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January 18, 2012 09:52  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
The annual health care cost of mental disorders in Canada is an estimated $51 billion, with one third of the cost due to productivity losses. A recent study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) investigated the relationship between treatment of depression and work productivity. [More]
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December 22, 2011 09:43  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Although the holiday season is a time of joy, filled with gatherings, it is not uncommon to experience numerous stressors due to finances, travelling, gift shopping, many social gatherings and relationship conflicts. [More]
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November 16, 2011 09:31  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illnesses. It is estimated that one in ten Canadians suffers from an anxiety disorder according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. [More]
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October 21, 2011 09:16  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
We've all worked with people who describe self as workaholics. They’re the ones who put in extra long hours at the office and who might put their work ahead of other things in their lives. Maybe you're one yourself. But is being a "workaholic" necessarily a bad thing? Can you be connected and engaged with your work in a healthy way? [More]
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September 7, 2011 09:27  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
A wide range of mental and physical health problems occurred following the September 11, 2001 trauma. That’s not surprising given the severity of injuries, threat to life, loss of lives, the unexpected and unpredictable nature of the event, and the amount of destruction and damage that occurred. Most people experienced a diminished sense of control, safety, and well-being. [More]
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August 18, 2011 07:33  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
According to Psychiatry Weekly (2011), mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD often co-occur, thus, indicating the need to raise awareness and to know the distinctions between both diagnoses. However, controversy in regards to the co-existence of TBI and PTSD has been documented, in particular when TBI involves loss of consciousness and/or amnesia. The inability to develop PTSD because of the inability to experience feelings of fear, helplessness or horror as a result of losing consciousness or amnesia has been argued. [More]
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May 30, 2011 08:16  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Knowledge about mental health and mental disorders has always been far behind those of medical problems. The stigma attached to mental illness has been a significant barrier to recovery, to seeking a health care professional, to receiving treatment or diagnosis, low self worth and feelings of hopelessness, and decreased employment. [More]
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April 7, 2011 12:39  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Research has shown that most people are exposed to at least one traumatic situation such as a life threatening or violent situation in their lives. Everyone copes with the upsetting events in a different way ranging from experiencing significant psychological distress with difficulty recovering to coping with the trauma and regaining daily activities and functioning. [More]
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March 8, 2011 13:11  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Being highly engaged with work could lead to higher work stress, according to a new study by Dr. Carolyn Dewa, Head of the Work and Well-being Research and Evaluation Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. [More]
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February 3, 2011 08:06  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
While we often hear of clinical depression, we rarely hear of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that tends to be affected by the time of the year and the weather. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and/or early winter and they improve during spring and summer.

It is important to note that with the cold weather and reduced sunlight, we often experience mood fluctuations and some appetite and sleep changes. SAD, however, is a more severe condition.

 [More]
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January 19, 2011 00:03  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
How often do you hear of bullying in the workplace? Although we often hear of other types of violence in the workplace, workplace bullying is now receiving growing attention and is considered to be a severe social stressor in the workplace. Workplace bullying is defined as repeated, persistent and continuous negative acts or verbal comments. It involves more than a single act and is generally associated with a power imbalance whereby the victim is unable to defend self and feels inferior. [More]
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December 17, 2010 14:00  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
Is everyone looking forward to the holidays? While the holiday season is usually a joyful time filled with gatherings and celebrations, not everyone may be looking forward to the holidays. In fact, holidays tend to be quite distressing for a lot of people and this is something that we need to be very sensitive about and mindful of so that we can provide appropriate care and support to one another. [More]
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November 10, 2010 15:32  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
How often do we ask the "What if…?" questions? How often do we end up with a chain of "What if…?" questions that we reach a point where we become so worried, anxious and fatigued? Having excessive and uncontrollable worries about daily life events and experiencing physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, trouble concentrating and sleeping -- these might all be symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). [More]
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September 29, 2010 08:21  by Dr. Katy Kamkar
The costs associated with mental health disabilities are higher than those of physical disabilities. Based on most recent data, mental illnesses play a major impact on our economy: estimated annual health care costs are $51 billion. This is due to the fact that mental health problems are associated with decreased productivity at work, increased absenteeism, sick leave, and short-term and long-term disability. [More]
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Dr. Marla Shapiroclose [x]

Dr. Marla Shapiro, MDCM CCFP MHSc FRCP(C) FCFP, is a family physician and the Health and Medical Contributor for CTV's Canada AM as well as the editor of Parents Canada magazine, launched in March 2007.

She completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science in Community Health and Epidemiology. She holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is a NAMS credentialed menopause specialist. She is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, where she recently won an award for Creative Professional Activity.

Dr. Shapiro won the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/Canadian Foundation for Women's Health Award for Excellence in Women's Health Journalism in 2006 for her documentary "Run Your Own Race." Her book, "Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer" was released in the fall of 2006 and is a national bestseller.

For her lifelong commitment to family medicine, Shapiro was awarded the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Award of Excellence for 2008.

Angela Mulhollandclose [x]

Angela Mulholland is the editor of CTV News' semi-weekly health newsletter MedNews Express as well as the MedNews Express Blog.

She has been a journalist for CTV News since 2000, covering current affairs, health and entertainment for CTV.ca. Before CTV, she worked for CBC.ca for two years.

