health WELLBEING WINTER 2023
contact us Medicine Hat Office 3257 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3R2 403.527.1101 Set your sights on glaucoma 3 Dos and don’ts of healthy weight loss 4 The impact of reading on personal health 6 Tips to tame daily anxiety 8 Strategies to improve your ability to focus 10 DID YOU KNOW? Benefits of cherries 10 Kids can set the pace for longterm health 12 Early warning signs for heart disease 14 DID YOU KNOW? Delaying the onset of dementia 14 health WELLBEING WINTER 2023 Content: Metro Newspaper Services (MS) 2
1854 Southview Drive, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8L9 Ph 403 527 7334 • Fx 403 527 9148 220 4th St West Brooks, AB T1R 0G1 Ph 403 794 4330 • Fx 403 794 4339 www.bgsaradiology.ca al part of your healthcare team TOTAL BODY COMPOSITION SCANS MAMMOGRAPHY ULTRASOUND GENERAL RADIOLOGY BONE DENSITOMETRY PAIN MANAGEMENT Your Next Level "BMI", Inquire Today! Reminding You of Your Annual Screening Expanded Services Now Available! Chronic Pain, How Bad is it Today? How Strong, Are Your Bones? #41444930 • 01/28/2023 Chronic Pain Relief 1854 Southview Drive, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8L9 Ph 403 527 7334 • Fx 403 527 9148 220 4th St West Brooks, AB T1R 0G1 Ph 403 794 4330 • Fx 403 794 4339 www.bgsaradiology.ca al part of your healthcare team TOTAL BODY COMPOSITION SCANS MAMMOGRAPHY ULTRASOUND GENERAL RADIOLOGY BONE DENSITOMETRY PAIN MANAGEMENT Your Next Level "BMI", Inquire Today! Reminding You of Your Annual Screening Expanded Services Now Available! Chronic Pain, How Bad is it Today? How Strong, Are Your Bones? 1854 Southview Drive, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8L9 Ph 403 527 7334 • Fx 403 527 9148 220 4th St West Brooks, AB T1R 0G1 Ph 403 794 4330 • Fx 403 794 4339 www.bgsaradiology.ca al part of your healthcare team TOTAL BODY COMPOSITION SCANS MAMMOGRAPHY ULTRASOUND GENERAL RADIOLOGY BONE DENSITOMETRY PAIN MANAGEMENT Your Next Level "BMI", Inquire Today! Reminding You of Your Annual Screening Expanded Services Now Available! Chronic Pain, How Bad is it Today? How Strong, Are Your Bones? 1854 Southview Drive, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8L9 Ph 403 527 7334 • Fx 403 527 9148 220 4th St West Brooks, AB T1R 0G1 Ph 403 794 4330 • Fx 403 794 4339 www.bgsaradiology.ca al part of your healthcare team TOTAL BODY COMPOSITION SCANS MAMMOGRAPHY ULTRASOUND GENERAL RADIOLOGY BONE DENSITOMETRY PAIN MANAGEMENT Your Next Level "BMI", Inquire Today! Reminding You of Your Annual Screening Expanded Services Now Available! Chronic Pain, How Bad is it Today? How Strong, Are Your Bones? and 41445720 Eyesight often isn’t fully appreciated until it begins to diminish. Starting in one’s thirties, if not earlier, a person’s vision may start to be less sharp. Items at a distance or up close may be more difficult to discern, and if prescription glasses or contacts are worn, that prescription may need to be adjusted more regularly. However, there are some eye conditions that are not entirely a result of aging. Glaucoma is one of them. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve is damaged. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and usually occurs when an abnormality in the eye’s drainage system causes the aqueous humor fluid in the eye to build up, sometimes leading to excessive pressure that impacts the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the retina with the brain, sending vision signals. Damage to the nerve can cause loss of eyesight. While pressure is largely to blame for glaucoma, glaucoma can occur even if eye pressure is normal. Glaucoma is often a silent condition. The Mayo Clinic advises that many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. With effects so gradual, no changes in vision may be noticed until the condition is in its later stages. This underscores the importance of getting regular eye examinations that will include measurements of the pressure in both eyes, says the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma caught early can be slowed down or even prevented before it becomes severe. Lifelong treatment and monitoring will be needed after diagnosis. There are different types of glaucoma. The most common is open-angle glaucoma, which occurs after the clogged fluid does not drain properly. Angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma, happens when the iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye and the iris blocks the drainage angle. This results in an acute glaucoma attack. Some people have normal tension glaucoma, in which eye pressure is in normal range but there are signs of glaucoma. These individuals’ optic nerves may be more sensitive to pressure than others’ and will have to be monitored. Certain people are at a greater risk for developing glaucoma than others. Individuals over 40; those with a family history of glaucoma; people of African, Hispanic or Asian heritage; people with high eye pressure; those who have had an eye injury; and individuals who use long-term steroid medications are at increased risk. Other factors also affect glaucoma risk. Glaucoma should be discussed at routine eye wellness visits to prevent lasting vision damage. Set your sights on glaucoma HEALTH & WELLBEING | 3
