1Mar, 2023
How can we preserve our mental health at work?

How can we preserve our mental health at work?

“Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to realize their potential, cope with the normal difficulties of life, work successfully and productively, and be able to make a contribution to the community.” (WHO) An individual’s state of well-being is related to his or her daily personal and professional life, to the people around him or her and to the various circumstances of the external environment.
In this article, we present the risks that can affect our mental health at work, and how to preserve our state of well-being.

1- Factors that have an impact on our mental health at work:

Our mental health can be affected in the workplace by a number of factors, such as the nature of the job or working hours, the characteristics of the work environment, lack of career prospects or discrimination and inequalities based on factors such as race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social origin, migrant status or religion. According to half of the world’s working population, the best-known factors that can damage our mental health in the workplace are:
  • Excessive workload or pace of work, lack of staff ;
  • – Long, inflexible hours that are incompatible with social life;
  • – Hazardous or arduous working conditions;
  • – Violence, harassment or bullying;
  • – Under- or over-promotion;
  • – Job insecurity, inadequate pay or lack of investment in career development.
  Imbalances in our mental health can cause us many problems, both physical and moral, such as: sleep disorders, back or headaches, digestive problems, mood swings, memory loss, withdrawal… etc. To avoid work-related mental health problems, employers are advised to take organizational action that focuses directly on working conditions and work environment.

2-How can we protect and promote mental health in the workplace?

To protect mental health in the workplace, it is important to :
  • Train managers in mental health issues to help them perceive the emotional distress of their subordinates, and develop their interpersonal skills, such as open communication and active listening, to help people speak out.
  • Train workers to improve their awareness and knowledge of mental health, so that they can avoid and detect the signs of psychosocial risks.
  • Implement interventions aimed at individuals to teach them how to manage stress and reduce symptoms in the event of mental health problems.
  • Ensuring a good work-life balance for your team
  • Hold “one-to-one” meetings to find out what your employee likes and dislikes about his or her work environment.
  Several methods and tools to promote a good working climate and preserve employees’ mental health.
3Feb, 2023
How to ace your job interview in Quebec?

How to ace your job interview in Quebec?

Comprehensive guide for candidates and employers

Careful preparation is essential for a successful job interview in Quebec. Whether you’re a job seeker or a business owner looking for new talent, here’s a three-step guide to help you succeed in your interviews and find the ideal profiles.

Step 1: Find out about the company and the job offer

First and foremost, it’s crucial to know the company and the position you’re applying for. Look for information on the business sector, number of employees, date of creation, company reputation and even customer reviews. Most of these answers can be found online, showing recruiters that you’re well-informed and motivated.

Knowing more about the company will enable you to answer questions appropriately and demonstrate your interest in the position. Take the time to identify the people you’ll be interviewing with. Recruiters appreciate inquisitive, well-prepared candidates, and LinkedIn is an excellent tool for this research.

In addition, familiarize yourself with all the responsibilities associated with the position. By knowing what tasks are expected, you’ll be better prepared to answer specific questions and ask clarifying questions at the end of the interview. This shows your motivation and your desire to fully understand the role.

Step 2: Prepare for potential questions

Here are eight questions commonly asked at job interviews. Prepare personalized answers, adding concrete examples related to your field:

  1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your professional experience?
    This question gives the employer an idea of your background and how you structure your speech. Take the opportunity to highlight your experience and key skills.

  2. Why are you interested in this position?
    Explain what attracts you to the role and how it matches your aspirations. This will enable the employer to assess the compatibility between the offer and your motivations.

  3. Why do you want to leave your current position?
    Be positive and constructive. Express your willingness to take on new challenges without denigrating your previous job.

  4. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
    This question shows your ambitions and your thinking. Avoid giving vague answers; describe a realistic objective related to the position.

  5. Have you ever taken a risk or made a mistake in a previous job? What did you learn from it?
    Use this question to illustrate your ability to learn from experience and evolve.

  6. What do you know about our company?
    This question tests your preparation and shows whether you’ve informed yourself about the company before the interview.

  7. What are your salary expectations?
    Be realistic and based on your market research to show your level of preparation and your ability to assess your value.

  8. Do you have any questions?
    This is your chance to ask questions about the team, the work environment and the company’s projects. It shows your interest and your desire to project yourself into the company.

