Bird Talk » Health

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

If a person requires routine tests, for example blood work or an ECG that is not an emergency while they are in the U.S., how is that arranged and paid for? Laurel Pettigrew Cochrane, AB Response: Ed: No travel insurance policy covers non-emergency treatment or routine care for a chronic condition that requires monitoring. You […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

This is a shout-out to J. Ross Quigley for his article in the summer 2016 issue in which he referred to laser treatment to stop smoking. As any former or current smoker knows, quitting is very hard. Having been a smoker for more than 50 years, I failed with every quitting method offered by my […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

During my recent doctor’s appointment, I asked about getting the shingles shot but mentioned that I didn’t know whether I had had chicken pox as a child. Her recommendation was to get a blood test to determine whether I had the chicken pox virus in my system. If the test is negative, I am to […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Do you recommend getting a shingles shot? We winter in Palm Springs. Thanks. Delores DAlberta Response: Ed; Absolutely!! And the two pneumonia shots, as well. And the flu shot every year before you travel. Past-president Gerry Brissenden ended up with a case of shingles a few years ago and it was brutal. Medipac has five […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Section C, question 6b on the Medipac Travel Insurance Application asks if you have been prescribed three or more medications for hypertension. One of my medications is a combination of Ramipril/Hydrochlorothiazide in one pill. To answer that question correctly, is this considered one medication or two when applying for travel insurance? Patrick L Huntsville, ON […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

In reply to the letter about atrial fibrillation and the avoidance of foods containing vitamin K. The editorial reply has confused vitamin K with K-potassium. The former, vitamin K, encourages clotting (and should be avoided if you have AFib), while potassium (found in bananas) is good for the heart and blood pressure. Another food high […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Your article speaks glowingly about the outstanding benefits and recommends without exception that everyone should consume green tea and enjoy the amazing health benefits to be derived as a result. My eyebrows were raised on reading the article, particularly because I have a disease called atrial fibrillation and I consume the prescription Warfarin daily as […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, I enjoy reading your magazine, however the fall issue no. 92 had some incorrect information in the Low Fat Chicken Stroganoff recipe found on page 49. The recipe mentions that it is gluten-free and that all you have to do is substitute the egg noodles with any gluten-free pasta. Firstly, the all-purpose […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, The article on page 42 of the Spring 2014 issue [Health Pulse] missed a great remedy for the unequal pressure between the middle ear and the cabin of an airplane. I have used EarPlanes for the past six years and have not had any problems since. Prior to learning of these, I […]

Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, We are not snowbirds yet, but decided to become CSA members to learn more about becoming snowbirds in the future. Your publications are outstanding and, after reading some Bird Talk questions and feedback, I have a question concerning OHIP. If we sell our house in Ontario, store our belongings in Ontario, travel […]