CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN 2012

    Our main Celebration of Christmas came early this year on the 22^nd of December so Grandmother Stewart could catch a flight to meet with her brother in Florida.  My grandson’s wife, Stephanie, and her mother worked together preparing a sumptuous feast.  Grandma Stewart placed the roast beef entrée in her oven to have it ready.  The numerous delicious salads Stephanie had brought included Yorkshire pudding and other amenities.  Grandma packed up the leftovers that included some of the cherry and pumpkin pies and sent them home with Luke and family for the next day.  Uncle Keith had made his special chocolate coated mini bars and that too was very popular with all, especially among my four great grandchildren. 

 Soon gifts were being unwrapped by eight busy little hands as four dollies emerged from their long sleep into the light of the afternoon sun.  Their pale brown faces seemed to almost smile suggesting they too enjoyed the excitement of the freedom into the big wide world as they became models.  Blue jean styles were folded for possible use next day that might take them out for a hike into their on-again off-again clearing the walk as small patches of tree-clad branches released their overnight collections of snow.  Taking me home in the evening, Luke took the opportunity to ask about all my brothers and sisters who were part of my childhood.  He said their children had recently been asking many questions about them.  “Starting with my Great-uncle Paul, tell me everything,” he said.  “That’s a big order during just a 20 minute ride but I’ll try.  Your uncle Paul was born on November 19, 1916, eleven months after the Christmas week marriage of my parents.  It was a two day sleigh ride for the 65 mile trip to Medicine Hat to buy a marriage license.  That meant an overnight stay half way there, and two bedrooms to rent since they were still not married.  Paul became a wonderful example to the rest of their children.  He was a very kind person and sheltered my sister Helen and me from the bitterly cold north winds during the mile walk to our country school near Orion, Alberta.  Forty below zero was common during December and January.  Other parents loaded their children in wagons after changing the wheels to sleigh runners.   Paul also protected us from Seafoam, the neighbours bull who kept a distant watch over his harem of cows.  Paul would direct us to get under a small bridge midway to school and Seafoam couldn’t reach us.  Paul’s slender six foot four frame could wriggle behind us and give us a push..   My parent’s next child was Uncle Fred.”  “But wait, my grandson interrupted, I want to know still more about your brother Paul.”  That will have to be for another day I tell him.  We have arrived back to my home in Orchard Valley, Centre.   

THE DIABETIC DILEMMA

    Medical Doctors can confirm the presence of diabetes that may be developing in the patient’s health system.  Taking a blood sample will reveal a reading that should be kept under six.  Doctors usually offer advice regarding how to eat wisely.  The rest is up to the patient to carry out the doctor’s instructions.  Even first grade children in the school system soon learn to prick a finger and get the necessary reading and be able to understand that this reading can keep them safe when it is the number six or under. 

    A close friend was invited to join a group of a dozen other people to meet together at the local hospital to help them better understand their recently diagnosed case of diabetes and make the necessary changes in their lifestyle.  Being overweight needed to be corrected. 

     Researchers followed 810 people for 18 months and found that those who consumed an average of one less 12-ounce sugar-sweetened drinks a day – such as sodas and fruit drinks – tended to have lower blood pressure levels than those who drank more.  Many facets of developing a healthy lifestyle also influence other areas of the body and ways to restore health. For example, people who correct vision problems with implanted contact lenses have lower complications than those who have laser surgery, according to a May 2010 Cochrane review.  Implantable contacts are reversible.                        

     Antibiotic resistance, from animals to humans, show the bacteria that cause urinary-tract infections resistant to antibiotics may have developed first in animals, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.  Researchers think that the cause may be the widespread use of antibiotics in animal feed.

     Italian researchers analyzed the most healthful way of cooking foods in the microwave oven or otherwise.  Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower were tested.  In general fresh vegetables retained more of their nutrients than frozen ones and steaming preserved, and in some cases enhanced their nutritional profile better.

KEEPING WELL IN COLD WEATHER

     A well balanced healthful diet and a less stressful lifestyle can boost immunity.  There isn’t a vaccine for everything, including that wintertime invader, the common cold, but exercising and eating wisely and getting plenty of sleep can help.  Long exhausting workouts can weaken immunity but moderate exercise like walking or riding a bicycle to work for half an hour strengthens defences.

