Visits to the emergency room are never fun. Dr. Shazma Mithani can attest to that. The Edmonton emergency physician has seen first-hand how stressful and frightening a trip to the ER can be for her patients. She shares the five things you can do to avoid a trip to the emergency department, based on what she’s experienced on the job.

And, the latest trend in wellness is in-depth blood testing. In the past, you might have gone to get a blood test to check the levels of certain indicators. Usually, if your tests showed you were within the acceptable range, no action was taken. But increasingly, folks looking to optimize their health are seeking out blood tests and reading them like tea leaves. Companies are now offering full blood-work panels outside of regular doctor visits, for a price. The Globe’s Graham Isador looks into what these tests can tell you and if they’re worth the cost.

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