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Three academic units. Three levels of health. One vision.
See how we're igniting solutions to pressing hea
lth challenges in our report, Health in 3D.
New partnership allows medtech startups to train surgeons
A University of Waterloo teaching lab is helping the
medtech community in southwestern Ontario make great strides in their medical research.
New method for public health analysis shows trends in substance use among high schoolers
High-school students who have a larg
e weekly allowance, friends who smoke and low levels of physical activity are more likely to use multiple substances over time. Conversely, being older, being black and eating breakfast daily were factors associated with a smaller chance of transitioning to multiple use.
Postdoc advances research and lands professorship, thanks to inaugural AMTD fellowship
Oluwakemi (Kemi) Amodu is dedicated to advancing the reproductive and sexual health of the Hausa women in displaced
persons camps in northern Nigeria. After devoting her doctoral research to revealing the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among this population, she has now built on that research as an inaugural recipient of the AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Improving workplace injury compensation requires input from workers
Understanding how workers in precarious employment react to claims processes can 
improve response
Feeling stressed? You’re not alone
Researchers use survey data to uncover pandemic mental health insights
Canada lags in providing school food programs to children in need
Only five per cent of students in Canada participated in a school meal program
New approach to advance care planning preferred by Canadian long-term care residents
Researchers develop better way to involve residents in end-of-life care discussions
Higher education and language skills may help reverse mild cognitive impairment
New research has found that people with mild cognitive impairment may not inevitably develop dementia and, in fact, having higher education and advanced language skills more than doubles their chances of returning to normal.
Making global connections to take on climate change
The University of Waterloo is finishing their participation in an exciting new collaborative program, Climate Connect, which involved 60+ students and over 20 researchers from across the world to gather and discuss climate change.
Research improves equal access to community supports
DREAM project provides training and resources to support people living with dementia
Aerobic fitness of elite soccer players linked to player positions
Ability to make this assessment can help coaches regulate individual training loads
CBD might help prime immune system against COVID
Therapeutic amounts seem to increase the readiness to respond to viral infection
Wearable biosensors can help people with complex health conditions
Study examines feasibility of remote monitoring in daily life for those with physical or cognitive diseases
Researchers awarded $10 million U.S. for global tobacco study
The study will examine how policies impact smoking, vaping, and the use of other nicotine products
AI-powered symptom checkers could ease strain on health systems
Study shows how perceptions of this technology affect its adoption
New tools available to help people with dementia move forward
The Forward with Dementia launch brings in-depth supports and resources that patients need
Non-emergency control interventions form pattern of care
Study shows higher rates of restrictive interventions being used on older psychiatric patients
Benefits of consuming fish outweigh the risks
Study examines the effect of elevated mercury levels in some northern lakes
Small actions can support inclusion
New tools and resources available for persons living with dementia
How to discourage youth from using cannabis
New research shows packaging and health warnings can reduce the appeal for young people
Mobile alert app for missing people with dementia
Researchers developing app to engage community to help locate missing people with dementia
The trickle down effects of winning Olympic medals
New study examines association with physical activity and participation in hometown communities
Understanding frailty will lead to better care for older adults
Study suggests concept of frailty can guide advance care planning with home care clients and their families
Q and A with the experts: Cancer and exercise during a pandemic
Exercising safely as a cancer survivor during or after treatment
How international students make decisions about staying in Canada
New study explores timing and factors shaping their decision
Tobacco control researchers receive Governor General’s Innovation Award
Award celebrates excellence in innovation that makes a positive impact on quality of life in Canada
Long-term care infrastructure must be re-imagined in a post-pandemic world
Protecting residents requires different infrastructure, proper staffing conditions and a culture of quality assurance
Online farmers’ markets valuable when crisis events like COVID occur, study finds
Study shows the potential of online marketplaces to contribute to a resilient, sustainable food system
Waterloo researchers lead remote wearable technology program
Persons with neurodegenerative diseases can monitor at home
AI-powered symptom checkers can help health-care systems deal with COVID-19 burden
COVID symptom checkers may reduce the number of people going to in-person clinics
Q and A with the experts: Long-term care after a year of COVID-19
Professor Paul Stolee examines changes to long-term care and lessons learned
Social media helped spread misinformation during pandemic
Study shows need to be active on social media and guard against misinformation
Study shows mental health effects of pandemic affected young people most
Younger Canadians reported feeling lonely, depressed or anxious
