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Yearly Archives: 1999
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus (gullet) is relatively uncommon condition. But because of its poor prognosis, it ranks among the 10 leading causes of cancer death in Canadian men 45 years of age and older Daves uncle Bill finds out about … Continue reading
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is it murder or mercy? Recent editorials in this newspaper have examined the Dutch governments proposed legislation to legalize euthanasia under tight guidelines. Euthanasia is a Greek word meaning good death. Websters encyclopedic dictionary of the English language … Continue reading
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Dr. B, what is the difference between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? asks Susan. Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where the symptoms are due to disturbance in the movement and sensation of the bowel. The … Continue reading
Alaska Holiday 2
One of the symptoms of approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that ones work is terribly important, and that to take a holiday would bring all kinds of disaster, says The Conquest of Happiness. With this in mind, Dave and … Continue reading
Alaska Holiday 1
Alaska, here I come! says Dave as he embarks on a weeks cruise with his family. This, ones in a lifetime cruise, is one way Dave and Susan can escape from the stress of modern day life. We need holidays … Continue reading
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is an enormous problem in Canada, says Dr. John S. Millar, MD, in an editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Dr. Millar is Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia. The exact cost monetary and nonmonetary- of disease, … Continue reading
Blood Transfusion
Dr. B, is blood transfusion safe? Susan, blood can never be 100 percent safe. Therefore, it is important for health care professionals to develop strategies to avoid the need for blood. But this not always possible. In Canada, approximately 600,000 … Continue reading
Abdominal Gas (Flatulence)
Doc, your column on constipation was interesting. What about bloating and flatulence? Dont you think it is a major problem for many individuals! Dave, you are absolutely right. Call it what you want flatulence, burp, belch, gaseous distention, wind, … Continue reading
Constipation
It is estimated that 50 percent of the healthy people have bowel problems. One of the most common complaints is constipation. Constipation is hard to define. To some it means stool is too hard. To others it means stool is … Continue reading
Stress
Doc, I feel stressed out. Is this hurting my health? Dave works hard. Like most of us, he performs best when he is under certain amount of stress. Dave strives for excellence in everything he does. This certainly creates stress. … Continue reading
Chest Pain
You are relaxing or doing some activity at home. Suddenly, you experience chest pain and shortness of breath. What is your immediate reaction? Dial 911 and call an ambulance? Get in your car and drive yourself to emergency department (ER)? … Continue reading
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail can make a big, burly guy wince and hobble like a wounded puppy, says Dr Don Powell, president and founder of American Institute for Preventive Medicine. Well, you wouldnt call Andrew big and burly. He is a … Continue reading
Organ Transplant
Dont take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows, we need them here. This is a slogan used by the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Recently, we had Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. This is a good way to remind people … Continue reading
Coronary Heart Disease
A good heart is better than all the heads in the world. A healthy heart is, of course, better than all the sick ones! But how many of us can claim to have a healthy heart? Not too many! Although … Continue reading