
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.
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 […]
For many patients, diabetes is more than a chronic health issue. It’s also a chronic financial issue. Patients are responsible for costs such as medication, blood glucose testing meters, test strips and insulin pumps. A 2011 report from the Canadian Diabetes Association notes that on average, Canadians with diabetes spend […]
Gestational diabetes arises in certain women who cannot overcome the insulin resistance that develops during pregnancy. In most cases, the condition goes away after the baby is delivered. However, women who have gestational diabetes have increased risks of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s important to note that […]
Gestational diabetes affects about six per cent of pregnancies in Canada. Like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is a condition in which the body has trouble making or using a hormone called insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Insulin controls blood sugar levels, so insufficient insulin can lead to […]
For most women at average risk, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) recommends a mammogram every two years from age 50 to age 74 to screen for breast cancer. Women ages 40 to 49 are advised to talk to their doctor about mammography to decide if they would benefit from screening. However, […]
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 […]
The defining feature of osteoporosis is loss of bone density and deterioration in bone quality, which causes bones to become weaker and more likely to fracture. One of the ways to promote bone health and strength is through physical exercise. “There are a lot of studies that show that good […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]