Tuesday July 29 / 2008

Tuesday July 29 / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.


12:20: A national study is underway to determine how prevalent food allergies are among the Canadian population and how effective allergen warnings are on food labels.
Guest: Susan Elliott, PhD, Professor, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University.

12:35: The Olympics in Beijing are right around the corner and one of our very own will be there helping out the athletes. Steve Lidstone will be flying out next week!
Guest: Steve Lidstone, Strength and Conditioning Co-ordinator, McMaster Athletics & Recreation.


12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Hilton
Hemorrhoids, what you need to know…

Hemorrhoids, piles, refer to the inflamed and swollen veins in the anus or rectum. They are among the most common of health ailments, afflicting half of the Canadian population at one point in our lives. There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. They can occur separately or in combination.
Because of the sensitivity of the area, people may not feel comfortable telling others about it, but in actuality they are very common among the age 50 and older population. Hemorrhoids can be very painful, itchy and tender. The cause of hemorrhoids may be but not limited to pregnancy, chronic constipation and aging. In most cases increased pressure in the abdomen plays a key role. Internal hemorrhoids can be often present without causing any discomfort or even awareness of their presence. Until they thrombose (clot) or bleed you may not even know you have them. Rectal bleeding is a serious symptom, so don’t dismiss this as hemorrhoids without a proper diagnosis. Because rectal lining, rather than skin covers internal hemorrhoids, they are usually not as tender as external hemorrhoids. However if they strangulate (lose their blood supply) then they can become very painful. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin just outside the opening of the anus and appear as a very tender circular purplish bulge adjacent to the anal opening. Don’t wait; treat your hemorrhoids as soon as you see them. Delaying in treatment may make the hemorrhoids gain root and become more painful, internal hemorrhoids can quickly grow onto painful lumps (prolapsed hemorrhoids) .
Most hemorrhoids can be prevented by not repeatingly lifting heavy objects, prolonged sitting or standing, and being overweight and having a good diet with plenty of water and fiber. There are many preparations and ointment s and creams on the market, usually all contain one or more of the active ingredient witch hazel. Your doctor will let you know if a prescription is necessary.


Rexall Pharmacy #0202 Blog Reporter Nadine Janacek