Archived Health Advices

Certain myths about immunization have got parents worried. Yet, the advantages of vaccines greatly outweigh any possible risks. In fact, in the past 50 years, vaccines have probably saved more lives in Canada than any other public health measure. Here are a few facts to help debunk some of those myths.

Multiple injections do not overload the immune system

Every day, our body comes into contact with millions of germs and our immune system works continuously to fight them off. Assimilating the small quantity of antigens (dead or weak viruses or bacteria) found in vaccines does not therefore pose any problem. In fact, the number of antigens found in vaccines has been considerably reduced over time. For example, today, the series of vaccines recommended at two months of age contains a total of 34 antigens compared to several thousands in the past.

While most of the diseases prevented by immunization have been eliminated, it is still important to have your child vaccinated

The majority of these diseases still exist elsewhere in the world and since they know no boundaries, they can be carried home by travellers. That's why it is critical to have children vaccinated - to protect themselves and others. In addition, the more people that get immunized, the more a disease tends to disappear altogether.

The MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) does not cause autism

According to many studies, there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism in children.

Vaccines do not contain any dangerous additives

Aluminum salts and mercury are often singled out as culprits in this respect. With regard to mercury, as of 2001, vaccines manufactured in Canada no longer contained this substance. As for aluminum salts, they are added to certain vaccines to improve the immune response, while allowing the count of antigens to be reduced. It has been shown, however, that these are not harmful in any way. Aluminum is naturally present in air, water, food and even breast milk.

To learn more about immunization, talk to your pharmacist!

Blisters, athlete’s foot, fungus, foot odour – these small woes can spell big trouble, especially during the summer months!

Blisters

To eliminate blister-causing moisture, the trick is to dry your feet really well – especially between your toes – after bathing or swimming. If wearing closed shoes, you will want to put on socks as well. To avoid a potential bacterial infection, you should never puncture a blister. Protect it with an adhesive bandage, preferably one made of cloth, since plastic bandages retain more moisture.

Fungus and athlete’s foot

The majority of fungal infections develop in dark, moist places, where dead skin can be found. During summer, closed leather shoes should therefore be avoided. It is better to leave your toes uncovered. Removable, washable insoles are also a great idea. If you have athlete’s foot, regularly cleaning the inside of your shoes with a cloth dipped in diluted javel water is suggested. If the problem persists, you can use anti-fungal products. And remember that, like warts, athlete’s foot is contagious. So don’t walk barefoot in public places!

Foot odour

Foot odour is often caused by fungi or bacteria present in perspiration. The best way to avoid odour is therefore to reduce moisture in your shoes as much as possible (using talcum powder, for example), clean them regularly and spray them once a week with an antibacterial deodorant. Don’t hesitate to talk to your pharmacist. He can answer any questions you may have on foot care and hygiene!

Summertime is here and we're gearing up for high weather! In the weeks to come, many of us will take time off to enjoy the great outdoors. But outside is exactly where you'll find an army of stinging insects – mosquitoes, bees, wasps and black flies. So what should you do to avoid getting stung and, failing this, how do you treat an insect bite? Read on for some useful advice.

Prevention measures

To avoid insect stings and bites, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are a few tips.

• Don't walk barefoot on the grass. Always wear shoes. Closed footwear is best.
• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing (white, beige or tan). Avoid bright colours and floral patterns: these attract bees and wasps.
• If you find yourself in a place swarming with insects, protect yourself by tucking your pant legs into your socks.
• When going outside, don't wear perfume. You'll also want to choose fragrance-free antiperspirant, sunscreen and hair styling products.
• Use insect repellent that contains DEET and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. To protect your child, use only repellent designed for children, since DEET can be dangerous. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before using this type of product.
• Cover your baby stroller with a net. DEET is not recommended for babies under six months of age.
• Avoid public picnic areas and stay away from garbage cans, a hotspot for the yellow-jacket wasp.
• Stay inside at dusk. That's when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate sources of stagnant water (wading pools, birdbaths, garbage cans, etc.), as this is where mosquitoes like to reproduce.

Treatment

It's best not to scratch insect bites in order to avoid infecting them with dirt lodged under the fingernails. To ease the itch, you can use calamine lotion, a product that contains zinc silicate. Your pharmacist can also recommend an antihistamine if the itching is hard to take. To alleviate pain, cold compresses or ice can be applied. A paste made from baking soda and water spread on the bite can also be helpful.

A bee stung you and left behind its stinger? With a clean fingernail or a plastic card, use a scrapping motion to remove it. Be especially carefully if using tweezers. You don't want to crush the venom sack or break the dart, since this will lead to an even greater inflammatory reaction.

Finally, you should be aware that certain insect bites can cause serious allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, swelling, generalized skin rash, etc.). In such cases, you need to seek immediate medical attention, and, if possible, administer a dose of epinephrine with an auto-injector.