    People whose diets are low in certain nutrients – may require extra nutrients, mainly vitamins A,C,D, and folic acid – as well as the minerals iron, selenium and zinc that tend to have fewer and less active types of white blood cells that defend against invading microorganisms.  Most people can maintain a strong immunity by eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, along with modest amounts of lean meat, fish, nuts and vegetable oils.  People over 50 should check with their physician about whether to take the supplements vitamins B12 and D.  A story on today’s CBC news told of a mother’s young son who wished to drink six glasses of milk each day. Tests have shown that too much cow’s milk could cause depletion of iron and the mother was able to convince him to reduce it to four half-glasses of milk each day.

    People with higher stress levels tend to have more infections, develop more severe illnesses and take longer to recover.  Easing stress may enhance immunity.  Activities that have promising evidence for boosting immunity include tai chi, meditation, and relaxation training.  Other steps that are equally important include getting adequate sleep, quitting smoking, and cultivating social support from friends and relatives.  It was shocking to hear another CBC news item today that gave the percentages of teenagers who think they can
maintain good health by eating macaroni and cheese only for the main meal of the day.

THE BODY'S BEST FRIEND

    The most multi-tasking organ of the body is the liver with 300 functions, including the body’s main filter and processing every form of food and drink plus chemicals absorbed by the skin.  It breaks down and distributes all components into the needy body areas and directs all waste products into the exit.  The liver emulsifies fats to be more easily absorbed in the body’s entire system.  A warehouse for sugar, another form of glucose is released into the bloodstream when needed.  Because the liver is such a large organ it is able to provide energy to all areas quickly and remains on standby at all times as each need arises.

    During special celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, it is tempting to take too many alcoholic drinks.  At a teen-age house party last weekend one person drank too much alcohol and passed out on the kitchen floor.  A couple of other party attendants took advantage of him and poured an inflammatory on him and lit him on fire.  One of them took pictures to post some on a computer.  The Vernon Jubilee Hospital is busy trying to keep him alive and the police are now involved in the situation.

     According to Gary Levy, M.D, a hepatologist and director of the Multiorgan Transplant Center at the Toronto General Hospital Center with The Canadian Medical Association says, “Because the liver is so large it doesn’t manifest it until it is very late, and by the time specialists see patients, they may have irreversible end-stage liver disease.  Here is his advice for a healthy liver: 

* Do Not Drink Alcohol.  As little as two average-size drinks a day can contribute to liver damage.

* Avoid Unnecessary Medications.  Even over-the-counter drugs can be harmful at high doses.  Even Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be the main culprit.  Taken with alcohol, it has been known to cause liver failure.

* Do Daily Exercise.  When combined with a healthy diet, exercise helps ward off obesity, a risk factor for the disease.

*Get Tested.  When getting a regular physical exam make sure your liver is being checked for abnormalities.  Illicit drugs, piercings and tattoos from risky establishments increase the risk of viral hepatitis.  Ask your doctor about the hepatitis vaccine, if travelling out of North America.  Herbal as well as homeopathic remedies have been suggested.  Some are inconclusive but have helped a compromised liver, especially B vitamins.  Eggs and green leafy vegetables like spinach are good sources of folic acid. 

      

FACING ALLERGIES

     Grass skirts may be fun to watch but there are other types of grass that can harm some people and are not always the best choices at Christmas.  If you are headed for Hawaii there is some advice from the Canadian Medical Association.  “Be advised that the grass in this tropical paradise pollinates year around.  Find out which plant will be pollinating in your vacation spot when you book your flight.”  Taking family members as well as one of the grandmothers to Hawaii one year, our niece had to rush the grandmother to the hospital as soon as they arrived back in Canada.  The diagnosis was difficult and the hospital was overcrowded.  This year the grandmother is happy to stay at a care home while some of the others have left for Hawaii.   

     During any high allergy season – next spring for example – one should use caution because there is a lot more allergen laden air outside, like there was in 2003 when serious forest fires added to the problem.  The Canadian Health Magazine further states, “Sorry, to tell you about convertible cars, keep windows closed and air conditioning on when travelling by car.  Avoid long-wear contact lenses.  Dust or pollen particles can become embedded in them, increasing exposure to irritants.  Daily disposable contact lenses cause less redness, grittiness and cloudiness of vision.  You can dilute some allergens with artificial tears.  Allergy eye drops may help.  Protect your eyes with sunglasses, wraparounds are good.

