That 4 character alpha-numeric acronym from last year that was in the news every single day, especially when a second wave of flu, and the vaccine became available, brought a silver lining. It is not a surprise silver perk, but handwashing and virus containment efforts and awareness needed to be increased just to decrease regular flu and disease anyway. It will be interesting to see if there will be a marked difference in hospitals and clinic visits over the next year or two because there had been less spread of disease.
Right now, there is still a great deal of stress on health care workers to keep up with the demand of sick people. Those seriously ill need the most attention, but there are inefficiencies in organization and communication in sectors of health care like cancer treatment, and that ultimately is at the detriment of patients, but also doctors and caregivers.
The H1N1 pandemic and vaccination process was a nuisance to live amidst. However, everywhere you go these days, there are hand sanitizers, soaps, sanitized towelettes, and hand washing notices. People ask for it if it isn't there. The gym I go to has a number of those sanitizers on their walls. Gyms have been good incubators for germs, with so many hands using the same equipment continually. Sanitation workers at least in gyms, are wiping the handles, and equipment that people touch, and not just cleaning windows and surfaces that don't pose the bigger risk. Users are expected to do wipe down equipment as well, not just with a water spray bottle but with sanitized paper. So we as a society may have moved forward an extra step in taking measures to reduce illness. Hopefully those habits and education will continue.
Many problems are preventable, and some, despite your best lifestyle habits, just happen. Serious diseases happen and require the special skills of those trained to treat them. The more we as a society can reduce the demand on hospital staff and resources, the happier everyone will be. The more stress and demands we make on our doctors and health workers, then maybe those out of province offers just start to look a bit more enticing.
One lesson from many to be learned from the H1N1 experience, is that we can reduce and have a big impact on the spread of disease, and the demand it places on our health care system. Back in Sept. I posted a write-up on how we can can prepare for H1N1, and included a description of how hard it could hit hospitals, taking the Winnipeg experience as an example. If preventative measures were promoted more for positive lifestyle changes, we could make ourselves healthier, and hence, and hopefully bring more silver linings to help make our health care system work best for all concerned.
Showing posts with label preventative medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preventative medicine. Show all posts
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
H1N1 Vaccine - Women with Unborn Children First
Pregnant women are among the most at risk group for being infected with the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. A bit of good news from Canada's Health Minister yesterday, that the vaccine is on route to the provinces and is expected to get formal approval for use later this week. Note: This is not mentioned on all sites or news reports about the H1N1 vaccine, but it can take two weeks for the vaccine to be fully protective, so while we are entering a second wave of H1N1, the sooner the better for vaccination."We know that it takes about 10 to 14 days from the time someone's immunized until they're actually protected against the virus," said Dr. Katz. "So, adding a week is certainly a helpful thing." (Dr. Kevin Katz, medical director of infection prevention and control at North York General Hospital in Toronto.)
Other higher risk groups according to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), that "those that need it most get it first" , are:
- People under 65 with chronic health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
- Aboriginal peoples and people living in remote and isolated settings or communities
- Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential health care services
- Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines
- Populations otherwise identified as high risk
Others who would benefit from immunization include: - Children 5 to 18 years of age
- First responders
- Poultry and swine workers
- Adults 19 to 64 years of age
- Adults 65 and older
Saturday, September 26, 2009
H1N1 - Are We Ready?
Update Sept. 28: Again, this cannot be overemphasized, that we the public have to realize that hospital staff are already working at full capacity, but the demands on them, on equipment and medications will increase to critical levels. As a community rep on a local ethics committee, I attended some very informative meetings lately, and can say that we are looking at the demands of ICUs possibly doubling, while at the same time, medical staff could be cut in half due to infection and staff family illnesses. So it is up to us the public, and the Dept. of Health to emphasize the need to cover coughs, sneezes, stay clear of anyone sick, avoid touching food or our eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
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Although the H1N1 virus (or swine flu) is not the category 5 pandemic of 1918 which took 20 million lives, it is a very serious cause for concern right now. H1N1 should NOT be taken for granted as just another flu bug, because it is not! Being a pandemic means that there is practically no immunity to this virus for anyone and it is potentially fatal. People born prior to 1958 may have been exposed to the virus and have a small level of antibodies for H1N1 - that was the last major "swine flu" outbreak. The earliest available vaccine is in November. Health care officials say there have been over 100 cases in Newfoundland by mid September, and a second wave is expected to roll in this fall and winter.
