Blog Posts

Low back pain can make getting through the day challenging enough without worrying about keeping up your exercise regimen. But before you throw in the (gym) towel, read the latest research about the best types of exercise for relieving back pain.

Shingles is a painful condition that can attack anyone who has ever had chicken pox, but is most likely to strike older adults and others with weakened immune systems. Vaccines are available that cut the chance of getting shingles. Is vaccination worth it? Dr. Mark Loeb provides a professional view and shingles patient Jean shares her personal experience.

Nurse-led clinics can help patients with cardiovascular diseases manage their medications and make and maintain lifestyles changes, benefiting long-term health and survival compared to usual care.

Heart failure is serious but people can live with the condition successfully. Giving people information about how to care for themselves is important, but additional support is necessary to promote effective self-care.

Cut back on salt for at least four weeks to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Managing diabetes can be challenging for anyone, but for older adults with multiple health and age-related conditions, it can be especially difficult. Dr. Diana Sherifali weighs in on how self-management programs can be adapted to best support older adults with diabetes.

Problems with seniors' driving have been linked to changes in their medical and functional status that are not related to normal aging changes. The key is to identify drivers who are at risk.

Cataracts and macular degeneration commonly develop as we age. Will taking antioxidant vitamins help prevent these vision problems?

One study suggests that patients receiving follow-up care for diabetic foot or leg ulcers via telemedicine (online or by phone) may spend less time travelling without any negative effect on their health and lower costs to the healthcare system. Dr. Perry Mayer – an expert in diabetic foot care – offers his perspective on the issue.

Most people experience pain after surgery and need to take pain killers for at least a few days. Being in charge of their own medications gives patients some control and may result in improved pain relief.

Activity trackers, monitors, computer applications, wearables.... there are plenty of options and some can be pricey. Before you spend the money, find out which health gadgets are a good investment in your health and well-being.

You’ve been given a diagnosis and told of a few treatment options. Now you have a tough choice to make and there’s too much at stake for “eenie, meanie, miny mo.” Patient decision aids are free, easy-to-use tools that can guide you through the process of making important decisions.

The latest research shows healthcare providers and their elderly patients find it difficult to talk about end-of-life prognosis and preferences for care. Dr. John You – a doctor and expert in end-of-life communication – shares his perspective.

Patients who have an advance care plan are less likely to receive unwanted intensive care in hospital. Dr. Michelle Howard – an expert in end-of-life communication – provides a professional view on the topic and citizen contributor Diane shares her personal experience.

People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms

If you’re undergoing surgery or other hospital treatments you’re probably not thinking of boogying to the beat. But research shows music therapy can reduce anxiety and pain and help ease depression and fatigue.

Eating well is not always easy. A panel of older adults share their thoughts and suggestions about ways to improve nutrition, especially for those most at risk.

For years hormone therapy was the “go to” for relieving symptoms of menopause; it was also believed to protect against age-related diseases. Recent evidence sheds a clearer light on how hormone therapy impacts heart health.

Providing unpaid care offers both rewards and challenges. A panel of caregivers share their thoughts and suggestions about how to better support caregivers.

Specialized, designated stroke centres help reduce death and disability due to stroke. However, in an emergency, is it worth bypassing closer local hospitals to take stroke victims to a designated centre?