I was actually a little surprised that we hadn’t already done a Definitive Guide to fish oil when it was suggested it to me. We’ve mentioned it enough, and it’s a hot enough topic that I just assumed we’d done a big comprehensive guide to the stuff. But, as my staff so eagerly likes to inform me, I was completely, utterly wrong (enjoy it now, cause it won’t happen again anytime soon!).

The higher number (systolic) measures pressure when your heart contracts, and the lower (diastolic) reading measures the pressure when your heart relaxes.  A recent study followed people with high blood pressure to see which people developed heart attacks.

Good oral health involves more than just clean teeth.  It's about keeping the entire mouth and all of its tissues healthy and free of harmful buildup of bacteria and other pathogens. 

So, while it's good to have an appealing smile, a healthy mouth has broader implications for the health of the entire body, in particular, the heart. That’s because the mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, funguses like candida albicans, parasites and viruses.  And the teeth can be conduits that allow these pathogens into the bloodstream, which take them directly to the heart. 

Don’t let the name fool you. Even though it is called a vitamin, vitamin D actually functions more as a hormone in the body. I have become more intrigued with this “nutrient” lately after observing an obvious increase in the number of prescriptions we receive for the prescription strength version at my pharmacy.

A study from the University of Warwick in England shows that more time in the sun can help older people avoid diabetes and heart attacks (Diabetes Care, July 2009).  They evaluated 3,262 people aged 50-70 years old in Beijing and Shanghai, China, and found that 94 percent were low in vitamin D...

If you're concerned about your blood sugar, here's something you need to think about...

Those of you on dialysis have plenty to worry about. So it's always great when we can find ways to help you worry a little less.

I know that one of the biggest concerns when you begin dialysis treatment is the threat of cardiovascular problems. But a new study points out a way to significantly reduce that risk.

What does a poet know about blood pressure? About 300 years ago, William Congreve wrote, “Music has charms to soothe a savage breast / To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”

I’m not sure what music Bill was listening to that could soften rocks or bend an oak (were there heavy metal bands in 1697?), but it turns out he may have been on the right track about soothing the savage breast.

Fish oil is widely acclaimed for its health giving properties – the benefits of which span across the entire health spectrum. However, considering the vast range of fish oil suppliers and products currently available, you’ll understandably be hard-pressed to find the one that is not only the most effective, but also the purest, freshest and most natural fish oil in the world – well, at least until you’ve finished reading this article.

Dear Pharmacist,

I’d like to try natural supplements and save some money on medications. Do you have any ideas for easy substitutions using vitamins, minerals or other supplements that could improve my health? 

--B.H. Ontario, Canada