Page 15 - Peter Munk Toronto Star

ON ON1
PETER MUNK CARDIAC CENTRE
> TELEMONITORING
Telemonitoring allows cardiac patients, such as Alvin Dickstein, to take
their blood pressure and send their readings electronically to their doctors.
E-counselling helps
keep patients on track
People can now send
information about their
health from comfort of home
JUNE ROGERS
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Alvin Dickstein’s heart has been on a
rough ride.
A heart attack, cardiac arrest and
three operations to calm the “electri-
cal storm” of irregular heartbeats
have taken their toll. Dickstein now
suffers from chronic heart failure.
“I used to be a Type A personality,”
he says, “but over the years I’ve
slipped a few letters down the al-
phabet.”
Today, Dickstein, 75, is building up
his heart health with constant
followup by his cardiology team in a
new way: Instead of having to make
regular trips down to the hospital
clinic, he takes his blood pressure
and weighs himself every morning
from home, then sends his readings
electronically to Heather Ross, di-
rector of the Ted Rogers Centre of
Excellence in Heart Function at the
Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.
Ross responds within15 minutes to
let him know if he’s on track or
whether he needs to adjust his medi-
cation, set up an appointment at the
clinic or make a quick trip to emer-
gency. Most of the time, he gets the
thumbs-up from Ross.
Chronic heart failure patients at
PMCC such as Dickstein are increas-
ingly communicating with their
health-care practitioners about their
vital signs, symptoms, mood chang-
es, dietary and exercise habits using
digital technology — from mobile
phone devices to web-based e-coun-
selling programs.
“We know that one in four Canadi-
ans is diagnosed with heart failure
after the age of 40,” says Ross, “which
creates an enormous burden on the
health-care system. We need to find
better ways to treat and care for all of credits it with motivating him to
these patients in order to reduce our
current high rates of hospital read-
mission. Telemonitoring is one very
cost-effective method to help us to-
ward that goal.”
The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre is
on the leading edge of an emerging
technology that promotes self-care.
The remote monitoring systems
have received a catalyst grant from
the Canadian Institutes for Health
Research and funding from the cen-
tre’s innovation committee.
One device is the FitBit, which
monitors physical activity. Three
years ago, Gordon Chong, 71, a re-
tired dental surgeon, suddenly be-
came short of breath after walking
short distances, a major symptom of
heart failure.
Now, he uses the lightweight, rub-
ber FitBit wristband that relays the
steps he takes and distance travelled
to his PMCC cardiac team.
Joseph Cafazzo, a biomedical engi-
neer and lead for the Centre for
Global eHealth Innovation, says a
THOMAS BOLLMAN FOR THE TORONTO STAR
Dr. Joe Cafazzo, a biomedical
engineer, demonstrates the
telemonitoring cellphone app.
Mayo Clinic study showed FitBit da-
ta was a predictor of how well a pa-
tient would thrive.
“FitBit is just one device among
many that may help patients in the
future” Cafazzo explains, “with
prompts to take medication and by
managing several chronic conditions
at once.”
Vital sign measurements are cru-
cial to monitor, but lifestyle factors
are also important. PMCC’s web-
based e-counselling program has
proved successful in helping heart
failure patients live from day to day
in the best health possible.
Robert Nolan, director of the cardi-
ac e-health and behavioural cardiol-
ogy research unit, and his team have
developed an e-counselling program
that comes as close as possible to
having face-to-face sessions.
The program offers support and
guidance for patients who must
make critical lifestyle changes to im-
prove their quality of life, says Nolan.
Available to them are expert videos,
self-help tips, and dramatic vignettes
discussing real-life challenges. Pa-
tients can also chart their diets,
weight and blood pressure, assess
their progress and see real results.
Nolan and his team have launched a
clinical trial with the hope of recruit-
ing more than 275 heart failure pa-
tients in Vancouver, Toronto and
Montreal to test the effectiveness of
the e-counselling program. One
study participant, Geoff Elliot, 69,
was depressed when he left the hos-
pital knowing he had to make some
serious adjustments to his lifestyle.
But since he began using the e-
counselling program in June, Elliot
make major changes such as walking
four kilometres three times a week,
and eating more vegetables and fruit
instead of his former diet of dough-
nuts, french fries and pepperoni piz-
za. He likes the “help” button feature
to chat live with experts who can
answer his medical questions.
“I really feel as if I’m attached to my
medical team even though I’m no
longer in the hospital,” says Elliot. “I
don’t feel so alone.”
Dickstein, too, feels he has made
enormous progress through tele-
monitoring and keeping to a regular
physical activity program of riding a
stationary bike and lifting weights.
“I’ve climbed back up the alphabet
of health,” says Dickstein. “I’m now a
Type A- personality.”
