October 29, 2007

12:10: The Health Roundup, with Rick and Jamie.

12:20: Bed sores in older patients –– it’’s a common malady but not too often talked about issue. There are treatment options here in Hamilton and research being done in terms of preventative measures and treatment.
Guest: Jan Marie Morgan, Skin and Wound Specialist at St. Joseph's Heathcare Hamilton.

12:35: Time for our weekly visit with Shalom Village.
Guest: Pat Morden, CEO of Shalom Village.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.
Guest: Irene.

Irene talked about Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD ) on 900 CHML today !

Weather can effect many peoples mood. Sunlight breaking through the clouds at the break of dawn, lifts our spirits. While a dull, rainy day may make us feel gloomy. While noticeable these shifts of moods generally do not affect our ability to cope with daily life. Some people however are vulnerable to a type of depression that follows seasonal pattern. For them the shortening days of late autumn are the beginning of a type of clinical depression that can last until spring. This condition is called "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or SAD. A mild form of SAD, often is referred to as the "winter blues". It can cause discomfort, but is not incapacitating. This condition has existed for more than 150 years, but it was only recognized as a disorder in the 1980's. Many people with SAD may not be aware that it exists and that help is available. SAD can be a debilitating condition, with prevents suffers from functioning normally. It can affect their personality, they can become socially withdrawn, eating habits change and wishing to sleep more. As yet there is no confirmation on the cause of SAD, however it is thought to be related to seasonal variations in light A ( biological internal clock) in the brain regulating our circadian rhythms. The relatively recent introduction of electricity has relieved us of the need to be active mostly in daylight hours. But our biological clocks may be wishing to tell us to sleep as the days shorten. Other research shows that neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate sleep, mood, and appetite are disturbed in SAD. How is SAD treated? People with mild symptoms can benefit from spending more time outdoors during the day and by arranging their environments so that they receive maximum sunlight. Light therapy has shown to be 60-90% effective. Even people with severe symptoms can get rapid relief once they begin treatment, so when the seasons change, their mood doesn't have to.

Light Therapy lamps can be purchased at the DayNight Health Care Center
(Dundas)

Products discussed homeopathic remedies for the flu season :
GripHeel products
Boiron products ( not in stock as of yet)