Ajax Harwood Clinic

11/14/2025

Today, on World Diabetes Day, we pause to acknowledge something deeper than a diagnosis: the quiet ways our bodies carry stress, history, and responsibility long before numbers ever show a change.

Metabolic syndrome and diabetes often appear after years of hidden strain on the body. Long before blood sugar rises or lab tests shift, there can be subtle changes happening beneath the surface — changes we may not feel, but that still matter. Seeing this is not about blame or judgment. Many of the patterns that shape our health begin from places that were never our fault — trauma, stress, exhaustion, caregiving, financial pressure, cultural expectations, or simply trying to get through each day.

A trauma-informed approach reminds us:
We make better choices when we feel safe, supported, and understood — not shamed.

Why awareness matters

Diabetes is often the point where the body begins to signal that damage is occurring — blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes can be affected even before we feel symptoms. But the good news is that metabolic health can improve at any stage with gentle, consistent support.

Small steps that protect your future health

You don’t have to do everything at once. Even one or two steps can begin to shift the path:
• Blood work: Checking A1c, cholesterol, liver function, B12, and vitamin D can reveal early changes.
• Blood pressure checks: High blood pressure quietly affects the heart, kidneys, and brain long before symptoms appear.
• Monitoring central visceral fat: Belly fat is not about appearance — it is an early marker of metabolic strain.
• Eye exams: Diabetes can affect vision early, and regular checks protect long-term sight.
• Movement: Gentle walking, stretching, or short bursts of activity help the body process sugars more efficiently.
• Nutrition: Any shift toward whole foods, colourful vegetables, and stable meals supports metabolic healing.
• Education and support: Understanding your body reduces fear and increases confidence.

You’re not alone in this

At Ajax Harwood Clinic, we meet each patient where they are — not where they “should” be.
Many of us navigate real-life barriers: old injuries, cultural food habits, busy schedules, trauma histories, emotional eating, or chronic stress. These are not personal failures. They are part of being human.

Our approach is grounded in partnership, compassion, and curiosity — helping you understand what your body is experiencing and why, without shame.

An invitation

If it’s been a while since you’ve:
• done your blood work
• checked your blood pressure
• had your eyes examined
• or talked with someone about your metabolic health

—we invite you to reach out.
Sometimes the first step is simply starting a conversation.

World Diabetes Day is not only about diabetes — it’s about protecting what matters long before the damage begins.
Your body carries you through everything.
It deserves understanding, attention, and care.

If you’d like support, our team is here.

11/11/2025

🍻 Vitamin Deficiency and “Social Drinking”: A Friendly Reminder from Dr. Yu

In our culture, sharing a drink is often woven into celebration, connection, and camaraderie — weddings, dinners, sports nights, holidays. It’s part of how we relax together.

But here’s something I see quietly in bloodwork more often than you’d think: low vitamin B12 and elevated liver enzymes in otherwise healthy people — especially younger men who “only drink socially.”

Alcohol can interfere with the way the body absorbs and uses vitamins like B12, folate, and thiamine (B1). Over time, even modest regular drinking can leave you feeling more tired, foggy, or irritable — not because something serious is wrong, but because your body’s chemistry is running low on these essential nutrients.

You don’t have to give up the toast, but it helps to:
• Add a few B-rich foods (eggs, fish, leafy greens, fortified cereals).
• Supplement B12 if your doctor recommends it — especially if you’re plant-based or drink regularly.
• Give your liver a rest now and then. A few alcohol-free weeks can reset enzyme levels dramatically.

If you’ve ever been told your B12 is low or your liver enzymes are “a bit high,” that’s your body’s polite whisper asking for attention — not judgment.

A small step now can make a big difference later.
Ask your doctor about a quick blood test for B12 and liver enzymes — it’s simple, and it tells a clear story.

— Dr. Carlos Yu
Ajax Harwood Clinic

11/07/2025

If you’re age 75 or older — or age 60–74 with ongoing health conditions — now’s the time to talk with your healthcare provider about the RSV vaccine.

What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus. While for many it presents like a mild cold, for older adults it can trigger serious lung infections, pneumonia, hospital stays and even death. 
Because our immune systems weaken with age and health conditions accumulate, the “just a cold” becomes much more serious.

Why the new vaccine matters
Canada’s vaccine regulator, along with the national advisory committee, have approved RSV vaccines for older adults to reduce serious illness. 
In Ontario, starting in the 2025-2026 RSV season, adults 75 years and older will be eligible for public funding for the RSV vaccine — in addition to those age 60–74 who meet high-risk criteria (reside in long-term care / have serious health conditions). 
If you’re 60–74 and have chronic lung disease, heart disease, a weakened immune system or live in a care setting, you may still benefit — ask us. 

Who should consider the RSV vaccine?
• Anyone 75 years old or older, since your risk for serious RSV grows markedly with age.
• Adults 60–74 years old who have one or more of the following: chronic heart or lung disease, compromised immunity, reside or attend care in congregate settings.
• If you’re younger but have serious health conditions (check with your provider).
• One dose is currently recommended. 

