Most people have been affected by what’s commonly known as food poisoning at some point. Understanding the causes of foodborne illnesses is an important step to help prevent them. What are foodborne illnesses? Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating food contaminated with harmful microorganisms. The majority of cases are caused by bacteria. Viruses, parasites, moulds […]

Eighty-eight years ago in London, England, the era of antibiotics began with Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin. The modern miracle of antibiotics brought about significant improvements to the medical system and has saved millions of lives. Today, we rely heavily on these drugs to treat deadly infections, make surgical procedures possible, and reduce infections […]

Each form of arthritis has its own particular risk factors, some of which we cannot change i.e., non-modifiable risk factors and others that we can control i.e., modifiable risk factors. Some of the most common risk factors for the development of arthritis include: Non-Modifiable Risk Factors Age: Arthritis can develop at any age. The risk […]

How MedsCheck helps you take your medication safely. If you qualify for MedsCheck, you can set up a free meeting with your pharmacist to discuss: • what medications you are taking • how they work together and possible side effects • how to avoid bad interactions • how to use inhalers, needles, etc. Your pharmacist […]

Learn how you can receive government-funded physiotherapy services to help you recover from illness, surgery or injury. If you are a senior, you may benefit from exercise classes designed to keep you healthy, active and independent. Eligibility for government-funded physiotherapy Step 1: find out if the government will pay for your treatment The information below […]

Scientists have eight more reasons for you to watch what you eat. A review of more than 1,000 studies has found a link between excess weight and eight new types of cancer. They include cancers of the: • Stomach • Liver • Gall bladder • Pancreas • Ovary • Thyroid • Meningioma brain tumors • […]

Being overweight or obese isn’t a cosmetic problem. These conditions greatly raise your risk for other health problems. Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Problems in Adults Coronary Heart Disease As your body mass index rises, so does your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque (plak) […]

Second-hand smoke is also dangerous Even if you yourself don’t smoke, you can still get sick or die from tobacco. When you breathe the smoke from another person’s cigarette, it can be as bad as smoking cigarettes yourself. • Secondhand smoke exposure is the number two cause of lung cancer (smoking is the number one […]

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 […]