Lifestyle, Medicine, Miscellaneous, Philosophy
Why It’s Important to Sign Up at docgiff.com
What do newspaper editors do if they don’t agree with what you write? They fire you. I’ve annoyed some editors by expressing an opinion on controversial subjects. Or by stressing that natural remedies can be safer, less expensive, and more effective, than synthetic drugs. Today, drugs kill 100,000 North Americans every year and are responsible for sending hundreds of thousands to emergency departments because of adverse drug interactions. I have often said that in the next life I want to own all the newspapers, as freedom of the written word is only enjoyed by those who control the media. But I’m still alive on this planet and have been fired, basically for fighting the establishment. So editorial truth is under attack. Newspapers,...Read More
Lifestyle, Miscellaneous, Philosophy, Surgery
The Greatest Gift to Give at Any Time of the Year
This holiday season there will be joy, intimacy, and affection around many family dinner tables. But for some families it will be a difficult time with little laughter. They know that next year a family member may be missing. They are waiting for the donation of a kidney, heart or other vital organ to keep a loved one alive. But it may not arrive in time. So here’s a story of compassion from a man who gave the ultimate gift to a perfect stranger. I recently came across an article written by Naazneen Karmali, Asia Wealth Editor and India Editor for Forbes Asia. She relates the story of a wealthy Indian tycoon, Kochouseph Chittilappilly. He acknowledged that, as his 60th birthday...Read More
Dental, Nutrition, Pediatrics, Philosophy
Halloween Should Scare Up a Big Boooo!
If you are looking for a holiday tradition that has lost any semblance of common sense, look no further than Halloween. Today, it has few redeeming qualities. Let’s focus on only the health issues associated with children consuming ridiculous quantities of junk. Halloween candy comprises the lowest quality food on the market – cheap, sugary chocolate bars, chewy treats, hard candies, salty chips, soft drinks, and who knows what else – all questionably packaged, and gleefully handed out to unsuspecting youngsters as if it were the best thing on Earth. What a crock! Mary Poppins sang that a “spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”, but that should be a rare occasion. Today, I see children spooning far more than that...Read More
Philosophy
Gun Response Proves Politicians Have the Wrong Answer
A recent column argued that gun deaths in North America could only be stopped by following Singapore’s strict gun laws and severe penalties. This resulted in many responses now posted at docgiff.com/reader-mail-on-the-rule-of-law. They reveal an utter loathing by the public of politicians who are too weak-kneed to tackle this cancerous social problem that’s undermining society’s well-being. From P.P., “My little city of 100,000 has now become the most criminal and dangerous city in Canada in the last few years. It’s no longer the same city I loved. I plan on moving.” This sad reaction was echoed by several people who have become afraid of being in large public places. D.O. replies, “Finally someone talks about the impact of gun violence on one’s...Read More
Pain, Philosophy
Rotten Law, Rotten Politicians, Rotten Eggs
Months ago, I wrote a bracelet could be worn by those opposed to medical assistance in dying (MAID). The bracelet would protect those individuals, and the law’s restrictive, now seemingly unconstitutional, conditions could be relaxed for those who want access to MAID. I sent a letter and the column to every Member of Parliament (MP) and Senator in Canada urging a rewrite of the law. I’ve delayed writing another column on this topic so our elected and appointed leaders could respond. So what happened? First, there was an avalanche of mail from readers in response to my initial column. From JR – It’s a brilliant solution to a difficult problem. Congratulations for your efforts to ensure human rights for all. SW says – Your...Read More
Philosophy
The Rule of Law Could End Mass Shootings
