Tag: Pharmasave-tag

It’s estimated that about one-half of all seniors have some sleep problems. As we age, we tend to have more “fragile” sleep, meaning we’re more easily awakened, and deep sleep stages get shorter. Some of these sleep changes are hormonal, but various illnesses, pain, psychiatric conditions, and medications can also interfere with rest. Whatever the…

Help is out there. Knowing where to find it when you need it makes a difference. The following is a small sample of available services. For further resources, refer to the Community Support or Support Groups section of this website. Or search online for services in your region – or consult your doctor, pharmacist, teacher,…

Overcoming an addiction is not easy. But it can be done. Treatment will take on different specifics depending on the particular habit or substance used. But all treatments share one characteristic: they must be long-term in nature. Wende Wood and Sam Waldner agree that an addiction is a chronic disorder and that there is no…

The term “rock bottom” is often used to describe the point at which a person with an addiction is forced to acknowledge that he or she has a problem – which can lead to their seeking help. But where is rock bottom? And how do people get there? Wende Wood points out that “rock bottom”…

What leads one person to depend on alcohol and another to shop compulsively? Factors such as one’s environment and one’s genetic disposition can play a role, according to Wende Wood. For example, if one’s parents are smokers, then exposure to role models who smoke can play a role in establishing this behaviour as acceptable –…

Many of us take part in activities that are often associated with addictive or compulsive behaviours – activities such as drinking or gambling. But not all of us are addicted to them. What constitutes addictive behaviour? When do we cross the line? Addictions come in many forms. Street drugs, prescription medications, alcohol, and inhalants are…

A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to a part of the brain is cut off. This can be due to something (usually a blood clot) blocking the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke). It can also be caused by a burst blood vessel bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). About 80%…

Your best bet in preventing stroke is to identify your risk factors for stroke, and to work on the ones that can be controlled or treated. Your health care professional will be able to help you identify the risk factors that you can work on, and develop a plan that will work for you. There…

Stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to get emergency medical help right away so that the stroke can be treated. Strokes can be treated with medications, surgery, or other non-surgical techniques. The exact treatment used depends on the type of stroke, when the stroke started, and the overall health of the person having…

One-third of Canadians over 65 have hearing loss. But it’s not just a problem for seniors – younger people can be affected too. In fact, 10% of all Canadians have some type of hearing loss. Could you be at risk for hearing loss? Here are some of the most common causes: Noise exposure: Noise (short…

Finding time to be physically active is a challenge for most of us. Between the seemingly endless demands of work and family, it may seem like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to squeeze in a brisk walk or a pick-up game of basketball. But when it comes to the health of your…

Screening saves lives Make no mistake about it – screening saves lives. Whether it’s the mammogram to screen for breast cancer or the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer, tests have the potential to detect abnormalities early – early enough that you can do something about it. Studies show that regular screening with the…

Getting to the meat of the problem Juicy steaks and other red-meat dishes are culinary signatures in many western nations, including Canada. However, our appetite for beef and other fatty foods may be one of the reasons colorectal cancer has become so common. Researchers have found that red and processed meat may elevate the amount…

Do you know what the risk factors and warning signs are for colorectal cancer (cancer of the lower bowel)? Here’s some important information on risk factors – and on tests that can help screen for colorectal cancer. Risk factors Age: As you age, your risk for colorectal cancer increases. In fact, more than 90% of…