Bear cozy in winter

If bears can manage winter, so can we!

If you are someone who’s not thrilled about the arrival of winter, you're in good company with about 400,000 bears across Canada! Bears prepare thoroughly, create a cozy den, and adapt their lifestyle to the season. While they...
Peter Yurek

Winter Hacks for (ahem) Silver Survivors

When I was growing up, I loved the winter — playing hockey, making snowmen, snowball fights with my siblings and neighbours, Christmas holidays and snow days (when school was cancelled). Believe it or not, I even enjoyed driving...
Peter Yurek

How do you get the most out of your weekend?

Did you know we have over 400 blog posts about various healthcare topics? You can find them at https://yurekpharmacy.com/blog/ and search for a topic that interests you. Today, I thought I’d take a sharp turn out of what...
by Peter Yurek, BSc.Phm

Healthspan Over Lifespan

Age might just be a number, though it does dictate how much time we have to do things we love. This has led more people to think: how can I live a longer life? Recent developments in science...
What Do You Think About Adult Gap Year? — By Rhoda Miller

What Do You Think About Adult Gap Year?

Taking an “adult gap year” is an idea that’s gaining traction among Canadians, as more people choose to take extended breaks mid-career to travel, pursue personal interests, or simply recharge. Reported in a recent CBC article by Brandie...

A Pharmacist Knits to Feel Better?

Yes, really! In addition to giving my family a useful present made with love, knitting gives me the following health benefits: The dexterity required in knitting improves my fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Both are useful as...

Benefits of Carrying a Personal First Aid Kit

I am a minimalist and like to travel light.  When going out, I grab my phone, wallet, and keys. However, do believe in preparing for what life throws at you.  That’s why I recommend carrying a personal first-aid...

BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL (BVO)

What is it and how does it affect the average person? There can be many different food additives in the processed foods we eat and drink. Health Canada makes sure those ingredients are safe for consumers. They rely...

Personal Values = the Rhythm of Your Life

For 30+ years, I have had to juggle many things in life including making thousands of decisions along the way. It’s an empowering, yet daunting task - especially when you have work and family commitments, as well as...
Steve Bond, Pharmacist at Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare in St. Thomas.

The Horrible Health Hazards of Halloween

Halloween is a whimsical holiday where children and adults can pretend to be someone else — a superhero, a ghost, or a character from their favourite show. Canadians will spend billions on costumes, decorations and of course candy!...

The First Licensed Pharmacist in North America

I learned about Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. in his 1823 New Orleans building which is now a museum; it showcases a glimpse into the history of pharmacy and medicine. I was fascinated by the meticulously recreated 19th-century apothecary,...

Grandparents Day 2024

Abuela and Abuelo, Opa and Oma, Yia Yia and Papou, Babushka and Dedushka, Nana and Papa, or Grandma and Grandpa. No matter what names you use, the benefits of having and being grandparents are clear. A 2009 study...