Campaigning politicians in Canada and the U.S. are arguing for stricter gun laws to address the epidemic of gun deaths. I predict they will fail. Why? Because politicians consistently demonstrate they have not read history or studied psychology. Furthermore, it’s been my experience they do not have the intestinal fortitude to pass justifiable, tough-on-crime laws. I believe this issue is no longer just an issue of security, crime and punishment. Due to all its ramifications for our bodily, mental and societal well-being, I believe it has become a health issue. California has the most restrictive gun laws in the U.S., but they are clearly not tough enough. California suffers the most mass shootings in the country. When penalties are not severe, these...Read More
Gynecology, Philosophy
I Swore I’d Never Write About This Again
Abortion became legal in Canada in 1969. I faced a dilemma. I had written a book titled, “On Being A Woman: The Woman’s Guide to Gynecology”. It supported a woman’s right to control her own body, including the right to abortion. So I had two choices when doctors started referring patients to me for this procedure. I could change my mind about abortion to avoid censure. Or I could follow my own conscience. Thus, legal abortions became a part of my surgical practice. I entered what I described in my biography the "Bastille years" of my life. They were difficult times. If I were a woman, I’d be mad as hell now, considering what is happening in the U.S. Several states...Read More
Philosophy
Let The Bracelet Decide This Dilemma
This week’s column is a friendly challenge to doctors, members of parliament, senators, lawyers, and readers. The challenge is to inform me why a simple approach to medical assistance in dying (MAID) would not be fair to all Canadians and also apply to those in the U.S. The solution is, “Let the bracelet decide.” In June, 2016, the Canadian parliament passed a law that allowed medical assistance in dying. But the law had major flaws. For instance, if an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia, he or she is not allowed to sign an ‘Advanced Directive” while the patient is still mentally competent. In effect, a document stating that they want life ended when their brain is...Read More
Philosophy
A Seeing-Eye Dog Wins First W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Humanity
Readers may ask why I chose to award a Service Dog the first W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Humanity. And wonder why human achievement was ignored. There were plenty of reasons and it required only moments for me to choose a seeing-eye dog. It’s been aptly said that “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself!” Harry S. Truman, former President of the U.S., an astute observer of the political scene in Washington, once remarked, “If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog.” Truman knew a dog would provide unconditional love regardless of what happened during his Presidency. The prize winner, Ulysses, will devote his entire life to the welfare of one person with...Read More
Philosophy
Why a W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Service to Humanity?
For 44 years I’ve been writing this medical column. It’s been a privilege, but also a huge responsibility. Now, in my 95th year, my time on this planet is limited. Consequently, I’d like to establish The W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Humanity to honour somebody or something that personifies the importance of common sense, a healthy lifestyle and innovative medical thinking that I have been preaching for years. Years ago I wrote that “The problems of society are caused by supposedly intelligent people who are largely fools.” I haven’t changed my mind as it’s the lack of good sense and faulty lifestyle that are the root cause of many of today’s medical and societal problems. To emphasize this point I proposed that we could...Read More
Miscellaneous, Philosophy
When All This Doesn’t Happen, We’re All Dead
What did I learn at my 68th medical reunion at the Harvard Medical School (HMS)? I learned, from an article written by Stephanie Dutchen, that my brilliant classmate, Melvin Glimcher, physician, engineer and professor, had created the myoelectric elbow. Dubbed “the Boston Arm”, this device is a godsend to upper arm amputees. But I learned that such a great medical achievement, and others, might be allowed to vanish in a split second. And that it’s time for the medical profession to speak up to prevent nuclear disaster. An article authored by Jake Miller, a science writer in the HMS Office of Communications and External Relations, and published in Harvard Medicine, shows how complacent we’ve become about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear...Read More
Alternate Treatments, Pain, Philosophy
Sudan, Will Humans Ever Learn?
