Local Life
Common Sense Health: Long-term survival after heart attack
By DR. W. GIFFORD JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD JONES on August 6th, 2021
An interview between Diana Gifford-Jones and Dr. W. Gifford-Jones Diana Gifford-Jones: You were 74 when a coronary attack nearly killed you. A short time later you had a coronary bypass. Readers often ask what you have done to prevent another coronary for so long? W. Gifford-Jones, MD: I have no single answer. I’m convinced it’s ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!What’s Up Doc?: Uncontrolled heartburn leads to serious complications
By DR. NOORALI BHARWANI on August 3rd, 2021
About 10-20% of the population experiences heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD). Excessive reflux of acidic, often with alkaline bile salt and duodenal contents, results in a multitude of symptoms for the patient including heartburn, regurgitation, cough and dysphagia. There are also associated complications of reflux including erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-malignant condition), stricture ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!All Psyched Up: Life’s a puzzle
By DR. LINDA HANCOCK on July 31st, 2021
Since I was a child, I have enjoyed challenges. When people gave up on untangling knotted string, I enthusiastically took on the task. Answering riddles, doing word games and figuring out mysteries were always fun for me. In fact, I believe that this way of approaching the world has helped me to do my work ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Science Smarts: Understand the beauty that surrounds us
By PATTY ROOKS on July 31st, 2021
Although the skies have been hazy and smoky lately, the evening sunsets are amazing. The colours you see on the horizon in the evening are breathtaking. We often take these beautiful phenomenons for granted. If you have time this weekend, take a moment and look to the sky in the west and enjoy the view! ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Common Sense Health: Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
By DR. GIFFORD-JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD-JONES on July 30th, 2021
Magnesium is involved in roughly 80% of metabolic functions in the body. It is critical in delivering energy to cells and for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant inside cells. Today, due to depletion of magnesium in the soil and modern food processing, about 60% of North Americans are deficient in this vital mineral. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Eye on the Esplanade: A truly magnificent display
By Xanthe Isbister on July 23rd, 2021
The Black Gold Tapestry, by Calgary artist Sandra Sawatzky, is one of the 21st century’s most significant Canadian works of art and it is on display at the Esplanade until early September. The 67-metre, hand-embroidered masterpiece visually narrates the history of oil, tracing its impact on human civilizations around the world and throughout the centuries. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Viva Vitality: Screen time and young children
By Amanda Poll on July 23rd, 2021
We live in a digital age and children are growing up in front of screens. Children under five years old are exposed to more screens than ever before, including televisions, computers, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablets. What is the right amount of screen time for my child? Young children learn best from face-to-face interactions with ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!All Psyched Up: Let’s sing along
By DR. LINDA HANCOCK on July 23rd, 2021
Ever since I was a small child, I have loved music! My dad had a beautiful bass voice and sang not only in the church choir and the barbershop chorus but also in the car and around home. We always knew he was in the area because we could hear his cheery whistling as he ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Science Smarts: Build your own rocket
By PATTY ROOKS on July 23rd, 2021
I do not know about your household, but there is a bit of midsummer boredom occurring around here … With the never ending heat, it is hard to find a fun outdoor activity to keep cool these days. This week is sure to not disappoint. I guarantee participants will get the odd cool spray when ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Common Sense Health: How accurate is your blood pressure reading?
By DR. GIFFORD-JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD-JONES on July 23rd, 2021
Having your blood pressure taken during an annual checkup is always part of the routine. In fact, compared to CT scans and MRI procedures used to detect complex problems, most people don’t give blood pressure readings much thought. As long as the doctor reports normal readings, there’s no reason for concern. But have you ever ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!By the Way: Making an impact
By REV. JEFF DECELLE on July 23rd, 2021
It has been a great privilege of mine to work on refugee sponsorship as part of the Medicine Hat Area Refugee Team. Our work began in 2015 when the conflict in Syria was at its crisis point. We gathered first as pastors and then as churches and asked: “What can we do?” Because of the ... Read More »
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