Think Before you Drink Alcohol

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Think Before you Drink Alcohol

The festive season is a time for social gatherings and alcohol often aides the merrymaking. Yet recent headlines advise to avoid alcohol at any time of year. The claim is that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. But the truth about alcohol is more nuanced, and recommendations for abstinence can be misleading.

The recent research concluded that even moderate alcohol consumption – about one drink a day – is dangerous for your health. But the study took a narrow look. Many studies of alcohol use neglect to consider the healthy benefits of socializing. But when people are socially connected, they make healthier choices, have better physical and mental health, and cope better with everyday pressures, meaning less anxiety and depression.

Was it going to far to advocate for a pub in every hospital? Imagine being confined within four white walls and worried about your health. A caring hospital pub and the doctor’s blessing could ease the mind and blood pressure too.

There’s some judgement needed. Like most things, the pros and cons of alcohol are not defined in two neat categories of good and evil. There are many factors to consider, not least of which is the state of one’s mental health.

The highly respected Mayo Clinic acknowledges the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. The list includes lower risk of diabetes and of developing and dying of heart disease. The risk of ischemic stroke, caused when the arteries to the brain become blocked restricting blood flow, is also lessened.

Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health presents an excellent synopsis of the science on moderate drinking in a section of its website called The Nutrition Source. “Moderate drinking seems to be good for the heart and circulatory system, and probably protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones,” it says.

“The active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, a simple molecule called ethanol, affects the body in many different ways. It directly influences the stomach, brain, heart, gallbladder, and liver. It affects levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) and insulin in the blood, as well as inflammation and coagulation. It also alters mood, concentration, and coordination.”

Let there be no doubt, when alcohol consumption moves past moderation, there is little good to come of it. The Nutrition Source makes this clear with a few poignant statistics. Alcohol plays a role in one in three cases of violent crime. Alcohol abuse costs about $249 billion a year. And the staggering human cost of accidents involving alcohol, especially car crashes, is impossible to measure. This societal problem should have been fixed long ago by breathalysers attached to every ignition switch.

The Nutrition Source weighs the research on alcohol and cardiovascular disease, noting it makes common sense that there would be benefits. “Moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol), and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease.” This and other effects “tend to prevent the formation of small blood clots that can block arteries in the heart, neck, and brain, the ultimate cause of many heart attacks and the most common kind of stroke.”

It’s all summed up in Harvard’s bottom line. “Given the complexity of alcohol’s effects on the body and the complexity of the people who drink it, blanket recommendations about alcohol are out of the question.”

Many things in life involve nuances. So be informed, prudent, and open-minded. Companionship and the pleasure of a drink before or with dinner may be just the ticket to a long and happy life.

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Have Faith in the Doctor, with Limitations

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Have Faith in the Doctor, with Limitations

Is it wise to believe what the doctor tells you? Or are there misleading types, not entirely honest with their patients? Does the medical system place the patient’s best interests first, as commonly stated on health center posters? Or do other factors, like pressure to ease wait times for a high-demand treatments, mean that some people aren’t informed of their best options. The truth is, having implicit faith in the medical profession is risky business.

There are ample reasons to place your faith in doctors and medicines. Antibiotics save people from dying of pneumonia and a host of other diseases. Cortisone enables people to be free of wheelchairs. Cardiac pacemakers add years to the lives of heart patients. Surgeons (and organ donors) give new life to those needing transplanted hearts and kidneys.

Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure who trust their doctors are more likely to have better control of these problems because they have confidence in an agreed treatment plan and see the results.

In fact, we’re all safer when people trust their doctors. Studies have shown that people who don’t trust in their medical care are less likely to take needed medications, for example. For some conditions, without that medication, individual and societal risk factors go up – the likelihood of car accidents, as one example, or the spread of a communicable disease, as another. People who have faith in their doctors can be thanked for their agreement to participate in clinical trials of new drugs and technologies.

