We now know that it is possible to counter the undesirable effects of the shortened days of autumn and winter thanks to light therapy. Its effectiveness is recognized for treating seasonal depression.

• Our sheet on light therapy
• Our fact sheet on seasonal depression

Except in summer, the Nordic peoples suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Never mind! Both Canada’s New Food Guide and the Canadian Cancer Society now recommend taking a daily supplement of this essential nutrient for good health. But not all agree on the dosage to take or on all the virtues that are attributed to the “sunshine vitamin”. Some experts find the recommendations too timid, others are more cautious.

• Vitamin D intake: experts sound the alarm
• Vitamin D: a supplement every day
• Vitamin D: caution on the side of Health Canada
• Cancer prevention: should we increase vitamin D intake?
• Our fact sheet on vitamin D

What remedy to use to treat ailments that can be treated at home? Here is an interactive tool to tailor your pharmacy according to the ailments or the products.

• My home pharmacy … tailor-made

Laughing at life is good for your health and strengthens your immune system. It even seems that the pain hurts less when you laugh!

• Our sheet on laughter

After several years of waiting, Health Canada updated its Canadian Food Guide, which makes more room for fruits and vegetables while introducing new nutrients, including omega-3s and vitamin D. PasseportSanté.net also presented its own guide, in 2007, in order to help its readers to combine the pleasure of eating, health and simplicity.

• Canada’s Food Guide with Commentary
• A guide to healthy eating… with pleasure and simplicity!