About 233,900 new cancer cases and 85,100 cancer deaths are predicted to occur in Canada in 2022, according to new research.
Continue readingNearly 234,000 Cancer Cases Predicted in Canada This Year
8 Things I Wish People Knew About Shingles
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the body and can re-emerge at any time as shingles.
It is more common in older people and anyone with a weakened immune system. Lisa had been diagnosed several years earlier with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of arthritis in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
Continue reading10 Medications That Are Dangerous to Stop Abruptly
“Can I just stop my medication?” This is one question healthcare providers (HCPs) hear often. And it has a complicated answer.
Some medications can be dangerous to stop abruptly. Not only could your medical condition get worse, but you could also have dangerous side effects. And with some medications like antidepressants, stopping cold turkey is riskier the longer you’ve been taking them.
Some medications need to be gradually lowered (tapered). Your HCP can help you make a taper plan. In other words, they’ll help you slowly lower your dose over a period of time.
Continue readingCan Calcium Supplements Raise Your Risk of Heart Disease?
Many people take calcium supplements daily. Calcium can also be used to treat acid reflux, treat or prevent osteoporosis, or simply to raise blood calcium levels.
But how else does calcium affect the body? And can taking too much be dangerous for your health? It’s estimated that over 40% of people in the U.S. take dietary supplements containing calcium. Could some of these people be at higher risk for certain complications?
Continue readingWhen Should I Go to the ER for Back Pain?
Back pain is a common condition. It affects up to one in four people, and it’s one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room (ER). While it can be significantly painful and disruptive to daily life, back pain usually isn’t a condition that threatens life or limb. It usually improves over time with gentle exercise, stretching, and over-the-counter medications.
Continue readingCanada Authorizes AstraZeneca’s Drug for COVID Prevention
Canada on Thursday authorized British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc’s antibody-based therapy for preventing COVID-19 infections, giving itself another weapon against the disease as cases rise in the country.
Continue readingOnline Program Helps Stroke Survivors Recover
Lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating tobacco and alcohol use, getting more physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and treating depression and anxiety, can significantly improve stroke survivors’ quality of life.
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