Brock Health Issue 8 by Brock Health

eDITor’s noTe Gaibrie Stephen Dear Reader,

am both honoured and privileged to welcome you to the eight issue of the Brock Health magazine. Brock Health is an independent student produced magazine founded in 2009. With the purpose of publishing interest articles written by undergraduate students, Brock Health consistently emphasizes peer-to-peer education in order to improve health literacy within Brock University and the extended Niagara community. Over the past year, the Brock Health executive team has been working with both The Brock University Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and Office of Research Services in order to expand the scope of the magazine’s distribution. Thanks to the effort of many individuals, we completed a market research project over the summer. The data that we gathered all seemed to suggest that you, the reader would like an online version of the magazine. With the hard work of Scott Alguire, our long-time graphics designer, it is my pleasure to announce that we now have a website! Please take some time to visit our webpage as we will be posting several articles that will feature exclusively on that platform. Our featured article this issue is written by Ryder Damen, a writer who has been a part of Brock Health for several issues. Be prepared to have your understanding of the epidemiological transition to be fl ipped on its head! Ryder will be tackling the topic of neglected tropical diseases in an effort to expand your understanding of the chronic disease burden in the developing world. Among our high quality articles, new writer Mark VanderMaarel has written Brock Health’s first opinion piece on the polarizing topic of alternative medicine. I encourage you to visit our online webpage to express your own opinion on the topic! Finally, I am very excited to present to you our faculty spotlight and master’s highlight this issue as both Dr. Wang and Sofhia Ramos’s research and stories are explored respectively. Brock Health magazine continues to expand and thrive thanks to the continued support of several parties. I would first like to thank Brock Health’s managing editors, Saumik Biswas, Breanne Kramer and Yasmeen Mann for all their tireless work! Thank you to Joanne Boucher, Dr. Neil McCartney and Dr. John Wilson for continuing to be a party in facilitating the expansion of Brock Health. We would like to thank BUSU and BUSAC for funding our magazine and a special thanks goes out to our graduate editors for their meticulous work in not only maintaining the high quality of the magazine but also creating a learning atmosphere for our writers. As we move towards a digital platform, our transition could not have been made smoother thanks to Shirley Lee, Nathaniel Mannella and Liisa Wainman with their work within our social media team. Finally, none of Brock Health’s expansion and success could have happened without the talent and work put into the magazine by Scott Alguire. From producing the magazine graphics to creating and hosting our website, Scott has become an absolutely integral part of our Brock Health team. Thank you to everyone involved in the production of this magazine and I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it!

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BroCK HeaLTH Team editor-in-Chief Gaibrie Stephen Writers Harish aggarwal nasser alkhalifah Ryder damen nathaniel Mannella diana Martin Matthew Mueller Melina Passalent daniel Prinsen asia Przepiorkowski Cubby Sadoon Jaya Sam Hailea Squires Mark VanderMaarel Jason VanSoelen Liisa Wainman managing editors Saumik Biswas Breanne Kramer Yasmeen Mann editors Meagan Barkans Eliza Beckett Carly Cameron Jon Choptiany Kaitlyn Mackenzie Rebecca MacPherson Paula Miotto Madina naimi Patrick Viel social media Team Shirley Lee Yasmeen Mann nathaniel Mannella Liisa Wainman Graphic/Web Design Scott alguire Disclaimer: Brock Health is a neutral magazine. It is not strictly hardcore sciences nor public health issues; it is a platform for students to present scholarly, peer reviewed research in any topic related to health.

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striking a ‘cord’ for Back Health Indoor air Pollution fear, Hormones and PtsD master’s Highlight: sofhia ramos the truth Behind the thigh Gap a Dangerous alternative? read Brock Health on the Go! BrockHealthmagazine.ca feature article: the Bottom of the Barrel: neglected tropical Diseases the Ins and outs of surfers myelopathy the case for needle exchange Programs Hot Headlines faculty spotlight: Dr. Hui Di Wang

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Want to be part of Brock Health? We have positions for students interested in: • Writing about current health topics • Social Media Marketing • Photography Email us: BrockHealth@busu.net

Diana Martin

dEaTH BY CAFFeiNe

ake up and smell the coffee... and consume the coffee... and rely on the coffee to make it through your day functionally. The sad truth is caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, with more than 80% of the North American population alone reporting habitual caffeine consumption. It is often difficult to confirm daily caffeine intake as the drug is found in a variety of sources and quantities, such as soft drinks and chocolate[1]. As caffeine consumption is such common practise, a question of addiction and dependency comes into play. A major problem with caffeine is that it is such a socially accepted habit in our culture; therefore, many consumers do not view it as a drug. Though not illicit, caffeine is a mood-altering chemical that can lead to a physical dependency and can have adverse health effects with continued use. Studies have shown that continued caffeine consumption can ultimately lead to central nervous system, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, muscular and skeletal problems[2]. Studies have also shown that attempts to cut out caffeine completely are linked with many withdrawal symptoms, ranging in severity. Headaches and fatigue are among the most common symptoms, however, symptoms such as anxiety, cognitive impairment and depression are reported by many[3]. These withdrawal symptoms often lessen after consumption of caffeine, thus promoting drug dependency. Certain studies thus far have linked caffeine consumption with the development of various psychological disorders, such as eating disorders, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, and illicit drug use[4]. Caffeine is a drug, and alongside withdrawal symptoms comes tolerance. On average, North American caffeine consumers drink about 280mg daily. It only takes a daily consumption of 100mg to experience a physical dependence on the substance.[1] To put these numbers into perspective, a medium coffee from Tim Hortons contains roughly 140mg of caffeine.[5] There comes a time when coffee is not enough to induce a stimulatory effect anymore, thus, many people will turn to energy drinks or caffeine pills as a source of stamina in situations of extreme exhaustion. These products range in caffeine content, and can contain up to 280mg of caffeine in one serving alone![6]. As with many other drugs, excessive levels can induce intoxication and in rare cases, overdose. Overall, caffeine intoxication requires the consumption of as little as 250mg and can lead to insomnia, muscle twitching, gastrointestinal disturbance, anxiousness, and incoherent speech or thoughts[3]. Excess consumption becomes very dangerous, as symptoms can potentially escalate to cardiac arrest. This risk increases for avid caffeine drinkers, who reach intoxication on a regular basis[7]. The best way to avoid these risks is to limit or eliminate caffeine consumption entirely from your diet.

