Health articles

What does it mean to have an addiction? How do you know if you or a loved one may be addicted to something? Where can you get help? Learn more about addiction and ways to help you or a loved one overcome it.

Millions of Canadians suffer from allergies and asthma. When your immune system identifies a normally harmless material as a threat, it can set off symptoms like sniffles, sneezes, rashes, or breathing problems.

Do you know what to do if someone's choking? How about if they've stopped breathing or don't have a pulse? Learn more about how to help and why it's important to take an accredited first aid course.

Over 6 million Canadians have some form of arthritis. In fact, it's one of the leading causes of long-term disability in Canada today. Appropriate treatment, as well as learning how to manage this chronic condition, can go a long way to help. Find out about the differences between the most common forms of arthritis and what you can do to help manage the symptoms.

Avian flu (H5N1) was all but forgotten for many years, but has resurged recently. As a result, outbreaks of different kinds of flu (influenza) seem to be a major concern. But just how worried should we be? Is avian flu still a cause for concern? If so, how can we protect ourselves and our families? Learn everything you need to know about avian flu here.

It's September and the back-to-school bell is sounding. As a parent, you want to help your child get off to a good start for the school year. The place to begin is here, where you can find a selection of healthy tips for boosting your pint-sized pupil's physical and emotional well-being.

On weekends and after school, your kids have more time than ever to watch their favourite television shows and play their favourite video games. But could these sedentary hobbies be putting your child in danger for developing obesity?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Every week, over 400 Canadians are diagnosed with it, and an average of 175 Canadians die of it. However, it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer – it is 95% preventable with scheduled and thorough testing. If it is detected early, it is highly treatable. Find out how lifestyle choices and regular screening tests can significantly cut your risk of this disease.

Have you used a herbal remedy to relieve a headache, or tried massage to relieve stress? If so, you're not alone. Studies show that more than 70% of Canadians have used some form of alternative or complementary medicine. Read on for more information about complementary medicine and tips on safety.

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects the body's ability to control its blood sugar levels. The good news is that it also responds well to your efforts: you can do a lot to combat diabetes by eating right, watching your weight, and listening to your doctor.

If you have a drug allergy, taking a medication that should make you feel better may result in your feeling much worse. Do you have a drug allergy? Are you concerned about the possibility of developing one? Do you have friends or family who have drug allergies?

We get most of our information about the world from our sense of sight. However, many people overlook eye health as part of their regular health routine. Learn how to protect yourself from the most common causes of blindness and keep your eyes healthy.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex problem with many different potential causes. Unfortunately, many people are misinformed about ED. Find out the myths and facts of ED.

Like the rest of your body, your eyes can deteriorate as you get older – but a problem with your eyesight is no small matter. We take a look at some common vision problems and some things that can be done to help weakening eyesight.

Develop a battle plan against the flu this year. Know what you will be up against, get the facts on prevention, learn tips for a quick recovery, and find out when it is appropriate to seek further medical attention.

As people become more informed and empowered to make their own health care decisions, they are starting to shape the way health care is delivered. Learn more about how can make your voice heard and get involved with research through market research and clinical trials.

Everyone knows what it's like to get a headache. The all-too-familiar throbbing pain and nagging pressure can often strike when we're feeling stressed, tired, or emotionally upset. But there are ways to prevent and relieve headaches. Read on to get the "heads up" on head pain. And while you're at it, get tips on medicine cabinet cleaning – don’t let all that clutter make your headache even worse!

Could you be at risk of hearing loss? Find out what causes hearing loss, how to protect yourself, and how to tell if you're losing your hearing. If you already have hearing loss, learn more about what you can do to cope.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. There are some risk factors you can't change, such as family history, age, and ethnicity. However, there are many important risk factors that you can work on: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Whatever your age, you can work towards a healthier heart.

Wish you could check your blood pressure or cholesterol in the comfort of your own home? You already know that do-it-yourself pregnancy tests are on hand at pharmacies, but did you know they also stock self-testing kits for a range of health conditions? We give you the lowdown on two home kits now available.

If you're like many Canadians, you consider your family doctor to be one of the most valuable resources you have when it comes to managing your health. But knowing how to talk to your doctor can help you get the most out of this vital relationship.

More than 3 million Canadians have diabetes, and many of them don't know they have it. Many people with type 2 diabetes develop a condition called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) before being diagnosed with diabetes. IGT is also known as prediabetes.

Integrative medicine – what does it mean? Is it dangerous? Find out how to know what's right for you.

Fitting your medications into a busy lifestyle can be a challenge. Here are some tips on managing your medications at home and while travelling.

What is multiple sclerosis, and how does it affect you? Find out about living with this condition.

Nutritional supplements are big business. Every day, ads and news stories tell us about supplements promising to prevent heart disease and cancer, improve our memory, and much more. But is it all true? We sort through the hype to bring you information you can trust.

Almost 300 Canadians die each year while waiting for an organ transplant. Underlying this unfortunate statistic is the fact that only a fraction of Canadians register as donors, leaving Canada with lower donation rates than many countries, including the United States.

