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Prevention behaviour and risk reduction
A proactive and preventive approach to the overall health of our aging population is imperative. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and good nutrition are key preventive behaviours. Falls prevention among older adults is also a critical concern for healthy aging. Read more below
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Scheduled for surgery? 3 things to consider
From quitting smoking to hospital discharge planning, research outlines important discussions, changes, and decisions that should be had or made prior to surgery. -
Supplements for falls prevention: What role can vitamin D and calcium play?
Research looks into whether vitamin D and calcium supplementation are effective for fall prevention. -
Seeing through the smoke: The impacts of quitting and quitting strategies in 3 populations
Do you smoke and live with coronary heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or are about to undergo surgery? Research shows the benefits of quitting and some effective strategies to help achieve success. -
Diet and cardiovascular disease: What works?
Living with or at higher risk of cardiovascular disease? Research investigates what popular dietary programs can reduce the risk of death. -
Cardiovascular disease: Can digital technologies help?
Digital health technologies, like wearable tech, are becoming increasingly popular. But do they help people with cardiovascular disease? Let’s see what the research says. -
Living with coronary heart disease? Quitting smoking is key!
Helping your heart! Research shows that quitting smoking can have cardiovascular benefits for people with coronary heart disease. -
Preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections with probiotics?
Looking to avoid an acute upper respiratory tract infection? Research provides insight on probiotics as a preventative strategy. -
6 evidence-based strategies for reducing blood pressure
Looking for strategies to help you reduce your blood pressure or keep it in check? From lowering your salt intake to supplements, multiple strategies are available to increase your chance of success. -
Can calcium supplementation reduce the risk of high blood pressure?
Looking to prevent high blood pressure? Research demonstrates that increasing calcium intake, namely through supplements, has a role to play. -
Staying safe in and around water
Swimming and water fitness are often encouraged to promote health for people with chronic conditions. But being in and around water requires some precautions. -
Preventing type 2 diabetes with the “sunshine” vitamin?
Prevention, prevention, prevention. Can vitamin D supplementation help keep type 2 diabetes at bay? Research findings appear to be positive for certain populations. -
Getting your ‘feet’ in the game! Can exercising your feet help you stay on them?
From injury to death, falls are a major concern for older adults. Recent research looks at how strengthening the muscles in our feet and ankles can help to reduce the risk of falls. -
Supplementing our diets with supplements for heart health?
At one time or another, dietary supplements have been a feature of many of our shopping carts and medicine cabinets. But is there substance to the hype when it comes to our heart health? The research suggests no, except in very specific scenarios. -
Fact or fiction: Research sheds light on the safety and effectiveness of aspirin as a preventative strategy
Over the years, the use of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular events, dementia, and cancer has emerged as a topic of conversation and debate. Do claims of aspirin’s preventative powers hold true? The current evidence doesn’t show much promise. -
Managing blood pressure with non-medication-based strategies
Can non-medication-based strategies help reduce blood pressure? The research suggests yes. -
“Dancing” our way to fewer falls and better physical function?
Are you looking for fall prevention strategies that can help keep you on your feet? Research shows that dance-based mind-motor activities may help you with these efforts. -
Do face masks help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?
Are you looking for clarity around face masks and their role in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses? If yes, then you should know that research supports the use of masks for this purpose. -
Are aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effective for preventing dementia?
If you’re interested in aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as a dementia prevention strategy, you should know that current evidence doesn’t support their use for this purpose and raises red flags around potential health risks. -
Better bone health: An apple a day to keep fractures away?
Peppers, and tomatoes, and grapes. Oh my! If you’re looking for strategies to help protect your bones against breaks, see what the research has to say about fruit and vegetable intake. -
Knowing your numbers to help keep your blood pressure in check
When it comes to high blood pressure, “knowing your numbers” is key. A couple of promising blood pressure screening and monitoring options may help you stay on top of your numbers and help you and your health care provider create the best possible treatment plan. -
Is echinacea good for upper respiratory tract infections?
