A Time of Change

It’s been a long while since I’ve posted an update, as I’ve experienced a significant personal loss that took my attention away from freelance writing for some time. Now I’m back to work, in some ways relating to the kids who are re-starting school this week. It’s a time of change and adjustments. So what did you miss? My monthly medical mysteries in Reader’s Digest, which I’d pre-written, continued to appear up until last month. And back at the end of last year, I wrote a story from the heart, “Stop Telling People with Disabilities They Might Be Better Off Dead,” that was published in the Toronto Star. I’m already working on new pieces for upcoming magazines, so you can look forward to more updates in this space.

You’ve Got Snow

If you live in or near Toronto, you might have witnessed the first snowfall of the season last night. Seems a little unusual for the first of November, but then again, not much is normal about this year! My medical mystery in the new issue of Reader’s Digest takes place in Australia: What is causing a little boy to lose his ability to walk and speak, and is there a way to help him? Plus, in case you missed it, the October issue of the same magazine carried my cover story on coping with aches and pains. Check out 11 strategies that have brought relief to other Canadians dealing with pain – perhaps they’ll work for you, too. Until I write again, be well, watch your step, and be kind to others!

Autumn Update

It’s been a wild few months for all kinds of reasons, and now suddenly the leaves are changing colours. When I haven’t been tied up with new and unexpected responsibilities – some closely related to the current challenges of our times, and others just coincidentally plunked down over top – I’ve been carving out work time. I discussed the not-to-be-ignored symptoms of heart attack in the March issue of Reader’s Digest, and the power of high-protein foods in the July/August issue of Zoomer magazine. I’ve also continued to write about medical mysteries in every issue of Reader’s Digest, covering all kinds of strange ailments affecting patients in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Nepal, to name a few.

As a writer who focuses on health topics, I often have the privilege of speaking to top medical experts; this year, more than ever, I feel immense gratitude for the dedication, hard work and sacrifices of these individuals. Here’s hoping we all continue to stay healthy and safe over the home stretch of this pandemic.

How to Get Healthier in 2020

January is often thought of as a month of renewal, but it can be hard to think that way when the trees are still very bare, and the ground is still very frozen. Nevertheless, my latest magazine articles may provide you with inspiration. In particular, my cover story in the January/February edition of Reader’s Digest, “How to Live to 100 and Love It,” offers dozens of suggestions for tweaking your day-to-day routines and choices – all proven to enhance your odds of living a longer, healthier life. Also in this issue: my medical mystery column explores the case of a little boy with what appears to be appendicitis… but turns out to be something shockingly different, taking even his surgeon by surprise.

In my feature story in the January/February issue of Zoomer magazine, four Canadians share the secrets behind their weight loss – and since one size does not fit all (pun intended), their strategies are very different. Flip to my article, “Drink Up,” on the latest crazes in beverages (activated charcoal, anyone?), and find out which claims are supported by science, and which drinks will simply drain your cash.

It’s December

If you’ve got a lot of holiday shopping ahead of you, remember that a magazine subscription is a gift that keeps on giving – all year long! And if you have time for reading, you’ll likely be intrigued by my latest medical mystery (Reader’s Digest, December edition). A man in Toronto endures excruciating, debilitating headaches  for years, as the cause continues to elude doctors… until a new diagnostic technique gets him answers, at last. I’ve got new work already on the go for the 2020, but I’ll be sure to take a little holiday break… and hope you do, too. All the best in the new year!

Cheer Up!

Need a little help lifting your spirits? My new feature, “20 Tips for Getting Happy in 2020,” has been published in the November/December 2019 issue of Zoomer magazine. Here, you’ll find 20 strategies proven to brighten your mood, from drinking more water to banning electronic devices from the dinner table. Find out why these will help to make you happy! I’m also continuing to write about medical mysteries in every issue of Reader’s Digest. In the latest issue: A Halifax man discovers why he’s getting recurrent (and painful!) soft-tissue injuries – and the answer will surprise you.

Sickened by the Climate Crisis?

If the thought of environmental destruction makes you sick, you don’t know the half of it. In the October issue of Reader’s Digest magazine, I explore the various ways the changes in our climate are having disastrous effects on our physical and mental health. From lungs and heart to immunity and nutritional needs – not to mention emotional well-being – all our body parts seem to be suffering along with the planet. Find out what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones as we face this climate emergency.

I’m Baaaack…

After taking more time off than usual this summer (you only live once, after all), I’ve been working busily to make up for it. I encourage you to check out the September cover story of Reader’s Digest magazine, which contains expert information that can help you protect yourself from developing dementia – or slow down the disease if you already have a diagnosis.

I’m still thoroughly enjoying my regular medical mystery column in Reader’s Digest. It’s inspiring to learn what modern medicine can do, yet at the same time humbling to realize how much we still haven’t figured out! I’m also currently researching topics for the new year that will likely help you make your resolutions. I promise to keep you posted.

Busy as a Bee, and Bylines

This last while has been productive, and the proof is in the printing. Two new features in Reader’s Digest taught readers about 25 health symptoms they should never ignore, and how constructive anger can sometimes solve problems (April and June issues, respectively). I continue to write about medical mysteries in every issue of this magazine, covering some thoroughly fascinating cases (think hives caused by beams of light, and tuberculosis developing in the abdomen!). In the winter issue of the Canadian Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, I took a closer look at health care in rural Canada – the challenges faced by people in remote and small communities when they need services, as well as potential solutions. More is on the way!

Make Like a Cardiologist and Help Your Heart

Unbelievably, it’s February already! The year has been off to a busy start. Leading up to the new year, I contacted no fewer than 21 cardiologists across Canada and found out what they’re doing for their own heart health for my feature, “50 Ways to Protect Your Heart Like Cardiologists Do,” in the January/February issue of Reader’s Digest. Also on the newsstands recently was the December/January edition of Zoomer magazine, in which I suggested five guilt-free food choices to reach for during the holidays. I’ve been continuing to enjoy the work behind my monthly Reader’s Digest medical mysteries – the column was recently expanded to three pages. I’ve also been involved in some interesting projects for my corporate clients. All in all, the winter is flying by – just the way we like it!