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Tag: Cory Couillard

  • Half of people don’t know they are diabetic

    Half of people don’t know they are diabetic

    World Diabetes Day is held on 14 November each year. A staggering 50 per cent of sufferers do not know that they are diabetic and the nearly silent disease is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation.

    Diabetes is responsible for one death every seven seconds and accounts for more than 4.6 million deaths per year. The rate of developing diabetes has increased by 700 per cent in the last five decades and can be largely traced to poor personal habits.

    Unknowing victims are commonly diagnosed incidentally through blood or urine tests associated with other active health conditions. A diabetic diagnosis is frequently associated with obesity, insufficient physical activity, smoking and poor diet.

    Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has also been called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. The name adult-onset diabetes is rarely used anymore as many children and teenagers are now developing the condition.

    Diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition that can lead to blindness, kidney damage, poor circulation and nerve damage. It is the leading cause of blindness and damage to the blood vessels that can increase the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

    Good diabetes care generally means keeping one’s blood sugar levels within the normal range. There is no one cure for diabetes, but effective treatment and management strategies do exists. A person with diabetes should be able to lead an active, healthy life and reduce the risk of complications with proper self-care.

    Physical activity is also one of the most important aspects in maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing type 2 diabetes. Maintaining one’s body weight improves insulin control, keeps blood sugar in check and reduces harmful cholesterol and blood pressure that is linked to life threatening conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.

    Unhealthy diets, especially the excessive consumption of energy, saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar could cause at least 40 per cent of all deaths from diabetes and approximately one quarter of all deaths. To
    prevent or reverse diabetes – reduce sugar intake, eliminate processed food items, reduce portion size and increase consumption of vegetables.

    Smoking can promote the development of diabetes by at least 30 per cent. Smoking is one of the leading causes of inflammation, scarring of the arteries and atherosclerosis – leading risk factors for heart disease,
    stroke and premature death.

    The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. To prevent diabetes and help support a local campaign, please visit: http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday

    Dr Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily
    reflect endorsement. He can be reached:     Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com, Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard, Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

  • Do you wake up at night to pee?

    Do you wake up at night to pee?

    It may be a sign that you drank too much the night before or it could be a sign of a significantly larger problem in men. Making multiple trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night is often a sign of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an “enlarged prostate”.

    An enlarged prostate is not prostate cancer but often presents with many of the same symptoms. Like cancer, BPH increases the overall size and number of cells that make up the prostate. When enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, or the thin tube that travels through the penis from the bladder, causing an intense urge to urinate.

    There are four key symptoms of BPH to look out for. An enlarged prostate prevents one from being able to fully empty their bladder. This results in urinating much more often than normal with a heightened level of urgency, especially in the middle of the night. With the semi-blockage, it’s common for one to strain starting and maintaining a strong urine stream.

    BPH is a growing problem in the region due to ageing populations and doctors are not exactly sure what causes it. Despite the unknown, BPH affects half of all men between the ages of 50 and 60.

    Some research is pointing to BPH being associated with the same risk factors that cause health condition such has obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart and vascular disorders. Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, tobacco use and poor diet can possibly increase BPH
    risk and worsen its symptoms.

    A diet that is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals has been found to be beneficial in preventing and treating BPH. Vitamin C has the greatest protective effect and can be found in vegetable juices, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, cauliflower and bell peppers. Foods that are high in zinc also appear to be beneficial.

    Don’t drink a lot of fluids all at once. Too much can go straight to one’s bladder versus having a hydrating effect on the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially within two hours of bedtime. It’s important to reduce stress and improve circulation by exercising regularly.

    Other self-care techniques for BPH include not taking over-the-counter sinus and cold medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications have been found to increase the symptoms of BPH.

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. He can be reached through:

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • Air pollution as major cause of lung cancer

    Air pollution as major cause of lung cancer

    Air pollution has long been known to cause heart and lung diseases, but evidence now supports that it’s a leading environmental cause of lung cancer. As a result, the World Health Organization has classified air pollution in the same category as tobacco smoke, UV radiation and plutonium.

    A thorough review of the most recent data suggests that 223, 000 lung cancer deaths were directly caused by air pollution. The data also links pollution to the development of bladder cancer.

    The main sources of environmental air pollution were found to be from industries such as power stations and emissions from agriculture. Fossil fuel emissions from cars and trucks have skyrocketed in recent years with rapid urbanization and the increased reliance on motorized transport of people and goods.

