Online Health Resources & Links

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer Society Canada
This site provides information about the Alzheimer Society and the disease itself. Facts are available on Alzheimer’s, related dementias, care giving, research, and news and events in Canada.
Visit website »

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
The ALS Society of Canada site offers relevant and current information about ALS. There is a manual for people living with ALS as well as an online support forum. Caregivers can also find useful advice and helpful resources.
Visit website »

Arthritis

The Arthritis Society
Visit this site to learn about the different types of arthritis, tips for living with arthritis and the latest arthritis research information. An added feature is a resource area where you can “Ask an Expert” questions and browse the “Arthritis Bookstore.”
Visit website »

Asthma

Living Well with Asthma
Developed by the Asthma Society of Canada, this site looks at the symptoms of asthma as well as the current treatment approaches (including commonly-used medication). You can learn how to control asthma triggers such as smoking, pets and exercise. The site also offers also real-life stories from asthma sufferers that provide tips and personal insights.
Visit website »

The Lung Association
This website covers lung disease related topics such as asbestosis, tuberculosis, indoor and outdoor air quality and research. There is a special area dedicated to kids and a resource area specifically for teachers.
Visit website »

Cancer

Breast Cancer Action Nova Scotia
Breast Cancer Action Nova Scotia is a survivor driven group that voices the unique concerns of people living with breast cancer. We are united in our desire to change the legacy of breast cancer through networking, support, education and research.
Visit website »

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation® (CBCF)
In this site, learn about breast cancer statistics, breast self-examinations and mammography. Also find out how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. You can access regional chapters of the foundation for local news and event information.
Visit website »

Canadian Cancer Society
The Cancer Society compiles a wide range of cancer information into one site. There are areas devoted to risk reduction, current research, screening, diagnosis and treatment. For those living with cancer, support and coping information is also available.
Visit website »

Canadian Dermatology Association
The Canadian Dermatology Association provides valuable sun awareness information online. Areas of focus include the facts about sun exposure, using sunscreens effectively and keeping kids safe in the sun.
Visit website »

Celiac Disease

Canadian Celiac Association
Visit celiac.ca for an overview of celiac disease and related diet information. Learn how to maintain a gluten-free diet by knowing which foods to eat and which foods to avoid. There is also a newsletter that focuses on celiac issues and concerns.
Visit website »

Crohn’s & Colitis

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
In this site you’ll find basic information on inflammatory bowel disease. The site also provides updates on the latest research initiatives and highlights current fundraising events and volunteer opportunities.
Visit website »

Cystic Fibrosis

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Visit this site for cystic fibrosis information. You’ll find basic facts for those unfamiliar with the disease, encouragement for those living with it, and support for parents and caregivers.
Visit website »

Diabetes

Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)
Whether you are a consumer or a health care professional, diabetes.ca is a valuable resource for you. The site offers support for diabetes screening and management, along with the latest diabetes news and research information. A “diabetes dictionary” is available which focuses on terms related to diabetes.
Visit website »

Digestive Health

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
This website focuses on several health conditions associated with the digestive system including duodenal ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. There is a discussion forum available and an opportunity to “Ask a Specialist.”
Visit website »

Drug Recall Links

Health Canada
This site supplies public advisories, warnings, information updates, and foreign product alerts.
Visit website »

MedEffect Canada
Health Canada’s advisory and recall program for drugs and other health products.
Visit website »

Endometriosis

Endometriosis Association
The Endometriosis Association provides information on the symptoms of this condition and treatment options. You can experience an interactive case study and learn about the myths surrounding this condition, the common roadblocks to diagnosis, how to communicate effectively with your doctor, and where to go for help and support.
Visit website »

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Canada
Epilepsy Canada helps you better understand epilepsy. You’ll find information on the causes and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment procedures, and suggestions for coping with this condition. A special area dedicated to kids and teens is included.
Visit website »

