General health

We now live in an antiseptic world, hunting down bacteria wherever they may hide. We use antibacterial gel for our hands, disinfecting wipes for shopping cart handles, antiseptic spray for doorknobs and antimicrobial sponges for computer keyboards and screens. But what about the bacteria found inside your mouth?

No matter the type of diabetes you have, self-monitoring your blood glucose is an important part of your daily life. Keeping your blood sugar level well under control is a priority for you. Now there’s a diabetes management software program to help you do just that!

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to help the body’s cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the food we eat. The cells use glucose as fuel or store it for later use.

Your mind is made up: you want to quit smoking . But where do you start? Who can you turn to for help? You might be surprised to learn that your family pharmacist* knows how to give you the support you need. In fact, your pharmacist may be the only health professional you will see on a regular basis throughout your journey toward smoke-free living .

Have you been considering quitting smoking for some time now, but still have not taken any steps? To increase your odds of succeeding, it is important for you to identify what deeply motivates you to quit and be well prepared.

Did you know that an estimated 90 percent of adults around the world have been in contact with the herpes virus? Yet the majority of people infected with this virus never develop symptoms, raising the question: Can cold sores be prevented?

Alzheimer’s disease, as you may know, is a degenerative disease of the brain for which there is still no cure. It generally develops in people over the age of 65, but can also affect younger adults. Here are a few Canadian statistics on the disease. •In 2010, approximately 500,000 Canadians were living with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia. •Within a generation, the number of cases is expected to double to 1.1 million. •There were 110,000 new cases in 2010, or one new case every five minutes.

Allergic rhinitis is a common affliction that involves inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, sinuses and eyes. It is triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, or allergen, such as pollen or dust mites.

Psoriasis is a chronic, auto-immune disease of the skin that affects about 3 percent of the population. It involves an overactive immune system, which sends out faulty signals that accelerate the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in thick red plaques of dry skin. Psoriasis is not contagious. It causes unpredictable flare-ups and varies a great deal from one person to the next.

Eczema, also called dermatitis, refers to several non-contagious skin conditions. The most common, atopic eczema, is triggered by contact with irritants (allergens, scented products, etc.).

The word 'arthritis' is a generic term that refers to more than one hundred different conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Their common feature is pain that affects the joints, tendons, ligaments or bones. Although arthritis generally affects seniors, it does not spare any age group.

Have you noticed that lately your gums bleed after brushing and your morning breath lasts all day? You say to yourself, “it’s nothing to worry about.” Big mistake! Oral disease can actually signal major health problems.

When summer hits, heat waves are never far behind! If you see the thermometer hovering around 30°C, you know it is time to take extra precautions to avoid heatstroke.

When practising a sport, such as running or swimming, it is not unusual to develop a muscle cramp or side stitch. Here is what you can do.

Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) are tiny bacteria that cause a great many cases of food poisoning, such as salmonellosis and hamburger disease. Where are they found? How do you minimize your risk of exposure? What are the symptoms of these infections? Here is an overview!

Is your first aid kit ready for summer? Here is a checklist to help you take stock of your kit and add any items that may be missing.

Did you know that calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body? It accounts for 2 percent of total body mass and can be found almost entirely (99 percent) in bones and teeth.

In recent years, various kinds of energy drinks have flooded the market. With their colourful, hip logos and sugary taste, they soon became a big hit among young adults, teens and even children, with some now drinking these beverages several times a day. But are they really safe?

Did you know that hypertension is the leading risk factor for death in developed countries, ranking ahead of smoking. In Canada, nearly 25% of adults suffer from hypertension. In those over 60, the number reaches 50%.

In Canada, a stroke occurs every 10 minutes; and, every year, 50,000 people die or are left severely disabled following a stroke.

Have you ever wondered whether exercise can help you better fend off all those pesky little infections, like the common cold? The question makes perfect sense since it does appear that those who keep fit have a stronger immune system, making them less vulnerable to viruses, such as colds.

In Northern countries like Canada, many people are deficient in vitamin D. Why is this? In fall, and even more so in winter, the rays of the sun are less intense in these parts of the world. Since the body manufactures vitamin D3 – or cholecalciferol – upon exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (hence its nickname, “sunshine vitamin”), it goes without saying that less sun means less vitamin D.

Did you know that the release of growth hormones in children occurs primarily at the night? That’s not all! Read this article to learn more about the benefits of a good night’s sleep for your little ones.

