A health insurance executive defended high premiums in the United States reports the New York Times.
According to the executive, "The increases in premiums are driven by prices charged by doctors, hospitals, drug companies and other suppliers, and by increases in the use of health care by an aging population."
What is perhaps most shocking to a Canadian reader is that one witness testified before Congress saying that her health care insurance premium was "being increased 38 percent, to $516 a month, from $373."
While we do not have to pay the same kind of premiums in Canada (thankfully) we do end up paying for health care via taxes. But is that truly accounting for the larger picture. Health care has been the centre of debate in the United States since President Obama has pushed for health care reform.
Perhaps this universal debate should take on a new question: Is it even appropriate to have health care engaged with the private sector at all? Pharmaceutical companies are driven by the need to make profits to satiate shareholders as are insurance companies. If coverage and drug development were the responsibility of the government is there potential that by removing the need for profit would benefit the health care consumer?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
SHealth Canada issues warning over possible life threatening products
I recently received this e-mail from Health Canada:
Health Canada is warning consumers of unauthorized health products sold
under the OM Fusion Distributors LLC label included in the table below. The
use of these products may cause life threatening reactions. There are
serious risks with taking unauthorized drugs without supervision by a
health care professional. If you take these products, you may also prevent
your physician from properly diagnosing your condition and prescribing the
correct medication.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_23-eng.php
---
Canadians are advised to check the label of current medications. If you see the label you are advised to contact your health care professional. This health alert extends to seven products not authorized for sale in Canada. The seven products are:
Adelphane – Esidrex
Antihemorroi Ointment
Erythromycin
Ftorocort
Levomycetin
Prednisolonum
Zdorovye
Please note that this warning affects only the products with the OM Fusion Distributors label. Erythromycin, for example, is a common antibiotic that is safe to use under physician direction. Only the OM Fusion Distribution erythromycin is affected.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Does playing music makes you a better listener?
The debate that studying music makes people smarter has been around for some time now. Articles from music schools like the one found here are quick to promote this idea while arguments against this theory are fewer and far between.
However, in a recent article published on sciencedaily.com, researchers at Northwestern University argue that "music training has profound effects that shape the sensory system and should be a mianstay of K-12 education."
The original press release from Northwestern University is available here
Researchers at the university have release four studies in the recent year that examine the relevance of music education to human development. A similiar study released on March 3, 2009 reports that musicians' brains are fine-tuned to identify emotion.
In 2007, Northwestern University released another study that concluded that musical training can tune the auditory system.
The evidence that the ability to read and play music positively affects human development is continually growing.
However, in a recent article published on sciencedaily.com, researchers at Northwestern University argue that "music training has profound effects that shape the sensory system and should be a mianstay of K-12 education."
The original press release from Northwestern University is available here
Researchers at the university have release four studies in the recent year that examine the relevance of music education to human development. A similiar study released on March 3, 2009 reports that musicians' brains are fine-tuned to identify emotion.
In 2007, Northwestern University released another study that concluded that musical training can tune the auditory system.
The evidence that the ability to read and play music positively affects human development is continually growing.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Obesity in Canada
A recent article about obesity in the United States was, while hardly surprising, interesting as I hadn't seen any relevant data or news stories about obesity in Canada recently.
Googling the phrase 'Obesity in Canada' revealed an interesting Parliamentary report that was published in July of 2005.
The raw data of the report is nearly five years old; however, is there any evidence to suggest that we are in any different a position than we were in 2005? Statistics Canada reports that, "In 2008, 17.2% of Canadians aged 18 or older, roughly 4.2 million adults, reported height and weight that classified them as obese."
According to these figures, nearly one in five Canadians fits the definition of obesity. While that is certainly much less than the 62.2 per cent of Americans that are reported to be overweight or obese that was reported in the first article, it is a concerning trend that obesity is rising in both countries.
Googling the phrase 'Obesity in Canada' revealed an interesting Parliamentary report that was published in July of 2005.
The raw data of the report is nearly five years old; however, is there any evidence to suggest that we are in any different a position than we were in 2005? Statistics Canada reports that, "In 2008, 17.2% of Canadians aged 18 or older, roughly 4.2 million adults, reported height and weight that classified them as obese."