Family Planning

sexualityandu.ca
Sponsored by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, this site provides contraception information specific to teens, adults, parents, teachers and health professionals. The site touches upon several topics including birth control, preventing sexually transmitted diseases and lifestyle choices.
Visit website »

General Health-Related Information

Canadian Pharmacists Association
This site provides information about various diseases and conditions, and also touches on how pharmacists can help you and your family maintain good health. You can view frequently asked questions about medications, including prescription and non-prescription, and herbal products.
Visit website »

doctorsNS.com
Discover a variety of health information in this one site. You’ll find health alerts, links to other medical sites, online calorie and cholesterol calculators, and access to disease search tools
Visit website »

Health Canada
Health Canada offers you healthy living advice, health care information and an overview of Health Canada’s role in protecting the health of Canadians.
Visit website »

MayoClinic.com
MayoClinic.com has tools to help you manage certain health conditions, quizzes to test your health knowledge, and a drug search that lets you find information on prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Visit website »

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
The PANS website offers valuable information to the public such as how to be a wise medication consumer, how to get the most from drug plans and questions to ask the pharmacist about prescription medication. The site also outlines the services you can expect from your community pharmacist.
Visit website »

Public Health Agency of Canada
General information on health-related issues, including infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and travel health.
Visit website »

Heart Disease

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Learn more about heart and stroke disease from the Heart and Stroke Foundation website. There’s a blood pressure risk assessment and action plan, a women’s health section and a health dictionary.
Visit website »

Making the Connection™
Making the Connection focuses on the effects of cholesterol on the heart. The site provides treatment information for high cholesterol and dietary tips for keeping cholesterol in check. You can also take the “Live Longer Cholesterol Quiz.”
Visit website »

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington Society of Canada
Learn more about Huntington’s disease. At this site you’ll find basic information about Huntington’s, support services for people living with the condition, and the latest research news.
Visit website »

Incontinence

The Canadian Continence Foundation
This site focuses on a condition known as incontinence — a loss of bladder and/or bowel control. You’ll find information on the causes and symptoms of the condition, as well as options for managing it. There is also a resources area, which offers access to books, brochures, newsletters and videos about incontinence.
Visit website »

Infertility

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada
This site offers education and support for individuals and couples struggling with infertility. A listing of in vitro fertilization (IVF) centres in Canada is available.
Visit website »

Kidney Disease

The Kidney Foundation of Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national, volunteer organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of people living with kidney disease. Visit their website to learn more about the services and programs they currently support.
Visit website »

Liver Health

Canadian Liver Foundation
Liver disease can affect anyone. The Canadian Liver Foundation website teaches you all about the liver and the various diseases that can affect its health.
Visit website »

Lupus

Lupus Canada
Lupus Canada’s website offers a variety of information on lupus such as symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and coping strategies. A general overview about the organization is also available.
Visit website »

Menopause

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)
The NAMS website contains information on perimenopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms and long-term health effects of estrogen loss, and a wide variety of therapies to enhance health. You can also access suggested reading lists, results of consumer surveys and discussion groups.
Visit website »

Mental Health

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The CMHA website gives quick facts on topics like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. You can also participate in an online discussion group.
Visit website »

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. Find out everything you need to know about this disease at www.mssociety.ca. Information is available for the newly diagnosed, caregivers and families, kids, health care professionals and employers.
Visit website »

Nutrition

5 to 10 a day — For better health
Supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, 5 to 10 a day is a campaign to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease by encouraging Canadians to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruit a day. Money-saving tips and a recipe search are available in the site.
Visit website »

Canadian Cancer Society
You are what you eat — healthy food choices can reduce your risk of cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society devotes an area of its website to healthy living. You can find information on recommended food choices, ideas for healthy cooking and cultural adaptations to Canada’s Guidelines to Healthy Eating.
Visit website »

