Category: Health

Today’s healthcare environment looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Healthcare is no longer delivered exclusively inside the four walls of a care setting, which enables better access for patients and a more efficient experience for clinicians and administrative staff. Technology can be used to more easily schedule and triage patients, collaborate amongst clinicians and care providers both onsite and off, and follow up virtually with care at home.

A flexible work environment allows often stressed and burnt-out clinicians to take much-needed physical and mental breaks, which is critically important in a field that is losing talent and already has a global shortage of skilled healthcare workers (the United States is projecting a shortfall of 124,000 skilled healthcare workers in the next twelve years).

Recently, we commissioned IDC to explore workplace transformation in healthcare and the ways that healthcare organizations are taking a digital-first approach to care delivery. The result is a new Industry Spotlight paper titled, “Workplace Transformation in Healthcare: The Time is Now.”

The spotlight uncovered some interesting statistics about the benefits healthcare providers reported after implementing a more flexible work model.

When asked in IDC’s Hybrid Work Maturity Study what percentage improvement their organization experienced in 2021 because of investments in work transformation, healthcare providers reported having achieved a marked improvement in employee experience (30%), expanding the talent pool beyond existing geographical constraints (28%), attracting top talent (29%), and better employee retention (29%).

Out of necessity, hybrid work was adopted during the pandemic across all industries. And while healthcare has reverted to a more traditional care setting, elements of a hybrid model still exist because patients and providers demand it.

What we’re starting to see now is the next wave of innovation in healthcare. One that moves beyond virtual care, digital front door and clinical communications to address the healthcare facilities themselves.

While the technology we’ve adopted in the past few years that enables better communication and virtual care is still critical, healthcare organizations are now also investing in smart and sustainable hospital facilities to address Environmental, Social and Governance goals (ESG) and differentiate amongst competition.

With smart and sustainable hospital facilities, healthcare organizations can reduce energy consumption, water usage and waste, enable greater automation and security for systems across the facility, and address the future of work with smart, intuitive, and flexible spaces.

Ready to learn more about workplace transformation in healthcare and the numerous benefits to healthcare staff and their patients? We encourage you to read IDC’s spotlight on the future of workplace transformation in healthcare (Doc #US49224922, June 2022), and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.

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High blood pressure is a chronic illness in which the force of your blood is greater than normal and pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. Can dehydration cause high blood pressure? Dehydration occurs when the body lacks an adequate water supply. Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluid quicker than its replacement. Symptoms of dehydration are severe. When this condition is ignored, it may cause serious problems such as severe colds and kidney failure. Dehydration can also cause serious health problems. Continue learning about dehydration to know how to treat it and what signs you should take seriously.

What causes dehydration?

• The absence of water in the body for longer, the state is called dehydration. When a person doesn’t drink an efficient amount of water during work, whether it is professional or personal, the inner metabolic reaction causes severe tiredness of the body, which leads to the accumulation of intracellular water molecules consumption, referred to as dehydration. 
• When the body loses its fluid level to a certain extent, it cannot perform a normal function, which can even lead to a deviation in blood pressure. 
• The vital limbic system doesn’t work properly. Withstanding normal body vital function during the state of dehydration is difficult. The main symptomatic behavior of the body is “exhaust.” 
• Water is the second most important and required thing to maintain the functional properties of the body than oxygen. Metabolic activities strongly depend on the water at the biochemistry level. Water (H2o) maintains the electron transport system in oxidative phosphorylation.

The link between dehydration and blood pressure

• In medical and biological terms, blood pressure is the product of multiplication between cardiac output and stroke volume. But in Layman’s language, blood pressure is the force exerted by the vessels and capillaries to transport blood from one part to another.
•  A series of complex systems occur in the heart to maintain the heart’s function. But overall, the RAAS system controls the blood pressure, which is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the kidney. It is the main controller of the body to check and maintain blood pressure (BP). Also, as kidneys, we all know that it is a master of water absorption and plays a sigma role in the filtration of urine and water.
• So, there is a particular connection between the body’s water level and blood pressure of the whole system, as both are controlled by the kidney and RAAS system. 
• If there is an abnormal level of water in the body, does it relate to blood pressure too? 
• Let’s find out

Can abnormal water levels or dehydration cause high blood pressure and elevation of the heart pump?

It can be categorized into two major parts:

1. Role of vasopressin and its deficiency 
2. RAAS system (renin angiotensin aldosterone system)

Role of vasopressin 

• Vasopressin is a hormone released by the body’s pituitary gland and controlled by the brain’s hypothalamus.
• It is known as an antidiuretic hormone that stabilizes the H2O level.
• Its main role is maintaining the fluidity or water level through various osmotic balances. Also, blood pressure flow into the arterioles, veins, and capillaries from blood flow is possible.
• It helps provide ion flow throughout the fluid that controls the homeostatic environment of the biochemical system.
• Deficiency of vasopressin can lead to severe consequences, and its major cause is dehydration, meaning that the body cannot balance appropriate water levels.
• The major consequence is the elevation of heart blood pressure. During low levels of water or when the body is dehydrated, a constriction in vessels termed vascular resistance increases this process.
• Hence, deprivation in water level that results in less release of vasopressin results in high blood pressure.
• Therefore, due to deficiency in vasopressin and low water. Dehydration causes high blood pressure.

RAAS system (renin angiotensin aldosterone system)

• Irregulating the RAAS system leads to high blood pressure.
• This is due to deprivation in fluid balance as RAAS controls the fluidity of the body and helps in marinating correct ionic water balance that starts from the biochemistry of the kidney.
• It regulates blood pressure by preserving electrolyte levels. This number of ions, like sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, and other inorganic complexes like bicarbonate ions, are included.
• Not having a perfect RAAS system elevates blood pressure by not maintaining an accurate water level. When there is dehydration in the body, the kidney cannot function in basic reabsorption and tubular secretion. It results in a low capacity of water filtration through the renal tubes. This affects the glomerular rate. Higher the glomerular filtration rate, the higher the blood pressure. 
• The irregular percolation of ions provides vasoconstriction of blood vessels, and due to this, there is an elevation in blood pressure.
• Most hypertensive patients have this problem because the operative blood pressure is always high. Doctors recommend using tablets for kidney regulation so that the RAAS system can work efficiently, and drinking more water can benefit at a superior level.
• Therefore, irregularity in RAAS is the answer to the question can dehydration cause high blood pressure.

