Health articles

Your feet are your foundation. Find out how to take better care of your feet – from practicing good posture and choosing the right shoes to fixing foot flaws like corns and bunions.

Where's the reset button? During hectic holidays, you'll likely stress more, party more, eat and drink more, and get less time to sleep, exercise, and relax than during any other two week period of the year. We're often left feeling "over": overstuffed, overstressed, overtired, overwhelmed. Reset, replenish, refresh, and relax your way to post-holiday rejuvenation.

An active lifestyle is the key to keeping fit and healthy. Read on for tips on nutrition and injury prevention.

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.

"Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be…" If that describes you or a man you know to a T, a little-known condition called andropause could be the cause.

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.

Medical research focuses on how to treat and beat cancer, but people whose lives are affected by cancer have to find how to live with it – and there is no single right way to live with cancer: everyone needs to find what works best for them.

Curious about cannabis? Find out more information through the FAQs!

No one knows your parents as well as you do and no one cares for them as much. But caring for an aging family member can be frustrating, emotional, tiring, and scary, both for you and for the person you're caring for. Find out how you can best prepare yourself, your family, and your parent for some of the changes that may be in the future.

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.

So many different things can affect bowel habits – age, medications, general health and diet, social and cultural influences. But when constipation (irregularity) becomes a regular part of your life, you may wonder how common it really is.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered whether you could improve something about yourself with a bit of surgery? A nose job, tummy tuck, or face lift? Or perhaps just a bit of Botox, collagen or laser hair removal? If you have, you're not alone. But what do cosmetic procedures involve?

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.

Most of us have had diarrhea at some point in our lives. Find out why we get it and what you can do to manage your diarrhea. Test your knowledge with our "true or false" questions, and learn some interesting facts about diarrhea.

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.

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.

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.

Food plays a key role in our lives, both when we're sick and when we're well. How much do you know about how it affects you? Grow your knowledge about the food you eat and the food you buy.

Good health can be a source of comfort and joy. During this holiday season, give your friends and loved ones gifts that help promote fitness and wellness.

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!

A garden provides so much – a bounty of wholesome foods and herbs, a place to relax, and a natural way to get some exercise. Dig into this healthy hobby!

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.

The gloom of winter can show: chilly frowns, sleepy eyes, dry, dull skin, and wind-chapped lips – and top it all off with messy, static-frizzled hat hair. If you're the very vision of winter blah, here are some tips to let a little sun shine in.

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.

Ever wonder about the origins of your body's odd little itches, twitches, tickles, and pops? We're on the trail to track down the triggers of a few common but curious body sounds and sensations.

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

Milk whips up much controversy – especially since it seems like such a simple drink. Let's spill the facts about milk alternatives, allergies and intolerances, and the nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks of this most familiar of beverages.

Only about 17.5% of Canadians get enough regular physical activity. But it's easier than you may think. Read on for exercise and nutrition tips to stay active and fit.

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.

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.

Are you scheduled to have a colonoscopy? If it's your first time, you may have a few questions. You may even be apprehensive. But doctors routinely look in our ears and down our throats, so there's really no need to feel squeamish when it comes to an examination of our colon.

What do Robert De Niro, Nelson Mandela, Rudy Giuliani, and Arnold Palmer have in common? They all overcame battles with prostate cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed in Canadian men. Read one man's story and find out how prostate cancer is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.

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.

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."

Is your sex life deflating into middle age? For many couples, it's related to the decreases in hormone levels that happen as we age. Find out how declining hormone levels can affect your relationship and sex life, and what you can do about it!

Want a better sex life? Many of us struggle with low desire, erection problems, or premature ejaculation. Find out how to overcome these problems and enjoy the sex life you've always wanted!

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.

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

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.

Sitting around at home more than usual? COVID-19 has affected many of the ways we stay active and maintain our physical wellbeing. Read on to learn ways to exercise during this time.

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.

Adults need vaccinations too. Find out why and which vaccines are important for you.

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.

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.

The most prevalent thyroid gland disorders are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules.

Finding a lump in your neck is a frightening event and your immediate thoughts may be of cancer. However, the vast majority of thyroid lumps are in fact "benign" - or not cancerous.

Times are tight – and so are your shoulders. You can ease some of the tension without spending a cent by practicing self-massage.

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.

Losing weight can be challenging – and keeping it off can seem harder than losing it in the first place. But it needn't be. There are just a few straightforward things to keep in mind.

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.

Yoga: the word may bring to mind pictures of people holding seemingly impossible poses – but it's about more than just flexibility. The ancient art of yoga endures in our modern world for many good reasons.