Toronto Doctor

(NC)—Even though Canada has among the highest reported prevalence rates of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the world, with over 200,000 Canadians living with these diseases, not many people are familiar with the signs and symptoms of either disease, which may go undetected for years before a proper diagnosis is made.

Both UC and CD are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which literally means ‘inflammation of the bowel’.  For someone with IBD, inflammation of the gut becomes a chronic or lifelong state.  However, there are treatment options available, as well as support and information from various patient associations such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research and the Gastrointestinal Society and March IBD Care Foundation, which can help patients manage their disease.

“Finding the right treatment option for patients with IBD can significantly improve their quality of life, as their intestinal tissue tends to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily, which can result in severe pain, and diarrhea.  Biologics are the latest generation of medications that are a safe and effective treatment option to help block or reduce inflammation relieving symptoms associated with IBD, avoiding life-altering effects of surgery, and in most instances allowing patients to enjoy life without limitations” explains Dr. Brian Bressler, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia.

To better understand the differences between these two diseases, the following chart provides some fast facts on CD and UC.

For more information on Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, speak with your family doctor or visit www.ihaveoptions.ca.

(NC)—You are, indeed, an equal partner with your immune system. It is up to you for example, to take care of your body—and it’s up to your immune system to convert those good deeds into preventing illness

“Medical researchers point to a nu mber of lifestyle choices for health and healing,” says Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. “A daily supplement, like Immunity-FX is reliable support for the immune system—and so is the right balance of nutrition, sleep, exercise, and productivity. As important, however, researchers can now pinpoint factors that are likely to weaken our immunity.”

These are:

• Toxins: In a world filled with junk food, excess sugars, and saturated fats, many people have clogged elimination channels. This leads to an accumulation of toxins and waste material, weakening our overall defenses.

• Nutrition Deficiency: Since the body can’t produce its own nutrients, do pay attention to eating quality food. Add a daily vitamin, mineral supplement, and natural immune booster if in doubt.

• Dehydration: Give your cells fluid. Dehydration can cause countless problems to weaken your defenses, including the common cold and flu.

• Lack of exercise: Regular aerobic activity feeds oxygen to the cells, improves blood circulation, cleanses the body of toxins and is credited with improving health.

• Lack of sleep: Adequate rest strengthens all parts of the body to help you fight off even the most aggressive little bugs.

To find out if any of your lifestyle choices are putting your immune health at risk take this quiz at: www.livehealthyquiz.com.