Health

Flu or a common cold? Here are 3 signs that will help you tell them apart

Everyone around you is sick and sniffling, but to know whether it’s a common cold or the flu – there’s a fairly simple way to check. Here are the 3 main signs.

Health Canada approves 1st GLP-1 daily pill. Here’s who can take it

The once-a-day semaglutide pill is approved for reducing the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, the company said in a statement Monday.

New dietary guidelines urge Americans to avoid processed foods and added sugar

Americans should eat more whole foods and protein, fewer highly processed foods and less added sugar, according to the latest edition of federal nutrition advice released Wednesday by the Trump administration.

Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans

Many people start the new year thinking about ways to improve their health, be more organized and manage their finances. Experts say there is one area that touches on each of those resolutions — home care.

Hospitals normalise corridor care with new adaptations

Corridor care is now so normal in hospitals that many are installing plug sockets and emergency call bells in hallways, an investigation has found. Many staff members ‘could not avoid’ using corridors to treat patients, the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) was told. One patient reported waiting as long as 40 hours in a hospital co...

How healthy – and tasty – is M&S’s new UPF-free range? I asked the experts

Health matters: Health-adjusted life expectancy in Canada drops to 66.9 years: StatsCan

Canada's health-adjusted life expectancy dropped to 66.9 years in 2023, nearly two years lower than 2019 and 2020. New data from statistics Canada reveals the decline, which reflects the number of years a person is expected to live in good health. Katherine Ward has this story and more in Health Matters for Jan. 9, 2026.

NHS hospitals failing to test for potentially fatal stomach bug with almost 20,000 cases a year

Its spores are highly resistant to heat and many disinfectants, making them easily transmissible in hospitals.

The herb that can lower your blood pressure and help you sleep

The herb that can lower your blood pressure and help you sleep - The soothing herb was used by the ancient Greeks

30+ things doctors wish you knew about arthritis

For starters: This painful joint disease is actually a collection of more than 100 ailments—and it affects people of all ages. The post 30+ Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Arthritis appeared first on Reader's Digest Canada.

Drop weight loss: How you can improve your health in other ways

Many people link health to the number on the scale. Research, however, shows that everyday habits often matter more for health than weight loss alone.

22 secrets pain doctors won’t tell you

Learn what pain doctors are really thinking when you visit them, and how you can better manage your symptoms. The post 22 Secrets Pain Doctors Won’t Tell You appeared first on Reader's Digest Canada.

AI can flag risks for more than 100 health conditions using a single night’s sleep, study shows

Stanford researchers taught an AI to “learn the language of sleep” to predict whether patients were at risk of developing over 100 conditions. View on euronews

5 health benefits of yoga, explained through science

Discover the top 5 health benefits of yoga backed by science! From stress relief and better mental health to increased strength, flexibility, improved sleep, and heart & immune support, yoga goes beyond stretching. Learn how a few simple sessions a week can transform your body and mind. Perfect for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to boost wellness naturally.

Combined abdominal obesity and muscle loss linked to 83% higher risk of death

A long-term study of adults over 50 shows that the combination of abdominal fat and muscle loss is linked to an 83% higher risk of death, highlighting a largely overlooked health risk in ageing.

10 home remedies backed by science

No need to make a trip to the pharmacy—you'll find relief from these common ailments right under your roof. The post 10 Home Remedies Backed by Science appeared first on Reader's Digest Canada.

Health matters: Protecting yourself from cervical cancer

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. We speak with Carmen Wyton from the Women's Health Coalition of Canada about why progress has stalled in eradicating this preventable and treatable disease.

These are the 2026 wellness trends to know, according to experts

I’ve been a health editor for a decade, these are the 2026 wellness trends you need to know - I’ve worked at the forefront of health and wellness for a long time and I’ve seen it all, this is what’s coming in 2026 – the good, the bad and the downright bizarre

Fitness for older Americans: 2026’s smartest programs everyone must know

Will you be stunned to know that approximately 73 million people in the United States are from the baby boomers generation? Well, that’s the truth, and as the demographic changes sooner or later, the old folks are much more inclined to a healthy lifestyle. As we step into 2026, here are the smartest things older […]

The right way to breathe during exercise and its impact on health

Here’s a tough take! Not breathing properly might seriously affect the effectiveness of your workouts. So, wondering how a proper breathing technique can affect performance and recovery? Well, the impact is far bigger than one can imagine. Let’s take a look. Benefits of Proper Breathing “The simple act of becoming aware of our breath—be it […]

The worst meat for gut health, according to gastroenterologists, and some healthy options that you can consider

Based on expert advice from Dr. Leybelis Padilla and Dr. Neil Parikh. While animal sources are among the highest quality of protein you can get, how to prepare them, or if you choose the ultra-processed version, will determine if they’ll be beneficial or harmful for your gut health. According to Dr. Leybelis Padilla, the founder […]

'Potent drug:' Windsor-Essex health unit warns of cannabis edibles risk

Following an incident at a local elementary school where students ingested cannabis edibles, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is reminding residents to use caution around the products.

Why strength training is vital for women in midlife

Why strength training is vital for women in midlife - Medical professionals underscore the vital role of strength training for women navigating midlife

People who live past 110 may have supercharged immune systems - could you be one of them?