Maintaining a healthy weight promotes long-term health. Being overweight or obese are risk factors for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization reports that the worldwide obesity rate has tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these, more than 650 million were obese. Health issues related to obesity are largely preventable. Losing weight in a healthy manner is essential for safe and lasting results. Individuals aspiring to lose weight can follow these guidelines on what to do and what not to do. DO add lean protein sources to your diet. Healthline indicates the body burns calories when digesting and metabolizing protein, so a high-protein diet can help to shed up to 80 to 100 calories per day. Protein also helps you to feel full, reducing the propensity to overeat. DON’T get hung up on numbers early on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that even modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight is bound to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Start small and gradually build up. DO eat at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits daily. Produce contains an abundance of vital nutrients and is often fiber-rich and low in calories, which helps you to feel full. DON’T overlook the impact of beverages on weight loss. The calories in sugary beverages, including some allnatural fruit juices, can add up quickly. Stick to water, tea or other unsweetened beverages to help with weight loss. DO get moving more. The Mayo Clinic notes that while it is possible to lose weight without exercise, getting moving can help burn off the excess calories you can’t cut through diet alone. Exercise boosts metabolism and benefits mood and strengthens muscles and the cardiovascular system as well. DON’T go shopping while hungry. If you do, you may make impulse buys that compromise healthy eating plans. DO speak with a doctor if you are vetting diet and exercise plans. A healthcare professional can assist you by indicating if a particular diet or fitness routine is acceptable for your age, goals and current health status. DON’T forget to track eating. Most healthy diets involve some sort of calorie-counting, whether they actually require you to document your intake or use a formula to attribute “points” or another measure related to what you eat. Writing or tracking the foods and beverages you consume will provide the most honest assessment of habits that could affect weight loss. DO include foods you enjoy. Completely restricting access to occasional treats may cause you to resent healthy eating, which can derail weight loss goals. The principle of moderation can apply to healthy weight loss as long as you account for the more calorie-dense foods. Losing weight in a healthy manner is achievable when you seek guidance and follow some time-tested techniques. Dos and don’ts of healthy weight loss 4 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
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Books transport people to different times, provide a sense of escapism and introduce readers to different schools of thought. Individuals may read for pleasure and/or to expand their intellectual horizons. It’s important to note that reading also may help improve mental and physical health. With so much to gain from reading, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more and explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doctor ordered. Reduces stress Immersing yourself in a story requires focus and concentration. According to researchers at the University of Sussex, it took just six minutes of reading for study participants to experience slower heart rates and reduced muscle tension. Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the stress hormone cortisol can lead to inflammation in the body that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve his or her health. Impacts longevity According to the 2016 study, “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity,” by Bavishi A, Slade M.D., reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also expands vocabulary, and helps with memory. Changes the brain A 2014 study published in Neuroreport determined reading involves a complex system of signaling and networking in the brain. As one’s ability to read matures, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied reading periods and for days afterward. Increases empathy Through literary fiction, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings and beliefs of others. This can help a person develop a greater ability to empathize with others, according to Healthiline. Helps improve sleep Reading is an effective way to wind down and relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest reading as part of a regular sleep routine. Reduces depressive feelings Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated and estranged from other people. Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily escape his or her world into another. Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests can begin with others. Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial. The impact of READING on personal health 6 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
403.526.5991 • ONLINE BOOKINGS AVAILABLE www.RiverDental.com Maintenance pays dividends whether it’s changing the oil, or doing a wheel alignment on your car. Following through with the above will extend your engine and your tires. The worse case in neglecting the above will leave you road side or in an accident. The same principles apply to your mouth and teeth. Whether your mouth is young or old, cosmetically perfect or not, maintaining what you do have will minimize your risk of pain and tooth loss. Unlike vehicles, our teeth don’t come with a warranty. We do, however, have the opportunity to preserve what we have in a healthy state. Whether you have a well worn dentition or a newly fabricated set of teeth, the difference in longevity will depend on your ability to maintain it. This maintenance requires teamwork between you, your dentist and hygienist. The key factor, however, is going to be your home care. Consistent oral hygiene is key. Your mouth is constantly under attack from acid, bacteria and inflammation; the habits we are trying to quit like sugar, smoking or chewing tobacco aren’t helping, either. We often resolve to do everything our hygienist tells us to do - but if you find yourself skipping your “home-work,” just start with consistent brushing. Manual or electric brushes both work, as long as you use them. Starting with this small version of the ideal oral hygiene habit you want to build will serve as your foundation. Now, if the plaque on your teeth is hard and not coming off, or there is bleeding, you need to see the dentist and hygienist. Your dentist will help diagnosis the situation and the hygienist will remove the hard deposits above and below the gum line. Once you’ve establishing a good brushing routine, it’s time to upgrade the habit to the next level - keep in mind, with good brushing you are cleaning only 50-60% of the areas around your teeth. Once you’re consistent with your brushing, add some “between your teeth” care. This can be done with floss, proxy brushes or even a water flosser. This part of the habit is less immediately satisfying, so use a habit tracker - an app like Streaks can work wonders to get you going. If you don’t like apps, grab a calendar, pin it up in your bathroom, and mark each day you floss with a red X. Soon you’ll see a month full of healthy habits and you won’t want to stop! Once the habit is automatic, you’ll see how it pays dividends in terms of reduction in gum disease, decay, and longer lasting tooth restorations. One last word of caution - pain is not a good “warning light” to go see your dentist. As costs for materials and treatment continue to climb, the most economical way of saving money in your dental care is timely maintenance. If you haven’t already, book an appointment with the dentist for a complete exam of your mouth. Your dentist will help you understand where you’re healthy, and where you’re at risk. Most importantly, treatment to reduce your risk will keep you healthy. But it also allows you to be a candidate for cosmetic improvements like whitening or veneers, if you so desire. Whatever your dental needs, River Dental has the team, the technology and the techniques to help you maintain, repair or rebuild your healthy smile. Happy New Year Dr. Lydell Wenzel Maintenance Pays Dividends!
