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Prescribing leading to polypharmacy in the elderly
Although the focus for many people is to prevent illness and stay as healthy and independent as possible, as we age, the more likely we will be diagnosed with various diseases states or conditions. As a result, the elderly are prescribed more medications that have the potential to cause harm through drug interactions and not…
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Keeping Canadians with rare disorders from getting the drugs they need to stay alive
The Canadian government, acting through Health Canada’s Common Drug Review (CDR), is keeping Canadians with rare disorders from getting the drugs they need to stay alive, according to Durhane Wong-Rieger, president of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD). Because each disease impacts so few individuals, the drugs needed to treat these small populations—the so-called…
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FISHing for cancer
As cancer research continues apace, there is a growing understanding of the genetic abnormalities that are intimately involved in the pathophysiology of the disease process. Understanding the mechanism of the disease allows clinical research to develop targeted treatments to better control or eradicate the tumours. A new diagnostic test created at the University of Alberta…
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Is there evidence to support antibiotic use in conjunction with draining the abscess?
Many of us have had the unpleasant experience of developing a skin abscess. The approach to treating this infection is variable and can include the use of antibiotics. It would seem to make sense because abscesses are usually caused by bacteria. In a study published in the April 2007 edition of the Annals of Emergency…
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Treating muscle spasticity after stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality in Canada. Approximately 40 to 50 thousand people suffer a stroke. Eight out of ten people survive but require varying degrees of rehabilitation. One consequence of stroke that is not mentioned often is muscle spasticity. This requires specific rehabilitation and therapy to help the stroke survivor…
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Who will mind the store during the next flu pandemic?
When the next flu pandemic hits, who will be available to provide health care services? A national survey was conducted recently that assessed the behaviours and attitudes of healthcare workers in the event of a flu pandemic. The results paint a picture of uncertainty and the level of confidence that these health care workers and…
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National Health Expenditure Trends, 1975-2007
Where is Canada’s health care spending heading? What conclusions can be drawn when we extrapolate those costs into the future? These among many other findings were evaluated in a report released November 12, 2007 by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released its flagship annual report, National Health Expenditure Trends, 1975-2007. In 2007, health…
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