But blind trust is a fool’s game, as some doctors have entered the profession to make money instead of to care for people. Others have fallen from grace, lured by profit-seeking drug companies, or working the system to their financial gain. Some doctors are just not good practitioners.

Watch out for the family doctor who doesn’t call in the services of a specialist when the situation warrants. Patients should also be on the alert for surgeons who too quickly decide on surgery as a treatment when other options should also be considered. In this case, unless the urgency is clear, use your wits and get a second opinion. Even the best doctor will make a rare mistake. You can help prevent this by reading up on the issues associated with your problem and treatment, asking questions of the doctor, and going over decisions a second time.

In some situations, it is the patients who are the problem, as when they don’t like the advice of good doctors. They run down the street to find another one who is willing to write an unnecessary prescription, expose patients to the radiation of unneeded x-rays, or book a risky operation.

You should remember that doctors who try to protect you from treatment are often more sincere than those who push you into it. Not trusting your doctor enough can be a bad mistake. Most of them play a good game.

On every visit, your doctor should be listening to you carefully. Empathy for your situation is the hallmark of a good physician, but this should not be your main concern. Does it feel like the doctor and staff are on your team? Are your options explained in a way you can understand, and are you included in the decision making about what treatment is best for you? Although it may not be easy to find, it’s worth exploring the reputation of the doctor among his or her peers.

So have faith, with limitations, and use a little common sense. You’ll end up with better care.

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Beware of Falling, It May Kill You

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Beware of Falling, It May Kill You

What a sad way to lose a friend. Not from a heart attack or cancer. Rather, a slip and backwards fall caused a strike of the head on a hard unforgiving surface. The traumatic injury resulted in death a few days later.

As Aristotle wrote centuries ago, “To have a good friend you must partake a peck of salt together.” Losing such friends as you get older is very disturbing, often leaving a void in life never refilled.

Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the immense costs of falls. In North America there are over five and half million incidents yearly costing more than $45 billion! The average cost of a fall that results in injury is about $10,000 dollars.

Humans in the course of evolution ended up with one major drawback. Most animals have four legs. For us, Newton’s Law of gravity means standing upright inevitably leads to a huge number of falls.

They happen quickly with little or no time to protect yourself. Getting up is the morning is the first hazard. So move with great caution and think ahead of the potential pitfalls.

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in any household. Shower stalls should have grab bars and non-slip matts both in and outside the stall. Remember, if you lose your balance, a shower curtain won’t help. Falling in the shower or getting out of it can result in a fractured bone, bad cuts, or head injuries. Sturdy shower doors with handles can help to decrease the chance of a fall.

Having enough strength to get up from the toilet is also paramount. Getting older means a gradual loss of bone mass. Up to the age of 35 is the best time to act as banker, building up a store of healthy bones. After 35, each year we all have less and less bone mass.

A loss of muscle is another problem. Thomas Jefferson, an early US president, noted the importance regular walks to ensure two strong legs for good health. He could have added that isometric exercise builds up arm muscles. No equipment is needed. Just makes two fists and repeatedly push them together for 10 seconds over and over. You will be surprised at how your bicep muscles become stronger.

What other precautions can prevent falls? A visitor to London, England once asked, “Where are the statues of the architects?” The guide replied, “Just look around you!” This is what you must do in your own home. You will find there are dangers everywhere.

Floor rugs are very attractive. But it takes only one bad step to trip on an edge. Stairs are always high risk, so make sure you have adequate railings and hold onto them.

Most people will lose their balance with age. Often it happens when standing up after prolonged sitting. This is a time to go slow. Don’t rush to start moving around. Above all, do not turn suddenly as this is when you lose your balance and end up on the floor.

Be careful of alcohol as well. Moderate drinking can be healthy in aging. A drink before dinner expands arteries, a benefit few scientists acknowledge. But too much alcohol, despite the levity, can make you tipsy. If you have a few drinks, pay extra attention to safe mobility. Like alcohol, medication can trigger falls too, so always check with your doctor on this matter.