What a sad, thought-provoking photo, published in the Globe and Mail newspaper. It shows Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, unable to stand. You can see the terrible frustration and pain on his face. Veterinarians, at the Pejeta Kenyan Conservancy, decided that since there was no quality of life left for Sudan, only unsolvable pain, the best treatment was a lethal injection. It’s ironic that veterinarians are so compassionate about the end of life for dying animals. Yet some physicians, who often see the agony of human death, can be so lacking in compassion, and are outright cruel. We could ask why ending Sudan’s life did not trigger the usual cries that only God can decide this issue. Or argue that...Read More
Philosophy
Needed: A Taxi Driver, Garbage Collector and Veterinarian
I wrote years ago, “The problems of society are caused by supposedly intelligent people who are largely fools.” It’s worth repeating due to what has happened to Canada’s new law, Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that “Anyone with a grievous and irremediable condition should have the right to (MAID)”. It did not say that death need be imminent, nor did it exclude mature minors, nor those with mental illness or dementia. So what’s happened now? And how can you help? Trudeau’s government, after months of delay, has asked The Council of Canadian Academics to review these three contentious issues. The Council then appointed 43 people for this task. My God! 43 people? For such a...Read More
Philosophy
It’s Madness Not to Have a Living Will, Legal or Not
"It was the best of times and the worst of times." This is the first sentence in Dicken’s book, "A Tale of Two Cities" about the French revolution. The same could be said today. Never has there been a greater exodus of people escaping wars and poverty. And never before has there been a greater need for an updated Living Will, whether you live in Canada or the U.S. One that pulls no punches on how we wish to end our lives. I have a personal interest in this column. Consequently, it’s a hard one to write, as no one wants to discuss their demise. But as a physician in my 93rd year I have no delusions about my mortality. So...Read More
Alternate Treatments, Medicine, Philosophy
Medical Care Main Cause of Death
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, may be rolling over in his grave. Why? He preached “First, do no harm.” I recently read a report in the Journal of Molecular Medicine called Death by Medicine. It’s the most damning medical report card ever issued. It claims huge numbers of patients are being injured and killed by conventional medicine. There’s also a big surprise there. A huge, meticulous study concluded that every year in the U.S conventional medicine kills 800,000 patients. Compare this figure to 700,000 that die of heart disease and 500,000 from cancer. The report claims that 7.5 million medical and surgical procedures are unnecessary. Another 8.9 million patients are admitted needlessly to hospital and 2.2 million patients suffer adverse reactions to...Read More
Philosophy
Do Not Take Liberties with the Gods
What could solve many of the world’s problems this holiday season? There’s no more sage advice than the words, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Yet time and again, the very opposite happens day after day in medicine, politics and unfortunately, even religion. I wonder what the Gods are thinking when they survey the world today? Confucius wrote in the Book of Rites in 500 B.C, “Do not take liberties with the Gods or weary them.” Today, we certainly must be pushing our limits of both. This year, people of all religions will celebrate their holy days at shrines around the world. TV will promote a message of love to millions. But the Gods must surely be...Read More
Philosophy
There’s A Sucker Born Every Minute
It’s been said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” I often think of this remark while watching TV medical commercials, the ones that promote drugs to treat common ailments, then show pictures of someone riding a horse, climbing a hill or hugging their partner. But then the commercial adds, “See your doctor if you notice a rash, skin sores, sudden pain, dizziness, abdominal bloating, fever, chills or coughing up blood. Drug X can be associated with changes in blood pressure, nausea, visual problems, numbness of legs, an increased risk of blood clots and cancer.” The list of hazards continues as long as your arm. My question? Why would any reasonable human consider taking the risks of this medication unless they’re taking their...Read More
Philosophy
Living Will: Make It a Legal Document
“Eureka!” Finally, in 2015, The Supreme Court of Canada has decided unanimously, what it should have passed years ago. It’s declared that doctor- assisted voluntary euthanasia (DAVE) isn’t an illegal act. But this ruling is already facing opposition from a variety of sources. The perfect solution is to make The Living Will a truly legal document that cannot be contested. It’s been said that war is too dangerous to be left to generals. In this case, the court’s decision is too important to be left to the whims of provincial politicians who have one year to draft new legislation. First, in the interest of humanity, politicians federal and provincial, should quickly draft legislation allowing those who are currently terminally ill to have...Read More
Philosophy
Six Things to Know About a Living Will
"Why should I have a Living Will?" a skeptical patient recently asked. I replied, "Because no one in this world will care as much about how you die as you will." So don't say "no" to a Living Will because of unfounded myths, such as the following. One "If I sign a Living Will it allows doctors to pull the plug and end my life!" In fact, the very opposite is true. North American doctors today spend much of their time worrying about lawyers when treating all medical dilemmas. But when faced with the decision of whether or not to terminate a life, they avoid it like the plague. They worry that any move to end a life may result in legal...Read More
Philosophy
Reader Response to Sterilization Of Mothers Who Have FAS Children
I recently posed this question, "Should women who repeatedly deliver fetal alcoholic syndrome (FAS) brain damaged babies be sterilized.? I received a ton of e-mails and readers requested a follow-up column. From Lethbridge, "What a tough topic to tackle. While human rights are important law makers have gone to the extreme allowing this injustice to continue. Thanks for raising awareness and brave enough to tell it like it is." ED in Sault Ste Marie says, "Totally agree, but it will be tough to legislate. Trudeau was only half right when he drafted the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He should have added Responsibility." From Windsor, "It's hard to read your abusive column. Last year the Canadian Psychiatric Association had a campaign targeting the...Read More
Genitourinary, Philosophy, Women's Health
Should Women Who Deliver Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Children Be Sterilized?
