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Spring Newsletter
May 23, 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest news and updates from Serefin Health through our quarterly newsletter, SerefinRx. Whether you regularly engage with our team or have no immediate health concerns, keeping up to date on current health information empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your well-being. Packed with valuable information, each issue offers a wealth of content, including company updates, health education, and much more.
At Serefin Health, our primary focus is the well-being of our clients, and we are committed to going above and beyond to ensure the quality of your care and your satisfaction.
Our knowledgeable team of healthcare professionals is at the core of our service. With their unwavering dedication and expertise, they work collaboratively to provide compassionate and empathetic care that addresses your unique needs.
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We take great pride in advocating on your behalf and strive to empower you to take an active role in your health and well-being, providing you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions about your health. We are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
We foster a culture centered around teamwork and a shared commitment to finding innovative solutions to complex problems. By promoting continuous learning and improvement, we stay at the forefront of advancements in the field, enabling us to provide you with the highest quality of care.
May is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Canada, a time to learn, share, and stand together in support of the over 90,000 Canadians living with MS. This month, we spotlight the challenges of MS, the resilience of those affected, and the vital role of caregivers and communities in fostering hope and connection.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It disrupts the protective sheath (myelin) around nerve fibers, causing inflammation and often leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves themselves.
MS is unpredictable and can progress in different ways, making each person’s experience unique. In Canada, women are three times more likely to be diagnosed than men, and the average age of diagnosis is 43.
The symptoms of MS are often unpredictable and can affect physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Some of the most common symptoms include:
In some cases, MS can be mild and manageable; in others, it can lead to significant disability over time. The course of the disease also varies, and some people experience periods of relapse and remission, while others have a more progressive form of MS.
Diagnosing MS can be complex, and it involves a combination of neurological exams, MRI scans, and sometimes spinal fluid analysis. There is currently no cure for MS, but there are numerous disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available in Canada that can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and slow disease progression.
New treatments and approaches are emerging all the time, thanks in large part to research supported by organizations like the MS Society of Canada. These therapies, along with lifestyle changes, physical rehabilitation, and mental health support, can make a big difference in quality of life.
Caregiving is a cornerstone of MS care, yet it often goes unrecognized. Whether you are a spouse, parent, child, or friend, your role is vital and challenging. Caregivers often juggle tasks like managing appointments, providing transportation, assisting with daily activities, and offering emotional support.
The MS Society of Canada offers several resources to support caregivers:
Whether you are living with MS or supporting someone who is, remember that help is available. The MS Canada offers a range of services, including information, support, and educational events, to assist individuals and families affected by MS.
If you or someone you know is living with MS and would like to learn more, or simply talk about your experience, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Serefin Clinic Team. We are here to provide support, guidance, and information to help you navigate your health journey.
While most associate depression with cold, dark winters, summer can also trigger a lesser-known form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For some, longer days, heat, and heightened activity levels can bring on feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and disconnection.
Triggers vary, but common culprits include:
Symptoms of summer depression can include:
Unlike winter depression, it is often a quiet, internal battle that can feel confusing and isolating.
If symptoms interfere with daily life or you experience thoughts of self-harm, reach out to a mental health professional immediately. You're not alone, and help is available.
Summer depression is real, but manageable. With the right tools and support, you can restore balance and find peace - even on the sunniest of days.
Table salt (sodium chloride) is a fundamental part of our diet, playing a key role in fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. However, excessive sodium intake is a leading contributor to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health concerns.
So how much salt is too much? And what steps can we take to maintain a healthy balance? Let’s break it down.
Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate:
But while we need sodium to survive, most people consume far more than their bodies require.
Health Canada recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt), with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day. However, the average person consumes over 3,400 mg daily—far exceeding the recommended levels.
This excess sodium can contribute to:
It’s easy to assume that cutting back on table salt is enough, but over 70% of the sodium in our diets comes from processed and restaurant foods—not from the salt shaker. Common high-sodium culprits include:
Lowering sodium doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Here are some evidence-based strategies to cut back while still enjoying flavorful meals:
Salt is necessary for health, but moderation is key. By being mindful of hidden sodium sources and making small dietary changes, we can protect our hearts, kidneys, and overall well-being. A heart-healthy diet isn’t about restriction - it’s about making informed choices that benefit both immediate and long-term health.
If you have high blood pressure or other health concerns related to sodium intake, talk to your healthcare provider about personalized dietary recommendations.
Your health is in your hands - one mindful bite at a time.
When it comes to eating well and feeling your best - whether you are managing diabetes, trying to lose weight, or just looking to stay energized carbohydrates play a big role. But not all carbs are created equal. Some carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar to spike high, while others give you steady, lasting energy.
This is where two important terms come in: Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL). Understanding them can help you make smarter food choices without giving up your favorite meals.
The Glycemic Index (or GI for short) is a way to rank how quickly carbohydrate-containing foods raise your blood sugar. It is a scale from 0 to 100, and the higher the number, the faster your blood sugar goes up after eating that food. For example, pure glucose - aka sugar has a GI of 100.
Here is the basic breakdown:
Foods that are more processed tend to have a higher GI, while those with more fiber, fat, or protein usually land on the lower end.
But here is the catch: GI does not tell the whole story.
Just because a food has a low GI does not automatically mean it is healthy. And just because something has a high GI does not mean you should never eat it.
GI does not account for:
And remember, GI only applies to foods with carbs. That means no GI score for foods like eggs, chicken, or olive oil. This is where Glycemic Load comes into play.
Glycemic Load (GL) takes things a step further. It factors in both how fast a food raises your blood sugar (GI) and how much carbohydrate is in a typical serving. In other words, it gives you the full picture of how food will affect your body.
GL is broken down like this:
Let’s look at watermelon. It has a high GI of 76, which sounds bad but a typical serving only has 11g of carbs. So, its GL is low - meaning it will not spike your blood sugar as much as you might think.
Now compare that to a doughnut. Also, GI 76, but with 23g of carbs in a serving. That is a much higher GL, and a much bigger blood sugar spike.
Moral of the story? GI alone does not tell you how a food behaves in the real world. That is why GL is such a helpful tool.
Here are some foods that are generally low in GL and great for keeping blood sugar stable and some high GL foods you should try to limit.
Low GL Food
High GL Food
And here is a smart trick: Pair carbs with protein or healthy fat (like nut butter, avocado, or eggs). This helps slow digestion and keeps blood sugar steadier.
Do not stress about memorizing numbers or cutting out your favorite foods. GI and GL are just tools not rules to help guide your food choices. Focus on balance, variety, and how your body feels after eating.
If any of the information above feels overwhelming or unclear, remember that support is within reach. Our Serefin Clinic Team is here to guide you. Do not hesitate to reach out - we are here to support you every step of the way.
We are pleased to announce the integration of Care Coordinators into our Serefin Clinic Team. As part of our commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, these team members are here to support patients in navigating their healthcare journey. Our Care Coordinators help ensure that each patient receives seamless and personalized support. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the positive impact they will bring to your care experience.
Meet Serefin Care Coordinators:
With our patients always at the heart of what we do, we continually strive to enhance your experience and ensure you receive the highest quality of care. We are committed to supporting your health and well-being every step of the way.
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