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19 January 2022
Insomnia: Are sleeping pills the answer?
As we age, it is common for us to experience changes in our sleep. It may become harder to fall asleep, or you may wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning. But what can you do when a good night's sleep is hard to get? In this video, Dr. Tricia Woo talks about sleep in older adults, lifestyle changes to promote good quality sleep, and the use of sleeping pills for insomnia.Full story -
12 January 2022
Misinformation, disinformation and infodemics
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people began to use the term 鈥榠nfodemic鈥 to capture the parallel between the rapid spread of the virus and the rapid spread of misinformation about both COVID-19 and measures to respond to the pandemic. But what can be done to counter misinformation?Full story -
5 January 2022
Can satisfying your sweet tooth with sugar substitutes help with weight loss?
Sugar substitutes are widely available, but can they help those of us looking to lose weight achieve this goal? It turns out, modest benefits may exist for some, but not others.Full story -
5 January 2022
Vegetarian diets: Will they help me lose weight?
Maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce your risk for many health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, mental illness, and cancer. In this video, Dr. Megha Poddar discusses vegetarian or plant-based diets and their potential impact on health and weight loss.Full story -
29 December 2021
Dogs: Companions for life
"Man's best friend" is a common phrase referring to the close relationship of loyalty and friendship between dogs and humans. The physical and psychological health benefits of owning a dog appear to be numerous. But does owning a dog lead to a longer, healthier life?Full story -
29 December 2021
Mental health and the pandemic: What do loneliness, caregiving, and family conflict have to do with it?
In this video, Dr. Parminder Raina discusses the recent findings on the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on middle-aged and older adults. Hear how loneliness, caregiving, and family conflict are associated with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms and how these symptoms persist and may worsen over time.Full story -
22 December 2021
鈥楤rushing up鈥 on options for toothbrushes: Manual vs. powered
Interested in how manual and powered toothbrushes compare? Both are good for helping to improve or maintain aspects of oral health, but powered toothbrushes may hold a slight edge when it comes to plaque removal.Full story -
15 December 2021
Renewal plans in long-term care: where are we at
The long-term care sector has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and abroad. Many policymakers and stakeholders are now turning their attention to renewing the long-term care sector and exploring alternatives to long-term care homes.Full story -
9 December 2021
Evidence-based insights on 3 types of cancer screening
Do you have questions around cancer screening? See what the research has to say about screening for prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Sneak peek: the answers are not always so cut-and-dry.Full story -
8 December 2021
Low-Risk Drinking: How Much is Too Much?
Any amount of alcohol consumption can have risks for your health. In this video, Dr. Sophiya Benjamin talks about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (2011), what a 'standard drink' is, and how following the guidelines can help to reduce both the short- and long-term risks of alcohol use.Full story -
1 December 2021
Therapeutic rituals to overcome grief
If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other traumatic event, you may still be struggling to grieve. Can rituals used in a therapeutic setting help people overcome prolonged and complicated grief?Full story -
24 November 2021
Looking to catch some quality zzz鈥檚? Let鈥檚 talk music!
They say if "you snooze, you lose鈥. But getting enough sleep, as well as good quality sleep, is important for our mental health, cognitive health, and physical health. Some evidence suggests that music may be a promising non-drug-based strategy for improving sleep quality in older adults.Full story -
24 November 2021
Driving: The super-activity of daily living?
Driving is a complex task that involves many different skills and body functions. Dr. Brenda Vrkljan discusses how cognitive decline can impact driving safely and how healthcare professionals can help evaluate a person鈥檚 fitness to drive and support them in maintaining their mobility and independence for as long as possible.Full story -
17 November 2021
Emotional closeness between grandparents and grandchildren
Sometimes a unique bond develops between grandparents and their grandchildren. But what factors can influence this emotional closeness, and what impact can it have on grandparents and grandchildren?Full story -
10 November 2021
Finding success with non-drug treatments: 4 common conditions that can benefit
Are you living with dementia, high blood pressure, or urinary incontinence? See what the research has to say about your options for non-drug treatments. Hint: promising possibilities lie ahead.Full story -
10 November 2021
Treating hypertension: Lowering your blood pressure with medications
What role should medications play in managing high blood pressure? In this video, Drs. Anthony Levinson and Richard Sztramko discuss when and what to consider when lifestyle changes alone are not enough to maintain a healthy blood pressure.Full story -
3 November 2021
Competitive sports can be healthy at all ages
Competitive sports can be done at all ages. But what is known about the factors influencing older athletes to take part in competitive sports?Full story -
27 October 2021
Screening for breast cancer: What you should know about mammography
Do you have questions about mammography? See what the evidence says about this form of breast cancer screening for women with an average risk for breast cancer.Full story -
26 October 2021
Medical cannabis: A solution for chronic pain?
Is medical cannabis effective for the treatment of chronic pain? Dr. Anthony Levinson and Dr. Jason Busse discuss how cannabis works to relieve pain, what the research says about its effectiveness and potential side effects, and what benefits there may be compared to opioids for chronic pain relief.Full story -
19 October 2021
Learn a new language to train your brain and more
There is no age to learn a new language. Learn about the benefits of learning a new language on the quality of life and cognitive abilities in healthy older adults.Full story
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DISCLAIMER: The blogs are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professionals.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. .
