CSA News Issue 53 Winter 2004

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Health pulse

VeriChip:
The Human Implantable Computer Chip

Applied Digital, a Florida-based company, has recently gained FDA approval to market their implantable computer chip in the U.S. The device, called the VeriChip, allows doctors to access critical patient data, such as blood type, allergies and any other pertinent physical conditions. The VeriChip, which is the size of a grain of rice, is implanted in a patient's upper arm during an outpatient visit. The procedure takes less than 20 minutes and is reportedly painless. To access patient data, a doctor simply scans a patient's arm with a hand-held scanner. Within milliseconds, the data is transferred to a database and then displayed on a computer screen.

In praise of the product, Scott Silverman, CEO of Applied Digital, explains that too many deaths occur in hospitals due to the lack of critical medical information. The VeriChip, he says, will prevent this from happening, as doctors will be able to retrieve accurate medical data. This is especially crucial in the event that a patient is not able to communicate.

For more information about the VeriChip, visit Applied Digital's website at www.adsx.com.

Benefits of Moderate Weight Loss

Moderate weight loss has received increasing attention as a strategy for those who are overweight or obese. And, unlike many weight-loss programs in which most people regain the majority of the weight they initially lost, this type of weight loss is more likely to be maintained over a longer period of time.

The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers potential benefits from moderate, sustained weight loss:

Hypertension – Several studies have shown that moderate weight loss – around five per cent – can reduce or eliminate the need for medications that lower blood pressure.

Diabetes – Studies of people at high risk of diabetes showed that moderate weight loss resulting from dietary changes and moderate exercise can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes. A weight loss of five to seven per cent was linked to a 58 per cent reduced risk of diabetes.

Heart Disease – Ten per cent weight reduction may diminish your lifetime risk of developing heart disease by as much as four per cent.

Stroke – Sustained moderate weight loss may reduce the risk of stroke.

Sleep Apnea – One study compared the prevalence of this sleep disorder in overweight participants before and after weight loss. Those who lost a moderate amount of weight experienced a 14 to 26 per cent decline in the number of occurrences of abnormal overnight breathing.

Life Expectancy – Depending on your age and body mass, a sustained 10 per cent weight loss can increase life expectancy.

Strengthen Your
Body & Mind

If you're looking for an invigorating activity this spring, why not try Tai Chi? This ancient Chinese martial art is renowned for its ability to promote both mental and physical well-being. Numerous studies in recent years have examined the benefits of Tai Chi for older adults. Its gentle, non-aerobic movements help to improve balance and co-ordination, thus reducing the frequency of falls among the elderly. One study found that people aged 70 years and older reduced their risk of falling by 50 per cent when they participated in a 15-week Tai Chi program. Tai Chi is also known to improve arthritis, circulation problems, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis.

Contact your local community centre for information on Tai Chi classes in your area.

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