The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Health care is dominant feature in Canadian politics. Except for natives on reserves, health care is a provincial responsibility. That means the systems vary across the country, as does the quality of the service, wait times for operations, and the number of doctors and nurses. Provinces pour millions into their systems and are always begging the federal government for more money. Some provinces actually have a public/private system operating. Others like Manitoba are hostile to the private system even though they allow it to exist for procedures they do not want the public system to pay for, such as laser eye surgery. Because of the burgeoning costs and insufficient staff, most provinces and the feds have come to realize that prevention is better and cheaper than a cure. The Harper government has brought in the ChildrenÕs Fitness Tax Credit to get kids more active and counteract the obesity epidemic that is threatening the future of the next generations. All reports show it is very popular with working families, as activities like hockey are expensive. Many provinces, such as Manitoba, have set up healthy living ministries to encourage citizens to exercise more and to point out ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Governments are also zeroing in on unhealthy foods such as those containing trans-fats, bringing in legislation to restrict their use in foods. Studies and advice abound about healthy living, maintaining fitness, what to eat, and what to do and what to avoid. Everyone agrees that use of tobacco is dangerous, leading to a shorter and less healthy life. People are encouraged to quit smoking by huge taxes on tobacco, few indoor places to smoke, restrictions on tobacco advertising and so on. Some of it is hypocritical as smokers, through taxes, pay far more than their health costs and governments greedily grab all the tobacco tax revenue. To stay healthy, physician and author Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld advocates getting routine physical examinations on a regular basis even if you feel fine and even if it is costly. The most important benefit is the early detection of disease. Dr. Rosenfeld claims regular exams should begin in childhood and expand as we get older. He says people in their 30s should get a checkup every three years. Those in their 40s should get one every two years along with cancer/cholesterol checks and EKGs. Men and women in their 50s should have a yearly checkup to detect any medical conditions, with colonoscopy and PSA tests a must. Dr. Rosenfeld says people in their 60s and beyond should visit doctors yearly to have their hearing and vision tested, and to undergo a comprehensive blood analysis. Walking is considered a great way to keep fit and avoid heart disease. Experts warn that if you have heart problems, you should walk indoors when itÕs smoggy outside, as the smog can trigger heart attacks. How much walking is needed to keep your heart healthy? A recent study of 40,000 women found brisk walking at least three hours per week halved the risk of heart disease. Thirty minutes four or five times a week will do the trick. Many experts warn people to keep their blood pressure down to avoid heart attacks and strokes. There is a warning for those with coronary artery disease not to let their bottom number get below 70, as it doubles the risk of heart attacks. Why? Because pressure is needed to cause the blood to flow through the restricted arteries. This is not the case if the patient has had by-pass surgery or had their arteries enlarged. Finally, for those who are exercising to mobilize and strengthen the lower back, a recent study of 700 patients with lower back pain shows it will only make it worse. It finds general physical activity like walking or swimming is much more beneficial, and back exercises increased the patientÕs risk of more pain and disability. Researchers say what is really important is staying active. RogerÕs Right Corner runs Wednesdays.
