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Start paying up

Once the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, Canadians will be paying more payroll taxes, says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The combined increase of 4.84 per cent is the highest since 2002.

Employment Insurance premiums will increase 5 cents per $100 insurable earnings, however, there will be no change to the Canadian Pension Plan contribution rate.

So what are your thoughts on this? Doesn’t it always seem the more money citizens make the more gets taken out in taxes?

Eating healthy is essential

A new study indicates eating fish and vitamins my reduce brain shrinkage.

The research was conducted by Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. The study’s findings suggest a diet rich in Omega 3s, primarily found in fish, as well as B, C, D and E vitamins may ward off brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Too much sugar

They’re packaged in bright, cartoonish boxes to attract children’s eyes, while their sugar content attracts their taste buds.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when children consume cereals containing massive amounts of sugars, their health could be at risk.

A recent report by the U.S. based Environmental Working Group cautioned parents that some major breakfast cereals contain as much or more sugar per one cup serving as desserts.

Are you waiting in line?

Can you imagine waiting in pain for nearly four and a half months?

According to a new study by the Fraser Institute released in mid-December, Canadians are waiting 19 weeks for surgery.

Parking fees or no parking fees?

The debate over whether or not hospitals should have parking fees has gained some momentum over the past few weeks.

On one side, the argument to remove the fees is coming from patients, visitors, advocates and even the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

“Parking fees at hospitals for patients are a barrier to patient care and they should be abolished,” Rajendra Kale, the journal’s interim editor-in-chief, told CBC News.

We’re getting fatter

Everywhere you look it seems fast food joints are all over the place. They seem to make up a large percentage of our landscape – almost as prevalent as the rocky mountains in Alberta.

Fast food restaurants, eating too much junk food and not exercising enough are major factors why adult and childhood obesity are becoming Canada’s next health epidemic.

The word “epidemic” was used by federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, during a Senate committee studying the country’s health system.

Having fun in the sun - not so much

A vacation is supposed to be fun, entertaining and relaxing.

Yes, money will be spent, and maybe too much, but the thought of having to pay for healthcare isn’t normally on the itinerary. But for an elderly B.C. couple who enjoy driving their motor home to California to escape our country’s frigid winter temperatures, they got more than just sunny days.

Artur and Anna Friesen live on government pensions and enjoy spending time together in the Golden State.

Do you know somebody with diabetes?

We all know relatives or friends who prick their fingers on a daily basis in order to get a glucose reading, or they jab a needle into their abdomen to release a life saving dose of insulin.

Diabetes has become as prevalent as other forms of illnesses like cancer and heart disease. But it’s not only common in Canada.

According to a recent study by the International Diabetes Federation, they predict that at least one in 10 adults could have diabetes by 2030. The study also suggested that an estimated 552 million people could have diabetes in 20 years.

Going up, up and away

It’s a balancing act. Every provincial and territorial government in the country is having a difficult time balancing their books while healthcare costs skyrocket.

According to a recent report titled National Health Expenditure Trends, 1975 to 2011, this year spending will increase by 4% over last year to $5,811 per Canadian. It’s estimated that health care will cost $200.5 billion this year.

How much did you pay?

That’s a typical question asked throughout coffee shops when the discussion of pharmacy dispensing fees becomes the main topic.

In Canada, dispensing fees vary from province to province – and it’s no different for pharmacies in Alberta.

According to MERITtalk’s bi-monthly publication, the dispensing fees from July 2010 to December 2010 are: Costco: $4.48, Walmart: $9.73, Canada Safeway: $11. 28, Shoppers Drug Mart: $11.56.

But a more recent data indicates some prices decreased while others increased.