New research from various cities in the world presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, Austria (23-26 May) demonstrate that if current trends continue, almost a quarter (22%) of the people in the world will be obese by 2045 (up from 14% in 2017), and one in eight (12%) will have type...
Category: <span>Patient Education</span>
Post
Widely used e-cigarette flavoring impairs lung function
A new study has found that a common e-cigarette flavoring that has chemical characteristics similar to toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke disrupts an important mechanism of the lungs’ antibacterial defense system. The study was presented at the 2018 American Thoracic Society International Conference. “Our data suggest that when used in e-cigarettes cinnamaldehyde, like toxic...
Post
Dyslipidemia: Everything you need to know
Dyslipidemia is defined as having blood lipid levels that are too high or low. Blood lipids are fatty substances, such as triglycerides and cholesterol. Many people achieve healthy levels by eating a balanced diet and through other aspects of their lifestyle. However, some require medication to prevent additional health problems. What is dyslipidemia? Dyslipidemia is...
Post
Sunscreen Capsules Do Not Provide Protection Against Sunburn, FDA Warns
Sunscreen capsules and pills do not work in protecting consumers against the harmful effects of sun exposure, warned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb himself issued the warning against the products, calling out companies that are misleading consumers by claiming that sunscreen capsules protect people against sunburn. Sunscreen Capsules Don’t Work,...
Post
Short bursts of intense exercise are a HIIT, even with less active people
Participants find high-intensity interval exercise as enjoyable as a traditional exercise IMAGE: MATTHEW STORK IS A PH.D. CANDIDATE IN THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCES AT UBC'S OKANAGAN CAMPUS. While we know high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is time-efficient and good for our health, researchers are still curious to determine if less active users are willing...
Post
Do you get diabetes from eating too much sugar?
There is a widespread belief that sugar is the sole cause of diabetes. After all, the disease is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes was first identified through the sweet smell of urine, and it later became apparent that sweet, sugary urine signified a high level of blood sugar. Over time, diabetes treatment has swung...
Post
9 Exciting Facts About Medical Robots
Do you remember how Anakin Skywalker was seriously burnt and lost his legs in the third episode of Star Wars, The Revenge of the Sith? And do you also remember how robot surgeons did the best they could to save him? In the very near future, similarly amazing robots might come to healthcare to save our lives,...
Post
My cancer is in remission – does this mean I’m cured?
We only know if a cancer has been cured in hindsight. Credit: Kaylee Eden on Unsplash So you’ve been through cancer treatment and your doctor has called you in for “some good news”. Satisfied, she tells you your cancer is “in remission.” What does this mean? Are you cured? Is the cancer gone forever? And what about...
Post
Can a Kim Kardashian lollipop help you lose weight?
Kim Kardashian West has been heavily criticised for promoting “appetite suppresant” lollipops on her Instagram account. Despite the criticism, more than a million people have liked her post, showing the extent of her influence, especially over her mainly young female audience. Appetite is a complex biological and psychological process that isn’t easily controlled with a lollipop – regardless of...
Post
Diet soda may be hurting your diet
Coca-Cola is the world’s most popular carbonated soft drink. The original is made with sugar, but the others contain artificial sweeteners that are now linked to a rise in obesity and diabetes. Artificial sweeteners are everywhere, but the jury is still out on whether these chemicals are harmless. Also called non-nutritive sweeteners, these can be...