Striking a ‘cord’ for back health Dan Prinsen

s younger individuals, we have all been told numerous times by our parents: “Stand straight!” “Don’t slouch!” or “Sit up!” Well, the truth of the matter is, they were achieving more than simply encouraging polite mannerisms. Whether they meant to or not, our parents were also expressing concern for our health, specifically our skeletal-muscular and spinal health. The spine is an extremely important part of the human body as it ceaselessly relays motor and sensory information to and from the brain at lightning speeds. Without this amazing hub for information, we would lose functional abilities, including anything from responding to pain or tickling sensations to coordinating proper limb movements to run or walk. Furthermore, the spinal cord plays a key role in coordinating internal functions such as digestion, circulation and the immune system. Therefore, a less-than-optimally functioning spinal cord that does not conduct 100% of the information to and from the brain can result indebilitating health consequences. This decreased function can be attributed to a choked spinal cord caused by misaligned spinal segments or exaggerated curves in the spine[1]. Unfortunately, determining the degree or severity of spinal cord dysfunctionis very difficult. Many people suffer from a less-thanoptimally functioning spinal cord but never realize it because they do not consciously “feel” any problems or pain. With respect to physiological function, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “…a state of complete physical well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,”[2]. That is to say, despite one’s inability to “feel” any degree pain or dysfunction, this does not mean there is no dysfunction, whether it is mild or severe. So what may become of such conditions? With Issue 8 • November 2013

respect to the muscular-skeletal system, misaligned spinal segments and over- and under- exaggerated spinal curves can lead to localized inflammation. This inflammation results in mild to severe back pains, stiffness and decreased torso mobility. In regards to other bodily functions, below-optimal signal transduction can generally inhibit maximal functions of major systems, especially the immune and nervous systems. Studies have found a correlation between spinal misalignment and decreased life longevity as well as decreased immune function. This leads to increased frequency of common sicknesses and some forms of cancer. Other studies have associated misalignment with increased frequency and intensity of migraine headaches[1]. What can you do to keep healthy? Some may tell you that, “prevention has always been the best treatment,” and in this case it’s true. Although treatment methods can be sought through chiropractic or physiotherapeutic programs, the prevention of spinal complications is more convenient, cost efficient and healthy. In some cases, changes such as simple ergonomic adjustments can be all it takes. Hold your cell phone higher so your neck doesn’t have to strain to look down. Keep your back straight and take breaks during studying to prevent unnatural spinal curves from developing. Sleep on a firmer mattress and thinner pillow to allow more natural spinal curves. Place your laptop or computer monitor an appropriate viewing distance away to prevent neck strain[3]. Even performing simple back exercises can increase back stability and decrease your risk for spinal complications. Your spinal cord is important, keep yourself healthy by taking care of it. By being conscious of your posture and position, you can easily prevent spinal cord complications and lead the most optimal, healthy and disease free life.

www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

Indoor Air Pollution Nasser Alkhalifah

ould you believe that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air[4]? In some cases indoor air can be as high as 100 times more polluted! Most people are well aware of the risks associated with outdoor air pollution, however few realise the harmful health effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ). According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 2013[1], IAQ has become an important health and safety concern. More specifically, poor IAQ is a major concern since we spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors. When you add up the hours spent at home, at school, or at work, you likely spend the majority of your time indoors where you are repeatedly exposed to indoor pollutants[4]. You may be wondering what exactly is contributing to poor IAQ. It probably comes as no surprise that chemical emissions are the primary contributing factor to poor IAQ. They are the most harmful, contributing to a wide range of negative health effects[4]. Another common and harmful source of poor IAQ is excessive moisture as it can lead to indoor mold growth. Airborne particles coming from dirt and dust can also be tracked inside from outdoors, triggering allergies and respiratory problems[2]. Furthermore, many ventilation systems are designed to recirculate indoor air and bring in very little outdoor air. This is effective for minimizing energy costs but is it worth risking our health? Adverse effects of indoor airare nothing new. They have raised public concern within the past few decades. You have probably even been affected by poor IAQ and were not even aware of it.

• • • • •

fatigue shortness of breath coughing and/or sneezing dizzy and nauseous lethargic?

If so, you may have been or are currently affected by poor IAQ. These feelings tend to be the most commonly reported complaints[3]. As you have probably noticed, many of these symptoms can also be caused by common colds or flu which can make identifying IAQ problems difficult. Being aware of what causes poor IAQ and its related symptoms is valuable knowledge but also knowing how to improve IAQ is just as important. The most obvious and effective approach would be to simply eliminate sources of contaminants. It is also absolutely essential to have effective ventilation since it removes pollutants through filtration. UL Environment[4] suggests other key tips that include: • • • • •

avoiding smoking indoors minimizing the use of harsh cleaners and cleaners with strong fragrance removing shoes as close to door as possible in order to reduce dirt and dust tracked from outdoors having walk-off mats at all entrances keeping humidity levels to less than 60%

For our own health, it is absolutely essential that we prevent outdoor pollution sources from entering indoors Have you ever felt: and ensure that adequate ventilation is provided in order • dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose throat and to reduce build up of contaminants and pollutants[2]. skin • headaches

Fear, Hormones and PTSD Nathaniel Mannella

cientists at the Michigan Institute of Technology believe they may have found a potential mechanism for the prevention of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD has affected hundreds of thousands around the world, and is commonly found amongst military personnel returning home from battle. Symptoms of this mental illness include, but are not limited to, extreme anxiety as well as flashbacks and nightmares. Furthermore, these symptoms may persist indefinitely, long after experiencing a traumatic event[1]. Some patients of the disease recover over time, however, most remain affected by PTSD for the remainder of their lives. The method of preventative treatment discovered would help to regulate ghrelin levels in the body. Ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone”, was previously only associated with appetite. New research has found that elevated levels of ghrelin are also associated with fear and dismay[2]. By blocking the receptors that ghrelin binds to, such as GHSR1a, researchers were able to successfully lower ghrelin levels in rats, leading to lowered levels of fear and stress[3]. Ghrelin was found to function alongside the sympathetic nervous system, thereby increasing the “fight or flight response”. It is speculated that this is a completely new and independent pathway of stress response. It was found to run in parallel to the hypothalamic-pituitary-

Issue 8 • November 2013

adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the feedback mechanism between the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland, regulating some types of stress[3]. This discovery could potentially serve to combat excessive stress levels in soldiers, or stop them from occurring all together. The intensity of war has been found to elevate the body’s ghrelin levels in some individuals who experience traumatic events, and this treatment would function to lower these levels by limiting the amount of ghrelin that the brain is able to uptake[3]. Ghrelin-receptor blocking could be used as a potential treatment for the disorder, once ghrelin levels have already risen above baseline levels. Additionally, a specific drug could be manufactured to block ghrelin receptors in advance of experiencing trauma, in hopes of averting PTSD all together. Sadly, this counteragent has only been tested on rodents thus far, though researchers aim to extrapolate results in human subjects in the near future. There are also a few ethical issues that have become apparent with this new discovery however, such as unforeseen consequences on other bodily functions from the blockage of ghrelin uptake, such as effects on hunger and appetite, which need to be explored through further study[2]. Nonetheless, research will continue on this subject, and scientists hope that this discovery can be applied proactively in the treatment of patients suffering from PTSD. www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

