A bronchitis viral infection is a very common ailment and especially during colder months. There are several different types of bronchitis and each type is caused by different things. While almost anyone can suffer from a bronchitis viral infection certain people are more susceptible to this disease than others. You may be vulnerable to this disease if you are already suffering from some other type of respiratory infection or have low immunity to diseases in general. (more…)

The origin of HIV/AIDS has cme into the media spotlight as we learn of its existence in the human population much early then was orignally thought. This new information came to us by way of DNA analysis of the current HIV virus. Scientists now guess that HIV jump to human populations from monkeys in the early 1900′s. This has helped to put to rest the long talked about conspiracy theories revolving around HIV be transmitted to humans by vaccine trials. HIV was transmitted to the human population from monkeys when people who hunted them came in contact with blood from infected animals while butchering them. A range of viruses that humans have today have been transmitted to us by animals, including the bird flu. (more…)

Chronic bronchitis is difficult to deal with: it can be painful, result in time away from school and work, and can make a person’s all-around mental health and quality life low. A chronic bronchitis cough is wet (one that produces blood or mucus). Other symptoms include a blue-tinged lips, swollen legs and feet, and consistent wheezing.  If this form of bronchitis is not caught, it can result in scarring and some major health issues. Though it’s a difficult phenomenon to treat, but it is possible. The following are some tips for dealing with a chronic bronchitis cough and its other symptoms. (more…)

Bones help in movement, giving structure to our body and hence are known as the supporting framework of the body. To understand more about what bone cancer is, knowing more about the structure of the bone would be ideal. (more…)

Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is most commonly diagnosed before the age of 30. It is an autoimmune disease, the most severe form of diabetes, which attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While the causes are not completely understood, scientists believe that genetic and environmental triggers are involved. To stay alive, people with Type 1 must inject insulin daily. (more…)

Insulin is not enough to save lives

Catherine Kohm’s daughter Rachel was only 27 when she succumbed to complications of Type 1 diabetes. “One night she went to sleep, her blood sugar fell too low and she just never woke up. It is very difficult for me to talk about, even four years later” says Catherine. (more…)

The growth of diabetes in Canada is at epidemic levels. Did you know that more than two million Canadians have diabetes and one-third of them are undiagnosed? November is National Diabetes Month, a time to be reminded that there is no cure yet for this widespread disease. While diabetes can be managed, you may be surprised to find out that in many cases, diabetes can be prevented. (more…)

Hepatitis A and B are not just travellers diseases, they can travel to you right here in Canada. Dr. Morris Sherman, a medical advisor for the Canadian Liver Foundation, debunks the myths about hepatitis A and B and offers advice on how you and your family can avoid contracting these serious liver diseases. (more…)

We all know to avoid ice cubes at an island resort, but many Canadians may be unaware that we are at risk of contracting hepatitis A and B right here at home.

“Hepatitis A and B are endemic in many parts of the world, and these are highly infectious diseases that can travel to you,” says Dr. Morris Sherman, a medical advisor for the Canadian Liver Foundation. “To protect yourself here in Canada, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated, and find out what everyday activities can put you at risk of contracting these diseases.” (more…)

T- shirts, postcards, one-of-a-kind jewellery, local delicacies – these are just some of the items travelling Canadians regularly bring home after a vacation. But, some are also returning with unwanted surprises for their family and friends, namely serious diseases like hepatitis A and B.

Despite rising gas prices and a changing economy, Canadians continue to travel abroad. A recent Statistics Canada report found that Canadians took 659,000 trips to overseas countries in June 2008 alone. (more…)