Never drink and drive. Remember, trees have a great way of defending themselves.

And watch out for those treacherous icy days that take their toll.

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The Pros and Cons of Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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The Pros and Cons of Surgery for Osteoarthritis

When osteoarthritis in the knee is causing you pain, how do you know whether to hang in there and take it or to accept the risks of going under the knife in hopes of bouncing back stronger? It’s not an easy question. Many factors need to be part of the decision.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often described as a “wear and tear” problem, and usually found in the knees, hips and hands. Symptoms are usually mild initially – stiff joints and reduced flexibility. It gradually progresses to more noticeable swelling and aching caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone.

According to the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, over 32 million Americans have OA. The Arthritis Society Canada says about 1 in 5 Canadians have the condition.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure. But treatment options include physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, and adaptations at home and work to decrease stress to affected joints. OA medications range from common acetaminophen to topical creams containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to corticosteroid injections.

But what about surgery? The decision depends on the severity of OA progression, the amount of pain, and careful consideration of surgical risks. As surgical techniques and artificial joint replacement parts have improved, advanced age is becoming less of a concern. People in their nineties. “There is no age cutoff for joint replacement,” says orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nicolas Piuzzi of the Cleveland Clinic. “Studies have found that people in their 80s and 90s benefit from hip or knee replacement as much as younger people.”

That’s the good news. But if you think you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery to treat OA, you need to consider other aspects of your overall health. It’s the post-operative period that can be the toughest part of surgery from the patient’s point of view. People with obesity, high blood pressure, and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have problems recovering from the surgery.

If there is little pain, think twice about surgery. But if you are getting ready, the first thing is to lose extra weight. A close second is to maintain physical activity to the extent possible. Third, make sure you have a plan, developed jointly with your doctor, for support in rehabilitation after surgery. Try to create a habit of setting aside time for this rehabilitation long before the operation. It will be easier to continue a routine than to start a new one.

Is there a way to slow the progression of AO so that surgery can be avoided? Caring for your cartilage – the tough coverings at the ends of bones – is the goal. Researchers are studying the potential for two nutritional supplements – glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates – to treat OA. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “An analysis of 41 animal and human studies, including 25 clinical trials, found that collagen benefited OA and aided cartilage repair, no matter what the dose, type or brand of collagen.”

Always remember, there is no such thing as minor surgery, but there are a lot of minor surgeons. Make sure you get referred to a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you need, preferably at a hospital having a department dedicated to orthopedic surgery. Check with acquaintances who have had the same surgery to learn who performed it and how it went – before, during, and afterwards.

For readers beginning to worry about these problems, get into prevention. OA can be a hereditary condition. If there is a family history of AO, maintain a healthy weight and be active with moderate exercise.

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Giving Away a Lifetime Is Bittersweet Medicine

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Giving Away a Lifetime Is Bittersweet Medicine

We find ourselves in the midst of change. During this 100th trip around the sun, it’s finally time for a move to a retirement residence. While the comforts and care of an elegant assisted-living community are welcome, the upheaval is overwhelming! It’s hard to say goodbye to the family home of nearly 50 years. When children and grandchildren visit to savour the memories together, they just as eagerly eye the furniture and appliances!

The truth is, being able to give away a lifetime of treasured possessions is a luxury we are grateful to enjoy. Looking around the world, a lot of people would give an arm and a leg to have what we have. For anyone though, there is something universal about the feelings that come with making a final move.

Years ago, a favourite Gifford-Jones book was called The Doctor Game. It explained how you can find the best doctor in your area, how to tell a good (or bad) doctor, how to avoid unnecessary surgery, how to be a good patient and how to make the best – and avoid the worst – of the doctor you choose.  The Doctor Game was full of practical advice on surgery, on talking about sex with your doctor, on getting the truth from your doctor, on fads and phobias, x-rays, cancer, and virtually every medical concern.

