Canada - health news articles
New risk factor for cardiovascular diseaseA team of international researchers - including scientists from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University - have discovered that having high levels of particular protein puts patients at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Anti inflammatory drugs linked with reduced breast cancer riskAnalysis of data from 38 studies that enrolled more than 2.7 million women – the largest of its kind – by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and the University of Santiago de Compostela reveals that regular use of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a 12 per cent relative risk reduction in breast cancer compared to non-users.
Second hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in kidsParents who smoke cigarettes around their kids in cars and homes beware – second-hand smoke may trigger symptoms of nicotine dependence in children. The findings are published in the September edition of the journal Addictive Behaviors in a joint study from nine Canadian institutions.
Lung health action plan needed to control air pollutionThe National Illness Cost of Air Pollution (ICAP) study, released by the Canadian Medical Association, is clear evidence that action is required on air pollution and that a national strategy for lung health is needed now more than ever.
Olympic athletes show pride and shame expressionsThe victory stance of a gold medalist and the slumped shoulders of a non-finalist are innate and biological rather than learned responses to success and failure, according to a University of British Columbia study using cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Brain mechanism revealed to control smoking, nicotine addictionResearchers from the University of Western Ontario provide a better understanding of why some people seem to become hooked with their first smoke and nicotine.
Canada inspecting shipments of peppers from MexicoIn keeping with the Government's commitment to food safety, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking precautionary actions to prevent the implicated source of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak in the United States (U.S.) from entering Canada.
Update of Salmonella Saintpaul Situation in CanadaPublic Health officials in Canada have reported a case of a Salmonella Saintpaul infection that matches those associated with the outbreak in the United States. The individual involved has indicated that he recently travelled to the United States. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) officials will continue to work with their colleagues in Canada and the U.S. to monitor the situation and assess further cases.
Canadian woman acquires new accent after strokeA canadian woman in southern Ontario is one of the first cases in Canada of a rare neurological syndrome (foreign accent syndrome) in which a person starts speaking with a different accent, McMaster University researchers report in the July issue of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.
Weight loss bariatric surgery can cut cancer riskThe latest study by Dr. Nicolas Christou of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University shows that Weight loss bariatric surgery decreases the risk of developing cancer by up to 80 percent.
Canada takes action on Bisphenol ACanada is the first country in the world to complete a risk assessment of bisphenol A in consultation with industry and other stakeholders, and to initiate a 60 day public comment period on whether to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles which contain bisphenol A.
New blood pressure drug telmisartan has fewer side effectsA major Canadian-led global study has found that a new blood pressure medication is effective in reducing cardiovascular death, with fewer side effects than the current standard of care. The study found a new drug telmisartan is as effective as the popular drug ramipril in reducing cardiovascular death in high risk patients and it has fewer side effects.
Pear juices for toddlers may contain arsenic, CanadaThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaws Inc. are warning the public not to consume certain pear juices for toddlers because these products may be contaminated with arsenic.
Knee surgery referral to men morePhysicians and surgeons recommend knee replacement surgery to men more than female patients complaining of knee pain, revealed by canadian researchers highlighting unconscious prejudices among doctors.
Researchers discover TRIM22 gene that blocks HIVResearchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a gene that is able to block HIV, and in turn prevent the onset of AIDS. Stephen Barr, a molecular virologist in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, says his team has identified a gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in a cell culture by preventing the assembly of the virus.
Safer effective way to treat Crohn's diseaseA new study established the new alternative strategy, called "top-down" therapy, to treat the patients with Crohn's disease by employing early use of immune-suppressing drugs combined with an antibody without using steroids.
Genetic breakthrough boosting natural immunityResearchers at McGill University have discovered a way to boost an organism's natural anti-virus defences, effectively making its cells immune to influenza and other viruses.
Majority of troops avoid couch talkMental disorders ranging from depression to alcoholism need to be de-stigmatized among military personnel to encourage troops to seek support when needed, according to a national investigation published in the February edition of the research journal, Medical Care.
India suffering from smoking epidemicIndia is in the midst of a catastrophic epidemic of smoking deaths, which is expected to cause about one million (10 lakh) deaths a year during the 2010s – including one in five of all male deaths and one in 20 of all female deaths at ages 30-69.
Part of ACCORD study halted due to safety concernsCanadian Diabetes Association has issued its position statement regarding safety concerns of diabetes treatment in ACCORD study - "It is important that people with diabetes not make any changes to their treatments or adjust their blood glucose targets without speaking to their healthcare team".
21% errors in pathology reports in Miramichi Hospital, New BrunswickAn additional review of pathology reports in Miramichi Hospital, New Brunswick is completed by Dr. Rosemary Henderson, pathologist. This review included 227 cases of prostate and breast cancer biopsies from 2004-2005. The results indicated that 18 percent of the cases had incomplete results and three percent of the cases were misdiagnosed.
OTC eardrops may cause hearing lossA new study, led by researchers at The Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) of the MUHC, has revealed that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. The results of the study, recently published in The Laryngoscope, suggest that use of these medications should be discouraged.
Breast size predicts type 2 diabetes riskElevated waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), both traditional measures of obesity, are accepted risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Girls who are obese experience earlier onset of puberty and possibly greater breast development. Young women with a larger bra cup size may be at higher risk of diabetes in adulthood, says a new study led by St. Michael's Hospital physician Joel Ray.
Toronto Public Health investigating rabies exposuresToronto Public Health is investigating human exposure to rabies from dogs purchased at a Toronto flea market. One puppy purchased at booth #1513 at Dr. Flea's Hwy 27 and Albion Rd. Flea Market on Sunday, January_13 tested positive for rabies after being brought to the Toronto Humane Society.
Strong health system in Canada by 2020, says CNABy 2020, problems with access to health services will be eradicated and registered nurses will be central to Canada's primary care system, predicts the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) in Vision for Change a vision statement for Canada's health system and a signature component of their 100th anniversary.
HIV is infecting men, women and children of all agesNot everyone, who becomes infected with HIV, originates from a 'High Risk' group. The common usage of the words 'high risk', in reference to people, who are most likely to become infected with HIV, has led many to believe misguidedly that they are not at risk. Unfortunately, this belief couldn't be further from the truth.
Canadians support ban on smoking in cars with kidsThe majority of Canadians (82 per cent) say they support a ban on smoking in vehicles with children younger than 18 years of age, according to a national poll released by the Canadian Cancer Society. The poll results also show that more than two-thirds of smokers (69 per cent) support a ban.
Osteoporosis drugs increase bone necrosis riskA popular class of osteoporosis drugs, bisphosphonates nearly triples the risk of developing bone necrosis, a condition that can lead to disfigurement and incapacitating pain, revealed by researchers in a study. The research conducted by reasearchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Canada.
White matter disease affects treatment in Alzheimer's disease patientsResearchers at Sunnybrook have shown that there may be a difference in response to treatment in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients with and without white matter disease in selective areas of the brain.
Treatment of HIV associated Lipodystrophy SyndromeResearchers in Montreal and Boston have identified a potential new treatment for the HIV/HAART*-associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome. This syndrome is a common side-effect of anti-retroviral medications to treat HIV infection.
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