Have you ever gotten home with a strange rash or a painful ear? If so, then you have had the unfortunate experience of meeting the two most common unwanted visitors of summer, which are Swimmer’s Itch and Swimmer’s Ear. Although these sound as though they should be related, they are completely different biological scenarios.

Swimmer’s Itch: The Case of the Lost Parasite.

Cercarial dermatitis, commonly referred to as swimmer’s itch, is basically a parasitic infection by mistake. The larval flatworms, which live in aquatic snails and are looking for birds and small mammals to colonize, come out of the water.

The problem occurs when you are swimming in the path of those larvae since they mistakenly enter your body. The fact that people are not the right hosts makes these larvae die immediately, but your immune system doesn’t know that yet.

Imagine your immune system as an overprotective security guard. Despite the fact that the “invasion” is finished, the guard still keeps raising alarms and closing doors, causing your red, itchy, raised pimples.

According to scientific research, such outbreaks are quite dangerous all over Canada, as cases have been observed in almost all Canadian provinces. For example, there was a five-year study conducted in Alberta where thousands of cases were registered in July and August – the hottest months of the year.

Takeaway: Swimmer’s itch is just an allergic reaction to water parasites; therefore, it is not an infection.

Swimmer’s Ear: The Watery Canal Blockade.

Whereas the “itch” remains on your skin, Swimmer’s Ear (also referred to as otitis externa) occurs near your outer ear canal. Swimmer’s Ear is caused by bacteria and not parasites; however, these organisms flourish when there is excessive moisture inside your ear.

Generally, our ears are equipped with a defence mechanism against infections, which involves the production of earwax. This substance, which is hydrophobic and has an acidic nature, forms a barrier preventing bacteria and fungi from entering our ears.

The process of contracting Swimmer’s Ear happens when we stay inside the water for too long, or when we clean our ears using cotton swabs, and hence traumatize the skin barrier or earwax and allow the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria to invade the area.

Within 48 hours, symptoms begin to show, such as pain in the ear, a feeling of fullness, and discharge from the ear, which is usually yellowish. The main symptom of having Swimmer’s Ear is when it hurts a lot whenever you pull your outer ear or the flap of the ear canal.

Takeaway: Swimmer’s Ear is a bacterial infection of the ear canal often caused by trapped moisture or minor trauma to the skin.

Defensive Maneuvers for the Modern Swimmer.

However, prevention may be easier than treatment when it comes to these diseases. With Swimmer’s Itch, it is especially hard to stop the process, as a single infected snail may produce thousands of larvae in the water.

Even if there are some who believe that towel-drying is a key solution, in fact, the best thing one can do is to know the area. Should a person have the misfortune to swim in the area where there is already an outbreak or high concentrations of birds and snails, he will surely get a good case of Swimmer’s Itch from the shallow and weedy places of the lake.

Regarding ears, the best solution is “keeping them dry” with well-fitted earplugs or swim caps.

After the swimming session, a person should slightly tilt their head in order to allow all water to drain. One can even use a hair dryer set on the coolest setting.

Takeaway: Protecting your summer fun means keeping your ears dry and staying alert to local water conditions and warnings.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

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The Canadian Man’s 2026 Health Checklist: Screenings That Could Save Your Life.

But the data tells a startling story.

According to a report supported by Movember Canada, nearly half of Canadian men (44%) die prematurely from largely preventable causes. Men die of heart disease, cancer, and suicide at rates significantly higher than women.

“Green living” isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about sustainable personal health.

We have put together a screening checklist for Canadian men this year.

Why This Matters Now.

The Canadian government is developing its first-ever National Men’s Health Strategy, acknowledging that men face unique barriers to healthcare, including stigma and a lack of tailored services. Leading causes of early death for Canadian men are malignant cancers, coronary heart disease, accidents, and suicide. Proactive screening beats those statistics.

The 2026 Screening Checklist.

Use this guide to speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

1. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

When to start: Age 18+ (BP); Age 35+ (cholesterol, or 20+ with risk factors).

High blood pressure and cholesterol are “silent killers.” Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for men in Canada.

2. Colorectal Cancer Screening

When to start: Age 45–50 (varies by province).

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Canadian men, yet it is highly preventable if polyps are caught early.

3. Lung Cancer Screening

When to start: Ages 55–74, specifically with a 20 “pack-year” history (e.g., 1 pack/day for 20 years).

Lung cancer is the most diagnosed and most fatal cancer in Canada. Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scans can catch it early.

4. Prostate Cancer (PSA Discussion)

When to start: A shared decision between ages 55 and 69.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but not all prostate cancers are aggressive.

5. Mental Health & AAA Check

When to start: Annually, at any age (mental health); ages 65–80 who ever smoked (AAA).

Canadian men account for 3 out of 4 suicides. Depression in men often looks like irritability, anger, or increased alcohol use, not sadness.

Where to Get These Checks in Canada.

If you lack a family doctor—a common issue in many provinces—explore virtual care options like Teladoc or TELUS Health, which offer preventive assessments. Nurse practitioners are also excellent resources for men’s health checkups.