When the body is exposed to cold for an extended period of time, the blood vessels constrict and circulation slows. As a result, the extremities (ears, nose, hands and feet) begin to freeze.

Children are in close contact with many people and objects, making them more susceptible to gastroenteritis (the stomach flu). Due to the dehydration it causes, gastroenteritis can have serious consequences, especially for infants.

At important dinners, parties and other celebrations, we sometimes tend to overeat. For some of us, this leads to “heartburn.” In fact, an estimated 29 percent of Canadians suffer from occasional episodes of gastric reflux.

Many health problems – from simple strains to serious osteoarthritis of the knee – can limit your mobility or even cause you to lose it altogether. Fortunately, today, there are solutions to facilitate your day-to-day life!

Checking your blood glucose levels can : Tell you what your blood glucose level is right away.

In 2002, an American clinical trial found a possible link between breast cancer and the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many menopausal women subsequently stopped their treatment. Did they do the right thing?

Every year, cancer claims many lives. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is the leading cause of death in the country. There is a ray of hope, however, since the odds of beating cancer are better today than they have ever been!

If gums recede or enamel is eroded the underlying layer of the tooth becomes exposed. This layer is made of thousands of microscopic channels leading to the tooth centre. When something hot, cold, sweet or sour reaches these channels sensations are carried through to the tooth centre to cause sensitivity.

At one point or another, you’ve probably experienced a sharp, sudden tooth pain when eating ice cream, lemon or really hot soup. This is a sign of dentine hypersensitivity, commonly called sensitive teeth.

Do you suffer from seasonal or perennial (year round) allergic rhinitis? If so, your main concern is probably finding ways to prevent, relieve and, if possible, eliminate your allergy symptoms!

If you have a runny nose and watery eyes for no apparent reason, you may have allergic rhinitis. While allergies can be hereditary, they can also develop at any moment in time. Let’s shed some light on this condition.

According to the Arthritis Society, approximately 1 in 6 Canadian adults suffers from some form of arthritis. Are you among them? Read our series of articles to learn more about arthritis and perhaps find a bit of relief through our advice!

In certain people the glands that produce perspiration – the sudoriferous glands – are hyperactive and this leads to excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis.

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes and the ears.

To protect ourselves from them, DEET-containing insect repellents are generally a good solution. These, however, can lead to various health problems, ranging from itching and irritation to more serious illnesses.

Changes in your daily routine can lead to unexpected bouts of hypoglycaemia, especially when you are on the go.

Ragweed and poison ivy are two different plants that lead to very distinct reactions. For instance, ragweed affects only those who are allergic to its pollen, while poison ivy triggers skin irritation in most people who come into contact with it.

Have you cleaned out your medicine cabinet lately? For your health and that of your loved ones, you should do so twice a year.

You’ll find on the market today a variety of probiotic-enriched products, such as yogurt and milk. But do we actually need probiotics?

Brushing your teeth, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist are the best ways to keep your smile bright. Read on to find out why dental hygiene is so important.

Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin? All pain relievers can be useful depending on the type of pain involved and its location. Read the table below to gain a better understanding of their differences.

Some foods can interact with certain medications. Caution is therefore required.

Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder caused by the collapse of the upper airway during sleep.

During his latest segment on the television show “2 filles le matin,” our pharmacist, Charles Milliard, discussed the role of the pharmacist.

Some 20 to 50 percent of travellers to Latin America will experience traveller’s diarrhea. If you plan on visiting a sunny destination soon, here are a few ways to prevent or treat this problem.

March is Pharmacy Awareness Month. When it comes to medication , pharmacists are THE leading expert on the subject.

Recent studies suggest that an estimated 37 percent of Canadian adults are overweight and 24 percent are obese.

To celebrate this month’s Olympic Games, here is a pop quiz on exercise. Wintertime is the perfect time to participate in many different activities! Don’t miss out!

A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of flow of blood to the brain or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain. A stroke can impact any number of areas including your ability to move, see, remember, speak, reason and read and write.

Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder caused by the collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The blockage leads to a partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) reduction in airflow to the lungs, causing repeated drops in the quantity of oxygen in the blood and altering sleep quality due to frequent arousals.

The conjunctiva is a membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and folds back to cover the white of the eye. When it is exposed to too many foreign bodies, inflammation, followed by conjunctivitis (or “pink eye”) can result.