When you’re a gig worker during a global pandemic and your boss is an app
Gig work is transforming our global economy and public health as workers weigh risks every day
Pandemic highlights importance of supports for people with dementia
A new healthy living program and a virtual reality exercise game will support people living with dementia
Long-term care homes must balance risks and benefits to mental health during lockdowns
Study shows outcomes can be measured and mitigated with thoughtful interventions informed by data
Flip-flops can come off the foot entirely during slips in dry and wet conditions
Q and A with the experts: One year of COVID-19 in Canada
What we’ve learned about COVID-19 in the past year, and what we still need to learn
Hannah Tait Neufeld named new Canada Research Chair
Research will explore Indigenous health, wellbeing and food environments
Smart home thermostats help monitor patient health
Researchers use data from thermostat to determine user behaviours such as sleep and physical activity
New study examines socially conscious dating apps
Researchers partner with Bumble, a women-first social networking app
Applied Health Sciences welcomes ATMD postdoctoral scholar
Kemi Amodu receives inaugural fellowship supporting development of exceptional global talent
COVID-19 means we need a “winter strategy”
Professor Troy Glover discusses reasons to bundle up and go outside
Vaping up, cigarette use down, among Canadian youth
Study shows vaping increased dramatically, starting before nicotine vapes were legally available in Canada
Documentary showcases that 'Music is Life' in a dementia-care centre
Waterloo researcher collaborates on new documentary airing on World Alzheimer's Awareness Day
Availability of grocery-store alcohol has led some teens to binge-drink regularly
A policy change that allowed alcohol to be sold in grocery stores in Ontario has led some teens to go from abstaining from alcohol to binge-drinking multiple times per week, a new study has found.
Q and A with the experts: an update on what we know about the virus
What we know about COVID-19 seems to change daily. We asked Professor Narveen Jandu, an expert in microbiology, to give us an update on the science of the virus
International partnership improves long-term care quality
Study shows resource-strapped long-term care organizations enhanced resident outcomes
Bullying is linked to increased BMI, new study shows
New research shows that while both young men and young women saw an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) one year after bullying occurred in high school, young men were more affected than young women.
Dementia care study highlights need for caregiver support, quality of care
People with dementia and their caregivers need to be included when health priorities are determined at the local level, shows a University of Waterloo study
Substance use linked to chronic physical and mental disorders in youth
New research shows it is vital to consider pre-existing mental health issues when determining how to treat substance abuse among young people with a chronic physical illness
Q and A with the experts: The psychology of the return of major league sports
What is the mental toll of asking players and staff in major league sports to risk their lives for our entertainment?
Q and A with the experts: Stage 2, what does it mean?
Professor Zahid Butt speaks about what’s open, what’s closed and why
Study on gig workers receives COVID-19 Rapid Research funding
A research team led by Ellen MacEachen has received COVID-19 Rapid Research funding so they can investigate the role of disease transmission in the gig economy, and how to protect these workers
Q and A with the experts: What’s the deal with masks now?
Professor Narveen Jandu clarifies guidelines on wearing masks
Q and A with the experts: Is working from home possible for everyone?
Professor Ellen MacEachen answers questions on the implications and future of working from home
Study looks at COVID-19 health perceptions in different age groups
New study seeks survey respondents to examine vulnerability, mitigations and perceptions related to COVID-19
Q and A with the experts: Neighbouring in the time of COVID-19
Professor Troy Glover discusses becoming less socially distant during these physically distant times
Game apps help people make healthy choices
Study finds apps can curb impulse purchases and contribute to a healthier lifestyle
COVID-19 screening tool can identify older adults at risk
Screener identifies those at high risk of adverse health outcomes due to COVID-19
Bridging local efforts for global supports
How Waterloo professors are helping adapt health-response guidelines for lower-resource areas
Face masks
Professor Zahid Butt answers common questions about face masks, who should be wearing them, and when
The ins and outs of physical distancing
Q and A with Professor Shannon Majowicz
Social media and COVID-19
Professor Jim Wallace answers questions about social media use during the pandemic
Ergonomics guide helps prevent workplace injuries
Professor Steven Fischer outlines easy fixes to prevent injury when working from home
Cortisol levels show links between parent and child mental illness
Impact of mental health conditions passed on from parents varies depending on the child’s sex
Researchers help address healthy aging on The Nature of Things
David Suzuki visits Waterloo Kinesiology labs for insights on body composition, balance
Puberty responsible for larger airways in males
Sex differences in airway size are not innate, but likely develop because of hormonal changes
Storytelling can reduce VR cybersickness
Enhanced narratives and emotionally evocative details help new users feel immersed
Few consumers understand THC levels in cannabis edibles
More effective THC labelling and packaging could help to reduce accidental over-consumption
Back to the future
Vaping trends are sweeping the globe, making us revisit the lessons we learned decades ago
A "second heart" to strengthen our golden years
