Dr Cory Couillard

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Tobacco use is a global epidemic that brings disability, disease, lost productivity and death to entire countries and regions throughout the world.   Tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable death despite aggressive national educational campaigns.    Nearly 6 million people die every year via cancer, heart disease, lung disease and other chronic, long-term health conditions.   Over the course of the 21st century, tobacco use could kill up to a billion people unless urgent action is taken says the World Health Organization (WHO).  “The tobacco epidemic is entirely man-made, and it can be turned around through the concerted efforts of governments and civil society.” -Dr Margaret Chan, Director General WHO Big tobacco choking society Expensive healthcare costs are just the start to this global killer. It also causes hundreds of billions of dollars of economic losses via diminished productivity, missed work

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Alcohol has been named the world’s third greatest risk factor in the development of premature disease.   This seemingly innocent drink is a staple in social gatherings but its effects often spills over into society as a whole.   Alcohol’s intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties play a role in violence, child neglect and abuse, shattered relationships and poor job performance.   The harmful use of alcohol is a global problem that claims at least 2.5 million lives per year.   The sad reality is that many of the lives lost are caused by an intoxicated person’s poor choices that ultimately resulted in the harm of others.   Alcohol use is very similar to the concept of secondhand smoke; it impacts everyone around you.   Alcohol’s causing more than a buzz Very few people realize that the short-term abuse of alcohol can result in long-term, severe health conditions that include but are not limited to heart disease and

Newest featured article in The Guatemala Times Toxicity and its damaging effects are virtually unknown to the majority of people. It is now estimated that 80 percent of jobs are sedentary and the workplace to be one of the most toxic environments. Constant exposure to common workplace and household toxins has been found to cause an assortment of severe health conditions. Weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle related conditions can be directly correlated to one’s workplace. Sitting at a desk eight-to-ten hours per day is only the start of the problem. The workplace environment and indoor air is some of the worst air that we can breathe on a daily basis. Indoor air has been shown to carry 25-100 times more pollutants than outdoor air.  While many people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, it is important to make sure indoor air is free of allergens and harmful compounds. Plants purify air One of the best and simplest ways to improve the ai

Featured article in: The Guatemala Times IOL - South Africa Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world’s most lethal killers, claiming 17.3 million lives per year. This staggering statistic represents 30 percent of all global deaths per year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). By 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from CVDs if comprehensive prevention and education programs are not implemented immediately. In partnership with WHO, the World Heart Federation organizes World Heart Day on 29 th September 2012. Awareness events are hosted in more than 100 countries and are focused on education of what cardiovascular disease is and how it can be treated and prevented.  There are many risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including high blood pressure, cholesterol and even elevated the blood sugar levels common to diabetes. Other major contributing factors include physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity an

Does being overweight automatically mean you’re unhealthy?   How about if you’re skinny – does that mean you’re healthy? A recent study published Sept. 5, 2012 in the European Heart Journal showed that people can be overweight yet still healthy and fit.    The groundbreaking study of more than 43,000 people showed that there are more indicators than just body weight when it comes to the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.   In the study, more than 18,500 were assessed as metabolically fit, which directly correlated to overall good health and lack of disease.    The key is being metabolically fit. This means you can implement a diet and exercise regimen that lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar while balancing hormones and controlling inflammation—regardless of your weight.    I’m skinny, so I’m healthy There is a stigma that overweight people are always sick and skinny people are generally healthy.   The research highlights that your weigh