    Environmental air pollution also includes smoke and emissions from burning rubbish, firewood and charcoal. These activities occur in and around the home and are major causes of respiratory disease in both adults and children. Cancer aside, children also experience more generalised illness, such as bronchitis, asthma and earaches when exposed to the chemical onslaught of environmental pollution.

    The exact cause and effect of pollutants on health is often impossible to obtain. This is due to individual differences such as genetics, one’s overall health, history of exposure and a pollutants reaction time. Certain individuals are affected more than the rest of the population such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and the handicapped.

    There are the many types of air pollution that contaminate the air and awareness is growing about the dangers they can pose to one’s health. Environmental pollution is often outside one’s control and the public must focus on what they can change, versus what they can’t.

    “There’s also a lot we can do as individuals to lower our chances of developing the disease such as being more physically active and adopting a healthier diet,” says Dr Rachel Thompson, head of research interpretation at the World Cancer Research Fund International.

    “This latest evidence confirms the need for government, industry and multinational bodies to urgently address environmental causes of cancer.”

     

    Dr Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. He can be reached via:

     

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

     

  • How painkillers cause headache

    How painkillers cause headache

    Headache disorders are not perceived as serious since they are mostly episodic, do not cause death, and are not contagious, but they are extremely common and debilitating. Up to 75 per cent of adults aged 18 to 65 years have had a headache in the last year.

    Experts agree that headache disorders are under-estimated, under-recognized and under-treated. Coincidently, only four hours of undergraduate medical education is dedicated to instruction of headache disorders. This results in a lack of public health knowledge, education and lifestyle modification.

    Of those who treat, most are solely reliant on over-the-counter medications. However, over-the-counter medications have been found to be a cause of frequent or daily headaches. Taking painkillers too often for tension-type headaches or migraine attacks has been found to cause medication-overuse headaches (MOH).

    MOH is the third most common cause of headache and about 1 person in 50 develops this problem. It can occur at any age but is most common in women in their 30s and 40s.

    A vicious cycle often develops if you try to treat headaches with over-the-counter medications. One’s body becomes addicted to painkillers and a rebound or withdrawal headache develops if you do not take them. Often people are not aware and think this headache is just another tension headache or migraine, and unknowingly continue to feed the addiction.

    Medication-overuse headaches tend to be worse in the morning, or after exercise. It may be a constant, dull headache with fluctuating degrees of severity. This results in people taking painkillers every day, or on most days. Even some people start taking painkillers early in the morning or late in the evening to try to prevent headaches from occurring, once again making it worse.

    The amount of painkillers needed to cause a medication-overuse headache is not clear and it varies with different people and health conditions. All of the common medications used to treat headaches such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac have been shown to have addictive and headache-producing qualities.

    Triptans are not classified as painkillers but are commonly used in the treatment of migraine headaches. Medications such as almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan have all been associated with medication-overuse headaches.

    It’s important to stop taking painkillers or triptans if you suspect that you have medication-overuse headaches. It is important not to take an alternative painkiller in attempt to beat the addiction or the headache. The best advice is to seek the guidance of a doctor.

    When you quit, headaches are likely to get worse due to withdrawal symptoms and slowly improve over time. It often takes approximately a week but in some people it may take a few weeks to kick the habit. Withdrawal symptoms often include achiness, anxiety, nausea and sleep disturbances.

    The best way to treat a headache is not to rely on medication that can cause it. Many types of lifestyle modifications have been shown to be as effective as certain over-the-counter medications. You can expect about a 55 per cent reduction in headache frequency, on average, with behavioural and lifestyle interventions.

    According to research, the strongest link to many types of headaches is stress. Stress-reducing techniques, maintaining good-quality sleep and engaging in regular physical activity have been shown effective at reducing headaches.

     

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

     

    He can be reached via:

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

  • 1 in 3 women abused worldwide

    1 in 3 women abused worldwide

    Physical or sexual violence affects more than one in three women worldwide according to a new report released by the World Health Organisation and partnering health authorities. The report represents the first systematic study of global data on the prevalence of violence against women.

    According to the report, “Some 35 per cent of all women will experience either intimate partner or non-partner violence,” says the report. Additionally, 38 per cent of all women murdered were reportedly killed by their partners, and such violence is a major contributor to depression, alcohol abuse, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and abortions.

    “These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO. “We also see that the world’s health systems can and must do more for women who experience violence.”