Here we found the answer to the question, “Can dehydration cause high blood pressure? But what are the symptoms and prevention of high blood pressure?

Also read: Dehydration – Causes and Prevention

Symptoms of high blood pressure – 

• Severe headache
• Angina is chest pain
• Irregulating urine flow due to dehydration.
• Blood urine 
• Heavy sweating
• Constantly deeper breathing.
• Anxiety attacks
• Septic shock
• Irregular heartbeat

Prevention of high blood pressure – 

• Frequent rehydration
• Stopping alcohol and smoking use
• Regular exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Having a regular healthy routine diet plan
• Maintain low blood sugar

How to prevent dehydration so that it cannot cause any serious problems in the body – 

• Continuous intake of water – 

As drinking less water can cause dehydration. Avoiding less fluid intake can result in high blood pressure, increased sugar levels, bloating of the body, and kidney problems.

The fatty sweetener molecules like sugar and sucrose are highly susceptible to water absorption. A high intake of sugar can result in an irregular water level. This can also increase cholesterol levels by the unsaturated sugar molecules.

Vasoconstriction occurs and ultimately results in high blood pressure.

• Consuming high water content fruits – 

Muskmelon, watermelon, grapes, mulberry, strawberries, oranges, and many more contain a lot of water. So having these fruits regularly can increase the water level to a great extent.

ORS means oral rehydration salt.

It’s a medicinal pharmaceutical powder used when a person is severely dehydrated. The main reason is due to severe abnormal water levels.

Dehydration can be in majorly two ways, either vomiting or diarrhea.

This causes the excretion of a high volume of ions and electrolytes. Thus, ORS helps in an instant increase in water level. It acts as the high dosage of glucose given through the medium of water.

Also read: 8 Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

When to take a doctor’s consultation?

• When a person is feeling extreme dizziness, he/she should recommend doctors’ advice.
• If a person has continuously hard sweats even during appropriate temperature.
• When high blood pressure is recorded from a sphygmomanometer.
• High blood sugar level
• Constant vomiting and diarrhea
• When a person goes under septic shock
• Irregularities in heartbeat
• Overload oh thirstiness =

Final thought – 

• Whenever you experience dehydration, immediately drink plenty of water to control the homeostatic and water level system. In severe cases, take ORS.
• Dehydration causes high blood pressure due to depression in vasopressin and irregular RAAS systems.
• Always check the body level heat because there is excessive sweating due to high temperature, and blood pressure elevation chances are possible.
• Life’s motto is always drinking plenty of water to keep life functions stable. 
• During septic shock, always recommend a doctor’s consultation because, in rare cases, deaths are also possible during this stage.

FAQs

What is a Normal blood pressure level?

130 (systolic pressure) by 90 (diastolic pressure)

What is a Severe case emergency solution for dehydration?

Always use the application of ORS (oral rehydration salt)

Does high blood pressure affect the functioning of the kidney?

Yes, the irregular tubular secretion and vasoconstriction as the RAAS system during high blood pressure does not work efficiently.

What is High blood pressure reading?

Mostly the readings recorded are 160/100 systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.

What are the Risks of dehydration?

Kidney failure, high blood pressure, dizziness, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Can there be a worse combination than oily skin and hot, humid weather? Have you always had oily or combination skin? If yes, then this post is for you! Your skin type isn’t only determined by genetics and lifestyle choices. You can do certain things to improve your skin tone and texture. Oily skin can be acne prone too. So when choosing the best moisturizer for oily skin, you must consider several factors. The most important ones include oil control (to keep your face from appearing shiny), sun protection (because your skin needs to stay healthy and free of blemishes), and SPF (since even a little bit of UV exposure could burn and irritate your skin). 

Oily and acne-prone skin types tend to suffer from dryness, dullness, and blemishes. This is because they lack sufficient hydration levels in their skin. One of the key steps you should take is to choose a good moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin is essential to eliminate dead cells and prevent oil production. In addition, using a good moisturizer helps your skin look healthier, younger, and less oily.

What causes oily skin?

Following are the most frequent causes of oily skin :

We cannot change the natural looks we are born into, including the type of skin and its texture. Sometimes, oily skin is hereditary. Thankfully there are several ways to prevent and treat it. 

Climate and weather conditions affect our skin in many ways. People who live in highly hot and humid climates may have oily skin that sweats excessively after using any skincare product.

• Excess sebum production: 

The scientific cause behind oily skin is excess sebum production. Sebum is a natural chemical that our skin produces to keep it healthy and hydrated. When sebum is produced in excess, it makes the skin oily and prone to acne-related problems.  

• Clogged or enlarged pores: 

Clogged pores are built up of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Regular skin exfoliation keeps it healthy and reduces excess oil build-up. 

Over-exfoliation can be bad for the skin too. When the skin loses its natural sebum, it is stimulated to produce excess sebum, making it oily. Exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient.

• Not using the right product: 

Using a popular or hyped product that might not be suitable for your skin type can cause an imbalance in your skin pH levels. Maintaining pH balance is important for healthy-looking skin. Use only the right products suitable for your skin type and environment.  

• Using too many products: 

The basic skincare routine should include proper cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Adding too many serums and over-the-top products may cause unnecessary build-up in the skin, making the skin oily and prone to acne and pimples. 

Also, Read Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Men.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin to Keep You Hydrated and Fresh AFTER Use –

Following are the 10 best oily skin moisturizers you can use for flawless and glowing skin:

Lacto Calamine Daily Face Care Lotion – Oily Skin –

Price: INR 130 for 60 ml

Lacto calamine is one of the best clinical treatment creams/lotions to treat skin irritations. Apart from healing and improving the skin texture, these calamine lotions are hydrating and nourishing to the skin. It is the best moisturizer for oily skin and combination skin. 

