October is breast cancer awareness month. Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer, including when and where you should get screened and tips to help reduce your risk. Why you should screen When breast cancer is caught early: • most women (90%) recover fully after treatment • your cancer is less likely to […]

As a senior 65 years or older in Ontario, you could qualify for a tax credit to help with the cost of making your home safer and more accessible. About the credit The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them. If […]

Be alert, be safe People are much more aware of food allergies and their risks today than ever before. Many schools have careful guidelines about what students can and can’t bring in their lunches. Products with allergen-free claims are now commonly found on grocery store shelves. Even with that heightened awareness, parents need to be […]

It often takes many attempts – and some help – to succeed at anything. Quitting smoking is no different. Find support to help you quit. Quitting is personal but you are not alone Look at these numbers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: • in 2014, 43% smokers aged 18+ made a serious […]

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you experiences any of these signs, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. Acting quickly can improve your survival and recovery. Do not drive yourself or the person having a stroke to the hospital – an ambulance will get you to the best hospital […]

Call Telehealth for medical advice Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. • Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000 • Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007 Telehealth Ontario is only offered over the phone. Email advice is not […]

Ontario woman 1 of 40 patients to receive procedure that will ‘revolutionize’ treatment of brain disease In a room at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Brian Smith gives one last hug to his wife, Noreen. “You’re doing really well, sweetheart,” he says to her. Doctors have finished prepping the 76-year-old patient. She’s clad in […]

Sleep apnea is a sleep related breathing disorder. The word apnea means ‘no breathing’, and sleep apnea refers to pauses in breathing that occur during sleep. On average, these pauses last for 10 to 30 seconds, until the brain reacts to overcome the problem. With each episode of apnea, blood oxygen levels are reduced (hypoxia), […]

Most bees and insects will not attack if left alone. But if annoyed, a bee will sting in defense of its nest or itself. Many people are stung each year and a few may die as a result of allergic reactions. If you know you are allergic to insect stings: • carry an insect sting […]

Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, but people who work outdoors, the elderly, some people with disabilities, and children, particularly infants, are more vulnerable. Hazard Information Extreme heat can make you sick with: • heat stroke • heat rash • heat cramps. Some municipalities provide cooling stations during extreme heat. If an “Extreme Heat […]