Step 3: Practice answering the questions

A few guidelines for effective responses to the recruiter’s questions:

  • Formulate clear, concise and structured answers: start with an introduction, develop the main point, and conclude.
  • Use specific examples: describe concrete situations and the results obtained to illustrate your skills.
  • Adopt a positive attitude and be yourself: authentic communication is always more appreciated.
  • Practice non-verbal communication: eye contact, facial expressions and an open posture reinforce your speech and demonstrate your confidence.

These three steps will help you to be well prepared and approach your interview with confidence. Remember that an interview is first and foremost a conversation with another person, where non-verbal communication also counts for a great deal.

Looking for a job? Send us your CV!

We’re constantly on the lookout for talent for a variety of opportunities in healthcare, home services and many other sectors. If you’re ready to join a company that values the potential of its employees, send us your CV to [email protected] or discover all our job offers.

For entrepreneurs: find the best talent

If you’re a CEO or HR manager looking for qualified talent to strengthen your team, we can help. Fill in the form on our dedicated Talent Hiring page, and find out how our expertise can simplify your recruitment process and connect you to the best candidates.

19Jan, 2023
Palliative care: its history and activities in Quebec

Palliative care: its history and activities in Quebec

With increasing longevity, chronic diseases and advances in treatment, Canadians are living longer, but facing life-limiting illnesses such as organ failure, dementia and cancer. In this context, palliative care has become indispensable for relieving physical pain, alleviating psychological suffering and improving quality of life for patients in the advanced stages of illness.

The evolution of palliative care in Quebec

Palliative care plays a vital role for many Canadian families. Recognizing this importance, legislators have put in place frameworks and laws to structure and improve access to these services.

  • June 2016: The Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-14, amending the Criminal Code to legalize medical aid in dying. In Quebec, similar legislation had been introduced six months earlier. This legislation allows Canadians aged 18 and over, who are mentally capable and suffering from serious and irreversible health problems, to have access to medical assistance in dying. It also provides for follow-up access to palliative care for those who need it.

  • August 2017: The provinces and territories adopted a statement of shared principles on health priorities, which highlights the need to improve access to home and community care, including palliative care.

  • December 2017: Parliament passed the Act to Develop a National Palliative Care Framework to harmonize and improve access to palliative care in Quebec and other provinces. Each province, including Quebec, has also developed its own strategies to meet the specific needs of their citizens.

The importance of palliative care for Canadians

Palliative care has become essential to Canadians, offering physical, emotional and social support to people of all ages facing life-limiting illnesses. This care provides symptom relief and enables patients to live their final moments with dignity and comfort, while supporting their loved ones in the grieving process.

Access to palliative care in Quebec is open to anyone, regardless of age, although these services are often aimed at seniors suffering from chronic illness or cancer. However, young adults and even children can also benefit when they are suffering from a terminal illness. This compassionate care is offered to people who no longer respond to curative treatments, in a variety of settings: at home, in a hospice, hospital or nursing home.

For more information on palliative care in Quebec, don’t hesitate to consult local resources and contact specialized centers to understand the services available and their conditions of access.

How do you access palliative care in Quebec?

Access to palliative care in Quebec is open to anyone, regardless of age, although these services are often aimed at seniors suffering from chronic illness or cancer. However, young adults and even children can also benefit when they are suffering from a terminal illness. This compassionate care is offered to people who no longer respond to curative treatments, in a variety of settings: at home, in a hospice, hospital or nursing home.

For more information on palliative care in Quebec, don’t hesitate to consult local resources and contact specialized centers to understand the services available and their conditions of access.

Palliative care activities and approach

Palliative care follows a person- and family-centered approach. It is structured around a number of activities to provide services adapted to the needs and choices of the patient:

  • Establish strong links between the care team, the patient and family caregivers, fostering coordinated, trust-based support.
  • Assess the physical, emotional, psychological and social needs of the patient, as well as those of caregivers, for comprehensive support.
  • Manage the patient’s symptoms and functional well-being, relieving pain and distress.
  • Discuss the patient’s understanding of his or her illness and prognosis, for better adaptation and acceptance of the situation.
  • Define clear treatment goals that can be adjusted as the patient’s needs evolve.
  • Respect the patient’s spiritual and cultural beliefs and preferences to ensure humane and respectful care.
  • Assist with medical decisions, guiding patients and their families through the process.
  • Coordinate care with other services when necessary, to provide an integrated, comprehensive approach to care.

These activities ensure that each patient receives appropriate support, with particular attention paid to their quality of life and that of their loved ones.

