November 24th, 2024

Health

Is it nuclear war, viral epidemic or azoospermia?

By Medicine Hat News on August 28th, 2017

It’s been said that “Those who do not remember history are destined to relive it.” Today, the problem is that none of us seem to remember history, so we’re destined to relive it one way or another. So will our civilization end with a nuclear holocaust? A worldwide viral pandemic? Or, will it be due ... Read More »

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Viruses and cancer risk

By Medicine Hat News on August 21st, 2017

Metro Editorial According to the American Cancer Society, certain viruses, bacteria and parasites are now recognized as risk factors for cancer. While the percentage of cancers linked to infections is higher in developing countries than it is in first world countries such as the United States, between 15 and 20 per cent of cancers across ... Read More »

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To Your Health: A valuable resource for dementia patients

By Gillian Slade on August 21st, 2017

We value memories without even thinking about it, going to great lengths to create scrapbooks that record precious moments from our past, perhaps adding photos of evocative images. Those memories can help us experience once again a moment of great joy or one of sorrow. They can occupy our thoughts endlessly, bringing pleasure or not, ... Read More »

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Doctor Game: Could this pill get the Nobel Prize?

By Medicine Hat News on August 21st, 2017

Could hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the gas that causes the odour of farts, ever receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine? Dr. Rui Wang, an internationally known Canadian researcher, reports that one day we may have a “fart pill” that fights one of our great killers, hypertension. Passing flatus affects kings, queens and the rest of us. ... Read More »

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To Your Health: Reduce sugar intake for overall health improvement

By Gillian Slade on August 14th, 2017

The health rewards from cutting down your sugar intake can start within a week, according to research undertaken in the U.S. The fringe benefits are not only reduced weight but also a healthier liver and reduced risk of diabetes. In the research study 40 children who were significantly overweight had sugar removed from their diet. ... Read More »

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To Your Health: You can’t replace human touch

By Gillian Slade on July 31st, 2017

Technology is creating pathways to make it possible for seniors to stay in their own homes as they age but great danger is lurking too if we deprive them of the human touch. There are devices that can prompt someone to take their medication at the right time. There are mechanisms to tell someone, some ... Read More »

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Doctor Game: The $1,000,000 surgical error

By Medicine Hat News on July 31st, 2017

Many years ago I wrote, “The problem with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is it leaves the impression that tiny incisions mean a simple, uncomplicated way to perform an operation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as catastrophic complications can happen.” Recently, a Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) survey confirmed the potential dangers of keyhole surgery. ... Read More »

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Doctor Game: Need cataract surgery? Here’s what you should know

By Medicine Hat News on July 24th, 2017

Do you remember the Holiday Inn ad? It stated, “There are no surprises at the Holiday Inn.” But, unlike Holiday Inns, there’s no such thing as surprise-free or risk-free surgery. To get an update about cataract surgery I interviewed Dr. Raymond Stein, medical director of the Bochner Eye Institute, and associate professor of ophthalmology at ... Read More »

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To Your Health: Creative prescriptions for better health

By Gillian Slade on July 24th, 2017

If you have ever participated in something creative you probably know the sense of relaxation and calm that can be derived. In the U.K. there has even been talk about physicians prescribing creativity pursuits such as attending an art class or a poetry workshop because of the positive benefits in boosting health and a sense ... Read More »

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To Your Health: Keep your cool in the summer heat

By Gillian Slade on July 17th, 2017

Trying to stay comfortably cool when there is a heat wave can be difficult but it is not impossible. The key is making use of the hours when temperatures are lowest — at night and in the early morning. I often take the opportunity to enjoy fresh air just before going to bed. It is ... Read More »

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Doctor Game: Swimming in 20 gallons of pee

By Medicine Hat News on July 17th, 2017

Have you ever wondered what you’re swimming in when someone invites you to a pool party? I’ve always found it hard to turn down these weekend soirees. The weather is usually good, you enjoy cocktails talking to friends, and then a refreshing dip in the pool. Now, an eye-boggling report by Jennifer Clopton in the ... Read More »

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