Can you hear me now?

My father celebrated his 100th birthday this year. With all the loud noises he's experienced in his life he needs a hearing aid. Actually most of his hearing loss happened while working at a sawmill.
Back in his time many people worked in factories, today this has changed through technology, but hearing loss still remains high.
With the advent if the inconspicuous earbud people walk around with them on like they're necessary for life. Problem though is that the high volume played through those earbuds is causing hearing loss.
Users of earbuds should keep the volume to 60% and at most 75%. this will limit hearing loss. The iPhone at full volume can produce some 100 decibels. Therefore keep your volume down and keep your hearing for the rest of your life!

SMOKING SUCKS

According to the 2010 statistics there are 6 million smokers in Canada. Smoking has slowly been on the decline since 1965 when anti smoking programs were put in place.
Vancouver has instituted anti smoking laws that restrict where smokers can light up. All restaurants are non smoking zones. Even outdoor bus stops are non smoking areas.
Even though cigarette packages have graphic warning signs about the perils of smoking, people still light up.
My brother whom I was very close to died of cancer caused by his smoking habit. It was a terrible painful death that even heavy doses of morphine couldn't squelch. Finally in grave pain his body succumbed. That picture alone stays with me. Smoking sucks...and Kills!

Tinnitus

Do you have ringing in the ears? I personally know people who have it occasionally and one who has it continuously for years. It's driving that person nuts!

Treating tinnitus is incredibly difficult. Often, the only symptom that the sufferer experiences is a ringing, buzzing, or high-pitched squealing in the ears. There’s often no inflammation or other signs that can tell a doctor what’s wrong, so treatments end up consisting of trying different remedies. It’s far from the best system, but, considering all of the reasons why tinnitus can present itself; it’s often the only way to go.

There are some major causes of ear tinnitus:
Ear ringing is often associated with age-related loss of hearing. Ear infections, head and neck injuries, dental and head surgeries, and disorders such as multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, and lyme disease are some of the causes of ringing in the ears.
Also the following can be causes of Tinnitus:
-Sinusitis and Allergies
-Repeated exposure to loud noise.
-Stress or Trauma
-Meniere's disease

How does one treat tinnitus? Well first off get professional medical advice. Your doctor is a good place to start.

In some cases the following can help with the symptoms of tinnitus.
Garlic, Gingko Biloba, Hawthorn berries, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and a diet geared towards anti inflammatory.
Since tinnitus can be debilitating do your research. Doctors often don't have the answers so check with naturopaths, homeopathy practitioners and research the Internet. Find what works for you!

Mask it!

I know this sounds weird to say mask it but it makes sense. Today I saw a lady enter the bus wearing a surgical mask over her mouth. At first I thought "man is she weird" but after some consideration I thought she was actually pretty considerate. She probably had a cold or flu and didn't want to pass it on to others. So just Mask it!