Capsule Comments
In Australia, there is a new health policy mandating that bakers use iodized salt in all bread sold in the country. Evidently 43% of Australians don’t get enough iodine in their diet resulting in more cases of thyroid disease. It’s a way of reducing the number of cases of a preventable disease.
Sometimes one small statistic can send a powerful message. One such number from the U.S. says that if everyone in the country reduced their salt intake by one-half teaspoonful per day (that’s 8 salt-shaker shakes), there would be 750,000 fewer cases of heart disease and a proportional reduced number of deaths. This is predicted over a ten years.
Going skiing over the holidays? Don’t forget your sun block. People are getting pretty good about skin protection in the summer but sometimes forget that when skiing in winter. UV exposure is higher on the ski hill than at ground level. So when you are skiing, treat your skin as if you are on the beach.
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure drops when changing to a standing position. Dizziness and falls can result and 20% of people over 65 experience this. Medications can cause this and should be checked. Getting up slowly to allow the body to adjust can help. Compression stockings and avoiding alcohol are other suggestions.
Our pharmacists can help you pinpoint drug side effects that may be compromising your quality of life. Talk to them soon.