In conclusion

Palliative care can significantly reduce suffering and improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice palliative care is an essential pillar in enabling Canadians to get through this difficult period with dignity, comfort and support.

4Jan, 2023
The advantages and disadvantages of permanent recruitment

Permanent Recruitment in Quebec: Advantages and Disadvantages

Permanent recruitment raises questions for many managers: is it more advantageous than temporary recruitment? This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of permanent recruitment, particularly in remote regions of Quebec, to help employers choose the strategy best suited to their objectives.

Advantages of Permanent Recruitment in Quebec

  • Qualified candidates

With low unemployment, attracting prime candidates means offering job security and competitive advantages, which permanent recruitment makes possible, especially in remote areas where choices may be limited.

  • Employee Loyalty

A long-serving employee develops strong loyalty, reinforcing the corporate culture and facilitating talent retention, which is crucial in sectors where continuity is essential.

  • Training profitability

Investing in training for permanent employees is more cost-effective, as they stay longer, ensuring a long-term return on investment, particularly important for companies located in remote areas.

Disadvantages of permanent recruitment

  • Cost and flexibility

Permanent recruitment imposes fixed salaries, which can be problematic for companies with seasonal needs, especially in rural areas of Quebec.

  • Cost of bad hires

Incorrect selection can result in significant costs after the trial period, including compensation and notice periods – a particularly high risk in tight labor markets.

  • Legal obligations

Employers must comply with various legal obligations, such as paid leave and insurance, increasing costs for businesses in Quebec.

  • Impact of resignations

The resignation of a key permanent employee can have a major impact on the company, due to the loss of expertise, which is all the more critical in remote areas where recruitment is already a challenge.

Advantages of Forstaff Placement Agency

  • Local Expertise

  • Forstaff has in-depth knowledge of the Quebec job market, particularly in remote areas, which enables us to target the most suitable candidates.
  • Reducing the risk of bad hires

  • Thanks to a rigorous selection process, Forstaff reduces the risk of bad hires, saving time and money.
  • Time saving

  • Outsourcing recruitment to Forstaff allows companies to focus on their core business while letting experts manage the recruitment process.

  • Extended Network Access
  • Forstaff has a large network of qualified candidates, which increases the chances of finding the right profile for each position.

  • Job flexibility
  • Forstaff also offers temporary and permanent recruitment solutions, enabling companies to easily adapt to their changing needs.

Conclusion

The choice of a permanent recruitment strategy depends on a company’s objectives and field of activity, particularly in remote areas of Quebec. With the support of an agency like Forstaff, companies can maximize the benefits of permanent recruitment while minimizing the risks and drawbacks.

To find out more about permanent recruitment and support in Quebec, contact our specialist recruitment agency, Forstaff.

19Dec, 2022
The challenges and remedies of silent resignation

The challenges and remedies of silent resignation

Silent resignation is a phenomenon that is being popularized in the summer of 2022 thanks to social networks and especially post-pandemic.

This incident was explained by the behavior of an employee who tends to invest less in his or her work, and not to do more than is written in the job description.

According to several studies, silent resignation is the wake-up call to definitive resignation.

In this article, we’ll look at the issues surrounding “quiet quitting” and the solutions we can propose to retain employees.

1- The stakes of silent resignation

  • A disengaged employee means that he or she is no longer enthusiastic or invested in the tasks at hand. Hence, engagement is a major concept in the working relationship, as it provides the fuel for the company’s sustainable development.
  • An employee refusing to resign: despite no longer being interested in the position, the employee prefers not to resign for security reasons and to avoid a lot of stress.
  Managers play a key role in re-engaging staff and countering silent resignation. What actions should be taken and what values should be instilled in the company?

2- How can we solve the problem of silent resignation?

a- Corporate values

He has values to instill in the company’s culture that are essential to motivating your employees and getting them more involved in their missions.
  • Support: opt for loyalty interviews and frequent exchanges with your employees, not to assess performance but to discover their needs and expectations.
  • Fairness: establishing the value of fairness is an essential condition for commitment at work. An employee who feels unfairly treated in relation to his or her colleagues can never be involved and give back to the company.
  • Mission and vision: everycompany needs to clearly explain its mission and vision, as well as the meaning and tasks required of each employee.
  • Well-being: foster a culture that respects the balance between the employee’s professional and private life, because an employee exhausted by work can never deliver results. Hence the need to give employees more flexibility to carry out their professional tasks.
In addition to these values, there are certain actions to be taken by the employer.

