Health & Wellness

OTTAWA—Revamped federal rules to allow Canadians to grow their own medical marijuana likely are to form part of the government’s overall plan for legalization of the drug, the federal justice minister says.

OTTAWA — It seems some federal workers don’t want to be caught sitting down on the job.

A pilot project in one government department has found that public servants really like their sit-stand desks — so much so, some reported anxiety about being moved to a new position or assignment that would make them give up the chance to spend some or all of the day on their feet.

CHICAGO — Forget Fluffy and Fido. Bessie the cow just might make a healthier pet.

HOLMDEL, N.J.—It’s one of the most universal recommendations in all of public health: Floss daily to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Except there’s little proof that flossing works.

Still, the federal government, dental organizations and manufacturers of floss have pushed the practice for decades.

HOLMDEL, N.J. — It’s one of the most universal recommendations in all of public health: Floss daily to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Except there’s little proof that flossing works.

LONDON — If you spend all day sitting, then you might want to schedule some time for a brisk walk ‚Äî just make sure you can spare at least an hour.

VANCOUVER—Overdose deaths have climbed to such an urgent level in British Columbia that the province needs help from the federal government to deal with a public health emergency, Premier Christy Clark says.

CHICAGO — Parents of newborns with rare genetic conditions used to hear the grim words that the severe birth defects were “incompatible with life.” Support groups and social media showing the exceptions have changed the landscape. So has mounting research suggesting that not all such babies are doomed to die.

WASHINGTON — The ALS Association is crediting money raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge for the discovery of a gene they say is among the most common that contribute to the progressive disease.

Those who accepted the challenge allowed buckets of ice water to be dumped on their heads to raise awareness of ALS.

TORONTO—Ontario will be the first province to stop paying for high doses of long-acting opioids as part of a push to reduce the “growing problem” of addiction to the pain-killers in the province.