Your body, your temple.

Your body is primary for experiencing life. By running through this checklist, you aren’t being a hypochondriac—you are being a steward of your own health.

As the government rolls out the National Men’s Health Strategy, take the first step yourself.

Book your appointment. The life you save is your own.

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It is a call to action rooted in one of the most urgent public health realities of our time. Too many Canadians are struggling alone. Too many are wearing a mask — hiding anxiety, depression, grief, or burnout behind a composed exterior — because the stigma of mental illness still makes honesty feel dangerous. Mental Health Week exists to change that, one conversation at a time.

A Tradition Worth Knowing.

Canadian Mental Health Week is not new. First introduced by the CMHA in 1951, this year marks its 75th anniversary — making it one of the longest-running public health campaigns in Canadian history. What began as a modest awareness effort has grown into a national movement, with events in more than 330 communities across every province and territory (CMHA National, 2026).

The CMHA’s message this year is both timely and personal: social connection is essential to mental health, yet millions of Canadians report feeling lonely, often or always. The theme Come Together is a reminder that mental health is not just an individual challenge — it is a community responsibility. Small, everyday acts of connection — a phone call, a genuine conversation, checking in on a neighbour — can ripple outward in ways we rarely see but always feel.

The Numbers Tell a Difficult Story.

The warm spirit of Mental Health Week exists against a backdrop that is, frankly, troubling. The numbers are not abstractions — they represent real people in real communities across this country.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report, the mental health of Canadians is now three times worse than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, roughly 9 percent of Canadians rated their mental health as “poor” or “fair.”

By 2021 that figure had climbed to 26 percent — and it has not meaningfully recovered (CMHA, 2024).

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported in 2025 that 41 percent of adults with a diagnosed mental health condition said their care needs were only partially met or completely unmet. For young adults aged 18 to 34, that figure climbs to 52 percent. And only half of Canadians referred to community mental health counselling received care within 30 days (CIHI, 2025).

The financial barriers are stark. Fifty-seven percent of Canadians aged 18 to 24 who showed early signs of mental illness said cost was the primary obstacle to getting help. Mental health care in Canada is not enshrined as a medically necessary service under the Canada Health Act, meaning that outside of hospital care, most Canadians pay out of pocket or go without (CMHA, 2024).

Canada also lags well behind its peers in mental health spending. Provinces and territories average just 6.3 percent of their health budgets on mental health — compared to 15 percent in France, 11 percent in Germany, and 9 percent in the United Kingdom. CMHA is calling on the federal government to bring that figure to at least 12 percent.

Who Is Bearing the Heaviest Load.

The data makes it clear that mental health struggles are not distributed equally. Indigenous Peoples face the most severe barriers, with 38 percent reporting “poor” or “fair” mental health. Racialized and immigrant communities face systemic challenges, including language barriers, culturally inappropriate care, and discrimination. Canadians in rural and remote areas face acute shortages of qualified professionals.

Emergency departments — never designed to be the front door of mental health care — have absorbed a 47 percent increase in visits for mental health and substance use concerns. Hospitalization rates have risen 23 percent. For youth aged 14 to 17, the hospitalization rate increased by a staggering 136 percent over recent years (CMHA Toronto, 2024).

These are not statistics. They are human beings who ran out of other options.

What Mental Health Week Asks of Us.

In the face of numbers this sobering, it can be tempting to feel helpless. But Mental Health Week is a reminder that systemic change and personal action are not mutually exclusive — and that the personal often leads to the systemic.

CMHA is asking Canadians to do something beautifully uncomplicated: connect. Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ask a colleague how they’re really doing — and mean it. Share your own experience if you feel safe to. Attend a local or virtual event. Wear green. Start a conversation in your workplace or classroom.

The science behind this ask is solid. Social connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health. Loneliness, by contrast, carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Connection is not a soft, feel-good add-on to mental health — it is medicine.

The Road Ahead.

Mental Health Week is one week. But the work it represents is year-round — in how we fund our health system, how we treat each other in our workplaces and communities, and how willing we are to be honest about our own struggles.

Canada has made progress. But as the CMHA’s own 2024 report concludes plainly: “Mental health has been profoundly neglected under universal health care since Medicare was introduced. Six federal governments in a row have failed to deliver free, universal mental health care — and Canadians are living with, and sometimes dying from, the consequences.”

This May 4–10, Come Together. Have the conversation. Make the call. The person on the other end may need it more than you know.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7), or text HOME to 686868 to reach Crisis Services Canada.

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Understanding digital eye strain.

Digital screens differ from printed text. Characters are created by tiny pixels with reduced contrast and subtle flickers, requiring more effort to focus. Extended screen time also reduces our blink rate. We typically blink about 15 times per minute, but studies show that blink frequency drops to 5 to 7 times per minute when using a computer. This leads to dry eyes and temporarily blurry vision. Eye strain may be accompanied by headaches and neck or shoulder pain due to poor posture.

How the 20-20-20 rule works.

