May 16, 2007

12:10: The Health Roundup, with Jay, Jamie & Jimmy.

12:20: Canadians spent an estimated $21.1 billion on prescribed drugs last year, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.The CIHI annual report says the spending, an average of $648 per person, is $1.4 billion higher than 2005.
Guest: Professor Paul Grootendorst, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto.

12:35: Today marks the second Fatigue Impairment Awareness Day, as designated by the Highway Safety Roundtable. Most people are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving but don't realize that driving while drowsy can be just as fatal. Like alcohol, fatigue slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment and increases the risk of crashing.

Guest: Mark Yakabuski, Insurance Bureau of Canada VP of Federal Affairs & Ontario.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.

Guest: Irene Hogan.

Irene talked about Dry Eye Syndrome today on 900CHML!

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eye.
Dry eye syndrome has many causes. Women are 2 - 3x more likely to develop dry eye syndrome over the age of 40 than men. This is largely do to the decrease in hormones. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older our bodies produce less oil, 65% less at the age of 65 then at age 18. This oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Other factors such as allergies, hot, dry, windy, altitudes, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke cause dry eyes. Some of the symptoms are, itching, burning, irritation, redness, blurred vision that improves through blinking, excessive tearing, increased discomfort from prolong periods of watching TV, computer or reading. Contact lens wearers can develop dry eyes through long periods of contact lens wear. Taking your contacts out, for periods at a time to let your eyes breath is recommended. Certain medications for thyroid or anti-histamines can cause dry eyes. When it comes to treating dry eyes, every one's needs are a little different, but many find relief from products that will lubricate the eyes, like artificial tears. Avoid products that will only take out redness or whiten the eye, they don't have the lubricating qualities and often make the problem worse. Remember to drink plenty of water, and Omega 3's to add that added oil in your diet.

Product mentioned on the radio" 03mega + Joy" by Genuine Health.