A new study shows that weight training can help older women ward off dementia, even more than aerobics or balance and toning classes.  "A six-month strength training program that targeted women with mild cognitive impairment and complained of memory problems helped improve their attention, problem-solving and decision-making brain functions — all needed to live independently." according to a CBC news article on a study led by Professor Teresa Liu-Ambrose from the University of British Colombia. ... read more
 
 
A recently released report from the Health Council of Canada says that the amount of home care provided for the elderly falls short of their needs.  This puts them at risk, and their caregivers under additional stress as they try to cope with the increasingly difficult task of caring for their aging loved ones.  Increasingly, this is driving the elderly into hospitals or long term care homes where it is much more expensive to care for them and often causes more health problems such as community acquired infections and deconditioning which can then prevent them from returning home.  ... read more
 
 
There are a number of factors that contribute to your longevity, including alcohol use, smoking, diet and physical activity.  Most of us know this, but did you know just how much each one affects how long you will live?  An online survey tool developed by Ontario scientists can help you understand how these behaviours affect life expectancy  ...read more.
 
 
Picture
Leslie Sansone is a walk-fanatic and promotes walking as a path to fitness and well-being.  In a recent Healthy Living Guide, walking was highlighted as a way to help lower your cholesterol.

30 minutes of brisk walking every day is enough to make a difference, and bumping up your routine to 60-90 minutes can add the benefit of weight loss too!  To check out more healthy living guides... click here.
 
 
Picture
Well, maybe they don't.  ADHD is diagnosed using several criteria, including how the child compares to peers.  And who are the peers?  Their classmates.  Problem is, December kids are often almost a full year younger. ...read more.
 
 
While aging is a fact of life, getting "old" is something you can take control of.  From laughter to learning, author Wina Sturgeon gives us some great tips for staving off the inevitable.  Have fun and ... read more!
 
 
Autism is a neural development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviours.  Early behavioural or cognitive intervention can help these children develop self-care, social and communication skills.

Support and treatment options for children with autism in Ontario have increased in recent years, but some parents are beginning to worry that changes to the way autism and related disorders are defined could lead to a reduction in services.  ... read more
 
 
A new study is providing evidence for what has been, up until now, mainly intuitive.  That is, the more you exercise your brain, the lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.  The catch is... it works better when it's a lifetime habit.  ... read more
 
 
Dietitian Leslie Beck shares her advice on which foods to reach for to help keep high cholesterol at bay ... click here
 
 
Oh we've all read this before... how to put things in perspective, how to take time for yourself, visioning your day before you start out... but it's a really good reminder to take time out and make our days unfold as WE want them, not just taking them as they come along.

In this article, Deepak Chopra has some practical tips on how to help yourself and the people around you avoid the "Merry Christmas Coronary" and the "Happy New Year Heart Attack."  ... read more