To reduce discomfort, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet away. Their Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time also advises a longer 15-minute break after every two hours of continuous screen use. The rationale is simple: shifting focus relaxes the ciliary muscles responsible for near vision, while frequent blinking re-lubricates the ocular surface.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) echoes these recommendations. In its tips for reducing digital eye discomfort, the AAO suggests looking up from the screen and focusing on distant objects, a habit that helps relieve strain. According to the AAO, the rule alleviates temporary eye discomfort without causing harm; digital devices themselves do not permanently damage the eyes.

The Mayo Clinic reinforces this advice in a brief video script. Optometrist Dr. Muriel Schornack notes that prolonged screen use lowers the blink rate, leading to a dry, unstable tear film. She recommends practising the 20-20-20 rule and adds a twist: during the 20-second break, consciously blink about 20 times to spread tears evenly.

Research into the rule’s effectiveness is emerging. A 2020 educational intervention found that teaching patients with computer vision syndrome to follow the 20-20-20 rule significantly improved dry eye symptoms and tear film stability. A 2023 survey published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology observed that only about one-third of participants practise the rule regularly and that its evidence base is still limited. Nonetheless, many eye-care professionals endorse the technique because it encourages regular micro-breaks and eye lubrication.

Putting the rule into practice.

Implementing the 20-20-20 rule is straightforward. Set an alarm or use a reminder app to prompt breaks every 20 minutes. During each break, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds—this could be a distant tree outside a window or even closing your eyes and imagining a distant horizon. Blink deliberately to refresh the tear film and use artificial tears if eyes feel dry. It’s fine if the object isn’t exactly 20 feet away; the goal is to relax your near-focus muscles.

In addition to the 20-20-20 routine, professionals suggest a few other strategies:

Can the rule prevent headaches?.

Headaches linked to digital eye strain often arise from prolonged accommodation (focusing up close) and poor posture. By forcing you to break your near focus and relax the eye muscles, the 20-20-20 rule may reduce the frequency of these headaches. Studies show that individuals who consistently refocus on distant objects and take breaks experience milder computer vision syndrome symptoms. Although more research is needed, many optometrists observe that regular breaks help prevent tension headaches and eye discomfort.

A balanced perspective.

The 20-20-20 rule is not a cure-all, but it’s a simple, low-cost tool that encourages healthy screen habits. Evidence for its effectiveness is growing, though not yet definitive. When combined with ergonomic adjustments and mindful screen use, this routine can alleviate eye dryness, blurred vision and headaches. As digital devices continue to dominate our work and leisure, regular eye breaks offer a small but meaningful way to support visual and overall well-being.

Suggested Sources for Further Reading.

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This understanding, rooted in thousands of years of experience, is now being reclaimed by Indigenous communities across Canada as a powerful response to intergenerational trauma and a pathway to healing for the emerging generation.

The Land as First Teacher.

Indigenous education has always centred on the Land as its primary teacher. For Peoples like the Omushkego Mushkegowuk of northern Ontario, connection to traditional territories is not simply recreational—it is integral to identity. It encompasses both physical and spiritual bonds that sustain life. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms this fundamental relationship, recognizing the right “to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas”.

Yet colonization intentionally disrupted these critical connections. Through mechanisms researchers term “environmental dispossession,” The physical removal from traditional territories. Indigenous Peoples experienced both direct removal from their lands and indirect assaults. Forced relocation to reserves, land surrenders through treaties that were often coerced and legislation that restricted movement and access to traditional lands.

Policies like the Residential School system severed physical, emotional, and spiritual relationships with traditional territories. Banning traditional ceremonies and practices that connected people to the land. Banning of traditional hunting, fishing, harvesting practices and destruction of traditional languages that carried land-based knowledge.

Cultural, spiritual and practical relationships were systematically dismantled.

The intergenerational trauma that followed continues to affect communities today, contributing to health disparities that see First Nations people in British Columbia nearly six times more likely to die from toxic-drug poisoning than non-First Nations people.

What Is Land-Based Healing?.

Land-based healing encompasses diverse practices, each unique to the Indigenous Community practicing it. These are not generic programs, but culturally specific interventions, rooted in traditional knowledge. A comprehensive 2025 scoping review, led by Madison Cachagee (Omushkego Mushkegowuk) and colleagues, examined 27 studies representing 13 Indigenous Communities across four countries, confirming that land-based healing practices share common principles while remaining distinctly Nation-specific.

Through access to traditional territories, Indigenous Peoples engage in activities that researchers refer to as “environmental repossession”—the social, cultural, and political processes of reclaiming traditional Lands and ways of life. These activities include hunting, food preparation, weaving, ceremonial practices such as smudging, smoke ceremonies, and sweat lodges, as well as traditional medicine harvesting.

In practical terms, programs across Canada are putting these principles into action. Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services in Ontario offers year-round land-based programming to ten First Nation communities, including traditional ceremonies like full moon ceremonies, men’s and women’s teachings, and water walks.