She has a degree from St. Jerome's University in Waterloo, ON, and studied journalism at Sheridan College in Oakville. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Monica Matysclose [x]

Monica Matys has been the health and wellness reporter for CTV News Toronto since 2001. Her feature health report, Lifetime, can be seen on CTV Toronto's News at Noon and at 6 p.m.

Her interest in the medical field began while working for a medical publishing company as the editor of a monthly magazine. One of Monica's favourite days on the job was the time she got to spend a day in Credit Valley Hospital's Emergency unit. "It really opened my eyes to the strains on our system," Monica explains.

Matys grew up in Scarborough, and has an honours degree in Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Avis Favaroclose [x]

Avis Favaro has been with CTV News since 1992, producing stories for CTV National and CTV News Channel - Newsnet- as well as for CTV affiliate stations across the country.

Avis and producer Elizabeth St. Philip won the 2008 Media Awards for Excellence in Health Reporting handed out by the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Medical association for a story on BPA found in food cans.

She has been nominated for an impressive 12 Geminis, winning once for a unique story on an experimental cancer treatment developed in Winnipeg in the 1940's.

Avis has a masters in journalism from UWO and a Bachelor's degree in History, and launched her journalism career as a writer/reporter at Global in 1982.

Dr. Yoni Freedhoffclose [x]

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, MD CCFP Dip ABBM, is the founder and Medical Director of the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, a multi-disciplinary behavioural weight management program. Formally trained in family medicine, since 2004 his practice has been exclusively dedicated to the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Dr. Freedhoff has been referred to as a "nutritional watchdog" by the Canadian Medical Association Journal and a national "obesity expert" by the Canadian Obesity Network. His advocacy efforts for improved public policies regarding nutrition and obesity have found him testifying in front of the Canadian House of Commons, giving press conferences with the Ontario Medical Association, commenting regularly in the national media, and as a sought after lecturer.

Dr. Freedhoff explores issues pertinent to nutrition, obesity, public policy and advocacy in his daily blog Weighty Matters which is ranked among the world's top health blogs and was voted the top Canadian health blog of 2008 by the Canadian Blog Awards.

Dr. Grant Lumclose [x]

Dr. Lum is a sports medicine physician. He is the medical director and founder of Athletic Edge Sports Medicine, a multidisciplinary sports medicine organization offering services to the athletic and active public.

He is involved in the care of recreational, elite amateur and professional athletes, including players in the NHL, NFL and NBA. He is also involved in the performing arts medical community, taking care of musicians, vocalists, dancers and other performing artists.

Dr. Lum studied medicine at the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1992. He completed a two-year residency in Family Medicine, and then specialty training in Sports Medicine.

He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, an adjunct professor at York University's Faculty of Fine Arts, and medical director of George Brown College's Fitness and Lifestyle Management Program.

Dr. Lorne Brandesclose [x]

A senior oncologist at CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Brandes received his MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1968.

Following post-graduate training at the Royal Marsden Hospital (London) and the University of Manitoba, he joined the faculty at U. Of M. in 1975, where he is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology.

He is also affiliated with the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology.

Dr. Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., C. Psych.close [x]

Dr. Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., C. Psych., is a Clinical Psychologist at the Work, Stress and Health Program/Psychological Trauma Program, at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She also provides private practice at the CBT Associates of Toronto and is a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

She completed her Honours Degree in Psychology and Mathematics at York University and her Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University. She also completed a Clinical/Research Postdoctoral Fellowship at CAMH. She has received numerous academic awards and distinctions.

Kamkar provides consultation, comprehensive assessments, and evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioural treatment for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, including psychological distress related to stress and anxiety in the workplace. She also provides training, education, and supervision as well as various educational seminars and workshops. She adheres to a scientist-practitioner model of practice and integrates research and science with practice.

One of Dr. Kamkar's greatest interests has been to provide education to enhance public awareness of mental health/illness in general and of psychological distress in the workplace. She has written articles for comprehensive public resources and provided numerous public relations - media work.

Dr. Neil Rauclose [x]

Dr. Neil Rau grew up in Ottawa. He initially studied mathematics at the University of Waterloo before completing his MD at the University of Toronto in 1991. He completed training in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at McGill University in 1996, before establishing a busy private practice in Oakville. He is currently the medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at Halton Healthcare Services.

In 2008, he completed his training in medical microbiology at the University of Toronto and he now serves as the medical microbiologist and chair of the patient safety steering committee at his hospital.

He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto. Since 2008, he has also been Infectious Diseases section head at the Association for Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. He is also a frequent contributor to CTV News.

He lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, and is an avid amateur concert pianist.

Cara Rosenbloom, RD close [x]

Registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom believes that nutrition can make a difference in overall health and wellness and enjoys translating complex nutrition information into usable and helpful advice.

Rosenbloom holds a literature degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food & Nutrition from Ryerson University. She completed a dietetic internship at North York General Hospital to become a registered dietitian.

Prior to becoming a nutrition columnist, Rosenbloom worked as a dietitian at The Hospital for Sick Children for three years. She is a member of Dietitians of Canada and the College of Dietitians of Ontario and the president of Words to Eat By, a nutrition communications company.