Now, it has occurred to us, we have enough material for a new opus. Choosing where and how to live life’s final chapter is a very different game. If you believe the people marketing retirement homes, you’d think you’ve died and gone to heaven. They call it, “lifestyle options”, but that feels a bit pedantic when the choices are between easy-access showers and wheelchair ramps.

What are the most important considerations? There is a litany of them. Building up your arsenal of patience is a must. Whatever happened to the days when people used to answer the phone? Our experience is not unique to retirement residences. There’s either a shortage of workers or younger generations just don’t like the phone as much as older people do. Now, if you have a question, you may as well ask Google than hope to find a live person at the ready.

What did the resident nurse warn us about moving in? Weight gain is the common problem from the high-caloric food on the mouth-watering daily menu. We’ll be mindful of that. But we also relish the idea of dinners with family and friends that other people prepare.

The bathroom is a dangerous place in any home. Mixing up medications and slipping on wet floors are two common threats. Our concern was the accessible shower. We’d love to hear from you. Is it better to have the safety of a shower door with a handle for holding on, or just a shower curtain and no door in case someone needs to lend a hand with bathing in later years?

What about the social scene? This we await with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. “Don’t make friends too rapidly,” was the experienced advice of a family member who previously made a similar move. But how delightful it was when on a recent visit to our prospective new home, residents greeted us warmly. We hope, among them, there will be ship captains, professors, and maybe an old doctor or two.

Nietzsche, the German philosopher and keen observer of humankind, said, “In heaven, all the interesting people are missing.” Here’s hoping a few of them will be our new neighbours!

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Missing Messages in Infection Prevention

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Missing Messages in Infection Prevention

Influenza, or the flu, is on the rise this time of year. That’s because the virus spreads easily when people are indoors in close contact and when the air is less humid and colder. So, it makes sense that International Infection Prevention Week takes place in October. But what doesn’t make sense is the absence of an important message.

Public health officials offer a standard list of best practices to reduce the risk of infections. Hand hygiene is top of the list. It’s a fact that many people don’t wash their hands after using the toilet. But they will clutch their mobile phones, which never get washed, before during and after trips to the toilet. Hands and phones are both common vehicles for the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another.

Use of cleaners and disinfectants is another recommendation. It’s been said that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and that’s true to a point. But don’t forget that valuable life lessons come from embracing the messiness and imperfections of our human experience.

What about vaccinations? It’s on the list as it should be. From measles, mumps, and rubella to typhoid and polio, vaccinations have saved millions of lives. If you have doubts, don’t rely on one expert’s opinion. Do your research. Read widely. Vaccines are a vital part of our toolkit for fighting infections.

COVID migrated personal protective equipment from the surgical theatre into public settings and PPE is now a familiar acronym. We’ve learned new respiratory etiquette, too. Get that elbow in place for a sneeze, then bring out the hand sanitize in a show of extra effort!

Infections can be transmitted in hospitals, assisted living residences, and in kitchens everywhere – on medical instruments, in food, and in the air. Following safety instructions is crucial to minimize risk, especially for vulnerable people.

But what’s the missing message?

Never neglect the importance of building and maintaining a robust immune system. Why is the message to strengthen natural defenses so frequently overshadowed?

There is nothing in comparison to the sophistication with which the body naturally sorts bacterial and viral friend from foe. A strong, natural immune response is an excellent defence against the flu and other common infections. Evolved over millennia to keep us safe, the immune system is a remarkable network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body from harmful invaders.

Building a strong immune system isn’t rocket science. You need a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains that provide the essential nutrients for immune function. Vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are known to bolster immunity. But you need high doses of C, to keep cells primed for a fight, on the order of 1,000 mg a couple of times a day. Higher doses are needed in the moment of crisis when the fight is on against powerful combatants.

There are other important steps. Exercise promotes circulation of immune cells, enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms. Staying hydrated is crucial. Quality sleep is essential for immune system restoration and function. Research suggests that emotional well-being has a beneficial impact on immune function too.