    Health impacts of violence

    Violence in the home is a major contributor to women’s mental health. The report found women who experienced partner violence to be nearly twice as likely to experience depression. Depression and mental health disorders are skyrocketing as children view the abuse and it becomes a generational acceptance.

    About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14. Around 20 per cent of the world’s children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems. Stigma about mental disorders and discrimination often prevent people from seeking mental health care.

    “Women experiencing intimate partner violence are almost twice as likely as other women to have alcohol-use problems,” according to the WHO.

    Alcohol use has short and long-term health consequences. It’s a leading cause of depression and other mental health conditions as well as sexually transmitted infections. Women who experience physical and/or sexual partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or HIV.

    Additionally, violence is a leading cause of unwanted pregnancy and abortion. The report found that women experiencing physical and/or sexual partner violence are twice as likely to have an abortion. If the female carries to term, they have a 16 per cent greater chance of having a low birth-weight baby – a leading cause of infant mortality and complication.

    “This new data shows that violence against women is extremely common. We urgently need to invest in prevention to address the underlying causes of this global women’s health problem,” said Professor Charlotte Watts, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

    “Gender based violence is responsible for the psychological distress, which results in acceptance, which results in more violence and consequently more psychological distress: a cycle of risk and consequence,” said Rachel Jewkes from the South African Medical Research Council.

    Psychological distress and alcohol use also makes it much harder for women to protect themselves. It makes them more likely to accept the man’s dominance in the relationship and she is more likely to have frequent sex without a condom, explains Jewkes.

    Women often suffer isolation, inability to work, loss of wages and lack participation in activities. These common outcomes will prevent and limit a woman’s ability to care for herself and her family. Sadly, a common side effect of abuse is more abuse – It’s a downward spiral.

     Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. 

  • How safe are over-the-counter pain medications?

    How safe are over-the-counter pain medications?

    We depend on over the counter pain medications to help ease headaches, achy joints and raging fevers. Conversely, could the side effects of these medications outweigh the benefits?

    Many trusted over-the-counter pain medications contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin that can have deadly side effects if taken in excess.

    Acetaminophen is one of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers but research has shown that it could be your liver’s worst enemy.

    Most documented cases of liver damage are from long-term use but new research is challenging even their short-term use. The latest research shows that taking slightly too much acetaminophen over a period of several days can pose serious threats as well.

    “Even supposedly safe amounts of acetaminophen — doses close to 4,000 milligrams (mg) per day, the current daily limit — may be quite toxic to the liver in a small number of people,” according to the Harvard Medical School.

    Also, you may be getting more acetaminophen than you think. It’s used in more than 600 medications. Initial symptoms of liver toxicity from acetaminophen are often vague — fatigue and nausea — and easily confused with the symptoms associated with the illness attempting to be treated with the drug.

    *Ibuprofen and NSAIDs warnings*

    Unlike acetaminophen, overdosing on ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can put one at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. NSAIDs can also damage the kidneys and increase the occurrence of stomach bleeding.

    A new study published in the Lancet looked at more than 353 000 records from 639 different clinical trials to assess the risks associated with NSAID use. Researchers found for every 1,000 people taking NSAIDs there would be three additional heart attacks, four more cases of heart failure and one death.

    The overall number of heart attacks would increase from 8 per 1,000 to 11 per 1,000 people with the drugs. NSAIDs posed an even greater risk to smokers, individuals that are overweight and physically inactive.

    Long-term, high-dose use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is ‘equally hazardous’ as the drug Vioxx. Vioxx is a type of NSAID that goes by the generic name Rofecoxib. Vioxx was taken off the market due to its cardiovascular risks.

    A similar NSAID study of over 100,000 people found that ibuprofen was associated with a 3 times greater risk of stroke in comparison to the placebo control group.

    There is a natural tendency to view over-the-counter medications as being safer than prescription drugs because you don’t need a prescription.

    However, the user rarely follows the safe maximum dose of over-the-counter medications. This is especially true when people develop a tolerance to the medication, causing them to take more and more.

    While taking ibuprofen, make sure to monitor your blood pressure, especially if it tends to run too high. For long-term or chronic pain, you shouldn’t take it for more than 10 days. The latest advice is to try not to take it more than three days per week.

    *Adverse side effects of aspirin*

    Just because aspirin is sold over-the-counter doesn’t mean it’s safe. Previous advice for preventing heart attacks and strokes has been simple: take an aspirin every day. However, new research suggests that patients and doctors prescribing them may need to think twice about that advice.

