atch EVERYWHERE I turn these days I read or hear more about taking better care of ourselves by exercising, eating properly, and using substances such as herbs, vitamins and other natural supple- ‘ments to help us stay healthy. Especially as we get older, many of us may develop chronic health problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis or high blood pressure. When we consult our family doctor, . we are often told that we need to learn to live with these conditions, but we may also be advised to take vita- mins or mineral supplements, and a prescription drug for some ailments. Then, when we go to the drugstore, we - are usually faced with rows and rows of many different -. products on the shelves. How do we know what is best? Should I take a herbal remedy that my friend swears has helped her arthritis? If one vitamin pill is good, will - Decorating Your Home For Retirement: Develop a deco- fe three be better? Where can I turn to find out which, if any, of these new (or old) substances will help me to get over a cold faster, help me sleep better, or improve my memory? In Canada, we know that prescription drugs have been tested for their effectiveness for certain ailments, and their labels must accurately describe their contents. Some herbal products have also been tested as have some vit- amins and mineral supple- ments, and their labels must include a Drug Identification Number (DIN), indicating that they have been checked for safety and accuracy of labelling. Canadians spend more than $1 billion each year on alternative medicines and supplements, so there is obviously a great interest in these products. A problem has arisen with the large number of over- the-counter substances now being sold in pharmacies, supermarkets and heaith- food stores. The consumer has no way of knowing the effect of a supplement, what side effects may result from using it, or what other sub- stances may be present in the same package. in fact, there: is no guarantee that the bot- tle contains any of the drug listed on the label. - A potentially dangerous situation may occur when someone takes a supplement that interacts with another tating plan including colour, space planning, — furniture __ Selection and window covering options. Also discussed will be safety, colour and light and other issues’ relevant to seniors. Tuesdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 7, - 6:30-9 p.m. West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. $44 for members, $65 for rion-members.. Register: 925-7280, ID#19690. Prose & Poetry in French: ’ Enjoy an afternoon of poctry and prose readings in French . with Alain Blancard. Readings are introduced in English and uestions are encouraged in is .- informal. ". group. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1:30-2:30 p-m., West Vancouver Seniors’ | eeacrony NRE > cn LEON | sans _ ACCESSORIES SENIORS NEWS photo Terry Peters CANADIANS spend more than $1 billion each year on alternative medicines and suppiements. Problems can arise when mixing vitamins with prescription drugs. drug they are using. For instance, ginseng, which is often taken to relieve stress, can interfere with digoxin, a Activity. Centre. $1 at the door. Info: 925-7280. Spirit _ of | Washington Dinner Train: Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 am.-7 p.m. Journey along the shores of Lake Washington while enjoying gourmet — cuisine. | Tour _includes transportation from West Van, train ride, tour guide and lunch. Cost. is $125.50. Register: 925-7280. Seniors Tennis Association: Social tennis for seniozs, 55+, at various locations on the. North Shore. Info: 929-0720 or 929-3271. The ABCs of Fraud Team of senior volunteer speakers may Ada . Pharmacist 1 CAPSULE | # COMMENTS | A jome antibiotics and anti- 5 nvulsant medication may HN interfere with the efficacy of | § birtl: control pills. Scare peni- ] cillins and sulfa drugs can | Hf cause this problem. it is best to § tse an altemative method of F, contraception in addition to the pill during the cycle you are Busing these drugs. Our phar- macists will let you know when this could be 2 concem. 