HEALTH HAZARD ALERTThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in April 2001, issued a warning on Autumn Monkshood, a perennial plant that is, or was, available at nurseries in British Columbia and Ontario and had improper labeling. The label stated "All parts of this plant are tasty in soup" when, in fact, the plant is poisonous and contains aconitine which may cause life threatening illness. The plant was sold in blue plastic pots, 11cm X 11cm, under the "Heritage Premier" brand name.
Other common garden plants that are poisonous include daffodils, chrysanthemums, morning glories and narcissuses.
NEW DRUG THERAPIES
Two new drugs have recently become available in Canada that show substantially better results, and far fewer side effects, than traditional treatments. Evista (Raloxifene) is a new drug for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and Celebrex (celecoxib) is the newest advance in treating arthritis pain and swollen joints. If you (or anyone you know) have either osteoporosis or arthritis make sure you contact your doctor for further information on these two, new "wonder" drugs.
There are also two new drugs that help to fight obesity. If you are one of the approximately 30% of Canadians that are considered clinically obese, ask your doctor about Xenical (Orlistat) and Meridia (Sibutramine).
WHEN ENOUGH, IS ENOUGH
A University of Miami study recently showed that the risk of heart attack increases fourfold within 1 to 2 hours following a heavy meal. Many doctors, also, advise that eating several light meals every day is the most healthy way to eat. One interesting fact is that it takes your body up to 10 minutes to realize that it has received enough food so, when you get that "full" feeling, you have undoubtedly eaten far too much.
E-MAIL ATTACKS
We have all heard of computer viruses and they can be devastating to the information you have accumulated in your computer. Most viruses are spread through the Internet and the easiest path to your computer is via e-mail. You should never open an e-mail unless you know who has sent it to you and you should never, ever, download a file unless you know exactly what it is. Virus e-mails normally have a subject that will entice you to open them such as "birthday greetings", "you have won a prize", "I love you", "an internet flower for you", "free something" and even "please open immediately to prevent a virus". By being careful, you are also protecting your friends, as many viruses replicate themselves and send the virus, from you, to all the people in your address book.