Innovative research and medical technology can prevent falls
Study identifies way for employers to retain casual workers
Job enrichment may be an important tool for retaining seasonal frontline staff
Research calls for new measures to treat mental illness and opioid use
Integrated approach is needed to managing mental illness, pain and substance use
Patterns of youth alcohol use show need for early intervention
Students who drink a few times per month in grade nine are likely to become weekly or even binge drinkers in following years
Perception of risk may lead to more cancer screening
Screening rates may be increased by better sensitizing women to their risk of getting breast cancer
Weight stigma affects gay men on dating apps
Study shows popular dating app had a negative effect on men’s body image
What multilingual nuns can tell us about dementia
Strong ability in languages may help reduce the risk of developing dementia
How students and professors perceive classroom technology
Students think it’s professors’ responsibility to engage students away from tech
Kinesiology researchers work with astronauts to study health
Latest subject in study, Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques, concludes six months in space
Youth in Canada and U.S. vaping more than ever
New generation of e-cigarettes with higher levels of nicotine could be the reason
Health policies key factor in hospitalization of seniors
Study examines the influence of health care policies, infrastructure and professional practices
New research suggests sugar taxes and labelling are effective
Taxes on sugary products and labels on the front of packages can help reduce sugar consumption
The top 25 medical lab tests around the world
New study reveals the most common diagnostic lab tests, of use by areas considering universal health coverage
Low-tech footrest can help prevent lower-back pain
Study assesses potential interventions for those who stand at work
Voucher programs can help leverage participation in new sport opportunities
Free trials could help cities get the best use of sport facilities built to host novel events
Virtual reality games could recalibrate neurological disorders
Could be a key tool in treating disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease
Surge in cannabis use among youth preceded legalization in Canada
Legalization discussions and increased access to medical marijuana may have fueled trend
Anxiety-reducing meditation in university classrooms
Study explores whether mindfulness meditation can ease the anxiety around written assignments
How to make the pushup work for you
Study finds ways to adapt the exercise to help individuals with specific needs
Assessment tools could reduce end-of-life hospital stays
Data helps health providers determine which conditions require hospitalization vs remaining in long-term care setting
Inability to perform basic activities delays mental health patients’ discharge
Study shows these patients are four times more likely to experience discharge delays
Even small delays in school start times can benefit teen health
Study finds even 10 minutes later can result in significant sleep benefits
Cannabis youth prevention strategy should target mental wellbeing
Study shows students with positive mental health are less likely to consume cannabis
ADHD youth no more at risk for traffic violations than non-ADHD youth
Study dispels previous findings
Truck driver pain and discomfort can be alleviated
Study examines musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, and associated risk factors
Everything you wanted to know about cannabis legalization in Canada
Mini-series explores various themes from education and advertising to impaired driving
Virtual reality motion sickness may be predicted and counteracted
Waterloo researchers advance knowledge of sensorimotor components of cybersickness
Lingering effects of wildfires
Waterloo researcher finds experiences of evacuation and isolation have long-term effects on mental wellbeing
Study shows how the brain controls food cravings
When activity in a specific part is suppressed, the desire for high-calorie food increases
Majority of teenagers need food safety education
Researchers find that the ‘next generation’ of food handlers has a low level of awareness of proper precautions
Dieting associated with risky behaviours in teenage girls
Study finds those who diet are more likely to engage in other health-compromising behaviours
"Smart clothing" aims to predict failing health
Researchers combine wearable technology and AI to predict the onset of health problems
Young hockey players interested in healthy protein, not French fries
Waterloo study finds greasy food being served isn't what young players want
Standing desks may lead to lower back pain
Waterloo study finds people have different levels of standing tolerance
Mandatory nutrition policies may impact sugar consumption
Study investigates adolescents' purchase and intake of sugar-sweetened drinks
Obesity could be linked to early childhood behaviour
Unhealthy behaviours among youth could be greatest predictors of issues in adulthood
Aging slows perception of falls
Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling
Vaping linked to cigarette use
Teenagers who try e-cigarettes double their risk for smoking tobacco cigarettes
Beverage industry capitalizing on countries with fewer health regulations
High school students in Guatemala consume twice as many soft drinks as their Canadian peers
Yoga and meditation improve brain function and energy levels
Waterloo study finds practising just 25 minutes per day can boost the brain’s executive functions
Chronic illness and mental health
Waterloo study finds young people with chronic illness more likely to attempt suicide
Urban imagineering brings public spaces to life
When vacant public spaces across the region turn into vibrant hubs of activity this summer, a new website built at Waterloo is ready to track all the action.