Master’s Highlight: Sofhia Ramos

Harish Aggarwal

eet Sofhia Ramos! Sofhia is currently in the second year her Master’s degree in the Department of Kinesiology under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Peters, in the Center for Bone and Muscle Health. When she is not in the lab, Sofhia prides herself on being a lover of all things related to health and fitness. She enjoys exercising and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. On any given day Sofhia can be found in The Zone squeezing in a workout or playing an intramural sport. She even took part in recreational dragon boat racing this past summer! Sofhia hails from Scarborough, Ontario and completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Brock University. During this time, she tried to experience all of the potential avenues that her degree could take her. It was while completing an Honours Thesis in her fourth year that Sofhia was exposed to and ultimately became very interested in the world of research and academics. Research is now one of her biggest passions and she would recommend that any undergraduate student keep an open mind when considering graduate school. She believes that the keys to a wonderful graduate experience are being a motivated, independent learner and finding a compatible professor to work with. Sofhia’s main research interest is in skeletal muscle lipid metabolism. In obese and endurance-trained individuals, there is an increased amount of lipids stored within their muscles. However one population is consid-

ered to be insulin-resistant while the other is insulin-sensitive[1]. Understanding how lipids are broken down and stored in skeletal muscle could provide insight into the different metabolic states of skeletal muscle in these two populations. In her research, Sofhia examines the intracellular localization of lipid droplet associating proteins called the perilipin (PLIN) family of proteins including PLIN3 and PLIN5 and observes their interactions with the cells’ mitochondria. Her current project may potentially aid in determining the function of these perilipin proteins, something that has currently yet to be identified in skeletal muscle. What Sofhia loves the most about Brock is the intimate community-feel of the school. She says this has allowed her to interact and develop relationships with professors, an opportunity that many larger schools may not offer. The comforting aspect of Brock is what affirmed her choice to pursue a Master’s Degree and to stay at Brock University to do so. She is thankful for the professors and her supervisor who played an important role in her developing academic career by revealing how exciting research can really be. In the future, Sofhia plans to continue in academia and has a goal to obtain her PhD. She says that research is something that she’s very interested in and one day she “hopes to make contributions to understanding how skeletal muscle plays a role in maintaining overall health”.

“...the keys to a wonderful graduate experience are being a motivated, independent learner and finding a compatible professor to work with.”

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE THIGH GAP Asia Przepiorkowski

n alarming trend among social media sites is that young women want to achieve a ‘thigh gap’. What is a thigh gap you may ask? It is the gap between a female’s thighs when she stands and puts her feet together. This may sound ridiculous, however, many girls and women are doing everything they can to achieve this gap. Moreover, social media sites such as Tumblr or Twitter have pages dedicated to the ‘thigh gap’ and provide suggestions on how you can achieve it. But what is the big deal? Why do girls do this? Well, we are living in a world now where social media sites take over our entire lives. We are constantly

bulimia) in order to achieve such unrealistic expectations of themselves. In addition, there are pictures known as “fitspo” (a.k.a Fitness inspiration) that read “Do it for the thigh gap” to motivate to achieve this ‘gap’ at all costs. Meanwhile, not many people look at one individual and judge them on the amount of fat they have between their legs; it is usually the person themselves; who is self-conscious about their gap or no gap. They are under the impression that if they have the thigh gap, they will appear more appealing in the eyes of boys or men. However, this is a miscon-

ception that must be set straight for the sake of health and wellbeing of Canadian women. According to Dr. Travis Stork, it is pretty much impossible to physically attain a thigh gap unless you have one in the first place. Dr. Stork completed a demonstration by doing an x-ray of the hips of a woman who is a size 0 without a thigh gap and another woman who is a size 6 with a thigh gap.[1] The size 6 woman’s hip bone structure was wider set apart, while the size 0 woman’s hip bone structure was much narrower. The results show that it does not matter how much fat you have in between your thighs, or what clothing size you wear, whether your thighs touch or not depends entirely on your bone structure; which is

ViDeo: Dr. Stork DeMonStration

bombarded with images of ‘flawless’ airbrushed models, actors and celebrities in the media that have a thigh gap or are unnaturally thin. As a result, some girls will feel insecure about their appearance and will take drastic measures (e.g. excessive dieting, exercise, issue 8 • november 2013

something that you cannot alter with exercise or extreme dieting. It is fine to exercise your thighs of course, but not to the extent where it is the only thing you are focused on. Embrace your hip structure no matter how close or far apart your thighs are. www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

a DANGEROUS alternative?

Mark VanderMaarel

n 2004, over 70 million Americans had used some form of alternative medicine[1], and although most alternative medicine is safe, the real danger is when people eschew conventional and evidence based medicine to use these alternative methods to treat a serious condition. What is alternative medicine in the first place? Alternative medicine is any care or treatment not based on evidence found using the scientific method[2]; some forms are even based purely on pseudoscience. An example of alternative medicine is homeopathy, which is based on the idea that water has memory, and that low doses of a substances that create similar symptoms of the disease will cure it[3]. This conflicts with everything we know of chemistry, and has no evidence to support it[4]. Na-

turopathy is another popular alternative care. It is based on the idea of vitalism, which is the belief that” living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities because they contain some non-physical element or are governed by different principles than are inanimate things”[5]. This idea has been rejected by modern science as there is no evidence to support it.[6] Some people may ask, what’s the harm in choosing an alternative treatment? Well the real danger is when people seek these alternatives for serious conditions, instead of receiving conventional care. In 2004, in Provo, Utah, Dianne Shepherd was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refused treatment and went to a naturopath. There she was diagnosed using muscle tests, treated with an energy machine and given homeopathic remedies. She died within five months. The naturopath was ar-

rested[7]. A famous example is Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple who passed away in 2011. In 2003 Jobs was diagnosed with a less aggressive type of pancreatic cancer called islet cell neuroendocrine tumor[8]. According to Jobs’ biographer, Walter Isaacson “for nine months he refused to undergo surgery for his pancreatic cancer – a decision he later regretted as his health declined.” “Instead he tried a vegan diet, acupuncture, herbal remedies and other treatments he found online, and even consulted a psychic. He also was influenced by a doctor who ran a clinic that advised juice fasts, bowel cleansings and other unproven approaches, before finally having surgery in July 2004”[9], Harvard Researcher Ramzi Amri believes that Jobs’ choice of alternative care led to his early death.[8] Why do people choose these alternative treatments when they have not been proven to work? Some alternative treatments can help reduce symptoms of some diseases and treatments. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce sickness caused by chemotherapy. Some people find that using alternative methods help them stay positive and cope with treatments. But a big reason is desperation; some people think alternative medicine holds the cure for their disease[10]. Modern medicine does not hold all the answers, but conventional treatments are always the best option. In the end, when choosing treatment, always follow the evidence and what works. As the comedian Tim Minchin said “You know what they call alternative medicine that works? Medicine.”[11]