     Exercise indoors in high allergy seasons.  “When you are physically active outdoors, you breathe in a lot more allergen-laden air,   Keep your walks short.  Avoid ambitious excursions such as hikes and bike rides in the early morning which is peak pollen time,” says Allan Becker, one of the writers for the above mentioned magazine.  Scientists believe that allergies and asthma are different facets of the same disease due to outdoor inhaling.  One doesn’t have to give up gardening   Try to minimize some of the plants listed below for possible allergic reactions.  They may include any one of these: crabapple, cherry, dogwood, alder, ash, beech, bottlebrush flower, camphor, cedar, elm, juniper, red maple, mulberry, oak, poplar and willow.  Certain people have challenges with begonia, clematis, crocus, daffodil, daisy, geranium, gladiolus, impatiens, iris, pansy, peony, petunia, rose and tulip when in flower.  When people eat more nourishing foods our own health improves to the point where we can handle most allergies.  In addition to the entrée, we need the green salad, the baked potato and three vegetables instead of just two vegetables on our dinner plates.

AN ANTICANCER LIFESTYLE

    Being proactive with your health suggests that changing the diet and making other lifestyle changes could eliminate 40 percent of colorectal cancer, according to Consumer Reports on Health.

·        EAT LESS RED MEAT:  During digestion, red and processed meats form carcinogenic chemicals.  According to a 2011 meta-analysis combining results of 21 studies, the colorectal cancer risk was 22 percent greater among people who ate five ounces of red and processed meat a day compared with those who ate less than an ounce. 

·        Eat more vegetables, fruit, and fiber.  A recent study using data from the U.S. Polyp Prevention Trial looked at the impact of diet on 1900 people with a history of pre-cancerous polyps.  Those who met goals for cutting fat and consumed at least 18 grams of fiber and 3.5 servings of vegetables and fruit per 1,000 calories each day were 35 percent less likely to develop new polyps during this study.

·        Exercise.  Sedentary people are about twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer as highly active exercisers.  Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of moderately intense exercise.

          Maintain a healthy weight.  Being overweight increases the risk of colorectal cancer no matter how active you are.  Excess abdominal fat (indicated by a waist size that exceeds 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men) could be a more important factor than over-all body weight.

           Don’t rely too much on drugs or supplements.  Some, such as aspirin and related NSAIDs, calcium supplements, and for women, postmenopausal hormone therapy, might lower the risk, evidence shows.  But all additional health risks, and there is not enough proof of their effectiveness and safety to recommend use to prevent colon cancer.  Limit alcohol.  People who have an average of two to four drinks a day have a 23 percent higher risk than those averaging less than one drink a day.  Researchers have enough evidence to conclude definitely that smoking tobacco contributes to colorectal cancer.  Women appear to be more susceptible to precancerous polyps from smoking than men according to a study published online in July 2011 in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences.

  

ADVANTAGES OF EXERCISE

     In a study in the journal Cephalgia researchers divided 91 people with migraines on medication or relaxation training.  Exercise was as effective of reducing the frequency of migraines as medication was for groups that either used an indoor cycle three times a week for 40 minutes, practiced relaxation techniques or took the anti-migration drug topiramate (topamax and generic).  Check with your pharmacist.  After three months, the groups had comparable reductions in migraine frequency.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND STROKES

    You might be at increased risk of having a stroke even if your blood pressure is only slightly above normal, according to a review of 12 studies involving 518,000 adults in the October 4, 2011 issue of Neurology.  Those with hypertension – a systolic (top) reading between 120 and 139 and a diastolic (bottom)) number between 80 and 89 – were 55 percent more likely to have a stroke over a median of 10 years than those with normal blood pressure.

HPV IN THE NEWS

    Two recent studies suggest that the dangers of the sexually transmitted human (HPV) might extend beyond cervical cancer, its best-known risk.  In one study, researchers found a sharp increase in cases of throat cancer between 1984 and 1994 in both men and women due to HPV. An analysis of risks from data, 2,450 women found a correlation, albeit preliminary, between HPV and cardiovascular disease.