Longevity experts have discovered why so many people in Brazil live past the age of 110, making them super-centenarians.

At-home STD tests offer new options for screening and treatment

WASHINGTON (AP) — New options for testing and treating some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases are becoming available, a trend that experts hope will keep downward pressure on U.S. infection rates.

What to know about Canada’s new front package nutrition warning labels

Canada now requires a front package nutrition symbol on many products high in sugar, sodium or saturated fat to help consumers make healthier choices.

LED masks, enhanced water and migraine meals: The health trends that took over social media in 2025

From functional drinks and olive oil shots to McDonald’s ‘migraine meals,’ 2025 serves up plenty of of viral health trends - but do they actually work? View on euronews

I’m 60 and have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that will require constant costly care. How can I set up my retirement accounts to pay for it?

I don't know how much longer I'll be able to work.

Forest cobra needs a checkup 🐍

This forest cobra is getting a full health check to make sure everything is okay. From close observation to careful handling, this video shows what goes into assessing the condition of a venomous snake and why regular checkups are so important.

Health matters: Breaking the silence around Alzheimer's disease

Talking to aging parents and other family members about dementia can be tricky and uncomfortable but the Alzheimer Society of BC is urging you to have that conversation. Ashley Sharma speaks with Global News Morning about how her family navigated her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and Joti Sandhu of the Alzheimer Society of BC discusses the supports available for anyone living with dementia and their families.

Dr. Maya Rosman reveals: The tasty nutritional combination that’s healthiest for you

Spinach is one of the healthiest green leafy vegetables there is. It is rich in vitamins and minerals – but to obtain its most important component, it’s recommended to combine it with these foods.

Woman who lost vision from rare condition hails 'phenomenal' new treatment

Woman who lost vision from rare condition hails ‘phenomenal’ new treatment

The best color bell pepper to eat if you want maximum immune support

The best color bell pepper to eat if you want maximum immune support - These bell peppers contain more vitamin C than an orange

I reversed my Parkinson’s symptoms with daily doses of infrared light

A 67-year-old says a new £2,000 device, which is being studied by the NHS, has improved his sleep and allowed him to go back to driving and reduce his medication

Painkillers prescribed to 4.5 million Britons slapped with addiction warning by health chiefs

Beefed-up addiction warnings are being added to a slew of prescription medicines used to treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

Dose of uncertainty: Experts wary of AI health gadgets at CES

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Health tech gadgets displayed at the annual CES trade show make a lot of promises. A smart scale promoted a healthier lifestyle by scanning your feet to track your heart health, and an egg-shaped hormone tracker uses AI to help you figure out the best time to conceive.

Community steps up to support Cranbrook family after devastating crash

Last weekend, a collision sent a family of three to hospital, leaving them with life altering injuries. That prompted many members in the Cranbrook community to step up, and help support the Thorne family during their time in need. Darya Zargar reports.

Our wellness routines are now coming for our dogs - but could it help them live longer?

The wellness industry is booming. It’s set to be worth $9 trillion by 2028 and shows no signs of slowing down. Hazy nights in clubs have been replaced by the younger generation in favour of cryotherapy, red light therapy, oxygen chambers to name but a few, all in pursuit of health, for now - and longevity for the future. However, there’s one wellne...

Skin cancer symptoms you should never ignore

With early detection, melanoma that’s still limited to the epidermis is virtually 100 percent curable. Here are the red flags to watch out for. The post Skin Cancer Symptoms You Should Never Ignore appeared first on Reader's Digest Canada.

The hidden shock of retirement: How losing your health benefits can cost thousands a year

Many Canadians underestimate the cost of dental, vision and prescription coverage after retirement — here’s how to plan ahead

Study reveals vitamin D may reduce colon cancer risk by 58%

A new review suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels could lower your risk of colon cancer.

Study: The same diet can affect people differently

New research suggests that the same food does not affect everyone in the same way.

5 health benefits of squash (and why it's a bad idea to go without)

It's the queen of autumn: sweet, melting, colorful... and incredibly good for us! Butternut, pumpkin, spaghetti or butternut squash, they all hide real nutritional treasures behind their orange flesh. Zoom in on 5 health benefits that make you want to make them your favorite vegetable (and roast a piece tonight).

The good health news that could improve your life in 2026

I eat one big meal a day – I sleep better and have lost a stone in 3 months

Is there a ‘safer’ way to consume cannabis? Experts recommend new use limits

Researchers in the United Kingdom have proposed new limits for ‘safer’ cannabis use amid growing use and availability in the market. View on euronews

Most Canadians lack a financial safety net if illness strikes: RBC

Most Canadians don’t have critical illness insurance, and nearly one in three say their savings would last less than six months if they faced a serious health setback

Atlantic salmon numbers are critically low. A fish that eats them is on the rise

The number of striped bass in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is rising, worrying some scientists over how Atlantic salmon — especially in the Miramichi River — could be impacted.

The ultimate foods for achieving the best sleep possible

Some simple dietary changes can tip the balance in favour of better and more refreshing sleep. Here are the foods and drinks that will help you slumber more soundly.

Charter challenge of religious exemption to assisted dying law heads to court in BC

OTTAWA — The B.C. Supreme Court is set to begin hearing a case this morning that questions whether religious hospitals have the right to refuse certain procedures.