Feature tHe BOttOM OF tHe Barrel: neglected tropical diseases Ryder Damen

here are a large variety of diseases that the average Canadian hasn’t heard of. Hookworm, Ascariasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Trachoma, Trichuriasis and Schistosomiasis are examples of such diseases. These diseases are incredibly diverse in terms of their effects, pathogenicity and causative agents, but share one thing in common; they are all neglected tropical diseases also known as NTDs[1]. These diseases may not be known to you, however it is not because they are rare. They affect millions of people every day, causing physical, social, and psychological harm in ways one could not imagine[1]. Most Canadians are fortunate to not suffer from them for a few reasons; we don’t live in a tropical climate, but more importantly we have the money to afford treatment. NTDs affect the “bottom billion” or the poorest billion people of the world[1]. Most low-income countries are plagued by at least 5 of the 17 NTDs, and their citizens often are infected with more than one at the same time[1]. “Why are the neglected tropical diseases neglected?” The answer stems from two areas. The first and most obvious reason is that there is a general lack of concern or awareness from the developed world about issues that affect the developing world; an out of sight, out of mind mentality. The second area of neglect comes from a group of diseases known as the big three – tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS[1]. Research and development are focused on these three diseases so much, that NTDs and

their research are often overlooked[1]. Understandably, tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/ AIDS are responsible for a number of worldwide infectious disease sufferings and deaths and the search for treatment is incredibly important. That being said, NTDs account for an overwhelming number of deaths in the worldwide population and despite their neglected status they harm, injure, maim or kill millions of people unnecessarily[1]. These diseases only share two characteristics: they are neglected and found primarily in tropical climates, aside from that NTDs have very different causative pathogen types, effects on people, and the number of people affected world-wide[1]. Ascariasis, hookworm and trichuriasis are NTDs fall under the same category, as they’re all soil-transmitted helminth infections affecting over a billion people[2,1]. Larvae for all three thrive in soil, which is then touched by children and transmitted into the gastrointestinal tracts of the general population[2]. A child’s GI tract in a developing country is likely to be infected with one or more of the pathogens associated with these conditions, leading to a large incidence of mental and physical growth defects[2]. Onchocerciasis, also known as River blindness, is caused by worms that live primarily within an infected person’s skin[1]. Upon contact with infected water worms enter, replicate and disperse throughout the body, eventually leading to depigmentation, skin atrophy and in some cases blindness; it is estimated that there are 37 million currently affected[1].

Article Lymphatic filariasis is another disease caused by worms; it affects 120 million people worldwide, and has left over 40 million disfigured[1]. Worms are transmitted from the blood of one person to another by mosquitos, where worms thrive in the lymphatic system[1]. Most victims are infected in childhood where the worms lie dormant; when one is older the worms lead to elephantiasis (enlargement of the limbs), and hydrocele (swellings in parts of the body)[1]. Schistosomiasis or snail fever – affecting 200 million worldwide – is a disease caused by flatworms that use snails as an intermediate host[1]. Worm larvae are able to directly penetrate the skin of a person exposed to infected water, where they mature and cause damage to internal organs[1]. The bladder and kidneys are particularly infected, as infection can lead to hematuria (a condition of blood in a patient’s urine), bladder cancer and renal failure[1]. Excretion of eggs through urine or feces allows the worm to infect others after a short maturation in snails[1]. Trachoma, caused by a bacterium, is the leading source of blindness caused by infectious disease and is estimated to affect nearly 85 million people worldwide[4, 1] . The bacterium is spread by eye to finger contact, or by person-to-person transmission of eye-seeking flies, where repeated infection, subsequent immune responses and reinfections causes scaring, cornea damage and eventual blindness in a large quantity of cases[4]. Though not all incidences of the disease cause blindness, the majority of those affected contract the disease in childhood and are repeatedly exposed to it, causing extensive damage to the corneas over a lifetime[4]. Perhaps the biggest frustration is the fact that the majority of these diseases are completely preventable, treatIssue 8 • November 2013

able and even eradicable[1]. Onchocerciasis can be treated by inexpensive anti-worm medication already in effect[1]. Lymphatic filariasis testing is a simple antigen/antibody strip, while treatment involves existing chemotherapy measures and proper hygiene[1]. Soil transmitted helminth infections (ascariasis, hookworm and trichuriasis) need only deworming medications and proper sanitation and hygiene in order to eliminate the problem, though the former is ineffective without the latter[2]. Schistosomiasis is treated with a relatively inexpensive anthelmintic drug, access to proper sanitation, clean drinking water, and health education[1]. Trachoma can be easily treated by a single oral dose of an antibiotic, which has not shown evidence of developing resistance if administered properly[4]. All of these diseases are easily treatable; most though can be prevented by providing communities with clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities – something that 2.6 billion people on this earth lack, but desperately need[3]. These seven diseases were chosen for their prevalence in developing populations, and their treatability, but by no means cause the most suffering[1]. They simply affect the most people, while being incredibly easy and inexpensive to treat. Access to proper sanitation, clean drinking water and inexpensive medications could possibly wipe these infections off the face of the Earth, but we are not able to change a situation – let alone identify it – if we are not aware of it[3, 1]. Raising awareness in developing countries is the most effective way to help bring attention to the issue and develop possible treatment plans. If we give these populations access to these resources we have the possibility to not only change millions of lives, but also save them. Let’s remove the word “neglected” from the title. www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

