Archive for 2007
It’s Christmas
Christmas is here. That means it is end of the year. It is time to take stock of things. It is time to ask some questions and time to plan for the next year. There are six questions I will be asking myself in the next few days: -Am I healthier today than I was one year ago? -Am I physically more active today than I was one year ago? -Am I eating healthier
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Anaphylactic Shock
Dear Dr. B: What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis (say “anna-full-ax-iss”) is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs when a person becomes sensitized to a substance and is again exposed to that substance. The body responds with release of histamines and other substances into the bloodstream.
You and Flu Vaccine
Have you had your flu shot yet? If yes, then you are smart and you do care about your health. If no, then you should worry about your health and get a flu shot. Here are some reasons, summarized from an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (October 23, 2007), why it is important to get
Marijuana and Madness
A recent British study reveals that all users of cannabis (marijuana and hashish) are genetically at risk of developing schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder. What is psychosis? According American Heritage Dictionary, psychosis is a severe mental disorder, with or without organic damage, characterized
A man with benign enlarged prostate gland – What are the treatment options?
A man has symptomatic benign enlargement of the prostate gland. What are his treatment options? “Prostatic disease eventually affects almost all men; benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH) is an inevitable part of aging,” says an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ
The Power of Sleep
Are we sleep deprived? When I was at the peak of my career, I used to brag that I did not need more than five hours of sleep each night. I take power naps at least couple of times a day to keep me fresh and alert. I also brag about my capacity to dose off anywhere at any time in any position – even
The Power of Vitamin D
Summer is almost over. Kids are back to school. I am back to writing my columns. A friend wants to know: What should I make of all the news about vitamin D? I said to him: If you haven’t started taking vitamin D everyday then you better talk to your doctor and start taking one. Talking to your doctor
Did you know…
Did you know the death rate for breast cancer for Canadian women has dropped by 25 per cent since 1986? A Canadian Cancer Society special report in Canadian Statistics 2007 says increased participation in organized breast screening programs (particularly by women aged 50 to 69) has led to earlier detection
Diverticulosis
Dear Dr. B: I was recently diagnosed with diverticulosis of the colon. Is it true that I should avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn in my diet? Answer: That is the advice given to patients with diverticulosis. I didn’t agree with that. My advice to patients with diverticulosis is to eat whatever they like
Protecting yourself outdoors: skin cancers, mosquito bites, and eye protection
This is another entry into my video blog series produced specifically for my website. I hope you have enjoyed the past entries, and will continue to do so in the future. Today, I would like to speak to you about protecting yourself outdoors. It is summer time, the weather is great, and lots of people
