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this page:   wellness tips  |  health  |  wills  |

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HEALTH

Importance of water; are you drinking enough?

We all know that drinking water is important but we have never seen it written down like this before: 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated, in 37% of North Americans the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even MILD dehydration will slow down your metabolism as much as 3%.

One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in the University of Washington study. Lack of water is the # 1 trigger of daytime fatique. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short term memory, trouble with basic math and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and a person is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?

How to read your blood pressure 

Blood pressure is the force pushing against your artery walls as the blood moves through the vessels. It is measured at two points; the first when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries – it is called the systolic (SBP) pressure. The second measurement is taken between beats when the heart is refilling with blood and the pressure on the vessel is the lowest; it is called diastolic (DBP) pressure.

Normal blood pressure varies from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, and also rise or decrease substantially in a span of a few minutes. The ideal is considered to be 120/80. High normal pressure ranges from 130/85 to 139/89. Hypertension ranges in Stage 1 between 140/90 and 159/99, in Stage 2 between 160/100 and 179/109 and Stage 3 hypertension is 180/110 or higher.

It is important to note that regular monitoring of your blood pressure is essential for changes in diet or exercise, or if needed, in administering medication. To get an accurate assessment, you should have your pressure tested several times over the course of several days and take an average of the readings.

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What is colorectal cancer?

Occurring as often in women as it does in men, colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Canada after prostate and lung cancer in men and cancers of lung and breast in women. Earlier in the disease this diagnosis is made, better the chance of survival – if removed before it is able to spread, 75 % of all colorectal cancer can be cured.

The colon and rectum are at the core of the body digestive system, removing nutrients from food and storing waste until it is passed out of the body. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or the large bowel; the colon occupies the first five to six feet of the large intestine, while the rectum makes up the last five or six inches.

Colorectal cancer progresses in a fairly slow, predictable manner, beginning when abnormal cell growth causes the formation of a tumor in the large intestine. These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous), where cells grow and remain at their original site. In malignant (cancerous) tumors the abnormal cells grow and invade the adjacent intestine.

Cancer cells may even enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and organs producing and storing the cells that fight infection and disease). This process, called “metastasis”, is how cancer spreads from the original tumor to form new tumors in other parts of the body, particularly the liver.

If a patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the doctor must establish the extent (stage – out of six) of the disease in order to determine a treatment strategy. This staging will then help to show the effectiveness of the treatment and whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body.

Testing for colorectal cancer:  ·  Rectal examination · Testing for blood in the stool · Colonoscopy  ·  Sigmoidoscopy  ·  Barium Enema 

Treatment options:  Surgery is by far the most common form of treatment, however the success rate depends on the stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancerous cells left behind post-surgery, to relieve disease symptoms and to help shrink tumors; drugs are delivered directly to the bloodstream. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Most often used with cancers in the rectum, it is also used before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove. Biological therapy (or immunotherapy) harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Used to repair, stimulate or enhance the immune system’s natural anti-cancer function, biological therapies may be administered after surgery, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Most biological treatments are given intravenously.

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Prostate cancer facts

• One man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
• Prostate cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among men.
• Risk appears to increase with age, fatty diet and family history.
• There are no early warning signs of prostate cancer.
• Its incidence increases rapidly after age 50, but prostate cancer can occur at an earlier age.

Prostate cancer was once regarded as an old man’s disease, main because tumors themselves grow so slowly that symptoms traditionally appeared in old age. The hard truth however, is that the disease is increasingly appearing in younger men. Estimates show that one man in three has the seeds of prostate cancer. Where once the 70s were the generation men feared, today it can be in their 50s when tell-tale signs begin to appear – frequent urination, difficult urination, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction. They are symptoms men are often hesitant to discuss openly – even with their doctors.

The prostate itself is not well understood. Roughly the size and shape of a chestnut, it sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate’s job is to supply fluid to carry the sperm during ejaculation. It is also thought to provide propulsion of sperm.

With age the prostate can develop a trio of problems; benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), prostatitis and prostate cancer. BPH is a swelling of the prostate, which results in pressure to the urethra, slowing the flow of urination. It is rare in men under 40 but suffered by 80 % of those twice that age. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, which may or may not be related to infection. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, difficult and painful ejaculation and pain behind the scrotum. Prostate cancer is like any other cancer where cells begin to grow erratically. As they multiply they form a tumor. In the early stages of prostate cancer there are no symptoms.

Undiagnosed, the tumor can interfere with urination as it swells and blocks the urethra. It can also metastasize or spread throughout the body, launching tumors in lymph glands, bones or other organs.

While the cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, the simple fact is that if detected early enough, it can be successfully treated. Test like PSA, blood test, manual rectal examination, an ultrasound and, if necessary, biopsy, can identify if cancer is present. The key remains early detection.

The American Urological Association’s Symptom Index for BPH is available for self-assessment at www.mdmultimedia.com/Formatio/Prostate/preven.htm. In any event, discuss the subject with your physician and insist on annual PSA testing.

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Brain attack - the signs and symptoms of stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency. Your chances of surviving a stroke a enjoying a full recovery are better if you get medical help right away. If you feel any of the symptoms listed here, call 911 or the medical emergency number in your area immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to pass.

The brain attack is as much a medical emergency as a heart attack. The main warning signs of stroke:

• sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling of the face, arm and/or leg;
• temporary difficulty or loss of speech, or trouble understanding speech;
• sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye, or double vision;
• sudden, severe, unusual headaches;
• dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially with any of the above signs.

Other symptoms may included: seizures, sudden nausea, fever and vomiting, brief loss of consciousness.

