Your Health
CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins is covering the local health stories that are affecting you and your family. If you have a story idea or a health question, e-mail ctvhealth@ctv.ca.
How to live to see 100
Living to see 100 is a dream of many, but what does it take? CTV's Karen Rocznik reports on what things you can control to add years to your life.
Advice on keeping New Year’s Resolutions
Taking up a more healthy lifestyle is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. CTV’s Pauline Chan reports on how you can stick with them.
U.S. government covers bird flu strain
The American government is telling its scientists to keep quiet about a type of bird flu they’ve created in their labs. CTV’s Robert Fife reports on the steps they’re taking to keep the virus away from terrorists and rogue scientists.
The search for an insomnia cure
Researchers have spent many late nights trying to help you avoid a lack of sleep. CTV’s Camille Ross reports on the search for a drug that can cure insomnia.
Shift workers more likely to suffer from sleep disorders
Sleep disorders affect millions of people in North America and many are often left undiagnosed. As CTV Ottawa’s Kate Eggins reports, silent sufferers are often shift workers like police officers.
Kate Eggins on an HIV vaccine milestone and preventing flu with nasal spray
CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins breaks down the latest in a major milestone for an HIV vaccine and what you need to know about a nasal spary used as an alternative to the vaccination.
Keeping Christmas coronaries away
Maybe it’s the eggnog, the feast, or the overall stress of the big day but Christmas time can often bring heart trouble. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins reports.
Santa not so ‘jolly’ for some kids
Parents spend a lot of time telling their kids to stay away from strangers. So for some kids, the thought of sitting on Santa’s knee can be a scary thing. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins reports on how to get your kids to warm up to Santa
New research centre to improve patient care
Medical research saves lives and helps doctors provide better healthcare to their patients. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins reports on a new medical research centre that opened Wednesday at the Ottawa Hospital.
Steroids helping premature babies survive
Premature babies are born with underdeveloped lungs and, as a result, many don't survive. But pre-birth exposure to a certain steroid is proving to be beneficial to their survival rates. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins reports.
Experts warn of too much screen time for toddlers
Treating pregnant women for breast cancer
Treating pregnant women for breast cancer can sometimes be catastrophic but now an Ottawa doctor is helping to make treatment easier for patients.
Pilot project seeks to save cancer patients from infertility
There is a pilot project underway at the Ottawa hospital to get women and men thinking about the risks of infertility associated with cancer treatment. Many don’t realize the window to have fertility therapy is short. This project seeks to save future families.
Women multi-task more than men
Men and women each help out around the house, but who's able to balance the load more? CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins explains why women are multi-tasking more in the home.
Effects of violent video games
Playing violent video games produces changes in areas of the brain that help control emotions for at least a week, new research suggests. CTV’s medical specialist Avis Favaro reports.
Medical tattoos replacing bracelets
They may not be popular in Ottawa yet, but medical tattoos are being seen more and more by emergency personnel. CTV Otawa's health reporter Kate Eggins talks about this alternative to medical alert bracelets.
Teen smoking down, but drinking and drugs up
Every two years, Ontario students are surveyed about their drug use. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins tells us about the mixed results this year’s version shows us.
How dieting apps can actually work
Too much time in front of the computer contributes to the dreaded “Frosh 15” weight gain, but now technology can help you lose weight too, CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins reports on how students can curb weight gain by staying connected.
Getting teens to talk about mental health
The Royal Ottawa Hospital is trying to help teens gain a better understanding of their mental health. A group of students from Almonte, southwest of Ottawa, spent the morning participating in a seminar at the Royal designed to help break the stigma attached to mental illness. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins reports.
CPR training can save a life
Learning CPR can help you save someone’s life. In the last week, four people have been saved because of CPR and the use of a defibrillator. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins gets a demonstration from Linda Fitzpatrick, a registered nurse and certified CPR trainer.