How the vaccine works / what to expect
• The dose is given in the muscle (usually the upper arm).
• Only one dose is recommended at this time. 
• It can be given alongside your other seasonal vaccines (e.g., flu, COVID) — ask for timing. 
• As with any vaccine, you may experience mild side-effects (arm soreness, low-grade fever) — serious issues are rare.
• Even if you’ve had RSV before, you can get it again — the vaccine gives additional protection. 

What this means for you
Getting vaccinated now means you’re less likely to suffer a serious illness in the upcoming respiratory virus season. It’s a step toward preserving your health, independence and avoiding hospitalization.
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet received the RSV vaccine, contact us to book an appointment and talk cost/coverage.

Cost & coverage
• In Ontario, the vaccine will be publicly funded for those age 75+ (and select high-risk 60–74s) starting fall 2025. 
• If you are eligible but the funding hasn’t become available yet, the cost will be private (either self-pay or via private insurance).
• We can assist you in checking whether your private plan covers it, and help you schedule the shot.

What to do next
1. Review your health conditions: Do you have lung, heart or immune concerns?
2. Ask us at your next visit, or call the clinic to book a vaccine consult.
3. Plan to get the vaccine ahead of or early in the respiratory illness season (fall is ideal).
4. Continue your other preventive health measures — good hand hygiene, staying up to date on flu and COVID vaccines, etc.

11/07/2025

Were you or someone you know born around 1995 (or earlier) and may have missed the school HPV vaccine program? It’s time to check.

If you lived in Toronto, you can check your immunization record here: [ https://tph.icon.ehealthontario.ca/ #!/welcome ]
If you were in Durham Region, check your record here: [ https://drhd.icon.ehealthontario.ca/ #!/welcome ]

Why this matters

HPV Vaccination: Who Likely Missed It — and Why It Matters Now

HPV (human papillomavirus) is extremely common. Certain strains can lead to cancers of the cervix, v***a, va**na, p***s, a**s and throat, as well as ge***al warts. The GARDASIL-9 vaccine dramatically reduces your risk of these conditions.

Who likely missed the school program?

Ontario rolled out the school-based HPV program in stages:
• Girls: routine school vaccination began around 2007
→ This means women in their early 30s and older likely did not receive the vaccine in school.
• Boys: school vaccination began roughly 10 years later, around 2016
→ This means men in their early 20s and older were usually not vaccinated in school.

If you fall into these age groups, there is a good chance you were never offered the HPV vaccine as part of the routine school program.

Who can still get the vaccine now?
• GARDASIL-9 is approved in Canada for ages 9 to 45.
• For ages 21–26 who were never vaccinated, a 2-dose series is recommended.
• 27 to 45: vaccination may still provide meaningful protection — discuss with your healthcare provider.

Even if you’re older than the school-age target, you can still benefit, especially if you were never vaccinated.

How to check your immunization record

If you grew up in Durham Region:
Check here: https://drhd.icon.ehealthontario.ca/ #!/welcome

If you grew up in Toronto:
Check here: https://tph.icon.ehealthontario.ca/ #!/welcome

If you cannot find your records — or aren’t sure — we can help.

Important details
• If you never received the HPV vaccine, now is a good time to consider it.
• Payment is private: the vaccine is self-pay or may be covered by private insurance depending on your plan.
• The vaccine works best before exposure, but evidence shows it can still provide benefit later in life, especially for those who missed their opportunity in school.

How to book at Ajax Harwood Clinic

If you think you may be eligible — or you’re unsure — contact us.
We’ll review your immunization history, discuss whether the vaccine is appropriate for you, and guide you through cost and scheduling.

10/22/2025

This haunting photograph from 1950 captures a moment of silent struggle: children lying inside enormous machines known as “iron lungs.” These devices were their only chance at survival, helping them breathe when polio had paralyzed their muscles.
Polio was a terrifying disease, especially for children, often leaving them paralyzed or unable to breathe without mechanical assistance.
The iron lung worked by creating rhythmic pressure that pushed air in and out of the body, mimicking the movement of healthy lungs. It saved countless lives, but life inside it was deeply isolating. The children could move only their heads and depended entirely on nurses for everything — eating, reading, even playing.
Then came a breakthrough that changed history. In the 1950s, Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. Almost overnight, the disease began to vanish. What had once been a global fear became an almost forgotten chapter — thanks to science and compassion.
This photograph is more than a glimpse into the past. It is a reminder of how far we’ve come — and of how vaccines have spared millions from suffering.

09/28/2025

Looking forward to see everyone at this 3rd Annual Cold Water Dip Extravaganza to celebrate the Durham Health Care Providers, raise money for Food bank of Salvation Army, and just to build that community spirit we all love and need! .. come out and do something non-ordinary... get into that spirit of the amazing Canadian Season! Say that magical "Yes" to yourself! Register below!

❄️ Oct 6 Sunrise Angelique' Dip4Cause! Music, hot drinks, breakfast, & full moon vibes ☕ Celebrate with Ontario Health Team Durham & friends

07/19/2025

Happy Saturday AHC! For those who need it… give yourself some grace.❤️