Health
Doctor Game: How we can prevent deaths from influenza
By Medicine Hat News on January 14th, 2019
Death from influenza is always tragic. But it is particularly so when it occurs at a young age. This year an increasing number of influenza cases is being seen in emergency centres. And, as usual, thousands of North Americans will die from this seasonal disease. But are some dying needlessly? The Center for Disease Control ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Why not Dr. Sydney Bush for the Nobel Prize?
By Medicine Hat News on January 7th, 2019
What a sad day for me! I should also add, for the world. I have just learned that Dr. Sydney Bush has died. During my 43 years of writing this column I have never devoted a memoriam to a colleague. But one is needed for Dr. Sydney Bush. In part, I’ll miss his presence. But ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health: Realistic goals can be invigorating and healthy
By Gillian Slade on December 31st, 2018
There is something uniquely exciting about standing on the threshold of a new year; it is like a new page, a new chapter, a chance to start again or in a new direction. I’m not talking about New Year’s resolutions because those invariably don’t last and that can be rather depressing. On the other hand ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Are you taking these medicines too long?
By Medicine Hat News on December 31st, 2018
What will be your 2019 New Year’s resolution? Losing weight? Finally deciding to get off the couch and get more exercise? Hopefully to convince yourself smoking means 20 years less life? These are all healthy ways to start the year. But I’d like to add another New Year’s resolution. Many North Americans are taking medicines ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Were you paying attention this year?
By Medicine Hat News on December 24th, 2018
How much have you been paying attention in 2018? I hope that during that time you’ve learned to live a better lifestyle, and to circumvent medical hazards that will enable you to live longer. So let’s see how well you do on this test. 1. Heroin is available for addicts at injection sites in Canada. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health: Advances in treating cancer soaring
By Gillian Slade on December 24th, 2018
In the news recently there has been coverage of a little boy in Alberta who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few years ago and is finally making huge strides thanks to treatment targeting a specific gene. Surgery and chemotherapy did not seem to be improving things until a specific gene for the cancer was ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: One call can do wonders
By Medicine Hat News on December 17th, 2018
What’s the most important gift you could give this holiday season? The Greek philosopher, Plato, once remarked, “Whoever likes being alone must be either a beast or a God.” I’d say amen to that statement. Crisis workers tell us that at this time of the year, depression and suicide risk is highest. So what can ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health: Don’t get stressed out by the hustle and bustle of the season
By Gillian Slade on December 17th, 2018
For many people Christmas is a season of excitement while others struggle with memories of loved ones who have left a void. There are also those who feel an overwhelming sense of despair about the preparations, expectations and family gatherings. While there are all sorts of expectations put on us it is really up to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health:Drawing out your brain’s memory capabilities
By Gillian Slade on December 10th, 2018
The benefits of stimulating your brain by doing things like crossword puzzles and Sudoku have long been recognized as beneficial cognitively but now the University of Waterloo has research to show drawing may be even better. Don’t worry if you are not artistically inclined; that does not appear to impact the benefits at all. “We ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Low-intensity laser therapy for bruised brains
By Medicine Hat News on December 10th, 2018
How far have we come since Egyptians drilled holes in the skull in an attempt to cure a variety of diseases? We’ve seen tremendous advances in brain surgery. But relatively little progress in how to treat concussion. Basically, medical advice has been to rest while waiting for the brain to recover. But research now shows ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Remedies to prevent arterial calcification, death from AAA
By Medicine Hat News on December 3rd, 2018
Ask anyone about AAA and they will immediately think of the American Automobile Association. But in this case it stands for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Sir William Osler once remarked, “There is no disease more conducive to clinical humility than aneurysm of the aorta.” He could have added that it’s a lethal disease, so prevention is ... Read More »
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