    A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that taking 300 milligrams or less of aspirin increased bleeding in the stomach and brain by 55 per cent. Researchers looked at more than 186 000 patients taking a daily dose of aspirin and found nearly 2 300 cases of stomach bleeding and nearly 1 300 cases of brain bleeding.

    “The results show that the risks of bleeding are much higher than what doctors had previously suspected after several clinical trials and should prompt doctors to carefully consider a patient’s individual health before prescribing aspirin,” according to Dr Antonio Nicolucci, one of the study’s authors.

    “When the cardiovascular risk is low, the adverse effects of aspirin overwhelm any benefit,” said Dr Steve Nissen, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. “Unfortunately, many patients taking aspirin represent the ‘worried well’ rather than individuals with a high risk of coronary artery disease.”

    Daily aspirin therapy can be lifesaving or life threatening even to the high-risk cardiovascular patients. Generally people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure and advanced kidney disease are at the greatest risk.

    Blood pressure should be controlled before any type of aspirin therapy is initiated.

    “Aspirin should only be used to prevent a cardiovascular event in association with an overall programme of lifestyle measures including healthy eating, cessation of smoking, control of blood pressure and regular physical activity,” according to a aspirin study in the Medical Journal of Australia.

    There is a wide range of adverse reactions that may result from aspirin use including effects on the body as a whole, or on specific body systems, organs and functions. High doses can cause hearing loss and ringing in the ears called tinnitus. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fatigue and coincidently headaches.

    Aspirin should not be used for fevers in children under age 16 as research has shown it can cause the combination of swelling of the brain and liver damage called Reye’s Syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome is most likely to affect children under 5 but cases are seen in older children as well.

    Reye’s Syndrome can kill within days or leave a child with permanent disability. Symptoms can include severe vomiting, drowsiness or loss of consciousness after a viral infection and there is no current treatment. It is not known why only some children and no adults are affected.

    People with asthma often cannot take aspirin or NSAIDs medications. This is due to a condition called Samter’s triad — a combination of asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are small growths inside the nasal cavity that can affect breathing.

    An aspirin allergy or sensitivity is very common and occurs in about 30 to 40 per cent of those who have asthma. Reactions can range from mild to severe and generally occur within a few hours of taking the medication. The symptoms can include hives, itchy skin, red eyes, swelling of the lips, tongue or face as well as difficulty breathing.

    Don’t ignore the risks of over-the-counter painkillers. Always check first with your doctor to determine the pros and cons and ensure the benefits will outweigh their risks. The important thing is to be an active patient and an informed consumer.

    Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • The health risk of Inactivity

    The health risk of Inactivity

    New statistics indicate that physical inactivity is the main cause of approximately 21 to 25 percent of breast and colon cancers, 27 percent of
diabetes and 30 percent of heart diseases. Recent reports from the National Cancer Institute found that fewer than 5 percent of adults get at least 30
minutes of moderate exercise per day.

Physical inactivity directly equates to six percent of annual deaths and that is statistically equivalent to the deaths caused by diabetes and
nearly the amount of deaths associated with tobacco use. Escalating statistics highlight physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor
for premature death.

To complicate the situation, the term "physical activity" should not be mistaken for "exercise". Exercise, is a subcategory of physical activity
that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful. Significantly less people engage in exercise in comparison to proper physical activity levels.

Lack of physical activity and exercise has become the emerging origin of excessive weight gain, a depressed immune system, Type 2 diabetes and a variety of cardiovascular or heart conditions. Type 2 diabetes can cause numerous other health conditions as well including stroke, kidney disease, nerve pain, blindness, amputation and even death if the condition goes undiagnosed.

Regular moderate intensity physical activity and exercise – such as walking, cycling or participating in sports – has significant benefits for one’s health beyond weight loss.  Trends indicate that the public believes exercise is only to lose weight.  Healthy weight individuals justify engaging in insufficient physical activity and exercise levels due to perceived good-health status.

Physical activity and exercise is needed for all – regardless of weight, health condition or age – to achieve optimal health and fight off disease.

*How to start an exercise program*

Researchers have found that individuals who set physical activity and exercise goals are more likely to achieve them. Without a plan, old inactivity habits recur. Begin each week by creating an exercise plan with goals for each day. At the end of each day, mark off the activities that have been completed and the goals achieved.

Planning too much, too quickly is the leading cause of failure. Set small, realistic goals such as taking a walk after work for 15-20 minutes. An ideal activity plan should incorporate aerobic exercises such as walking or biking as well and strength and flexibility training.

