Health Pulse New thinking about drinking Think “just one drink” can’t possibly hurt? Scientists are starting to challenge that assumption. New evidence shows that even relatively low levels of alcohol use can carry health risks that past recommendations may have underestimated. In 2023, Canada introduced updated national guidance stating that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free. The new consensus: an intake of three to six standard drinks per week raises the risk of several cancers, while higher amounts bump up the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This represents a marked departure from earlier advice that framed moderate daily drinking as broadly acceptable. If a hard “no” to all alcohol sounds a little, well, dispiriting to you, consider that the risk exists on a continuum. You may decide that sharing occasional drinks with friends offers worthwhile social benefits, especially if you balance it with healthy habits such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep and good nutrition. The takeaway? You don’t have to give up alcohol entirely, but consider drinking more deliberately. Track your weekly intake, build in alcohol-free nights, or experiment with alternatives such as zero-alcohol beer or a citrus-spritzed sparkling water. As the science evolves, mindful drinking is fast becoming the new normal, even for the cool kids. Sources: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction, World Health Organization Gotta go: managing urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence affects millions of adults, yet many people feel uncomfortable discussing it. Although bladder leakage can become more common with age or conditions such as prostate treatment or pelvic floor weakness, experts stress that you don’t need to just live with it. In fact, you shouldn’t. Ongoing leakage can disrupt daily routines, lead you to avoid outings or social activities and increase your risk of falling as you rush to the bathroom. It may also point to treatable medical causes such as infections, medication effects or nerve-related conditions. Speaking with a health-care professional can help you identify the root of the issue and open the door to effective treatment options. Strategies that may help include: ▶ Pelvic floor muscle training: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles that support bladder control and reduce symptoms over time. ▶ Lifestyle adjustments: Limiting caffeine or alcohol, managing fluid timing and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease episodes. ▶ Bladder training: Gradually extending the time between bathroom visits can improve both bladder capacity and confidence. ▶ Medical treatments: Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include medications, minimally invasive procedures or specialized devices. ▶ Supportive products: Absorbent pads or garments can serve as a back-up while longer-term solutions take effect. With increased awareness and advances in treatment, you have every chance of reducing your symptoms and maintaining an active, independent lifestyle. Sources: National Institute on Aging, Mayo Clinic Can you reverse vision loss? Glasses for distance, glasses for close-up work, bifocals… as you age, you may assume that your vision will automatically worsen. But emerging research is reshaping how experts think about protecting eyesight and, in some cases, improving it. Whether vision loss can be reversed depends largely on its cause. For example, surgery can restore vision clouded by cataracts, while laser procedures can correct near- or far-sightedness. While you can’t reverse age-related macular degeneration, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow its progression and preserve what’s left of your sight. If you’ve researched vision online, you’ve likely seen claims that popping a special multivitamin or rolling your eyes around can improve your vision. Unfortunately, the research doesn’t support these claims. On the other hand, advances in gene therapy and regenerative medicine suggest that we may get there one day. In fact, researchers at Harvard Medical School have recently restored visual function in mice with glaucoma-like damage by reprogramming retinal cells. Is that cool, or what? In the meantime, regular eye exams and general self-care habits such as managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes and protecting eyes from the sun remain the most reliable ways to protect your vision over time. Sources: WebMD, UMass Chan Medical School, Harvard Medical School CSANews | SPRING 2026 | 39
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