Monday March 24th / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.


12:20: Big news on the local psychiatric front! Dr. Martin Antony, a psychologist at St. Joseph's HealthCare Hamilton, has just been appointed as President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. This is sure to be a win-win for both St. Joe’s and the community.
Guest: Dr. Martin Antony, brand new President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. 416.599.8684

12:35: A new study says money does buy happiness, but that there is a catch: You have to spend money on others rather than on yourself.
Guest: Laura Aknin, Master's student at the University of British Columbia and second author of the paper. 604-290-6557.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome!

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis worldwide, where prevalence in some populations is reported as high as 30%. It is estimated to affect 13% to 20% of Canadians, and is significantly more common in women than in men. It can be found in children, often is first identified in adolescence and can resolve unexpectedly for periods of time throughout an individuals lifespan. IBS is a chronic, often debilitating, functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea or alternating between the two stool consistency extremes. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management and prescribed medications. Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause of IBS; one theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a colon or large intestine that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. The immune system which fights infection may also be involved. Research has reported that serotonin is linked with normal gastrointestinal (GI) functioning. Ninety-five % of serotonin is located in the GI track, the other 5% in the brain. People with IBS have diminished receptor activity, causing abnormal levels of serotonin to exist in the GI tract; as a result they experience problems with bowel movements, motility and sensation, having more sensitive pain receptors in the GI track. Research has also reported that IBS may be caused by bacterial infection in the GI track. Studies show that people who have had gastroenteritis sometimes develop IBS. In some people with similar symptoms of IBS, celiac disease cannot digest gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye and barley. They can become very sick because their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. Unfortunately many people suffer from IBS for a long time before seeking medical treatment, up to 70%. No cure has been found for IBS but many options are available, especially managing stress and your diet.

Nadine Janacek
Rexall blog reporter #0202