I first met Dr. Giff over lunch, in the early 2000’s, shortly after he had written an article on cranberries… (read more)
-- Deane Parkes
Father-daughter column enjoyed
Dear Editor:
I must thank you for Saturday’s regular column by Dr. W and Diana Gifford-Jones (Herald, April 30).
I believe all doctors should put this at the top of their reading list and pass a photocopy of this column on to patients, especially seniors.
I always enjoy Gifford-Jones “Common Sense Health,” but this one was a doozy. It is on page C1 and titled, “A little nostalgia goes a long way.”
-- a reader
I am very proud to say that at the age of 65, my pharmaceuticals are limited to what I sometimes need for my mild asthma.
I have always enjoyed your professional and well-researched columns and books. The information has sparked many a reader to see that good health is a personal responsibility; ask questions, educate yourself on pharmaceuticals, interventions, vitamins/minerals, etc.
--a reader
I am a regular reader of your emails from Toronto, Ontario. I used to read you in Toronto Sun. Such great thought provoking columns.
Sometimes we don’t realize the number of people we touch in our lives and enrich in certain ways. You have done that.
I saw you speak several years back at a hotel in Oakville area. I purchased your book there.
--a reader
What an inspiration you are to all. I’ve read your column since the ’60s, in the St. Catharines Standard. And I had the pleasure of meeting you at the health food store, WELL, WELL, WELL, when you dropped in there a few years ago. God bless you. My son and I take your C drink and love it.
--a reader
My son and I attended your lecture in Penticton many years ago.
I had wanted to meet you in person as I had read your book – ‘What I Learned As A Medical Journalist’ and I chatted briefly with you after your lecture.
Since I read your book, I take regularly: Medi-C Plus, Vit K2, Vit E8, Vit PQQ, B Complex, Vit D3, Calcium/Magnesium & Zinc.
I am Type B Diabetic, Celiac, have COPD, and I am a pescatarian. I am in my 88th year on this planet.
Thanks to your book and your lecture, my aging process has progressed with minor health concerns.
--a reader
I have been a fan for many years. Enjoy all your articles. Hope to make your age.
Keep those common sense, practical articles coming.
--a reader
Thanks for the great regular newsletters… I always look forward to read them and my health has improved since I began reading them, probably in the late 90’s.
I’m remember you from my days in Toronto, my family Dr. was working at the First Canadian Place Clinic. You were also working at the same clinic.
--a reader
Thank you so much for developing and writing about [Medi-C Plus] vitamin C with lysine. It has brought my blood pressure way down. Even my doctor was surprised how much it helped. I have started walking a lot also. I am one of your walking advertisers for the product and I bring up in conversation with people, every chance I can. Especially when talk of high blood pressure medication is mentioned.
--Brian in Guelph
I have always thought of Dr. [W. Gifford-Jones] and his non-prescription life at an advanced age. And I have tried to avoid prescriptions.
We have a very good doctor but when my annual checkup and blood test came back with high numbers in bad cholesterol, low good cholesterol and blood pressure creeping up, he wanted to put me on HBP pills and perhaps statins. I asked for 6 months to try to bring all down.
I have access to a pool and swim – slowly, but swim – 45 min three times a week.
Thanks to the non-prescription life of Dr. [W. Gifford-Jones], I was determined to continue not taking prescription drugs unless unpreventable. I am 82. I have arthritis but am fighting to keep moving.
--Barb
The website is informative and well written, is not afraid of humour and is never overwhelming. Bravo!
-- a reader
Wish we had more doctors with the same philosophy of using the gifts of nature to heal many of our health issues without the use of drugs that often cammaflage the problem.
-- a reader
Thank you for being such an advocate for health. I was fortunate to hear you speak in Victoria a few years ago at a gathering sponsored by Health Essentials. (great owners and store) I am diligently using the Medi-C-Plus. Stay healthy in our present climate.
-- a reader in Victoria
My wife and I adopted a better and more natural lifestyle years ago and there are massive benefits for doing so. There are so many high quality natural products in the market place today and proven research that they do work. You just need to commit to a better/healthier lifestyle and stick with and you will notice a big difference. You have done so much good over the years for the natural health philosophy. You are a great inspiration and your countless efforts do not go unnoticed. I take your Medi C Plus everyday day and it is awesome. I agree that high doses of vitamin C will fix a lot of health issues.
-- Darcy in West Kelowna
You brought me into this world of ours and you have a very special place in my heart.
-- a reader
My grandmother followed your advice in your newspaper column, and she lived ’til the wonderful age of 104 and a 1/2. I expect to live at least that long, or longer. Now, I follow your advice. I continue to advocate for healthy choices — and I often recommend your information to people as a top-quality resource. Keep up the good work, Doc.