Participants engage in cultural activities such as moccasin making, medicine harvesting, hand drum making, and learning Anishinaabemowin. Similarly, the Sweetgrass Health Centre in Cochrane provides traditional healing programs that include land-based activities, cultural awareness training, and healing trauma retreats for both adults and youth.

The Role of Elders and Intergenerational Connection.

Central to the success of land-based healing is the role of Elders as knowledge keepers and cultural guides. Research by Dr. David Danto of the University of Guelph-Humber, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, explored how Elders facilitate healing in Mushkegowuk communities.

The study employed a “two-eyed seeing” approach—a framework developed by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall that honours both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing simultaneously.

Jocelyn Sommerfeld, who co-authored the study, noted a particularly significant finding: the connection between youth and Elders fills a crucial gap created by Residential Schools. “The parents of these youth were among those who attended residential schools,” she explained. “I think this connection between Elders and youth is a really important part of land-based programs, because that’s how youth are going to be connected with their culture”.

This intergenerational transmission of knowledge embodies what Indigenous Peoples call the principle of seven generations—the understanding that each generation bears responsibility for safeguarding the well-being and survival of the next. When youth trap, harvest medicines, or participate in ceremonies alongside Elders, they are not merely learning skills; they are receiving cultural continuity disrupted by colonization.

Evidence of Healing.

The evidence supporting land-based healing is compelling. Dr. Danto’s research found that land-based activities improve wellbeing and mental health in many Indigenous communities. These interventions work because they recognize what psychologists term the “eco-centric self”—the understanding that for Indigenous Peoples, identity is fundamentally connected to the land.

In British Columbia, this evidence has translated into significant government investment. In August 2025, the Province announced $8.3 million for a Tŝilhqot’in-led healing and wellness model responding to the toxic-drug crisis. The Red Road River Tŝilhqox project will offer both traditional treatment and land-based healing, including 35 beds across supportive recovery, treatment, and after-care. As Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, stated, “The strength of the Tsilhqot’in Nation is in our unity: six communities working together as one to protect and care for our people”.

This approach recognizes that untreated psychological effects of colonialism have been passed down through generations, creating ongoing cycles of trauma and addiction. As Scott Tremblett, CEO of Red Road Recovery, explained, “We believe true healing begins when people are connected to culture, land and community.”

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite demonstrated benefits, land-based healing programs face significant challenges, particularly with sustainable funding. Dr. Danto notes that “these approaches are often run by families or by individuals within the community who don’t have the resources or the ability to go through complex funding processes. It’s very difficult to get the funding, and yet I would argue that these are some of the most effective approaches to healing the community and their youth.”

Researchers also caution against homogenizing diverse Indigenous practices. The unique values and approaches of each Nation must be respected rather than forced into generic categories—a consequence of colonization that continues to cause harm.

For psychologists and healthcare providers, the path forward requires humility and a willingness to learn. “The profession of psychology has a responsibility to provide culturally appropriate treatment,” Dr. Danto emphasizes. “Where many Indigenous people find healing, strength and resilience is within their own culture, their own traditions, their own language and their own ways. The knowledge for healing is there among the Elders and within the community”.

A Return to Balance.

As Sarah Wright Cardinal’s research at the University of Victoria explores, before the Indian Act and the Potlatch Ban, Indigenous nations had complex healthcare systems with intrinsic ties to the land. These holistic systems cared for the individual, family, and community through medicinal plant use, ceremonial practices, mentorship, and land-based connections.

The Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation in Ontario, serving the urban Indigenous population of Renfrew County on unceded Algonquin territory, exemplifies this holistic approach. Their programs connect community members to culture, language, traditions, and ceremonies while walking a journey of healing that addresses intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonization, and the legacy of Residential Schools.

The significance of land-based healing for Indigenous well-being is, as the research makes clear, indisputable. For the emerging generation of Indigenous youth, reconnecting with the Land offers not only healing from past wounds but also a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. In returning to the Land, they find their way back to themselves—and ensure that the seven generations yet to come will know the healing power of their ancestral territories.

Sources for Further Reading.

Cachagee, M., Poirier, B., Cachagee, C., Jamieson, L., & Neufeld, H. (2025). Nurturing roots: A scoping review on Indigenous acts of resistance through Land-based healing practices. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 21(2), 328-338.

Danto, D., Walsh, R., & Sommerfeld, J. (2021). Land-Based Healing: Toward Understanding the Role of Elders. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

Government of British Columbia. (2025). Province funds Tŝilhqot’in-led healing and wellness model. BC Gov News.

Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. (2025). About Us. CCIB.

University of Guelph-Humber. (2021). UofGH’s Dr. David Danto publishes new research on Indigenous land-based healing.

Wright Cardinal, S. (2024). Sharing medicine bundles and pathways to community wellness. Michael Smith Health Research BC.

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Paw prints across the floor; a trail of microbes that interact with our own biology.

From Soil to Sofa: The Microbial Passport of Dogs.

