(NC)—This winter, millions of Canadians will get a cold or the flu, but while a cold or flu can be a nuisance for some, it can be pretty serious for others, especially the 750,000 Canadians with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term lung disease that damages the airways and makes it increasingly difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. For people living with COPD, colds and flu can trigger sudden severe 'flare-ups' of symptoms which can lead to hospitalization, restricted mobility, or even death.

(NC)—We all want to live well and breathe easy – but what if you're one of the 750,000 Canadians who can't, due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? COPD is a long-term lung disease primarily caused by smoking that can make everyday breathing anything but easy. COPD is sometimes referred to as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

(NC)—According to a recent survey from the Canadian Lung Association, 39 per cent of Canadians do not believe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is as serious as other chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Yet the reality is COPD flare-ups or “lung attacks” are the main cause of hospitalization in Canada and the fourth leading cause of death.

(NC)—Quitting smoking successfully on a first attempt is one of the biggest myths that exists around giving up nicotine addiction, according to Canadian nurses experienced in smoking cessation interventions. For this reason, this New Year, make a resolution to quit smoking, but do not think you have to do it all by yourself.

(NC)—Want to help someone you love quit smoking? You can't. They have to decide to butt out on their own, say nurses experienced in smoking cessation interventions. And one of the worst things you can do is nag them. “That just places a lot of pressure on the smoker who may already be feeling overwhelmed,” says Laurie Nagge, public health nurse with the Region of Waterloo Public Health. “What's most important to help smokers is to simply open up the dialogue.”

(NC)—Did you know that nurses are one the best sources of advice for quitting smoking? They are nonjudgmental, sensitive listeners who are equipped to provide you with all kinds of support no matter whether you're simply contemplating change or have tried to quit several times unsuccessfully.

(NC)—Dr. Sader, a family physician, and smoking cessation expert from La Clinique Médicale GMF-1851 answers those burning questions about quitting:

(NC)—You've tried to quit before. You've thrown out all of your ashtrays, your cigarettes, and your lighters. But before long you're sitting on a patio and you casually light a cigarette. It's just one, after all. Another week goes by and you suddenly find yourself smoking again, wondering why you couldn't just give them up.

(NC)—If you and your friends, spouse or coworkers are all thinking of quitting, why don't you quit together? With everyone spreading 'the quit' around, you can make sure that you all succeed in catching it for good.

(NC)—For an average healthy person, liver cancer is fairly rare. If you already have chronic liver disease or have some specific lifestyle risk factors, the odds of developing liver cancer can increase significantly. Some of the risk factors include:

(NC)—The 21st century life is all about extremes. Too much unhealthy food, too little exercise, too many medications or too much pollution – it's all taking a toll on our livers.

(NC)—Proms are gone, curfews are caput, but that doesn't make it any less complicated for baby boomers re-entering the dating scene. Dr. Morris Sherman, hepatologist and Chairman of the Canadian Liver Foundation, addresses health concerns for active boomers seeking romantic connections.

(NC)—Age is a state of mind. As baby boomers mature, many are trying to recapture their youth. A recent poll of Canadian boomers (ages 46 to 64) found that more than half (57 per cent) are feeling freer than ever before. Many boomers are seizing the opportunity to become more active on the dating scene, or even get the tattoos or piercings they've always wanted. For example, 65 per cent of unmarried boomers have dated since turning 40, and 70 per cent would consider doing so in the future.

(NC)—Many Canadian parents diligently ensure their children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases, but what about themselves? The importance of immunization doesn't stop when you leave the classroom – adults need their vaccinations updated too.

Ask The Expert:

(NC)—Immunization is arguably the single most important advancement in public health over the last century. It's a driving force behind the near-eradication of some major infectious diseases. Here in Canada, thanks to our well-developed universal mass vaccination programs, we tend to take immunization for granted, but it's an important step to protect the health of all Canadians – one that begins in childhood and needs to be maintained throughout adulthood.

Get the flu 411

(NC)—Fever, headache, fatigue and aches and pains – the thought of these common flu symptoms can cause many Canadians to go into self-imposed quarantine. But with peak flu season right around the corner, healthcare professionals are reminding Canadians that the best protection is immunization.

(NC)—Life is a journey, and often we encounter hurdles along the way. For Iris Richman, an osteoporosis patient from London, Ontario, one of the biggest hurdles is living with osteoporosis, a disease that affects her bones, weakening them and making them more likely to break.

Strong bones for life

Ageing with grace

(NC)—All over Canada, governments are realizing the untapped potential of their pharmacists and are expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to allow them the authority to better manage their patients' medication regimes using their own clinical judgment. This is great news for all and especially those with diabetes who can achieve better outcomes and live healthier, longer lives through regular, ongoing monitoring and management of their condition by their pharmacist.

(NC)—Most people don't realize that diabetes is not only the world's fourth leading cause of death, it's also increasing daily and now affects an estimated 246 million people globally. Despite the odds, Canadians with diabetes can educate themselves about their condition and take control of their daily management with ongoing care and the support of their doctor, pharmacist, family and friends.

(NC)—Over 40 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, such as diabetes, feel confused or overwhelmed after leaving their doctor's office, shows a Leger Marketing survey commissioned by the Rexall family of pharmacies.