Keeping your bones healthy and strong is a lifelong project, but it's never too late to start. Find out what causes osteoporosis and how to help you keep your bones as strong as possible.

Pain is an unfortunate part of life. Even though everyone encounters it, our experience, sensitivity, and tolerance to pain vary greatly. One person may suffer from small aches while another will tolerate walking on a broken ankle. Still, everyone needs pain relief now and then. Let’s take a look at some of the conditions that may cause you pain and what you can do to find pain relief.

Peptic ulcer disease (also known as PUD) is a very common medical condition - but there are also many common mistaken ideas about it. Find out the facts about peptic ulcers, whether you are at risk for them, self-management techniques you can use, and when you should seek medical attention.

Did you know that 1 Canadian in 12 has a rare disease? Thousands of rare or "orphan" conditions exist - some affecting only a handful of people, some with obscure or confounding symptoms, and some for which finding diagnosis and treatment can be a time-consuming challenge.

Anyone who has quit smoking can tell you it isn't easy but they'll also tell you that it's well worth it. Having support tools, including professional smoking cessation counselling, can increase your chances of quitting successfully. Did you know that your pharmacist can play an important role in your path to joining the millions of people who have quit smoking?

An estimated 2% to 3% of the general population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that seems to be related to the amount of sunlight that you are exposed to. If you have episodes of depression that recur at the same time every year, for more than 2 years, you may have SAD.

Canada's population is graying, with almost 5 million seniors - people aged 65 and over - making up almost 18.5% of our population as of 2021. And that number is growing fast as more of us are living longer, healthier lives. Here are some tips for healthy living in your "golden years."

The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is now used for what were formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The rates of many STIs, including HIV/AIDS, are on the rise, especially in people aged 25 and under. STIs can lead to infertility, chronic pain, or cancer. In some cases, they can be fatal. Find out how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you may have an STI.

Like good nutrition and exercise, adequate sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep deprivation is an unrecognized cause of many problems, including accidents, illness, and poor job performance. It affects many people, and it's on the rise. Find out how your sleep habits could be affecting you, and what you can do to get a good night's sleep.

Primary health care is the real "workhorse" of the health care system. It can improve health and quality of life by providing more efficient, better-coordinated care. It can also help build a more sustainable health care system for the future.

Quitting smoking is an important step towards better health, but it's not easy! Fortunately, there are programs and medications to help. Read on to learn more about smoking cessation.

Having erectile dysfunction (ED) does not have to hamper a spontaneous, exciting sex life. Here are a few suggestions to heat things up.

With all the health benefits of staying active and physically fit, exercising might be an important part of your day-to-day life. While you might not think of whatever you're doing as being hazardous, sports injuries often go with the territory. Here are some tips to help make your workouts safer.

Many emergency room visits related to medication use are caused by people not taking their medications properly. Don't become a statistic! Find out how to take your medications properly and stick with your treatment plan.

Feeling stressed? Most of us feel pressured by the demands of daily life. But sometimes too much stress can make you sick. Reducing stress can help improve your overall health and energy. Find out how to simplify your life, get support, and use relaxation techniques to fight stress.

Stroke is the third largest killer of Canadian adults. In Canada, there are more than 100,000 strokes a year, where 60% result in some degree of long-term disability. Learn how to prevent a stroke, how to tell if you're having a stroke, and what treatment options are available.

Want to enjoy your summer without compromising your health and safety? Don't let the warm weather and hot sun catch you off guard. Take these safety measures and be prepared to enjoy all your summertime activities.

Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Here are some pointers on staying safe and dealing with common health issues.

Don't let the warm weather and hot sun catch you with your guard down. Be prepared for sun and travel.

Have you ever wondered how clean the air is on a typical, hot smoggy day? When it gets that uncomfortable, how safe is it to go outside?

What is primary health care? How can it help build a better health care system for you and your family? Find out more about primary health care and how it's evolving.

Before you pack your suitcase to head off on your next voyage, don't get stuck with any unwanted travel bugs. Find out about travel vaccinations, dealing with other travel illnesses, travel insurance, and staying safe.

At last – it's time for that well-deserved sunny vacation. To make sure that illness doesn't spoil your fun, read our practical pointers on staying healthy and avoiding some common infections and other travel ailments.

There is no reason to watch your child suffer from a childhood disease if there is a good way to prevent it. And there are ways to prevent many of the conditions that used to be a common part of growing up. Vaccines have proven their effectiveness against childhood diseases time after time. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Water is being talked about everywhere these days and it's even in the news. Lots of questions are being raised: how much water should you drink and what kind of water should it be? Which type of bottle is safest for storing water? And what's actually flowing in our water supply?

Been meaning to lose a few pounds for a while? Read more about weight loss for optimal health, common dieting myths, and healthy lifestyle tips.

Summer brings not only sunshine and cottage getaways but mosquitoes, too. Should you be concerned about the West Nile virus? What are the real risks? Find out the facts on the West Nile virus and things you can do to protect yourself and your family this summer.

In Canada, hundreds of people are injured every day on the job. What can you do to stay safe and healthy at work?