Health articles

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.

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.

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

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!

Are you doing the right things to keep your breasts healthy? From current scares to self-exams, find out here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Many Canadians suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders have a major impact on the lives of affected individuals and their loved ones. Eating disorders can result in serious health problems. We've put together facts on these disorders, how to recognize them, and how to help someone who might be suffering from one.

You've read about them… You've seen the testimonials… You probably have friends who have lost several pounds on them. And they're popular – all those people can't be wrong, can they? Weight loss is healthy, right? So why shouldn't you go on one of the latest popular diet plans? What have you got to lose? Well, more than just weight, perhaps.

Fibromyalgia causes widespread body pain and fatigue. This medical condition can take a serious toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are treatments and support available. Learn more about fibromyalgia and how to cope.

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.

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.

Starting to breast-feed your baby? Learn more about the benefits of breast-feeding and what to expect.

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.

During the holiday season, many of us find it challenging to maintain healthy habits. Here's how to get through the season in good form.

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!

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.

Your skin shields your body from the world. Repay the favour by following these healthy habits and skin-sational strategies.

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.

How will the recent death of a teenaged girl after receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine affect Canadians?

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.

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.

Fitness is, we're happy to observe, very popular these days. But there are a lot of ideas of what you need to do, where you need to do it, and what you need to eat and drink – or avoid – to maintain top form. We're here to give you some straightforward, level-headed – and economical – advice.

Do you have questions about managing breast-feeding problems? Learn more about dealing with milk supply, feeding, and breast pain issues, and find out when to call a lactation consultant.

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

Menopause is an important health issue. This health feature offers information about menopause: how to tell if you're entering it, the role of estrogen replacement therapy, and tips on making yourself more comfortable – and staying healthy – as your body adjusts to this new phase.

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.

Does this sound familiar? A yeast infection is bad enough the first time it occurs. But what if it keeps coming back? If you suffer from frequent yeast infections, find out why this happens and what you can do about it!

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.

Premenstrual syndrome happens to many women each month. But it's about more than mood swings and cravings.

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.

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?

Ruth Clausen is an assistant manager from Hamilton, Ontario, who has been coping with migraines for over 30 years. Read Ruth's story to learn how migraines have affected her life, and how she has worked with her doctor to manage them.

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!

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.

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.

Even in the extreme heat, humidity, and sunshine of summer, let your inner health and beauty shine through.

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.

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

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.

Your 20s can be exciting, scary, fun, and formative. This decade of your life brings challenges and choices that can shape your life - and your health - for years to come.

Your 30s are a time to find a balance. Even as you juggle all of your responsibilities, find a way to make your health a priority.

Your 40s are considered a mid-point, the top of the hill. It's a big milestone - but you've got miles yet to go! Don't let body changes and health hazards send you downhill.

Your 50s mark a milestone, a golden anniversary of the wonder of you. But you may be left wondering, "What happened to my body?" Don't let menopause and other changes tarnish your overall health.