Key Ingredients:

•  Kaolin Clay
• Glycerin
• Aloe Vera

Pros:

• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
• Feels cool and refreshing on the skin
• Non-greasy hydration
• Helps prevent acne & blemishes
• Vegan and paraben free

Cons:

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA –

 

Price: INR 550 for 30 ml

The ordinary has some of the best skin products with the science of goodness. These well-formulated and curated products can help treat major skin imperfections. The Best moisturizer for oily skin leaves the skin plump and hydrated.

Key Ingredients:

• Ceramide
• Fatty acids & amino acids
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid

Pros:

• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
• Non-greasy hydration
• Helps prevent acne & blemishes

Cons:

• Leaves a whitish cast
• Has a bad fragrant 
• Not suitable for daytime

Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto-replenishing Hydrator (Moisturizer) –

Price: INR 950 for 15 ml

This product is more than just its hype. It is an absolute delight to the skin. This product provides total nourishment to the skin, making it healthy and beautiful. The skin feels smooth and moisturized all day long. 

Key Ingredients:

• Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex
• Aloe Bioferment
• Activated aloe water
• Hyaluronic acid
• Blend of vitamins C and E

Pros:

• Suitable for normal to oily skin
• Non-greasy hydration
• Helps prevent acne & blemishes

Cons:

• Pricey
• It might irritate sensitive skin

Mamaearth Tea Tree Oil-free Moisturizer For Face For Oily Skin With Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid –

Price: INR 299 for 80 gm

Mamaearth is known for its gentle natural ingredients. This product is gentle on the skin, giving an oil-free, clear skin. The best moisturizer for oily skin helps remove excess sebum from the skin, reducing oiliness and preventing acne and blemishes. 

Key Ingredients:

• Tea tree
• Salicylic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Black Oats extract

Pros:

• Suitable for oily skin and acne-prone skin
• Feels cool and refreshing on the skin
• Lightweight consistency
• Vegan and paraben free

Cons:

Plum Green Tea Oil Free Moisturizer –

Price: INR 470 for 50 ml

This moisturizer from plum is great for rich hydration without skin’s oiliness. Great for hydration and acne prevention. Its rich ingredients make the skin healthy, glowy and moisturized. 

Key Ingredients:

• Green tea
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Kakadu plum
• Willow bark extracts
• Squalene

Pros:

• Suitable for normal to oily skin
• Lightweight consistency
• Vegan and paraben free

Cons:

• Not suitable for sensitive skin

MCaffeine Oil-Free Coffee Face Moisturizer Gel with Hyaluronic Acid & Pro-Vit B5 for Deep Hydration –

Price: INR 449 for 50 ml

MCaffeine products come with the goodness of raw caffeine, and this moisturizer leaves the skin looking smooth and radiant. The caffeine makes the skin glowy and radiant. 

Key Ingredients:

• Coffee & Caffeine
• Hyaluronic acid
• Pro-Vitamin B5

Pros:

• Suitable for normal to oily skin
• Lightweight consistency
• Vegan and paraben free

Cons:

• Smells strongly of coffee

Also, Read the 10 Best Refreshing Toner for Oily Skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15 – 

Price: INR 525 for 115 ml

Neutrogena is one of the most trusted brands and produces clinically tested products suitable for most skin types. This oil-free moisturizer does it all. It nourishes the skin without sweating and protects it from harmful UV rays.

Key Ingredients:

Pros:

• Lightweight consistency
• Comes with sun protection
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free

Cons:

Joy Hydra Refresh Ultra Light Gel Moisturizer – 

Price: INR 225 for 150 ml

Joy is the most underrated brand with a great range of products. This soothing gel-based moisturizer is ideal for oily skin, which sweats at applying any product. It is a good moisturizer to use before going to the gym. 

Key Ingredients:

Pros:

• Feels cool and refreshing on the skin
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free

Cons:

Nykaa Naturals Tea Tree & Neem Purifying & Hydrating Gel – 

Price: INR 349 for 100 gm

This natural skincare line from Nykaa provides the goodness of nature in all their products. This moisturizer prevents acne and leaves the skin completely moisturized. Its natural ingredients clarify the skin to reveal healthy, radiant, and smooth skin. 

Key Ingredients:

• Tea tree
• Neem
• Aloe vera extract
• Cucumber extract
• Rose water

Pros:

• Feels soothing to the skin
• Oil-free
• Paraben free

Cons:

Pilgrim Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid for Acne – 

Price: INR 495 for 50gl

Pilgrim products are enriched with the goodness of rich natural ingredients. This moisturizer nourishes and hydrates the skin leaving it completely soft and plump. It prevents acne and blemishes and promotes clear healthy skin. 

Key Ingredients:

• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Willow bark

Pros:

• Suitable for oily prone skin
• Oil-free
• Vegan and paraben free

Cons:

• Sticky in texture
• Not suitable for sensitive skin

Also, Read Best Dark Circles Removal Cream of 2022.

Can I Use oil control moisturizer in winter too?

Oily skin types are worst in hot and humid weather, especially in summer. They control excess sebum production, which causes the skin to look oily and sweaty. But these excess sebums can be beneficial against dry and cold winter days. During winter, our skin loses its hydration and becomes naturally dry. One should not use oil-free or oil-controlling moisturizer during winter as it may dry out the skin, making it look dull and dehydrated. Using a normal moisturizer in the winter will help to keep skin healthy, nourished, and plump. 

Natural ways to treat oily skin – 

• Use a clay mask once a week to treat and nourish the skin and give it that “extra” care. Clay masks efficiently remove dead skin cells and build up in the skin to reveal glowy, healthy skin.
• Use an oil-free face with salicylic acid as a key ingredient wash to reduce excess sebum production. 
• Do not skip your moisturizer. Hydration is vital for healthy and clear-looking skin.  
• Last, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to get the best out of your skin. 

