Who’s at risk of developing skin cancer? Everyone under the sun! Sink cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada – and whether your skin is fair, medium or dark, you are at risk. UV rays from the sun or tanning equipment can damage anyone’s skin over time, but skin cancer can be […]

1 Don’t do imaging for lower-back pain unless red flags are present. Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurological deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected. Imaging of the lower spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes. 2 Don’t use antibiotics for upper respiratory infections […]

A “handy” way to stay healthy Help your children maintain proper hygiene to stay healthy and prevent unnecessary illness by getting them into the habit of washing their hands frequently and properly. When should kids (and grownups) wash their hands? • When they are visibly dirty • Before preparing and immediately after handling food • […]

Is It a Cold or the Flu? Symptom Cold Flu (Influenza) Fever Rare high fever (102°F/39°C to 104°F/40°C), sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days Headache Rare Usual, can be severe General aches and pains Sometimes, mild Usual, often severe Tired and weak Sometimes, mild Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more Extreme fatigue Unusual Usual, early […]

The more people who are infected, the more cases of severe outcomes will occur An increase in Lyme disease cases is a concern, Canada’s top public health officer says. Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. In Canada, it’s transmitted by two species of ticks that suck on the blood of humans […]

Causes of Lower Back Pain The most common cause of low back pain is using your back muscles in activities you’re not used to, like lifting something heavy. Low back pain can be a result of a back injury from muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments, and joint problems (slipped disk). A slipped disk, […]

What Causes High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Your heart pumps blood. Blood pressure is the force of blood against your blood vessels as it circulates. This force is necessary to make the blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means there is too much pressure in your blood […]

Follow these guidelines to get the most accurate reading when measuring your blood pressure at home: • Take a 5 minute rest before measuring • Don’t smoke or drink caffeine for at least 30 minutes beforehand • Don’t measure your blood pressure when you are upset or in pain • If needed empty your bladder […]

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the number one correctable risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood pressure is the pressure or force of blood against the walls of blood vessels as it circulates. Blood pressure is most […]

Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Individuals can experience different signs and symptoms of diabetes, and sometimes there may be no signs making this type of diabetes hard to detect. Some of the signs commonly experienced include: • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst • Increased hunger • Weight change (gain or loss) • Tiredness […]