Monday June 9th / 2008

Monday June 9th / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:13: Short bursts of high intensity sprints—known to benefit muscle and improve exercise performance—can improve the function and structure of blood vessels, in particular arteries that deliver blood to our muscles and heart, according to new research from McMaster University.
Guest: Maureen MacDonald, academic advisor and an associate professor in the department of Kinesiology, McMaster University.

12:20: Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country, but surprisingly, many Canadian women are unable to recognize the atypical symptoms of a heart attack. According to a new survey the majority of Canadian women did not realize that headaches (61 per cent) and muscle spasms (70 per cent) are symptoms of a heart attack.
Guest: Dr. Mussarrat Qaadri, President of Toronto chapter the Federation of Medical Women of Canada.

12:35: We felt the heat this past weekend and although it felt nice, the sun can be downright dangerous. Time for a chat about the dangers of sun exposure.
Guest: Dr. Ronald Vendor, Dermatologist, St. Joseph’s HealthCare Hamilton.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.
Essential B12, a shot in time, saves the mind!

Vitamin b12 is our basic foundation vitamin. It is a workhorse nutrient and is responsible for a host of essential health functions, everyone needs it. Most important of b12 functions is the task of perfect cell duplication, which allows the fight against ageing. B12 is also a great mood stabilizer and is echoed by research in which oral doses of methylcobalamin the most bioactive form of b12, has shown promise as a regulator of disturbed sleep-wake rhythms. While doctors may not consider the possibility, documented studies have shown local cerebral deficiencies of b12, in people with Alzheimer’s disease, postpartum depression and toxic neuropsychiatric disorders, including toxic depression; this also includes alcoholics, long-term users of dilantin and people with brain atrophy. B12 has its mainstream advocates too. In 1975, psychiatrists K. Geagea and Jambur Anamth, then at McGill University, remarked that “astonishing results can be obtained in some cases with b12 therapy, even if b12 levels are within normal range”. Being b12 deficient can have profound effects on several neurotransmitter systems and results in significantly reduced norepinephrine levels in the brain. Norepinephrine is one of the brains’ most important good-mood neurotransmitters. For years b12 shots have been an unofficial treatment for fatigued, run down or depressed patients. Large oral doses are very poorly absorbed, though sublingual, injections and intranasal b12 formulations appear to work very well. B12 supplements are also important for people who take certain types of prescription medications, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. Recommendation is 200 to 500 mcg daily, with safe dosages up to 1,000 mcg. These quantities are far larger than the recommended daily allowance of 2.4mcg, but larger dosages absorb quantities of b12 and there are no known risks of taking higher dosages. Sometimes the only symptom of b12 deficiency is barely noticeable decrease in cognitive function. A simple blood test can indicate if you are for b12 deficient.


Nadine Janacek Blog Reporter Rexall #0202