September 19, 2007

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

12:20: It’’s optometry time!
Guest: Dr. Paul Roth, Optometrist.

12:35: In the market for anti-aging and stress treatments, sclerotherapy or laser treatments?? The Monarch Laser & Wellness Centre is just the place for you.
Guest: Dr. Marianna Switchuk from Monarch Laser & Wellness. www.monarchwellness.ca

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment
Guest: Half of the Dynamic Duo, Irene Hogan.

Irene talked about Constipation today. Constipation means different things to different people. For many people it simply means infrequent stools. For others however it means hard stools, difficulty in passing or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these different types is probably different and the approach should be tailored to the specific type of constipation. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone will experience at some point of their life. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in Canada. Constipation effects more often women than men. The number of bowel movements decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common bowel movement is one per day. Medically speaking constipation usually is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week. Severe constipation is defined as less than one bowel movement per week. Theoretically constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digesting food through any part of the intestine. More than 95% of the time however, the slowing occurs in the colon. A frequently overlooked cause of constipation is medications, the most common are the narcotic pain medications such as codeine. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants , iron supplements and calcium channel blocking drugs are also just a few to cause constipation. In additional diet, including dietary fiber, fluid intake and lack of exercise also cause constipation. When you should call your doctor is when red flags or warning signs appear, like acute or recent onset of constipation, weight loss, rectal bleeding, nausea or vomiting, rectal pain or fever. Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives. However a doctor may recommend laxatives for a limited time for people with chronic constipation. But for those who have made diet and lifestyle changes, 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, drinking enough water, makes a huge impact on the digestive system as well as overall wellness ! For people who are prone to constipation ,limiting foods that have little or no fiber such as ice-cream, cheese, meat and processed foods is also important.