Powered stretchers could reduce injuries, keep paramedics on the job
Moving from manual to powered stretchers could reduce the number of injuries to paramedics by 78 per cent, a University of Waterloo study has found.
Waterloo software improves care for kidney patients
A new software system is improving patient care and setting the gold-standard in data reporting at Grand River Hospital. One day, it may help patients choose what kind of treatment to receive.
Added sugar found in two-thirds of packaged foods
Study finds even baby food and products marketed as healthy alternatives often contain added sugar
Kinesiology brings research to life at Ontario Science Centre
Biomechanics: The Machine Inside exhibit gives visitors a hands-on look at the marvels of natural engineering that drive human and animal movement
Parkinson's patients are over-prescribed antipsychotics
More than one-third of people with Parkinson's disease in long-term care homes are given antipsychotic medication.
What if a simple supplement could prevent childhood asthma?
Findings offer insight into preventative measures
Can two countries host the Olympics Games together?
New regulations will allow multiple cities to share a single bid, but Waterloo research suggests cities will have to find new ways to rally support
Researcher wins prestigious prize for work on osteoporosis
Professor Lora Giangregorio wins Bloomberg Manulife Prize for Promotion of Active Health
What's the secret behind Jordan Kilganon's epic slam dunks?
Kinesiology researcher examines Kilganon in a Waterloo lab to understand how the world’s best slam dunker gets outstanding air
New anonymous online survey aims to protect athletes from doping
Assessment tool will help coaches and administrators identify gaps in understanding of policies on everything from hazing to harassment and doping
Canadian magazines miss the mark on skin cancer messages
Study shows Canadian magazines are sending women mixed messages about skin cancer and tanning
National Coming Out Day: Being out affects LGBT retirement plans
LGBT adults who are out to family and friends are less uncertain about their retirement years
Daily physical activity policy not working in schools
Many elementary school students aren’t getting the 20 minutes of daily physical activity mandated by the Ontario government
Canada’s mental health system is failing children in crisis
The “orphan’s orphan” of Canada’s health-care system: Children at risk of suicide are ending up in adult psychiatric units
Try the Track project brings cycling to recreational athletes
Milton's new velodrome could be a boon to track cycling long after the Pan Am Games are over, says Waterloo researcher
Restraint and confinement still an everyday practice in mental health settings
Special issue of Healthcare Management Forum features eight new papers on interRAI mental health assessment system
Can science keep MLB pitchers off the disabled list?
Biomechanical assessments and strength training more effective than restricting innings
How long should you stand - rather than sit - at your work station?
Research suggests that you have to stand for at least 30 minutes every hour to get health benefits
Propel research shows more Canadian teens smoking hookah
One in four high school seniors are trying tobacco water pipes known as hookah
At what cost? The forgotten needs of young carers
MAREP study finds children and youth who help care for family members with special needs have few places to turn for support
Waterloo student designs new clay filter for unsafe drinking water
Master of Public Health student is working with a non-profit group in the Dominican Republic to bring filters to thousands of families
Is your neighbour’s smoking addiction killing you?
Research shows tobacco smoke can seep through cracks and walls and travel through ventilation systems, exposing you to dangerous toxins and carcinogens
New play challenges dementia stereotypes
Theatre group works with Waterloo researcher to change the way families and health care practitioners think about dementia
Technophobia may keep older adults from using apps to manage diabetes
More senior-friendly smartphone and web apps may help people manage glucose levels and track their diet
Each dollar spent on kids' nutrition can yield more than $100 later
Good childhood nutrition produces people who can contribute more and help boost economic growth, says Waterloo professor
Curling helps fight seasonal depression for rural women
Research shows curling clubs enhance women’s physical, mental and emotional health during long Canadian winters
Research shows Parkinson’s disease linked to riskier driving
When it comes to road safety, Parkinson’s disease is a bigger threat than once thought
Crunched for time? Commuting linked to lower life satisfaction
New study examines connection between commute time and well-being
Sacred waters run deep
Researchers are collaborating with Aboriginal communities to cultivate enhanced understanding of relationships to one of Canada's longest rivers
Craving high-calorie snacks? Blame your brain
Research shows that we rely on a specific part of the brain to curb our craving for snacks
Low back pain? Waterloo research reveals best sex positions
Pioneering spine study shows spooning is not always the best sex position for men who want to avoid triggering low back pain
Do low-nicotine cigarettes make you smoke more?
Landmark study shows people smoke the same number of cigarettes regardless of nicotine level
Nutrition and aging: Why aren't older adults eating well?
