Thursday April 24 / 2008

Thursday April 24 / 2008

12:09….Health News Round up with Rick….


12:13…..St.Joseph’s Healthcare and the Uninversity Health Network have announced an innovative health collaboration with the introduction of a shared
VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development.
GUEST: Emma Pavlov (calling us….back up is….905-522-1155 ext 33037)


12:20….Dr. Kathryn Wheatley and Dr. Jim Lamontagne from the Regent Health and Chiropractic centre on Locke St.
Talking today about Springing back into sports and leisure activities outdoors.
(IN STUDIO)


12:35….Dr. Perry Mayer, from the Mayer Institute for Advanced Diabetic Footcare with more warnings about knowing your numbers when managing diabetes.


12:45….Hilton Silberg, Award winning Pharmacist with REXALL.

Sprain & Strains and Injuries!

When you are injured or experience soreness or chronic pain, you may receive conflicting advice. What to do? Cold? Heat? Here is an overview that might help.
With a sprain or strain collagen fibers are overstretched and torn. Tiny blood vessels are also damaged. This bleeding produces the bruising seen in a sprained ankle or torn hamstring. Even if no bruising is seen there is bleeding inside. If enough collagen and blood vessels are damaged, swelling appears almost immediately. A large amount of swelling appearing within the first hour after injury is a sign of excessive bleeding and serious bone muscle or ligament injury. In a less severe injury, swelling develops gradually. Often it is not noticed until the day after the injury. This swelling is primarily cellular fluid, not blood and is related to inflammation.

Cold pack
If we want to minimize the swelling we need to slow down the blood flow to the area. Ice causes a closing down of the blood vessels. Ice also decreases firing of the nerve endings and thus decreases pain. There you should use ice when you want to minimize swelling and inflammation. Inflammation is most significant in the first 72 hours, ice is recommended during this time. Never use hot tubs or heat during this period, as it will increase swelling.

After 72 hours should you switch to heat? Well inflammation doesn’t magically disappear in 4 days. The inflammatory process gradually decreases over time. Inflammation pain and swelling will increase if the injury is used too much and too soon, ice is the best way to treat for up to 6 weeks.

When is Heat good?
Heat gets the body ready for activity and may prevent injuries. Heat is used best for chronic injuries when there is no sign of inflammation. After an injury when the muscle strain has healed it often is tighter than it should be. Heat can make muscles, tendons, joints flexible and easier to stretch. Arthritis can make joints feel very stiff and heat works well to improve mobility. Other mild chronic injuries cause an annoying ache and heat can sooth the pain.

Rexall #0202
Blog Reporter Nadine Janacek