Our homes teem with microscopic life, and pets can alter that ecosystem in tangible ways. In a study that swabbed nine household surfaces across 40 homes, researchers found that dwellings with dogs harbored markedly more diverse bacteria than dog-free homes. Pillowcases and television screens in dog-owning households had 42–52 percent more kinds of microbes than similar surfaces in homes without pets. The team observed that bringing a dog into a house introduces a suite of dog-associated bacteria that may have health effects.

Soil and leaf bacteria were most abundant on exterior door trims and kitchen surfaces, illustrating how outdoor excursions translate into indoor microbial diversity.

Another line of evidence comes from household dust studies. Researchers who analyzed dust before and after families brought home a dog observed shifts in the composition and abundance of certain bacterial groups. These changes were more pronounced after a year and were linked to reduced allergic sensitization in children. Dogs essentially act as vectors, carrying low-abundance environmental microbes into living spaces and reshaping the dust microbiome.

Microbial Diversity and Immune Training.

Why should anyone care about a few extra microbes on their pillow? The answer lies in the developing immune system. Studies consistently show that children raised with dogs have lower rates of allergies and asthma than those without early pet exposure. One reason is that infants exposed to dogs exhibit greater gut microbial diversity. Diversity in the gut during early life is linked to more balanced immune responses and a lower risk of allergic diseases.

Research has also examined the prenatal period. A Canadian study of more than 700 infants found that babies born into households with pets had roughly twice the levels of Ruminococcus and Oscillospira, gut bacteria associated with reduced risk of allergies and obesity. Interestingly, the effect persisted even when the pets were rehomed before birth, suggesting that mothers may transfer beneficial microbes acquired from pets to their babies. Scientists point to a critical window during pregnancy and the first few months of life when exposure to a diverse array of microbes helps calibrate the immune system.

Adult Microbiomes: Subtle Effects and Additional Benefits.

The impact of pet ownership on adult microbiomes appears less pronounced. A case-control study of Wisconsin adults found little difference in overall gut microbial diversity between pet owners and those without pets, although some bacterial species were more or less abundant depending on pet exposure. Nevertheless, earlier research shows that pets can significantly alter the skin microbiome and increase environmental microbial diversity in the home. The study authors hypothesized that pet exposure may have a greater influence on the microbiome during infancy and early childhood than in later life.

Beyond microbiota, dogs offer other health perks. UCLA physicians note that dogs bring in a variety of outdoor bacteria that may help maintain a healthy gut and have been linked to a lower risk of Crohn’s disease in children. Dog ownership also encourages physical activity and reduces stress, both of which support immune function. However, there are caveats: people with severe allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare provider before adopting a pet.

Hygiene and Safety: Clean Hands, Happy Homes.

The benefits of canine-mediated microbial exposure come with responsibilities. Pets can carry organisms that cause illness, especially for young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water after playing with pets, feeding them, cleaning their habitats, picking up waste or leaving areas where animals live.

Hand sanitizer is a temporary measure when sinks aren’t available.

Good household practices minimize the risk of zoonotic infections. Pet supplies and habitats should be kept out of kitchens and cleaned outdoors; never use food preparation sinks for washing pet items. Pet feces can harbor parasites like roundworms and hookworms, so always collect and dispose of dog waste and prevent children from playing in contaminated areas. Teach children to wash their hands after interacting with animals and discourage them from kissing pets or putting hands in their mouths. Routine veterinary care—vaccinations, deworming and flea control—helps keep pets and families healthy. People with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions and seek medical advice.

Dogs act as microbe couriers, transferring environmental bacteria from parks and gardens into our homes. This microbial influx can diversify household dust and surface communities and appears to play a role in shaping the human microbiome and immune system. Early exposure to pets during pregnancy and infancy increases beneficial gut bacteria and is associated with lower rates of allergies, asthma and even some inflammatory conditions. Although the effect is less pronounced in adults, owning a dog still confers health benefits through increased physical activity, reduced stress and possibly subtle shifts in skin and gut microbes. To reap the benefits without undue risk, pet owners should practice good hygiene—washing hands, keeping pet supplies separate from kitchens and promptly disposing of waste. With a thoughtful approach, the canine cleanup crew can enrich our microbiome and immunity while keeping our households safe.

Resources (Selected References).

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Magazica: Some people, dear readers and viewers, spend their careers chasing titles; others spend them changing lives. Katie Koebel has done both – quietly, consistently, and with a passion that has reshaped how countless people experience the world around them. She is an audiologist and the senior manager of audiology at HearingLife Canada in Toronto.

She has spent years helping individuals reconnect with one of life’s most precious gifts: the ability to hear and fully engage with the moments that matter in their lives.

Her journey is one of science meeting empathy, where advanced hearing technology meets the deeply human need for connection. Today, we will explore the moments that shaped her path. We’ll look at the lessons she has learned from the people she has served, and the practical wisdom anyone can use to protect and nurture their own hearing health.

Katie, welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you here.

Katie Koebel: Thanks, it’s great to be here.

Magazica: Thank you. Let’s begin with your personal journey. What’s the first incident or experience that drew you to audiology? Was there a defining moment that made you think, “This is the work I’m meant to do”?

