Expert Alert - Taking Valentine’s Day to Heart

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) experts are available to comment

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

For immediate release

OTTAWA (February 14, 2011) – Valentine's day is quickly approaching! Whether we are spending time with a special someone or going solo, this occasion is also a day to reflect on the need to maintain our health. In the context of February's "Heart Health" month, it is a good time to take stock of our physical and mental health.

CIHR experts are available to offer advice and information on how to make Valentine's Day healthier.

Experts:

Absence makes the heart grow stronger: Avoid those Valentine's Day candies to maintain a healthy heart
Dr. Bernardo Trigatti, CIHR-funded researcher (Hamilton, Ontario)

Online Dating: Does meeting partners online place women at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV?
Ms. Cindy Masaro, CIHR-funded researcher (Surrey, British Columbia)

Mothers to be: Satisfying your sweet tooth with dark chocolate may protect mom and baby
Dr. Sylvie Dodin Dewailly, CIHR-funded researcher (Québec, Québec)

The importance of social support in homosexual relationships and the impact on mental and physical well-being
Dr. Karen Lyndsay Blair, CIHR-funded researcher (Wolfville, Nova Scotia)

Love, sickness or health: What effect does being in a romantic relationship have on your long-term health and well-being?
Dr. Dominique Walker, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, Québec)

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For the past 10 years, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has supported better health and healthcare for Canadians. As the Government of Canada's health research investment agency, CIHR enables the creation of evidence-based knowledge and its transformation into improved treatments, prevention and diagnoses, new products and services, and a stronger, patient-oriented healthcare system. Composed of 13 internationally-recognized institutes, CIHR supports more than 13,600 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist   
Tel: 613-941-4563
Cell: 613-808-7526
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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