b- Actions to be taken:

  • Recognize employees’ experiences: the best way to counter silent resignation is to recognize what your employees are going through and find solutions to increase their motivation and understand their needs.
  • Ask your team what kind of support they need: through a variety of methods, from one-to-one surveys for small companies to anonymous surveys for large corporations, employers can discover their employees’ needs and provide them with a sense of support.
  • Be grateful for extra effort: employers must show their employees that they respect their working hours, and any extra time worked must be clarified and appreciated. Employees should not be asked to work outside working hours!
  • Rewarding employee commitment: there are many ways of rewarding employees for their commitment and motivation, whether through bonuses, extra days off, thanking someone in front of the rest of the team…etc. All these techniques can have a major influence on job satisfaction.
In our article, we discussed the issues and actions to consider in order to avoid the phenomenon of silent resignation.
2Dec, 2022
Canada’s unemployment rate set to rise in 2023?

Canada's unemployment rate set to rise in 2023?

Several media outlets are predicting a mild recession at the start of 2023. This is likely to have an impact on inflation, purchasing power and unemployment.

This recession is expected in view of various factors such as: disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war, climate changes affecting agricultural production, and a temporary increase in demand for items that were not available during the COVID 19 period.

1- Which sectors will be affected by this recession?

The recession in Canada differs from province to province, as each Canadian region has different industries affected by different variables.

As a result, it will not affect Canadian businesses and households equally.

According to economists’ studies, this recession will have a negative impact on the manufacturing sector, but certain service sectors with strong physical proximity, such as tourism and hotels, could prove more resilient.

Any resilience translates into an increase in the inflation rate and, consequently, a destruction of household purchasing power.

2-The recession's impact on inflation and Canadians' purchasing power

For the recessionary period at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, the Canadian authorities reported a slowdown in GDP growth, leading to an increase in the inflation rate to 6.9% in October 2022.

As a result, inflation will push up prices in sectors essential to the Canadian citizen, such as food, oil, taxes, transport, etc., as well as raising interest rates.

Rising inflation will have a direct impact on Canadians’ purchasing power. As will an unemployment rate approaching 7% in late 2022/early 2023.

3-Rising unemployment and the solutions to be adopted

The increase in the unemployment rate in late 2022 and early 2023 is due to several factors apart from the economic downturn, including the scarcity of skilled labor.

This sometimes explains the discrepancy between the number of jobs on the market and the number of unemployed.

As a result, we need to find radical solutions for a labor market that is more balanced between supply and demand.

In this context, we offer the international recruitment solution to fill thousands of vacancies with highly qualified employees.

Would you like more information on how to get started with our international recruitment service? We invite you to register for our webinar on December 14 from 4 to 5 pm!

16Nov, 2022
Labour shortages – Personnel infirmier Québec

Labour shortages - Personnel infirmier Québec

The nursing shortage remained unchanged even before the Covid-19 pandemic, and was exacerbated after this incident by a number of factors.

In this article, we present the factors behind the labor shortage, its impact on employment agencies and the solutions adopted by the government to overcome this crisis.

1- Factors behind the nursing shortage

An aging workforce, stagnant hiring of nurses for several years and a 77% increase in vacancies since 2015 are among the main reasons why there are not enough healthcare staff to cover patients’ needs in Quebec.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, the nursing shortage has reached a dangerous point. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, salaries are growing only slightly compared to the rest of the economy, with a horrible workload.

Secondly, moral fatigue and depression given the incidents encountered with patients such as the use of ill-treatment, sudden death, the high number of deceased…

Thirdly, nurses’ working conditions were characterized as arduous, given the compulsory overtime (TSO), which is still highly rated in Quebec healthcare establishments to this day. Under this condition, nurses are often obliged to work 16-hour shifts, sometimes on successive days.

And with the overflow of various services in Quebec healthcare establishments due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nurses’ working hours have increased from 6.6 extra weekly hours in April 2019 to 10.3 hours in May 2020.

All these causes explain the nursing shortage. This has had a considerable impact on the number of vacancies , which now stands at 30,000, compared with 20,000 before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike Quebec’s healthcare institutions, this incident had a positive impact on employment agencies.

2- The impact of the nursing shortage on employment agencies

Given the unfavorable conditions in healthcare establishments: non-motivating salaries ($24.08 – $39.00), compulsory overtime, etc., many nurses have turned to employment agencies for better working conditions for their employees, especially with the pandemic.