According to these figures, nearly one in five Canadians fits the definition of obesity. While that is certainly much less than the 62.2 per cent of Americans that are reported to be overweight or obese that was reported in the first article, it is a concerning trend that obesity is rising in both countries.
That's a lot of salt
Wondering how much sodium you might be ingesting while enjoying a healthy snack of popcorn? This photo was taken of a single serving packet of popcorn seasoning. As you can see, it contains more sodium than is recommended one consume for the entire day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Health Canada Medical Alert: "7-Day Cleanse"
I received the an e-mail from Health Canada several hours ago that contained the following message:
---
Health Canada is advising consumers that the unauthorized product “Complete
7-Day Cleanse” is being recalled because it contains a number of active
ingredients with a combined effect that may pose serious health risks.
“Complete 7-Day Cleanse” is a multi-ingredient natural health product
promoted for “cleansing” or removing toxins from the body.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_19-eng.php
---
According to Health Canada, the product in question contains laxatives and diuretics. Health Canada writes that, "This combination of ingredients may increase the laxative or diuretic impact of the product and pose a risk of dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance."
Cleanses have been growing in popularity in recent years as a way of ridding the body of alleged "toxins." An individual chooses to avoid consuming certain products for a specified amount of time.
The benefits of cleanses at the moment are mostly anecdotal. If you are thinking of doing a cleanse, it is always best to consult a health care practitioner first.
Cancerous soda
Yesterday, the news portal canada.com (a subsiduary of CanWest Global) published an article examining a recent study that suggested that higher soda consumption led to increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
According to the article, researchers at the University of Minnesota concluded that consuming two or more sodas per week had an 87 per cent increased risk for acquiring pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas produces insulin in the body when sugar is consumed. Naturally, when a beverage is consumed that is very high in sugar, the pancreas has to work very hard to produce enough insulin to metabolize the sugar.
But does 87 per cent seem high? Does that mean if you consumer two sodas a day, you have an 87 per cent chance of acquiring cancer? Probably not.
The article doesn't provide information on what an individual risk of acquiring pancreatic cancer is in the first place. According to the National Cancer Institute, the chance of acquiring cancer in one's lifetime is 1 in approximately 7600. That works out to approximately 0.013 per cent. Increase 0.013 by 87 per cent and you are still left with a per cent chance of 0.024 of acquiring cancer (0.013 per cent multiplied by 1.87 to signify the 87 per cent increase).
Clearly, media is playing fast and loose with facts. It is important to understand how numbers are generated and what they represent. This does not mean that drinking large amounts of soda will not impact one's health. Bear in mind that drinking massive quantities of soda leads to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
According to the article, researchers at the University of Minnesota concluded that consuming two or more sodas per week had an 87 per cent increased risk for acquiring pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas produces insulin in the body when sugar is consumed. Naturally, when a beverage is consumed that is very high in sugar, the pancreas has to work very hard to produce enough insulin to metabolize the sugar.
But does 87 per cent seem high? Does that mean if you consumer two sodas a day, you have an 87 per cent chance of acquiring cancer? Probably not.
The article doesn't provide information on what an individual risk of acquiring pancreatic cancer is in the first place. According to the National Cancer Institute, the chance of acquiring cancer in one's lifetime is 1 in approximately 7600. That works out to approximately 0.013 per cent. Increase 0.013 by 87 per cent and you are still left with a per cent chance of 0.024 of acquiring cancer (0.013 per cent multiplied by 1.87 to signify the 87 per cent increase).
Clearly, media is playing fast and loose with facts. It is important to understand how numbers are generated and what they represent. This does not mean that drinking large amounts of soda will not impact one's health. Bear in mind that drinking massive quantities of soda leads to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Can Vitamin D reduce cancer by 75 per cent?
This is a short video produced by University of California television. While the idea of vitamin D being able to reduce cancer by 75 per cent seems a little far-fetched, it is an enticing idea.
During my physics class last week I learned that 1 person in 5 will be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime. Clearly, this video could present some very important information.
This video is also available on YouTube by clicking here
During my physics class last week I learned that 1 person in 5 will be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime. Clearly, this video could present some very important information.
This video is also available on YouTube by clicking here
An introduction to Vitamin D
Vitamin D is hot.
That's what the Globe and Mail reported recently in an article examining this interesting compound.