Just over a week ago, there was a provincial ethics pandemic planning day given at the Health Science Centre. The information presented illustrated how dangerous the H1N1 virus is, and the potential new health crisis that can and may develop.
One of the most anticipated and eye-opening sessions was a recap of the Winnipeg experience with H1N1 this year, which was presented at a Health Canada symposium on H1N1. Physicians and policy makers from across Canada attended, including local a intensive-care specialist. What they heard alarmed them. To say the least it was cause for a heightened level of concern.
One message was that, unlike the seasonal flu, it is not primarily the very young and old who are getting seriously ill. 40% of patients requiring ICU treatment were between the age of 15-50. One of the presenters at the Health Canada conference, Dr. Arnand Kumar, reported that young, healthy people were "essentially struck down in the prime of their life" and the hospitals were filled with "rows and rows" of patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
A typical patient, who had been completely healthy, quickly became symptomatic, and required hospitalization. At the peak of the outbreak, Winnipeg's ICUs were beyond capacity, and near breaking points. The equipment and medications required to deal with infections caused by H1N1 were huge. One particular drug supply, which would normally last one year, was used up in 6 weeks. As well, there was a 25% increase in flu-related absenteeism among health care workers themselves.
Young people and aboriginal groups were disproportionately attacked by the H1N1 virus. In fact, 17% of the H1N1 hospital cases were First Nations peoples. Let’s hope that the Federal Government’s special communication initiative, announced Saturday, will adequately inform Aboriginal groups everywhere. Other at risks groups include pregnant women and the chronically ill who had higher rates of ICU admissions and deaths. Experts there warned that hospitals need to get ready for a surge of severely sick patients.
Another related issue was raised at last week's information session as well - ICU's here are already at full capacity. We regularly hear media reports of cancelled surgeries due to a lack of Critical Care beds. So when there are more cases needing ICU care but we have exhausted the space, or staff or supplies, what's to be done? Who gets priority? What is the health care worker's duty to care when they might fear becoming infected themselves? These are real issues with no easy answers at a rare time in disease history.
It is useful to learn from the H1N1 experience of another province so we can better prepare for what may lie ahead in this province. H1N1 is coming again this season but does not necessarily have to be a severe crisis that will paralyze our health care system. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to reduce the risk of becoming infected and infecting others.
So are we ready in Newfoundland and Labrador? As a citizen I will keep these three public health goals in mind:
1. Delay transmission and lessen outbreak peak
2. Decrease burden on healthcare infrastructure, and
3. Reduce the number of cases
To be part of the solution, wash your hands well and often. Cover coughs and sneezes so others don't have to run for cover. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, not your hand. Do not put unwashed hands to your eyes, nose or mouth, or touch food. Avoid close contact if someone is sick, and avoid others if you are sick yourself. Gargle three times a day, even with just water, as this helps eliminate the virus from the throat. These habits will protect you and also minimize possibly spreading a virus to anyone else.
What also ought to be spreading though, is not just communications and information about how to protect ourselves, but hospital plans for health care workers who could run into equipment, drug or space shortages. This concern was expressed at last week’s conference on pandemic planning, and needs to be addressed for front line health care workers.
In the event of illness, individuals need to have plans as well. We can borrow a habit that's also spreading across the world, given the name the "buddy system". Actually it is common sense – if you’re sick, just identify someone to get your meds for example, keep in touch, help look after their needs. But we can extend it a bit to remind friends and family to wash their hands after arriving from anywhere, after touching door handles, etc., to educate people who are still not aware of how flus are transmitted, to communicate to isolated groups or individuals.
This H1N1 pandemic is a rare experience that a society has to deal with. It happens only several times a century. At times like this, do not be surprised to see masks worn by people to reduce their risks of catching or spreading flu viruses. We could even adjust as a society to avoiding the good old handshake for a while, whether it's at work, a party, or at church – surely we can forgive the social faux pas for now.
As one member of the Ethics committee put it, "no one can protect all of us from H1N1 better than ourselves." Again, the impact of H1N1 can be mild if we work together, by simply doing our own part.
