My father is in a long-term care home and has developed a horrible-looking bedsore on his backside. How could this have happened?
Personal Health Navigator
Paul Taylor retired from his role as Sunnybrook’s Patient Navigation Advisor in 2020. From 2013 to 2020, he wrote a regular column in which he provided advice and answered questions from patients and their families. Follow Paul on Twitter @epaultaylor
How excess body fat can cause cancer
I recently read that excess body fat is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer in Canada. But how exactly does fat cause cancer?
How herbal remedies can jeopardize cancer treatment
My sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has always been a big believer in alternative medicine and is determined to keep taking her...
Why everyone over 65 should get the pneumonia vaccine
I recently turned 65 and my family doctor says I should get a vaccination to protect me from pneumonia. I consider myself to be a relatively fit...
Can a probiotic supplement ease my depression?
I’ve been reading lately that microbes in the gut can affect your mental health. If I take a probiotic supplement that changes my gut microbes, will...
Why many doctors won’t email patients – and how that could change
I have a question for my doctor. But his office says I have to book an appointment to see him in person. Why can’t doctors be like everyone else and...
Does switching to daylight saving time put your health at risk?
When we switch to daylight saving time, the news media are filled with dire warnings about the health risks of losing an hour of sleep. Are these...
Why herbal supplements should be avoided during pregnancy
My daughter is pregnant and she is taking a lot of herbal supplements. Is this a good or bad thing to do?
How peer support helps patients and families manage a rare disease
A doctor thinks my son has a rare genetic disorder. What can we expect going forward?
How “movement breaks” can reduce the health risks of prolonged sitting
What is one of the best things I can do to make me healthier in the new year?