Aging
The nervous system controls functional activity and enables the body to respond to internal and external changes. It includes the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves). As you age, many changes occur in the nervous system. These include a decrease in the number
Aging
Antibiotics are antimicrobial agents that are produced by bacteria and fungi. They represent our most effective therapeutic against bacterial infections. Cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantations, and all invasive surgeries involve the use of antibiotics. Bacterial infection was a major cause of morbidity and mortality before the discovery of antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy
Health and Fitness
The flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that can infect the lungs, nose, and throat. It can cause symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat that last for up to 8 days. There are approximately 4 million severe cases of the flu each year with
Health and Fitness
Hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. The two phases of the cardiac cycle are systole and diastole. Systole is when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the heart. Diastole
Aging
Cholesterol is an important molecule that plays numerous roles in the human body. It is a precursor of steroid hormones, helps absorb dietary fats, and is an essential component of cell membranes. Approximately 80% of cholesterol in the body is synthesized by the liver while roughly 20% is obtained from
Aging
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease that occurs due to elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar). There are 2 types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. The insufficient production of the hormone insulin causes type 1 while type 2 occurs because the body’s cells
Health and Fitness
November is National Osteoporosis Month. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle to the point where they break easily. Approximately 2.3 million Canadians have osteoporosis, which causes more than 80% of all fractures in seniors. Some risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, the
Aging
As the weather cools and leaves change colour, it can be the start of a quieter season. However, seniors can enjoy various activities both alone or with friends and family. 7 activities to keep you or your loved one busy and entertained in the fall 1. Baking. This activity is
Aging
According to the CDC, roughly 85% of seniors have at least one chronic health concern. Therefore, it is important for seniors to be proactive about their health to improve their quality of life. Below is a list of 5 of the most common health concerns for seniors and tips for
Aging
Social media refers to interactive websites and applications that allow users to create, exchange, and share information. Nearly 60% of the world’s population uses social media. The most popular social media networks are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This type of media usage has increased significantly in the COVID-19
Aging
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is an international campaign to promote awareness of the disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death in North America and strikes victims of all ages. Most cancers derive from a single abnormal cell. Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in
Aging
The immune system protects the body from infection by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It consists of barriers that keep pathogens from entering tissues, cells that detect and destroy pathogens, and proteins that pass messages to other cells. The immune system quickly responds to microorganisms. Additionally, it