-- a Certified Holistic Nutritionist in Toronto, ON
You have been an inspiration to me with your common sense healthy lifestyle since I first read your column in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record decades ago.
-- Liz in Massey, ON
I have always read your columns, e-mails and also enjoyed your book immensely. You are a wonderful inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and great advice.
-- a reader
We all admire you. Ursula Schulz who once appreciated your help very much, and that was in the Niagara Falls hospital.
-- a reader and former patient
You are an inspiration and the information you share is taken seriously by me and my family. Keep up the wonderful work. I love to read all about simple and natural alternatives to the all to easy to get prescription drugs!! I can’t thank you enough.
-- a reader
I always read your column with great interest. They are thought-provoking and provide clear guidance in an age of confusion.
-- a reader
Having discovered you when reading an article by you about Health and Welfare POAs in the Bayview Local Newspaper, I have been an avid reader of your online newsletter ever since. I would like to thank you for sharing your very useful and important tips about maintaining good health. You are a wonderful example to us all.
-- a reader in North York
Wishing for more physicians to follow your lead and learn.
-- Lisa, an RN
You have been my inspiration for decades. In 36 years I hope to match your youthfulness! Thank you for keeping it real, doctor.
-- Susan in Windsor
I have enjoyed reading your column in the Toronto Sun for many years, gleaning important information for one’s well being. Also greeing with you about 99% of the time. Basic common sense seems to be falling by the wayside on a host of topics today.
-- Lena in Toronto
To a man I admire greatly, thank you for all the medical wisdom and advice you have shared with everyone all of these years. I still take my Medi C every day and am rarely sick.
-- a reader
Thank you for all of your great advice and suggestions over the years. You are a remarkable man and we appreciate you very much.
-- Roberta and Don
We’ve often commented how lucky we were to have met you in Owen Sound at the mall health food store a few years back. Thanks for sharing all your information over the years!!
-- Larry and Judy in Owen Sound
I have been following your recommendations for many years. I am 75, healthy and happy.
-- a reader
You are the epitome of health and happiness. Thank you for all you did and continue to do for the aging community. You are definitely one to emulate and I congratulate, celebrate, and honor you for your longevity, commitment to health and happiness.
-- an official in the California Dept of Aging
I am 72 years old and have just started reading your very interesting articles which are pointing me in the direction of trying to lead a healthier life.
-- a reader
we are following your advice and still working at 81
-- Syd and Joanne
You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all your wise and informative advice. I look forward to your emails.
-- Janie in Vancouver, BC
Thank you for your great products and good advice. Taking my Medi C Plus daily and very pleased.
-- Margaret in Paris, ON
Have been a fan of your columns for many years and thanks to you, a column you wrote about skin cancer alerted me to have some things on my face checked….turned out to be pre-cancerous so….thank you. What a grand age you have reached!
-- Mary in Mississauga
Love your outlook on life and have followed you for many, many years.
-- a reader
you are the only dr that ever made me understand. you made every thing very clear. thanks for all the good work you do. love you. please live forever
-- a former patient
You are amazing. I worked as an xray tech for 31 years and loved my chosen profession. I always knew and tried to practice a holistic approach to health care. Many physicians don’t. Glad to read your wonderful articles. Keep it up.
-- Pat in Thunder Bay
I am 77 and have COPD. In the last few years I’ve had breast cancer, broken my leg falling off my horse, had a hip replacement, and spinal decompression surgery. But it is the COPD which continues to limit my enjoyment of life.
I started smoking in my early teens. At the time, it was not considered (at least not widely) the health hazard it is now known to be. And when the hazards did become widely known, I was well and truly addicted, and I remember thinking: “I’m not afraid of dying, but I sure don’t want to live without cigarettes”. And I still thought it was cool.
The trouble with that thinking (if you can call it thinking), however, is that you don’t necessarily die nice and quick. You’ll probably suffer for many years as your COPD progresses. And the message I want to get out to my younger acolytes is this. Its not so cool to have to carry an oxygen tank around, or to be unable to walk down the aisle at the movie without panting, or to need a walker to help you because you can’t breath. And all that is quite likely to happen long before old age creeps up on you.
I think cigarette packages, or anti-smoking ads, should show two sides of the smoking coin: side one (labelled “COOL” )shows a bunch of cool kids laughing and talking and smoking. Side two (labelled ” NOT SO COOL”)shows the same group (still attractive, not that old) in various stages of disrepair…one with oxygen tubes in her nose, one sitting on a walker catching his breath, etc.
THAT is the message I wish I had gotten through my thick head all those years ago.
