Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs located toward the back of your abdomen. They play a vital role in filtering waste products from your blood and maintaining the proper balance of body fluids. Each kidney contains tiny functional units called nephrons, where blood filtration and reabsorption take place. Here are five
Phosphorus is the body’s second most abundant mineral after calcium. It occurs naturally in a variety of foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus does not exist in its free elemental form on Earth. Most of the body’s phosphorus (about
Proper hydration is vital for your body to work at its best. Water plays a key role in delivering nutrients to cells, regulating body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, and protecting against infections. Staying hydrated can also enhance sleep quality, mood, and mental clarity. Health experts generally recommend drinking around 2
Vitamins and minerals are crucial nutrients that help seniors maintain good health. They strengthen the immune system, support proper functioning of cells and organs, and promote growth and repair. Vitamins are organic compounds produced by plants or animals, while minerals are inorganic elements sourced from soil and water. Here are
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or bursts. This interruption of blood flow damages or destroys brain tissue, which can lead to long-term disability, brain damage, or even death. Symptoms of a stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion,
The brain is one of the body’s five vital organs, controlling memory, vision, breathing, emotions, and countless other functions. Keeping it healthy is essential. Neurons communicate by sending and receiving electrical and chemical signals, ensuring the brain processes and shares information effectively. Below are five tips to help seniors
Created in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month encourages everyone to make informed choices about eating habits and physical activity. Below are five simple ways seniors can eat healthier: 1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least five servings a day. Fresh,
Cancer is a disease marked by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can develop in nearly any part of the body and is driven by changes in the DNA that regulate cell growth. Cancer cells tend to be invasive, capable of metastasis (spreading to other parts of
The nervous system governs the body's activities and allows it to respond to both internal and external stimuli. It’s made up of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the nerves that extend throughout the body). As we age, the
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Antibiotics are antimicrobial substances naturally produced by bacteria and fungi that serve as one of our most powerful tools against bacterial infections. Their discovery revolutionized medicine, making it possible to safely perform cancer chemotherapy, organ transplants, and complex surgical procedures. Before antibiotics became available, bacterial infections were a leading cause
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs, often leading to symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat. These symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after exposure and can last up to 8 days. Each
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure varies during the cardiac cycle, which has two main phases: systole and diastole. Systole is when the heart contracts to pump blood out, while
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a long-term condition marked by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. There are two main types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin. Meanwhile, type 2 happens when the body’s cells don&
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become fragile and prone to fractures. Around 2.3 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis, and more than 80% of fractures in seniors are attributed to this condition. Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, the use of glucocorticoid medications, medical conditions that
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 85% of seniors experience at least one chronic health issue, while 60% face two or more. Despite the increase in average life expectancy, it remains crucial for seniors to take an active role in managing their health to enhance their
Social media refers to interactive platforms and applications that allow users to create, share, and exchange content. Around 60% of the global population engages with social media. The most widely used platforms include Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Social media usage has surged, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are
Cancer is the leading cause of death in North America, affecting individuals of all ages. Most cancers begin from a single abnormal cell. Breast cancer is a condition in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic
The immune system defends the body from infections caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is made up of barriers that prevent pathogens from entering tissues, cells that detect and eliminate these pathogens, and proteins that transmit signals between cells. The immune system responds swiftly to pathogens
As we age, physiological changes occur across all organs due to cell death and the generation of new cells. Cells may die through a process called apoptosis, or they may reach their limit in terms of division. One of the most common age-related changes in the cardiovascular system is the
Around 25% of adults aged 50 and above take vitamins or supplements to enhance their brain health, aiming to boost focus and memory. However, numerous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of brain vitamins. B vitamins, including B6, B9, and B12, contribute to brain health. These vitamins are
As we age, maintaining good health becomes increasingly important. Seniors face a higher risk of contracting flu viruses, which can lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis. This highlights the need to take care of your body and strengthen your immune system. Here are some health tips that seniors can