Although the H1N1 virus (or swine flu) is not the category 5 pandemic of 1918 which took 20 million lives, it is a very serious cause for concern right now. H1N1 should NOT be taken for granted as just another flu bug, because it is not! Being a pandemic means that there is practically no immunity to this virus for anyone and it is potentially fatal. People born prior to 1958 may have been exposed to the virus and have a small level of antibodies for H1N1 - that was the last major "swine flu" outbreak. The earliest available vaccine is in November. Health care officials say there have been over 100 cases in Newfoundland by mid September, and a second wave is expected to roll in this fall and winter.
Just over a week ago, there was a provincial ethics pandemic planning day given at the Health Science Centre. The information presented illustrated how dangerous the H1N1 virus is, and the potential new health crisis that can and may develop.
One of the most anticipated and eye-opening sessions was a recap of the Winnipeg experience with H1N1 this year, which was presented at a Health Canada symposium on H1N1. Physicians and policy makers from across Canada attended, including local a intensive-care specialist. What they heard alarmed them. To say the least it was cause for a heightened level of concern.
One message was that, unlike the seasonal flu, it is not primarily the very young and old who are getting seriously ill. 40% of patients requiring ICU treatment were between the age of 15-50. One of the presenters at the Health Canada conference, Dr. Arnand Kumar, reported that young, healthy people were "essentially struck down in the prime of their life" and the hospitals were filled with "rows and rows" of patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
A typical patient, who had been completely healthy, quickly became symptomatic, and required hospitalization. At the peak of the outbreak, Winnipeg's ICUs were beyond capacity, and near breaking points. The equipment and medications required to deal with infections caused by H1N1 were huge. One particular drug supply, which would normally last one year, was used up in 6 weeks. As well, there was a 25% increase in flu-related absenteeism among health care workers themselves.
Young people and aboriginal groups were disproportionately attacked by the H1N1 virus. In fact, 17% of the H1N1 hospital cases were First Nations peoples. Let’s hope that the Federal Government’s special communication initiative, announced Saturday, will adequately inform Aboriginal groups everywhere. Other at risks groups include pregnant women and the chronically ill who had higher rates of ICU admissions and deaths. Experts there warned that hospitals need to get ready for a surge of severely sick patients.
Another related issue was raised at last week's information session as well - ICU's here are already at full capacity. We regularly hear media reports of cancelled surgeries due to a lack of Critical Care beds. So when there are more cases needing ICU care but we have exhausted the space, or staff or supplies, what's to be done? Who gets priority? What is the health care worker's duty to care when they might fear becoming infected themselves? These are real issues with no easy answers at a rare time in disease history.
It is useful to learn from the H1N1 experience of another province so we can better prepare for what may lie ahead in this province. H1N1 is coming again this season but does not necessarily have to be a severe crisis that will paralyze our health care system. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to reduce the risk of becoming infected and infecting others.
So are we ready in Newfoundland and Labrador? As a citizen I will keep these three public health goals in mind:
1. Delay transmission and lessen outbreak peak
2. Decrease burden on healthcare infrastructure, and
3. Reduce the number of cases
To be part of the solution, wash your hands well and often. Cover coughs and sneezes so others don't have to run for cover. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, not your hand. Do not put unwashed hands to your eyes, nose or mouth, or touch food. Avoid close contact if someone is sick, and avoid others if you are sick yourself. Gargle three times a day, even with just water, as this helps eliminate the virus from the throat. These habits will protect you and also minimize possibly spreading a virus to anyone else.
What also ought to be spreading though, is not just communications and information about how to protect ourselves, but hospital plans for health care workers who could run into equipment, drug or space shortages. This concern was expressed at last week’s conference on pandemic planning, and needs to be addressed for front line health care workers.
In the event of illness, individuals need to have plans as well. We can borrow a habit that's also spreading across the world, given the name the "buddy system". Actually it is common sense – if you’re sick, just identify someone to get your meds for example, keep in touch, help look after their needs. But we can extend it a bit to remind friends and family to wash their hands after arriving from anywhere, after touching door handles, etc., to educate people who are still not aware of how flus are transmitted, to communicate to isolated groups or individuals.
This H1N1 pandemic is a rare experience that a society has to deal with. It happens only several times a century. At times like this, do not be surprised to see masks worn by people to reduce their risks of catching or spreading flu viruses. We could even adjust as a society to avoiding the good old handshake for a while, whether it's at work, a party, or at church – surely we can forgive the social faux pas for now.
