Poison risk for pets Veterinary toxicologists warns that many household cleaning products contain toxic phenols. Eyes, tongues, skin, or exposed paws can irritate or burn a furry friend. The good news: It’s the concentration that really matters but caution is needed. Also of note: exotic pets like birds are vulnerable to airborne particles given off […]

Dodgy calls and fake emails Canadians lost a record 567M to fraud in 2023 yet only 10% of victims reporting their loss. You’ve got to have your wits about you these days as scams involving your personal information and finances are on the rise. Here’s some wise advice: • Don’t click on links or odd […]

Why we can’t stop rushing Racing to catch a train recently, I tripped on the stairs to the platform, I grabbed the arm of an unsuspecting and rightfully alarmed fellow passenger. I sustained a scraped knee and a bruised thigh. These injuries were, I told myself, well deserved. I’d disregarded one of my precepts for […]

Thumbs up to…the NDP private member’s bill aims to cut the red tape and pave the way for Canadians with disabilities to be eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit, as well as other supports. If passed the bill will allow for automatic qualification for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for anyone already eligible, at […]

Education influences longevity Studies show mortality rates are lower for people with higher education levels. While it varies by county, on average experts suggest that men with less education have 54% higher mortality rate and women a 29% higher mortality rate. In Canada about half of the shorter life expectancy in the lowest education group […]

Women shortchanged  Medical research has long ignored older woman in research and clinical trials. Many drugs widely prescribed to older adults, including statins for high cholesterol, were studied mostly in men without consideration for women’s biology and menopausal impacts. That’s changing now with noted differences. A recent Alzheimer’s drug trial showed a 43%