Dr. Carrie Schram, family doctor with Family Way Obstetrical Group at Women’s College Hospital, explains how women can plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Article
Calcium and vitamin D: how much do you need?
One component of bone strength is measured as bone mineral density, or BMD: the amount of mineral content in an area of bone. The key mineral being measured is calcium, your skeleton’s major building block. That’s why getting enough calcium is so important to bone health. The other nutrient that’s […]
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Tagged Bone, calcium, nutrition, osteoporosis
Bone health: be aware of osteoporosis risk factors
Osteoporosis is a condition in which loss of bone density and deterioration in bone quality causes bones to become weaker and more fragile. This decrease in bone strength increases the risk of bone fractures. It is a very common condition in older adults, especially women. Osteoporosis Canada’s statistics show that […]
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Tagged Bone nutrition, calcium, osteoporosis
Why diabetes is a greater heart health risk for women than men
Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease in both men and women. However, it has a greater impact on women’s heart health than men’s. “Diabetes appears to be a stronger risk factor for cardiovascular events in women than in men,” says endocrinologist Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe, director of the […]
Hypertension for her: high blood pressure affects women differently than men
High blood pressure – or hypertension – is common in both men and women, especially as we age. However, it tends to follow different patterns over the course of men’s and women’s lifetimes. “In general, blood pressure in children and adolescents is equivalent between males and females,” says cardiologist Dr. […]
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Tagged blood pressure, cardiovascular health, heart, hypertension
Fall prevention: home hazards
Fall prevention averts more than just falls. It also prevents the injuries, chronic pain, disability, loss of mobility, and even deaths that falls cause. Because many falls – especially in older adults – still occur at home, that’s a good place to start. Bathrooms have some obvious fall hazards because […]
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Tagged Bone health, fall prevention, fractures, home safety
Building better balance
Balance is what makes it possible to stand, walk and move without falling. It’s essential for mobility and for fall prevention, and is a key element of fitness. “Balance depends on the complex interplay of vision, the vestibular system – that’s your inner ear – and the joints, muscles and […]
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Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
Breast cancer surgery: the importance of lymph node dissection
Breast cancer surgery involves more than just removing tumours. Surgeons also need to take a closer look at how cancer cells are behaving in the body. “When we explain breast cancer surgery to our patients, we explain that it’s actually two parts,” says Helen Mark, a registered nurse with the […]
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Tagged breast cancer, Cancer
What’s the difference between a heart attack, heart failure, and stroke?
Heart attack, heart failure and stroke are different conditions that affect people in different ways. Dr. Paula Harvey, director of the cardiovascular research program at Women’s College Hospital, explains the difference. Heart attack A heart attack happens when the heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood, usually because one of […]
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Tagged cardiovascular health, heart
Can BMI affect fertility?
Having a body mass index (BMI) that is higher or lower than normal can affect many aspects of health, including reproductive health. Being underweight, as well as being overweight or obese, can affect fertility. Obesity in particular has been linked to increased risk of difficulty getting pregnant. Endocrinologist Dr. Sheila […]
Taking fall prevention outside
Falls aren’t just a major cause of injury. They can also result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, disability and even death. In fact, one-third of all hospital admissions for injuries are fall-related. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls result in $2 billion per year in direct healthcare […]
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Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
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Being called back for further testing after a routine screening mammogram can seem alarming. While it’s very important to follow up and have the recommended tests, being called back after a mammogram doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong. “In most cases it means the radiologist wants to take a […]
Recipes
Being properly fuelled before or after you exercise is important, especially if you have diabetes. These snacks are healthy, delicious and easy to make. From sweet to savoury, there’s something for everyone. Aim for balanced snacks that include 1-2 carbohydrate choices (15-30 grams of carbohydrate) either one hour before […]
Fitness
Exercise as medicine
Jul. 19, 2016
When cardiologist Dr. Paula Harvey, director of the cardiovascular research program at Women’s College Hospital, says that exercise is medicine, it’s not just a clever reminder that physical activity is good for you. Research has shown that exercise is a powerful therapy that can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and […]
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Test your sexual health knowledge and learn more about STIs, protection and testing.