Whether you’re seeing a new blockbuster at the movie theater, enjoying a first date at a restaurant or giving a presentation at work, the last thing you need is a nosebleed. Nosebleeds – also called epistaxis – are common and, thankfully, severe ones are rare. However, their normalcy doesn’t stop them from interrupting your daily life.

Read on to learn what causes nosebleeds, how you can stop them and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.

Why do we get nosebleeds?

First, let’s talk about the anatomy of our noses and why nosebleeds happen. The nose does more than just smell. It acts like a filter, removing toxins and bacteria from the air we breathe to keep us from getting sick, while also warming and humidifying the air to prevent lung irritation.

In order to condition the air, our nasal passages are lined with blood vessels. These delicate blood vessels lie close to the surface of the nasal passage and transfer heat from our blood to the air as we inhale.

Blood vessels in the nose typically break when they are disturbed in some way – either by environmental conditions or by something solid inserted into your nose – resulting in a nosebleed.

Nosebleed causes

The two most common culprits of nosebleeds are dry air and nose picking. Dry air causes the normally moist membranes in our nasal passages to dry out. When these membranes crack and crust over, they expose and break the blood vessels underneath. The reason nosebleeds happen so often in the winter is because heated indoor air has almost no moisture.

Nose picking causes trauma to the delicate membranes inside your nose, especially if your or your child’s fingernails are long – this is why nosebleeds are so common among children between 2-10 years old. The force of an inserted finger is enough to damage the blood vessels.

Nosebleeds can also be caused by:

• Sinusitis
• The common cold
• Allergies
• A deviated septum
• Blood thinners
• Blood clotting disorders
• Impact to your nose
• Insertion of a foreign body into your nose
• Inhaling irritants

How to stop a nosebleed

A nosebleed can be a startling event, but it’s important to stay calm because stress can make the bleeding worse. Take the following steps to stop nosebleeds fast:

Lean forward, not back

Sit upright and lean your body forward, making sure your head stays above your heart. While it used to be common practice to tilt the head up and back to treat a nosebleed, this is no longer recommended as it can cause blood to flow into the throat and stomach, putting you at risk of choking or vomiting. With your head positioned forward and slightly down, blood can drain out of your nose.

Pinch your nostrils shut

Find the spot on your nose where the bony ridge – the bridge – tapers down to soft cartilage. Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of this area, just above your nostrils, and pinch with firm pressure. However, you should still be able to scrunch your nose underneath your fingers. With your nostrils shut, breathe through your mouth while squeezing.

Apply consistent pressure

Pinch your nose for at least 10 minutes before checking to see if your nosebleed has stopped. If you release the pressure from your nose before the burst blood vessel has been able to form a clot, you risk restarting the bleeding. After 10 minutes, check the flow. If you’re still bleeding, resume pinching and maintain pressure for another five minutes.

Apply ice

If your nose is still bleeding after 15 minutes, apply an ice pack to the bridge. This will help constrict the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Make sure to continue pinching your nose with your fingers while using the ice pack.

Types of nosebleeds

There are two different types of nosebleeds, based on the location of the broken blood vessel inside your nasal passages.

Anterior nosebleed

Anterior nosebleeds occur at the front of the nose, where the blood vessels are relatively small. Blood will flow out of one or both nostrils. Anterior nosebleeds are more common and less serious than the posterior type. They can almost always be resolved at home.

Posterior nosebleed

Posterior nosebleeds occur at the back of the nose, where the blood vessels are larger. The blood flow is heavier, and you may feel blood dripping down the back of your throat in addition to coming out of your nose. A posterior nosebleed may indicate a larger health issue and usually requires medical treatment.

How to prevent nosebleeds

Nosebleeds happen. In fact, about 60% of people will experience at least one nosebleed during their lifetime. However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them. There are several things you can do to prevent nosebleeds:

• Use a humidifier in the winter, or year-round if you live in a dry climate
• Don’t smoke, as cigarette smoke can irritate your nose and sinuses
• Don’t put anything solid up your nose, including your finger
• Use saline nasal sprays or nose drops to keep your nasal passages moist
• Apply moisturizing gels or ointments, like petroleum jelly, to dry nasal passages
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, both of which act similarly to blood thinners. If pain relief is needed in the days following a nosebleed, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead

When to worry about a nosebleed

Most nosebleeds are not serious and will usually resolve on their own. However, if you or your child’s nosebleeds are frequent – they occur more than once a week for several weeks – you should talk to your primary care doctor or your child’s pediatrician. Other factors that may warrant a conversation with your doctor about your nosebleeds include:

• You’re currently taking blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• You’re showing signs of anemia, such as weakness, pale skin and tremors
• You have a blood clotting disorder
• You take medication through your nose

When to seek emergency care

A nosebleed is rarely a medical emergency, but you should be aware of several symptoms that make it into something more serious. Go to urgent care or the emergency room if you experience any of the following with your nosebleed:

• You can’t get the bleeding to stop even after 20 minutes of applied pressure
• You’re bleeding so heavily that it’s hard to breathe
• The amount of blood is a cup or more
• You feel dizzy and weak

Treatment for chronic nosebleeds

Your primary care doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if your nosebleeds are frequent enough to interrupt your daily life. The ENT doctor will ask questions about the frequency and duration of your nosebleeds, as well as your medical history and current medications.
They may perform a nasal endoscopy, a procedure in which a thin wire with a camera and light on the end is inserted into your nose. This allows the ENT doctor to view the inside of your nasal passages and sinuses.

Based on their findings, they may recommend the following treatments:

• Nose cauterization: During this procedure, your doctor will use a chemical or electrical device to cauterize, or seal, any abnormal blood vessels inside your nose.
• Nasal packing: Your doctor will insert gauze coated with an antibiotic ointment into one or both of your nasal passages to put direct pressure on the blood vessels. The depth to which it’s inserted depends on whether you’re having anterior or posterior nosebleeds. The gauze will remain in your nose for a few days. Depending on the type of packing, your clinician will have you return for the removal, or the gauze will dissolve on its own.
• Surgery: If a deviated septum is the cause of your nosebleeds, your doctor may suggest a procedure called a septoplasty. A septoplasty straightens your septum, allowing for better airflow in your nose.

