Monday December 10th 2007

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

12:20: A new survey suggests that that over the past five years, 64 percent of Canadians have changed their eating habits based on health news reports they have seen, read or heard. Further, Nearly nine out of 10 Canadians say they have made some kind of change to their lifestyle because of media reports on health research.
Guest: Dr. Ronald Worton, Chair of Research Canada. 613 739 5753.

12:35: Time for our weekly visit with Shalom Village.
Guest: Pat Morden, CEO of Shalom Village. 905.528.5377 x 229

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.
Guest: Hilton

Hilton talked about blood pressure home monitoring on 900CHML!

Checking your own blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high blood pressure. This vital information allows your doctor to measure lifestyle and medication to see if your medication is working properly. Keeping track allows you and your health care providers to make accurate decisions about your ongoing treatments and medications and can allow for adjustments dosages or changing medications. Also measuring your own blood pressure is a good way to take part in managing your health , and knowing your numbers. Monitoring your blood pressure at home will help ease anxiety associated with being in a doctors office. Not everyone can track blood pressure at home. If the patient has an irregular heartbeat for instance, home monitoring will not provide accurate readings. What equipment do I need to measure my blood pressure? Today, most pharmacies have home blood pressure monitors. All monitors have the same basic components, an inflatable cuff or strap, a gauge for readouts and sometimes a stethoscope, depending on the model. There are basic two types, manual and digital devices. Each type has its pros & cons, talk over your choices with your health care provider so that you pick one that best suites for your situation. No matter what type of home blood pressure monitor you choose, proper use requires some practice. Blood pressure varies throughout the day and readings are often a little higher in the morning. But contact your doctor if you have persistent increases. In your doctors office your blood pressure should be less than 140/90. When measured at home, your blood pressure is usually somewhat lower because you are more relaxed. Your home blood pressure should be less than 140/90. If it is higher talk to your doctor. If it is lower than 130/80 talk to your doctor.