Ask a Doctor - The Globe and Mail

Ask a Doctor is The Globe's series of physician-authored columns offering insights and advice on common health topics. It is not a substitute for seeking medical care.

Latest articles

April 7, 2026

Ask a doctor: How to manage osteoarthritis
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Ask a doctor: How to manage osteoarthritis
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How to effectively manage osteoarthritis

Dr. Carolyn Wong

4 min read

March 8, 2026

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Trying to decide which birth control option is right for you? Here’s how to choose

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe

4 min read

February 24, 2026

Ask A Doctor 1:1 image: Winter’s not quite done. Here’s how to protect your health during cold snaps

Ask A Doctor 3:2 image: Winter’s not quite done. Here’s how to protect your health during cold snaps

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Winter’s not quite done. Here’s how to protect your health during cold snaps

Dr. Shazma Mithani

5 min read

February 8, 2026

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How can I prevent winter sports injuries?

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

January 25, 2026

1:1 image for Ask A Doctor: Erectile dysfunction getting you down? Here are three things to know

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Erectile dysfunction getting you down? Here are three things to know

Dr. Yan Yu

4 min read

January 11, 2026

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As an ER doc and a mom, here are five things I don’t let my kids do because the risks are too high

Dr. Shazma Mithani

5 min read

December 15, 2025

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Menopause means more than just hot flashes. Here’s what else to know about women’s health

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe

4 min read

December 1, 2025

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My child has a fever – should I be worried?

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

November 18, 2025

If you’re an older adult, it may be time to ask your doctor for a medication review

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If you’re an older adult, it may be time to ask your doctor for a medication review

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If you’re an older adult, it may be time to ask your doctor for a medication review. Here’s why

Dr. Carolyn Wong

4 min read

October 22, 2025

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Respiratory virus season is here. These reminders from an ER doc can help keep you healthy

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

October 2, 2025

Photo Illustration by The Globe and Mail. Source imagery: sturti/Getty Images; FatCamera/Getty Images; T Schofield/Getty Images; MicrovOne/Getty Images; Hispanolistic/Getty Images.

Photo Illustration by The Globe and Mail. Source imagery: sturti/Getty Images; FatCamera/Getty Images; T Schofield/Getty Images; MicrovOne/Getty Images; Hispanolistic/Getty Images.

ask a doctor

I’m a family doctor who practises in rural Canada. Here are five things I’ve learned

Dr. Yan Yu

4 min read

September 17, 2025

ask a doctor

Are annual check-ups still a thing? It depends

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe

4 min read

September 1, 2025

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Feeling backed up? Four strategies to help with constipation

Dr. Carolyn Wong

4 min read

August 18, 2025

Ask a Doctor - The evidence shows that even small amounts of alcohol carry health risks

Ask a Doctor - The evidence shows that even small amounts of alcohol carry health risks

ask a doctor

Is two drinks a week really the new limit?

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe

4 min read

August 4, 2025

ask a doctor

When should I see a doctor for sunburn?

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

June 21, 2025

Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum, so recognizing early symptoms is key to avoiding progression

Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum, so recognizing early symptoms is key to avoiding progression

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What are the signs of heat illness?

Dr. Shazma Mithani

5 min read

June 12, 2025

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How wildfire smoke and poor air quality can affect your health, and how to protect yourself

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

May 18, 2025

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Doctor writing notes.
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ask a doctor

Should I get a measles booster?

Dr. Yan Yu

4 min read

May 12, 2025

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Accidents happen – but these five rules will help keep you out of the ER

Dr. Shazma Mithani

4 min read

April 27, 2025

ask a doctor

When and how should I be screened for prostate cancer?

Dr. Yan Yu

4 min read