(NC)— The Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada's 2010 Statistics, reveal that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women. It not only impacts the individuals living with the disease, but their families, friends and loved ones as well. That's why Procter & Gamble has launched the Rise & Shine program, contributing to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's efforts toward a future without breast cancer.

Family Health Tips:

(NC)—Every effort to prevent the flu virus from circulating in your family is highly worthwhile. The most effective measures are frequent hand washing alongside a strategy to support the immune system. If, however, the virus does hit your household, here's a helpful checklist if you are the caregiver:

Food & Nutrition Tips:

(NC)—Once we reach 60, special attention is needed to keep our immune system working properly, health specialists say.

Health Quiz:

Health Trends:

(NC)—That stuffy nose you've had for weeks might not be just a cold – it could be seasonal allergies acting up. More than nine million Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies, including those caused by ragweed in the fall months. But you don't have to let your symptoms keep you indoors– be sure to head outside to enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Effective options for managing allergy symptoms exist, so there's no need to sacrifice outdoor fun in the falling leaves

(NC)—From August to October, seasonal allergy sufferers have one thing to worry about when heading outdoors – ragweed. As many Canadians know all too well, the allergen runs rampant in the fall months resulting in itchy and watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing.

(NC)—Between the changing foliage and the crisp air, there's a lot to look forward to this fall season – although allergy sufferers may not feel the same way. As the seasons change, so do pesky allergens - and chances are, if you have seasonal allergies in the spring, you'll be affected just as much in the fall.

• CO is produced when fuels such as wood, propane, oil, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, diesel, coal or charcoal do not burn properly.

(NC)—Imagine it is the coldest day of the winter and your furnace decides to quit, leaving you scrambling to get it fixed. Avoid being in that situation by having a licensed Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor give your furnace a check-up before the heating season begins. Not only will the check-up increase your furnace's efficiency and reliability, it will also help keep you and your family safe. A well-maintained furnace is less likely to break down and it is also less likely to create dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) levels inside your home. This goes for fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances too. Improper maintenance of fuel-burning equipment, appliances or a blocked chimney could cause CO to build up in your home.

(NC)—If you're planning to do any renovation work outdoors, always call before you dig. There's a network of natural gas pipes, telephone, hydro and television wires, as well as water and sewer connections that could be damaged if you dig without knowing what's underground. Ontario One Call will need to know when, where and how you plan to dig and they'll contact member utilities on your behalf. However, not all utilities are Ontario One Call members. Before starting your project, consult your utility bills for any additional calls you should make.

(NC)—Renovation projects are a great way to add value to your home, and make it more comfortable. Many homeowners know that renovating can be a big and sometimes overwhelming job. From budgets and timelines to choosing designs and décor, there is always a long list of details to consider and decisions to make. One of the critical elements is to plan with safety in mind while preparing for your renovation project.

(NC)—The long days of summer have come to an end and the short days of winter are quickly approaching. As the days continue to get shorter, it becomes increasingly difficult to make it home before nightfall. Coming home to a dark house can be unwelcoming – and less safe – but you don't want to waste energy by leaving the outdoor lights on all day.

(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.

Get the flu 411

(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.

Ask an optometrist

(NC)—October is Eye Health Month and Canadian optometrists are encouraging parents to make their children's first test an eye exam. New research shows that children's eye health is not the priority it should be for parents, despite evidence that parents wouldn't be able to detect if their child had developed eye or vision problems.

(NC)—Children's eye health is generally overlooked by Canadian parents with nutrition and socializing ranked higher priorities. Evidence shows that the majority of Canadian parents wouldn't be able to detect if their child had an eye or vision problem. Moreover, only four per cent of parents surveyed by Leger Marketing would immediately think that difficulties in school could be linked to poor eye sight.

(NC)—Canadians diagnosed with cancer are the stars of a new series that candidly deals with such challenges as telling friends and family about their diagnosis, dealing with body image issues and advocating for care. But this series isn't available on any local television networks – it can be accessed online in the form of a video resource called The Truth of It.

(NC)—The cancer journey is not an easy one – just ask anyone who has walked it. But understanding the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis can help patients to cope, and health professionals to provide better care.

(NC)—Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with cancer. The journey is not an easy one, and every person's experience with the disease is unique. Still, common themes along the way can help healthcare professionals, family members and patients themselves to better understand the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

(NC)—According to Statistics Canada, baby boomers are taking care of their teeth and are keeping them clean and healthy. However, they are also dealing with an increase in oral health issues like receding gums, which may lead to tooth hypersensitivity – a condition up to 60 per cent Canadians report experiencing.

(NC)—It has been reported that tooth sensitivity affects as many as 57 per cent of patients. This condition can make the touch of a dental instrument during routine dental visits very uncomfortable, which may lead sensitivity sufferers to avoid regular check ups – neglect that can result in a progression of oral care problems.

(NC)—Chances are you have an old cell phone, stereo or computer monitor sitting in your basement collecting dust. Nearly four out of five Ontario households have at least one electronic product that is not working or being used. If you don't know what to do with it, you are also not alone.

(NC)—With the economy on the rebound, companies are making a leap into expansion mode. Canadian cities - both large and small – are in the midst of a construction boom with new buildings being constructed, additions to existing structures going up almost daily, and public infrastructure renewal taking place. With this construction boom comes the need for stringent measures to ensure worksite safety and the ultimate success of projects.

(NC)—During Fire Prevention Week from October 3rd - 9th, Sparky the Fire Dog teams up with firefighters and school teachers to encourage smart fire safety habits that save lives.

(NC)—When the words ”pink” and “cat” are used in the same sentence, it's usually referring to a kitten's nose, tongue or the pads on their cute little paws. But this October, “thinking pink” about cats takes on a whole new meaning.

(NC)—When Karen Corey found a beautiful, black and white stray cat outside her Fredericton, New Brunswick apartment last summer, she decided to bring him into her home. “He was the most beautiful cat I'd ever seen and I was sad that he had no one to care for and comfort him,” says Corey. Little did she know then just how he would comfort her in return.

(NC)—Eerie sounds, spooky lights and jack -o' -lanterns aglow – extra efforts at Halloween will keep visitors coming back for both tricks and treats. However, to keep the fun going, it's important to plan your home's scary set -up with safety in mind.

By: Gillian Birch

(NC)—You've noticed it – your daylight drive home is now a moonlight trip, you're turning on the heat and your windows are rolled up. With the season's cold temperatures and flurries on the way, drivers need to prepare their vehicles to safely navigate their families through the colder months.

(NC)—Multitasking is ingrained in modern Canadian culture. Cell phone users tweet while going to work and commuters perfect their make -up on the subway.

(NC)—During crisp autumn evenings, a warm blanket and well -equipped fireplace are all you need for a cozy night in.