Regardless of our ability to endure seemingly endless winters, cold weather seems inexorably linked with a spike in the number of illnesses - especially colds. Outbreaks usually peak in late January or early February but continue to the end of April.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadians took an average of 8.1 sick days in 2007. That's an increase of more than half a day since 2003.

Men took an average of 6.7 sick days in 2007, compared to 9.9 for women.

Jill McChesney is a Registered Nurse and homeopathic practitioner with her own practice, JEM Homeopathics located in Burlington, Ontario. McChesney sees clients with various health concerns and goals ranging from arthritis, depression and cancer, to weight loss, overall health improvements, and sleep issues. She attended McMaster University for psychology, Ryerson Polytechnic University for her Nursing Degree, and The Homeopathic College of Canada for her doctorate in Homeopathy.

If you're like most Canadians, you probably made a few resolutions as 2008 faded into 2009. One of them may have been to lose a few pounds.

Again, if you're like most Canadians, you've either given up or forgotten about those resolutions - or dropped one diet for another.

Depending on whose figures you believe, the North American diet industry does in excess of $35 billion US in business every year. Yet our waistlines continue to get bigger.

Paul McKenna, Britain's best-selling non-fiction author, says diets are evil.

March 2 is this year's deadline for contributing to your RRSP. This year you can also contribute to a tax-free savings account, or TFSA.

Which one makes the most sense for you? What's the difference? How can you make the best personal investments in the current economic climate?

Tina Tehranchian is a certified financial planner and holds a Master of Arts in communications from University of Portland, in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. She has taught personal financial planning at Centennial College's Centre for Entrepreneurship for over ten years, and has been the recipient of numerous academic and professional awards.

She took your questions on RRSPs, TFSAs, and financial planning.

Before acting on any of the information, please make sure to see a professional advisor for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances.

February 1 - 7 marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight and discuss the struggles many teens and adults face with body image.

A 2001 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 27 per cent of Ontario girls between 12-18 years old were reported to be engaged in severely problematic food and weight behaviour.

Jacqui Gingras, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor at Ryerson University's School of Nutrition. Brian Chittock is the executive director of Jessie's Hope Society in Vancouver. They took your questions on eating disorders and healthy body image.

Read their answers.

These responses should not replace the advice of your health care professional.

How to participate

Remember, when sending in your question:

• A short question is better than a long one.
• One question is better than many.
• If a question needs some context, keep it brief.
• Preference will be given to questions from those who give a full name and location.
• Questions may be edited for length and clarity.