Don't ignore TIAs:   A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a warning sign of impending stroke. It usually hits suddenly, with no advance warning, lasting only minutes. It is caused by a temporary blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the brain. This significant warning sign gives the physician a chance to diagnose the stroke and afford the necessary intervention. TIAs indicate the presence of blood clots or  blocked arteries to the physician. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, even for a few minutes, contact your doctor. Medical and surgical treatment may reduce your risk of a full-blown stroke.

Remember, only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a stroke or TIA.  Never ignore stroke symptoms!

What to watch after a stroke:   If you are a stroke survivor or you are taking care of a stroke survivor, you should contact your doctor immediately if any of the following circumstances occur:

• a swollen, painful leg, arm or hand;
• chest pain or shortness of breath;
• bleeding from the gums or skin, or blood in the urine;
• abdominal pain or severe indigestion;
• seizures or loss of consciousness;
• unusual, reduced responsiveness to surroundings, family or friends;
• change in urinary function, especially a burning sensation;
• depression and frequent sadness;
• running out of medicine;
• fainting upon standing up;
• nausea, dizziness or the inability to remember how and when to take medications;
• aggression and rage;
• high fever;
• confusion;
• severe headache/tenderness of the scalp.

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Take small steps to increase fitness

It may be impossible to get to the gym every day to work on your endurance, flexibility and strength, but there are things you can do daily to get some health benefits. All these steps count as progress - take one, congratulate yourself and take another.

• Walk whenever possible - get off the bus early, park the car further away or leave it at home. Use the stairs instead of the elevator
• Cut down on long periods of inactivity, such as watching TV or using the computer
• Get up from the couch or office chair and stretch and bend for a few minutes every hour
• Start slowly, progress gradually
• Start with a 10minute walk and gradually increase the time
• Take the stairs to go up one or two floors
• Walk, wheel or cycle for short trips; use walking and cycling paths
• Try or observe a physical activity class to see if you want to try it
• Do the activities you are doing now, more often or with more effect
• Check out the programs and services at the YWCA/YMCA or community recreation centre and see if anything interests you
• Join a friend who is already active at the gym, on the tennis court or in the pool

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Forget me not  - Facts and tips about Alzheimer's disease

The following are some dementia-friendly activities for people with Alzheimer's disease:

• Armchair travel - Break-up the winter blahs by traveling in your armchair. Visit your local library for travel videos and imagine yourself on the beach.
• Reminiscence activities - Gather together such things as children mittens, ice skates and pictures of winter scenes. Remember some childhood winter fun.
• Music/exercise - put on some favorite tunes and move to the music.
• Indoor outings - Plan a winter escape, right in the city. Pretend it is summer and visit the Conservatory or the Zoo, Museum.

Ten A's for Alzheimer's disease:

• Allow as much freedom and independence as possible, while keeping safety and comfort in mind.
• Actions help when verbal communications may fail. Help the person by demonstrating what you mean, or sometime starting them in the activity.
• Assume that the person may understand what you say, even if they are confused. Do not say things to other people in their presence as if they were deaf.
• Appreciate good moments or days, understanding the person will not remain the same.
• Appreciate activities help people with Alzheimer's disease pass time meaningfully and productively, reducing agitation, boredom, daytime sleeping and depression.
• Agitation can be alleviated when the caregiver remains calm, reassuring and respectful of the person's feelings.
• Arguments are useless and in fact, make matters worse. Confusion, memory loss and frustration are making the person behave irrationally and you cannot argue them out of it.
• Adults with disabilities are still adults, even though their mental level is not always equal to their social level.
• Adapt the task to fit the ability of the person. Breakdown the activity into separate steps, or simplify tasks by eliminating parts that could be frustrating.
• Assessment is ongoing. What is currently safe and effective may not be at a later time. Keep watching and re-evaluating.

Words of advise:     Acknowledge my disease; Don't pretend that nothing is wrong; Keep visiting and stay in contact; Don't treat me like a child; Learn about this disease; Take me seriously; Take time to listen; Don't stare at me strangely; Give me some space; Let me continue to do things that I can still do; Give me time to do things; Remember me.

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WILLS

Why should I have a Will?

The main purpose of preparing the Will is to see that your intentions are carried out with the minimum of expense and delay and in an orderly and efficient manner. In the great majority of cases, a properly drawn Will will save considerable administration expense for your family and heirs.

A Will is written direction controlling the disposition of one’s property at death. Each jurisdiction sets the formal requirements for a legal Will; usually the conditions are that the Testator is of a mature age, is of a sound mind and memory and that the Will is in writing. The Will must be also witnessed as the requirements dictate. May a person dispose of his assets by a Will any way he wishes? Not quite; different circumstances, actual situations and different legal restrictions may affect the final effect of the Will.

It is only prudent to have your Will prepared or at least reviewed by your attorney. The aspects of the Will, not to be overlooked, are, among the others: the effect of tax legislation, the administration of assets for the benefit of minors, the joint death of husband and wife, guardianship. Very importantly, the appointment of the right executor should not be overlooked.

The drafting of the Will involves the making of decisions requiring professional skill and judgment, which can be obtained only by many years of training and study. Only the practicing lawyer can offer this service and advise the course best suited for each individual situation to avoid pitfalls which could potentially beset your Will.

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Don't take passwords to the grave

Perhaps there are secrets we all should take to the grave. But, important computer account and mail passwords are not among them. Settling estate is a big challenge without them.

As an increasing amount of critical personal and work-related information is stored on computers instead of inside file cabinets, passwords are creating digital locked doors for lawyers, will executors and the relatives of deceased loved ones. Without a comprehensive list of passwords left behind by the dead, survivors and their representatives are often forced to hire special password-cracking services to break through electronic barriers. The lack  of access to password-protected online bank and brokerage accounts - as well as electronic mail and sections of computer hard drives - has prolonged the settlement of estates and thwarted emotional closure for survivors.

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