If nosebleeds have become a regular and disruptive part of your life or the life of your child, our ENT specialists are here to help.

As menopause approaches, you’re experiencing a lot of changes. Your periods are becoming more irregular. You might be noticing some more moodiness or sleep issues. And if you’re like many women, you might also be noticing an increase in your weight – even if you haven’t changed your diet or lifestyle habits.

So, why is this happening? Read on to learn why people tend to gain weight during menopause, and what you can do about it.

Why does menopause cause weight gain?

Though more research is needed, menopause generally isn’t considered the main reason for weight gain between ages 45 and 55. However, the decrease in estrogen levels that comes with menopause can contribute in a couple ways.

First, estrogen promotes muscle mass, and muscle mass affects metabolism – which is how your body uses energy. Less estrogen means less muscle mass, so you’re more likely to develop a slower metabolism during perimenopause and after you reach menopause. With a slower metabolism, you don’t need as many calories to maintain the same weight.

Decreased estrogen can also cause your body to start storing more fat in your abdomen compared to other areas of your body – some people refer to this as the “menopause belly.” Together with decreasing muscle mass, this can lead to higher levels of body fat and a heavier appearance, even without a change in weight.

Other factors that contribute to menopausal weight gain

Aging and lifestyle factors are more commonly associated with perimenopause weight gain and post-menopause weight gain. Like changes in hormones, aging also brings natural decreases in muscle mass and metabolism. So it becomes especially easy to take in more calories than your body needs, and store that extra energy as fat. But lifestyle factors like what you eat, how much you eat and how much physical activity you get can affect your weight the most.

Getting enough physical activity is something that’s often neglected. In fact, as of 2018, one study showed that only 23% of adults in the United States were getting as much physical activity as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended. We also tend to become less active as we age, whether it’s because of increased responsibilities, common aches and pains, injuries or just falling out of the habit of exercising.

In addition to aging and lifestyle factors, other possible causes of menopausal weight gain may include:

• Genetics
• Health conditions such as depression, diabetes and hypertension
• Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics and steroids

How to lose weight during menopause

While it’s important to get regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet throughout your life, a slowing metabolism during menopause – and as you age – makes healthy lifestyle choices even more important.

Making healthy choices can help prevent excessive weight gain that could lead to other health conditions as you get older, such as breathing problems, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. Here are a few tips for staying healthy during menopause:

Get consistent, varied exercise

Different forms of exercise offer different benefits. But regular exercise of any kind has been shown to help with everything from sleep to digestion, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. So, taking steps to stay active

• Strength training engages your muscles to push, pull or support weight. It builds muscle mass, which helps offset the loss of metabolism caused by aging and decreased estrogen. Strength training also slows age-related bone loss and can be a big part of preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis. It’s recommended that adults do strength training activities at least twice a week.
• Low-impact aerobics are activities that make your heart beat faster without putting a lot of pressure on your joints. Examples include brisk walking, cycling and swimming. Regular aerobic activity reduces your risk of heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more. It’s recommended that adults get at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.

Build a structured diet based around whole foods

Now that you need fewer calories overall, it’s important to focus on getting them from whole-food sources like fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and lean meats. They tend to be less caloric than processed foods, and their nutrient density can help maintain your energy levels if you need to cut down on calories to reach your goals.

In addition, you may find that it’s helpful to focus on the structure of your diet – such as eating meals at consistent times and preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. Keeping a journal to track your eating and drinking habits can also help identify opportunities for healthy changes.

Get enough sleep

If you plan to start a new exercise regimen based on the advice above, quality sleep is going to be a big part of helping your body recover between workouts. But studies also suggest that how much sleep you get can affect your metabolism. Specifically, sleep deprivation has been linked to increases in your body’s level of ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite; and decreases in leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite.

So if you’re sleeping less due to disturbances from menopause symptoms, it may help to see if you can improve your sleep hygiene, such as by practicing a relaxation technique like meditation before bed and avoiding liquids for a few hours beforehand.

Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy

Hormone therapy (HT) helps relieve menopause symptoms and prevent certain conditions like osteoporosis through the use of estrogen supplements, progestin supplements or both. Taking an estrogen supplement during menopause may make it easier to lose weight or gain muscle mass, depending on your diet and activity level, but it isn’t considered a long-term solution for weight management. Talk to your care provider about whether hormone therapy may be right for you.

Get the support you need before and after menopause

Experiencing unexpected weight gain and other menopause symptoms can impact your physical and mental health. So if menopause is making you uncomfortable, talk to an expert. Your primary care doctor or a women’s health specialist like an OB-GYN can help you get relief with a personalized care plan.

At HealthPartners, some of our OB-GYN care providers are even certified by the North American Menopause Society to help people manage their menopause symptoms.

Though they keep us upright and allow us to move through our daily lives, we don’t often think about our bones until we break one. However, awareness of our bone health only becomes more important as we get older.

In the U.S., an estimated 10.2 million men and women currently suffer from osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak, brittle and easily breakable. Another 44 million people have low bone density that puts them at risk.

Below, we’ll discuss osteoporosis symptoms, screenings and prevention tips to help you stay on top of your bone health.

What is osteoporosis?

Bones are living tissue that our bodies are constantly breaking down and rebuilding. The rate of this process fluctuates as we age, but renewal starts to slow after age 50. Some loss of bone mass is a natural part of the aging process – in other words, our bones decrease in density and strength as we get older.

But when our bones begin to lose more mass (and at a faster pace) than our bodies can keep up with, they become brittle and weak, breaking easily. This is osteoporosis, which is defined as “porous bone.”

Osteoporosis causes around two million fractures each year, and for most people, a fracture is the first indication that they might have the condition. This is why osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease.” A bone that breaks too easily is often the first symptom that people experience.