As one member of the Ethics committee put it, "no one can protect all of us from H1N1 better than ourselves." Again, the impact of H1N1 can be mild if we work together, by simply doing our own part.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
H1N1/Swine Flu Virus Could Cause 90,000 Deaths in U.S.
People should not panic but they should be concerned.
An American Science report states that an expected outbreak in September could infect from 30-50% of the U.S. population by fall and winter. It is plausible that up to 90,000 people will die as a result. Vaccines are currently being developed but may not be available till mid-October there, and NL's immunization program won't start till November. People die from seasonal flu each year. In the States it's around 40,000, but the H1N1/Swine Flu virus could more than double that number by itself.
Here, the Newfoundland & Labrador government is launching an infection prevention campaign aimed at kids to keep hands clean. Spreading preventative measures is good medicine. Of course there will be some detractors but one should not be presumptuous about peoples' knowledge and practices regarding hand washing. Busy kids at school and play, easily spread and catch bugs, and schools can be higher risk environments - close proximities, and physical contact. Many people in general Do Not wash their hands before meals, or after bathroom, sneezing, or whatever. Sometimes by a handshake you know that soap and water has not seen that hand in the last 12-24 hours. So the more that hand washing and other healthy habits are repeated, the better.
Here are a few more preventative tips to avoid flus:
Avoid touching door handles where possible. Either use your arm or elbow to push down on handles, or use your sleeve to touch handles or turn knobs.
Use public sanitizers on walls to disinfect your hands
Bring along your own sani-wipes, hand-wash/sanitizer, on your person or in vehicle.
Avoid people who are showing symptoms of flu.
Avoid touching your hands to your mouth, nose, eyes, face unless you have washed your hands.
As soon as you return home, immediately wash your hands for at least 30 seconds.
Do not touch food unless your hands are clean.
Public places like schools, college, MUN, restaurants, hospitals, clinics, anywhere there are door knobs, handles, should have knobs and handles disinfected each day several times - it's just another way to minimize the risk of picking something
and of course, the usual - Cover sneezes/coughs. It's common sense, but being a patient with a zero immune system several times, bad habits stand out more. One time a nurse in the same room sneezed a few feet away without covering.. not a good thing when your defenses are gone.
If deaths attributed to the H1N1/Swine flu virus can more than double the number of seasonal deaths in the U.S. there is no reason not to possibly see the same proportion happening in Canadian provinces.
Also see posts on Preventative health and future health care
An American Science report states that an expected outbreak in September could infect from 30-50% of the U.S. population by fall and winter. It is plausible that up to 90,000 people will die as a result. Vaccines are currently being developed but may not be available till mid-October there, and NL's immunization program won't start till November. People die from seasonal flu each year. In the States it's around 40,000, but the H1N1/Swine Flu virus could more than double that number by itself.
Here, the Newfoundland & Labrador government is launching an infection prevention campaign aimed at kids to keep hands clean. Spreading preventative measures is good medicine. Of course there will be some detractors but one should not be presumptuous about peoples' knowledge and practices regarding hand washing. Busy kids at school and play, easily spread and catch bugs, and schools can be higher risk environments - close proximities, and physical contact. Many people in general Do Not wash their hands before meals, or after bathroom, sneezing, or whatever. Sometimes by a handshake you know that soap and water has not seen that hand in the last 12-24 hours. So the more that hand washing and other healthy habits are repeated, the better.
Here are a few more preventative tips to avoid flus:
If deaths attributed to the H1N1/Swine flu virus can more than double the number of seasonal deaths in the U.S. there is no reason not to possibly see the same proportion happening in Canadian provinces.
Also see posts on Preventative health and future health care
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tanning Beds Could be Put to Rest for Teens
The Canadian Cancer Society wants provincial governments to outlaw the use of tanning beds for teens 18 and under. (CTV News just reported this) The reasoning is health-related - a recent Cancer Society survey showed that young people are most likely to spend time in the sun and least likely to be protected, i.e., only "42 per cent of young men and 58 per cent of young women protect themselves from overexposure to the sun – much lower than in older populations."