Katie Koebel: I don’t think it was a single defining moment, but rather a series of moments that led me on this path. I knew very early on that I wanted to do something in healthcare. It was important for me to help individuals.

Part of my journey when I was younger was being in speech therapy. I had some difficulty pronouncing certain words, and I realized early on that communication is so important. When there is a breakdown in communication, it can deeply impact our lives.

Magazica: So, when you went to university, how did you explore that interest?

Katie Koebel: I started my undergraduate degree in health science and thought, “Let me see what avenues within health science, outside of a hospital setting, I can pursue.” I began volunteering in different settings and explored optometry, speech-language pathology, and audiology.

The moment I stepped into the audiology clinic – on that very first day – I saw how audiologists helped clients improve their hearing. It was inspiring, and I could see how rewarding the career was. I never looked back.

Magazica: Sometimes you find yourself in a space and suddenly realize, “This is what I want to do.” That’s a powerful moment. Can you share a patient’s story – without revealing personal details – that has stayed with you and shaped how you approach your work?

Katie Koebel: One of the very first patients I had on my own comes to mind. During your master’s degree, you have several placements, so I had observed many great audiologists. But this was one of my first independent cases.

A client and his wife came in. He was upset, frustrated, and irritable. He had a severe hearing loss and felt that even with his hearing aids, he was missing out on conversations and situations. He was beginning to isolate himself.

I thought about out-of-the-box ways to help him. I listened to the situations that mattered most to him and suggested an FM system. That meant his wife could wear a microphone, and the sound would transmit directly to his hearing aids.

I wasn’t sure if he would like it. He was frustrated and skeptical. But when he returned for his follow-up appointment, his demeanor had completely changed. He was positive, smiling, and eager to share all the situations where he could now hear his wife clearly – moments that had previously been frustrating.

Seeing firsthand the impact that technology can have on improving someone’s life solidified for me that I was in the right place. That’s what I love about audiology: it combines the human side of healthcare with technology. It’s always improving, always getting better, and it’s rewarding to see the progress over the years.

Magazica: A quick question, where did you do your master’s? At Western University? And the whole thing happened there.

Katie Koebel: I did both my undergraduate degree in Health Science and my Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western University.

However, this was actually one of my first patients after I had graduated. It was at a clinic – actually, where I still work – Hearing Life Canada. It used to be called Listen Up Canada. It was my first patient on my own, once I had finished all of my placements and schooling.

Magazica: You must still remember the reaction on the person’s face when he first started hearing everything clearly.

Katie Koebel: Exactly. It was almost like a different person. His whole demeanour changed from the first time I met him to when he came back for his follow-up with the technology. It really solidified how much of an impact we can have on individuals’ quality of life.

Magazica: For common readers, and for me as well, many of us don’t know exactly what an audiologist does on a day-to-day basis. How do you explain your role? For example, to a friend over coffee who has no idea what an audiologist usually does, how would you explain it?

Katie Koebel: It depends on the setting. Audiologists can work in various environments. I’ll talk more about private practice and clinical practice, where I’ve spent my career. Day-to-day, every day is a little different, but most of what we do is providing hearing assessments, fitting hearing aids, helping people with their hearing aids if they’re having issues, and providing follow-up care – annual hearing assessments, readjustments – making sure they’re getting the most out of their hearing aids.

Beyond those actions, we spend a lot of time counselling. We help clients understand how hearing loss impacts their lives, and we support them in accepting their hearing loss and treatment.

Magazica: From your experience counselling many people, what are one or two common misconceptions about hearing loss or hearing care that you wish more people understood?

Katie Koebel: I think the biggest misconception about hearing loss is that it’s just a normal part of aging, or only an older person’s problem. In reality, hearing loss can happen at any age.

It often happens gradually, so most people don’t notice it. They aren’t aware it’s impacting their lives. According to Statistics Canada, almost two in five Canadians have hearing loss as adults. Many don’t realize it until years later because it’s such a slow process.

Magazica: I had no idea. That’s serious – two out of five?

Katie Koebel: Almost two out of five, around 38%. Of individuals over the age of 18, many have some form of hearing loss.

Magazica: These are things we should know more about. How does untreated hearing loss affect more than just the ears – like relationships, mental health, or self-confidence? What’s the ripple effect?

Katie Koebel: When people think “I can’t hear,” they assume it only affects communication. But it affects much more. When conversations are impacted, relationships suffer. It can have a negative impact. Barriers to communication create frustration, which affects social confidence and mental health. People may start to socially isolate because it takes too much energy to participate in conversations.

They begin missing out on things that bring meaning and joy – family conversations, dinners, restaurants, playing cards with friends, sports – simply because it takes too much mental effort to follow. It can have a big impact on the overall quality of life.

