Blog
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29 December 2021
Mental health and the pandemic: What do loneliness, caregiving, and family conflict have to do with it?
In this video, Dr. Parminder Raina discusses the recent findings on the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on middle-aged and older adults. Hear how loneliness, caregiving, and family conflict are associated with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms and how these symptoms persist and may worsen over time.Full story -
22 December 2021
‘Brushing up’ on options for toothbrushes: Manual vs. powered
Interested in how manual and powered toothbrushes compare? Both are good for helping to improve or maintain aspects of oral health, but powered toothbrushes may hold a slight edge when it comes to plaque removal.Full story -
15 December 2021
Renewal plans in long-term care: where are we at
The long-term care sector has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and abroad. Many policymakers and stakeholders are now turning their attention to renewing the long-term care sector and exploring alternatives to long-term care homes.Full story -
9 December 2021
Evidence-based insights on 3 types of cancer screening
Do you have questions around cancer screening? See what the research has to say about screening for prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Sneak peek: the answers are not always so cut-and-dry.Full story -
8 December 2021
Low-Risk Drinking: How Much is Too Much?
Any amount of alcohol consumption can have risks for your health. In this video, Dr. Sophiya Benjamin talks about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (2011), what a 'standard drink' is, and how following the guidelines can help to reduce both the short- and long-term risks of alcohol use.Full story -
1 December 2021
Therapeutic rituals to overcome grief
If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other traumatic event, you may still be struggling to grieve. Can rituals used in a therapeutic setting help people overcome prolonged and complicated grief?Full story -
24 November 2021
Looking to catch some quality zzz’s? Let’s talk music!
They say if "you snooze, you lose”. But getting enough sleep, as well as good quality sleep, is important for our mental health, cognitive health, and physical health. Some evidence suggests that music may be a promising non-drug-based strategy for improving sleep quality in older adults.Full story -
24 November 2021
Driving: The super-activity of daily living?
Driving is a complex task that involves many different skills and body functions. Dr. Brenda Vrkljan discusses how cognitive decline can impact driving safely and how healthcare professionals can help evaluate a person’s fitness to drive and support them in maintaining their mobility and independence for as long as possible.Full story -
17 November 2021
Emotional closeness between grandparents and grandchildren
Sometimes a unique bond develops between grandparents and their grandchildren. But what factors can influence this emotional closeness, and what impact can it have on grandparents and grandchildren?Full story -
10 November 2021
Finding success with non-drug treatments: 4 common conditions that can benefit
Are you living with dementia, high blood pressure, or urinary incontinence? See what the research has to say about your options for non-drug treatments. Hint: promising possibilities lie ahead.Full story -
10 November 2021
Treating hypertension: Lowering your blood pressure with medications
What role should medications play in managing high blood pressure? In this video, Drs. Anthony Levinson and Richard Sztramko discuss when and what to consider when lifestyle changes alone are not enough to maintain a healthy blood pressure.Full story -
3 November 2021
Competitive sports can be healthy at all ages
Competitive sports can be done at all ages. But what is known about the factors influencing older athletes to take part in competitive sports?Full story -
27 October 2021
Screening for breast cancer: What you should know about mammography
Do you have questions about mammography? See what the evidence says about this form of breast cancer screening for women with an average risk for breast cancer.Full story -
26 October 2021
Medical cannabis: A solution for chronic pain?
Is medical cannabis effective for the treatment of chronic pain? Dr. Anthony Levinson and Dr. Jason Busse discuss how cannabis works to relieve pain, what the research says about its effectiveness and potential side effects, and what benefits there may be compared to opioids for chronic pain relief.Full story -
19 October 2021
Learn a new language to train your brain and more
There is no age to learn a new language. Learn about the benefits of learning a new language on the quality of life and cognitive abilities in healthy older adults.Full story -
13 October 2021
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and exercise: Getting on track with wearable activity trackers
We can all use a helping hand from time to time. Being more physically active is one area where some of us need that extra assistance and motivation. Wearable activity trackers may be a source of support for people living with a rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal disease who are looking to increase their activity levels.Full story -
13 October 2021
Hypertension: Effective ways to lower high blood pressure without medication
Drs. Anthony Levinson and Richard Sztramko discuss what lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your blood pressure or lower your risk of developing hypertension in the future.Full story -
6 October 2021
Barriers to cancer care in nursing homes
Despite the high prevalence of this disease in the elderly, early diagnosis seems to be neglected in nursing homes. How can we make decisions that seek to balance the potential benefits and harms of cancer treatment in older adults living in nursing homes?Full story -
29 September 2021
Getting “alternative” with nerve pain: Could herbal treatments be a source of relief?
Considering complementary and alternative options for nerve pain? You should know that the current evidence base on the potential benefits and harms of herbal treatments—specifically, nutmeg and St John's wort—is uncertain.Full story -
28 September 2021
Chest colds: Do antibiotics help?
Are antibiotics really necessary to treat acute bronchitis? Dr. Anthony Levinson and infectious disease expert Dr. Zain Chagla discuss acute bronchitis, what it is, how it is best managed, and the role that antibiotics might play in its treatment.Full story
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DISCLAIMER: The blogs are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professionals.
