August 23, 2010

Chalk River Nuclear Reactor Is Once Again Producing Medical Isotopes

Filed under: health — Tags: cancer, diagnosis, health, heart, heart disease, medical isotopes, nuclear — John @ 9:25 pm

The Chalk River nuclear reactor, in Ontario, Canada, is finally up and running once again. The reactor, which will turn 53 years old later this year, was shut down May 15, 2009, originally for a month of maintenance. However, the reactor would stay inactive for 15 months as several repairs were made, including a heavy water leak.

The lengthy closure of this facility sent much of the medical world scrambling. The nuclear reactor is responsible for producing a third of the world’s medical isotopes. By closing the production for over a year, the world experienced a global shortage of the important isotopes.

The isotopes produced from the reactor are used in many tests, including those to diagnose cancer and heart ailments. During the 15 months where the isotopes were in short supply, doctors were forced to reschedule procedures and push back treatments. Thankfully now, the reactor is running smoothly and is once again producing the very important medical isotopes.

June 14, 2010

Is Anger Getting the Better of You?

Filed under: heart conditions — Tags: anger, anger management, control, diabetes, heart disease — Tanveen @ 11:53 pm

There is nothing wrong with anger if it is under control. In fact, it is actually healthy to express anger and other emotions. However, if the anger gets out of hand it can have terrible effects on your life, not just socially but also in regards to your health. If you are having anger management problems you should definitely get a hold of it before the anger controls you- who you are, what you do, and how you think.

How Do I Know If My Anger Is Out Of Control?

  1. You hold grudges and do not let things go easily.
  2. You resort to violence when you are angry.
  3. You blame others for your problems.
  4. You usually can’t stop arguing even though you actually want to.
  5. You are always feeling angry, whether that is for one thing or the other.

Recognizing the signs of too much anger is very important. It can help you avoid serious health problems that can result from excess anger. Many heart problems can originate from uncontrollable anger.  For example, high blood pressure is common in those that are constantly angry. Another health problem, diabetes, is an outcome that is theorized to result. In order to avoid constant anger’s effect on your life, learning to control it is vital.

Top 3 Ways to Control my Anger

  1. Take slow deep breaths. When you are angry you heart rate and blood pressure go up due to increased adrenalin. Taking deep breaths will slow down your heart rate and help return the body to homeostasis.
  2. Stop taking your anger out on the people around you and instead make a plan that will reduce the anger you are feeling. Try to think about why you were angry. Often people who find themselves angry do not understand what made them so angry in the first place.
  3. Think about your favorite memory ad picture it in your mind. You will automatically feel more relaxed and happy.

    If you do not control your anger you will find that before it has an impact on your health, your anger will affect the people you love and they will become farther and farther away from you. If your anger is taking a toll on your life and you or the people around you are being severely bothered by it, you should talk to your health care provider.