Magazica: I can relate to a personal experience. One of my uncles, after retiring in the UK, suddenly began speaking in a very high-pitched voice. After doing this for a year, one of our cousins in family medicine suggested he check his ears. He wasn’t ready to go to the doctor. He was in denial, saying his hearing was fine. It took another year before we convinced him to go. He ended up with a hearing aid, and everything was fine. He returned to his original soft tone. In your experience, just like my uncle, what stops people from seeking help for hearing issues? And how can we change that?

Katie Koebel: That’s actually a very common experience. As I said earlier, hearing loss tends to happen very gradually. The person experiencing it often doesn’t notice – it sounds the same to them as it did the day before. It’s usually loved ones, family members, or friends who notice the signs earlier. You may see them speaking louder.

As you said, they may change their tone because they’re hearing themselves differently. They may have the TV or radio louder than you’d like.

They may ask you to repeat things, or struggle if someone isn’t face-to-face. Often, it’s the people around them who encourage them to get their hearing tested. If it takes two to three years, that’s actually sooner than most. On average, it takes about seven years from when someone first notices difficulty with hearing to when they actually come in and get tested.

At Hearing Life Canada, and as audiologists, we encourage people to take care of their hearing the same way they do with eye exams and dental visits. Make it a priority to get checked.

That way, people can feel comfortable taking the first step. Knowledge is key. If you don’t know your hearing levels, you can’t take steps toward improvement. Coming in for a baseline hearing assessment is the first step to making an informed decision about what’s best for your situation.

Magazica: The technology and service you’re giving people is truly life-altering. Hearing aids are the most common device we know, but there are other assistive devices, too. Both have come a long way. What’s one innovation you’ve seen recently that excites you?

Katie Koebel: Hearing aid technology has come a long way. It’s working hand-in-hand with us as hearing care professionals, giving us more ability to personalize settings to each individual’s needs.

Because everyone experiences hearing differently, I’d say the most exciting technology is the incorporation of AI tools in hearing aids.

Hearing aids are now tiny computers, trained in millions of different sound scenes. They provide support tailored to each environment so patients can get the most out of their hearing. It’s inspiring to see healthcare and technology intersect to improve the quality of life.

Magazica: AI is contributing positively in this field, too. That’s great to know.

Katie Koebel: Yes, it is. Technology helps improve the way we work, but you also need the healthcare professional side to ensure it’s used in a way that’s individualized to each patient. That’s how they get the most benefit.

Magazica: When buying hearing aids for my uncle, I noticed that the devices he bought 15 years ago, compared to now, are much more comfortable.

Katie Koebel: Most hearing aids now are water-resistant as well. We don’t recommend swimming with them, but they can handle much more moisture than before. Engineers and hearing scientists have greatly improved how hearing aids work. The devices we fit now are very different from those when I first started in this field.

Back then, there was a lot of coaching, counselling, and follow-up adjustments to get it right. Today’s hearing aids are much smarter. They make many decisions to balance sound scenes and give the brain the correct input to make meaning out of sounds.

Magazica: These days, everyone is wearing headphones or earbuds. I do that too. With these habits – being on screens with headphones, most of them noise-cancelling – what’s one simple habit our readers, viewers, and even I can start developing today to protect our hearing in the long term?

Katie Koebel: Prevention is key. We want to protect our ears as much as possible, and the best way to do that is to avoid loud noise. Whether it’s wearing hearing protection at a concert or while mowing the lawn, anything noisy requires protection. You also want to think about reducing the loudness of everything you’re listening to.

With earbuds or headphones, you shouldn’t go louder than about 60% of maximum volume to stay in the safe zone. Also, give your ears a break. If you’re listening with headphones or earbuds, every hour, take about a 10-minute break to allow quiet time.

Two things about noise affect your hearing: how loud it is and how long you’re exposed. Reduce both the loudness and the time you’re exposed to loud sounds. Prevention is always easier than treatment.

Magazica: That’s good to know. At least in my case, I never go over 60% volume, and recently I’ve started taking breaks every 50 or 60 minutes. I take them off for a few minutes, then put them back on. That’s very good to know.

Katie Koebel: You’re following best practices. Your ears will be happy you’re taking good care of them.

Magazica: Do you recommend that as well? We do it in workplace settings, but you’re the real specialist, so I wanted to cross-check for our readers and viewers.

Katie Koebel: That’s great advice. It’s exactly what I give. Think about it not only in the workplace but also in everyday life. Sometimes that’s harder – if you’re a concertgoer or use power tools, you don’t always think about how it affects your hearing.

You’re enjoying what you’re doing, and you don’t think about the impact on your ears. Hearing loss is gradual. It’s not that you expose yourself to noise and immediately lose hearing. You’re slowly adding damage, which can cause earlier and more severe hearing loss compared to someone who protects their ears and lives a relatively quiet life.

Magazica: Working in healthcare can be emotionally demanding. You meet new and diverse people almost daily. You meet patients, talk to them, diagnose them, and counsel them. You also talk to audiences, like you’re doing now. How do you stay grounded and motivated?

Katie Koebel: I try to always be present in the moment. Life is busy – family, work, many demands. I focus on giving my all in the moment and not letting worries or anticipation cloud what I’m doing.

