June 27, 2007

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

12:20: Health Canada has recently approved a new indication for NICORETTE that allows smokers to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked before they stop completely. According to clinical trials this approach may increase the chances of quitting by more than four times for people who have not been able to quit in the past.

Guest: John Kayser, nurse clinician and coordinator of the McGill University Health Clinic Smoking Cessation Program.

12:35: A new study out of McMaster University finds that residents in long-term care facilities who require pain management represent an extremely vulnerable population, and their pain is often overlooked unintentionally because of the challenges and barriers to obtaining accurate pain assessments.

Guest: Sharon Kaasalainen (Cassa-linen), lead investigator, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.

Guest: Irene.

Irene talked about Sleep Disorders on 900CHML today!

Millions of Canadians suffer from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy and other sleep problems, partly because most physicians simply don't ask, and patients simply don't inform. The result is that sleep disorders are significantly underdiagnosed. Lack of sleep can cause serious consequences, from 1% to 4% of fatal automobile crashes are caused by driver drowsiness. But 10 to 15% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome , and 15 to 20% of individuals with narcelepsy are ever diagnosed and treated. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. The inability to attain restful sleep in adequate amounts exacts a heavy toll. Sometimes insomnia can be a symptom of a physical problem, like asthma, arthritis but it can also be the result of anxiety or stress. Approximately 35 % of the adult population have insomnia during the course of a year. Natural sleep patterns show considerable individual variability. Most adults are comfortable with 6.5 - 8 hours of sleep daily. With the lack of sleep, it is often associated with significant medical, psychological and social disturbances. Conventional medical treatment includes psychological and pharmacological approaches. However long term use of frequently prescribed medications can lead to habit forming and problematic withdrawal symptoms. Therefore herbal and other natural sleep aids are gaining popularity, as herbs commonly used for their sedative effects do not have the drawbacks of conventional drugs.

Irene Recommended re; meditation, acupuncture or massage therapy and aromatherapy.

Products Recommended re: Chamomile, lavender, melatonin, passion flower and St.Johns Wart