Researcher leads study to find out why residents of long-term care homes aren’t getting proper nutrition
GPS technology may help detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier
GPS tracking shows older adults with mild dementia stay much closer to home than healthy adults, Waterloo study finds
Osteoporosis: How can you prevent falls and fractures?
Older adults should combine aerobics with strength and balance training to prevent bone loss, says Waterloo researcher who helped draft new guidelines
50 Shades of Grey is not a black and white issue for women
E-readers have liberated women who enjoy erotica but Waterloo researchers are asking: Why are e-heroes still domineering men?
Should menthol cigarettes be banned?
Teens who use menthol cigarettes smoke more than youth who smoke unflavoured cigarettes, a new Waterloo study finds
Energy drinks linked to teen depression and drug use
Propel study finds teens prone to depression and those who use drugs and alcohol are more likely to consume energy drinks
Women's health: The link between estrogen and fat
Award-winning researcher examines the upside of fat in our diets from pregnancy to post-menopause
On the front lines of mental health
New screening tool developed by interRAI better connects Ontario Provincial Police and clinicians to support those in crisis
Sports increase well-being of gay and lesbian athletes
Recreation and Leisure Studies research finds sport groups for LGBT athletes help heal the negative effects of discrimination.
Finding your way after a stroke
Stroke patients use innovative exercise bikes hooked up to Google Earth’s virtual world to rehabilitate body and mind in Waterloo lab.
More than s'mores
Summer camp is about more than s’mores and sing-alongs. A camp counselor in his youth, professor Troy Glover always suspected that camp changes youth for the better— but now he has the data to prove it.
Biomechanics professor striking the perfect balance
Andrew Laing doesn’t mind being a fall guy. For the biomechanics professor, the reputation simply comes with the territory.
Using data to treat patients right
Joon Lee is changing the way doctors make decisions and patients receive care. Lee and his team are at the forefront of a field that harnesses the power of information technology to analyze health data and provide doctors with answers that would take years to obtain through clinical trials.
Social networking redefining motherhood
More than ever women are turning to online social networking sites as a substitute for the support and friendship they used to find in neighbours. Diana Parry investigates the impact of social networking sites on modern-day motherhood.
Nutrition and exercise linked to cancer treatment success
What if something as simple as a tailored nutrition and exercise program could influence the outcome of cancer treatment? According to professor Marina Mourtzakis, it’s possible.
Does climate change affect your health?
While researchers have flagged climate change as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century, research by Professor Susan Elliott and her graduate student Francesca Cardwell found that most Canadians just don’t see the link.
Research helps boomers plan for retirement
The first baby boomers hit retirement age — 65 — in 2011. Research from an innovative partnership between University of Waterloo and RBC shows retirees need to manage potential risks to health and wealth for a satisfying retirement.
Canadian astronaut takes research into orbit
From the International Space Station, astronaut Chris Hadfield will help Waterloo researcher Richard Hughson understand some of the mysteries of aging.
New website assists those with dementia and their families
Researchers at the University of Waterloo and McMaster University are leading a project that has resulted in the creation of a new web-based resource that provides valuable information that will help navigate the journey of living with dementia.
Transforming systems for a healthy future
The School of Public Health and Health Systems is training a new generation to solve major, emerging health issues relevant to Canada and countries around the world.
Keep on moving
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is expected to double over the next thirty years. Laura Middleton, assistant professor of kinesiology, is investigating the impact of exercise and physical activity on slowing cognitive decline.
Festival of food
Although many cities are excited about the prospect of creating, or expanding their focus to include, a culinary tourism destination, few know how to go about doing it. Stephen Smith is helping destinations around the world meld gastronomy and culture into a viable industry.
A global approach to curbing smoking
Tobacco is the largest preventable cause of premature death in the world. David Hammond is working with researchers, policy makers, and non-governmental associations around the world to guide and evaluate the use of graphic warning labels on tobacco products.
Rethinking retirement
The days of collecting your gold watch and retiring to cottage country are over, says assistant professor Steven Mock. What retirement looks like is not going to be the same as a one-time transition out of paid work. It’s going to be more complex.
A neighbourhood of good intentions
Even the most impassioned resolutions and best intentions to get physically fit often go unrealized when challenged by the pressures of daily life. Peter Hall is investigating how a neighbourhood’s built environment may influence physical activity patterns.
Women struggle with stigma of prison
Uncertain Futures: Women Leaving Prison and Re-entering Community, a report co-authored by Susan Arai, explores the importance of building relationships to bridge the chasm between women and their community.