Blog
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Childhood wounds can leave marks forever
Childhood trauma, such as abuse, violence or family dysfunction, has an effect on children's cognitive abilities and these effects can last into adulthood.Full story -
Getting your ‘feet’ in the game! Can exercising your feet help you stay on them?
From injury to death, falls are a major concern for older adults. Recent research looks at how strengthening the muscles in our feet and ankles can help to reduce the risk of falls.Full story -
Deep vein thrombosis: Symptoms, causes and treatments
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, typically in one of your legs. In this video, Dr. Rick Ikesaka talks about the signs and symptoms of DVT, how to reduce your risk, the role that compression stockings can play and treatment options, such as the use of blood thinners.Full story -
Volunteers: Artisans of health and well-being
Many retirees are wondering how they will spend their free time and, more importantly, how to age while remaining active and healthy for as long as possible. Could volunteering your time, enthusiasm and knowledge improve your health and well-being?Full story -
Preventing lung cancer: Do supplements have a role to play?
Research highlights the lack of effectiveness and safety concerns associated with the use of supplements for lung cancer prevention.Full story -
Frozen shoulder: Do steroid injections help?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that can be triggered by an injury or surgery and can be associated with certain conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and Parkinson disease. In this video, Dr. Raj Carmona discusses what causes frozen shoulder, the three distinct phases, and the range of treatment options, including the evidence for the use of steroid injections. Meet Glenda and find out what advice Dr. Carmona has for her.Full story -
Can past traumas hinder the ability to age in place?
"Aging in place" is the preference of most people. However, the idea of aging in place can take on a whole new meaning for people who have experienced trauma such as neglect, oppression, sexual abuse, violence, complicated grief, or any other extremely difficult life event.Full story -
‘Behind the Music’: Music-making for cognitive health
Do you or a loved one live with cognitive impairment or dementia? You may want to try or consider music-making therapy. Preliminary research shows benefits for cognitive function.Full story -
Alcohol and surgery: A dangerous combination
People who drink alcoholic beverages are at higher risk of complications during and after surgery. Alcohol consumption can reduce heart and immune system function, prolong bleeding time, and increase the body’s stress response. The less alcohol you drink before surgery, the better. In this video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical and post-operative risks for people who consume alcohol in the days or weeks leading up to surgery.Full story -
Social prescribing: Bridging the gap between clinical and social care
Being prescribed a forest bath, a yoga class, or a cooking class? Social prescribing recognizes that people's health and well-being are primarily determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.Full story -
Collaboration is key: Patient engagement for healthcare improvement
Working together! Research highlights some of the potential organizational/health care provider and patient-related benefits of co-producing hospital tools and resources with patients.Full story -
Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis? An itch by any other name
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common rash characterized by redness, scaling or flaking, or itching. It mainly affects the skin on the scalp (as dandruff), face, chest and joints. When adults get seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can come and go for the rest of their life. Flare-ups are common with weather changes, and other factors such as stress can also be a trigger. Proper treatment can reduce flare-ups and bring relief. In this video, Dr. Hermenio Lima talks about the different causes and treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.Full story -
The other side of the screen
Although no robust systematic review could be identified about zoom fatigue among older adults and the general population, experts have raised a red flag. The overuse of virtual communication platforms could lead to cognitive distortions and non-verbal overload inherent in video communication. This could even increase feelings of isolation and anxiety.Full story -
Upping fruit and veggie consumption to get blood pressure down: What’s the case for plant-based diets?
If you’re looking to lower your blood pressure through lifestyle changes, pay attention to your diet. Research shows that a diet of mostly plant-based foods may be beneficial, but careful consideration is needed to find the one that is best for you.Full story -
Vitamin D: Should I be taking a supplement?
Vitamin D plays an important role in many functions of your body. Getting a healthy, daily dose of vitamin D can be challenging and a common problem for many Canadians. In this video, Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou discusses the sources and health benefits of vitamin D, who should take supplements and how much.Full story -
Love in the digital age
The way we look for our soul mate has evolved in the last few years at the same pace as technology. Several platforms to find love have been created. The same is true for other stages of a couple's life cycle: whether it is to maintain a relationship or to regain autonomy after the dissolution of a couple.Full story -
Turning on the tunes: 3 evidence-based benefits of music
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do! Research lends support to the use of music for improving our mental and physical health.Full story -
Insomnia: Are sleeping pills the answer?
As we age, it is common for us to experience changes in our sleep. It may become harder to fall asleep, or you may wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning. But what can you do when a good night's sleep is hard to get? In this video, Dr. Tricia Woo talks about sleep in older adults, lifestyle changes to promote good quality sleep, and the use of sleeping pills for insomnia.Full story -
Misinformation, disinformation and infodemics
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people began to use the term ‘infodemic’ to capture the parallel between the rapid spread of the virus and the rapid spread of misinformation about both COVID-19 and measures to respond to the pandemic. But what can be done to counter misinformation?Full story -
Can satisfying your sweet tooth with sugar substitutes help with weight loss?
Sugar substitutes are widely available, but can they help those of us looking to lose weight achieve this goal? It turns out, modest benefits may exist for some, but not others.Full story


