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17 | Wednesday, August 7, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Ask the Professionals M.Sc.S., Au.D, Reg CASLPO Doctor of Audiology Annick Ménard Q: I'm 17 years old and have been smoking weed (marijuana) for 2 years. It helps me to relax. I've heard that it could affect my brain. Can you tell me more about this? A: Your brain keeps growing until about the age of 24. The last part to develop is the frontal lobe or the "thinking" part of the brain, which governs emotions and helps with organizing, problem solving, judgement and impulses. The brain is about 99% fat and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, dissolves in fat. It takes longer for things to dissolve in fat than water. If you smoke weed regularly, the THC never gets a chance to leave your body fully and begins to build up in the fatty tissue of the cell walls of your brain. This causes a build up of THC on the cell walls of the brain, making it harder for the cells to communicate with each other and send messages. The combination of the build up of THC on the brain's cell walls of the growing brain can make it more difficult for your brain to help with learning and with the regulation of emotions. This may even contribute to mental health concerns. While the drug effect of THC may provide the sensation of relaxing, over time you may begin to feel that you need the drug to help you to relax. It sounds like you are already thinking about some things and may want to learn more about substance use and your brain. ADAPT has youth counselors that would be happy to speak with you. There is no charge for our services and we keep your information confidential. You can book an appointment by calling 905-847-6547 ext.0. You can also visit the website www.whataboutweed.org Q: A: Hearing aids are too expensive. Cost is relative to the perceived value you get from your hearing aids. The most important `investment' is your attitude and willingness to adapt to a new world of sound. For many, the improved quality of life and relationships make it one of the best investments they've made. Hearing aids typically cost from about $900-$3500 each (out-of-pocket cost). The price is mostly determined by the level of technology in the device. As the level of sophistication goes up, so does the price. The Assistive Devices Program administered by the Ontario Ministry of Health provides a grant of up to $500 per ear to help pay for hearing aids. This amount is deducted from your total bill and we bill the program directly. 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville www.pureaudiology.ca What are some of the benefits of Medical Compression Stockings? Compression stockings are designed to provide support to the legs and veins, minimize swelling and improve circulation. Some of the symptoms that you may experience with decreased circulation include: · Heavy, tired, aching legs · Swollen legs and/or ankles · Tingling or cramping of the legs · Dull or sharp pain in the calf · Small varicose veins and spider veins Using Medical Compression Therapy stockings and socks will help minimize some of these symptoms. If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend that you consult with your primary care provider and ask about graduated compression stockings and socks. COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT LEON PHARMACY! Call us for more Details! Free Delivery & 15% Senior Discount Leon Pharmacy Robert Nashat, Pharm.D, CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) 340 Kerr Street, Oakville 905-845-2811 www.leonpharmacy.ca 905-847-6547 x 0 | www.haltonadapt.org For more information, or to make an appointment, please call the ADAPT Intake Coordinator 289.837.1137 The Maids Home Services Q: I have a baby on the way. Should I change my cleaning habits? 728 Burloak Drive Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist 905.257.3452 905-632-1414 A: · Product safety. Reach for a jug of vinegar instead of bleach to eliminate bacteria. Pour equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an ideal all-purpose cleaner. Not to worry, once dry, the only thing you'll smell is clean. Q: sandals provide extra support to our feet during the walking A: As cycle, there are definitely some key features to look for in a sandal. Can my feet hurt by the sandals I wear? What should I look for in a sandal? Ideally, there should be a strap going across the foot as close as possible to the ankle. This strap will act as a retaining mechanism and literally hold your foot in the shoe. If the strap is not high enough, your feel will sense instability during the walking cycle. This will result in your toes clawing or gripping the shoe tightly to prevent the shoe from slipping off your foot. This may result in increased foot fatigue at the end of the day. It may also be the initiating factor in getting a claw toe deformity in the future. The second feature is the width of the shoe near the ball of the foot. The sole of the shoe must be as wide as your foot in order to prevent pressure from the shoe to this area. Also, you should be able to bend the sole of the shoe in this area, as your foot must be able to bend to transfer your weight forward when you walk. Last, it is ideal to have a strap around the heel to provide increased stability. This is sometime essential depending on the activity. For example, when hiking or walking/running on uneven terrain, a strap around the heel is crucial in preventing injuries such as sprained ankles or muscle pulls. Many people require more support than the average shoe/sandal can provide. This can be due to a variety of reasons, most commonly flat or highly arched feet. Your Chiropodist can perform a thorough foot evaluation to determine whether you need custom made support in the form of an orthotic. Custom made orthotics can be made as part of the sandal to allow you the freedom to wear sandal without worrying about misplacing the orthotic. Hospital to Home: Making the Transition Easier Have a discharge day plan: You may feel weak when leaving the hospital. Plan to have assistance with transportation home, medication pick up and preparing your first few meals. Arrange equipment: Depending on your condition, some specialized equipment might be necessary such as a raised toilet seat, grab bars in the bathroom, a walker or an emergency response system. Monitor progress: As you recuperate at home, be sure to track your progress. Let your doctor know of any challenges you are facing or if you are feeling any unexpected discomfort. Consider a caregiver: Everyday activities can be challenging when returning from hospital. If a spouse or family member is not an option, call Nurse Next Door. We will do whatever it takes to bring the peace of mind you need. Be it personal or medical care, cleaning, cooking or shopping, all levels of care are developed and supervised by a Registered Nurse at no additional cost. Lori Paton - RN, RRT · Focus on the fan. Recent research shows a significantly lower risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in babies whose rooms are ventilated by a fan. Swipe ceiling fan blades with a microfiber cloth and minimize swirling dust. · Vacuum carpeting often. Bacteria and dust mites can nestle into thicker, shag carpets and crawling babies can pick up these contaminants. Be sure to vacuum all carpeting regularly. Please contact Nurse Next Door for more useful tips on an easy transition from hospital to home or to speak with a Registered Nurse about developing a plan for care. Established 2006 | 1200 Speers Road Unit 10 Oakville L6L 2X4 905.845.9923 | pat@maidshomeservices.com | www.themaids.com Call to schedule your appointment today at 905-632-1414. Our talent is caring. www.nursenextdoor.com