This explains the considerable increase in the number of hours entrusted to employment agencies to 13.6 million hours, the equivalent of 7,500 full-time nursing positions .

According to the statistical report on Quebec’s nursing workforce and nursing succession 2020-2021: 2,761 nurses, 90% of whom work exclusively for a private healthcare or personnel placement agency, and just 5% have a second job in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).

Although placement agencies have attempted to partially resolve the nursing shortage, this is insufficient to cover the needs of the entire Quebec population.

What solutions has the government adopted to solve this problem?

3- The solutions adopted by the government to overcome this crisis

To deal with this crisis, the Ministry of Health and Social Services was given the mandate to recruit over 4,000 foreign healthcare workers, mainly nurses, to join the Quebec healthcare system.

International recruitment for healthcare staff, mainly nurses, will take place in countries such as France, Belgium, the Maghreb, Brazil and Lebanon.

From our point of view, we propose other solutions to retain and motivate healthcare staff, such as :

  • Pay them well

  • Listen to them

  • Training and coaching them

  • Respecting them

  • Adding value

  • Involve them

Sources:

  • Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS)
  • Article published on the Radio Canada website
  • Ontario Nurses’ Association
  • Article published on the Hiring Lab website
9Sep, 2022
Technological innovations in medicine

Technological innovations in medicine

Today, technological innovations in medicine are pushing back the frontiers of what we once thought possible. Research and development in this field have led to impressive breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment and healthcare management. Thanks to the ingenuity of scientists and engineers in Canada and around the world, modern medicine is rapidly evolving to meet the growing needs of our society and improve patients’ quality of life.

This article looks at three of the most promising medical innovations. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, surgical robots, or cutting-edge biotechnology, these advances are redefining the future of medical care and showing how science continues to surprise us.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Diagnostics

Artificial intelligence is one of the most striking technologies in the healthcare field. Using machine learning algorithms, AI is capable of rapidly analyzing millions of pieces of medical data, identifying patterns that doctors might sometimes fail to detect with the naked eye. In particular, AI has been very useful in the analysis of medical imagery, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, facilitating the diagnosis of various diseases, including cancer.

One example of the use of AI in diagnostics is in the early detection of breast cancer. Researchers have developed algorithms capable of analyzing mammograms with impressive accuracy, reducing the risk of false positives or false negatives. By enabling faster, more accurate detection, AI is helping to save lives by facilitating earlier, more effective treatment.

Canada, in particular, is at the forefront of this technology. Institutions such as the University of Toronto and the Terry Fox Research Institute are dedicated to the development of AI for healthcare. These innovative projects offer immense potential for tomorrow’s healthcare, bringing more personalized and precise solutions.

Robotic Surgery: Increased Precision

Robotic surgery is another area where technology is transforming modern medicine. Surgical robots enable doctors to perform complex operations with greater precision and dexterity, often far beyond human capabilities. The Da Vinci system, one of the best-known surgical robots, is used in hospitals around the world for minimally invasive procedures.

These surgical robots offer several advantages. Firstly, they enable smaller incisions, reducing the risk of infection and recovery times for patients. Secondly, robots are able to filter out the tremors of the human hand, making the surgeon’s movements more precise. Finally, they enable doctors to perform certain procedures remotely, paving the way for telesurgery, an advance that could revolutionize access to care in remote areas.

Canada has enthusiastically embraced this technology, notably for procedures in urology, cardiology and gynecology. Many Canadian medical centers are investing in training surgeons in the use of surgical robots, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in advanced healthcare technologies.

Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine

Biotechnology, in particular regenerative medicine, represents a major advance in the treatment of diseases previously considered incurable. Regenerative medicine is based on the use of stem cells and other biomaterials to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. This technology offers hope for patients suffering from degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, or those who have suffered serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries.

Cellular and gene therapies, as well as 3D printing of tissues, are among the most revolutionary innovations in this field. For example, 3D printing of human skin or cartilage to treat severe burns or joint damage is under development in several Canadian research laboratories. Researchers are also optimistic about the potential of this technology to create artificial organs from a patient’s own cells, which could reduce the risk of rejection and eliminate the need for donors.

Canada is a key player in this field. Institutes such as the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the CCRM (Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine) network are pushing back the frontiers of biotechnology. Canadian work in this field is recognized worldwide, paving the way for innovative treatments that could transform the lives of thousands of patients in the years to come.