By contrast, chronic stress suppresses the immune system. If you feel under pressure, get into meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. If you gut is out of whack, your immune system probably is too. Consume probiotic-rich foods or take supplements. It goes without saying that smokers must quit, and alcohol use should be moderate or not at all.

It’s ironic that health authorities don’t share this message. We’d have better infection prevention if they did.

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Oral probiotics offer another path to wellness

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Oral probiotics offer another path to wellness

“The mouth is the door of evil.” So said Euripides, the ancient Greek playwright of tragedy. If he were a modern-day nutritionist, it could be an observation on the very bad stuff people put in their mouths as food. Mother Teresa, however, acknowledged the mouth’s ability to do good. “Kind words can be short and easy to speak,” she said, “but their echoes are truly endless.” So, is your mouth a place of good or evil?

Nourishment and communication are two functions of the mouth. On the outside, a smile is a beautiful signal of happiness. But inside the mouth, there exists a complex ecosystem of friends and enemies.

The mouth is home to an extraordinary community of more than 700 species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Some of them are “good” because they play an important role in maintaining oral health. Streptococcus salivarius is an example. This bacterium helps metabolize sugar and keeps the mouth from getting too acidic. The saliva in your mouth also contains antimicrobial enzymes and proteins that protect the teeth and gums.

But other microorganisms are “bad”, like Streptococcus mutans, which are cavity causers, converting sugars into acids that attack your teeth. Bacteria love to feast on food that gets stuck between teeth after you eat. When they break down the food, smelly gases can result, otherwise known as bad breath. When conditions are out of balance, gum disease can set in. Bad oral health can also be an indication of more serious trouble occurring in the cardiovascular system.

What can you do to prevent trouble? Always study history. The importance of a healthy mouth is not a recent discovery. The Chinese were using toothbrushes before the 7th century and ancient Egyptians documented treatments for toothaches many centuries earlier. Today, if you are not using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to remove food between teeth after meals, you are out of touch with one of the easiest ways to maintain good general health, not to mention your teeth.

But there’s another tool to consider. Usually associated with gut health, probiotics have long been celebrated for their role in maintaining a harmonious balance in our digestive system. However, what’s less known is the potential of oral probiotics in promoting overall health.

Probiotics are made up of those friendly bacteria. Research has shown that the regular use of oral probiotics can have a positive impact on oral health, and subsequently, our overall well-being.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that regular use of oral probiotics not only reduced bad breath but also improved low self-esteem. It makes sense that more pleasant breath means better social relationships and quality of life.

Several other clinical trials have examined the effects of oral probiotics on individuals with gingivitis, a common gum disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding gums. Participants who regularly consumed oral probiotics showed a significant reduction in gum inflammation and bleeding compared to those who did not.

The connection between oral health and heart health is a subject of growing interest among researchers. A study of the relationship between oral probiotics and the risk of cardiovascular diseases found that individuals who incorporated oral probiotics into their daily routine experienced a reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including inflammation markers.

Should you rush out to buy oral probiotics at your local health food store? For some, it might be just what is needed to establish a “good” healthier mouth. Just as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can modify the microbiome of your gut, they can do the same in your mouth.

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More Amore for Good Health

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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More Amore for Good Health

Have you had enough of the daily news about endless epic failures of humankind to get things right? What if everyone just made love a little more? Would we all be in a better place? The fact is, having sex – or more to the point, making love – is downright good for you.

We’ve said it before, and it bears repeating. Good sex is good exercise. Interesting acrobatics between two people involve a little stretching to limber up the muscles. Vigorous aerobic activity consumes calories. Good exercise, no matter how you get it, will help fight off the demon of obesity. If couch potatoes traded watching TV with chips for a regular romp with their partners, there would be a lot less heart disease too.

A fair question though, is whether having sex could trigger a heart attack. In considering the far more likely ways you will leave this Earth, going out with a bang in the clutches of your loved one doesn’t seem that tragic. If you can walk up a couple flights of stairs, then you are likely going to be all right with arousal in bed.