This is a good move to help teens avoid skin cancers, and deadly types like melanoma. Currently, according to the survey, skin cancer rates are still rising in Canada, particularly among young people. The message of uv rays and skin cancer needs to get stronger, as teens are exposed to a couple of hours of sunlight each day. About only half use sun protection so they are currently deterioting skin cells, and with each passing year, accumulates the damaged and broken-down skin cells, thus exposing them to increased radiation. It raises future cancer risks.
A significant percentage of youth use tanning beds to tan - "27 per cent of young women use tanning equipment, which is higher than use among young men or older adults".
There is no safe way to tan from the sun or from tanning beds. Both tanning methods release ultra violet (UV) rays into the skin, not just turning it brown, but has immediate and long term consequences, causing skin damage, such as sunburns, premature aging and cataracts.
Being sun tanned is not healthy, it has risks, and will negatively affect your skin. The Canadian Cancer Society do say that if people want to look tanned, to use tanning creams - as of now, there no known risks associated with that - but keep in mind it is manufactured with chemicals of some sort.
In the meantime, keep skin covered, either with clothes, hat or with plenty of sunscreen, preferably with spf 30 or higher. Here's more info on indoor tanning and skin cancer - who's at risk and the myths of being tanned.
This is another way to cut personal health problems, risks, costs, and demand on the health care system in terms of labour and costs. Preventing problems from occurring is very doable. More health prevention is needed, and there will be more topics to come on this.
Other links on preventing health problems:
Teenage Waist Land
Our Health, and Future Health Care
Our Health, and Future Health Care II
This is a good move to help teens avoid skin cancers, and deadly types like melanoma. Currently, according to the survey, skin cancer rates are still rising in Canada, particularly among young people. The message of uv rays and skin cancer needs to get stronger, as teens are exposed to a couple of hours of sunlight each day. About only half use sun protection so they are currently deterioting skin cells, and with each passing year, accumulates the damaged and broken-down skin cells, thus exposing them to increased radiation. It raises future cancer risks.
A significant percentage of youth use tanning beds to tan - "27 per cent of young women use tanning equipment, which is higher than use among young men or older adults".
There is no safe way to tan from the sun or from tanning beds. Both tanning methods release ultra violet (UV) rays into the skin, not just turning it brown, but has immediate and long term consequences, causing skin damage, such as sunburns, premature aging and cataracts.
Being sun tanned is not healthy, it has risks, and will negatively affect your skin. The Canadian Cancer Society do say that if people want to look tanned, to use tanning creams - as of now, there no known risks associated with that - but keep in mind it is manufactured with chemicals of some sort.
In the meantime, keep skin covered, either with clothes, hat or with plenty of sunscreen, preferably with spf 30 or higher. Here's more info on indoor tanning and skin cancer - who's at risk and the myths of being tanned.
This is another way to cut personal health problems, risks, costs, and demand on the health care system in terms of labour and costs. Preventing problems from occurring is very doable. More health prevention is needed, and there will be more topics to come on this.
Other links on preventing health problems:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Japan's Preventative Medicine and Social Ills
With an aging population of "over 60s" making up 21.5% of the nation, and more high fat Western restaurants like McDonalds popping up, Japan's health care costs are growing and it's taking steps to trim it. There are some things about Japan's health philosophy that are good, and other things that may be seen as warnings.
For years there have been many reports of Japanese work place employee exercise time. Often there is a group exercise at the very work site, like next to a desk. Now that is getting much more focused national attention and an already slim population, compared to us, are being encouraged to trim more.
That's the good part of Japan's preventative medicine initiative, and they can offer some lessons to us in that way.
On the other hand, the most recent government supported employee health program would not go over very well here, certainly not very quickly.
The government initiative, which kicked in April 1, requires companies to have workers aged 40 to 74 take up the battle of the bulge by requiring waist measurements at health checkups ..
The dieting guidance and nutrition education is definitely good, though it's hard to imagine an employer approaching you with a measuring tape to get your circumference. But it is an extension of the fit for work mentality in Japan.
While Japan has made itself an economic powerhouse with it's emphasis on work devotion, it is negative in other ways. Many workers' time are so consumed with the demands of work that eating quick, more fattening meals at the desk is common. In addition, those who are chubby, may get labelled a "metaboh", short for metabolic syndrone, and lose respect from co-workers.
Preventative medicine good, sensei, but workaholic corporate culture may be connected to more problems outside the work place as well.