THE InS and OUTS OF SURFER’S MYELOPATHY Jason VanSoelen

veryone likes to try something new every once in a while and surfing may happen to fall on that list for some. Whether it be catching a few waves out on the Great Lakes or taking some lessons down in the Caribbean, surfing is an enjoyable sport for many. Of course, with all sports it has its risks, such as the ever so famous shark attacks or even drowning, but one not so famous tragedy that has occurred multiple times is a condition known as surfer’s myelopathy. Myelopathy is

known as the functional incompetence and pathological changes within the spinal cord, including build of up fluid in the tissue, loss of myelin, spongy degeneration, and the death of cells in a tissue.[2] Occurring mainly in novice surfers, surfer’s myelopathyis thought to be caused by the hyperextension of the back due to lying in the prone position for a prolonged period of time. The general idea is that hyperextension causes dynamic compression, vasospasm, or thrombotic infarction of the great anterior radicular artery of Adamkiewicz.[1] The muscles of the untrained surfer are not strong enough to protect the spine and therefore ischemia, or blocking of the spinal artery, occurs. Blood flow is the lowest in the lower thoracic region and so the spinal cord is more dependent on the flow from the artery of Adamkiewicz. If blood flow is hindered this specific region loses blood supply and myelopathy results. Typically when the surfer emerges from the water they tend to have lower back pain and within a few minutes a tingling sensation and weakness in the lower extremities begins to occur[3]. A short time after progressive paraparesis occurs, in which the surfer starts to loose the ability

to voluntarily control their legs and bladder[1]. Depending on the severity of the case the individual may become a paraplegic for life. Immediate rehabilitation is essential because improvements in motor control can be made depending on the amount of time and degree in which the spinal cord was hyperextended. In a case series study of 19 subjects with surfer’s myelopathy, 4 out of 5 patients with complete paraplegia showed no sign of improvement, and of the 8 with near complete paraplegia 3 had no improvement, 2 improved one grade, 1 improved 2 grades and 1 worsened 1 grade. The results of this study are not promising, only 4 patients out of 19 improved to some degree[1], however further investigation of this condition are underway and hopefully a more effective treatment will arise. Although surfer’s myelopathy is rare it is still important to be aware of the symptoms so appropriate and immediate measures can be taken. If there is immediate treatment there is shown to be effective recovery in most situations because the condition is amenable.[4] So before you step in the water, excited to try surfing for the first time, remember that it’s not just the sharks you have to be worried about.

The Case for Needle Exchange Programs Hailea Squires

here are an estimated 4.1 million people in Canada who have injected drugs[1]. As many as 13% of current Canadian injection drug users are infected with HIV[2]. We know that sharing injection equipment is an effective way of transmitting HIV, and there remains a stigma in society about how we address this problem[3]. Unfortunately, attempts at reducing harm such as needle exchange programs have sometimes been perceived as encouraging these dangerous behaviours, but nothing could be further from the truth. Critics of harm reduction suggest that facilitating these behaviours is complacent with addiction and its associated problems like prostitution and crime. Harm reduction is based upon the idea that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop everyone from engaging in harmful behaviours, but we may be able to mitigate the damage caused by injection drug users to themselves and their community. Needle exchange programs aim to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood born infections by ensuring injection drug users have access to clean injection equipment. Estimates from 2011 suggest that 16% of new Canadian HIV infections were attributed to shared needles for injection drug use[4]. Needle exchange programs often have a central office where supplies can be obtained, and many have additional services such as mobile units that deliver supplies, or satellite offices located in partnered pharmacies[5]. With the help of public health nurses and social workers, these programs can increase access to services that can aid in social reintegration. When a person feels supported by their community, they may be more likely to seek recovery services. In addition to health promotion, needle exchange programs also provide cost savings for the healthcare system. One study on needle exchange services in Hamilton Issue 8 â&#x20AC;˘ November 2013

Ontario found that the cost of running a needle exchange program saved more than one million dollars over the course of five years[6]. Another study in Edmonton, Alberta found that the needle exchange program spent less than nine thousand dollars to prevent a new HIV infection. The cost to treat a new HIV infection would be over one hundred and fifty thousand for a lifetime for medication and treatment[7]. This demonstrates significant cost savings. Despite all of the benefits provided by harm reduction, ideological opposition to this approach remains. Critics of needle exchange programs claim that by supplying materials to addicts instead of arresting them, then we are complicit in illegal activity and even encourage drug use. However the role of public health professionals is not to police individuals, but provide ongoing care. Supporters of harm reduction programs maintain that they do not encourage illegal activity, but assist addicts in maintaining their long-term health. You cannot force an addict into treatment, but you can reduce the likelihood that they contract a lifelong disease and transmit it to others. The goal of harm reduction is to maintain the health of drug users so that when they decide on their own to enter into a treatment program, they are still healthy enough to become productive members of society. It is said that a rising tide lifts all boats. By supporting addicts in our community and helping them maintain their health, we can reduce the total HIV prevalence in the community as well as the financial burden of HIV infection on our already over-burdened health system. A society remains healthy when all members are healthy. Harm reduction brings us ever closer to that goal.

www.brockhealthmagazine.ca â&#x20AC;˘

DOES BROCK UNIVERSITY NEED AN EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE TEAM? Liisa Wainman

THE HEALTH OF HAPPINESS: ADDING QUALITY TO YEARS Matthew Mueller

he dimensions of health are not merely limited to physical well-being. Being healthy involves physical, social, mental, spiritual, and emotional welfare[1]. In recent years, science has shown that emotional health is actually a very significant factor to overall health[2]. Many would argue that to be emotionally healthy is to be happy. Happiness can be an accurate expression of emotional health, as well as overall well-being. What does it mean to be happy? How can you increase the overall level of happiness in your life? A scientific study done by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan has astonishing results on what makes us most happy[3]. They did not conclude that the greatest increase in happiness came from having fun or anything money could buy. Instead, their results suggested that one of the greatest contributors to overall happiness in our lives is actually how much gratitude we show. In the study, random subjects were asked to write and then personally deliver a letter in person to someone who had been especially kind to them, but had never been properly thanked. The results showed a drastic increase in overall happiness and emotional health based on a questionnairetaken before and after the experiment. Just as eating healthy and exercising has been proven to increase physical health, expressing gratitude and thankfulness has been proven to increase emotional health. Surely, physical fitness can add years to life, however, such a simple thing as happiness can add quality to ViDeo: tHe SCienCe of HaPPineSS those years .

HoT HeaD LInes

ccording to Canadian government, it takes 11 or more minutes for an ambulance to arrive on the scene of an accident once an emergency call is placed in the Niagara Region. It sounds like a sensible response time, but for someone in anaphylactic shock or having a heart attack, 11 minutes can be lethal. Student emergency response teams started in 1982 by Eddie Wasser when he was an undergraduate student at McMaster University. A classmate of Dr. Wasser’s had a seizure and the ambulance took 20 minutes to arrive. Recognizing this danger, he founded Canada’s first on-campus Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) at McMaster University. Since then, EFRT has become ubiquitous among Ontario universities. The volunteer student first response teams are available 24/7 during the school year, with a minimum of CRP-C training and are equipped are with first-aid and lifesaving supplies. The goal of EFRT is to provide emergency first-aid within 1-2 minutes of being called[1]. Brock University is one of the last universities in Ontario to rely solely on hospital-dispatched emergency healthcare. An EFRT program would take great amounts of student volunteer time but can be run in larger universities at a fee of only one dollar per student per year[2]. EFRT would not only give students access to better emergency care, but for many a first chance to experience providing healthcare. EFRT is a valuable opportunity for students to experience shiftwork, learn advanced lifesaving skills and evaluate their skills under the pressure of emergency situations. With the implementation of an EFRT program, instead of saying “help is on the way,” at Brock University, help will already be there.

