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Elderly suffer after lengthy use of anxiety drugs
Mr. T. is a strapping 85 year-old man who suffers with an anxiety disorder. He also cares for his wife who is severely affected by Alzheimer’s. Twenty years ago he was prescribed clonazepam (Rivotril), a benzodiazepine (BDZ). He became dependent upon them to control his anxiety. BDZs and the elderly do not mix well.
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What teens want to know
School children tend to set the agenda when it comes to what health info they want Despite numerous health advisory and information campaigns, inroads into curbing or modifying deleterious adolescent behaviours remain wanting. There are many reasons, including competition from television and movies, advertising, peer pressure, academic responsibilities, development of independent attitudes and rebelliousness, and…
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Lower cholesterol to prevent stroke, heart disease
Many people are aware of the effects of elevated cholesterol upon their health. Indeed, the rates of heart disease and stroke continue to rise. Concomitant risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking and family history of heart disease and stroke complicate the picture. Those with some or all these conditions use cholesterol-lowering…
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Needless suffering takes its toll
High blood pressure (Hypertension) is another silent disease with catastrophic results if left untreated. Heart disease is the number one cause of physical and emotional harm (morbidity) and mortality in Canada and the United States. Despite the myriad of information targeted to Canadians, the problem grows worse. Money and human resources are stretched to the…
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Test drivers of all ages to make sure they're competent
Sunday will mark the fifth anniversary of the death of my brother, Dr. Steven Dworkin, age 32. His senseless death continues to haunt me and I suppose will forever do so.
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Reversing the Effects of Male Menopause
Many men in their forties and early fifties begin to re-evaluate their lives. Physiologic changes and lifestyle choices can affect their physical, spiritual and emotional health.
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Sometimes a doctor can only listen
Some days or weeks, for good or bad, become more memorable than others. They serve up a combination of events that can turn your day into a rollercoaster of emotions. Such a day occurred in early March. There were 20 patients that day, some with straight-forward problems, others alone in the wilderness.
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Minister's Attack on Fat an Obscene Proposition
Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen March 12, 2002 Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan mused recently about the obesity epidemic as if this was some new revelation.
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Discourage smoking by appealing to teens' independent spirit
Our governments spend millions of dollars a year to combat the scourge of teen smoking. Many “hip” public health campaigns have been tried with limited success.
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