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Doctors must factor in free will of the patient
A recent front-page story in the Citizen remarked how a Health Canada anti-tobacco campaign using Olympic skaters Elvis Stojko and Josée Chouinard did not have much influence on reducing or quitting cigarette use. Indeed, how effective are health promotion campaigns?
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Don't kill yourself trying to stay healthy
I first heard Dr. Dean Edell while driving with my family to St. Louis by tuning into his radio talk show. His no nonsense approach to medical claims and treatments were on the mark. Never condescending and always open to new ideas, he bases his opinions on solid research and evidence. He says that he…
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Billing reviews recall witch hunts
A recent column by Christina Spencer, John Robson’s radio commentary on CFRA and Citizen Editorial eloquently criticized the Quebec government’s abuse of legislative power over its physician population. In Quebec, all physicians who have worked in an emergency room in the previous four years will now be forced to work in them whether they wish…
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Ulcer treatment uses medicine and prevention
Last week’s column reviewed the principal causes of stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS). What diagnostic tests are available to aid in the treatment and management of ulcers?
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Don't wait to deal with heartburn pain
A common complaint in the family practice setting is bloating and heartburn. Usually the patient suffers with this condition for several months with the hope that it will spontaneously resolve.
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The onus is on you to prevent illness when on vacation
Recent reports of three cruise ship outbreaks of viral diarrheal illness (gastroenteritis) bring into focus how easily infections spread. Each ship had hundreds of passengers who fell ill. Carnival’s cruise ship Fascination, Disney’s Magic and Holland America’s Amsterdam all underwent extensive decontamination procedures.
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Cervical cancer tests save women's lives
Medical research strives for the day when the diagnosis of cancer will no longer evoke fear. The goal to develop effective screening and treatment strategies to eradicate this disease continues to move forward. One of the ongoing success stories in this battle is the screening and early treatment of cervical cancer.
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Cutting loose from tobacco
Most people know the risks of cigarette smoking. They often employ many strategies to quit, often with lukewarm success. An understanding of the addictive nature and the associated habits and triggers of smoking is essential before attempting a smoking cessation program.
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Medication only part of asthma care
Asthmatics can suddenly crash and burn. Last week’s column made note that asthma is an inherently unstable disease. Some patients unknowingly play with fire by ignoring the symptoms. A good web site to determine the risk of asthma in children and adults is found at http://allergy.mcg.edu/home.html.
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