Water is the most important component in the human body, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of one’s total body mass. Drink at least eight glasses of
water each day when engaging in physical activity and exercise. Dehydration is a leading cause of illness, injury and poor performance.

Safety always comes first. Appropriate body position and alignment will help reduce the stress on the body and decrease the likelihood of experiencing an injury.  It’s important to engage in stretching, warm up pre-exercises and cool down post-exercises to reduce soreness.

Increase the intensity and length of the workouts slowly to allow one’s body to adapt and improve. Always listen to the body and how it feels. In the beginning, soreness following an exercise program is expected, but beware of constant, severe pain.

Stop exercising if you experience any of these signs: excessive pain or pressure in the chest, dizziness, light-headedness or nausea. It’s important to check with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program for the first time.

Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
  • How not to die of cardiovascular diseases

    How not to die of cardiovascular diseases

    World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April and highlights a priority area of
public health concern in the world. The theme for 2013 is high blood
pressure. One in three adults are known to have high blood pressure, are
you one of them?

Many people do not know they have high blood pressure because it does not
always cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, the silent condition
contributes to more than 9 million deaths every year, including about half
of all deaths due to heart disease and stroke.

The rates increase with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5
in 10 people in their 50s. The prevalence of high blood pressure is the
highest among the African decent, with over 40 percent of adults thought to
be affected. However, raised blood pressure is among many factors that
contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a broad meaning. It's not a single
condition or disorder in itself. Rather, it's a collection of diseases and
conditions. In fact, some types of cardiovascular disease can cause other
types of cardiovascular disease. It’s normally seen as chain reaction.

CVDs are the number one cause of death globally: more people die from CVDs
than from any other cause. An estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs
in 2008, representing 30 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an
estimated 7.3 million were due to heart disease and 6.2 million were due to
stroke.

Over 80 percent of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income
countries and occur almost equally between men and women. The number of
people who die from CVDs, mainly from heart disease and stroke, is
projected to increase to 23.3 million by 2030.

Addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity,
physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes and raised cholesterol
can prevent the most common causes of cardiovascular disease.

*Preventing heart attack and stroke*

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease of the arteries that supply the
heart muscle with blood. CAD means that blood flow through the arteries has
become impaired and is no longer reaching the muscle. The most common way
that an obstruction develops is through a condition called atherosclerosis,
a largely preventable form of cardiovascular disease.

Cerebrovascular disease occurs when obstruction occurs in the blood vessels
that supply the brain with oxygen. Strokes can occur due to bleeding from a
blood vessel in the brain or from blood clots that obstruct the flow of
blood. The most common obstruction is a build-up of fatty deposits on the
inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the brain.

*Not all heart disease preventable*

Although one may hear a lot about preventing cardiovascular disease,
sometimes they’re not preventable as well. That's because some types of
cardiovascular disease are congenital or one is born with them. Congenital
heart diseases are faults in the structure of the heart that exist from
early development.

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that impacts a lot of children.
It’s known to cause damage to the heart muscle and valves.  The condition
is caused by bacteria that can produce what’s called rheumatic fever.  Once
rheumatic valve disease begins, it tends to progressively worsen over time.
Repeated episodes of rheumatic fever can accelerate the deterioration of
the heart valves.

Rheumatic heart disease ends up affecting about half the people who have
rheumatic fever with carditis or inflammation of the heart. Most of the
time, rheumatic heart disease is diagnosed 10 to 20 years after being
triggered by acute rheumatic fever.

*The silent killer *

Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease of the blood
vessels. A heart attack or stroke may be the first warning of an underlying
problem. The symptoms of a heart attack often include pain and discomfort
directly over one’s heart or in the center of the chest.

Symptoms can often be confusing and one of the most common areas of pain is
in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw or back. In addition a person
may experience difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath,
light-headedness, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting. Men are more likely to
experience chest pain while women often demonstrate shortness of breath,
nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

The chance of having a stroke approximately doubles for each decade after
age 55. While strokes are common among the elderly, a lot of people under
65 also have strokes. One’s risk of stroke is greater if a parent,
grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke.

The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness in one’s face, arm,
or leg. Symptoms are most often seen on one side of the body. One can
experience visual changes, dizziness, loss of balance and confusion as
well.  A stroke victim often characterizes having the worst headache of
their life with no known cause.

