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Yearly Archives: 2000
Irregular Heart Rhythm
What is atrial fibrillation? Why does one get it? How can it be prevented? Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart rhythm is irregular. Normally, the heart beats on an average 72 times a minute and has a … Continue reading
Gambling
Sometime ago, video lottery terminals (VLT) were in the news. People in general expected VLTs and all types of gambling to disappear. Did this happen? No. In fact, Canada experienced a dramatic increase in legalized gambling in the 1990s, primarily … Continue reading
Religion and Illness
Should physicians prescribe religious activities to treat medical ailments just like they prescribe antibiotics? Why not! In an era of complementary medicine and alternative therapies, why not add religious activities to a long list of non-traditional therapies? But the … Continue reading
Stuttering
Dear Dr. B: Can you please tell me about stuttering? Why do people stutter and can it be cured? Yours, Mr. H. Dear Mr. H: According to Websters dictionary, to stutter means to speak or utter with spasmodic repetition as … Continue reading
Summer Heat
The heat is on! The air conditioners are going crazy! And the people are asking: Hot enough for you? Many of us have been waiting for this kind of weather. But is it healthy? Is it safe? Some of you … Continue reading
Smoking
In 1999, many sports writers declared Tiger Woods athlete of the year. Unfortunately, his father, Earl Woods, is battling heart disease and cancer. Tiger Woods does not smoke. But his father continues to smoke inspite of ill health. A father, … Continue reading
Colon Cancer
Dear Dr. B: I have a strong family history of colon cancer. I would like a blood test done every year for early detection of colon cancer. What about CEA blood test that colon cancer patients get so frequently? Why … Continue reading
Prostate Cancer
Dear Dr. B: What is PSA? I believe this a blood test to check for prostate cancer. If this is true then why is my family doctor reluctant to order one for me? Can you please tell me more about … Continue reading
Father's Day
Recently, my neighbour died. It was unexpected. We were shocked. When I gave the tragic news to my son, his first reaction was: Dad, what will we do without Mr. Link? On this Fathers day, my thoughts are with Waldemar … Continue reading
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Physician Errors
What is the difference between god and a doctor? God does not think he is a doctor! You have heard this joke before. But it is not funny when you are a patient and your doctor thinks he is god, … Continue reading
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Teenage Smoking
Why do teenagers smoke? Is it because it is cool to smoke? Is it because the idols of many teenagers – movie actors and actresses – smoke on screen? These are the questions asked in an editorial in the Annals … Continue reading
Heart Disease
Recent newspaper headline says that heart and blood vessel disease kills more women than breast cancer. Are you surprised? Well, you shouldnt be! We know that heart and blood vessel (cardio-vascular) disease is a number one killer of all adults, … Continue reading
Pilonidal Cyst
Dear Dr. B: My son is 18. About a year ago he had surgery for pilonidal disease in the tailbone area. The wound got infected and has not healed. The wound continues to drain bloody discharge. My son finds it … Continue reading
My Mother, Sikina
Allow me to tell you a story of a very special, tough and courageous 84-year-old lady. Her name is Sikina. She recently spent five weeks in Foothills Hospital for removal of a 6-cm. benign brain tumour. The tumour had left … Continue reading