Want to quit smoking?

There are many options available to help!

Nicotine replacement (patch, gum, inhaler)

Zyban/Wellbutrin

Amitriptyline/nortriptyline

Champix

Ask the doctors which option is best for you!

Smoker?You have countless reasons to quit!

1 in 2 risk of dying as a result of smoking-related disease (don’t forget about higher insurance!)

Are you a young woman who smokes?

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for cervical cancer

When you smoke, the abnormal cells of the cervix don’t heal as well

What that means for you -> higher risk of needing colposcopy for abnormal cells

Watch your salt!Most of our diets are loaded with salt, and we don’t even know it

Excess salt leads to higher risk of heart disease

Most of our dietary salt comes from processed foods, restaurant food or take-out foods

Also a lot of salt in breads, cereals, crackers, sweets, soups

Don’t be fooled by sea salt, it counts too!

Watch your salt!

Read labels to find foods with the lowest sodium

Choose foods with LESS THAN 120mg/serving

Less than 1500mg per day (1/2 tsp is already 1200mg)

Choose foods with a % Daily value of LESS THAN 5%

Buy fresh or frozen UNPROCESSED foods

Avoid adding salt when cooking or baking

Hepatitis C

The CDC recommends that anyone born between 1945-1965 consider being screened for hepatitis C

ESPECIALLY if any history of blood transfusion or IV drug use

Watch your salt!

Remove the salt shaker from the table

Avoid cured and deli meats

Use less ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, pickles, olives, prepared gravies, sauces and salad dressings

Use lemon juice, lime, herbs and spices instead of using salt

Did you know....

Over 75% of smokers started smoking before age 18?

If you’re a teenager, don’t let yourself be tempted to try it!

Even one puff can get you addicted to something that could cost over $200,000 over your lifetime

Did you know...

Smokers have a 1 in 2 chance of dying from a smoking-related cause?

It’s never too late to try and quit!

Going on holiday?Most travel insurers require you to be stable for the previous 3 months, including no medication changes

If you need renewals before your trip, come about a month in advance, in case your blood pressure is up and needs to be rechecked

Down south for the winter?

Most travel insurers require you to be stable for the previous 3 months, including no medication changes

Book your physical for when you RETURN from your trip, just in case any changes need to be made

Hydrogen peroxide

Do not use hydroxen peroxide for cleaning wounds

Copious amounts of simple tap water is just as effective, with less damage to the wound

Did you know...

A recent study showed that patients who receive the flu shot are at LOWER risk of heart attack than those who do not

Getting Orthotics?We recommend that this be done by a licensed pedorthotist, chiropodist, or podiatrist who can adjust the orthotic properly if you have persistent symptoms

Eggs!

Contrary to recent reports in the news, there is no strong evidence that eggs are harmful to eat

Enjoy your eggs in moderation!

Signs of concussion

If your child plays any sport, and there is ANY concern about concussion, please err on the side of caution and remove them from the game

Playing through a concussion could put them at significant long-term risk

Pills laying around?

If you have any old prescriptions in your cupboards, please bring them to your local pharmacy to dispose of them safely

Don’t save them for a rainy day, they should only be used as prescribed!

Food Diaries

Simply tracking your calories every day has been shown to lead to weight loss, without even intentionally making food changes

Apps like MyFitnessPal are easy to use and free!