How to perform CPR on an infant and stop them from choking
Do you know what to do when an infant is in distress? Linda Fitzpatrick, a registered nurse and certified CPR trainer, demonstrates how to clear a baby’s airway to stop them from choking. She also shows CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins how to perform CPR on an infant.
New set of alcohol guidelines
Canada's provincial health ministers have just endorsed a new set of alcohol consumption guidelines aimed at curbing alcohol-related problems. CTV’s Pauline Chan reports.
Ottawa mom gives update after broadcasting birth online
People are using technology to connect more and more. Six weeks ago an Ottawa mother broadcasted the birth of her third child online. CTV Ottawa’s Kate Eggins gets an update and announces she is expecting a little one of her own.
Simple swab test
A bed-side swab test to determine whether you have a certain gene could soon revolutionize how some cardiac surgery is done. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins reports.
Safety issues with prescription drugs
Canada’s Auditor General said Tuesday that Health Canada is too slow to find safety issues with prescription medications.
The affects of winter
Researchers at a laboratory in Toronto are working to shed light on how winter affects you -- testing everything from your vital signs in extreme cold to the best winter boots for seniors. CTV's medical specialist Avis Favaro reports.
What car seats say about your health
Your car could soon tell you if you're experiencing heart trouble. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins examines the science in the seats.
An alternative to the flu shot
People who don’t believe in or can’t get the flu shot are turning to homeopathy as an alternative. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins talks about natural ways to keep the flu away.
Ottawa’s high rate of STIs
Ottawa's latest high rates of sexually transmitted infections has prompted the city to promote condom use. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins looks at Ottawa Public Health's new campaign.
A healthy replacement for cocoa butter
Long a vice for many, chocolate may soon be healthier. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins tells you about promising research at an Ontario university.
Living with diabetes for a day
One in ten people will be living with diabetes by 2030. Ottawa entrepreneur Bruce Firestone tried living with diabetes for a day on World Diabetes Day.
HPV vaccine has benefits for boys
The Human Papaloma Virus vaccine is only funded for Grade 8 girls in Ontario. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins reports on why new evidence could see this expanded.
Study finds CT scans can detect big killer of smokers
A new study has found that CT scans can be used to detect Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a major cause of death for heavy smokers. more...
Queensway-Carleton hospital helps ease line for beds
The Queensway-Carleton Hospital has launched a pilot project to make more beds available at the hospital. The 'transition at home' program will get seniors out of the hospital as soon as their urgent medical needs are resolved. more...
Why do females suffer more knee injuries?
Studies show females are two to eight times more likely to tear a knee ligament than boys. CTV Ottawa’s Kate Eggins looks into the way female bodies work for an idea as to why.
Autism’s many faces
The passenger seen being berated in last week's OC Transpo video says he had a mild form of autism. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins examines the many forms the spectrum can take.
Factors that can bring on a bout of acne
Acne affects a quarter of all men and half of women during their lifetime. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins shares factors that can trigger an outbreak.
Maplesoft cancer survivorship centre officially opens
After many fundraisers the Maplesoft Centre in Ottawa has officially opened. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins is live at the opening of the new cancer survivorship centre.
Ontario smokes down on hookah bars
Smoking sheesha is becoming increasingly popular, but it’s sometimes unknown what’s in the herbal mixture. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins shows how smoking a hookah could be a health risk.
Sens captain latest to suffer from concussion
Daniel Alfredsson’s concussion is the latest in a series of hockey headshots that has brought the debate over player safety to the forefront. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins reports on what people are saying about concussions in hockey.
Protecting Your Parents
Almost 5 million Canadians who care for elderly parents have a unique set of challenges. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins presents our special four-part series on looking after your loved ones. more...
Ottawa flu shot clinics start this weekend
As the weather grows colder, flu season begins. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins reports on the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
'Sandwich generation' cares for children and aging parents
Many Canadians must care for both their children and aging parents. It's a challenging responsibility and many struggle with the stress. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins tells the story of one family learning how to cope with it all.