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015 TORONTO STAR⎮M15
Stop Heartburn
& Reflux Naturally
Prevent reflux by having an
acid-alkaline balanced stomach
using a natural health product #39. This increases energy-
promoting oxygen in all cells of our body.
Most people are not aware of the importance of a natural acid-alkaline balanced
body and suffer all their lives needlessly with discomforts. You should not
need any antacids or drugs and feel well in your stomach, help digestion and
strengthen your immune system (located mostly in your intestines) to fight all
illnesses including cancer cells that we have in our body every day. Dr. Otto
Warburg received two Nobel prizes for his discovery that cancer cells cannot
exist in a an oxygen-rich environment.
Truthful actual experiences from real people:
�Reflux gave me a sore throat and I could not sing in the church
choir anymore. After taking Bell #39 I have no more reflux and rejoice in
singing again. Helene Giroux, 65, Quebec, QC. �Have family history of
heartburn. For last 10 years I suffered a lot with acid reflux. I told all family
members about #39 being all natural, giving quick relief with no side effects
and no antacids needed anymore. Michael Fasheh, 49, Port Ranch, CA.
�Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach trouble for many years. Doctors
gave me different pills, but I had no lasting relief. Had every test known to
man. I finally talked to my health food store and they said Bell Acidic
Stomach/Alkaline Balance really works. It sure does. I had my husband and
son take it and they all had the same results. I can now eat even spicy food
#39 NPN 80053642 with no problems. Verna Conti, 80, London, ON. �Burning in my
stomach, bloating, headaches all stopped! For 20 years I was tortured
with stomach acid, reflux, belching, even my brain was affected. Within 2 days after taking Bell Acidic Stomach/Alkaline
balance I had relief of all my health problems I suffered with for so long. Floyd D. Davis, 89, Denham Springs, LA.�Acid-
alkaline balance needed to be adjusted! I have a Health Food Clerk Certificate. Bell AcidicStomach/Alkaline
Balance has helped me. I’m aware of most people having an acidic body, which is a breeding ground for many illnesses.
Preventing diseases is something that is not taught in medical schools. I’ve told many people about testing their acid-
alkaline balance. Especially older people should be more concerned. I’m also telling people to use the Bell Supreme
Immune Booster. These two products were a great help to me personally. Maureen Arthur, 73, Victoria, BC.
ARTHRITIS
Pain free in 2 weeks. This is what happened to me personally. I tried drugs,
acupuncture, magnets and many other methods. Finally after taking a specially processed
shark cartilage I was pain free in 2 weeks. It gave me the idea that I could help thousands
of the 5 million men and women suffering daily in Canada with the worst pain on earth to
have less pain or no pain at all. Nick A. Jerch, President of Bell Lifestyle.
�For 40 years I had injections and drugs and finally Bell Shark Cartilage #1 spared me the
endless torture I suffered day and night with 3 bottles costing less than $100. Pat Laughlin,
Coldwater, ON. �Cancelled knee replacement. 1 was in pain and limping. Have no
more pain now. Can square dance for hours. Anton Melnychuk, Porcupine Plain, SK.
�At first I was skeptical. I gradually noticed an improvement. Then I took another
brand. I was surprised having so much pain again. Eventually I realized that I needed to #1 NPN 80042283
re-order Bell. Found relief again. Marie Ciraulo, 72, Oakland, CA. �Many people on
our website write: “Can walk again for hours”;”Can climb stairs without hanging on to railing”;”First time in 15
years can sleep at night” Rheumatoid arthritis in joints down 90%, same for my sister…Also guaranteed for
sciatica. Hundreds of testimonials all with full names and towns. Shark bones/cartilage was a previously thrown
away by-product of the food industry. No sharks are caught for their cartilage. Don’t let any activist confuse you.
High Blood Pressure?
To maintain cardiovascular health in adults.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer. If your BP is higher than normal, try to get it
down to about 120/80. For many people it is easy to control. If it does not work for you we
refund your money. On our website you will find over 50 testimonials with full names and
towns from all over USA and Canada. Most of them have listed phone numbers and are
happy to talk about the relief they had. No money was paid for testimonials. Dr. C.
Hammoud M.H., Ph.D. recommends this effective fish peptide blood pressure natural
product. So does Dr. Julian Whitaker M.D. Truthful actual experiences from real
people: �I was on 3 blood pressure drugs that did not work well. After starting Bell
#26 my readings are generally well below 120/80. Dona A. Anderson, 76, Sooke, BC � My
blood pressure was 157/90 and I had side effects from prescription drugs. I bought a
monitor. After 6 months on Bell #26 I was down to 120/80. Toni L. McCuistion, 52,
#40 NPN 80040208 Elizabethtown, PA � Blood pressure went from 170/110 down to 110/70. Was on
three medications that didn’t help. Within a month on Bell#26 my BP dropped to 110/70. I
thought I didn’t need it anymore and the BP went up to 170/110 again. I will now stay on Bell. I am surprised about its
effectiveness without side effects. Bell exceeds my expectations. Patrick McManus, 52, Edmonton, AB � At work my
driver’s medical test was too high at 170/100. After taking Bell #26 for a few days I went down to 128/84 which allowed
me to pass my work medical. Kris Geier, 48, Windsor, ON.
