Drugs

A new study investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced creativity changes in a population of French-speaking individuals. What is creativity?  The concept of creativity is multifaceted, and people perceive it in different ways. For example, one source describes it as the ability to come up with and recognize useful ideas and alternatives.1  According to another source,

Since COVID-19 took the world by storm, healthcare professionals have been tasked with finding ways to manage it. Along with vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, researchers are working towards alternate prevention methods. A recent study shows that naturally sourced ionophoric polyphenols with metal ions have the potential to significantly reduce

A recent study has reported insignificant impact of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.1 The study was published in the American Heart & Stroke Foundation’s journal, Circulation.   Specifically, for those who have supplemented some of their conventional (or combustible) cigarette use with e-cigarette use, and now “dual use”, their risk for developing CVD

Many adults regularly experience problems sleeping. The American Sleep Association estimates that 50 to 70 million U.S. adults currently suffer from sleep disorders.1 When deep sleep is affected, this may decrease the body’s ability to function normally. What is deep sleep? During deep sleep, slow waves are detectable within the brain.2 The time spent in

As of May 2022, COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, with reduced mask mandates in public spaces and increased vaccination rates. So far, approximately 81% of the Canadian population and 66% of the U.S. population are fully vaccinated.1 According to recent studies, these vaccines have significantly reduced risk of hospitalization and death from SARS-CoV-2 infection.2,3  However,

Effective diabetes prevention and management remain a public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths annually are attributed to it.3 Lifestyle modifications which entail healthy eating, physical activity, and medication are routine treatments for diabetes. Recent studies have linked the Mediterranean diet

Air pollution is a growing problem around the world as various industries produce increasing amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants. These pollutants have detrimental effects on climate change, air quality, and ecosystems. Air pollution can be damaging to human health as, among other things, it can trigger the development of respiratory problems. But can air

As humans age, the risk for developing cancer increases.1 Studies have shown that the risk of developing cancer can also increase with low activity and an unhealthy diet.2 A new collaborative study, from experts in Switzerland, the United States, France, Portugal, Germany, Australia, and the U.K., found that cancer risk can be reduced in adults aged

Regular exercise can be helpful in preventing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and promoting rehabilitation after a cardiac event. Even just a single 30-minute exercise session can produce immediate benefits and exert a protective short-lasting effect on hearth health through a process called ischemic preconditioning.1 Ischemic preconditioning describes how exercise can train the

A new study investigates the rates of sleep impairments and adverse mental health in COVID-19 patients.  The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted individuals and populations around the globe in a variety of ways.  The implications on public mental health have been particularly significant, as recent studies have highlighted increased rates of anxiety disorders and depression since the

“Be active, eat well”; we’ve heard how important it is to take care of ourselves. Living a healthy lifestyle can greatly improve how we feel and our quality of life. But how important is a healthy lifestyle? Previous studies have shown that leading a healthier lifestyle can extend life expectancy,1 but a new study claims it

Adequate dental care is an important part of a healthy life. Brushing twice a day and flossing are well-known parts of most peoples’ daily routines. Did you know, however, that keeping a healthy set of teeth and gums may also help to keep a healthy heart? Considering that periodontal disease, or disease of the gums,

A new study investigates whether the number of neurons in the brain’s subcortical region is related to specific sleep patterns in participants with Alzheimer’s disease or progressive supranuclear palsy.  As the body’s control center, the brain is an extremely complex organ that differs slightly between everyone.  However, some types or regions of neurons, the cells in

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases, with over 400 million people impacted across the world.1 According to the International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated to surpass 700 million by the year 2045.1 This metabolic disorder can be classified into two main groups: type 1 and type 2.2 Both types are characterized

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent non-communicable, or non-transferable, diseases in North America and around the world. About 8.3% of the world’s entire population is estimated to live with some form of diabetes.1 There are multiple types of diabetes and each type is caused by a different combination of factors. The most commonly

Keeping cholesterol levels in check is necessary for the maintenance of heart health.1 According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.6 million deaths a year are attributed to high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.2–4 Although cholesterol can be lowered using drug therapy, improved lifestyle changes may also help

COVID-19 has taken the world by surprise since 2020, affecting millions globally. Due to the uniqueness of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, scientists are following individuals who have been infected to better understand both the short- and long-term effects – particularly the cognitive effects of ‘Long COVID‘.  An ongoing study from the

A new study was performed to assess whether cocoa supplements can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.  Although they are mostly known as an ingredient in chocolate, recent research suggests that the cocoa plant could be a source of many valuable chemicals called phenols.1 Three notable types of plant phenols identified

A recent meta-analysis investigated whether performing shift work is associated with brain health, specifically, adverse cognitive health effects.  Shift work, which generally describes working outside the range of 7:00am and 6:00pm, is an increasingly common phenomenon in today’s workforce.1,2 It can be very beneficial for society and the economy, as it allows for services to be

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a common medical condition. In North America, as many as 1 in 3 individuals are silently living with this disorder. Genetics, being overweight or obese, advancing age, and being African-American all predispose individuals to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes no symptoms early on

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how people go about their day; a very noticeable change has been the increase in time spent on screens. This transition has been especially noticeable in children and adolescents, largely due to the increase in remote learning worldwide. A study, published in the Journal of School Health, reviewed a

Rosacea is an extremely common skin disorder. In fact, around 415 million people worldwide are impacted by rosacea.1 Studies have shown that adult populations, aged between 45-60 years old are more commonly affected by this condition.1 What are some of the best treatments for rosacea? Rosacea is more likely to affect people with lighter skin tones.2 This

Fungal nail infections can be a stressful and recurring problem in some peoples’ lives. Fungal nail infections, referred to as onychomycosis in the medical community, affect as much as 10% of the general population. And the likelihood of experiencing fungal nail infections only increases with age – with the chance of being affected rising to

A pilot study was done of a new medication on a group of adolescents. How does it work, what were the results, and were there any side effects? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects roughly 1 in 44 eight-year-olds in the United States as of 2018.1  Its manifestations can vary significantly between individuals; however, it is often

Cognition can be defined as “the process by which knowledge and understanding is developed in the mind.” 1 It is also known that cognitive state is fluid and can either improve or decline over a lifetime. 2 Mild cognitive impairment can be described as “the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more

E-cigarettes are a relatively new product some have claimed to be “healthier” than conventional cigarettes. However, the use of e-cigarettes may also pose health risks.  According to a newly published study, e-cigarette use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes.1  Dr. Shyam Biswal, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings; “With

There are many different types of sunscreen on the market, but which ones are best for oily or acne-prone skin types?   Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect against sun damage, which can increase the risk of sunburns, early skin aging, and skin cancers.  The American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) recommends that everyone use a

Hair is a physical feature that can impact quality of life, particularly when it comes to how it makes people feel about themselves and act around others.1 People have reported feeling depressed, embarrassed, insecure, and anxious about their hair loss.1 Besides these psychological impacts, hair loss is also linked to social avoidance.1 In men, androgenic alopecia is