Welcome to my Health Matters column index page. I have been writing a weekly column for almost 2 decades, initially called Child Health Matters published in several SUN Media papers, and since 2007, called Health Matters now published in Postmedia Read More …
Category: Health Matters
Measles Making an Unwelcome Comeback
For years measles has been rare in developed countries like the USA, Canada and the UK thanks to the availability of a very effective vaccine. Alarmingly however, we are seeing an increasing number of measles cases and outbreaks in these Read More …
Heat and Humidex
Given the experts are predicting a hot summers ahead due to climate chaneg, I want time to review the effects of high heat and humidity and list a few prevention tips. We know that the humidity level plays the most Read More …
Meningococcal Infection and Prevention
The Meningococcus bacterium has been the source of most of the “meningitis” outbreaks across North America over the last 2 decades. This extremely dangerous infection is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis or meningococcal bacteria, of which there are several types Read More …
Playing Music is Good for Our Brain
What do Brian May and Tom Scholz have in common? The obvious answer for many classic rock fans is that they are both great guitarists. Brian May of the music group Queen, is considered one of the world’s best lead Read More …
Music-Good for Our Health
Yes indeed, music is good for your health! In fact Music Therapy is a recognized for m of treatment for a variety of disorders and conditions. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) states that “Music therapy is an established health Read More …
Let’s Talk About Milk
I’m often asked how much milk to drink each day and many people have no idea of the health benefits or potential risks from milk. Cow’s milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium and other essential nutrients for normal Read More …
Lactose Intolerance is not Milk Allergy
Many people confuse lactose intolerance with cow’s milk allergy. In fact, milk allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. In order to understand the difference, one must know exactly what makes up cow’s milk. Ordinary cow’s milk contains three Read More …
Eating Healthy on a Budget
We all know the importance of proper nutrition to our health. However many people believe that eating healthy is expensive or unaffordable. The reality is that healthy foods do not have to cost a lot of money. Planning Planning for Read More …
Demystifying Colds and the Flu
Given that often the terms flu and a cold are confused, here is a refresher on the flu and how it differs from the common cold. The flu is caused by the Influenza virus of which there are several types, Read More …