Blog Posts

The PSA test is an option for men thinking about being screened for prostate cancer but the harms may outweigh the benefits.

Home and community based care, assisted living and nursing home care all have related risks and benefits. Decisions about long term care settings should consider the needs and unique circumstances of older adults and the people caring for them.

Fatty acids (such as those found in fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) provide health benefits, including lowering risk of heart disease. Fatty acid supplements may help lower blood pressure, but don’t prevent heart attacks in people already diagnosed with heart issues.

New types of blood thinners are effective at preventing blood clots and are safe for most older adults.

A person-centred care approach focuses on a patient’s unique abilities, interests, habits and wishes. Care providers who receive training in person-centred care may have higher job satisfaction and experience less career burnout.

Drugs that lower blood pressure help prevent heart attack and strokes for those with high blood pressure, and offer the greatest benefit to those at higher risk.

Home palliative care – provided by specially trained health professionals – increases the likelihood of a patient dying at home and may even help to ease symptoms.

Quitting smoking at least four weeks before surgery reduces risks and increases the chance of a successful surgery and a faster recovery.

Physical exercise can help improve some conditions associated with aging and frailty, such as improving walking speed.

People at risk of heart disease can improve their health by exercising and changing their diet. Lifestyle counselling programs can help people make these changes.

Certain drugs can increase risk for falls or confusion in older adults. Regularly review your medication with your doctor to reduce these risks.

Families of older adults continue to provide the vast majority of care for their members when necessary. Changes in modern society necessitate support for them from the formal healthcare system.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects breathing during sleep. Treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and dental devices can help.

Rehabilitation programs to improve mobility, function, balance and strength help patients recover faster and avoid long-term disability after hip surgery.

Tai chi is a form of exercise that offers low risk of injury. It promotes general health and well-being, and may help improve cognitive performance in older adults.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish promote heart health. Taking fish-oil supplements is an effective alternative to eating fish.

Diagnostic tests do not improve symptoms or relieve anxiety for patients who do not have a serious illness.

More seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer and have increased oral health care needs. It is important to start planning early for many aspects of your retirement, including your oral health.

Patients visiting their doctors often complain that they must restrict what they discuss with them to only one health problem at each visit, which isn’t helpful. There are different approaches.

Fall prevention exercise programs, in a group or home setting, can help prevent falls. Exercises to improve balance are the most effective in preventing falls.