Snoring?Sleep apnea? Trouble falling asleep?
69% of all adults don’t sleep well. They work at half their best. Billions
of dollars are wasted every day. Biggest drain on the economy. Greatest
handicap for personal success.
University of Toronto professor states that 69% of adults have sleeping problems. Bad
sleep reduces physical and creative energy all next day. Almost all families are affected.
Sleep apnea may cause high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and irregular heart
beats. Can be very destructive in relationships. Hundreds of true testimonials on
the Bell website from people like you. Real people wrote: �I really didn’t
snore or gasp for air anymore. I sleep through the night and feel rested and refreshed in
the morning. Mark Wilson, 40, Hudson, NH. �Sleep apnea capsules worked first night.
For 15 years I had sleep apnea and my doctor made me buy a CPAP machine, which I could
not use. Finally Bell #23 helped the first night and every night thereafter. Like a miracle.
Unbelievable. Karen Braun, 67, Glace Bay, NS. �For 20 years I was waking up
frequently gasping for air. During the day I would start napping every time I would sit down,
because I was tired. Since taking #23 sleeping 6 hours is heaven. It made a substantial change
in my life. Mary C. Myrick, 62, Jackson, MS. �It is such a joy #23 NPN 80027595
not having to use the CPAP machine anymore. Wayne Burse, 63, Beamsville, ON.
Blood Sugar Imbalance
Stop the blood sugar “roller coaster” vicious cycle of cravings and appetite to eat sweets
and starchy foods (incl. bread, noodles, cereals, rice, potatoes, French fries, beans, peas) that
cause high blood glucose levels, which then brings your pancreas to automatically pump insulin
into your blood stream. Subsequently the high level of insulin precipitates low levels of blood
glucose and more cravings for more sweets and starchy foods, which should be avoided.
Truthful statements from real people: � My medical indicated pre-diabetic. I
took #40. When re-tested readings were fine. This helped my metabolism and my weight is
down 25 lbs. I am grateful to the health food store people for their advice. Michael O’Brien, 60,
Rutherglen, ON. �I was struggling for 15 years with weight gain in spite of diet and
exercise. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I will forever be grateful to the store manager that
explained to me to take #40 and read suggestions to avoid fattening foods. I lost 70 lbs. My
#26 NPN 80040870 fasting blood sugar is now 92. My 2 hour post meal glucose level is now 92 as well. My new
shape raised my self-esteem and gave me immeasurable peace of mind. Karen Maples, 55, Clarksville, TN. �Diabetic
eliminated high blood sugar levels with #40. My readings were 140 to 200 and are now 99 to 122 range where I
want it to be. Before I bought about 10 different supplement that were more expensive and didn’t work as well. I also lost
some weight. A great improvement in my health and daily living. Roger Light, 57, Fort
Lauderdale, FL.
Prevent COLDS &FLUS
The only cold medicine with a money-back guarantee. Four medical doctors that wrote #51 NPN 80036946
in their book SHARK LIVER OIL that you can prevent colds and flus. Dr. Hubert wrote since
his own high-school age children took shark liver oil they have no more colds. Dr. Haimes’s
grandchildren have been taking shark liver oil for 6 months and he writes they have no
more infection of any kind. Read many testimonials on the Bell website: “I had 3-
4 flus every winter. None last 5 years.” “Amazing! All of us have no more colds.” “No more
asthma, no puffer, no cold, no flus, changed my life”. In North America this is a by-product
from the restaurant industry. No sharks are caught for their liver or their cartilage. � No
more colds, also my eczema disappeared! Last 2 years I would get colds often due
to stress as I am an athlete and body builder. After starting Bell Shark Liver Oil #51 I had
no more colds or even a sign of a cold. Dennis Tudos, 23, Kent, WA.
60 MORE NATURAL MEDICINES on the Bell website. All guaranteed to help.
Natural medicines are not altering the chemistry of our body and cause virtually no side effects
Try your local health food stores first. If they don’t have it and don’t want to order
it for you, order on our website or call us with Visa or Mastercard.
Also available in many pharmacies
1-800-333-7995 www.BellLifestyle.ca
Natural medicines are not altering the chemistry of our body and cause virtually no side effects.
100% Truthful testimonials with full name and towns. Real people you can call, if you want more
reassurance. More testimonials on the Bell website. No money is paid for testimonials.To ensure
this product is right for you, always read label and follow the instructions.
See videos: On Bell website and YouTube