-- a reader
Click here for reader mail on Rotten Law, Rotten Politicians, Rotten Eggs (Medical Assistance in Dying)
Click here for reader mail on the Rule of Law Could End Mass Shootings
[Regarding “A Nation of Wimps”] I agree totally…I never took pain pills other than Aspirin or Tylenol after any surgeries–even a compression fracture of my spine…we can stand a few days of pain and thrive…
-- a reader
I just want to express my appreciation for you and your column. I’ve been reading it for many decades and you have significantly improved the quality of my life more than once. I found out what was causing my upset stomach every night because of your column – lactose intolerance. My muscle spasms that caused me pain for 23 years have disappeared because of your column – magnesium. I rarely get a cold anymore – vitamin C. Thank you for all your efforts to better our lives with your insight and advice. God bless you.
-- a reader
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Thank you for the valuable information that you share with the public. I started taking your vitamin C after reading your book a number of years ago and have followed you since. You are an amazing man and I really appreciate your information on-line and in the newspapers.
-- a reader in Kelowna, BC
Thank-you for writing on this topic, and for your on-going battle for compassionate care for chronic pain sufferers. I live in fear of the day that the opioids that allow me to function on a semi-regular basis will be withdrawn because of ill-guided government policy. I have tried medical marijuana, and while it helps me sleep, its side effects can be severe, so it has not been the right answer for me. I have a number of health conditions that are not going to go away (osteoarthritis, spinal fusion, prosthetic jaws, trigeminal neuralgia) and have considered that suicide may ultimately be a route I may have to choose if Health Canada follows the Draconian lead of the American government. Anyway-I just wanted to thank you for your continued advocacy.
-- a reader
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Seven years ago after heart attack and surgery, I took your advice and use Medi-C daily instead of generic Lipitor and have better circulation than ever before.
-- David in Saskatoon
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your very motivational and
thought provoking articles. I receive the local paper and your articles are my favourite. Keep on writing!
-- a reader Kincardine
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Just wanted to let you know that I think this is a brilliant solution to a difficult problem. any thanks for your efforts to ensure the human rights of each individual when it comes to MAID. I will be forwarding your email to my friends.
-- a reader Belleville
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I have been pro-choice since 1972; my first year of university. To quote you, “there will be no justice in abortion until it’s fairly applied to all women who want it.” As a pro-choice advocate, I believe in “freedom of choice”. If you don’t agree with abortion, that is your right. However, don’t interfere with my right and those who are pro-choice. having said this, abortion should not be used as a form of birth control. Women need to take responsibility to prevent pregnancies. I am appalled at the direction of the U.S. is headed in and I hope that pro-choice demonstrations drive home the message that we can not go backwards. To do so would remove hard-fought rights that women had championed for the last 50 years. What’s next: our right to birth control, the right to vote!”
-- a reader Brantford
MAID is another example of “freedom of choice”. I support the right to choose my time to depart this world if I am mentally or physically incapacitated. If I am not able to care for myself and will be a burden to my family and society, I want to check out on my terms. The current legislation precludes an Advanced Directive. If I have documented my request for MAID and made my family aware of my wishes, I should not have to be lucid minutes before to re-confirm my wish for MAID. This is a ridiculous requirement and I hope the issue is addressed in the upcoming election.
-- the same reader in Brantford
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I want to let you know how much I appreciate your article and you common sense solutions. It is unconscionable that so much money is wasted on this issue; that a group of doctors in Ontario tried to fight (and lost) having to make a MAiD referral. It is unconscionable that so much money is being spent and wasted on fighting this issue. I am a monetary supporter of Dying With Dignity and firmly support your views on this issue. As I tell people, just because I don’t like peas, doesn’t mean others can’t eat them. Let each person decide for themselves. Thank you again for all of your informative writings!
-- a reader of the Tecumseh Shoreline
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
[Re: I Swore I Would Never Write About This Again] You’re SOOOOO right! The only person who should be making decisions about a woman’s body is that woman herself. Always thankful for you and your no-nonsense writing. (And I also especially appreciated the idea that those not choosing assisted death wear a bracelet! Genius!!)
-- a reader in Acton
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I just read your article. My brother-in-law in Saskatchewan died by this procedure. He had cancer and decided not to take any treatment. He made arrangements for MAID. When the time came, just a phone call and they were there. He had to be able to say “yes” when asked if he was ready to go. He had time to say goodbye to his family. They put the needle in and instantly he was gone. The family tells everyone how peaceful he was. I am planning on the same procedure but I live in Alberta. Hopefully they will honour my wishes when the time comes. Thank you for informing so many people.
-- a reader of the Red Deer Advocate
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
[Re: Let the Bracelet Decide] Your article makes more sense than I have seen in years. Your comments are ingenious, however people appear to want five or ten years of useless studies before making the wrong decision. I am with you!