Faculty

SPOTLIGHT Dr. Hui Di Wang

Jaya Sam

BSc, PhD

r. Hui Di Wang’s passion for medical research has taken her around the world. As she continues to focus her research on studying stress and the effects it has on the human body, she also makes traveling and spending time with her family priorities. Dr. Wang is an associate professor in the department of Community Health Sciences for Brock University. She has been teaching for 13 years, 11 of which she has taught at Brock. Dr. Wang teaches “Principles of Pharmacology”, a third year course, “Integrated Cardiovascular Pharmacology”, a fourth year course, as well as a graduate course. In addition to this, Dr. Wang invests her time in educating graduate and directed readings students. Dr. Wang was born and raised in Shanghai, China, where she alsoearned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences from the First Medical Shanghai School (now called Fudan University). After completing her bachelor degree, Dr. Wang was faced with the choice of a career in clinical medicine or research; she chose research. This decision led her to pursue a PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology from the University of Saskatchewan. Once she finished her PhD research, Dr. Wang pursued a research associate position at Boston University where she completed her post doctorate. Upon completion of her post-doctorate she had yet another life changing decision to make. She was offered a position in the pharmaceutical industry, however, her passion to conduct research pulled her in the direction of academia. Dr. Wang was given a research grant as well as an award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation for

new investigators, this was an affirmation to her that she made the right choice. She returned to the University of Saskatchewan for two years before beginning her academic pursuits at Brock. Throughout her life, Dr. Wang observed that stress was negatively affecting the lives of the people around her. For this reason, her research at Brock focuses on vascular health, specifically oxidative stress and how it causes pathological changes. Other researchers in this field look at the pathway of peptides (short chains of amino acids linked by a peptide bond) from the inside out, whereas, Dr. Wang’s research looks from the outside in and focuses mainly on the outer layer of vessels (the adventitia). She is currently determining how the adventitia peptides affect oxidative stress in the vessels. Dr. Wang enjoys teaching as much as she enjoys her research. She likes to keep up with the academic world and reads journals from other fields to expand her knowledge. When Dr. Wang isn’t at Brock, she’s at home spending time with her mother and daughter. Dr. Wang also enjoys making trips to China to visit her father, and going to the United States to visit friends. She also enjoys keeping up to date with current events in the world. For now, her goals are focused on getting grants and publications, as well as visiting Australia, however, in the future Dr. Wang plans on traveling the world. She advises students to invest in themselves, as well as in the community. She suggests that all students aim high and pursue their passions because, “if you put your heart into your work, you’ll be successful.”

“...if you put your heart into your work, you’ll be successful.”

issue 8 • november 2013

www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

To VaCCIne or noT To VaCCIne, THaT Is THe QUesTIon? Cubby Sadoon

o the risks outweigh the rewards? That is one of the many questions that would-be recipients of vaccines have to ponder. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) explicitly states that “if you choose to delay some vaccines or reject some vaccines, there can be risks”, and aren’t only deleterious to the individual, but community as well[1]. A vaccine is defined by the CDC as “an antigenic substance prepared from the causative agent of a disease or a synthetic substance used to provide immunity against one or several diseases.”[1] The first successful vaccine was publicized in 1798 by Edward Jenner for two viral variants, Variola major and Variola minor; simply referred to as smallpox[3]. Individuals above the age of 14-15 tend to be vaccinated primary for seasonal influenza, but for those who are younger, 13 serious, communicable diseases can be prevented by immunization including and not limited to diphtheria, polio, pneumococcal diseases [4] and varicella . Vaccination is an extremely controver-

sial topic nowadays and irrespective of which side of the argument you may lean towards, the key to making an informed decision is awareness. “…if one is culpable for vaccine related deaths, then one is also culpable for deaths caused by withholding the vaccine.”[3] Recently, a vocal majority in the developed world has questioned the benefits and safety of vaccines, not taking into account that many vaccine-preventable diseases are so infrequent in developed nations, the only attention they receive is when hypothetical adverse effects of said vaccine are presented in the media[3]. Take Pertussis (whooping cough) for example. In the late 1940’s, vaccines were developed using inactivated whole Bordetella pertussis and combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoid later on to create what is now known as the DTP vaccine[4]. Widespread immunization of children with the DTP vaccine led to a massive decline in incidence of whooping cough. The smallpox vaccine had well known complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and when the same com-

plications arose after immunization with the DTP vaccine, the public attributed the vaccine as the culprit[4]. As DTP vaccine usage declined consequently, it marked a resurgence of

experiment involving Poliomyelitis and Rotavirus show the benefits of immunization; prevention of diseases that took upwards of 300,000 lives annually. Shifting to a more

the disease as well. It was later discovered that the vaccine was not responsible yet still had some minor side effects addressed later by the improved DTaP vaccine which had much lower rates of adverse effects[4]. This alongside a similar unintentional

present standpoint; in the last 15 years, vaccines have been created against Hepatitis A and B, Rotavirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, varicella, H. influenzae type b and many more pathogenic agents[3]. Currently, there are upwards of 10 vaccinations strongly

recommended by Health Canada by the age of six[5]. All these vaccines have led to a heavy reduction in the incidences of the diseases they are targeted towards, but concurrently, there have also been a striking increase in prevalence of some chronic and neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),

Steps need to be taken by governing bodies such as Health Canada to allay fears of immunization and restore public trust. Advances in immunology must be utilized to ensure more effective and efficacious vaccines[2]. Vaccine combinations must be revisited and assessed for immunogenicity as well as allergic responses, amongst

autism, allergies and autoimmune diseases (i.e. multiple sclerosis)[1]. This has led to some believing in a causal relationship between the two events, an assumption that has not been validated through evidence-based research to date.

other factors[1]. Though public perception casts a minute shadow of doubt over vaccinations, it is one of modern medicine’s most trusted tools in the fight against infectious diseases…with a biography that stellar, why wouldn’t you get vaccinated?

