Wednesday July 2 / 2008

Wednesday July 2 / 2008


12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:13-12:30: We’ve said it before on this program, and we’ll say it again: Just because you’ve let yourself go, doesn’t mean it’s gone! Let’s talk about how you can whip yourself back into shape, with advice from someone who has done just that.
Guest: John Bonk, Former CFL Great.

12:35: What is up at Shalom Village? It’s been a while…
Guest: Pat Morden, CEO, Shalom Village.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene Hogan

Poison Ivy – Leaves of Three Let It Be !

Poison Ivy is one of the species of Summachs, an attractive group of pants widely found in Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia, varying much in habitat from low bushes to moderately sized trees to a climbing plant. It can be found in every province except Newfoundland. This glossy perennial spreads by seed or by producing shoots from its extensive underground stems. The sap of the plant contains an oily resin that causes an irritation inflammation of the skin in most people. All parts of the plant, including the roots contain poisonous resin. The leaves of poison plants release urushiol when they are injured, or if they get bumped onto or brushed against. Most people develop symptoms 24 to 48 hours after contact. The extent of a reaction depends on the individual’s sensitivity and the amount of sap that came in contact with the skin. The irritating inflammation of the skin is called Rhus-dermatatits of poison-ivy dermatitis. The inflamed areas frequently blister which is accompanied by intense itchiness, the rash spreads by exposure to the sap and not the sores themselves. After a few days the blisters may become crusty and start to fall off, it may take 1-2 weeks to heal. Your doctor may prescribe cool showers and calamine lotion. In more severe cases an antihistamine may be needed to decrease itching and redness. A steroid may also be prescribed. One can continue to be exposed to poison ivy if clothing also came into contact with the plant. All clothes suspected to have been in contact must be laundered in order to remove residue, do not wash with other pieces of clothing in order of cross-contamination. If one does develop poison ivy, one should seek advice of a physician for proper treatment. When working in or near poison-ivy always wear protective clothing to ensure no area of the skin will get exposed. As Poison ivy can adhere for long periods to clothing, tools and the hairs of pets and livestock, repeated washings may be necessary. Contaminated areas of the skin should be washed in cold water and soap. Hot water tends to open the pores of the epidermal layer, which would increase the resin deeply adsorbing into the skin (if water is not available, vinegar or alcohol can be a substitute). Caution, do not burn poison-ivy as this releases the poison in the form of tiny droplets carried by the ash and dust particles in the smoke. A severe reaction may develop if a sensitive person inhales or is exposed to this smoke.

Nadine Janacek Rexall #0202 Blog Reporter