*Choices more important than genetics*

Behavioral risk factors are responsible for about 80 percent of heart
disease and cerebrovascular disease. Ceasing tobacco use, reducing salt in
the diet, consuming fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy body
weight, engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of
alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The effects of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity may show up in
individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood sugar, raised
cholesterol, and overweight and obesity. This is the mechanism that
cardiovascular disease can produce other cardiovascular disease.

It’s important to be physically active every day. Research has shown that
getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on 5 or more days of the
week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep one’s weight
at a healthy level.

Something is always better than nothing. If you're doing nothing now, start
out slow. Even 10 minutes at a time can offer health benefits. Studies show
that people who have achieved even a moderate level of fitness are much
less likely to die early than those with low levels.

Control one’s dietary portion size. How much one eats is just as important
as what you eat. Overloading the plate, taking seconds and eating until one
feels stuffed can lead to eating more calories, fat and cholesterol than is
recommended.

Eat more of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and
vegetables, and less high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined,
processed or takeaway foods. Eating this way can shape up one’s heart and
waistline.

Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of vitamins, minerals and
dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants
that are known to help prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure
and inflammation. Eating more fruits and vegetables is also one of the best
ways to reduce high-fat foods such as processed meats, crisps and other
junk foods.

Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for
numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the
world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals
of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not
necessarily reflect endorsement.

Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
  • 8 processed foods to beware of

    8 processed foods to beware of

    Over the past twenty years, a lot has changed, and the foods that we eat

    are creating a sicker generation of children. Even small changes will go a

    long way when significant percentages of the population take part, knowing

    or unknowingly. As a result, we now have epidemic increases in diabetes,

    heart disease, obesity and cancer.

    The commercialization of food has forced food companies to find newer,

    cheaper mechanisms to increase the shelf life of food, improve color, taste

    and perceived nutritional value.  The result – a food system that is

    heavily laced with food preservatives, artificial food colorings and

    chemicals.

    Processed foods are one of the greatest dangers to one’s overall health as

    they provide little actual nutritional value.  These foods are commonly

    loaded with unhealthy sugars, salts and fats that create inflammation,

    spike blood sugar and elevate blood pressure.

     

    *Instant noodles topped with MSG*

    There are many brands of instant noodles but few will win any health food

    awards. The immediate danger is what is in the flavor packet that comes

    with the noodles.  This packet often contains monosodium glutamate or MSG

    and very high amounts of salt.

    One of the most common causes of high blood pressure and kidney disease is

    eating too much salt.  One can incorporate instant noodles into a healthy

    diet by simply leaving out the flavor packet.

     

    *Sweet addictions*

    There are many types of sweets and ways of making them but the vast

    majority are high in saturated fat and a large portion of the calories come

    from sugars. They are also a very poor source of vitamins and minerals.

    The sugar is not just bad for one’s teeth but is a leading cause of

    inflammation and weight gain as well.

    It was appalling to find a small sweet that was packed with over 234

    calories, 25 grams of sugar and 12 grams of fat.  Sugar is addictive as it

    manipulates one’s taste buds, metabolism and brain into seeking out more.

     

    *Soda affecting heart beats*

    People often drink soda as if it is water, some even instead of water. Soda

    has an alarming amount of sugar, calories and harmful additives that have

    absolutely no nutritional value. Studies have linked soda to osteoporosis,

    obesity, tooth decay and heart disease.

    The caffeine found in soda can cause jitters, insomnia, high blood

    pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin

    and mineral depletion, breast lumps and possibly even some forms of cancer.

    Soda also contains phosphoric acid that can interfere with the body’s

    ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the

    bones and teeth. Phosphoric acid also neutralizes the acids in the stomach

    making it difficult to properly utilize nutrients.

     

    *Crisps ousting healthier snacks*

    Crisps are perceived to be inexpensive, tasty and a convenient snack, but

    the toll they take on our bodies may not be worth the risk. An occasional

    handful of crisps may not cause irreparable damage to someone consuming an

    otherwise healthy diet but the real dangers arise when one consumes crisps

    on a regular or daily basis.

    Crisps are typically low in vitamins and minerals, and they tend to oust

    things in the diet that have better nutrient values.  They are typically

    high in fat and energy, which can raise the risk of weight gain and

    obesity. As an example, one ounce or 15 to 20 crisps of a popular brand

    contained 10 grams of fat and 154 calories.

     

    *Sugary cereals no better than biscuits*

    Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides the energy for

    the day, nutrients needed to repair bodily tissues and activates one’s

    metabolism to maintain a healthy weight.  Junk food, also known as sugary

    cereals in the morning will provide no nutritional value and can do more

    harm than good.