Issue 8 • November 2013

HOT HEADLINES

Cinnamon Challenge Melina Passalent The popularity of the “Cinnamon Challenge”, a viral internet dare, has been on the rise in the past few years as those who have attempted the challenge have taken to social media outlets to share their experience. If you ask any kid today what the Cinnamon Challenge is, the majority of them will be able to tell you that the objective of it is to swallow a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, without the aid of water, within sixty seconds. Over 50, 000 Cinnamon Challenge YouTube videos have been watched by people all over the world since 2012. On average, the majority of these videos are posted by people between the ages of 13 to 24. Cinnamon, if inhaled, can cause inflammation of the airways and the lungs due to its abrasive nature. Cellulose fibers, which are a main component of cinnamon can not be dissolved and can not biodegrade in the lungs. For this reason, many children have been sent to hospitals after trying to attempt the Cinnamon Challenge. Although severe risks contracted by participating in the viral dare are quite rare, the effects of the cinnamon have the potential to be damaging to the lungs by causing lesions and scarring. Since the increase in popularity of this challenge, there have been an increased number of calls to poison centers relating to the effects of the challenge. In 2011 only 51 calls were made to poison control centers compared to 178 calls just between January and June of 2012. 122 of those 178 calls were due to misuse or abuse. With peer pressure and the increasing influence of social media in today’s society, it is no surprise that the Cinnamon Challenge is a popular topic among children. Parents and teachers are encouraged to learn more about the health risks associated with the Cinnamon Challenge and discuss its danger with children.

Want to write for

BROCK HEALTH? Email us: BrockHealth@busu.net

www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

Brock Health Team

Asia Przepiorkowski

Breanne Kramer

Cubby Sadoon

Dan Prinsen

Diana Martin

Hailea Squires

Harish Aggarwal

Jason VanSoelen

Jaya Sam

Liisa Wainman

Mark VanderMaarel

Matthew Mueller

Melina Passalent

Nasser Alkhalifah

Nathaniel Mannella

Ryder Damen

This CoulD Be

YOU!

BrockHealth@busu.net

Saumik Biswas Issue 8 • November 2013

Scott Alguire

Yasmeen Mann www.brockhealthmagazine.ca •

references Image Sources

pdf

Death by caffeine “Addict” Coffee Cup - Scott Alguire

[6] Centre for Science in the Public Interest. (December 2012).Caffeine content of food and drugs.Centre for Science in the Public Interest. Retrieved October 15th, 2013 from http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart. htm

A Dangerous Alternative? Acupuncture - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Acupuncture1-1.jpg

[7] Kerrigan, S., Lindsey, T. (2005). Fatal Caffeine overdose: Two case reports. Forensic Science International 153: pp. 67-69.

Master’s Highlight Spotlight Vector - http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/vector-clipart/student_spotlight_clip_art_20049.html

Striking a ‘Cord’ for Back Health?

Fear, Hormones and PTSD PTSD MARINE - http://www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/4949341330/ The Value of Harm Reduction in HIV Transmission Needles - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Needle_exchange_ supplies.jpg The Ins and Outs of Surfers Myelopathy Surfer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanaka/2998338244/sizes/o/in/ photostream/ Wave Vector - http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/vector-misc/ wave_vector_graphic_1_163277.html To Vaccine or Not to Vaccine: That is the Question? Injection - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_070406N-5627R-326_Airman_Sandra_Valdovinos,_from_Delano,_Calif.,_ administers_Airman_Adam_Helton,_from_Mesa,_Ariz.,_a_Hepatitis_B_ vaccine.jpg

[1] Parkinson, L., Sibbritt, D., Bolton, P., Rotterdam, J., &Villadsen, I. (2013). Well-being outcomes of chiropractic intervention for lower back pain: a systematic review.(Report). Clinical Rheumatology, (2), 167. [2] Skotheim, B., Larsen, B., &Siem, H. (2011). The World Health Organization and global health. Tidsskrift For Den Norske Lægeforening: Tidsskrift For PraktiskMedicin, NyRække, 131(18), 1793-1795. doi:10.4045/tidsskr.11.0868 [3] Verhaert, V., Haex, B., Wilde, T., Berckmans, D., Verbraecken, J., de Valck, ,., & Vander Sloten, ,. (2011). Ergonomics in bed design: the effect of spinal alignment on sleep parameters. Ergonomics, 54(2), 169-178. Indoor Air Pollution [1] Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2013). Indoor air quality [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ chemicals/iaq_intro.html [2] Marshall, C., Joffres, M., Lyons, R., & Langille, L. (2003). Indoor air quality in Canadian schools. Population Health Fund, Health Canada, 1-249.

Striking a ‘Cord’ for Back Health? Posture Drawing - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Posture_ types_(vertebral_column).jpg

[3] The Lung Association. (2012). Pollution & air quality [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/pollution-pollution/indoorinterieur/index_e.php

Indoor Air Pollution Air Filter Cleaning - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stacken_0c149d_1755. jpg

[4] UL Environment. (Date unknown). Overview of indoor air quality (IAQ). Retrieved from http://www.greenguard.org/en/indoorAirQuality.aspx

The Truth Behind the Thigh Gap Video: http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videolib/init/9582 The Bottom of the Barrel: Neglected Tropical Diseases Flashlight - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ communityeyehealth/9408486156/ Treating children - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ communityeyehealth/9409820726/ Medicine Spoon - http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldbank/7826340142/ Malaria Test - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ gatesfoundation/5644200381/

Information Sources Death by Caffeine [1] John Hopkins University School of Medicine. (July 2003). Uses and Common Sources of Caffeine.Information about Caffeine Dependence. Retrieved October 15th, 2013, fromhttp://www.caffeinedependence.org/ caffeine_dependence.html [2] Pohler, H. (2010). Caffeine Intoxication and Addiction. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners: 6, pp. 49-52.

Fear, Hormones and PTSD [1] Canadian Mental Health Association. (2013). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/ [2] Niiler, E. (2013). Could aine for ptsd protect soldiers?. Retrieved from http://news.discovery.com/human/health/could-a-vaccine-for-ptsdprotect-soldiers-131016.htm [3] Meyer, R., Burgos-Robles, A., Liu, E., Correia, S., & Goosens, K. (2013). A ghrelin–growth hormone axis drives stress-induced vulnerability to enhanced fear. Nature Molecular Psychiatry, Retrieved from http://www. nature.com/mp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/mp2013135a.html Master’s Highlight [1] Amati, F., et al., Skeletal muscle triglycerides, diacylglycerols, and ceramides in insulin resistance: another paradox in endurance-trained athletes? Diabetes, 2011. 60(10): p. 2588-97. The Truth Behind the Thigh Gap [1] http://www.babble.com/body-mind/never-mind-the-thigh-gap/ [2] http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videolib/init/9582 The Bottom of the Barrel: Neglected Tropical Diseases

[3] Shapiro, R. (2008). Caffeine and headaches. Current Pain and Headache Reports 12: pp. 311-315.