Osteoporosis symptoms and what to look for

As mentioned, most people never experience any early symptoms of osteoporosis. The first sign is often a broken bone from something that wouldn’t ordinarily have caused one, like a minor fall from standing height, a jolt against a hard surface or even just a sneeze or cough. Osteoporosis fractures are most common in the wrists, hips and vertebrae.

Other symptoms of osteoporosis include:

• Back pain
• Changes in the way you walk
• Changes to your posture, like a stooped or hunched spine
• Gradual loss of height of 1.5 inches or more

Osteoporosis can cause pain in your bones that is typically more severe than the normal aches of getting older. Pain linked to osteoporosis is most common in the neck and back, the result of spinal compression fractures. This pain is worse while walking and standing but can ease slightly when lying down.

What causes osteoporosis?

Our bones are a repository, or holding space, for vitamins and minerals that the body can draw upon when needed.

Osteoporosis happens when the body takes vitamins and minerals – mainly calcium – from our bones faster than they can be replenished. Healthy bone is already porous, or full of tiny holes, but osteoporosis makes the holes bigger, causing the inner structure to weaken and become more prone to fracture.

Osteoporosis is a common condition among post-menopausal women because the hormone estrogen regulates the process of bone renewal. When women experience a sharp drop in estrogen levels during and after menopause, this process is disrupted. Men are also affected by osteoporosis, but in fewer numbers than women.

Who is most at risk for osteoporosis?

There are several risk factors that can make you more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Gender

Both men and women can be affected by osteoporosis, but women are more likely to develop it due to the decline in estrogen levels during and after menopause. Women also tend to have smaller bones with a lower bone mass compared to men, making them more vulnerable.

Genetics

You are more likely to develop osteoporosis if someone in your immediate family also has the condition, especially if they have suffered a hip fracture because of it.

Race

People of Caucasian and Asian descent have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis than those of other races.

Endocrine diseases

Conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism interfere with the levels of hormones in your body, specifically the hormones that regulate the minerals calcium and phosphorus, which affect the normal process of breaking down and rebuilding bones.

Sex hormone disorders

Estrogen and testosterone both play an important role in maintaining bone health. While estrogen is involved in bone density maintenance and renewal, testosterone contributes to muscle growth, which then encourages bone growth. Chronically low levels of estrogen and testosterone can cause rapid bone degeneration.

Additional medical conditions

Some diseases can increase your risk of osteoporosis, like COPD, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic kidney disease, and prostate and breast cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Chronic calcium and vitamin D deficiency
• Being underweight with a BMI of 19 and below
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use
• Long-term use of certain medication types, like steroids and anticonvulsants

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

If one or more of the risk factors discussed above applies to you, your primary care clinician can start screening you for osteoporosis at age 50. If you have recently broken a bone and are older than 50, your doctor may also recommend an osteoporosis screening. Otherwise, regular osteoporosis screenings start at age 65 for women and age 70 for men.

Even if you’ve never had a fracture, it’s a good idea to understand the current health of your bones. Ask your primary care doctor if an osteoporosis screening is right for you. They may recommend a bone densitometry screening, which is the diagnostic tool for osteoporosis.

Bone densitometry screening (DXA scan)

A bone densitometry screening, also called a DXA scan or bone mineral density test, is a type of X-ray that measures the density of your bones. Using two X-ray beams of different strength, the DXA machine will measure how much of each beam is able to pass through your bones. This gives your doctor an idea of how thick your bones currently are.

The results of your bone density scan are then compared to those of healthy young adults (25-30 years old) and calculated into a T-score. Your doctor will use the T-score to assess your risk of fracture and diagnose you with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Osteopenia is a precursor to osteoporosis. With osteopenia, your bone density is low, but not yet low enough to be considered osteoporosis.

After your bone densitometry screening, your doctor can use your T-score to complete a fracture risk assessment (FRAX). This is a tool that calculates your risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture over the next 10 years. It involves questions about your lifestyle, your family medical history and your other medical conditions.

Osteoporosis treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there’s no need to panic. It’s possible to slow the loss of bone mass and maintain healthy function through treatment, which may include:

Medication

There are several medicines your doctor may prescribe to slow bone degeneration or increase the rate of bone renewal. They come in multiple forms, most commonly an oral pill or injection. The frequency with which these medicines are taken varies. Some must be taken every day while others are weekly or just once a year. Your doctor can determine which type is right for you and your lifestyle.

Exercise and physical therapy

Physical therapy meant to slow the progression of osteoporosis will focus on weight training, posture correction and balance improvement. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging and dancing, can also improve and maintain bone health.

Dietary changes

With osteoporosis, you’ll want to include plenty of healthy sources of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Milk, yogurt, almonds, oranges, kale and spinach are chock-full of calcium, and you can find large amounts of vitamin D in fatty fish like salmon and sardines. It’s recommended that you increase your levels of calcium through diet rather than supplements, because our bodies absorb calcium from food better than calcium from supplements.

Vitamin D supplements

Our bodies absorb calcium through the intestines, and vitamin D helps the intestines be more receptive to calcium. To increase the calcium in your diet, you can take vitamin D supplements. Regular exposure to sunlight is another way to elevate your vitamin D levels.

Hormone therapy

Your doctor may prescribe medications that help increase the levels of estrogen in your body. However, these can have adverse side effects like an increased risk of breast cancer.

Osteoporosis prevention

There are steps you can take to maintain healthy bones as you age and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Diet and sunlight

Most people who live in northern latitudes don’t get enough vitamin D from the sun, especially those with darker skin. Include plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, and make sure you are getting enough sunlight, usually 10-30 minutes of midday exposure. Contrary to popular belief, wearing sunscreen won’t inhibit your body’s production of vitamin D from the sun. Many people who live in northern latitudes, like the Upper Midwest, should take vitamin D supplements year-round.

Exercise

Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, can be highly beneficial for strengthening and stabilizing your muscles and bones. Weight-bearing exercises involve putting your bones and muscles under minor stress in the act of fighting gravity. This activates the cells in your bones that are responsible for creating new tissue. Find weight-bearing activities you enjoy, like hiking, running, strength training and dancing. And it doesn’t have to be complicated – walking just one mile a day can help maintain bone density.

