Psychiatry
Drugging Children, A Cruel Sign of The Times
Would I allow Ritalin or other similar drugs to be prescribed to my children because they fidgeted, squirmed in their seat or were inattentive? Hell would freeze over a thousand times before I'd submit to such idiocy. But today an estimated five million Canadian and U.S. children are prescribed medication for this condition. This year, a committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that a "black box" warning should be placed on ADHD medications, warning about heart attack and other risks. It's the strongest warning possible before a drug is removed from the market. A second advisory panel disagreed so no decision has been reached. Why the need for a black box warning? It depends on who is giving...Read More
Miscellaneous
Low Intensity Laser Therapy – It Was a Pain From Hell
Have you ever had to crawl on your hands and knees because of severe back pain? It's not a dignified position. But it recently happened to me. What caused this problem and how did I finally get relief? We all love our mothers and I dearly loved mine. But unfortunately she had scoliosis of the spine and passed this genetic problem along to me. Then in my final year at The Harvard Medical School I awakened one morning with the worst headache of my life. A lumbar puncture revealed poliomyelitis. Scoliosis and poliomyelitis is not a good combination to maintain a healthy spine. As a result over the years I've suffered from occasional attacks of sciatica, usually appearing for no apparent reason. But...Read More
Orthopedics, Pain, Sports
It Was A Pain From Hell
Have you ever had to crawl on your hands and knees because of severe back pain? It's not a dignified position. But it recently happened to me. What caused this problem and how did I finally get relief? We all love our mothers and I dearly loved mine. But unfortunately she had scoliosis of the spine and passed this genetic problem along to me. Then in my final year at The Harvard Medical School I awakened one morning with the worst headache of my life. A lumbar puncture revealed poliomyelitis. Scoliosis and poliomyelitis is not a good combination to maintain a healthy spine. As a result over the years I've suffered from occasional attacks of sciatica, usually appearing for no apparent reason. But...Read More
Genitourinary, Gynecology
Diapers Are Not Just For Babies – Urinary Incontinence
"We know where you're going!", is not a phrase that women want to hear. But due to an aging population increasing numbers of women are rushing to the bathroom. Some are suffering from urinary infection or an overactive bladder. But increasing numbers of women need frequent changes of diapers due to urinary stress incontinence. Unfortunately, many women with this problem are too embarrassed to seek help. But there are ways to help relieve patients of this annoying disorder. Urinary stress incontinence occurs when the pressure inside the bladder exceeds the pressure in the urethra, the small tube that conveys urine to the outside. The first symptom is urine leakage on occasions of stress such as coughing, sneezing, sitting down or jogging....Read More
Alcohol
Cabernet Sauvignon To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
What can you do to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD)? It's a question that has eluded scientists for years. Some researchers believe that Alzheimers is due to an excessive amount of aluminum in the brain and we should try to decrease its intake. But would a glass of Sauvignon each day stop the cerebral ravage of this disease? A study directed by Dr. Jun Wang and his colleagues was reported recently in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. And it may help to put a cork on what's causing Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Wang, a psychiatrist at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, studied female mice with genes that order the production of amyloid-beta protein. This protein...Read More
Nutrition
Thank God For Prince Edward Island Potatoes
Hell will freeze over before I stop eating Prince Edward Island potatoes. I admit I love, love potatoes. Any kind, any way! But this isn't just an irrational addiction on my part. Rather the lowly and much maligned potato has great nutritional value. Some of my patients say they avoid them like the plague. It's all because of the past hulabaloo about the so-called virtues of a "low-carb" diet. Since potatoes were imported to Europe from Central and South America several hundred years ago they've provided safe and cheap nutrition for millions of people. But what a difference a few centuries make. Self-promoting hucksters, whose primary interest is to sell books, have tried to fool people about "low-carb" and potatoes. It's interesting...Read More
Orthopedics