The use of echinacea to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections continues to be a matter of hot debate. New research weighs in on the conversation. -
Kicking smoking to the curb: 3 evidence-based ways to aid you on your journey to becoming smoke-free
From cancer to heart disease, the hazards of smoking have long-been documented. Emerging evidence appears to suggest that there could also be a dangerous association between smoking and COVID-19. Consider becoming smoke-free for your overall health and well-being. These evidence-based strategies could help increase your chances of success! -
Time to quit: What’s the “call” on telephone support for smoking cessation?
Can telephone counselling help you quit smoking? There is some promise for ongoing counselling that sees a counsellor or other health care provider connect with you for additional support. -
Fact or fiction: Research reveals the truth about common supplements
There are many claims out there about the health benefits of dietary supplements, but not all claims are backed by evidence. Talk to your health care provider about which supplements may be beneficial to you. -
“Pass the low-sodium salt substitute, please!” Could this be one way to help control blood pressure?
No salt, no problem? Not exactly. Low-sodium salt substitutes may help lower blood pressure, but they are not safe for everyone. -
Boost your brain health with exercise targeting both your body and your brain
Combing exercise for both your brain and your body could be just what you need to keep your mind sharp as you age. -
Preventing heart attacks: Is aspirin a safe choice?
Aspirin is one of the world’s most widely used drugs. Although for some time it was believed that aspirin helped prevent heart attacks, emerging research suggests that in adults without a history of heart disease, aspirin may do more harm than good. -
Aging and HIV: Meeting the unique care needs of older adults and fighting discrimination
A greater number of older adults are now living with HIV. Yet, knowledge of HIV and uptake of testing among Canadians over 50 is is still low. -
Preventing dementia: Are vitamin and mineral supplements worth the money?
Dementia is a major concern as we age. If you're hoping to fend off this devastating condition, based on current evidence, vitamin and mineral supplements may not be the answer. -
Foot health: A ground-up approach to preventing falls
A ground-up approach—starting with the health of your feet—might be just what you need to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. -
Scheduled for surgery? Say no to alcohol
Drinking alcohol puts you at a significantly higher risk of complications post-surgery. Intensive strategies that curb alcohol intake in the period leading up to surgery may improve how well you come out on the other side. -
Can vitamin D ward off acute respiratory tract infections?
Looking for ways to ward off acute respiratory tract infections? Vitamin D3 supplements may be your answer to helping prevent these unwelcome events. -
Cognitive behavioural therapy: Prevent depression before it starts
Depression is a difficult road to travel. Research has shown that psychological and educational approaches may be effective in helping to prevent it. -
Help flu shots stick with prebiotics and probiotics?
Preventing the flu is top-of-mind for many people during flu season. Supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics may be one way to enhance the flu shot’s protective effects. -
Selenium and cancer: Friends or foes?
Selenium has been touted to have anti-cancer properties, but new research suggests that selenium supplements may be too much of a good thing. -
Oh my veggies! Can a vegetarian diet help you lose weight?
With the numbers of overweight and obese adults on the rise globally, people are looking to different types of diets for solutions. To shed pounds, going lacto-ovo vegetarian or vegan may help. -
Struggling with your weight? Get active and improve your health with high intensity interval training!
Short on time? Research suggests that high-intensity interval training can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health in people who are overweight or obese. -
The diabetes epidemic: Don’t become a statistic!
The global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise. Don’t become a statistic with the help of these simple lifestyle changes. -
Long plane flight? Try compression socks to relieve circulation problems
Are compression stockings a good travel investment for long plane flights? Find out what the research evidence says. -
Do cholesterol lowering drugs help prevent dementia?
