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Psoriasis: a lifelong torment often overlooked
Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen November 11, 2003 Original Title: Plaques are not trophies October was National Psoriasis Awareness Month. Despite a press release from the Canadian Dermatological Association, the illness did not garner much press coverage. Psoriasis fall into the category of common illnesses lost in the competitive din of common serious diseases.…
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A low carb dining review of your favourite eatery
A growing number of people are adopting a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. Indeed, a few studies support the Atkins diet, in the short-term, as a safe way to lose weight (the diet is contraindicated for some medical conditions). The Atkins diet can be difficult to follow over the long-term. Atkins recommends vitamin supplements but many forget to…
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Dealing with depression
Although great strides in public education about depressive illness has led to better treatment and less suffering, I think we must prevent the pendulum from swinging too far whereby people lose their innate ability to distinguish normal grief from clinical depression.
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Bipolar disorder tough to diagnose
Mr. S. was visibly upset about his wife’s behaviour and mood swings. Her “gambling addiction” playing the slots accumulated $40,000 in debt. Mrs. S. admitted gambling was a problem but continued to do so because of the exhilaration of knowing she would win the big prize. There were other notable behaviours.
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Promising breast cancer treatment needs supporting studies
The announcement last week that Letrozole reduced breast cancer recurrence represents another step forward in the battle against breast cancer. When an announcement of a “groundbreaking” study, it is understandable to react with hope that a cherished life will be saved and suffering will end.
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Silent epidemic gains momentum
Take a regular diameter (pencil eraser) size straw and breathe through it while pinching your nose for five minutes. How many would be able to complete this task before gasping for air? Everyone understands the panic that envelops us when we cannot breathe. This universal response is one of our greatest fears. Despite this, an…
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Back pain can be a real strain, but can heal itself
About 90 per cent of adults will experience acute back strain and pain in their lifetime. It is a leading cause of work absenteeism and reduced productivity in Canada and the United States. Interestingly, most back pain resolves regardless of the type of therapy used. Indeed, most will return to work within three months of…
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Medications can soothe menstrual cramps
It is the most common gynecologic problem women face in their lives. Every month it can wreak havoc in a woman’s ability to function at work, interfere with social interactions and family life. Even after it passes it looms over her shoulder ready to inflict pain and suffering in a seemingly unending cycle.
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The science of hand washing
Streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli, rhinovirus, Norwalk (gastroenteritis) and Coxsackie virus (Hand, Foot and Mouth disease) among others routinely contaminate our hands through the course of our daily activities. Our old soap standby does not eliminate germs as well as we think it does. Hand washing is a little more complicated than it seems.
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