A Doubled-Barreled Treatment For Osteoporosis
Charles de Talleyrand, the noted French diplomat, once remarked to Napoleon Bonaparte, "Sire, worse than a crime you have committed an error." Today tens of thousands of North Americans have developed a crippling disease, osteoporosis (brittle bones). They too have committed a major error that could be prevented. Hip, spine and wrist injuries are the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis. And broken bones can strike with the speed of lightning. A forceful hug can suddenly break a rib. Picking up a heavy load of groceries or sneezing can also lead to a fractured bone. Or osteoporosis can result in chronic pain and life in a wheelchair. The figures are frightening and place a huge financial burden on our health care system....Read More
Medicine, Orthopedics
Helpless Without Epinephrine Kit – Anaphylaxis
Years ago Superman escaped from the explosion of the planet Krypton in the Superman movie. But few know that micro cinematography of an exploding human mast cell was used to depict the planet's end. Humans are not as lucky as Superman. Every year thousands of Canadians suffer anaphylactic reactions due to exploding mast cells and many die from the massive allergic eruption. Planning ahead can prevent this tragedy. This deadly reaction may result from the venom of a bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet or wasp sting. Each year more North Americans die from insect bites than poisonous snakes. Others die from an antibiotic, or after eating shellfish, eggs, soy, or milk. All told 200 foods have been implicated in causing this...Read More
Gastroenterology, Nutrition
Magnesium Keeps The Undertaker Away
A healthy 18 year old basketball player and health-conscious jogger recently left this world all of a sudden. Why? The initial diagnosis; death from coronary artery disease due to high blood cholesterol. But death eventually proved to be due to magnesium deficiency. Magnesium has never been a super star nutrient like calcium. But it's crucial in keeping the undertaker away and in fighting several common chronic diseases. So are you getting enough of this mineral? Magnesium is nature's natural antispasmodic and it's amazing this fact hasn't triggered more attention from the medical community. In 1979 Dr. J.R. Chipperfield reported in the British Journal Lancet that patients who suffered from angina often had low levels of blood magnesium and that this nutrient...Read More
Genitourinary, Gynecology, Infection, Sex
Sexually Transmitted Disease In Middle-Aged Adults
"Do you know where your children are and what they are doing?" is a question that often worries parents. Today sexually transmitted disease (STD) is on the rise in the teenage population. But what about the other side of the coin? A recent report shows that there's also good reason for teenagers to ponder, "Where are my parents tonight and what are they doing?" Studies show that STD rates, particularly chlamydia, are soaring in middle-aged adults. Dr. Colm O'Mahony is a urologist at the Countess of Chester NHS Trust in the U.K. He recently reported to the Women's Health Education and Research Society that now there is now a "second wave" of STDs occurring. The first wave is in the 16 to...Read More
Alcohol
What You Don’t Know About Sleeman Beer
In my medical column I've written for years that beer, used in moderation, provides health benefits. Many beer drinkers don't know that Sleeman beer contains no sugars, a huge benefit in fighting obesity. Beer does not contribute to heart disease as it contains no fat, cholesterol or triglycerides. Also its alcohol content increases the good cholesterol that removes cholesterol from the blood. And it greases blood platelets making them less likely to stick together, forming a fatal blood clot. And let's not forget the relaxing effect of beer on the mind. Sleeman beer contains only 25 milligrams of sodium compared with 900 milligrams in a cup of soup, and 3,270 mg in a Rueben sandwich. The greater the amount of salt consumed...Read More
Psychiatry
Depression : Not Only For Women
How much equality is there between the sexes? In recent years women have made strides in their struggle to gain equality with men. But surprisingly in one area men are getting the short end of the stick. Today the majority of people being treated for depression are women. The majority of men, however suffer silently from undiagnosed and untreated depression. Why the gender bias in this case? And how can wives and families recognize this problem and urge men to accept treatment? Dr. John S. Tamerin, a psychiatrist and a professor at Cornell Weill School of Medicine in New York City, says there are over six million men suffering from a depressive disorder in North America and the majority will never...Read More
Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat
How iPods Can Make you Rich, Rich, Rich
Anyone interested in a hot tip on how to make a lot of money without any risk? It's not my job to pass along financial advice, but in this instance I can't resist the urge. Invest in a hearing aid company, because the next generation is going deaf and they don't know it. A French proverb says, "I do not like noise unless I make it myself". This proverb must have been uttered centuries ago when someone was enjoying a glass of chardonay in a sleepy French village. Today, we're running out of quiet places to hide and escape noise. And excessive sound from MP3 players such as the iPod is a gift from Heaven for those selling hearing aids. Today iPods...Read More
Cardiovascular
Simple Test Predicts Health Risk
You may have an electrocardiogram today, but it's no guarantee you won't drop dead tomorrow. Today, in an increasingly complex electronic world, we can have a barrage of sophisticated tests done in an hour or so. But they do not ensure you will live out the day. So why not follow the rule, "keep it simple stupid" (kiss). A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reports a simple prognostic gem that helps to predict the risk of death. Dr. Michael S. Lauer, Director of Clinical Research at The Cleveland Clinic, says the heart's recovery rate is the important factor in assessing mortality. The key factor is how quickly the heart rate returns to normal following exertion. In this study...Read More
Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat
Socioacusis – The Case Speaks for Itself Against the ACC
Centuries ago, Diogenes Laertius wrote, "We have two ears and one tongue in order that we may hear more and speak less." Now an increasing number of people are having difficulty hearing more with either ear. Noise induced hearing loss (socioacusis) is primarily due to constant and excessive noise. And since it appears anyone can sue for anything these days why doesn't somebody start a class action suit against Toronto's Air Canada Centre (ACC). It's a prime example of needless, senseless and harmful noise. Today, according to the National Institutes of Health, one in three North Americans over age 60 has hearing loss. And the problem often starts during student days.The enjoyment of bread and wine along a French country road...Read More
Surgery
Is It Losing an Ear or Using Bloodsuckers?
It was August 16, 1985 and a horrendous way to start the day. Guy Condelli, a five year old boy in Medford, Massachusetts had his right ear bitten off by a dog. Dr. Joseph Upton, a reconstructive surgeon at Children's Hospital, Boston, reattached the ear during a tedious 12 hour operation. But three days later an ominous sign of impending disaster appeared. The ear had turned blue-black due to venous congestion. Blood thinners and lancing failed to restore normal blood supply. In desperation Upton telephoned Biopharm, an English company. It sent 30 leeches by air to Boston. These blood suckers were attached to the boy's swollen ear. Within minutes venous congestion diminished and normal circulation restored. The ear turned a healthy pink....Read More
Infection
Should You Sack a Doctor Who Wears a Necktie?
What happens when researchers show patients photos of doctors? Some show physicians dressed casually in open neck shirts. Others in sneakers and jeans. Still others with neckties and wearing a white coat. Then patients were asked, "Which doctor would you prefer?" The experiment showed that time and again patients chose the doctor with the tie and white coat. But is this the right choice? Researchers at New York Medical Center of Queens recently reported these interesting findings about neckties at the meeting of the American Society of Microbiology. The authors of the study revealed that although wearing a necktie and white coat provides patient confidence, it also carries a risk. To prove their point they tested the neckties worn by 42 male...Read More
Surgery
What’s The Best Day To Have Surgery?
Can you remain healthy during a hospital stay? It's not as easy as you think. This column is not intended to make you run for the woods, rather than seeking medical attention. But by being a well-informed patient you can decrease the risk of falling into hospital traps. Hospital statistics make your hair stand on end. Consumer Reports on Health states that in 1999 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) claimed that in the U.S. errors by hospital staff resulted in 100,000 deaths. In addition, 500,000 more patients were injured in hospital. Another study in 2004 of 37 million Medicare patients in the U.S claimed that hospital errors killed and hurt twice as many as found in the IOM report. Today contracting hospital...Read More
Lifestyle
Do Doctors Practice What They Preach?