I also stay aware of what I can control versus what I can’t. I prepare for what I can control – keeping up with hearing science, research, best practices, and hearing aid technology. But I let go of what I can’t control. We can’t control people’s actions, but we can control how we react.

I try to be empathetic to where individuals are in their hearing journey and help them improve. Hearing aids aren’t perfect – we can’t cure hearing loss – but they’ve come a long way. We can improve the quality of life, even if it’s not a perfect solution.

It’s about being in the moment, figuring out what each person needs, and matching technology to those needs, while knowing it won’t be perfect.

Magazica: I really like the concept you put forward: what you can control and what you can’t.

Katie Koebel: Prepare for what you can control, and let go of what you can’t.

Magazica: In my understanding, motivation is all about clarity.

Katie Koebel: For sure. Yes, I love that.

Magazica: From the moment a mother bears a child in her womb, through birth, until they’re seven or eight – when they’re minimally sustainable and self-dependent – you can’t imagine the tension we go through whenever they go out. Mothers are warriors, she said.

Katie Koebel: Oh, yes.

Magazica: I learned to respect working mothers from my mom. I never saw it that way before. Even for my wife, it is the same. I come home, relax, maybe watch television. My wife goes straight to the kitchen or to my son’s room. It’s the second shift for her.

Katie Koebel: Yes, I think of it that way, too. When my workday is done, I start my second job. Which is taking care of the house and family. Of course, I have a supportive husband, but even today, much of the mental load of running a family is still on my shoulders. I love it – I don’t want to give up that control – but it is a lot. You just become very time-efficient. You have small windows of time to get things done, so you make the most of them.

Magazica: Fathers help sometimes, but there are certain things fathers cannot do, and certain things fathers can do – guidance, mature talk, and so on. But fathers and mothers together – it’s teamwork.

Katie Koebel: That’s right. In life, we’re not living in vacuums. We constantly interact with family members, colleagues, and others. That’s what makes life so grand – sharing strengths and working together toward a common goal, doing things within our control and strengths. It’s about figuring out how to get the job done by leveraging the strengths we have.

Magazica: What lessons are you learning from patients? For example, what’s something you’ve learned from your patients that changed how you see life?

Katie Koebel: I always say I learn more from my patients than they do from me. The biggest lesson is how much having a positive attitude affects your overall quality of life. We see clients at all different stages of their hearing journey. Some are very early on and may be in denial, some are angry about having hearing difficulties, and some are motivated to pursue treatment and ask, “How do I improve this?”

Attitude affects success and outcomes. With a positive mindset, you start seeing the positives. I’ve had clients return for follow-ups after being fit with hearing aids – one saying, “It’s so great, I can hear the rain on the roof, the birds singing, the leaves rustling,” and they’re happy about it. Another client complained about those same sounds, saying, “I’m hearing the leaves rustling, I’m hearing the birds singing,” because they only wanted to hear someone talking.

I explain that hearing isn’t selective – you’ll hear things you don’t necessarily want to hear along with the things you do. Over time, your brain learns what to focus on and what to block out. Having a positive attitude toward hearing treatment and toward life really improves quality of life and overall health.

Magazica: And what about the family of patients you encounter? What advice would you give to loved ones? If someone suspects a friend or family member is struggling with hearing loss, what’s the most supportive way to approach it?

Katie Koebel: It’s often those around the individual who notice hearing loss first. If you see them struggling, approach the conversation with empathy. Focus on what they’re missing out on – time with friends, the punchline of jokes, music they love – rather than focusing only on the hearing difficulty.

Encourage them to get a hearing assessment so they have the information they need to make an informed decision. Even better, propose going together to get your hearing tested.

It’s not just their problem. Hearing checks should be part of normal health care, like dental exams or eye exams. Go in for a baseline hearing assessment. At our Hearing Life clinics across Canada, it’s free of charge.

Knowledge is key. Getting that baseline assessment gives you the information to make an informed decision about what route to take.

Magazica: Hearing you, I realize we did all the wrong things with our uncle when we tried to push him to get checked. If we had framed it as a regular checkup – like blood work, x-rays, or family doctor visits – it would have been easier.

Katie Koebel: Exactly. And not only you, but everyone should have their hearing checked. Now you’re better informed if that situation arises again.

Magazica: Thank you so much for sharing that. It’s such a simple but lovely approach, so loved ones don’t feel singled out. They’re part of a family, part of a cohort, doing this together.

Katie Koebel: Last message to the audience – Hearing is something we often take for granted until we start to lose it. The good news is help is available. At Hearing Life Canada, helping Canadians hear better is our top priority. With today’s technology – hearing aids, assistive listening devices – and the personalized approach we offer as hearing care professionals, you don’t have to miss out on the moments that mean the most to you.

Magazica: Fantastic. Katie, thank you for your time. Excellent suggestions and guidance for our readers and viewers. Thank you very much.

Katie Koebel: It was great chatting with you today, and thanks for taking the time to learn more about hearing and hearing health. We appreciate it.

Magazica: Thank you.