Top Health Questions
August 20, 2010
What causes gallstones?
The liver makes bile which helps your body digest fat. The gallbladder is a small sac like organ just below the liver that stores bile until your digestive system needs it.
August 14, 2010
How serious is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is an uncommon illness caused by eating food contaminated by bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes.
August 7, 2010
Are women are more prone to getting bladder infections?
Most urinary tract infections are caused by E. Coli bacterium that is usually found in the gastro-intestinal tract.
July 30, 2010
What is West Nile Virus and how can I avoid getting sick?
West Nile Virus is a virus that can cause mild illness or a serious illness. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and people usually get the virus when a mosquito carrying the virus bites them.
July 23, 2010
What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?
The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones that affect many vital functions in your body such as your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, weight, and fertility.
July 17, 2010
Should I apply sunscreen and insect repellent on my infant?
Children need protection from the sun, insects, heat, and cold.
July 9, 2010
What types of headaches are there?
There are three main types of non-serious headaches. The most common is a tension headache often brought on with stress and often felt in the neck and base of the skull.
July 3, 2010
What is the safe way to clean earwax?
Our ears are designed to be self-cleaning. Earwax is a protective substance formed in the outer ear canal. The earwax can be light to dark brown or orange in colour.
June 26, 2010
How can we keep safe while swimming this summer?
Swimming is a good way to exercise and cool off in the summer. Every summer, both children and adults are injured or drown at the beach or pool.
June 19, 2010
What is swimmer’s itch?
Swimmer's itch is a rash caused by small worm-like parasites called schistosomes. The parasites typically are in water snails and in the blood stream of marine mammals, ducks or other birds but sometimes get onto human skin.
June 12, 2010
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 disease that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling to joints. It is a disease that ranges from mild tendonitis to overwhelming rheumatoid arthritis that affects every part of the body.
June 5, 2010
Are foods with Omega-3 Fats added to them healthy?
Omega 3 fats are fats with many health benefits. Research has shown that many North Americans are not consuming enough “omega-3 fats”.
May 29, 2010
How can I ensure that my child is getting enough to eat?
Picky eating is normal during the toddler and preschool years. Picky eating occurs when your child complains or refuses certain foods.
May 22, 2010
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong disorder of the brain causing difficult communication and social interactions. There is no typical form of autism however repetitive and limited behaviors are common.
May 15, 2010
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone.
May 8, 2010
How can I prevent kidney stones from recurring?
Your kidneys act as a filter for your blood and produce urine and remove waste products from the body. Kidney stones are made of salts and other minerals in urine that stick together forming small stones or “pebbles” in the kidney or ureter.
May 1, 2010
How do I know if I have Obsessive Compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is composed of recurring, unwanted and upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours or rituals developed that are repeated over and over to relieve anxiety caused by the thoughts (compulsions).
April 24, 2010
How can I make meal planning for one more enjoyable?
A healthy diet is an essential part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Cooking for one or two people can be challenging especially when you may have been used to cooking for your family or you have never cooked before.
April 17, 2010
Can I decrease my child's fear of getting immunized?
Getting immunized can be anxiety provoking for children and parents, however, the benefits of immunization outweigh the risks. Children can often sense when a parent is nervous or anxious.
April 10, 2010
Will having a vasectomy be a good way to prevent pregnancy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that a man may choose to have as an effective means of permanent birth control. Less than one in 100 women will become pregnant after her partner has had a vasectomy.
April 3, 2010
How can I get enough exercise if I can't afford a gym membership?
Walking is one of the easiest and most economic ways to ensure that you are getting the exercise you need. Not only are individuals looking for more economic ways to get exercise, they are looking for ways to fit exercise into their busy schedules.
March 27, 2010
How can I make healthier choices so that I can achieve a healthier weight?
There are many fad diets on the market promising quick solutions to weight loss and increasing your energy. However, these solutions can be quite costly, restrictive, and even harmful in some cases.
March 20, 2010
How can I ensure that my baby will have healthy teeth?
Good oral health and dental hygiene are important in preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria and a diet containing many refined foods and sugars.
March 13, 2010
How do I prevent getting Hepatitis while travelling?
To stay healthy when you travel, plan ahead. Before travelling to another country, see a doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before you leave.
March 6, 2010
Does being diagnosed with a TIA mean that you've had a stroke?
A transient ischemic attack or TIA, often referred to as a “mini-stroke” or a “warning stroke”, is caused by a temporary decrease or blockage of blood flow to the brain.
February 27, 2010
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common and affects women. Numerous small cysts grow on the ovaries. They are not harmful but cause hormonal imbalances.
February 20, 2010
Does glaucoma only occur in older people?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 40. Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age.
February 13, 2010
What is a "lazy eye"?
Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is an eye condition that occurs when one eye does not develop properly in childhood.
February 6, 2010
How can I reduce my risk of developing heart disease?
Coronary artery disease develops when there is a narrowing of the arteries. As the blood flow becomes decreased, a person may experience chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath.
January 30, 2010
What should I know about symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a common lung infection that is caused by a bacteria or a virus. There are many kinds of pneumonia and some are more serious than others.
January 23, 2010
How can I support my child in fostering literacy?
Fostering literacy is just as important at home as it is in school. Practicing the skills learned at school is one way in which you can contribute to developing your child’s reading and writing.
January 16, 2010
What should I know about keeping safe for winter sports?
Keeping active during the winter is fun. It is important to be aware of hazards. Check forecasts to plan clothing needs for the day.
January 9, 2010
What should I know about hypothermia?
Anyone can get hypothermia. Most healthy people recover completely. Babies and elderly adults are more at risk and have more trouble recovering.
January 2, 2010
What should I know to be safe while shoveling snow?
Shoveling snow is considered moderate physical activity. Everyone should aim for at least 30 minutes of some kind of moderate physical activity daily.
December 26, 2009
How can I avoid an egg-related reaction?
Food allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to certain foods. Often reactions are mild like a rash, stuffy nose, or nausea.
December 19, 2009
Could my child be suffering from anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at one time or another. Anxiety can be a helpful thing when it helps us prepare for new situations or experiences.
December 12, 2009
How do I know if my daughter has an eating disorder?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Most people with eating disorders are adolescent girls and young women.
December 5, 2009
How should I manage my daughter's high fever?
Parents are often concerned when their child has a fever. However, a fever is one way in which your body fights an infection. A fever itself is not an illness but a symptom.
November 27, 2009
How do I manage type 2 diabetes when I am sick with influenza or a cold?
Diabetes can get out of control quickly when you are sick. Blood sugars can rise with influenza, colds and infection even if you are not able to eat.
November 20, 2009
What is COPD?
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term used to refer to long term lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
November 13, 2009
What are the differences between influenza and the common cold?
Influenza and the common cold are caused by a virus but not the same one. Influenza is a much more serious infection of the respiratory tract.
October 31, 2009
How do I manage my blood sugar when I have type 2 diabetes?
When you have diabetes, it is very important to monitor your blood sugar levels in order to prevent other health complications associated with diabetes.
October 24, 2009
Can a lack of sleep be a contributing factor to high blood pressure?
Sleep deprivation and poor stress management may be contributing to your high blood pressure.
