Health articles

Admit it: we've all looked longingly at the perfect coif of the woman sitting across from us on the bus, enviously wondering how she keeps her hair looking so healthy and well-groomed, and so shiny. What's her secret? What exactly aren't you doing to get healthy, vibrant hair? What's with the split ends, dandruff, and greasy hair? Let's unravel the essentials for healthy hair care.

You may have thought you had outgrown zits when you outgrew arguing with your parents about curfew. But pimples can persist into adulthood, and acne at any time in your life can leave physical and emotional scars.

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

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.

"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.

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.

You may not be riding over 200 km a day in the Tour de France, but there's nothing like getting on your bike and feeling the wind in your face. Cycling is great fun and has countless health benefits. But before you hop onto your two-wheeler, remember: safety comes first!

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

Whether you wear shoes for fashion or for function, you should always wear shoes that fit and that minimize pain and risk of injury.

Germs can easily find a home in the moist, dark corners of a makeup bag, in the bristles of a hairbrush, or inside a tube of mascara.

An average Canadian spends 316 hours per year commuting to and from work – more than 39 eight-hour workdays! But all those hours aren't empty – they're full of health hazards.

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.

Millions of Canadians use birth control, and yet up to 40% of pregnancies in Canada today are unplanned. Contraceptives will only prevent pregnancy if they're used properly and consistently, so it's important to know what your options are and to find the kind of birth control that works best for you.

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.

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 enjoys a little shopping, a stroll in the mall, or discovering a great sale – it's a harmless pick-me-up that makes us all feel good. But how do you know when some harmless retail therapy is turning into a shopping addiction?

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!

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.

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.

One of the first things people see is your smile... but keeping your teeth and gums healthy can keep you smiling for reasons you may not have thought of. Find out how oral health affects your overall health and how to best care for your teeth and gums.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Running is quite popular these days – walk down the street or stroll in the park and you're likely to see a few people trotting past in their running gear. So why the heck do they do it? And what keeps them doing it?

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!

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.

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.

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.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming mainstream and, for better or for worse, it is likely here to stay. But is it right for you? If you've never thought about it, should you?

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.

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.

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.

Winter is a wonderful time of the year – except for winter driving, endless snow shovelling, winter sport injuries, chapped and dry skin, colds and flus... Is the thought of black ice and white snow giving you the blues? It needn't be. Being prepared can make winter an enjoyable and safe time of the year. Here's how...

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