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Category Archives: Medicine Hat News
Hold Your Nose – Fecal Transplant Works
In my last article, I mentioned stool (fecal) transplant being an option in the management of intractable C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Your reaction must have been, “Yuck!” “It’s a nasty topic to discuss but fecal transplants work – and I … Continue reading
C. difficile-Associated Diarrhea In Pregnancy – A Complex Clinical Challenge
Photograph shows colon acutely inflamed – red, swollen with white patches of psuedo membranes. An extreme case of C.difficile colitis – also known as pseudomembranous colitis. In 1935, Hall and O’Toole first isolated a bacterium from the stool of healthy … Continue reading
Surgery Is An Option For Individuals With Intractable Heartburn
Heartburn afflicts nearly two thirds of adults at some point in their lives, and accounts for millions of physician office visits every year. That adds up to a lot of tax dollars. Last week we discussed the various aspects of … Continue reading
Medical Treatment of Heartburn is Not Always Satisfactory
In the last column, we discussed the long term consequences of untreated heartburn. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But, you may ask, “Doctor, is there a satisfactory medical treatment for this problem?” There are three main goals to … Continue reading
What are the Long Term Consequences of Untreated Heartburn?
A case of hiatus hernia with severe reflux esophagitis – inflammation and ulcerations. Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). That means there is reflux of acid and bile from the stomach and duodenum into the esophagus. This … Continue reading
Antigua – A Beautiful Island with 365 Beaches
Beautiful sunrise. One of the many sports you can enjoy. A beautiful view of the palm tree beach and the ocean. The famous Half Moon Bay. From left to right: Hussein, Alia, Sabiya and Noorali Bharwani. Shirley Heights sunset. I … Continue reading
Research Shows Laughter and Music Good for Your Heart
In 2009, for the first time, research showed that there is some truth in the good old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” But anger and stress, hmm… not so good. Laughter, along with an active sense of humour, may … Continue reading
A New Blood Thinner to Prevent Stroke
It was only a year ago, I wrote about a new blood thinner (dabigatran) to prevent stroke in patients with irregular heart rhythm. Now we have a second drug (rivaroxaban) for the same indication. This is good news for patients … Continue reading
Did You Get The Right Toilet Training?
When I hear about toilet training, I wonder if I got the “right” toilet training when I was growing up in a small town in Tanzania. My parents did not have the books which modern mothers have to guide them. … Continue reading
Female Hysteria and Invention of a First Electric Vibrator
“Did you know the vibrator was the fifth domestic appliance to be electrified, after the sewing machine, fan, tea kettle and toaster? It also was invented about a decade before the vacuum cleaner and electric iron. Interesting right?” asks Brad … Continue reading
I am no fan of Daylight Saving Time
As a person who believes in getting enough sleep each night, I find Daylight Saving Time (DST) a nuisance. This disturbs my sleep rhythm for the next several months. Then I have to change the clocks again. If I don’t … Continue reading
Alhambra – an Arabian Palace in Granada, Spain
Alhambra Entrance Alhambra by Day Alhambra by Night Alhambra Gardens Alhambra Interior Noorali with Alhambra and Granada in the Background View of Granada from Alhambra When you travel through Spain, you find each city has beautiful historical and cultural monuments … Continue reading
Colonoscopy – A Dreaded Test Prevents Deaths
Dr. Bharwani demonstrating the use of flexible sigmoidoscope – checks left side of the colon for average risk patient. Rightly so, the media immediately picked up the conclusions of a recent study (Colonoscopic Polypectomy and Long-Term Prevention of Colorectal-Cancer Deaths) … Continue reading
There Isn’t One Best Treatment for Sleep Apnea
There are two main goals to be achieved when it comes to treating sleep apnea. First, to establish adequate ventilation. When you stop breathing your ventilation system stops. Second, to make sure your body gets enough oxygen. There are three … Continue reading