• Osteoporosis Drugs Tied to Esophageal Cancer   ABC News    -    Sep 04, 2010. 
A second look at British registry data indicates that esophageal cancer may be more common after all in patients taking oral bisphosphonate drugs, a type of drug used to treat osteoporosis, for long periods.

• Hair may signal pending heart attack   The Globe and Mail    -    Sep 04, 2010. 
In the not too distant future, your family doctor may pluck a hair from your head to see if you’re in imminent danger of a heart attack. That’s because your hair contains an accurate record of your body’s production of cortisol – a hormone that surges through your body when you’re under stress. And stress can be the trigger for a potentially deadly cardiac event.

• Drinking water before meals helps dieting, says study   BBC News    -    Aug 25, 2010. 
Scientists from Virginia found that slimmers can lose an average of 5lb extra if they drink two glasses of water three times a day before meals. They tested the theory on 48 older adults, split into two groups, over 12 weeks. While drinking water can make you feel full on zero calories, say researchers, too much water can also lead to serious health problems.

• Alberta on course for record deficit of $4.67B   The Vancouver Sun    -    Aug 25, 2010. 
“Uncertainty” and “volatility” were the themes of the minister’s message as he unveiled the province’s first-quarter fiscal update to its 2010-11 budget. While remarking on some modest signs of economic improvement, he said Alberta remains vulnerable to financial fluctuations in other parts of the world.

• New hope to restore lost vision   BBC News    -    Aug 25, 2010. 
Corneas made in the laboratory have markedly improved the sight of 10 Swedish patients with significant vision loss. Produced entirely from synthetic collagen, the implants offer the tantalising possibility for a replacement to human donor tissues. The custom-made corneas work by prompting regeneration of the nerves and cells in the eye. This is the first time vision has been restored in this way.

• Unaware of a generous savings plan?   The Canadian Press    -    Aug 15, 2010. 
Canadian RESPs were ranked among the most generous savings plans in the world in a 2007 study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. But the program is only being used to a fraction of its potential, said Rock Lefebvre, vice-president of research and standards at the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada.

• Obama signs border security bill into law   CBC News    -    Aug 13, 2010. 
U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a bill to improve security at his country's border with Mexico. The $600-million US measure will pay for the hiring of 1,000 new Border Patrol agents and the purchase of new communications gear — including surveillance drones.

• Study: acetaminophen may double kids' asthma risk   CTV.ca News    -    Aug 13, 2010. 
A new global study has found more evidence linking the use of acetaminophen to development of asthma and eczema in adolescents, with monthly use of the common drug almost doubling the risk of asthma.

• Health networks need more direction, premier says   thestar.com    -    Aug 12, 2010. 
The 14 decision-making networks created by the Liberal government in 2007 to hand out $21.5 billion in health funding, came under fire on Tuesday when Ombudsman André Marin revealed one of those units passed a secret “illegal” bylaw enabling them to skirt public consultations and hold closed-door meetings on hospital closures.

• Here's why maple syrup is very good for your health   The Star    -    Mar 23, 2010. 
Good news for sweet tooths everywhere: that sticky syrup you love to pour on pancakes and waffles is not only bad for you — it might be good for you, too.