    According to a recent study, children’s breakfast cereals should be in the

    chocolate biscuit aisle of supermarkets.  One cup of a popular brand of

    children’s cereal contained more sugar than three cookies.

    Researchers looked at 50 cereals overall and 32 were too high in sugar.

    Even brands advertising themselves as healthy options tipped the scales.

    ‘Healthy options’ usually indicates the fortification of vitamins or

    minerals.  Fortification is a process of artificially implanting nutrients

    to improve product sales.

     

    *Boxed juices or boxed sugar with colorings*

    Infants less than a year old should not drink any fruit juice, 1 to 6 years

    olds shouldn’t exceed 6 ounces of fruit juice per day and older children

    ages 7 to 18 shouldn’t consume more than 8 or 12 ounces per day, ideally

    divided into two servings according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Sensationalist claims on the box make it difficult to figure out if the

    juice is actually healthy or not. Numerous studies detail the dangers of

    drinking too many high-energy, high-sugar, low-nutrient beverages.

    Consumers should be urged to check the food label before purchasing any of

    their favorite juices.

     

    *Processed meats producing cancers*

    Many processed meats are made with unhealthy nitrates, nitrites, trans

    fats, saturated fats and large amounts of sodium and sugar. A recent study

    showed a 67 percent increase in pancreatic cancer for people consuming

    moderate amounts of processed meat. The high trans and saturated fat

    content can sabotage one’s heart and waistline as well.

    Sodium nitrite can be found in nearly every packaged meat product

    imaginable. It’s listed on the food label of products such as bacon,

    breakfast sausages, dried meats, pepperoni, sandwich meats, ham and even

    the meats found in canned soups.

     

    *Noodles, sauces and artificial colorings*

    Processed and unhealthy, just the thought of the powdered imitation sauce

    alone should make one cringe. These products contain excessive amounts of

    salts and preservatives to ensure the shelf life of the product.

    Artificial colorings, stabilizers and emulsifiers are chemicals used to

    make the food more attractive and palatable.

    Imitation powdered sauces often contain chemicals like artificial dye

    yellow #5 and #6. Yellow #5 is a water-soluble artificial dye that is also

    known as Tartrazine. Other foods that contain Tartrazine includes cake,

    pudding, biscuits, cookies, muffins, breads, pie crusts, frostings, sweets,

    gums, ice cream, beverages, cereals, instant waffles, yogurts, chips,

    crackers, salad dressing, pickles, cheeses, dips, takeaway foods, prepared

    dried and frozen entrees and sides.

    The problems do not stop there. Packaged sauces also contain a fattening

    secret known as partially hydrogenated oils. These oils are one of the

    reasons that heart disease is one of the fast growing health conditions.

    Food companies routinely manipulate oils to make them partially

    hydrogenated. This manipulation allows the oils to be more stable and have

    a longer shelf life. The entire process of partially hydrogenating an oil

    will produce unhealthy trans fats. Trans fatty acids are toxic to our

    systems, produce inflammation and allow diseases to develop.

    Partially hydrogenated oils also have a negative effect on cholesterol

    levels as they raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good

    cholesterol). These oils have also been linked to the development of

    diabetes and a variety of cancers.

    Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for

    numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the

    world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals

    of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not

    necessarily reflect endorsement.

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

Facebook: Dr. Cory Couillard

Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
  • Fatigue, pain & depression – Do you have adrenal fatigue?

    Fatigue, pain & depression – Do you have adrenal fatigue?

    In recent years a new health condition has been receiving significant press– both positive and negative. Known as adrenal fatigue, this condition is not an official medical diagnosis. However, it represents a grouping of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.

    The condition is often associated with chronic, long-term stress commonly brought on by the fast pace of modern living or an event or illness that is both mentally and physically challenging.

    Healthcare professionals who work with adrenal fatigue say it occurs when the adrenal glands become overburdened and do not function properly thus altering the hormones are produced. A poorly functioning adrenal system will lead to an imbalance of hormones that can impact immune function, sleep, mood and energy levels. The most common symptom of this condition is severe fatigue that cannot be relieved by prolonged rest or sufficient amounts of sleep.

    Medicine does not commonly recognize adrenal fatigue as an official diagnosis, but other forms of adrenal dysfunction, like Addison’s Disease and adrenal insufficiency, are recognized.