Challenges and prospects: Growing but responsible adoption

Thanks to these technological innovations, the future of medicine is moving towards increasingly personalized care. AI, for example, makes it possible to develop treatments tailored to each patient’s genetic profile, while regenerative medicine offers tailor-made solutions for tissue and organ replacement. Robotic surgery, meanwhile, enables doctors to offer quality care, even at a distance, opening up new prospects for healthcare in remote areas or in emergencies.

Medical technologies in Canada continue to develop and improve, supported by policies of investment in research and innovation. The Canadian government and healthcare institutions continue to promote these technological advances to meet citizens’ needs, improve access to care, and reduce healthcare costs.

The Impact of Technology on Healthcare: Towards Personalized Medicine

While these advances are promising, they also pose significant challenges, particularly in terms of regulation, data security and ethics. The integration of AI into medical diagnostics, for example, raises questions about the confidentiality of patient information and the risk of potential errors due to algorithmic bias. Similarly, robotic surgery requires extensive training for surgeons and rigorous standards to ensure patient safety.

As a leader in healthcare innovation, Canada takes these challenges seriously. Regulatory bodies, research centers and healthcare professionals are working closely together to ensure the responsible and ethical adoption of these technologies. Medical ethics committees, such as that of the Canadian Medical Association, establish guidelines for the safe use of these innovations.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Modern Medicine

Technological innovations in medicine are changing the game for patients and healthcare professionals alike. More precise diagnoses, less invasive interventions and personalized treatments are no longer science fiction, but a rapidly evolving reality. Whether through artificial intelligence, robotics or biotechnologies, the future of medicine seems resolutely focused on more effective, accessible and humane healthcare solutions.

Canada, with its cutting-edge research centers and commitment to innovation, remains at the forefront of these transformations. The joint efforts of researchers, engineers and healthcare institutions are opening up new avenues for a more efficient, patient-centred healthcare system.

By embracing these technologies and tackling the associated challenges, Canada continues to position itself as a leader in innovative healthcare, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

9Sep, 2022
The 9 worst foods for your heart

9 Foods to Avoid to Protect Your Heart Health

Taking care of your heart becomes increasingly essential as you age. A balanced diet plays a key role in preventing cardiovascular disease. By watching what you eat, you can reduce the risk of developing heart problems. To help you get started today, here are the 9 foods to avoid to preserve your heart health:

  • Processed meats
    Meats such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs often contain nitrates and high levels of salt, both of which increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

  • Fried foods
    French fries, doughnuts and other fried foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Sweetened beverages
    Sodas, sweetened iced teas and other sugar-rich beverages promote obesity and raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to hypertension and heart problems.

  • Industrial pastries
    Cookies, cakes and other industrial pastries often contain trans fats and added sugars, both of which can raise cholesterol and damage the heart.

  • Foods rich in salt
    Excess sodium promotes water retention and can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are often very salty.

  • High-fat dairy products
    Butter, cream and some cheeses are rich in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to atherosclerosis.

  • Prepared dishes
    These dishes often contain additives, preservatives and large quantities of salt for preservation. Regular consumption can compromise cardiovascular health.

  • Refined cereals
    White breads, pasta and rice have lost their fiber and nutrients during the refining process, leading to a rise in blood sugar levels that can affect the heart.

  • Sweets and treats
    Candies, milk chocolates and other sweets are rich in fast sugars and empty calories, which can contribute to obesity, a risk factor for heart disease.

Adopting a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, fiber and good fats, is a crucial step towards maintaining a healthy heart. By avoiding these foods, you give yourself the chance to protect your heart and enjoy a healthier life, even as you age.

11Jul, 2022
Secrets for memorizing things faster

Secrets for memorizing things faster

The human brain works like a hard disk with limited storage space. Take Sherlock Holmes, for example: even though he was exceptionally intelligent, he couldn’t remember every planet in the solar system. This wasn’t a lack of knowledge, but a strategy for managing brain space. He deliberately erased unnecessary information to leave more room for the facts essential to his profession.

In the fields of home healthcare and the placement of nurses, care assistants and caregivers, the ability to retain key information can make a real difference. Here are a few tips to boost your memory and improve your professional skills:

As a Quebec placement agency specializing in home care and healthcare services, we know that memory plays a vital role in quality care. Developing your memory skills will not only enable you to better serve patients, but also strengthen your expertise within our healthcare placement agency.

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