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Vioxx risk varies according to patient
What have we learned about the cardiovascular risk of Vioxx, with so much media attention lately? Health Canada set up a 13-member expert panel to review and critique the scientific evidence for the Cox-2 painkillers Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra. The panel recommended in its July report that Merck could resubmit Vioxx for approval.
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Revolutionary treatments near for tumours
Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen, August 6, 2005 Original Title: Sounds Like a Good Idea New ultrasound technologies offer valuable diagnostic tools The application of new technologies and research has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostic imaging, diagnosis and treatment. My last column looked at the amazing progress being made to restore lost sight.…
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Medical advances restore vision for the future
Four exciting good-news medical stories warrant more exposure. Two of the stories report research into restoring the sight of visually impaired people. The other two stories demonstrate ultrasound technology advances to treat prostate cancer and improve medical diagnostic imaging.
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Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
With summer approaching, an understanding of summer heat upon the human body can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
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“It must be my fault”
Although many people are aware of the effects of alcohol abuse on family and friends, missing from this equation is a child’s reaction to a parent who drinks too much.
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Forget the palms, check the nails
Many diseases can alter the appearance of our fingernails and toenails. Curvature changes, discolourations, lines and pits are clues used to diagnose various conditions.
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Club Drug Use Carries Uncertain Risks
When discussing the potential side effects of drugs, risks must be viewed within a realistic context. Indeed, my last column on Ecstasy, or MDMA, and today’s on GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) and ketamine, contain information that is factually correct.
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The Club of Tortured Souls
Recently, one of my patients with bipolar disorder took Ecstasy at a rave. Within 60 minutes she had collapsed on the dance floor from dehydration.
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Science Fiction is Becoming Science Fact
If your doctor offered the option of a blood test to determine what diseases your child will develop in their lifetime, what would you do? This option is soon to be a reality.
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