Vitamin D is making headlines recently as scientists are beginning to unlock the mysteries behind this chemical. The organization Vitamin D Council out of the United States has pushed for more research into this compound.
For decades, vitamin D was thought to be important merely for healthy bone development. The absence of vitamin D often led to a medical condition called rickets, where bones softened over time and the patient would become bow-legged.
Even using the word 'vitamin' is a bit of a misnomer when dealing with this compound. Vitamins are defined as compounds that the body cannot synthesize and thus requires acquiring them from food and drink. The human body is capable of synthesizing vitamin D through the absorption of sunlight by the skin.
There are many factors that can prevent an individual from receiving an adequate dose of vitamin D over a month. Not only do we wear clothing that covers most of our skin, but for people living in the northern and southern hemispheres the ability to absorb vitamin D in the winter months is dramatically reduced. We also spend less time outside than we did 100 years ago.
Several recent articles have cited the positive benefits of vitamin D to a wide range of issues. From its affect on asthma, to its ability to fight crohn's disease, to preventing fractures and fighting colon cancer.
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with heart risk and even depression.
The research isn't unanimous yet, but as researchers continue to unlock the mysteries of this fascinating compound the evidence is growing.
So what can you do to better protect your health? There are several ways to dramatically increase your bodies store of vitamin D. Firstly, you can drink dairy or soy milk fortified with vitamin D. Secondly, you can spend time outside (unless you live in the far northern or southern hemispheres). Thirdly, you can take a vitamin D supplement as part of a regular dietary regime.
Remember, if you are concerned about your own vitamin D levels, the best advice is to go and see a health care practitioner.
That's what the Globe and Mail reported recently in an article examining this interesting compound.
Vitamin D is making headlines recently as scientists are beginning to unlock the mysteries behind this chemical. The organization Vitamin D Council out of the United States has pushed for more research into this compound.
For decades, vitamin D was thought to be important merely for healthy bone development. The absence of vitamin D often led to a medical condition called rickets, where bones softened over time and the patient would become bow-legged.
Even using the word 'vitamin' is a bit of a misnomer when dealing with this compound. Vitamins are defined as compounds that the body cannot synthesize and thus requires acquiring them from food and drink. The human body is capable of synthesizing vitamin D through the absorption of sunlight by the skin.
There are many factors that can prevent an individual from receiving an adequate dose of vitamin D over a month. Not only do we wear clothing that covers most of our skin, but for people living in the northern and southern hemispheres the ability to absorb vitamin D in the winter months is dramatically reduced. We also spend less time outside than we did 100 years ago.
Several recent articles have cited the positive benefits of vitamin D to a wide range of issues. From its affect on asthma, to its ability to fight crohn's disease, to preventing fractures and fighting colon cancer.
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with heart risk and even depression.
The research isn't unanimous yet, but as researchers continue to unlock the mysteries of this fascinating compound the evidence is growing.
So what can you do to better protect your health? There are several ways to dramatically increase your bodies store of vitamin D. Firstly, you can drink dairy or soy milk fortified with vitamin D. Secondly, you can spend time outside (unless you live in the far northern or southern hemispheres). Thirdly, you can take a vitamin D supplement as part of a regular dietary regime.
Remember, if you are concerned about your own vitamin D levels, the best advice is to go and see a health care practitioner.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Health Canada Alert
I received the following e-mail from Health Canada recently warning about several unregulated health products that may be found in health food stores.
---
Health Canada is advising consumers not to use any unauthorized health
products sold under the brand names Natural Choice Vitamin B-17, Natural
Choice Kava Kava and Natural Choice Lithium Orotate. These unauthorized
health products have a similar identifying image on their label. Consumers
should note that the above-mentioned products may also be available under
the brand names Life Choice, Doctor’s Choice, Your Choice and Healthy
Choice as these products have been marketed under a variety of brand names.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_15-eng.php
---
A detailed explanation of the warning is available here.
According to Health Canada, Natural Choice Vitamin B-17, "contains amygdalin which is a compound derived from bitter apricot kernels that has the potential to release cyanide when ingested by humans. Small amounts of cyanide are detoxified by the human body but low to moderate amounts ingested chronically can lead to serious adverse health consequences and high doses can be lethal."