Numerous studies have shown that maintaining an active sex life is consistent with living a longer, healthier, and happier life.

A sense of humour is also key. Since when did sex have to be serious? Some people know how to play. The French, for example, like to “faire un partie des jambes en l’air”, meaning to play a session of legs in the air. They raise the action to a dramatic ending with “le petit mort”, the little death.

Not all couples have the kind of relationship that allows for funny role play. But wouldn’t the world be better off if more people made up daytime tiffs with fun and fanciful night-time dramas in their bedrooms?

Pain relief is another benefit of sex. The hormone oxytocin can reach five times the normal level during sexual activity. This payoffs for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Oxytocin releases endorphins, the body’s own morphine. If you have a headache, the better alternative to reaching for a painkilling pill is reaching for your partner. It’s an easy experiment and the results can be pleasurable.

Now for men, take note. Studies have found that greater ejaculation frequency is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. How? During orgasm, the muscles around the prostate gland contract pushing out prostate fluid. This naturally keeps the gland healthy, in keeping with the “use it or you’ll lose it” principle. Researchers have also studied how other problems with the prostate can be treated with prescriptions for more sex, one way or another.

Making love might be a distraction from bigger battles. But it can be like building ramparts against invading armies too. Getting in a regular romantic groove means you are doing good maintenance in charging up the natural antibodies that boost immunity. One study found that people who have sex more than three times a month had lower incidence of viral infections than those having less sex. One wonders how big the difference would be if the research had investigated sex more than three times a week!

Today too many people are reaching for anti-depressants and sleeping pills to treat anxiety and insomnia. But this medication often causes side effects. They forget the remedy found between the sheets. Normal sex is the natural way to lessen tension and encourage sleep.

Maybe more amore would be good practice for world leaders too. Make love, not war, right? Alas, history tells us otherwise.

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Let the Buyer Beware of Needless Radiation

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Let the Buyer Beware of Needless Radiation

There’s a Gifford-Jones Law that says, “Never accept radiation you don’t need.” But a dangerous new medical trend is breaking this law. What’s the worry? Across North America, some private clinics are now promoting the promise of early detection of disease to healthy people. In return for a fee, buyers get whole-body screening using a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment.

These promoters don’t have to be marketing stars. People naturally fret about their mortality and become receptive listeners. It’s wrong to profit on those fears.

But the trend is catching hold. The sell is easy when the hope is early detection of a small cancer. “You may not have any symptoms as yet,” they’ll pitch, “and an early catch means high likelihood of a cure.”

Or another pitch might be the benefit of detecting a life-threatening aneurism. “The largest artery in your body could be bulging and about to rupture causing massive bleeding and death,” they might suggest. “A preventive scan will save your life!”

Full body scans are good at discovering what are called “incidentalomas”, the medical term for incidentally found asymptomatic tumors. Sometimes they find stones in the gallbladder that are best treated by the crematorium at 90 years of age. Or they can find a small asymptomatic hernia that does not warrant surgery and would otherwise have gone unnoticed for life.

Some people get lucky with these scans. For instance, a brain tumour may be discovered early, enabling surgical treatment. But radiologist in The Netherlands who conducted a study of full body scans concluded that there were false positives 16 percent of the time.

Experts in various countries have given thumbs down on these procedures. Dr. Mirza Rahman, a physician and president of the American College of Preventive Medicine, says these scans are a bad idea. “Follow-ups mean everything from more costs to more procedures that may lead to more complications.”

The American College of Radiology also released a statement, “There is no documented evidence that total body screening is cost effective or evidence it prolongs life.”

All the different types of scans come with major risks. With CT scans, it’s the radiation exposure. Health Canada warns “Whole body CT screening exposes you to radiation levels that are 500 to 1000 times as high as those of a routine chest X-ray and increases your risk of developing radiation-induced cancer.”

