
The Big Five cardiovascular risk factors, explained by Jennifer Price, PhD, Advanced Practice Nurse, Cardiology, with the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative at Women’s College Hospital.
The Big Five cardiovascular risk factors, explained by Jennifer Price, PhD, Advanced Practice Nurse, Cardiology, with the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative at Women’s College Hospital.
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Adopting a healthier lifestyle and getting more fit is a great goal for anyone, including older adults and people with health issues. However, it’s recommended for some individuals to get clearance from their doctor before starting an exercise program. These include people with chronic conditions, people over age 65 and […]
Although the options seem endless, finding an exercise program that you can stick with can be challenging. When choosing a fitness activity, keeping a few factors in mind can help you develop a routine that works. Ananya Banerjee, PhD, a registered kinesiologist with the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative at Women’s […]
For someone who has been inactive for a while – maybe even for years – adopting a more active lifestyle can seem like a challenging ambition. Setting attainable goals and making small, incremental changes makes becoming more active achievable. The big goal is to meet the Canadian Society for Exercise […]