public health

Alcohol and pregnancy: Is it safe to have a little?

| May 16, 2016
alcohol pregnancy evidence single drink

When Alison was pregnant six years ago, she asked her Toronto-based midwife what she thought about her having a drink. Her midwife advised her to avoid alcohol during the first trimester. But after that, one drink at a time, once or twice week, would be okay. She followed the advice. “I really enjoy a glass …

Rob Ford and missed opportunities for a public discussion on drug use

| April 20, 2016

It’s been a month since Rob Ford’s death. We suspect that many people are ready to move past discussing the legacy of Toronto’s controversial former mayor. But please bear with us. We still need to talk about Rob Ford. There’s one conversation we’ve been ignoring. Public announcements about the health of famous people can spur …

Here’s a simple way to end cigarette smoking in a generation

| February 24, 2016

Normally, when people have worked together to do something they know will inevitably result in many deaths, they are prosecuted for murder or conspiracy. When a product is found to be unsafe, such as tainted meat, it is immediately recalled and destroyed. When something is discovered to be carcinogenic, like asbestos, we stop producing it …