The role of the tonsils is to produce antibodies to fight infections. When the tonsils themselves become infected, however, they cannot do their job well. This condition is known as “tonsillitis.” Tonsillitis generally occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 7, because their tonsils are larger.

Light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is gaining growing recognition among physicians.

The first case of HIV in Canada was reported in 1981. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2008, there were an estimated 65,000 Canadians living with HIV, up 14 percent since 2005. Despite prevention efforts, new cases of HIV are diagnosed every year. In addition, 26 percent of those infected do not know they carry the virus.

The holiday season is typically a time of overindulgence. How can you stay on the “health track” throughout the celebrations?

We all know that diet and exercise play a major role in maintaining good physical health. Here are the answers to a few of the questions you may have on the subject.

Once again this year, cold and flu season will soon come knocking at our door. We can never stress this enough: preventing infections is your best defence against illnesses of all kinds, from the most benign to the most unpleasant.

Unfortunately, foot health can sometimes get overlooked. Yet our feet support the weight of our body and neglecting them can lead to extremely unpleasant problems, such as blisters, athlete’s foot, calluses, odour, etc. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your feet healthy, especially if you suffer from diabetes or arthritis.

Would you like to learn more about some of the natural health products and supplements currently available? Need information on prescription and non-prescription drugs? Here are a few common questions people ask on the subject and the answers from a pharmaceutical and medical standpoint.

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes family. It is also known as “glandular fever” because it leads to swelling of the lymph glands.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use the insulin produced properly. Insulin is a hormone that carries glucose into the body’s cells from the blood. When the body lacks insulin, glucose remains in the blood, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level).

With the advent of fall and the return to our regular routine comes flu and cold season. Preventing these viral and bacterial infections is, without a doubt, your best line of defence!

How are drugs invented, tested and manufactured before they make it to store shelves? What exactly are “generic” drugs? The following article provides detailed answers to those questions and several others you may have about medications.

Warts are small, circumscribed growths on the skin caused by a virus of the human papillomavirus (HPV) group. In fact, 70 different strains of HPV can cause warts. The most recent estimates indicate that approximately 25 percent of the population will develop warts at one point or another.

Did you know that there is a disease whose main characteristic is extreme fatigue that persists for months? It is called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an illness that to this day remains elusive.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can manifest itself in many ways, including difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings. Insomniacs might also tend to wake up too early and feel tired upon awakening. When it comes to defining insomnia, however, there are no general criteria. The frequency of episodes is what matters.

Your child fell and scraped his knee? You cut your finger while chopping vegetables? Even minor injuries need the right bandage. Here are a few tips on using them well.

Although blisters, medically known as phlyctena, are usually inconsequential, they can still be annoying and painful.

According to the latest research, one in three people will be affected by cancer at some point in their life. There’s no doubt about it, this is alarming. Why? Because we often think that cancer is incurable. Yet today, a significant number of people recover thanks to early screening and treatment.

Today, stress is all around us. Need proof? According to Statistics Canada, one in four workers experiences intense workplace stress? And this does not take into account the various other factors in life that also cause significant pressure. Let’s shed some light on this issue!

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes disruptions in the normal electric functions of the brain. In Canada, one person out of 100 has epilepsy. It is therefore a relatively prevalent health problem, whose exact causes remain unknown.

The heart is the major organ of the circulatory system. It is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body by rhythmic, involuntary contractions. But what happens when it is no longer up to this important job?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by brief, frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes generally last 10 to 30 seconds and often occur more than five times per hour of sleep. Although this condition may seem minor at first, studies have shown that it can have serious long-term consequences.

Every year, tuberculosis kills nearly 2 million people worldwide. In fact, when it comes to infectious diseases, only AIDS is more lethal! While cases of tuberculosis are relatively rare in North America today, the disease is nevertheless a major challenge around the globe.

While the majority of headaches pose no health threat, they are nevertheless bothersome and even debilitating at times. Let’s shed light on the two most prevalent types: tension headaches and migraines.

Only when we lose our voice do we realize just how valuable the ability to speak really is. In fact, every day, this fragile organ allows us to communicate information and convey our emotions. Yet, almost everyone has experienced voice loss at some point or other.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and extremely common, especially among children. Gastroenteritis generally lasts one to three days, but full recovery often takes a bit longer.

Over the past 20 years, the skin cancer rate in Quebec alone has increased by 600%. That is why it is so important to inform people about this type of cancer, its symptoms and, most importantly, what we can do to prevent it.