    *Stress causes adrenal fatigue*

    The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, cortisol, metabolism and minerals such as potassium and sodium. These bodily processes are critical in producing a healthy stress response.

    The unproven theory behind adrenal fatigue is that your adrenal glands produce hormones that get overwhelmed by the body’s inability to respond to stress properly. As a result, hormonal imbalances occur and cause the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. The complexity and delicate integration of all the processes of the organs, glands, systems and hormones make this condition challenging to diagnose.

    The challenge of diagnosis arises because the symptoms are usually based on how the patient is feeling, rather than the results of a medical test. It is very common for an individual who has adrenal fatigue to consume large quantities of coffee, sodas or other artificial stimulants—yet they complain of endless fatigue and lack of energy.

    Individuals commonly experience mood swings, depression, anxiety and a lack of motivation. This is due to the important role that hormones play in our thoughts, actions and overall well-being.

    *What causes of adrenal fatigue?*

    Whether adrenal fatigue is an official medical diagnosis or not, managing lifestyle factors is the most important component in overcoming it. One of the greatest blessings—but also greatest challenges—in healthcare is that everyone responds to stress differently. One set of symptoms and diagnosis criteria may be slightly different than the next. Individuals with recurrent diseases, infections or illnesses such as

    influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and some allergies may be at greatest risk. The common component in all of these conditions is poor immunity resulting from overwhelming physical, mental and chemical stressors on the body.

    Adrenal fatigue can be caused by several components in our everyday lives. One of the most common adrenal disruptors is the presence of toxic chemicals and pollutants in our food chain, work and home environments.

    Processed food choices and items in a can, box or bag can be loaded with preservatives, nitrates, colorings and other compounds made in a laboratory. Even all natural foods such as meats, vegetables and fruits can have hidden dangers based on how they were grown, harvested and delivered to your kitchen table.

    Past accidents, injuries and traumas are a very common yet often forgot about causes of physical stress and burden on the body. Major surgeries and side effects from medications can also impair how the body responds to stress, causing adrenal fatigue.

    Stress is a natural part of life. What matters is how you respond to the stress. You can treat the underlying causes of adrenal fatigue by taking care of your body proactively, minimizing stress and applying healthy lifestyle techniques.

    *Lifestyle solutions for adrenal fatigue*

    What is the best way to reduce stress? Evaluate and identify the things in your life that are causing it. The first step is to modify your lifestyle so you can improve your ability to handle stress. The three pillars of good health include eating a healthy diet, participating in a fitness program and getting quality sleep.

    Proper nutrition is crucial to keeping your body and hormones balanced. Processed foods and excess chemicals will cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate and cause the body to secrete excess cortisol. Though a critical hormone, cortisol also contributes to weight gain and weight loss resistance.

    Unfortunately, there is a large amount of dietary supplements aimed at people with adrenal fatigue. You should not expect to fix the underlying problem of physical, mental and chemical stress by taking nutritional supplements alone. You would be wasting your money without addressing and improving the core pillars of how the body responds to stress naturally.

    The main nutritional supplements that can help adrenal fatigue are omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and D. They can help to strengthen your system and improve your overall health.

    Additional recommendations include avoiding caffeine and sugar. These products are commonly taken as a short-term boost of energy but have been found to place unneeded stress on your adrenal glands over time.

    Most of all, hormone balance is critical to maintaining adrenal health. Hormone problems are very common and get worse as we age, go through menopause and never address the underlying problems. One of the best ways to maintain and balance hormones is exercise.

    A well-known stress reducer and bodily detoxifier, exercise has been found to be more effective than antidepressants in improving mood. Whether adrenal fatigue is an official medical diagnosis or just a classification of symptoms—lifestyle improvements are the key to improvement.

    *Plan for change*

    Make a plan for change and try not to stress out about it. Poor lifestyle habits are generally learned over years or decades and are commonly influenced by one’s family, community and culture. One must systematically and consistently apply new ways of thinking, acting and applying to achieve healthier choices.

    The important message is that regardless of your health condition, you can take corrective steps to balance hormones, restore energy, reduce body aches, suppress fatigue, strengthen immunity and improve good quality of sleep. Take responsibility, correct your course and achieve results.

    **Dr. Cory Couillard is an international health columnist that contributes to many national newspapers throughout Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s and International Diabetes Federation’s goals of prevention of disease.

    This column is directed by your questions, comments and inquiries. The health advice provided is in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of prevention, maintenance and natural treatment of disease. The advice is for educational purposes and does not necessarily reflect endorsement.

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