If you are concerned that you have ingested any of the drugs listed in the recall, Health Canada advises to see a healthcare practioner.
---
Health Canada is advising consumers not to use any unauthorized health
products sold under the brand names Natural Choice Vitamin B-17, Natural
Choice Kava Kava and Natural Choice Lithium Orotate. These unauthorized
health products have a similar identifying image on their label. Consumers
should note that the above-mentioned products may also be available under
the brand names Life Choice, Doctor’s Choice, Your Choice and Healthy
Choice as these products have been marketed under a variety of brand names.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_15-eng.php
---
A detailed explanation of the warning is available here.
According to Health Canada, Natural Choice Vitamin B-17, "contains amygdalin which is a compound derived from bitter apricot kernels that has the potential to release cyanide when ingested by humans. Small amounts of cyanide are detoxified by the human body but low to moderate amounts ingested chronically can lead to serious adverse health consequences and high doses can be lethal."
If you are concerned that you have ingested any of the drugs listed in the recall, Health Canada advises to see a healthcare practioner.
Premier leaves country for surgery
In what is shaping up to be a volatile debate on Canadian health care, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is reported to have left Canada on Monday to have a heart operation in the United States.
Details are few and far between and the National Post, the Globe and Mail and the CBC have all been reporting on the issue.
Allegations that Williams went to the United States because of long wait lists in Canada appear to ring hollow as several prominent Canadian cardiac surgeons have opined on the issue saying that Williams could have easily had his surgery in Canada.
Without knowing the exact nature of the operation (it could easily be a bypass surgery or a more complex procedure) it is difficult to assess whether or not the move was made out of necessity or simply because he had the money to be able to have the surgery done more expediently in the United States.
This issue raises a troubling aspect of the current health care debate in Canada and in the United States. Critics of President Obama's healthcare reforms were quick to point out Canadian wait lists as one of the reasons to avoid a social system. Having one of our most visible premiers go south of the border does not reflect well on our own system, at home or abroad.
We will continue to examine this issue over the coming days and provide more details as they become available.
Details are few and far between and the National Post, the Globe and Mail and the CBC have all been reporting on the issue.
Allegations that Williams went to the United States because of long wait lists in Canada appear to ring hollow as several prominent Canadian cardiac surgeons have opined on the issue saying that Williams could have easily had his surgery in Canada.
Without knowing the exact nature of the operation (it could easily be a bypass surgery or a more complex procedure) it is difficult to assess whether or not the move was made out of necessity or simply because he had the money to be able to have the surgery done more expediently in the United States.
This issue raises a troubling aspect of the current health care debate in Canada and in the United States. Critics of President Obama's healthcare reforms were quick to point out Canadian wait lists as one of the reasons to avoid a social system. Having one of our most visible premiers go south of the border does not reflect well on our own system, at home or abroad.
We will continue to examine this issue over the coming days and provide more details as they become available.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
re: Health Alert
I just received a e-mail from Health Canada that said the following:
---
Health Canada is advising Canadians that natural health products containing
the ingredient glucomannan in tablet, capsule or powder form, which are
currently on the Canadian market, have a potential for harm if taken
without at least 8 ounces of water or other fluid. The risk to Canadians
includes choking and/or blockage of the throat, esophagus or intestine,
according to international adverse reaction case reports. It is also
important to note that these products should NOT be taken immediately
before going to bed.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_16-eng.php
---
A little research into glucomannan reveals that it is a dietary fibre supplement. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not approved this product for and medical treatment and should be considered therapeutic.
This does not mean that this product should be avoided. The CanHealthReport will look further into this product and post more information as it becomes available.
---
Health Canada is advising Canadians that natural health products containing
the ingredient glucomannan in tablet, capsule or powder form, which are
currently on the Canadian market, have a potential for harm if taken
without at least 8 ounces of water or other fluid. The risk to Canadians
includes choking and/or blockage of the throat, esophagus or intestine,
according to international adverse reaction case reports. It is also
important to note that these products should NOT be taken immediately
before going to bed.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_16-eng.php
---
A little research into glucomannan reveals that it is a dietary fibre supplement. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not approved this product for and medical treatment and should be considered therapeutic.
This does not mean that this product should be avoided. The CanHealthReport will look further into this product and post more information as it becomes available.
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