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.
Fitness
Exercise as medicine
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 […]
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 […]
Posted in Article
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 […]
Posted in Article
Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
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 […]
Posted in Article
Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, fall prevention, Fitness
Tips for older adults and people with health issues who want to start an exercise program
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 […]
Posted in Article, Checked
Tagged chronic conditions, exercise, Fitness
Reducing risk of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment
Breast cancer survivors who have undergone radiation treatment or surgery may be at risk of developing lymphedema – an accumulation of lymph fluid that can cause swelling, pain, hardening of tissue and infection. The most common site for lymphedema in breast cancer patients is in the arm on the side […]
Posted in Article, Checked, Checked, Fitness
Tagged breast cancer, Cancer, lymph nodes, lymphedema
Being more active and getting fitter: starting from scratch
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 […]
Summer fitness: what you need to know about warm weather workouts
Summer is a great time for outdoor activities: the days are long and warm, and there are plenty of things to do, whether it be swimming, cycling, kayaking or going for a walk. But summer has its own hazards that can present challenges: extreme heat, humidity, poor air quality and […]
Checklist: reducing sitting time at home, at work and travelling
Even for people who exercise regularly, spending too much time sitting may be a health risk. Research has linked sedentary behaviour, or regularly sitting for long periods of time, to increased incidence of certain cancers and chronic diseases, and higher mortality. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour are two separate health […]
Effective Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which support the bladder and other pelvic organs. Kegels can help treat stress urinary incontinence and help prevent it from getting worse, and can also help with urge suppression. “Used in combination with other conservative managements, they can be very effective,” […]
Posted in Checked, Fitness
Tagged Bladder, incontinence, Kegel, pelvic floor
More Resources
Videos
Articles
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 […]
Quizzes
Test your sexual health knowledge and learn more about STIs, protection and testing.