June 18, 2007

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

12:20: His name is Matt Kozma and he has a dream. Matt wants to bike from downtown Hamilton to Thunder Bay, to the base of the Terry Fox Statue. He’s doing it to raise money for those with cancer, and most of all, in honour of his late father who lost his battle with cancer 4 years ago. It’s called the Path 4 Positive Care.

Guest: Matt Kozma http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/p4pc

12:35: It’s official! St. Peter’s has broke ground for the Alexander Pavilion – a new home for patients with Alzheimer Disease and other dementias in our community. This event marks the end of a long journey and many years of uncertainty for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their families.

Guest: Donna Cripps, President & CEO of St. Peter’s.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.

Guest: Irene

Irene talked about PMS today on 900CHML

Premenstrual Syndrome Syndrome (PMS) is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number of women up to two weeks prior to menstruation. Physical, emotional and psychological changes can occur, affecting four out of ten women. PMS is very common, while some women have discomfort before their periods, some women's symptoms can affect the quality of their lives and/or ability to do normal activities. While it is not exactly known what causes PMS, it is known that changing hormones levels and brain chemistry play a role. Diet, activity level and stress also is related to the severity of symptoms. There are over 150 symptoms that have been attributed to PMS.
Most fall into Emotional, Physical, Psychological, some of the common ones are:

EMOTIONAL: depression, irritability, tension, anxiety,weepy, feeling loss of control.
PHYSICAL: bloating, weight gain, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, breast swelling or pain, headaches,fatigue, difficulty sleeping, dizziness.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: difficulties concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, food cravings, lack of sexual interest, decreased efficiency.

The best way to diagnose PMS is to track your symptoms, on a calender for at least three months. If your symptoms follow a pattern each month, then you may have PMS. Consult your MD or a Certified Menopause Practitioner, they will help guide you on the right track to wellness. Women with mild to moderate symptoms may get relief from changes in lifestyle alone. Women with severe mood and physical symptoms around a women's menstrual cycle
may have PMDD Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD affects 3 percent to 5 percent of menstruating women. Their symptoms are severe enough to interfere with a women's everyday activities or relationships and can cause social impairment. 45% of women do not seek treatment, as women often face barriers to diagnosis and treatment. A Certified Menopause Practitioner can help, there are often non-medical approaches. Dietary and lifestyle changes, high carbohydrate meals, low consumption of salt and caffeine with the reduction of stress are often the first-line treatment. For women who do not respond to lifestyle modifications, mineral supplements or over the counter medications can also be suggested. Do not suffer in silence, enjoy your life to the fullest.