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General health

Two people hiking on a mountain​
On this page you'll find resources and info covering everything from healthy bones to knowing the signs of a stroke. Browse below to find the topics that apply to you and/or the ones you love!


General wellbeing

Staying informed about good health practices is an important way to improve your overall health and sense of wellbeing. For more information check out some of the helpful resources below:

Wellbeing resources

  • : ThisÌýwebsiteÌýoffers information on a wide variety of topics related to health & wellness.
  • :ÌýThis monthly onlineÌýnewsletter,Ìýproduced by the Canadian Medic Alert Foundation,Ìýincludes health & wellness information in their "Health & Wellness Corner", and healthy recipes under "Featured Recipes". It is not just for people with allergies - but for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle!
  • Ìý(online newspaper):ÌýThe Globe LifeÌýsection has information about the latest health and fitness news and trends, plus nutrition advice.Ìý
  • Ìýis the Personal Health columnist for The New York Times. She hasÌýdegrees in biochemistry and science writing.

Healthy bones

Bones are the scaffolding thatÌýhold up our whole body. It is important to keep them strong and healthy. Read below for more information on healthy bones.Ìý

Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture (broken bones).

Osteoporosis does not develop overnight. You can lose bone mass steadily for many years without experiencing any symptoms until a bone fractures. It is therefore often referred to as the 'silent thief'.

  • It affects both genders and can strike at any age.
  • FracturesÌýfrom osteoporosis are most likely to occur in the wrist, spine, shoulder and hip. Ìý Ìý Ìý
  • Women and men alike begin to lose bone in their mid-30s; as they approach menopause, women lose bone at a greater rate, from 2-3 per cent per year.Ìý
  • At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.
  • Osteoporosis causes 70-90% of 30,000 hip fractures annually.
  • Twenty-eight per cent of women and 37% of men who suffer a hip fracture will die within the following year.

Maintaining healthy bones

Nutrition,Ìýhealthy eating habitsÌýand physical activity play a very important role in maintaining strong bones.

Keep your bones healthy by:

  • Getting the recommended daily intake ofÌýÌýand vitamin D.
  • : include weight bearing activity such as walking.
  • Avoiding smoking, and excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.
  • ³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýfor the latest information on how toÌýmaintain strong and healthy bones.

Healthy bone resources

  • Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety: One of the many useful resources to be found on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety's site is this list of
  • Reduce falls and resulting fractures with muscle strengthening & balance training: Dr. Lora Giangregorio - - has developed a " and an

Stop smoking

Butt Out!ÌýNeed help quitting the habit, or overcoming temptation to take it up again? Check out the Canadian Cancer Society'sÌýwebsite for online help, tools, resources and support.


Blood pressure and a healthy heart

A healthy lifestyle of eating right and physical activity plays a big role in keeping your heart healthy.

  • Read the on how to reduce your risk of heart disease by understanding the risk factors that cause it, and making changes to your lifestyle.
  • Go to the to find out what you can do to reduce heart attack and stroke risk factors in your life, such as high blood pressure, unhealthy food choices, smoking, and stress.
  • Also, check out the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Ìý- to assess your risk for a heart attack and stroke.

Know the signs of a stroke

Signs of a stroke: FAST( Face, Arms, Speech, Time)

In Canada, an estimated 62,000 strokes occur each year – that’s one every nine minutes! Unfortunately, 50% of adult Quebecers do not know any signs of stroke and only 6% recognize all three signs. Learning the signs of stroke and acting fast can mean the difference between life and death.

For more information, including a video showing what a stroke looks like - go to the .

Know the signs of a heart attack

Learn to so you can react quickly to save a life. Warning signs can vary from person to person and they may not always be sudden or severe.

Blood pressure info and action plan

  • High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians and is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. The Heart & Stroke Foundation's Blood Pressure Action Plan can be accessed by reviewing their .Ìý It includes an online risk assessment. (Note: Always consult your physician regarding any medical condition.)

Women and heart disease

Did you know that heart disease is the most common cause of death for women? According to Wendy Wray, nurse director of the Women's Heart Health Initiative at the Royal Victoria Hospital, women tend to put off seeking medical attention as they think it is something else.Ìý Wendy Wray runs the Women's Heart Health Initiative - a prevention program for women to learn about their heart health and to make lifestyle changes beforeÌýsomething goes wrong. Find out more about (January 25, 2015 article in the Montreal Gazette) and .

It is important for every woman to know about their Ìýof heart disease and stroke. The Heart and Stroke FoundationÌýstrives to improve women's cardiovascular health through a number of initiatives. For more information visit their Ìýto learn more about the risks that women face.Ìý


Men and women's health

Men and women have different bodies and therefore different health-focusÌýneeds. Read more to find out information about your gender.Ìý

Men's health

  • Changing the face of men's health: The Movember Foundation - a global organization spreading awareness about men's health. Check out
  • : A few simple steps you can take to help improve your chance of living a happy and healthy life.
  • Canadian Men’s Health Foundation presents "", a new social movement motivating men to live healthier with easy tips they can act on.ÌýIt's just for the guys.

Women's health

  • includes links to resources, organizations, and research projects on a variety of women’s health topics.
  • : Breast Health 101. Take the quiz and learn valuable information!

Diabetes

Over nine million Canadians are living with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and other conditions. Read below to learn more.

Diabetes resources

  • : Find out about the symptoms and signs of diabetes, take a questionnaire to find out if you are at risk, and learn some important steps that you can take to prevent diabetes on the Canadian Diabetes Association's website.
  • For more information about diabetes (prevention, risks etc.), read
  • Learn more about diabetes (symptoms, risk factors, prevention), and healthy living resources at the Ìýand alsoÌý
  • Check out these

Type 2 diabetes and diet

The number of people with type 2 (late onset) diabetes is increasing dramatically due to an aging population, rising obesity rates and a sedentary lifestyle.Ìý On March 14, registered dietician Mireille Moreau reviewed dietary habits we can change today to reduce our risk of developing this rapidly increasing chronic disease.Ìý Check out a copy of her Type 2 diabetes risk reduction presentation.

For more information about fibre in the diet and the glycemic index, read:


Kidney

The Kidney Foundation of Canada'sÌýsite offersÌý, including details about research happenings, the various treatment options available, and educational events related to kidney disease and organ donation.


Alzheimer's

On the Alzheimer Society'sÌýwebsite, you can find out , including risk factors and preventative measures.Ìý starts with healthy living. Lifestyle changes can make a difference.Ìý


Arthritis

Learn about the underlying causes of arthritisÌýand gain insight on how to help make living with arthritis a bit more manageable on theÌý

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