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5 Things to Know Today — September 17, 2026

  Thursday, September 17, 2026  A historic Fed rate hike, Carney embracing EU associate status, a sliding TSX, oil pulling back from four-month highs, and a high-stakes vote in Newfoundland — here is what every Canadian needs to watch today. ITEM 1 OF 5 The Fed Raised Rates for the First Time in Three Years The U.S. Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points Wednesday to a target range of 3.75–4.00%, defying public pressure from President Trump who had pushed for a cut. It marks the Fed’s first rate increase since 2023. Sixteen of eighteen FOMC officials signalled at least one further hike is likely before year-end. For Canadian markets, the ripple effects are real even though the Bank of Canada (still holding at 2.25%) does not move in lockstep with Washington. Higher U.S. Treasury yields, which have already pushed above 5%, pull Canadian government bond yields upward — and it is those bond yields, not the BoC’s overnight rate, that drive the 5-year ...

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Intermittent Fasting: A Simple and Effective Way to Improve Your Health

 


Intermittent fasting is a popular eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can have various benefits for your body and brain, such as weight loss, reduced inflammation, improved cell repair, and enhanced cognitive function.

There are different ways to practice intermittent fasting, such as:

1 Alternate-day fasting: Eat a normal diet one day and either completely fast or have one small meal (less than 500 calories) the next day.

2. 5:2 fasting: Eat a normal diet five days a week and fast two days a week.

3.  Daily time-restricted fasting: Eat normally but only within an eight-hour window each day. For example, skip breakfast but eat lunch around noon and dinner by 8 p.m.

According to several studies, intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and visceral fat, which is the harmful fat that accumulates around your organs. This is because intermittent fasting lowers your insulin levels, increases your human growth hormone (HGH) levels, and boosts your metabolism, all of which facilitate fat burning.

Intermittent fasting can also improve your heart health by lowering your blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Moreover, intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your body, which are linked to various chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

Intermittent fasting may also enhance your brain function by improving your memory, learning, and mood. This is because intermittent fasting stimulates the growth of new brain cells, increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and protects your brain from damage and aging.

Intermittent fasting is generally safe and effective for most people, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or have any medical condition, you should consult your doctor before trying intermittent fasting. You may also experience some side effects such as hunger, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, or headaches when you start intermittent fasting, but they usually go away within a month.

Intermittent fasting is a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being. By following an eating pattern that suits your lifestyle and preferences, you can enjoy the benefits of intermittent fasting without feeling deprived or stressed.



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