Chronic diseases are long-lasting health conditions that persist for at least one year and often require ongoing medical attention or limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities. In the United States, roughly 60% of adults live with a chronic disease, and more than 40% have two or more.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects over 20 million people worldwide. It is caused by mutations in both copies of the hemoglobin gene, leading red blood cells to take on a distinctive crescent or sickle shape instead of the normal round form. These misshapen cells are
Cancers of the reproductive system, ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, are among the most significant health concerns worldwide. While they affect different organs, both share common challenges: late detection, lifestyle-related risk factors, and the importance of preventive care. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are
Arthritis is a condition that involves inflammation or swelling of the joints, often leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the most common forms share symptoms that can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Arthritis frequently occurs alongside other
The eyes are small but remarkably complex organs that form the foundation of the visual system, giving us the ability to see and interpret the world. Despite their size, they are among the body’s most important organs, converting light into signals that the brain can process into images. Vision
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs travel through the body and influence their effects. It is often summarized by four key processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Understanding these steps helps explain why some medications act quickly, why doses differ between people, and why drug interactions can occur. Absorption
Self-care means taking deliberate steps to protect your health, happiness, and quality of life. While it is important at every age, it becomes especially vital for seniors, who are more vulnerable to physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. The good news is that self-care does not need to be complicated;
Caring for aging parents can be both rewarding and challenging — especially when it comes to making sure they can stay comfortable and independent in their own home. Many families find that even after years of careful planning, the rising cost of living and unexpected healthcare expenses can stretch retirement budgets
Starting a conversation with your parent about finances — especially something as personal as their home — can be difficult, but it often begins with recognizing the pressures they’re facing. For many older Canadians, the cost of staying in their home continues to rise: property taxes, utilities, and ongoing maintenance all
As you care for an aging parent in Ontario, you may be noticing how the financial landscape is changing: escalating living costs, growing home-care or medical expenses, and a strong desire from your parent to remain in their home in familiar surroundings. One financial tool that might fit into the
Injuries are a major health concern for older adults. In fact, more than 90% of injury-related hospital admissions among seniors are caused by falls or vehicle collisions. As we age, our tendons and ligaments lose elasticity, making them more vulnerable to damage. Recovery also tends to take longer, which means
The reproductive system is responsible for producing, nourishing, and transporting the cells required for human reproduction. While the male and female reproductive systems differ in structure and function, they work together to make conception and pregnancy possible. The male reproductive system includes the testes, prostate gland, and penis. The testes
The endocrine system is a complex communication network that regulates reproduction, metabolism, growth, and energy balance through hormones—chemical messengers released into the bloodstream. These hormones act slowly but powerfully, influencing nearly every process in the body. The major endocrine organs include the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid
The urinary system is one of the body’s most important cleansing systems. Every day, it works to filter blood, remove waste products, and keep water, electrolytes, and nutrients in balance. While often overlooked, it plays a central role in maintaining overall health. The system is made up of the
The digestive system is a complex network made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and several accessory organs that work together to process food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. The GI tract itself includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus, each playing a unique and vital
The respiratory system plays a vital role in sustaining life by facilitating the intake of oxygen and the removal of waste gases, primarily carbon dioxide, from the body. This continuous exchange is essential for cellular function and overall health. Anatomically, the respiratory system is divided into two main parts: the
The integumentary system is a complex network that includes the skin, nails, hair, and various glands. Together, these components form the body’s first line of defense, shielding us from harmful pathogens and environmental hazards. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, accounting for approximately 15–20% of
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful pathogens and abnormal cells. It is broadly divided into two main types of defences: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity serves as the body’s first line of
The cardiovascular system, made up of the heart and blood vessels, is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs, enabling them to function properly. The heart acts as a muscular pump that keeps blood circulating throughout the body. Blood travels between the heart and lungs via
Inflammation is the body’s natural response in tissues with blood vessels, where immune cells and defense molecules are sent from the bloodstream to areas affected by infection or injury. This process helps eliminate harmful agents and promotes healing. Inflammation can be categorized as either acute or chronic based on
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by specialized glands and secreted into the bloodstream or body fluids. These powerful substances regulate a variety of physiological processes by acting on target cells located far from their site of origin. There are two main types of hormones based on their mechanisms of action.
Stress is a natural reaction, both psychological and physical, to events that the body perceives as threatening or challenging. It can affect everything from your senses and metabolism to your movement, emotions, thinking, immunity, breathing, and blood flow. When we sense or anticipate a threat, three key physiological systems kick
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