Ragweed and poison ivy are two different plants that lead to very distinct reactions. For instance, ragweed affects only those who are allergic to its pollen, while poison ivy triggers skin irritation in most people who come into contact with it. Their repercussions translate into major health problems, with resulting medical expenses and work absenteeism costing millions of dollars every year. Let's dig up some information about these plants considered a public health risk.

Ragweed

Ragweed (Ambrosia) can be found in many regions of Quebec, particularly in urban settings. Every year, its pollen affects 10% of Quebecers, causing allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever. This ailment involves a series of symptoms, such as runny nose, sinus congestion, fits of sneezing, red, swollen and weepy eyes, respiratory problems, coughing and asthma. However, ragweed does not pose a threat when it comes into contact with the skin.

Certain precautions can be taken to reduce symptoms:

• Practise outdoors activities at the end of the day, when the concentration of pollen in the air is lower;
• Use an air conditioner or air filter in your home;
• Take medications such as antihistamines and decongestants.

Poison ivy

Poison ivy (Rhus radicans) grows near wooded areas. Every part of the plant can cause skin irritation and itchiness (allergic dermatitis) as a result of direct or indirect (via objects, clothing or pets) contact. Symptoms generally appear two days after contact with the weed and vary in intensity from one person to the next. Contrary to popular belief, however, the allergy does not return every season for seven years!

If you have been infected with poison ivy, thoroughly wash yourself with soap and water. Once the rash appears, you should keep skin moist using alkaline solutions. In any event, don't hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend an appropriate treatment.

In the springtime, everything comes back to life, including insects! To protect ourselves from them, DEET-containing insect repellents are generally a good solution. These, however, can lead to various health problems, ranging from itching and irritation to more serious illnesses. That's why it's important to choose the right product and carefully follow the instructions.

Recommendations

Select a product that contains a 5 to 30% concentration of DEET.

Children under 6 months of age

• Do not use insect repellent with DEET.

Children 6 months to 2 years of age

• Use insect repellent (with 10% or less of DEET) only if there is a risk of complications from insect bites, and, in such cases, use only once per day.

Children from 2 to 12 years of age

• Use insect repellent (with 10% or less of DEET) only three times per day.
• Avoid hands, opens wounds and irritated skin.
• Once protection is no longer required, wash treated area with soap and water.
• Avoid breathing in spray mist from aerosol products. Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Prevention

Certain precautions, other than the use of insect repellents, can be taken to help prevent insect bites and stings.

• Wear long, light-coloured clothing.
• Do not wear perfume or hairspray.
• Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk, since mosquitoes are most active during these times.
• Stay away from stagnant water.

First aid

Only time can heal symptoms caused by insect bites. But certain treatments can help take the sting out. Here are a few:

• Apply ice to lessen swelling;
• Use calamine lotion to soothe the itch;
• Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.

Keep these products in your first-aid kit. Tweezers can also come in handy if you need to remove a bee stinger. Of course, if you have a severe allergy to insect bites, never leave home without your epinephrine auto-injector, better known as an EpiPen®!

To learn more, talk to your pharmacist.

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common form of cancer in Canada, after lung and breast cancer. Colorectal cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cells in the large intestine, which is made up of the colon and rectum, and the appearance of benign or malignant tumours in this area. It affects men and women alike. However, women are more likely to get colon cancer, while rectal cancer is more common among men.

Risk factors and symptoms

The causes of colorectal cancer have not yet been clearly identified. But the following risk factors have been associated with the disease:

• Polyps (small growths) on the intestinal wall;
• Age (this form of cancer affects mainly people 50 years old and over);
• History of inflammatory bowel disease;
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;
• Family history of colon or rectal cancer;
• Poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking;
• Physical inactivity;
• Obesity.

Nearly all cases of colorectal cancer (99 percent) begin as polyps on the intestinal wall. Although the majority of polyps are benign, they should be removed (through surgery or endoscopy, for instance) so that they do not eventually become cancerous.

In the early stages of development, which can last up to 10 years, colorectal cancer often does not exhibit any symptoms, since the abdomen has plenty of room for a tumour to grow. Eventually, it may cause bleeding or a blockage of the bowel. The following symptoms should be mentioned to a doctor, as they could be caused by colorectal cancer: blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, feeling of exhaustion and vomiting.

Prevention

Colorectal cancer can be cured when it is discovered in its early stage. Prevention and regular checkups are, without a doubt, your best ally in the fight against this disease, especially if you are at risk.

Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and getting exercise can also reduce the risks of developing this type of cancer. A diet high in fruit, vegetables and fibre is also believed to help prevent colon cancer.

Planning a trip down south? Need to travel to a developing country? While travelling abroad can be great, you should take certain precautionary health measures so you don’t end up needing emergency medical care. Here are some tips to avoid this nightmare scenario.

Immunization

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from infections. Make sure your routine immunization is up to date and that you have received all the necessary vaccines (a few are mandatory). If you normally receive an annual flu shot, be sure to get vaccinated prior to leaving.

The most common illness to strike Canadian tourists travelling to tropical countries is traveller’s diarrhea, also known as turista. This acute form of diarrhea generally lasts two to three days. To steer clear of it, you can get vaccinated one week before your trip.

Travellers too can get serious infectious diseases. Fortunately, these can all be prevented with the appropriate vaccination:

• Cholera
• Hepatitis A and B
• Influenza
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever

At present, there is no vaccine against malaria. This disease can be prevented with medications that need to be taken before, during and after a trip. The hot, humid climate in some countries creates favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which spread malaria. You should therefore bring a good mosquito repellent containing DEET.  

People who are required to stay in a developing country for an extended period of time must be tested for tuberculosis upon their return, even in the absence of symptoms. When detected early, this illness is generally much easier to treat.

Prevention and first aid

To prevent diarrhea, for instance, drinking bottled water (in a sealed container) and eating your food well cooked, hot or cold, are strongly recommended. You should also wash your hands often. If you still get diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Here’s a quick recipe: mix 1 litre of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar, and drink.

You should also make sure your hand luggage contains the following essential products:

• Sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30;
• Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and nausea medication;
• Mosquito repellent;
• Disinfectant, antibiotic cream, adhesive bandages and gauze;
• Prescription medications.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and extremely common, especially among children. Gastroenteritis generally lasts one to three days, but full recovery often takes a bit longer.

Viral or bacterial?

Gastroenteritis is normally caused by a virus. Two common viruses are the rotavirus and the adenovirus, which tend to strike very young children. Transmission occurs by oral-fecal route, meaning that they spread when contaminated fecal matter finds its way into food or water, or onto insects or people who later touch and contaminate food. Unfortunately, both of these viruses are tough enough to beat modern sanitation practices.

The Norwalk virus causes gastroenteritis in adults and older children. Unlike the other viruses, which cause epidemics during a specific time of year, this type of virus can strike at any time.

Gastroenteritis can also be caused by bacteria. For example, when a person eats contaminated food, the bacteria present can cause food poisoning, which in turn often leads to gastroenteritis.

Symptoms and complications

The symptoms of gastroenteritis are many and vary based on each particular case. Among them: soft, watery stool, vomiting, low-grade fever, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite and headaches. The known viruses tend to produce their first symptoms one to three days after contact. In young children, symptoms can last one to two weeks, depending on the type of virus, and can lead to dehydration. In such cases, it is important to see a doctor.

Prevention and treatment

Frequent hand washing is the best way to protect yourself from the Norwalk virus, because exposure, no matter how limited, can trigger the illness. Did you know that the virus can live for an extended period of time on objects, surfaces (sinks, toilets, door knobs, etc.) and food, sometimes even up to 12 days?

When a person contracts the virus, he or she should avoid going to work or school, since it is easily passed from one person to the next.

Gastroenteritis cannot be cured, but symptoms normally disappear within a few days. Dehydration is the most important problem to look out for, since when experiencing diarrhea, your body loses fluids and essential mineral salts. Adults can drink sport beverages, oral rehydration solutions and soft drinks. For children under the age of 5, doctors and pharmacists often recommend oral rehydration solutions. As soon as you start to feel better, you can consume bananas, broth, crackers, rice and oatmeal.

Every year, tuberculosis kills nearly 2 million people worldwide. In fact, when it comes to infectious diseases, only AIDS is more lethal! While cases of tuberculosis are relatively rare in North America today, the disease is nevertheless a major challenge around the globe.

Definition

The most common form of tuberculosis, an infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, attacks the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body, like bones, kidneys, lymph nodes, genitals, meninges and the central nervous system.

A person infected with tuberculosis will not necessarily be sick. This is so because tuberculosis can remain latent – in other words inactive – for some time. It can, however, become active at any moment. Only at that point does it become contagious.

Transmission

Tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets when someone who has the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. Occasional contact with an infected person does not automatically mean you will contract the infection. Only if you are in close, prolonged contact with the bacteria will you be at a greater risk of becoming infected. It is also important to note that the disease ceases to be contagious two to three weeks after the start of treatment, as long as the patient is careful to take the necessary medications.

Who is at risk?

According to some estimates, more than one-third of the world's population is currently infected with the bacteria. Tuberculosis generally spreads in areas where malnutrition and poverty are rampant. Poor health conditions, overpopulation and lack of medical care also increase the risk.

The following groups are most susceptible to the disease:

• The homeless;
• The elderly;
• Young children;
• People with a compromised immune system (by AIDS, cancer, etc.);
• Intravenous drug users;
• People working with at-risk groups.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear only during the active phase of the disease and include:

• A bad cough;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chills and fever;
• Extreme fatigue;
• Green, yellow or bloody sputum (phlegm);
• Loss of appetite and weight;
• Night sweats;
• Chest pains;
• Pain in the spine or main joints.

Treatment

Skin tests, culture tests of sputum and chest X-rays are used to establish a clear diagnosis. Treating tuberculosis is a lengthy process. Patients will, in fact, need to take many types of antibiotics for up to two years. To prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria, patients must absolutely follow through with their treatment to the end. On this front, your pharmacist is definitely your best source of information. Talk to him! He can provide you with specific details.