5 0% Pharmacists role is giv Zing you proper atvioe on B the use of medications. Let us fill your next prescription. Davie drug prescribed for patients with heart trouble. And echi- nacea, which is used by many people to fight colds or fiu, be booked by groups of seniors. This is an interactive, enjoyable opportunity. for seniors to learn about scam recognition, prevention tips and available community resources. For more informa- tion call 521-1235. Guys & Dolls: Join the West Vancouver Senior’s Centre to see this seasons plays at the Playhouse Theatre. They buy the tickets and upely the transportation. Info: 925- 7280 Al-anon Family Groups meet daily offering support- ive, confidential sessions for families and friends of ‘alco- holics. Info: 688-1716. Sunday, September 24, 2000 - North Shore News - 29 can worsen the symptoms of lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. So how can we find out more about these supple- ments? And how can we make decisions about whether or not to take them? First, and most important, is ¢o talk to your doctor or harmacist about it. [ have een told that many patients do not tell their doctors that they are raking over-the- counter medications. It is essential that you and your doctor be aware of any possi- ble interactions or side- effects that may result from taking them, especially if you also use prescription drugs. You can also call the SMILE program (Service for Medication Information and Education) at 822-1330, weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pharmacists at UBC will answer any ques- tions you may have about medications and supple- ments. Another good resource that I have found useful for myself and my family is a book published by Readers Digest called The Healing . Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs. Published in Canada in 1999, it gives accurate and up-to-date information about many sup- plements, and it is available in our public libraries. Finally, Health Canada has established a new Office of Natural Health Products, whose purpose is to develop Senior Peer Counsellors: Free confidential support counselling by trained peers” offers caring support, encour- agement and information. For info or appointment call 987- 8138. Lynn _ Vail Seniors cy . Association meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon at Kiwanis Lynn Manor in the auditorium. Join them for lecal speakers, recreational p: i pl and coffee and cookies. inf. Joni V. at 983-6444, local. 8233. Send in your event listings to ; the. North Shore News ¢/o™ . JUSTABLE FOLDING _ The Perfect — Travel Accessory © Molded contours handle(black only) or Solid maplewood handles ® Scratch resistant anodized lightweight aluminum © Chatter resistant * Adjustable from 33" to 37" “Pharmacy. 1401 St. Georges « 985-8771 fn ennenennannef Free parking « Free delivery aoe ee 26 bi Fs ay for Pharmacy Prescriptions | . Planning Society, ir Side effects trom supplements requirements for accurate labelling, health claims and product quality, so that we customers will be able to make informed decisions about these supplements. I feel that this initiative is long overdue, and is a good use of our tax dollars. Many people have had good results from taking herbs or other supplements, but we need to be able to decide for our- selves about which substance to use, and to make these decisions based on accurate information from the labels, and after consulting with our physician. Mary Segal is coordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. Ideas for future colunins are welcome. Contact Segal at. 985-3852 or drop a tine to Lionsview Sensors’ North Building, 600 W. Queens Ra, North Van, B.C., V7N 23. LIONS.GATE HOSPITAL'S. Caring Community Calendar | Prostate Cancer uepport Grow ‘Tues. Sept. 26 at 720 PM. in the Auditorium (Basernent) “The Pathology of Prostate Cancer” presented by Dr. Ed Jones, Pathologist at VGH. : For information call Jack ~ Carlisle at 929-5183 or Burt Anders at 924-0776. : BC Schizephrenia Seciety Wed. Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium (Basement) “Personality Disorders and ©. Schizophrenia” presented by Dr. Chris Hunter. A free — | Education session. For info. call 926-0856." .- : N.S. Family For families with a survivor... ’| of traumatic brain injury. For dates and times cail Gaeroa . Caldwell at 657-6760 ~- a Coping with Cancer. upport Group |... Wednesdays at 10 a.m. ~ in the Chemotherapy Unit.- |. For patients and their families. _”| For information call 984-3709. |. : Relaxation Group. . Thursdays at 10 a.M. tn the Medical Day Centre For cancer patients, their”... families and/or caregivers. For information call 984-3709." Asthma Education: -.|’ . Mondays atSrpm. in the Chemotherapy Unit Designed for all ages. Limited to four people per session. To pre-register call 984-3722. Outpatient. ‘Speech Language Therapy |. 7 Assessment and treatment for adolescents and adults. For information call Nicole Armstrong at 988-3131 local 4418. 4 Pre-Natal Tours | ‘Tuesdays at 6:30 Pac ~~ | welcome also. For information call 984-5864... -