-- a newspaper reader
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Thanks for this “bracelet idea! I totally agree! No making my body live longer when the mind can’t function on its own anymore. I do not want to go in a hospital or retirement home, but to stay in our home. I told my son and daughters…DNR for me.
-- a reader in Ohsweken
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Your article about MAID is wonderfully & succinctly written. Unless we here in Canada become MUCH more realistic & humane, people will have to continue making expensive trips overseas. I wonder what needs to be done to create that dimension of humaneness in us? Thank you for being & writing & stimulating our minds.
-- a reader in Toronto
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Regarding your article on “Let the Bracelet Decide”, please keep the pressure on the politicians, etc., as I totally agree that humans should be treated with the same kind of common sense and compassion that we treat our pets. My husband passed away from Mesothelioma. He would have much rather had the assisted death than go through so much pain and morphine. It was so very sad for everyone. Your efforts and knowledge are much appreciated.
-- a reader in Calgary
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
[Re: Let the Bracelet Decide] Keep pushing. I believe that there are many common sense doctors (and others) who are not swayed by archaic ideas and are willing to alter our “not complete” law.
-- a reader in Toronto
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Your plan is right on the money. I am absolutely certain the extreme majority of Canadians are not out to kill relatives to collect inheritances or to abdicate responsibility for looking after critically ill family members. For the life of me I cannot understand why the federal government insists on throwing road blocks in the way of something that makes so much sense. I know that my dad would not have chosen to live the last year-and-a-half of his life completely blind and unaware of his surroundings due to extreme dementia. I hope and pray that you are successful in getting amendments made to the current legislation.
-- a reader in Calgary
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I read your article about cancer & obesity in the Toronto Sun. Excellent! I’m in my 50’s and believe obesity is one of the primary health risks that you can manage. Now another reason why you should lose the extra weight. Will share with my friends. Thanks.
-- a Toronto Sun reader
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Just a humble note of gratitude here. In 1977 I was a brand new RN at my training hospital GNGH. I will always remember when Dr. Walker came through the halls. Everyone so respected Dr. Walker then and now to this day that respect is amplified 100 times over. Currently I read your newspaper column every week. I follow your advice and take Vitamin C and Lysine every day day now. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for all of us Dr. Walker. Your efforts in reaching out to the masses does make such an immense positive difference.
-- Lorie Page Tokola, former colleague
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I would like to thank you for compiling your website. It is a great source of information relating to numerous topics all located on one site.
-- Website visitor
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
My wife was born with a hereditary disease called Darious. It is a violent skin condition that acts like herpes but much worse. In the 30 yrs that I have known her, she has never been free of a skin breakout. After taking Medi-C Plus for about 1 month, she healed up and so far, 2 months down the road, she is still free of any breakouts.
-- Medi-C Plus user in Alberta
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
You are so right. When did we become a nation of wimps? Equally, when did doctors become so stupid. I love the way you look at the world.
-- Reader online
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I always received such good care and advice from you and am happy to find that you have now launched a website.
-- Reader in Etobicoke, ON
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Just read today’s column and I must say, IT’S ONE OF THE BEST you have ever written. have been reading your column for many many years and today you REALLY hit the proverbial NAIL on the Head. Keep up the good work.
-- Reader on Vancouver Island, BC
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Three years ago my doctor said if diet changed didn’t work he’d prescribe cholesterol lowering medication. Concerned with the use of statins, I discussed my options with a health adviser at my local natural pharmacy who recommended I try Sytrinol. A year later at my annual medical my family physician was amazed at the change in my cholesterol levels, resulting in a significant improvement in the LDL:HDL ratio. I’ve continued to take Sytrinol on a daily basis and have not side effects. My cholesterol levels are excellent.
-- Sytrinol user in Toronto, ON
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
Often I have thought to write and thank you for an article. This time I will act on my thought by thanking you for the many, many excellent articles and pieces of advice you have offered us. The Doctor Game, in today’s Victoria Times-Colonist, is especially good. Wishing you the very best for Christmas and a healthy 2019, and looking forward to further enlightenment in your future articles.
-- Reader in Victoria, BC
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I took Medi-C Plus for shingles and felt much better in 10 days.
-- Medi-C Plus user who is a firefighter
Dear Dr. W. Gifford-Jones,
I still get wisdom from your columns; thus would not do without them. To paraphrase the late John Wayne, who was encouraging Barbara Walters as she was getting under the skin of those who deserved it, “Don’t let the ignorant clowns with the payoffs from Big Pharma get you down!” I suppose it boils down to the other saying of ” Never let a good deed go unpunished.” You do great work. For those of us who go against the streams of stupidity, it is so refreshing to know you have our best interests at heart.
