Thirteen Important but Not Widely Known Medical Facts (Part II)

The information shared below was obtained from quality peer reviewed evidence-based clinical studies, esteemed universities of medicine and / or highly respected medical guidelines.

• Chronic constipation increases chances of developing dementia

Recently published research has revealed that persons who took three days or more to have a bowel movement, over an extended period of time, were more likely to develop dementia.

• Sleeping on your left side can improve health and longevity

Sleeping on either side reduces the chances and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Studies have shown for health reasons, sleeping on your left side is the best sleeping position. Those who sleep on their left side experienced reduced reflux/ heartburn, improved bowel function, improved drainage of their lymphatic system, improved heart and brain health.

• Healthy people benefit from regular medical checkups

A checkup can often allow a doctor to detect a disease in an early state thereby facilitating timely intervention. Between the ages of 18-39 checkups should be done every 2-3 years. Every 1-2 years between 40-49. Yearly after the age of 50.

• Being overweight increases chances for developing a range of cancers

Cancers that overweight and obese individuals are predisposed to include breast, prostate, colorectal, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, oesophagus, gallbladder and liver. About 8% of all cancers are obesity related.

• Exercise is an effective antidepressant

Many quality scientific studies have shown that exercise works as well as antidepressants and counselling in treating mild to moderate depression. Brisk walking and other forms of exercise of similar intensity, for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals, endorphins, which help to relieve depression.

• Fast food is detrimental to your and your children’s health

Fast food is inherently unhealthy because most of their offerings have excessive calories, salt, saturated fat, trans fats, sugar, along with processed ingredients. Those who consume fast foods have an increased chance of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Children who frequently consumed fast food were found to perform suboptimally academically.

• Ultra Processed foods are unhealthy and are shortening life expectancy

Ultra processed foods are often made in factories and contain unhealthy additives not found in your kitchen. Some examples include ice cream, cereals, instant soups, artificially flavoured foods (e.g. yoghurt), syrups, jams, chips, burgers, sausages, and nuggets. Consuming ultra processed foods regularly increases one’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, a range of cancers, obesity, and dementia.

• In many instances a hysterectomy is not required

Hysterectomies, where the womb (uterus) is surgically removed, are most often performed because of heavy periods (mostly as a result of fibroids), pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, antibiotic resistant pelvic inflammatory disease, a prolapsed uterus, and gynaecological cancers. Other than for cancer and uncontrollable uterine bleeding, a hysterectomy may not be absolutely necessary. In many instances, there are alternatives to a hysterectomy such as watchful waiting – especially in the case of fibroids, hormone treatments, pain relieving medications, and or less invasive surgical procedures – for example a hysteroscopy for subendometrial fibroids.

• Second hand smoke can be deadly

Persons who do not smoke but are exposed to a smoker’s cigarette smoke, i.e. second hand smoke, are more prone to heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, sudden death, premature labour, and low birth weight babies.

• Go easy on the benzodiazepines

Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam) are some of the more commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. These are often prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, panic disorder, muscle spasm and seizures. Their long-term use can result in addiction, depression, memory impairment, dementia, and fractures from falls. Addiction can occur in as little as 3 weeks. Long-term use is defined as using benzodiazepines for 3 months or more.

• MRIs are playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

The MRI is an excellent tool for detecting prostate cancer. A normal MRI of the prostate can save the patient from undergoing unnecessary prostate biopsies and being exposed to possible complications from this procedure. On the other hand, if the MRI uncovers a suspicious area within the prostate, the urologist can then perform a targeted biopsy on the prostate.

• Sitting too long is harmful for your health

Those who have desk jobs often sit for 7-8 hours at work on any given working day. Such persons are mostly oblivious to the fact that protracted sitting can predispose to weight gain, back pain, clots in the legs (DVTs), muscle wasting, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and a range of cancers.

•  Chest x-rays are mostly ineffective for lung cancer screeningStudies have shown that screening chest x-rays do not improve longevity, even if lung cancer is detected. Low dose lung CT Scan is a far better option for screening for lung cancer in current and former smokers.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale. For appointments: 1(784)570-9300 (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.