Dietitians of Canada
Dietitians of Canada is an association of food and nutrition professionals committed to the health and well-being of Canadians. Their website has quizzes about food, frequently asked questions, and a meal planner that gives you personalized feedback on your food choices. A dietitian locator helps you find a dietitian in you area.
Visit website »

Health Canada
Health Canada’s website outlines Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and offers additional information on healthy body weights and nutrition labeling.
Visit website »

The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
The NEDIC website gives information and resources on eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. There is a guide for family and friends, regular newsletters, and recommended reading.
Visit website »

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Society of Canada
Find out if you are doing enough to prevent osteoporosis. This site offers prevention tips, outlines treatment options and provides support group locations for those with the condition. You can also try the “Calcium Calculator” to see if you are getting enough calcium each day.
Visit website »

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson Society of Canada
Today in Canada, there are approximately 100,000 people suffering with Parkinson’s. The Parkinson Society of Canada website helps you understand this disease. There is information for the newly diagnosed, health care professionals and caregivers.
Visit website »

Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
The PANS website offers valuable information to the public such as how to be a wise medication consumer, how to get the most from drug plans, and questions to ask the pharmacist about prescription medication. The site also outlines the services you can expect from your community pharmacist.
Visit website »

Pregnancy

La Leche League Canada
This site provides mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and education. You can find frequently asked questions and answers about breastfeeding, and ask a volunteer a question by e-mail. A bulletin board is available where you can share notes with other mothers, ask questions and get support.
Visit website »

Motherisk
This is a source for evidence-based information about the safety or risk of drugs, chemicals and disease during pregnancy and lactation. You can review the latest studies on these topics and also access recent newsletters and updates.
Visit website »

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Learn the facts about schizophrenia at this website. You can also locate helpful resources and access a discussion forum for information and support.
Visit website »

Sexual Health

Smoking – Help for Quitting

Canadian Cancer Society
Cigarette smoking causes about 30% of cancers in Canada and more than 80% of lung cancers. The Canadian Cancer Society devotes an area of its website to tobacco information. Learn how cigarette smoking can cause disease, and find out where you can get help to quite smoking.
Visit website »

Health Canada
Learn the facts about the health effects of smoking, second-hand smoke and proven ways to quit. You can also sign up for daily e-mails to support you while you quit.
Visit website »

The Lung Association
The Canadian Lung Association offers information on lung disease, lung health and smoking. There is a “Quit Smoking Guide” to help people get started, as well as a listing of online support groups. Teens can also find links to smoking information especially for them.
Visit website »

Sun Protection

Canadian Cancer Society
It is estimated that 90% of all skin cancers can be prevented. The Canadian Cancer Society devotes an area of its website to sun protection. You can find information about sunscreens, the ultraviolet (UV) index and keeping children safe in the sun.
Visit website »

Canadian Dermatology Association
Learn how to save your skin from the sun. This site gives advice on using sunscreens effectively, along with a list of suggested sunscreens. You can also find specific sun-safety tips for parents, day cares, and primary school teachers.
Visit website »

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid Foundation of Canada
This site offers a general introduction to thyroid function and thyroid conditions. The latest research and news is also available.
Visit website »

Women’s Health

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation®
In this site, learn about breast cancer statistics, breast self-examinations and mammography. Also find out about how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. You can access regional chapters of the foundation for local news and event information
Visit website »

Endometriosis Association
The Endometriosis Association provides information on the symptoms of this condition and treatment options. You can experience an interactive case study and learn about the myths surrounding this condition, the common roadblocks to diagnosis, how to communicate effectively with your doctor and where to go for help and support.
Visit website »

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Of Canada (SOGC)
Women of all ages will find this site useful and relevant. Topics include contraception and sexual health, pregnancy and birth, and menopause symptoms and related health issues.
Visit website »

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)
The NAMS website contains information on perimenopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms, and long-term health effects of estrogen loss, and a wide variety of therapies to enhance health. You can also access suggested reading lists, results of consumer surveys, and discussion groups.
Visit website »