Tips to tame daily anxiety Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America indicates anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older every year, which equates to around 19.1 percent of the population. What is an anxiety disorder? The National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety disorder. Though the causes of these anxiety disorders may differ, each is characterized by excessive anxiety and related behavioral disturbances. Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe, and could affect daily life in various ways. Those with anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to visit the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not have anxiety disorders, states the ADAA. Who gets anxiety? Factors such as genetics, personality and lifestyle can determine if a person is likely to develop an anxiety disorder. According to Healthline, those in professions such as healthcare and social work, people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience anxiety and elevated stress levels. Addressing anxiety There are several steps people can take to alleviate anxiety every day. • Exercise: Moving more may help to relieve stress that can lead to anxiety. Study participants who engaged in exercise two days per week reduced overall perceived stress. Physical activity also can improve mood. • Sleep: Quality and quantity of sleep can affect mental health. Doctors recommend around eight hours of sleep each night. If anxiety is affecting sleep, try to establish a healthy sleep routine. Turn off screens a few hours before attempting to retire. Be sure the bed is comfortable. Keep the room’s temperature on the cool side. Also, stick to a schedule. • Supplementation: Healthline notes that some studies have found that certain dietary supplements may help with stress and anxiety. An eight-week study of 264 people with low magnesium levels found that taking 300 mg of this mineral daily helped reduce stress levels. Combining magnesium with vitamin B6 was even more effective. • Psychotherapy: The Mayo Clinic indicates counseling or psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can effectively address anxiety. CBT often includes exposure therapy, in which a person is gradually exposed to the object or situation that triggers the anxiety to eventually build confidence that he or she can manage the situation and anxiety symptoms. • Medication: Used in conjunction with other techniques, medications may help address severe anxiety conditions. Certain antidepressants and a medication called buspirone are used to treat anxiety disorders. In limited circumstances, sedatives may be utilized, but long-term use is not recommended. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone. Various techniques could be used to alleviate anxiety. 8 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
Services: • In Home Consultation • In Store Consultation • Servicing/Repairs, In Home or In Store • Delivery and Installation • Removal of Existing Equipment We are Medicine Hat’s Home Medical Equipment Store And Home Medical Equipment Specialists Locally owned and operated by Trevor Eichelbaum, who has 23 years experience serving clients and the community with mobility solutions. At the core of Adapt Mobility’s operation is a strong emphasis on trust, reliability, honesty, a true compassion for its clients and their needs. We strive to ensure that you are taken care of, from the first contact with us through-out the life of any equipment we supply. Our primary goal is to provide clients with the best suited equipment for their needs and specific situation, at a great price. Quality and timely services are required in this field; we do our best to serve clients quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. Our Specialties: Adaptation of Equipment, Custom Seating, Mobility Equipment, Compression Garments, Incontinence and Value Added Services. We carry only the highest quality products from the most respected manufacturers. All products are installed by a certified technician. Dedicated to finding out what moves you! 1023 Trans Canada Way SE Medicine Hat Ph: 403-529-6020 • Fax: 403-529-1019 • Toll Free: 1-844-529-6020 visit our webiste www.adapt-mobility.ca Products: • Aids to Daily Living • Scooters • Walkers • Wheelchairs • Stairlifts • Lift Chairs • Walking Aids • Bathroom Aids • Cushions • Bed Rails/Security Poles • Beds • Mattresses • Hand Rails • Ceiling Lifts/Lifting Devices • Vehicle Accessories • Ramps • Home Accessibility • Compression Garments • Incontinence • Custom Adaptations to All Equipment • Funding Assistance • Retail • Rental Products • Training/In Servicing #41444929/01/28/2023 HEALTH & WELLBEING | 9