Being a valued productive and contributing worker is so very important for the Japanese culture, but sadly, there is also a record high suicide rate among Japanese elderly. The rate jumped by 9% last year (over 33,000), with health and economic worries being the main reasons. This AP writer reported that economic and health problems were closely related.
In a report by the National Police Agency, depression alone was believed to cause nearly 20 percent of Japan's suicides last year. That is so very sad. Could there be that much time and concentration with work that there is a lesser and lesser amount of personal time spent with seniors? If so, then that is very lonely for them. People of all ages need to feel worthwhile, that's why we want to live.
Perhaps the time is right for international sharing of health ideas, and perhaps a definition of balance.
For years there have been many reports of Japanese work place employee exercise time. Often there is a group exercise at the very work site, like next to a desk. Now that is getting much more focused national attention and an already slim population, compared to us, are being encouraged to trim more.
Fitness programs at Japanese companies save on medical costs ... by preventing illnesses. And now they are getting strengthened with legislation that adds financial incentives for companies to have healthier workers.
Many corporations have lunchtime aerobics sessions and cafeterias with low-calorie food, are handing out free pedometers and taking other measures to fight the latest imported buzzword: "metaboh," short for "metabolic syndrome" - the cluster of symptoms linked with obesity, high cholesterol and blood sugar, large waistlines and risks of heart disease. (source: AP)
That's the good part of Japan's preventative medicine initiative, and they can offer some lessons to us in that way.
On the other hand, the most recent government supported employee health program would not go over very well here, certainly not very quickly.
The government initiative, which kicked in April 1, requires companies to have workers aged 40 to 74 take up the battle of the bulge by requiring waist measurements at health checkups ..
Those exceeding government limits — 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, which are identical to thresholds established in 2005 for Japan by the International Diabetes Federation as an easy guideline for identifying health risks — and having a weight-related ailment will be given dieting guidance if after three months they do not lose weight. If necessary, those people will be steered toward further re-education after six more months. (source: NY Times)
The dieting guidance and nutrition education is definitely good, though it's hard to imagine an employer approaching you with a measuring tape to get your circumference. But it is an extension of the fit for work mentality in Japan.
While Japan has made itself an economic powerhouse with it's emphasis on work devotion, it is negative in other ways. Many workers' time are so consumed with the demands of work that eating quick, more fattening meals at the desk is common. In addition, those who are chubby, may get labelled a "metaboh", short for metabolic syndrone, and lose respect from co-workers.
Preventative medicine good, sensei, but workaholic corporate culture may be connected to more problems outside the work place as well.
Being a valued productive and contributing worker is so very important for the Japanese culture, but sadly, there is also a record high suicide rate among Japanese elderly. The rate jumped by 9% last year (over 33,000), with health and economic worries being the main reasons. This AP writer reported that economic and health problems were closely related.
In a report by the National Police Agency, depression alone was believed to cause nearly 20 percent of Japan's suicides last year. That is so very sad. Could there be that much time and concentration with work that there is a lesser and lesser amount of personal time spent with seniors? If so, then that is very lonely for them. People of all ages need to feel worthwhile, that's why we want to live.
Perhaps the time is right for international sharing of health ideas, and perhaps a definition of balance.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Cutting Cancer Risk, and Health Costs
It's the kind of news there ought to be more of ... by controlling lifestyle habits, we can prevent cancers from occurring by one third. This week's announcement of a study showing the relationship between weight and risk of cancer, is very positive for anyone, and positive for governments' budgets.
It had been suspected that too much fat in our foods and bodies, too much alcohol, and not enough exercise could lead to a higher risk of cancer developing. This study (here's a related CBC video interview), is significant. A team of nine independent scientists from around the world, analyzed 7000 other related studies, over a period of five years - very comprehensive.
The main findings in the study were:
The BMI is an indirect measure of body composition, based on your height and weight.
It was surprising. According to one of the lead scientists, Dr. Phillip James, the leaner the person, the better (with limitations). His suggested weight to height ratio may seem alarming to many people. As Peter Mansbridge pointed out to him in an interview, people who appeared slim and healthy, were still over the suggested BMI number. Here is a tool to measure your own BMI. (This works in Firefox, and if it does not for IE, try this link: ) A normal BMI is between 18.5 - 24.9, i.e., the BMI with the least risk of developing cancer.