[1] Feasey, N., Wansbrough-Jones, M., Mabey, D. C. W., & Solomon, A. W. (2009). Neglected tropical diseases.British Medical Bulletin, 93, 179-200.doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldp046

[4] Bergin, J., Kendler, K. (2012). Common Psychiatric Disorders and Caffeine Use, Tolerance, and Withdrawal: An Examination of Shared Genetic and Environmental Effects. Twin Research and Human Genetics 15: 473-482.

[2] Bethony, J., Brooker, S., Albonico, M., Geiger, S. M., Loukas, A., Diemert, D., &Hotez, P. J. (2006). Soil-transmitted helminth infections: ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm.The Lancet, 367, 1521-1532.

[5] Tim Hortons Research and Development (November 2012). Caffeine Content.Tim Hortons. Retrieved October 15th, 2013 from http://www. timhortons.com/ca/pdf/CAFFEINE_CONTENT_-_Canada_-_November2012.

[3] World Health Organization and UNICEF 2013. (2013). Progress on sanitation and drinking-water. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press.

References [4] Thylefors, B., Dawson, C. R., Jones, B. R., West, S. K., & Taylor, H. R. (1987). A simple system for the assessment of trachoma and its complications. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 65, 477-483. A Dangerous Alternative? [1] Tindle, H., Davis, R., Phillips, R., & Eisenberg, D. (2005). Trends in use of complementary and alternative medicine by us adults: 1997-2002. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 11(1), 42-49. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15712765 [2] National Science Board (2002). “Chapter 7: Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Public Understanding, Section: Belief in Alternative Medicine”. Science and Engineering Indicators - 2002. Arlington, VA: Division of Science Resources Statistics, National Science Foundation. [3] Hahnemann, Samuel (1833). The Homœopathic Medical Doctrine, or “Organon of the Healing Art”. Charles H. Devrient, Esq. Dublin: W.F. Wakeman. pp. iii, 48–49

preventable diseases. The New England Journal of Medicine, 360(19), 19811988. [5] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013, 06 19).Immunization schedule. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iyc-vve/ immunizationresults-eng.php? The Ins and Outs of Surfers Myelopathy [1] Chang, C.W., et al. (2012). Surfers’ myelopathy: a case series of 19 novice surfers with nontraumatic myelopathy. Neurology. 79(22), 2171-2176 [2] Dhaliwal, P.P.S., Cenic, A., M. Eesa, &Plessis, S. (2011). An Unusual Case of Myelopathy: Surfer’s Myelopathy. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 38: 354-356. [3] Fessa, C. K., & Lee, B. (2012). An Australian Case of Surfer’s Myelopathy. Clinical Journal Of Sport Medicine, 22(3), 281-283.

[4] Ernst, E. (2002). “A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy”. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 54 (6): 577–82. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01699.x. PMC 1874503. PMID 12492603

[4] Shuster, A., &Franchetto, A. (2011). Surfer’s myelopathy-an unusual cause of acute spinal cord ischemia: a case report and review of the literature. Emergency Radiology, 18(1), 57-60. doi:10.1007/s10140-0100913-8

[5] BECHTEL, WILLIAM and ROBERT C. RICHARDSON (1998). Vitalism. In E. Craig (Ed.), Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. London: Routledge. Vitalism

Hot Headlines

[6] A Cultural History of Medical Vitalism in Enlightenment Montpellier Elizabeth Ann Williams - Google Books [7] Unlicensed “naturopath” arrested in Utah. (2004, November 23). Retrieved from http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/pontius.html [8] Graham Smith. “”Steve Jobs doomed himself by shunning conventional medicine until too late, claims Harvard expert”. Archived from the original on 2012-06-04..” Daily Mail 14 October 2011. [9] “Bio Sheds Light on Steve Jobs’ Decision to Delay Cancer Surgery, Pursue Herbal Remedies”. Archived from the original on 2012-09-15. Associated Press October 20, 2011 [10] Why people use complementary or alternative therapies. (2012, December 31). Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerhelp/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative/about/whypeople-use-complementary-or-alternative-therapies [11] Minchin, T. (Performer) (2011). Storm [Web]. Retrieved from http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=HhGuXCuDb The Case for Needle Exchange Programs [1] Health Canada 2004 [2] Public Health Agency of Canada 2006

The Health of Happiness: Adding Quality to Years [1] Dubos, R. J. (1968). So human an animal. New York: Scribner. [2] O’Callaghan, A. (2013). Emotional congruence in learning and health encounters in medicine: addressing an aspect of the hidden curriculum. Advances In Health Sciences Education, 18(2): 305-317. [3] Seligmen, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., Peterson, S. (2005). Positive psychology progress: empirical validations of interventions. The American Psychologist. 60(5): 410. Does Brock University Need an Emergency First Response Team? [1] Martin, C. (June, 2008) Emergency First Response Teams Ready To Save Lives. McMaster Daily News. [2] MSU McMaster Students Union. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/7-emergency-firstresponse-team-efrt/about-efrt Cinnamon Challenge [1] Grant-Alfieri, Amelia, and Judy Schaester. “Ingesting and Aspiring Dry Cinnammon by Children and Adolescents: The “Cinnamon Challenge”.”Pediatrics 131.5 (2013): 16-18. Print.

[3] Challacombe 2013

BrockHealthMagazine.ca

[4] Public Health Agency of Canada 2011

@brockuhealth

[5] Strike, Leonard, Millson, Anstice, Berkeley, Medd, 2006 [6] Gold, Gafini, Nelligan, Millson, 1997

facebook.com/brockuhealth

[7] Jacobs et al, 1999 To Vaccine or Not to Vaccine: That is the Question? [1] Wilson, C. B., & Marcuse, E. K. (2001). Vaccine safety - vaccine benefits: science and the public’s perception.Science and Society, 1(1), 160-165. [2] Confavreuz, C., Suissa, S., Saddier, P., Bourdes, V., & Vukusic, S. (2001). Vaccinations and the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 334(5), 319-326. [3] Koshland, D. E. (1985). Benefits, risks, vaccines and the courts. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 227(4692), 1289. [4] Omer, S. B., Salmon, D. A., Orenstein, W. A., deHart, M. P., & Halsey, N. (2009). Vaccine refusal, mandatory immunization, and the risks of vaccine-

Issue 8 • November 2013

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