The immune system works by recognizing foreign ‘outsider’ cells and boosting the body’s defense system (antibodies) to attack them, preventing damage to the body. Immune responses attack any foreign invader, such as bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells. The immune system can also produce cytokines, which are substances that act as messengers; cytokines tell the body’s cells to attack foreign cells.
University Health Network is committed to patient safety and treats patients as partners in their care. This is why interpreters are part of the circle of patient care.
Exercise and Heart Failure Exercising regularly helps people with heart failure live longer, improves quality of life, and decreases the need for heart failure related hospital admissions. Other health benefits: Better energy levels Increased physical...
HeartFit with Annie Smith Meet Annie – a Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor for 30 years whose passion in life is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals to become their best version of themselves, as well as enjoying the benefits of regular...
Healthy Eating Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump efficiently and cannot supply enough oxygen to the body. Dietary changes can take some stress off the heart, prevent further complications and provide symptom relief. Heart Healthy Eating Learn more...
Preventing Heart Failure A healthy lifestyle and behaviours help reduce the risks of heart failure and related heart conditions. Making healthy choices and taking action on these risk factors can help prevent or reduce the chance of developing heart failure. Quit or...
Radiation therapy is a key component in cancer care to help reduce the risk of recurrence and death. It is used to treat several cancers, including breast, lung, esophagus, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Caring for Helen. A Courageous Woman Living with Heart Failure By Dina, Caregiver My mom’s life changed for the better when she immigrated to Canada in the late 1960s. Yet some things became more complex as she had always had a heart condition but didn’t know it....
Physical and Mental Health The connection between physical and mental health may be deeper than you realize. Taking care of our physical health has been shown to improve our mental wellbeing; in turn, nurturing our mental health can help us to stay physically healthy....
What Symptoms Should I Track? Your healthcare team will advise you on which heart failure symptoms to monitor. The most common things to monitor: Any shortness of breath. Your energy level and ability to perform your regular activities. Your pulse rate and if you...