Another health news item that got wide attention in the past two weeks concerned sodium in food. A coalition of 17 health groups in Canada called for reduced sodium levels in packaged food.
(from CTV's web site) In a National Sodium Policy statement, the coalition urges the federal government to:
This is in the right direction. The story revealed that Canadians are getting far too much sodium in their diets. The recommended level for a person to get each day is no more than 1500 mg. Unfortunately, many get double that, many men, triple that. High sodium levels have been linked to coronary problems. If you don't already read food nutrition charts, it is truly worth your while to take a look at the next can of soup, pizza, beans, or any product. The sodium levels in some of these is already startingly high. A 240 ml can of Campbell's chicken soup has 890 mg of sodium - over half of the recommended amount.
News items like the above are so welcome for the publics knowledge. More credible information like this on other foods, preservatives, colorants, and any dangerous ingredient needs to be repeated to the public. Changing dietary habits is not easy, and can take years for some to learn and make healthier lifestyle changes, so the health news and messages need to be promoted more, and continually over time.
This will save lives, and save the troubled health care system millions. It's a win-win situation for people and government.
There has been criticism from Canadian & American meat associations because of the potential affect the news could have on the beef, and pork industry. In the end, it will be peoples' deitary habits that determine how well any product sells. Things probably won't change much overnight for sales of these meats. In the future, however, meat producing companies may have to be content with lower sales at least domestically, but they can always look to exporting more internationally.
For consumers, continue reading the nutrition charts on food products, get more knowledgeable about what's in processed foods, and what you're feeding your system. Is it good or harmful? Garbage in, problems later. There are 1000s of studies done every year on food effects, they may be commissioned by food companies themselves, or by an arbitrary health association, or by government. The study referenced in this post appears to be very credible, and a cut above the rest.
The federal government in particular might want to consider putting more money into public service health announcements promoting healthy living, preventative lifestyles. The investment now, could very well save $100s of millions in the future.
It had been suspected that too much fat in our foods and bodies, too much alcohol, and not enough exercise could lead to a higher risk of cancer developing. This study (here's a related CBC video interview), is significant. A team of nine independent scientists from around the world, analyzed 7000 other related studies, over a period of five years - very comprehensive.
The main findings in the study were:
- excess weight increases the risk of cancer
- the consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meat also elevates cancer risk.
- (Limiting intake of cooked red meat to about 500 grams (1.1 lbs) per week)
- Limiting intake of high-fat and sugar-rich foods that are low in fibre, including most fast food
- Avoiding completely bacon, ham, sausage and luncheon meats
- Limiting alcohol to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
- Limiting consumption of salt
- Eating mostly foods of plant origin
- Being physically active every day
- Breastfeeding
The BMI is an indirect measure of body composition, based on your height and weight.
It was surprising. According to one of the lead scientists, Dr. Phillip James, the leaner the person, the better (with limitations). His suggested weight to height ratio may seem alarming to many people. As Peter Mansbridge pointed out to him in an interview, people who appeared slim and healthy, were still over the suggested BMI number. Here is a tool to measure your own BMI. (This works in Firefox, and if it does not for IE, try this link: ) A normal BMI is between 18.5 - 24.9, i.e., the BMI with the least risk of developing cancer.
Another health news item that got wide attention in the past two weeks concerned sodium in food. A coalition of 17 health groups in Canada called for reduced sodium levels in packaged food.
(from CTV's web site) In a National Sodium Policy statement, the coalition urges the federal government to:
Set graduated targets for sodium levels according to food categories; Monitor and report on progress by 2012 and 2016 Establish effective monitoring systems to track sodium levels in the diets of Canadians Educate Canadians on the health risks of high dietary sodium and how to reduce consumption Provide incentives to the food industry Ensure health professionals understand the need to reduce dietary sodium and educate their membership about health risks and how to reduce intake
This is in the right direction. The story revealed that Canadians are getting far too much sodium in their diets. The recommended level for a person to get each day is no more than 1500 mg. Unfortunately, many get double that, many men, triple that. High sodium levels have been linked to coronary problems. If you don't already read food nutrition charts, it is truly worth your while to take a look at the next can of soup, pizza, beans, or any product. The sodium levels in some of these is already startingly high. A 240 ml can of Campbell's chicken soup has 890 mg of sodium - over half of the recommended amount.