Couple braves the possibility of dementia together
Estelle and John Liberman have been together for almost 59 years. It was love at first sight. But a cloud now hangs over the Liberman's charmed life. Estelle has begun to notice worrying changes in her husband's behaviour. more...
Over-medication of seniors a harmful issue
Many elderly people rely on bottles and bottles of prescription drugs for various ailments, which can come with side effects. CTV's health reporter Kate Eggins examines if our aging parents are being over-medicated. more...
Small changes to prevent falls in the home
For the elderly, one fall can have a drastic effect on their life. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins examines what tweaks can be done to make your home safer. more...
Post-partum depression services lacking in Ontario
Not everybody experiencing post-partum depression will seek treatment, but the province isn’t prepared to help a full load anyway. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins examines the stigma around the condition. more...
Target different for women and men
For years, the formula to calculate male and female heart rates has been the same. But a new study shows that women need their own formula. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins has the story.
Millions of schoolchildren affected by head lice
Head lice is a common problem in elementary schools and millions of students deal with the pesky critters each year. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins tells you what you need to know about head lice.
Canadian Blood Services needs donations
The Ottawa branch of the Canadian Blood Services is asking the public to increase the amount of blood donations in their supply. They need 300 donors to give blood over the next few weeks to cover the holiday season. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins has the story. more...
Bystanders are morally obligated to perform CPR: doctors
The emergency doctors group says bystanders are morally obligated to perform chest compressions, even if they've never been formally trained in CPR. The appeal is aimed at increasing the cardiac arrest survival rate. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins has the story.
Ottawa hospital closer to buying state-of-the-art cancer tool
The Ottawa Hospital is moving closer to its goal of purchasing a state-of-the-art robot for precision prostate cancer surgery. more...
Teens not getting enough sleep
Adults are not the only ones burning the candle at both ends. New research shows the teens are not getting enough sleep and they actually sleep less when they have to go to school later. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins explains.
Some vitamins may harm your health
Long seen as a healthy supplement, Vitamin E may increase the risk of prostate cancer. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins explains.
Graduated licensing beneficial for young drivers
A new American study has found that graduated licensing programs help keep young teenage drivers alive, although they’re not as beneficial for older teens. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins has the details.
Children’s book on dieting stirs up controversy
Parents are wondering if a children’s book about a girl who goes on a diet is appropriate for their kids. CTV Ottawa’s health reporter Kate Eggins examines the issue.
Luke Richardson speaks out on suicide
As mental health awareness week continues, Senators coach Luke Richardson speaks out on suicide prevention. His daughter Daron took her own life late last year.
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre launches new campaign
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre has launched a campaign to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. The goal of the campaign is to raise not only awareness but also $25 million. CTV Ottawa's Health reporter Kate Eggins has the story.
Ottawa doctors saving lives in Kenya
A team of doctors and dentists from Ottawa are travelling to East Africa to improve the lives of families in Kenya. This remarkable team travels to third world countries several times a year to offer their services to those who need them most. CTV Ottawa’s Health Reporter Kate Eggins caught up with them before their upcoming trip.
Public health officials warn of provincial mumps outbreak
Ottawa Public Health officials are issuing a warning to parents. There are a number of cases of mumps in the province and parents should have their kids vaccinated. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins tells you what the warning signs are...
Health Canada unveils new cigarette labels
Health Canada is rolling out newer, more graphic warning labels on tobacco products that feature a prominent anti-tobacco activist. CTV Ottawa's health reporter Kate Eggins was there and has the story of Barb Tarbox's daughter.
Ottawa doctors working on new system for OR emergencies
Ottawa doctors are trying to put in a new organizational system for when a patient goes into cardiac arrest during surgery. Our health reporter Kate Eggins has the story on trying to sort out the OR chaos.