Distractions have never been harder to resist. According to Deloitte’s “2022 Connectivity and Mobile Trends Survey” (third edition), the average household in the United States now has a total of 22 connected devices. Things are a little less connected in Canada, where a J.D. Power survey of television service subscribers found that the average household has about 10 devices. The prevalence and accessibility of devices can make it difficult to focus, but tablets, smartphones and other technologies are not the only culprits that can compromise the ability to concentrate. Harvard Medical School notes that underlying medical conditions, the side effects of medication and excessive alcohol consumption can each make it harder to focus. That’s a significant detriment, as an ability to focus can help individuals be more efficient and perform better at work and in school. Each individual is different, so efforts to improve focus might require a little trial and error until a person finds what works for them. In the meantime, the following are some effective strategies that can help people sharpen their focus and reap all the rewards that a heightened ability to concentrate has to offer. • Turn notifications off. Notifications are a bigger distraction than people may realize. A 2015 study from researchers at Florida State University found that simply hearing the ping of a notification was as distracting as taking a phone call. Individuals may find the idea of answering as little as 20 or more phone calls per day unrealistic, but researchers have found that the average smartphone user receives around 80 push notifications per day. Such constant inflow of notifications is detrimental to smartphone users’ ability to focus. Turning notifications off while in school or during the workday can help people avoid this seemingly endless stream of distractions, thus improving focus. • Establish a distraction-free workspace. A survey from McKinsey & Company found that, after the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, 58 percent of employed respondents have the option to work from home for all or part of the week. Remote working may be more convenient, but it also can compromise workers’ focus in ways that are unique to working from home. For example, professionals’ children cannot stroll into their offices when they aren’t working from home, nor are distractions like television within arm’s length in a traditional office setting. Professionals who are finding it hard to focus when working from home can do more to make their home offices distraction-free. Make your home a television-free zone during traditional working hours and remove a television or non-work tablet from your office so you aren’t tempted to watch a show or a sporting event when you’re supposed to be working. • Adopt a healthier lifestyle. The experts at Harvard Medical School note that many aspects of a healthy lifestyle can help people focus better. Researchers have discovered a direct link between exercise and a person’s ability to pay attention, noting that exercise increases the availability of brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve sleep, among other things. Less stress and a good night’s rest can make it easier to focus. An ability to focus pays myriad dividends. Individuals can try various strategies to improve their concentration skills and reap the rewards that such improvement provides. Strategies to improve your ability to focus Cherries are a popular fruit and for good reason. Not only do cherries’ blend of sweet-sour flavor entice the taste buds, but cherries also are loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients. Cherries are good sources of fiber and vitamin C. According to Livestrong.com, Acerola cherries have the most vitamin C of all cherry varieties. A one-cup serving gives you more than 10 times the amount you need in a day. Caution is needed if you eat Acerola cherries and take vitamin C supplements, as kidney stones can arise in such instances. Generally, cherries also are high in potassium, which is needed for nerve function, blood pressure regulation and muscle contraction. According to Healthline, cherries are full of antioxidant plant compounds, particularly those that offer anti-inflammatory properties. Cherries can help combat oxidative stress, which is a condition that is linked to premature aging and other chronic diseases. Another benefit to cherries is their effect on sleep. The Cleveland Clinic says that cherries are good sources of melatonin and also contain tryptophan, the hormones involved in sleep regulation. Studies have shown that eating the fruit or drinking tart cherry juice before bed can increase sleep time and overall sleep efficiency. Cherries can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, aid in weight management, protect the cardiovascular system, and help people get the rest they need, which means it may be time to include more cherries in your diet. 10 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
1601 Dunmore Rd, SE Medicine Hat 403-529-1664
Long-term health is not something that many young people routinely consider. After all, it’s easy to feel invincible during one’s childhood and adolescence. But the steps that young people take early on can affect their health as they get older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, establishing healthy behaviors during childhood and adolescence is more beneficial to longterm health than trying to change poor behaviors in adulthood. The following are some ways young people can set the course for healthy outcomes throughout life. Prioritize healthy foods According to the childhood recreation group Mountain Kids, habits and actions performed subconsciously are hard to break because repeat habits trigger dopamine in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings that reinforce the behavior. So grabbing a slice of cake after school for a snack becomes rote. Instead, stocking the refrigerator and pantry with sliced fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, lean protein like hummus and whole wheat dipping crackers can set the course for more responsible eating behaviors. Eat meals and shop together Kids can learn what healthy eating and portion control looks like if it is modeled by their parents. Children should be involved with reading nutrition labels and