News items like the above are so welcome for the publics knowledge. More credible information like this on other foods, preservatives, colorants, and any dangerous ingredient needs to be repeated to the public. Changing dietary habits is not easy, and can take years for some to learn and make healthier lifestyle changes, so the health news and messages need to be promoted more, and continually over time.
This will save lives, and save the troubled health care system millions. It's a win-win situation for people and government.
There has been criticism from Canadian & American meat associations because of the potential affect the news could have on the beef, and pork industry. In the end, it will be peoples' deitary habits that determine how well any product sells. Things probably won't change much overnight for sales of these meats. In the future, however, meat producing companies may have to be content with lower sales at least domestically, but they can always look to exporting more internationally.
For consumers, continue reading the nutrition charts on food products, get more knowledgeable about what's in processed foods, and what you're feeding your system. Is it good or harmful? Garbage in, problems later. There are 1000s of studies done every year on food effects, they may be commissioned by food companies themselves, or by an arbitrary health association, or by government. The study referenced in this post appears to be very credible, and a cut above the rest.
The federal government in particular might want to consider putting more money into public service health announcements promoting healthy living, preventative lifestyles. The investment now, could very well save $100s of millions in the future.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Preventative Medicine & Health Savings
“Honesty is for the most part less profitable than dishonesty.” ~ Plato
If preventing health problems were promoted much more, then our health care system would save money, and people could be healthier. The investment of advertisements to show people how to prevent problems could save tens of millions in the long run for our province. Peoples' habits are alot to blame for many medical problems. Of course no matter how much some people take care of themselves, they will still get diseases and problems. People are also free to decide and choose how they want to live their lives. Because we have freedom and a free market economy, popular culture and society is also composed of contradictory forces which send mixed messages to us. For example, let's take fast food. Everywhere you go, on any media out there, and around the clock, we are bombarded with ads that associate feeling good with many foods that are ticking time bombs. Foods full of harmful ingredients like saturated and trans fats are offered then gobbled up by consumers. In every commercial, the tactic is to send the message that you will be feeling good, or the product will somehow bring you happiness. These food products may taste good for the time being, but they act like sludge on drain pipes and eventually need to be "snaked" or give the balloon treatment (angioplasty).
I think we've only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of what harmful things are in our typical every foods. Nitrates, and other preservatives, are they really linked to cancer? Possibly. What about the kind of feeds for cattle? What we don't know won't hurt business. In the meantime get preventative check ups like prostate digitals for men, breast exams for women, etc., and learn as much as you can about foods, what's really in them, and what are the effects of accumulating additives. I will guess that like the cover up of nicotine by Phillip Morris, and the whole food industry secret of the danger of trans fats, there are many other juicy bites of food hazard information that is not being disclosed because corporate money silences scientists.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed" ~ Mahatma Ghandi
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC)
If preventing health problems were promoted much more, then our health care system would save money, and people could be healthier. The investment of advertisements to show people how to prevent problems could save tens of millions in the long run for our province. Peoples' habits are alot to blame for many medical problems. Of course no matter how much some people take care of themselves, they will still get diseases and problems. People are also free to decide and choose how they want to live their lives. Because we have freedom and a free market economy, popular culture and society is also composed of contradictory forces which send mixed messages to us. For example, let's take fast food. Everywhere you go, on any media out there, and around the clock, we are bombarded with ads that associate feeling good with many foods that are ticking time bombs. Foods full of harmful ingredients like saturated and trans fats are offered then gobbled up by consumers. In every commercial, the tactic is to send the message that you will be feeling good, or the product will somehow bring you happiness. These food products may taste good for the time being, but they act like sludge on drain pipes and eventually need to be "snaked" or give the balloon treatment (angioplasty).
I think we've only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of what harmful things are in our typical every foods. Nitrates, and other preservatives, are they really linked to cancer? Possibly. What about the kind of feeds for cattle? What we don't know won't hurt business. In the meantime get preventative check ups like prostate digitals for men, breast exams for women, etc., and learn as much as you can about foods, what's really in them, and what are the effects of accumulating additives. I will guess that like the cover up of nicotine by Phillip Morris, and the whole food industry secret of the danger of trans fats, there are many other juicy bites of food hazard information that is not being disclosed because corporate money silences scientists.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed" ~ Mahatma Ghandi
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