PROTECTING YOUNG VISITORS ON SUPERBOWL SUNDAY   

      

    Large TV’s, furniture and appliances can be serious hazards if they are not anchored to prevent being tipped over, especially for young children who might be tempted to use shelves for climbing.  More than 43,000 of them go to emergency rooms each year for injuries due to falling household items, nearly half of them are age 8 and under.  Anti-tip brackets and straps that secure furniture to walls can help by placing TVs on low sturdy bases.

   

CAN TOO MANY DOCTORS SPOIL YOUR CARE?

    This question is posed by Orly Avitzur, M.D., M.B.A., medical advisor to Consumer Reports, Board certified in neurology, a fellow in The American Academy of Neurology and clinical instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine.  She is also a medical consultant to the New York Rangers.

    A colleague had referred her father to me with apologies.  He was a 78 year old business man visiting from Florida for the month and asked me to set up appointments with half a dozen specialists.   He had well-controlled blood pressure, an enlarged prostate and occasional bouts of pneumonia, but otherwise was in good health.  He came to see me complaining of recent headaches.  He already had seen a cardiologist, an internist, and an urologist during his visit and was taking a variety of painkillers and muscle relaxants.

    It is common to find people who are already on the same drugs, such as the patients I see after car accidents.  A doctor may then order another test.    In a health survey last year, 87 percent respondents said they somewhat agreed that “it’s better to have a scare that turns out to be nothing than not get tested at all.”  Only 18 percent recognized the risk of having a false alarm.  While genuine medical problems should never be ignored, overtreatment takes time away from more pleasurable endeavors.  It is estimated that overtreatment alone was responsible for “158 billion to 228 billion in wasteful spending in 2011, while failure to coordinate care cost 25 to 45 billion.  Besides the overall implications for health care spending and the threat to worthy government programs, your own pocket book is affected.  Even with the best insurance plans copayments for office visits, tests, procedures and pharmacy bills can add up quickly. 

    Undergoing frequent tests, waiting for results, and trying to make sense of conflicting opinions can cause undue tension.  In the case of my colleague’s father, stress undoubtedly contributed to his headaches.  The multiple painkillers he was taking had contributed to a rebound effect.  With reassurance and gradual discontinuation of the drugs, the headaches were eventually resolved.       

SURGICAL RECOVERY

STAY SAFE AT THE HOSPITAL:  Two of the main risks at any hospitalization are medical errors and infections.  They are largely out of the doctor’s control but family and friends can help mitigate the risk by having a friend or relative there with you during the time to ask questions, monitor hand washing and administration of medication, make sure catheters and IV lines are kept clean and removed when they are no longer needed (that doesn’t always happen), and speak up in general if something doesn’t seem right.  If that is not possible, consider hiring a private-duty nurse for the job.

“It may set back your recovery,” warns Della Valle, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in the Hospital for Special Surgery and an associate professor of orthopedic surgery a Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.  “Good pain control allows them to rehabilitate faster and develop a range of motion.”  Taking pain killers, if needed, can also make it easier to breathe and cough, which opens the airways and clears out secretions that can increase the risk of pneumonia,” adds Ann Bauman, M.D., medical director for women’s health and community relations.  “A combination of narcotic painkillers, anesthesia, and restricted food and drink may require stool softeners.  A high fiber diet may need plenty of fluids to help get things moving again.  As for the bladder, one risk is urinary retention, or the inability to urinate despite having a full bladder, a possible side effect of certain medications.”   The treatment is catheterization. 

TEND TO YOUR INCISION:  Common errors include touching the incision with unwashed hands and applying peroxide, lotion or antibiotic ointment to it.  Don’t bathe or swim until your doctor says it is OK, because water can soften the skin and cause the incision to pull apart.  Don’t pick at the scab.  Incisions should be checked several times a day.  Ask about taking walks when returning home, necessary to help the system get moving again.  Patients recovering from open heart surgery have to learn to get out of chairs without using their hands to avoid straining the breastbone, which was cut in half during surgery.  “Older patients are more vulnerable and may feel disoriented that can cause postsurgical delirium or acute alteration of the mental state but doesn’t always completely resolve and can lead to cognitive impairment when using sedatives,” according to Sharon K. Inouye, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.