Magnetic resonance uses no radiation but has other concerns. According to Health Canada, “The strength of the magnetic field used in MRIs can make metallic implants, such as pacemakers, metal pins or clips, move and tear soft tissue. MRIs may also cause biological effects, including the electrical stimulation of nerves, and the heating of implanted metallic leads, which may cause serious burns. Also, the magnetic field in an MRI scanner can magnetize nearby objects, which can become dangerous projectiles in an examination room.”

Is there a time for full-body scans? People having a genetic predisposition to forming multiple tumors may benefit, says Dr Resten Imaoka, a radiologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. But this is the point: unless your doctor has a good reason for ordering a full-body scan, it’s best to stick to recommended and proven screening tests, such as for colorectal cancer.

A wise sage was asked, “How would you describe a healthy patient?” He replied, “A patient not been seen by many doctors.”

Remember, the best way to fight illness is not with endless tests. It’s by avoiding illness in the first place. And that’s the original Gifford-Jones law. Adopt a healthy lifestyle early in life and stick with it.

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Who Has the Most Dangerous Job?

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
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Who Has the Most Dangerous Job?

We often advise readers not to be foolish – not with your health, money, relationships, or other vital aspects of life. Some risks are unavoidable, like crossing a busy intersection. Yet there’s little sense in choosing a career as a test pilot if you want to live to 100. Now, new research suggests we might have that wrong. Dangerous jobs with a high safety conscious may be the better bet!

What are some of the most dangerous jobs? Ambulance workers are near the top of the list. People working at skiing facilities and correctional institutions are in the top ten. So are couriers and people in water transportation jobs.

Leave it to personal injury lawyers to know the facts. What does one law firm say is the most dangerous profession? To our great surprise, veterinarians claim the title for the most dangerous job in North America! But how could Fido, who loves you more than you love yourself, and who would never betray you, be such a hazard?

We should have given it more thought. Fido has sharp teeth and a powerful jaw. Inserting a needle can unleash these weapons. Woe be the veterinarian working on larger, more unpredictable animals. A study by the US National Institutes of Health found that over half of veterinarians in a two-year period reported work-related injuries, with nearly eight percent requiring hospitalization. Animal-inflicted injuries are a risk of the job, but there is more trouble in the profession.

It is a sad fact that veterinarians, who give new life to animals in distress, are two and a half times more likely than the general public to die by suicide. The organization, Not One More Vet, reports that one in ten have contemplated suicide. In the U.K., a study found nearly 70% of vets have lost a colleague to suicide. In Australia, sixty percent of vets have sought professional help with their mental wellbeing.

What’s driving these horrendous statistics? The industry, it seems, has some issues. Vets can often work 12-hour shifts, frequently responding to emergencies at all hours and lacking the back-up support of other medical professions. Building a practice can involve years of low earnings. It’s physically demanding work, with long hours standing and restraining agitated animals. Even if the animals behave, human clients can be abusive, contributing to chronic stress on the job. Vets also risk exposure to waste anesthetic gases, radiation, and airborne contaminants. They see plenty of close-up work with infections.

There’s another cruel irony. It’s exhausting to get into the profession. Would-be vets need to be academic superstars and ruthless competitors in the high-stakes quest for a position in veterinary schools. If lucky enough to get in, they can count on spending a lot of money in tuition.

In California, a proposed bill would allow vets to initiate care for animals using telehealth. There are fierce debates about the merits of such an approach. But for the sick or injured dog who needs a consultation but would prefer death than a visit to the vet’s clinic, this might be a sensible solution. Plus, Fido won’t bite a computer monitor.

Will it lead to inappropriate treatments and medication for pets? Will it ease the burdens of driving animals to clinics for minor problems? This remains to be seen. But it sounds like good common sense to us.

Regarding career choices, what should we advise the people we love? Accountants take the prize for the job with the lowest risk of injury. Number crunching might not be sexy, but it is, apparently, safe.

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