Living Your Best Life with Lupus: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Alberta Teens

When your teenager receives a lupus diagnosis, understanding the impact of chronic illness becomes crucial for both parents and young patients in Alberta. Lupus affects approximately 1 in 1,000 Canadian teens, presenting unique challenges during these transformative years. While managing lupus requires careful medical attention, local resources and strategic lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve outcomes for Alberta teens.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital’s Rheumatology Clinic offers specialized care …

5 Health Conditions Every Senior Should Know (And How to Manage Them)

Know the facts – over 80% of Canadian seniors live with at least one chronic health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or dementia. Stay vigilant for warning signs like shortness of breath, vision changes, joint pain and memory issues. Prioritize preventive care by getting regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations. Embrace healthy aging with a nutritious diet, daily exercise, social …

8 Chronic Diseases You Can Prevent Starting Today

Take charge of your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer with these powerful lifestyle changes:
1. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.
2. Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week.
3. Maintain a …

3 Common Diseases in Alberta: Proactive Steps to Safeguard Your Health

Incorporate whole grains and fresh vegetables into daily meals to stabilize blood sugar levels and support heart health. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, five days a week to improve cardiovascular fitness and manage weight. Schedule regular health check-ups with your doctor to monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight, catching early signs of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Prioritize mental well-being by practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga to lower stress-induced health risks.
Understanding Diabetes: A Growing Concern

Empower Your Golden Years: Managing Chronic Diseases in Alberta’s Elderly

Identify chronic diseases by scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Implement lifestyle changes by prioritizing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to enhance immunity and reduce risk factors. Establish a tailored exercise routine, incorporating low-impact activities like walking or swimming, to maintain mobility and cardiovascular health. Connect with local support groups and resources to stay informed about disease management techniques and enhance your network of assistance and encouragement.
Understanding Chronic Diseases in the Elderly

Filling the Gaps: 3 Nutrients Most Albertans Fall Short On (And How to Get Enough)

Increase your intake of vitamin D, calcium, and potassium to address common nutrient shortfalls and lower your risk of preventing chronic diseases. Choose fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy for vitamin D. Boost calcium with leafy greens, canned fish with bones, and yogurt. Get more potassium from beans, squash, bananas, and dried fruit. If you struggle to meet needs through food alone, consider a high-quality supplement under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

The Hidden Struggle: When Chronic Illness Becomes a Disability

Living with chronic illness is challenging enough without questioning if your condition “qualifies” as a disability. The reality is, many chronic illnesses can be disabling, impacting your ability to work, care for yourself, and fully engage in life. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, COPD and others may be considered disabilities if they substantially limit major life activities. But beyond legal definitions, what matters most is getting the support you need to manage your health and live well. You are not alone in navigating this – millions face the same questions and challenges. By …