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Our ability to hear and speak allows us to communicate with others, which is an important part of our emotional and social well-being. Issues with our hearing or speech that prohibit us from communicating can pose significant challenges such as social isolation.

Summer is fast approaching and many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the nicer weather. While basking in the sun’s golden rays can feel great, it is important to be diligent about sun safety.

Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, can affect the body in many ways and is often referred to as the silent killer because it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious diseases without necessarily alerting you to a problem. Read more about strategies you can take to reduce your risk of high blood pressure or manage an already existing condition.

This week is Mental Health Week in Canada, and while mental health is an important topic to discuss regularly, the realities of the environment we are currently living in make it even more critical to talk about. As Canada endures a third wave of the pandemic in many areas across the country, people are dealing with feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, worry, loneliness, and isolation. Read more about how to harness the power of technology as a strategy that can help you strengthen your own mental well-being and remember to check in with others.

An important part of your mobility is your ability to walk, and how fast you walk can be an important indicator of your overall health. Like your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing, there is evidence that your walking speed may be an important new vital sign.

As we battle a third wave of the pandemic across the country, now more than ever, it is important to communicate and educate populations on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This is particularly challenging in a context where new information (and misinformation) about COVID-19 vaccines is emerging daily.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns in many regions across the country, people are limited to activities they can do safely. While physical activity is important to keeping our bodies healthy, cognitive exercises can help keep our minds sharp.

It is estimated that 80% of Canadians consume alcohol, and of those who drink, nearly six million are considered heavy drinkers. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, consider exploring an AA support group in your community or consulting with a health care provider for guidance about available recovery support programs.

April is National Oral Health Month, a good time to check-in on your teeth and gums. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health and something that should be prioritized as a part of your regular routine. Older adults are at particularly high risk for oral health problems, and poor oral health in seniors has been linked to general systemic health risks.

As the snow begins to disappear and temperatures rise, many older adults are eager to get outdoors. Whether you plan to work in the garden, go walking in your neighbourhood, local park or trails, people of all ages report experiencing relaxing or invigorating effects after enjoying the great outdoors. We have compiled a few ways to make the most of the Spring weather and reap the health benefits too.

Given the deep connection that most of us have with music, it should come as no surprise that researchers around the world continue to investigate music's therapeutic benefits. Music is a safe, simple, and inexpensive strategy; however, it continues to be an underused tool. Whether for yourself, or a loved one, consider incorporating more music into your everyday life and enjoy the many benefits it provides.

Although using our devices in moderation is important, research has shown that the technologies we are using can also support our health goals. From helping manage medications, enabling socializing, providing access to health information, supporting weight loss, and more, technology can be a valuable part of our health and wellness journey.

Every year in Canada, March is coined “Nutrition Month� and aims to raise visibility about the importance of healthy eating. This year’s campaign theme, “Good For You,� explores how healthy eating looks different for everyone depending on things such as one’s culture, personal circumstances, and nutritional needs. We explore what the research says about each of these three key areas below.

There has been a lot of anticipation for vaccine roll-out to begin, and now that it is under way, many people have questions about distribution and allocation. If you missed it, read more to learn about how decisions are being made and how challenges are being overcome to help Canada achieve “herd immunity� for COVID-19.

Walking is a relatively easy way to stay active - it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or a gym membership to do. If you are looking for ways to make it more interesting, try Nordic walking for a full body workout, or walking to music to increase your pace. If you are looking to track your performance over time, a wearable device can help.

Heart disease affects over 2.5 million Canadians each year and is the second-leading cause of death in Canada. Luckily, healthy lifestyle choices – like diet modifications and exercise – are a good way to combat heart disease. Other strategies that involve medication reviews and lowering salt-intake can also help lower your risk.

Today, February 4, 2021, is World Cancer Day, a day to inspire change and mobilize people to action all year long. In Canada, cancer is the leading cause of death, but the good news is that up to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. You can reduce your risk by improving key lifestyle factors, including your diet, the amount of activity you do, and by eliminating harmful substances.

Every January Bell Let’s Talk is a day devoted to ending the stigma around mental health issues and continuing an important conversation with those close to you. Now more than ever, managing mental health and talking about it openly with others will ensure people feel that they are supported. We have compiled a few evidence-based strategies to help you strengthen your mental well-being now, and long-after the pandemic has passed.

Falls are the number one reason for injury-related hospitalizations for older adults. In Canada, 1.6 million seniors fall each year, and more than half of those falls result in serious injuries. Read more about fall prevention strategies to help keep you steady on your feet this winter and beyond.

When it comes to dementia care, there isn’t a one-size fits all approach but there are tools in your arsenal that can help you manage. Research suggests that adding a non-drug option to your management toolkit can help manage behaviours and reduce caregiver stress.