According to the United Nations (UN), the number of cases of skin cancer is set to double between 2000 and 2015 in countries where the majority of the population is Caucasian. It’s high time to sound the alarm!

You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. At this point, you might feel powerless over your new reality. But this is not the case, since you have significant power over this disease. In fact, by evaluating and reassessing your lifestyle with your health care team, you can prevent complications and better control the illness.

Did you know that approximately 85 percent of people will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives? While hemorrhoids are a common problem, there are ways to avoid them.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians. An estimated one in every 3,600 children born in Canada today has CF.

Whether chronic or occasional, back pain is very common in industrialized countries. In fact, according to the Arthritis Society, some 20 million Canadians will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. Let’s take a few minutes to better understand this widespread ailment.

Colorectal cancer – or colon cancer – is the abnormal proliferation o f cells in the large intestine (the colon and rectum) and the appearance of benign or malignant tumours in this area. Men are slightly more at risk for it than women.

For reasons yet unknown, kidney stones are three times more common in men than in women. They occur when the salts naturally found in urine crystallize and bind together. These stones can be present in the rest of the urinary system as well, including the kidneys themselves, the bladder or the urethra.

Among the many types of ailments that can affect the throat, the most common are laryngitis and pharyngitis. Whether viral or bacterial, both of these throat infections often share similar symptoms. In most cases, only those caused by bacteria require antibiotics. To learn more, read what follows.

An ear infection (otitis) is an inflammation of the ear, which can occur during any time of year. However, some people, such as avid swimmers, can suffer from recurring ear infections…

Vitamins and minerals are essential to the proper functioning of our bodies. And the best way to obtain all the necessary nutrients is to eat a balanced diet.

In northern countries, light deficiency during fall and winter affects a significant number of people. For some, symptoms are quite severe during this period and subsequently disappear with the arrival of spring. This may point to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder – or SAD. In some cases, the symptoms of depression progress to a point where they can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that, according to Health Canada, affects 2.7 million Canadians. This disease is the result of inflammation of the bronchial tubes, making it more difficult for them to carry air to the lungs.

Certain diseases and conditions can lead to blood clots that can block arteries, veins or the heart. In such cases, anticoagulant therapy is required to thin out the blood. Warfarin is the most frequently prescribed oral medication used to prevent such clots.

We all know that practising a sport is good for us. Unfortunately it does increase the risk for injuries. Did you know that each year at least one in 25 people must seek medical help for a sports injury?

Constipation is a frequent problem that is usually minor and temporary. It affects people of all ages, but is more common among children and seniors. In addition, women are three times more likely than men to experience constipation.

Depression can strike anyone, any time. Caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, it can last for years if left untreated, even leading to tragic consequences like suicide.

Planning a trip down south? Need to travel to a developing country? When it comes to travelling to many foreign destinations, certain precautionary health measures are required to avoid unpleasant, or even potentially disastrous, surprises.

There is a generally recognized link between body weight and health. Many studies have, in fact, demonstrated that being overweight can lead to certain health problems. In addition, being under the weight considered normal also constitutes a risk. To evaluate a person’s healthy weight, the body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement are used.

The common cold is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) caused by several virus strains. Often mistaken for the flu, it differs in terms of both its origin and its symptoms, which are rather benign.

Nothing says summertime quite like a relaxing vacation…and insect bites and stings. Generally speaking, mosquito bites, by far the most common, are nothing to worry about. Unless, of course, you’re allergic, in which case you need to be especially careful.

The flu, also known as 'influenza', is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) caused by several virus strains. Often mistaken for the common cold, it differs in terms of both its origin and its symptoms.(

Incontinence can be defined as the inability to control one’s urge to urinate. Even today, this condition remains taboo. In fact, people rarely tell anyone – even their doctors – that they suffer from it. Yet there are many solutions to this problem!

Essential to the human body, cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced mainly by the liver, but also taken from the food we eat. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to problems.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the slow, progressive decline of kidney function. It often results from a complication of another disease. In its advanced stage, CKD must be treated with dialysis or transplantation to ensure the elimination of waste products from the blood.

Commonly referred to as “high blood pressure,” hypertension is characterized by elevated arterial pressure. It occurs when the arteries shrink or harden; the heart then has to work harder to keep blood circulating throughout the body.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents the body from producing enough insulin or from using insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and is essential for turning glucose (sugar) in the food we eat into energy.