A Functional Medicine Approach To High Cholesterol

 The message from the majority of family physicians in Canada that "if you have high cholesterol you should take a Statin medication to lower it” is out of date and not in line with the most recent scientific evidence. Unfortunately, the latest scientific findings take an average of 17 years

A Heartfelt Campaign

 A little more than a year ago, Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital Foundation launched a campaign to raise $2.5 million for a machine that would change the lives of people in need. The goal of the campaign – appropriately called For You, Sweet Heart – is to purchase a CT scanner featuring a

Provinces must act to prevent another OxyContin debacle

 By Vanessa Gruben and Louise Bélanger-Hardy This past week, 10 provincial governments have accepted a class-action settlement with Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin.  The settlement concerns the misleading claims Purdue Pharma allegedly made to physicians about the addictive nature of the drug. These claims may have contributed to Canada’s

Five Things You Might Not Know About Food Insecurity in Canada.

 For many Canadians, food plays a central role in the holiday festivities. But for those experiencing food insecurity, a bountiful feast will not be in the cards this year. Over 4 million Canadians, including 1.15 million children experience some level of food insecurity. Food insecurity, also known as ‘food poverty,’

‘GumDocs’ Keeping Your Mouth Healthy and Happy

 Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems Canadian adults face. Often developing slowly with no symptoms, this silent predator attacks the bone and gum tissue surrounding teeth. If not dealt with properly, teeth are at risk of becoming loose or even falling out. Local specialists in periodontal

Health Canada Fails to Enforce its own Rules on Pharmaceutical Advertising

 A handsome man struts over to the office water cooler with a smirk on his face. When his colleagues ask about his weekend, he replies enthusiastically, with audio muted. A large blue pill appears with the tagline, “Viagra, Ask Your Doctor.” Vibrant, energetic older people are shown swimming, bowling and

The health benefits of the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ is more fad than facts

 By Dr. John Sloan It's hard to find anyone these days who doesn't hate junk food. And an awful lot of people also swear by something called the Mediterranean Diet, often considered junk food’s opposite. Everyone is convinced: junk food is killing us; the Mediterranean Diet will come to the

My New Years Resolution – Sleep!

 With the dawn of a new year, most of us have thoughts of making positive changes in our lives. But few think of getting more sleep. Sleep is one of the four pillars of optimal health, and more and more research is highlighting its importance as part of a healthy

A New Paradigm for Cancer Prevention

 There have been several advances in the treatment of cancer over the last 20 years. We have new targeted oncology drugs with fewer side effects and improved technology allowing for more sensitive and earlier detection. Evolving research guides oncologists not only when to use chemotherapy, but more importantly, when not

Prenatal Stress Can Affect the Fetal and Infant Brain

 By Nicole Letourneau and Justin Joschko Prolonged exposure to toxic stress has been linked to depression, heart disease, diabetes and alcoholism Last month, it was reported that an Edmonton woman was badly beaten by her spouse. Though the attack put her in the hospital, the police offered a silver lining

Healthwise: Are you treating the symptoms or the cause?

 I once knew a man who complained of chronic headaches. He managed his ailment with multiple daily doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  After months of suffering, he lamented the state of his health over lunch.  We questioned the fellow and came to identify the fact that he never drank water.

Jen’s Jibberish: Taking Care of Your Ticker as We Bid Adieu to Heart Health Month

 Somehow it just feels wrong to end the month of February without once again paying homage to the heart. While we were subjected to Valentine’s Day ad nauseum, February is also heart health month, and that is by far more important. As part of my foray into learning more about