understanding the ingredients that comprise the foods they commonly eat. When dining out, choose restaurants that utilize menus that indicate the caloric content of meals. Children will learn to recognize and embrace nutritious foods and that can continue into adulthood. Eating as a family also benefits mental health. Stanford Children’s Health says eating together as a family can encourage children’s confidence in themselves and improve communication. Children who regularly converse and interact with their parents may be less likely to engage in substance abuse or act out at school. Increase physical activity The CDC says 21 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are obese, and two in five students have a chronic health condition. A sedentary lifestyle may be one contributor to these statistics. At home and in school, adults can encourage physical activity as an effective means to prevent obesity. The Department of Health and Human Service recommends that children and adolescents age six and older get at least one hour a day of moderate or vigorous aerobic activity, such as running or biking. Muscle- and bone-strengthening activities also are recommended. Kids who learn early on to appreciate physical activity reap long-term benefits that extend well into adulthood. Avoid tobacco Tobacco and nicotine vaping products can contribute to many negative health conditions. Youngsters who avoid these products throughout their lives may improve longevity and reduce their risk for various illnesses. Children who learn healthy behaviors at a young age are more likely to continue those good habits into adulthood, which ultimately benefits their long-term health. Kids can set the pace for longterm health 12 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
DID YOU KNOW: Your SIGHT is a gift that deserves protecting! • There is Alberta Health coverage towards your medically necessary and urgent care appointments with your optometrist. • No referral is required, and most optometrists will see patients the same day if the matter is urgent. • Optometrists have the proper knowledge and specialized equipment necessary to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for visual health issues. If needed, they can refer to a specialist. • Dry eye • Injury or inflammation of the eye and eyelid. • Foreign objects in the eye. • Retinal detachment, defects and diseases. • Sudden changes in vision. • Monitoring for diabetes and glaucoma complications. • Pre and post-operative care for cataract patients. For more information or to find an optometrist close to you check out: www.optometrists.ab.ca THIS INCLUDES: OPTOMETRISTS ARE HERE TO HELP WITH YOUR MEDICALLY NECESSARY AND URGENT CARE NEEDS. Your Eye Doctor is there for you! With the heavy load hospital emergencies are experiencing calling your optometrist is an important first call if you are experiencing an eye emergency. Depending on the urgency, optometrists are often able to see patients the same day. Your optometrist has the proper knowledge and specialized equipment necessary to diagnose and treat visual health issues or can refer to a specialist if needed. There is Alberta Health coverage towards these urgent and medically necessary appointments: • infection, injury or inflammation of the eye and eyelid; • foreign objects in the eyes; • dry eye; • sudden changes in vision; • monitoring for diabetes and glaucoma complications; • retinal detachment, defect and diseases; and • pre- and post-operative care for cataract patients. Along with urgent care, your eye doctor is there to help with ongoing eye health issues. While our Alberta winters can contribute to dry eye, there are also many underlying reasons why you may be experiencing dry eye and if left untreated it can be harmful. Dry eye is when your eyes are stinging, feeling gritty, itchy or simply uncomfortable. Basically, dry eye occurs when eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce tears that don’t have the proper chemical composition. Everyone has a thin layer of tears that coat the front surface of their eyes. It is these tears that keep our eyes healthy and comfortable. Dry eye can damage and possibly scar the sensitive corneal tissues of the eye, impairing vision making early treatment important. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing dry eye -- aging process, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, problems with normal blinking, certain medications, or a symptom of general health problems. Optometrists use a combination of questions and specialized equipment to evaluate the issue and determine treatment. Your optometrist may prescribe medicated eye drops, or suggest lubricating eye drops or ointments. There are also prescription medications available to help your body produce more of its own tears. Changing or supplementing your diet to increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can also be helpful to reduce systemic inflammation. There are also many procedures that can help such as intense pulsed light (IPL), radiofrequency (RF), and eyelid microexfoliation. The bottom line is that your optometrist can help. If you don’t have a regular optometrist, visit www.optometrists.ab.ca/ findanoptometrist and enter your postal code. A list of optometrists close to you will pop up. Treatment and quality care is just a phone call away! “Daycare sent my son home with a possible eye infection. I called my optometrist’s office, and they were able to fit us in that morning! We were in and out in less than 30 minutes and everything was covered by Alberta Health. My son got the medicine he needed, and I was able to get back to my day.” — Meaghan HEALTH & WELLBEING | 13
