at least 1 yr since the previous mammogram.. Resident of Nova Scotia with a valid Nova Scotia Health card.

Women in Nova Scotia, aged 50-74, are recommended to have screening mammography at two year intervals. Women 50-74 can also be recommended to return on an annual basis if they:have a strong family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter, father, brother, son), if they are currently on Hormone Replacement Therapy or if the radiologist has recommended returning sooner.

Women over the age of 75 are recommended to continue to have screening mammography if they are in good health.

For more information, please go to Link

Most people think that dryness happens only at menopause (1 year after a woman’s periods have ended). It can happen any time that there is a decrease in the vaginal estrogens such as after giving birth or during the time when a woman can be perimenopausal (the time before a women enters menopause – she may be experience hot flashes/night sweats due to the drop and surge of estrogen). Women think vaginal dryness happens only with intercourse. It can affect women who are not sexually active.

There are treatment options that can help – medications and no medications. If this sounds like you, be sure to make an appointment to discuss them.