Lifestyle

Because alcohol and tobacco affect the overall health of your body, they impact your bone health as well. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can cause poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. There’s no safe amount of tobacco use, but it’s safe to drink alcohol in moderation, about 1-2 drinks per day.

Fall prevention

You can prevent falls at home by making sure carpets and rugs are firmly fixed to the floor without any sections that stick out or that may slide underneath you. You can also install grab bars in your bathroom, position electrical cords away from where you walk and keep objects like books, papers and clothes off the floor. When you’re out and about, wear nonslip footwear, hold onto handrails where available and use a cane or walker if necessary.

When to see a doctor about osteoporosis

When you maintain healthy bones, you can maintain mobility and independence as you age – things that help make your golden years truly golden. If you suspect you may have low bone density, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can help coordinate a bone density screening for you and determine the right treatments for your needs.

Pot. Hemp. Weed. Grass. Marijuana. Cannabis goes by many names. Should we also be calling it medicine?

Research shows that approximately 25% of people with a cancer diagnosis use medical cannabis to manage cancer-related symptoms. And many more may wonder if medical cannabis could be a good addition to their cancer treatment plan. But people have questions about cannabis safety, effectiveness, how to access it and more – and they aren’t sure where to find answers.

“Up to this point, the use of cannabis in cancer care has been patient trial and error,” said Dr. Dylan Zylla, medical director of the HealthPartners Institute Cancer Research Center. “They’re also getting information from the internet, friends and family. This all puts a lot of responsibility on the patient when they don’t have a medical background, or experience in pharmacology and dosing. This is not the way it should be – and it’s certainly not how we practice the rest of medicine.”

This is where Dr. Zylla – who’s an oncologist – along with clinicians and researchers aim to make a difference.

With his help, we answer some of the most common questions about what medical cannabis is, what we know about its potential benefits for cancer patients and more. Plus, we’ll show you how Dr. Zylla and his team are working to further research, while also providing interested patients with medical guidance to use cannabis safely and effectively as part of their cancer treatment plan.

First things first, what is medical cannabis?

Simply put, medical cannabis can be the whole plant or certain parts extracted from Cannabis sativa (the same plant commonly known as marijuana, weed or pot). These products are used to treat specific medical conditions. Depending on where you live, medical cannabis may or may not be legal, or your options may be limited.

What are the types of medical cannabis products?

When you think of cannabis, you probably think of the dried flower that can be smoked or inhaled through a vaporizer. But that’s not the type of medical cannabis that’s usually used to help manage cancer-related symptoms. Instead, most people use products such as pills, oils and topical creams made with cannabinoid extracts.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemicals that naturally occur in cannabis. There are two main cannabinoids that give cannabis its therapeutic effect.

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – This is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes someone feel high. But it can help improve nausea, pain, appetite loss and insomnia.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) – This chemical doesn’t give you a high and it’s not addictive or intoxicating. But it can make you feel more comfortable and lessen your pain.

Manufactured cannabis products can have one or both chemicals – whole flower always contains both.

Is there a difference between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis?

If you use recreational cannabis to treat your cancer, does it automatically become medical cannabis? From a medical and legal perspective, there are some key differences between recreational and medical marijuana.

Legal status

The legality of cannabis, THC and CBD is complex and depends on what, where and why cannabis is being used. Here are the influencing factors:

• Federal and state laws – U.S. federal law prohibits the use of marijuana. But many states have made medical cannabis legal, and some have also legalized recreational marijuana. Federal drug law exists separately from state law.
• Available products – Even if medical cannabis is legal in a state, the choice of medical cannabis products can vary widely. For example, in Minnesota, both extraction products and whole flower are available for certified patients. In Wisconsin and Iowa, only CBD oil is allowed as medical cannabis.
• Drug approval status – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved cannabis or naturally derived cannabinoids for cancer care. The FDA has approved a synthetic THC medication that can be used even when medical cannabis is not allowed under state law. However, these medications are not well tolerated by most people and can cause severe side effects in some people. So, they’re rarely prescribed.
• Retail CBD and THC products – To make things even more confusing, CBD products have been sold online and at retail stores nationwide as supplements – as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. But that’s changing in some places. For example, in July 2022 Minnesota passed a new law allowing edible products containing up to 5mg of THC per serving, as long as the products were originally derived from hemp plants.

Where you buy it

Every state oversees medical cannabis a little differently. But in Minnesota, for example, medical cannabis is only available at dispensaries regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. Over-the-counter CBD and THC products are available in retail storefronts or office buildings.

Product quality

In many states, medical cannabis dispensaries are required, by law, to have an independent, third-party lab test their products to prove that they are free from impurities such as mold, heavy metals and residual solvents. These labs also verify that the reported percentages of THC and CBD are accurate.

Who can purchase it

Every state has different requirements for purchasing medical cannabis. For example, in Minnesota patients need to be certified by a clinician who is managing their medical condition or symptoms. This clinician is usually someone from oncology, primary care or palliative care. Patients also need to register with their state’s cannabis program. The annual fee for registering can be up to $250 or more, depending on your state.

Why is medical cannabis becoming more accepted as part of a treatment plan for cancer and other conditions? Research.

Cannabis has been used in alternative medicine for centuries, but it has only recently entered the modern health care world.

“I’d say that it’s really only within the last 20 years that researchers have been looking at medical cannabis for improving symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite and pain,” said Dr. Zylla. “There’s significant data showing the impact cannabis can have on quality of life in patients with cancer.”

While more studies are needed on the benefits of medical marijuana, particularly its specific benefits as a cancer treatment, there’s a growing amount of data supporting its medicinal properties. Right now, research supporting the medical use of cannabinoids includes over 20 completed clinical trials with more on the way.

While that may not seem like a lot, 10 of these studies are randomized controlled trials – the type of studies considered to be the gold standard in clinical research.