Cardiovascular disease claims more lives across the globe every year than any other disease or condition, and many of those fatalities are credited to heart disease. Though the terms “cardiovascular disease” and “heart disease” are often used interchangeably, the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute notes that, while all heart diseases are cardiovascular diseases, not all cardiovascular diseases are heart diseases. This is an important distinction, especially as adults discuss heart and cardiovascular health with their physicians. The NHLBI reports that more than one in 10 American adults have been diagnosed with heart disease, which underscores the serious threat posed by the various conditions that fall under the umbrella of the condition. Though NHLBI data indicates around 630,000 Americans die from heart diseases each year, many of those deaths are preventable. The same goes for Canada, where data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System indicates that every hour roughly 14 Canadian adults age 20 and over with diagnosed heart disease lose their lives. Education is one of the ways in which deaths due to heart disease can be prevented. That’s especially true when individuals learn to recognize warning signs of the disease and take prompt action once such indicators appear. • Chest pain: Discomfort between the neck and upper abdomen is characterized as chest pain, which does not necessarily indicate the presence of heart disease. However, the experts at Mount Sinai indicate that chest pain is the most common symptom of poor blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. Chest pain may occur because the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen or blood. It’s important that individuals recognize that the intensity of pain in the chest does not indicate the severity of the problem. That means that even mild discomfort in the chest should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately. • Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath can occur because the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should, thus causing blood to back up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart. Mount Sinai notes that this results in fluid leaking into the lungs, thus producing shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can occur at any time, including when individuals are active or at rest. • Coughing or wheezing: Another indicator of fluid buildup in the lungs related to the heart is persistent coughing or wheezing. When coughing, individuals may spit up a pink or bloody mucus. • Swelling in the lower legs: Mount Sinai notes that swelling in the legs, ankles or feet is another indicator of heart troubles. One of the byproducts of a poorly functioning heart is slower blood flow, and that reduction in flow can cause a backup in the veins of the legs. That backup can cause fluid to build up in the tissues, which leads to swelling. Heart disease is a significant threat to public health. Learning to recognize signs of the disease can save an untold number of lives. Early warning signs for heart disease The Alzheimer’s Association® reports that remaining socially active throughout adulthood can possibly delay the onset of dementia. And that’s not the only benefit to remaining socially engaged as an adult, which researchers have linked to reduced rates of disability and mortality. The Alzheimer’s Association® also indicates that social engagement may reduce the risk for depression in older adults. That’s a significant benefit, as the National Council on Aging notes that the risk for depression is elevated among older adults compared to young adults. Retirees can consider a host of ways to remain socially engaged, whether it’s volunteering, participating in clubs or moving to communities tailored to individuals 55 and older. Such communities may facilitate social engagement among residents by establishing or promoting clubs, organizing group sightseeing trips and arranging for other opportunities for inhabitants to get to know their neighbors. 14 | HEALTH & WELLBEING
As the city’s original trained laser surgeon, Dr. Jeffery has been a champion for women’s health in Medicine Hat for over 30 years. NEWLIGHTLASER.CA 403.525.6159 NORWOOD PROFESSIONAL CENTRE 2810 – 13TH AVE. SE, UNIT 301 #41442027/01/28/2023 Dr. Jeffery is proud to offer the latest treatment equipment, produced by the worlds largest medical laser company. Treatments are performed by Medicine Hat’s original trained laser surgeon, and advanced medical aestheticians. LASER TREATMENTS HAIR REMOVAL PIGMENTED LESIONS AGE, LIVER & SUN SPOTS RED & VASCULAR LESIONS ROSACEA TREATMENT SUN CHANGES WARM SCULPTING -REMOVAL OF FAT CELLS TELANGIECTASIAS TREATMENT SKIN IRREGULARITIES WRINKLE TREATMENT DISSIPATE STRETCH MARKS IMPROVE ACNE & SURGICAL SCARS RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENTS HEALTH & BLADDER ISSUES SKIN TIGHTENING IMPROVEMENT OF CELLULITE BEAUTIFICATION IMPROVEMENT OF CELLULITE VIVIER SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CHEMICAL PEELS- PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH PHYSICIAN’S OFFICE WE OFFER INHALATIONAL ANALGESIA FOR ANYONE THAT IS ANXIOUS OR EXPERIENCES DISCOMFORT - A FIRST FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES IN MEDICINE HAT! HEALTH & WELLBEING | 15
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