Some researchers believe heart health and Alzheimer’s are linked. Will cholesterol-lowering pills for people at risk of heart disease help prevent dementia? -
3 alternative options for pain relief
Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs. -
No one left out: Breaking down cultural barriers to support healthy aging
Not everyone has the same opportunity to access health promotion programs that can save lives and prevent serious illness. Culturally customized materials and approaches can help. -
Got heartburn? Avoid these common acid-blocking drugs
Proton pump inhibitors – a common type of stomach acid medication – are overprescribed and many people can safely reduce or stop this medication. -
Don't believe the hype: 6 tips to identify trustworthy health information
Ask yourself these six questions to critique the latest “miraculous” health claim you read about in the headlines. -
Is it time for a medication review? Many people take unnecessary meds
As we grow older, our collection of prescription pills tends to grow larger! A medication review can help you cut down on inappropriate or unnecessary medications. -
5 tips to stay healthy at home
Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible. -
Acupuncture: An effective treatment for chronic headaches
Research shows that acupuncture is worth a try for people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines. -
3 tips to prevent bed sores
Long periods of lying or sitting in one position can lead to pressure sores (also known as bed sores). There are simple and effective options to help prevent this painful condition. -
Living with heart failure: Effective self-care is key to coping well
Heart failure is serious but people can live with the condition successfully. Giving people information about how to care for themselves is important, but additional support is necessary to promote effective self-care. -
Does salt really affect blood pressure?
Cut back on salt for at least four weeks to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. -
Do self-management programs for diabetes really work?
Managing diabetes can be challenging for anyone, but for older adults with multiple health and age-related conditions, it can be especially difficult. Dr. Diana Sherifali weighs in on how self-management programs can be adapted to best support older adults with diabetes. -
There's an app for that! Using technology to promote healthy aging
Activity trackers, monitors, computer applications, wearables.... there are plenty of options and some can be pricey. Before you spend the money, find out which health gadgets are a good investment in your health and well-being. -
Supporting seniors at higher risk of poor nutrition
Eating well is not always easy. A panel of older adults share their thoughts and suggestions about ways to improve nutrition, especially for those most at risk. -
Diabetic foot care: Awareness and prevention are vital
People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk for foot disease including ulcers that can lead to serious health problems. A leading expert in diabetic foot care provides important facts and strategies for prevention and protection. -
Lifestyle counselling programs help people make healthy choices and beneficial changes
People at risk of heart disease can improve their health by exercising and changing their diet. Lifestyle counselling programs can help people make these changes. -
Getting a good night's sleep: Options for people with obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects breathing during sleep. Treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and dental devices can help. -
Why don't you keep up your smile?
More seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer and have increased oral health care needs. It is important to start planning early for many aspects of your retirement, including your oral health. -
Fish-oil supplements: another weapon against high blood pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish promote heart health. Taking fish-oil supplements is an effective alternative to eating fish. -
Hearing loss, part 4: When should I get my hearing assessed and what can be done for hearing problems?
An overview of solutions for hearing loss are discussed and when a hearing test may be beneficial. -
Brushing teeth can save lives! The quality of oral health among seniors points to neglect and shows we need to 'brush up' on mouth care
The importance of brushing your teeth is highly under-rated. In fact not brushing your teeth or maintaining good oral hygiene puts you at risk for serious health complications. This may be the case in some long term care homes where neglect of oral health may be a form of elder abuse. -
Can treatment prevent dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment?
Treatments including Alzheimer's medications, vitamins, exercise, and memory training, are not effective in improving cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. -
Get online and on track to better health!
Time spent on the internet may improve your health! Computer-delivered interventions on health topics can help improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviours leading to a healthier lifestyle. -
Does vitamin C help with the common cold?
Vitamin C taken regularly as a supplement doesn't change the frequency of catching a cold but may help a little with the duration and the severity of your symptoms. -
Frailty in the eye of the beholder
Frailty represents a form of vulnerability or weakness in the older person and is different from simply growing old. It is important even though there is no agreement on the signs for frailty. -
Join a walking group to improve your health!
Walking can contribute to improved health, and walking in groups offers additional benefits. -
Sleep and aging: How many zzz's are optimal to stay healthy?
Many are concerned about how much sleep is 'normal' and how much we need for successful aging. Although there is no simple answer, the scientific evidence shows that sleep duration has important links to health. -
Social isolation: what is it and why is it important to your health?
Social isolation should be considered a health risk. Many older adults are socially isolated and this should be of concern to all of us. We need more research on the best way to deal with it. -
Multimorbidity: how to improve quality of life when managing several chronic health conditions
If you have 3 or more health conditions, ask your family doctor about better ways to coordinate your care with other health professionals, and how you might decrease important health risks or improve key functional activities.
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