Destroying yourself with alcohol is one thing. Destroying an innocent fetus by excessive use of alcohol is maternal madness. Yet every year alcohol-riddled babies are born in this country suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation and birth defects in North America. In 1976 the Journal of the American Medical Association reported a study of 41 infants born with FAS, having both physical and mental defects. Since that time studies show that nine in every 1,000 babies born in this country have some form of FAS. One in three will have the severe form with wide-set eyes, thin upper lips, low birth weight and small head circumference. We now know that FAS occurs in about...Read More
Neurology, Philosophy
What if I Get Alzheimer’s Disease?
Is it possible to suffer a worse tragedy? Lately I've had first-hand experience witnessing a friend struck by Alzheimer's Disease. A frightful malady, it's progress is as sure as night follows day. My friend has entered a mental state where he no longer knows me. Day after day he stares at blank walls, is incontinent of urine and feces. Since there's no cure for this disease, which has been labelled the "Grey Tsunami", it has huge implications for both families and our healt0h care system. Getting older is, of course, dangerous. Every 70 seconds a new case of Alzheimer's Disease is diagnosed in North America. T0his means that one in 11 seniors will develop this disease. Currently 5.3 Americans and 500,000...Read More
Philosophy
It’s Great Science, But All the More Need For a Living Will
It's said that "a picture is worth a thousand words". And the one that I recently saw in The Medical Post is one that's hard to forget. The picture shows a man totally paralyzed due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. To me, it illustrates the best and worst of science. Lou Gehrig's Disease is a frightful malady. It's an inch-by-inch slow paralysis that gradually and insidiously spreads throughout the entire body. The final phase is total paralysis, but with a normally functioning brain. Patients are literally "locked in" inside their bodies. At the end, patients drown in their own mucus. It must be as close to hell as one can imagine. So why is its treatment...Read More
Philosophy
Reader Reaction : Debbie’s Death and Euthanasia
Several weeks ago I wrote that Debbie, the world's oldest polar bear, had suffered a number of strokes. Her zoo keepers in Winnipeg decided she had suffered enough and painlessly ended her life. I also mentioned a good friend who, unlike Debbie, had endured an agonizing death. And I asked readers whether we needed a Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Humans (SPCH). I've spent hours reading the huge response, surprised by the reaction. H.F. wrote, "Thanks for your wonderful column that appeared in the Windsor Star. Yes, Yes, Yes, it's my prayer you will receive overwhelming support for it and that the law changes by the time I see the grim reaper. From The Winnipeg Free Press JY said, "My...Read More
Philosophy
A Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Humans
Who was Debbie? If you missed her death notice, she was the world's oldest polar bear at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo who died at 41 years of age. Due to a number of strokes, zookeepers decided she had suffered enough and painlessly ended her life. But unlike polar bears, a friend of mine recently experienced an agonizing death which has prompted this column. I've often written that if I were allowed a committee to oversee my final hours I'd want a veterinarian to be part of that group. I'm hoping he or she would treat me the same way as Debbie, or a loving pet. Critics of active euthanasia say that allowing a lethal injection for those who only have days or...Read More
