marietta forster-haberer

Whew! So glad turkeys are not on the recall list

 With Thanksgiving just around the corner it's comforting to know that turkeys are not on Health Canada's recall list. As you no doubt have heard in the news, there is a massive recall of beef products from an Alberta plant due to E-coli contamination. Feasting on turkeys is a time-honoured tradition at Thanksgiving. According to […]

Lyme Disease… Ask the Experts

September 24, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer | Comments (0)

  Bring your questions… get answers.  Attend a Panel discussion exploring avenues for prevention, medical testing, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease.   Lyme Disease : A Growing Threat to You and Your Pets Where: Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditorium, Toronto When: Tuesday, October 2, 2012  1:30 to 3 pm What: Panel Discussion. All welcome! […]

Hantavirus… Should Canadians be worried?

September 17, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer | Comments (0)

Most of us have heard the alarming news about the Hantavirus outbreak in Yosemite National Park, California where visitors became infected with the hantavirus while staying in tent cabins. Generally, the virus is transmitted when people come in contact with urine and droppings of infected mice. The following video provides a good overview of the outbreak […]

Common myths about arthritis

September 10, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer | Comments (0)

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada affecting more than 4 million Canadians. Yet despite of how common a condition it is, many people have misconceptions about arthritis.  Here are some common myths about arthritis: Only old people get arthritis – while the risk for arthritis increases with age, nearly 3 […]

Try spelling ‘desserts’ backward…

Yes, you read it correctly. 'Desserts' spelled backward reads 'Stressed'. Coincidence?  While I won't vouch for any etymological affinity of these two terms, it is curious, to say the least.                                    To read up on the emotional affinity between stress and food cravings, check out some of […]

Following your guiding stars yet? Grocery shopping 101

Having trouble deciphering nutrition labels? Can't decide which food is more nutritiously sound? There may be help on the way… A new food rating system called "Guiding Stars" is being piloted in some grocery stores which should take the guesswork out of making nutritious choices. How does Guiding Stars work? The following clip gives you […]

Here is another reason to ditch your salt shaker…

Yes, we have heard it all before… too much salt isn't good for us. Salt makes our bodies hold on to water. The extra water stored in our bodies raises our blood pressure. The higher our blood pressure, the greater the strain on our heart, arteries, kidney and brain leading to heart attacks, strokes, dementia […]

City abuzz with West Nile fears…

According to laboratory reports received by Toronto Public Health, this year could be a bad year for West Nile infections. 24 mosquitoes from 43 traps set up in various locations throughout the city tested positive for the dreaded West Nile virus (WNV). This is the highest recorded rate at this point of the season. Usually, […]

Worried that your red-and-white health card is no longer valid?

You are not alone. It's on many people's mind after it hit the news that some Ontarians were denied urgently needed health services because their red-and-white health card was no longer accepted. About 25% of Ontarians, myself included, still rely on their tattered old red-and-white card for health care. But our days are numbered. The […]

Healthy teeth…healthy body

Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Yes, oral health is not only important to your appearance but your overall health. We all know about cavities and toothache and are likely to see a dentist. But what about gum disease? Many people ignore gum disease or periodon’tal […]