How Your Kidneys Work
You have two kidneys, each about the size of an adult fist, located on either side of the spine just below the rib cage. Although they are small, your kidneys perform many complex and vital functions that keep the rest of the body in balance. For example, kidneys: Help remove waste and excess fluid Filter […]
How the Heart Works
The heart is an organ, about the size of a fist. It is made of muscle and pumps blood through the body. Blood is carried through the body in blood vessels, or tubes, called arteries and veins. The process of moving blood through the body is called circulation. Together, the heart and vessels make up the cardiovascular system. Structure of […]
CHD Facts and Statistics
What is a congenital heart defect? Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Common examples include holes in the inside walls of the heart and narrowed or leaky valves. In more severe forms of CHDs, blood vessels or heart chambers may be missing, poorly formed, and/or in […]
Causes of Cancer
Cancers can be caused by a number of different factors and, as with many other illnesses, most cancers are the result of exposure to a number of different causal factors. It is important to remember that, while some factors cannot be modified, around one third of cancer cases can be prevented by reducing behavioural and […]
Types of Cancers
Cancer can be classified according to the type of cell they start from. There are five main types: Carcinoma– A cancer that arises from the epithelial cells (the lining of cells that helps protect or enclose organs). Carcinomas may invade the surrounding tissues and organs and metastasise to the lymph nodes and other areas of […]
Cold and Flu Season: 5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick
When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.” When you […]
8 Bad Brushing Habits to Break in 2019
Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so make a resolution to change your toothbrush with every season this year. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your teeth clean—these are signs it’s time to let go. Not Brushing Long Enough Speed demons, listen up! Your teeth should […]
Vision Rehabilitation: Helping People with Low Vision
What is low vision? Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Activities like reading, shopping, cooking, writing, and watching TV may be hard to do. The consequences of vision loss may leave people feeling anxious, helpless, and depressed. So, it is important to remind […]
Preventing Hearth Disease: Healthy Living Habits
Healthy Diet Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. Eating foods low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet also […]
Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
If these signs are present CALL 9-1-1 Heart Attack Symptoms CHEST DISCOMFORT Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY […]