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What to Do After Surviving a Heart Attack
The aftermath of a heart attack A heart attack is a life-threatening medical condition in which the blood flowing to the heart suddenly stops due to a blocked coronary artery. Damage to surrounding tissues occurs immediately. Surviving a heart attack ultimately depends on the severity of the condition as well as how quickly it’s treated. You’ll need to be treated for coronary heart disease after you survive a heart attack. Adherence to the correct form of treatment may help prevent future heart attacks. The thought of another heart attack is a frightening prospect. Knowing what to do after surviving one can significantly reduce the odds of suffering from another attack. Take it easy until your doctor says so A heart attack is a life-threatening event — you’re lucky... Continue reading »
1 in 5 Canadian seniors entering long-term care too soon
Many Canadian seniors are entering residential care sooner than they need to, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). “What we found is that one in five seniors entering residential care actually have the same characteristics of those that are served in the community,” said Georgina McDonald, vice president of Western Canada and developmental initiatives of the CIHI. The report says that by expanding home care services, more seniors could stay in their homes longer. That’s something McDonald says could help alleviate pressure on provincial health systems as baby boomers age. “The 75+ population is doubling over the next twenty years, so as we’re looking forward it’s tremendously important that we’re optimizing all of the... Continue reading »
Home Remedies for Burns
When can you treat a burn at home? Whether you burn your hand on a pan of cookies, spend too much time in the sun, or spill hot coffee on your lap, burns are certainly not pleasant. Unfortunately, burns are one of the most common household injuries. Burns are categorized by their severity. A first-degree burn is considered the least severe because it only affects the outer layer of skin. It usually only causes mild pain, redness, and swelling. Second-degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin and cause blisters and white, wet, and shiny skin. Third-degree burns involve damage to all layers of the skin, while fourth-degree burns may involve the joints and bones. Third- and fourth-degree burns are considered medical emergencies and should only be treated in a hospital. You can... Continue reading »
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, these two conditions aren’t the same. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. Dementia is a broader term for conditions with symptoms relating to memory loss such as forgetfulness and confusion. Dementia includes more specific conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and others, which can cause these symptoms. Causes, symptoms, and treatments can be different for these diseases. Alzheimer’s disease causes and risk factors Experts haven’t determined a single cause of Alzheimer’s disease but they have identified certain risk factors, including: Age. Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years of age or older. Family... Continue reading »