How good are you at following a healthy lifestyle? This week you can compare how you rate with the faculty of The Harvard Medical School that has 15,329 faculty. Equally important, are they paragons of virtue, practicing what they preach? The faculty receives top marks for following a good diet. 82 per cent eat breakfast and study after study shows a healthy breakfast is the best way to start the day. And large numbers eat at least three servings of fruits and vegetables most days. The majority of these doctors also turn a cold shoulder to fast food restaurants. 59 percent rarely go to one and 29 per cent never darken their doors. The rest go to a fast food restaurant one...Read More
Medicine
Five Minute Wait Decreases Risk of Lead Poisoning
Civil wars and corruption helped to bring down the Roman Empire. But how much was due to mad emperors? Some authorities suspect that their brains had been so poisoned by lead that they could no longer govern wisely. Romans used cheap, easy to use lead pipes for their plumbing and wine processing. Some Romans even sprinkled lead on their food! Today lead still poses problems, but being patient when thirsty can decrease the risk. Lead is one of the deadliest of all pollutants. The good news is we've removed lead from gasoline, canned goods, paints and we no longer use lead pipes in our homes. But here's the bad news. If you're older than 45 you accumulated a lot of lead in...Read More
Surgery
Hernias – If it’s Partly Broken Should You Fix It?
Do you want to have a body free of imperfections? In an ideal world we would all say "Yes". But how important is it to be perfect?" A recent report shows that in some surgical operations it's prudent to live with a slight imperfection. Several months ago I watched one hernia after another being repaired at Shouldice Hospital in Toronto. This clinic has developed an international reputation for doing one thing very well. It's the old story that practice makes perfect whether you're a surgeon or a plumber. During the visit Dr. Casim Degani and his colleague Dr. Michael Alexander told me about a six million dollar study being conducted to determine if all hernias need to be repaired. This report, just...Read More
Medicine, Nutrition
How Much Water, Potassium and Salt Do We Need?
W.C. Fields the comedian joked, "No use for water, waters for flowing under bridges". Like Fields I've never enjoyed water unless it's with an occasional scotch. But for years authorities have said we must drink eight glasses of water daily to stay healthy. So who is right? And how much sodium and potassium do we need each day? The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recently convened a meeting of distinguished scientists. They concluded it's a myth that we need eight glasses of water a day. Rather, all fluids must be included in calculating water intake. Fields, noted for his large, red nose would be ecstatic to hear this news. Another of his one-liners, "A woman drove me to drink and...Read More
Nutrition
An Uncensored Hot Dog: What Does It Look Like?
"How much do our kids know about sex?" is a question parents often ponder. But how many ask, "What do our children know about food?" A study conducted by the British Heart Foundation shows it's appallingly little. And the Foundation is using a shocking approach to change this situation. The Heart Foundation Study revealed that 40 per cent of eight-to-14 year olds did not know that French fries were made from potatoes! One in 10 believed they were made from oil, eggs, flour or apples. And 33 per cent were unaware that cheese was made from milk. I recall a survey carried out in New York City that children thought milk came from the corner store! To correct these misconceptions The Heart...Read More
Miscellaneous
Less Sex Dangerous? And How Safe is The Communion Cup?
"Why bother shaving today when I'm not going anywhere?" I thought. But I suddenly changed my mind. Dr. Shah Ebrahim, at the University of Bristol in England, reports that men who don't shave daily enjoy less sex and are more likely to suffer stroke and heart attack. It seemed to me that shaving is a small price to pay for increased amour and keeping alive! Ebrahim says men who shave less often are less likely to marry, smoke more, less likely to have an orgasm, are blue-collar workers and have a less healthy life style. It's been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. But it also has an effect on beard growth. Dr. Ebrahim reports that a man in a...Read More
Cardiovascular
2006, Make It The Belly Year
What's your waist measurement? I'd bet you don't know. So let's start 2006 by putting a bit of old-fashioned horse sense back into medicine. As has been aptly said, "keep it simple, stupid (KISS). Moreover, this approach could save your life. Neither doctors nor patients take the belly seriously. They forget that not all fat is created equal. As with real estate, location, location, location makes you healthy or wealthy. So if it's increasingly difficult to see your feet, it's time to get serious about your waistline. Dr.Salim Yusuf, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, says the best indicator of heart attack is waist-to-hip ratio(WHR). The best measurement is one in which the waist is smaller than hips. This makes you pear-shaped....Read More
