An award-winning health and medical writer and content creator, I have 20+ years of experience writing for consumer magazines, hospitals, research institutes, universities, and brands.
Living With Low Vision
Vision loss makes daily life more challenging and cuts into quality of life, but there is help available. This story outlines some causes of low vision, and explains how technology and low-tech techniques can help people successfully adapt to living with it.
Vision Loss and AMD
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people 55+. A medication for the 'wet' type of AMD can slow the progress of this eye disease, but treatments have to be repeated regularly. This story briefly explains why.
Is it safe to visit your dentist while pregnant?
Why routine dental care during pregnancy isn't just safe for both mom and baby, but might even reduce the risk of problems such as premature birth.
How to promote your child's dental health
From how to care for baby's first teeth to when to schedule that first visit to the dentist, this article covers oral health FAQs for parents of babies.
A Guide to Dental Implants
They can change a life, but they’re not a cure-all
By Wendy Haaf
When are dental implants a good option for replacing one or more teeth? While this method of restoring missing teeth is highly successful under the right circumstances, it’s not right for everyone. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of getting dental implants.
Understanding cardiovascular disease risk is key for those living with type 2 diabetes
Mafaz didn’t know diabetes doubled her risk of cardiovascular disease—until it was almost too late. But there are ways to reduce your risk, and researchers are looking for ways to prevent some heart problems before they happen.
Tackling inflammatory fires
University of British Columbia researchers are using living cells for ‘immune system education' as a way of correcting the root causes of autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease) rather than simply treating symptoms.
Understanding Essential Tremor
This movement disorder—which is at least eight times more common than Parkinson's Disease—isn't life threatening, but it can be life changing. This article talks about the symptoms of essential tremor, how people can adapt, and some treatment options.
Forever Young: The Impact of Ageism on Health
Ageism harms not only older adults' mental health, but their physical health, too. Having a negative view of aging could even shorten your lifespan by more than seven years.
Trust Your Gut (The microbiome and brain health)
The tiny organisms that live in our gut can exert wide-ranging effects that influence our susceptibility to conditions that affect brain health. The links between the microbiome, and our mental, physical, and cognitive health.
Spinal muscular atrophy is no longer the life-limiting diagnosis it once was
Not long ago, children with the most severe forms of this genetic disease rarely lived past age two. Today, new therapies are allowing children with spinal muscular atrophy to live and thrive.
Living with psoriasis: The risks of letting self-consciousness about symptoms impede treatment
After suffering for years with psoriasis, singer/songwriter Daryl Scott advises anyone with the skin condition to talk openly to their physician about symptoms no matter where they appear.
Anticipatory grief: Why people mourn before a loss
People who are helping a loved one through treatment for blood cancer often feel grief throughout the process. Peer support programs offered through organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, can help.
Patients’ lived experience: a valuable disease expert voice
Join the conversation
Livia turned her ovarian cancer diagnosis into a way to help drive patient-centred research and support.
Cataract Surgery: Which Implantable Lens is for You?
What you need to know about choosing the lens implant that's best for you prior to surgery to remove cataracts.