In these studies, one group receives the treatment (the treatment group) while another group does not (the control group) – and patients don’t know which they’re in. This approach helps to prove if the benefits of a specific treatment are both meaningful and real.

What is the big benefit of using medical cannabis for cancer? Symptom management.

Research shows that incorporating medical cannabis into a treatment plan can help improve a patient’s symptoms, making coping with cancer treatment easier.

Dr. Zylla has led groundbreaking studies, along with researchers from HealthPartners Institute, University of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health. One study followed patients with stage IV cancer using cannabis over a four-month period, and found that cannabis use resulted in significant improvement in:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Depression
• Disturbed sleep
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Pain

Can cannabis reduce the need for opioids for pain management? It’s possible.

As we learn more about the dangers of opioids and opioid addiction, there’s an interest in safer alternatives. And it appears that cannabis is an option to reduce the negative side effects of opioids while keeping pain under control.

Large studies show 36% of people with cancer no longer use opioids while on medical cannabis, and another 10% can reduce the amount they use. Similarly, in the Cannabis in Cancer (CanCan) trial conducted at HealthPartners, patients using cannabis appeared to require less opioids.

Medical cannabis in practice: Ensuring patient benefit and safety

While cannabis may be effective, the other part of the equation is safety. Are there risks in using medical cannabis as part of your cancer treatment plan?

The truth is that cannabis isn’t for everyone. As with any treatment, there are guidelines in place to ensure that it’s used appropriately and safely.

State rules for medical cannabis

To use medical cannabis, patients need to qualify based on state laws. In Minnesota, people over the age of 18 who are experiencing symptoms related to their cancer or cancer treatment, can qualify for medical cannabis if they have one or more of the following:

• Severe or chronic pain
• Nausea and severe vomiting
• Severe muscle or weight loss

Medical cannabis can be used for any type of cancer, but primarily cancer that’s more advanced. Other qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Minnesota include chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, severe or persistent muscle spasms, and sleep apnea.

“In Minnesota, about 75% of people who use medical cannabis for their cancer are over 50 years old,” Dr. Zylla said. “At HealthPartners specifically, patients who use cannabis often have stage IV cancer of the breast, lung, colon or pancreas.”

Cannabis and other cancer treatments

Research is ongoing to understand how cannabis interacts with other cancer treatments. But here’s what we already know:

• Chemotherapy– Cannabis is generally viewed as a safe addition to the types of chemotherapy delivered through a vein in your arm, and is shown to reduce the nausea and appetite loss that often comes with this type of therapy.
• Targeted therapies– If a patient is on a targeted medication, clinicians need to check for potential drug interactions with cannabis. Targeted medications are typically processed through the liver and researchers are still learning how cannabis affects liver function.
• Immunotherapy– Immunotherapy is one of the most promising areas being researched in cancer clinical trials. But cannabis can impact your immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects, both of which can make immunotherapy less effective. So if you’re on an immunotherapy, it may not be a good idea to use cannabis.

Patient health factors

Before considering medical cannabis as part of a patient’s treatment plan, doctors evaluate other health factors as well. Medical cannabis may not be a good choice for people who have:

• Problems related to their heart, lungs, liver or kidneys
• A history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorder
• A family history of schizophrenia
• Hypersensitivity to cannabinoids

Dosing

People usually think the benefits of cannabis outweigh any negatives, but some people experience nausea related to the smell, as well as headaches, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Proper dosing can help minimize the downsides of medical cannabis while allowing people to get the most benefit.

“We use a ‘start low and slow’ approach,” said Dr. Zylla. “The dosing is very different for everybody, so we take time to get it right.”

Part of the process is choosing the right combination of products to best manage a patient’s unique symptoms.

“We often use a balanced product – such as a product with a one-to-one ratio of THC and CBD – but it depends on a patient’s symptoms,” said Dr. Zylla. “CBD balances some of the ‘high’ feeling and some of the negative side effects, but higher THC is helpful for pain, nausea and sleep.”

What is the cost of prescription cannabis?

The only type of “cannabis” that insurance companies can cover is synthetic THC medications approved by the FDA. This limit is because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level – even though some states have made it legal.

As an out-of-pocket cost, medical cannabis can put a significant dent in a wallet – on average, a patient spends about $3,000 on cannabis per year when managing chronic noncancer pain. For example, a report on medical cannabis pricing in Minnesota found the average monthly spend on cannabis by patients with cancer was $236. And for many people, this price is too high.

“Of the patients who completed the CanCan clinical trial, 44% planned on purchasing cannabis through the state program,” Dr. Zylla said. “For people who didn’t plan to continue using cannabis, cost was the biggest barrier to ongoing use.”

At HealthPartners, we’re serious about making health care more affordable and we believe there are things we can do to balance cost with effectiveness –including the choice of medication and how much is used. This mindset applies to cannabis, too.

“Most people can tolerate higher doses of cannabis to better manage their symptoms,” said Dr. Zylla. “But there’s the cost issue. Our goal is to create cannabis treatment plans that use products at the lowest dose possible to help minimize both cost and potential side effects.”

Minnesota’s CanCARE clinic: Helping patients understand medical cannabis options

At HealthPartners, we want to provide the best possible care and access to the latest treatment options. These are core to our purpose as an organization, as we strive to be a partner for good℠ to our patients and the communities we serve.

With that in mind, Dr. Zylla led the development of the HealthPartners’ Cannabis in Cancer Research and Education (CanCARE) clinic in Minnesota. The clinic is both for patients considering using medical cannabis and current users who would like guidance in managing their cancer symptoms.

“We offer education on how to safely use cannabis and provide dosing guidance to do it successfully – and ideally, cost-effectively,” said. Dr. Zylla. “We help ensure they’re not using products that aren’t going to make any difference or using too much.”

The CanCARE clinic is seeing great results, with a high patient satisfaction rate – 96% of patients said they would recommend the clinic and 95% said they learned more about cancer and cannabis during their visit.

The reason for these great results?

“I think it just comes down to them feeling more educated and more confident in what they’re going to get out of cannabis,” said. Dr. Zylla.