Medical Notes Medicine & Health Pages
New Hope For Multiple Sclerosis Patients
By Dr. Gifford Jones
Why is it that the farther away you live from the equator the greater the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? This nervous system disease is surrounded by many uncertainties. But I learned at the 17th World Congress of Neurology in London, England, that at least one question surrounding treatment of the disease is resolved. A drug “Rebif” has proven that higher, more frequent doses of medication yield better results than lower less frequent dosing.
Aspirin A New Approach To Treating MigraineBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Have you ever heard of The London Migraine Clinic? I hadn’t until a recent trip to England. What I discovered is that many migraine sufferers can be helped just by taking Aspirin. In fact, you may not need any other medication if you use this common and effective pain killer the right way.
A patient once described to Oliver Sachs, a British physician, how she was affected by a migraine attack.
Collagen Producing Peptides For Wrinkled SkinBy Dr. Gifford Jones
What made Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, so attractive? Certainly being born beautiful wasn’t a hindrance for her seduction of Mark Anthony. But apart from having genetics on her side she knew that natural beauty could be preserved and augmented by the application of healthy emollients. Both Cleopatra and Poppea, wife of the Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey-and-milk lotion to keep them looking youthful. But what would Cleopatra and Poppea have done to get their hands on a new potion proven to reduce wrinkles up to 78 percent?
Huge Response To Conjoined Twins ColumnBy Dr. Gifford Jones
“I’ve never written before about a newspaper column, but I’m compelled to do so this time”. This was the general response following my recent column questioning the birth of conjoined twins. These replies speak for themselves.
“As a Christian it is wrong to end life. You do not know that these children are doomed. They may find peace, a bonding and friendship like no others. Your opinion on the rights of women and life in general frighten me.” Brandi Polatty.
A Story of One Disaster After AnotherBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Several weeks ago I wrote about needless, dangerous, delays due to flaws in our health care system that resulted in surgery after an appendix had ruptured. Since then I’ve received numerous letters from readers reporting similar happenings. This unbelievable story is a tribute to small town doctors, the backbone of our profession, who receive so little attention. How one helped to save the life of a desperately ill patient against great odds.
Charlie Godden, a 60 year old dairy farmer from Campbellford, Ontario suffered third degree burns to one third of his body, a life-threatening condition.
The Many Tragedies of Conjoined TwinsBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Six months ago Tatiana and Krista Hogan-Simms entered this world in British Columbia as conjoined twins. Now they and their parents have become international celebrities appearing on major television shows. In the press the conjoined twins are described as “little angels”. But every time I see their pictures I wonder why anyone would allow this cruelty to happen. Do any readers agree with me?
The tragedy of conjoined twins occurs in the early stages of pregnancy when the fertilized egg fails to divide completely. Few such tragic newborns live long enough to be considered for surgery.
The Dog Is Not For SaleBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Why do I carry dog biscuits to work? I admit they’re healthier than the occasional hamburger I have for lunch! But the biscuits are for a magnificent German Shepherd dog. He’s always with his master, one of the many homeless people begging for money on the streets of Toronto. But why the dog, when his master is unable to feed himself?
Several studies attest to the healing power of pets. A 45 year old quadriplegic who uses a mouth stick to operate a computer often drops it. Her problem is solved by a Capuchin monkey who retrieves the stick for her. The monkey also brings her magazines, opens refrigerator doors, puts cassettes on the CD and while perched on the arm of a wheelchair, combs her hair. Now she is never alone.
Course “101”: Treating and Preventing ColdsBy Dr. Gifford Jones
“How do you treat a cold?” Sir William Osler was once asked by a colleague. He was one of this country’s greatest physicians. “I tell them to go to bed, hang their hat on the bedpost, start drinking whiskey and stop when they see two hats”, he replied. This facetious remark had some merit years ago. But today there’s less chance of a hangover and greater chance of relief if you use a more modern therapy.
It’s hard to escape the cold virus. Consider the number of times a friend blew his nose, then had no hesitation in shaking your hand. Every day we also touch door handles, telephones and other objects infected with the virus. And studies show the virus is alive and well 24 hours after an infected person has left a hotel room.
What You Should Know About “Holy Smoke”By Dr. Gifford Jones
This holiday season millions of people around the world will be going to church. And many will be lighting candles and offering prayers to the Almighty. But how healthy is holy smoke? And how hazardous is the Christmas tree? We’re all cautioned to take special care it doesn’t catch on fire. But I wonder how many readers have heard about “Evergreen tree abscess”?
Dr. Jim McDaid, an Irish family doctor and Minister of State, has raised a holy stink about holy candles. He warned that burning incense in churches could be harmful to altar boys and girls who help Roman Catholic priests celebrate mass.
What’s Your Grade? A or an F?By Dr. Gifford Jones
What have you learned from this column during the past year? I hope I’ve been a good teacher and you pass this test with at least 50 percent of the questions right. But don’t get depressed if you flunk the test. I’m not going to tell anyone! And it may even help you when playing Trivial Pursuit.
1. Men who don’t shave daily enjoy less sex and are more likely to suffer a stroke and heart attack.
Think Twice Before Arranging a Surprise PartyBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Are you considering a surprise party for a loved one or an old friend? It’s normally a generous thought and an enjoyable gathering. But a report in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that sudden surprises can have unexpected consequences.
There’s a scene that happens many times a day in this country. A patient arrives at the hospital emergency in acute distress. He’s complaining of constricting chest pain and shortness of breath. Suspected diagnosis is an acute coronary attack. But doctor’s jumping quickly to this conclusion can be wrong.
The Lord Said, “Let There Be Light”By Dr. Gifford Jones
I recently addrssed the 4th International Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) Conference in Toronto. I planned to talk about the life of a syndicated medical journalist, how it had changed my life, and leave. Fortunately, I stayed and heard international experts discuss this type of light therapy.
The majority of patients treated with LILT are suffering from arthritis, back, hip and knee pain that has failed to respond to other types of treatment. But I was surprised to hear of the variety of other problems helped by this therapy.
We’re Crazy, Not The South AmericansBy Dr. Gifford Jones
Have you ever had the desire to cry out, “The hell with it. I’m tired and I don’t give a tinker’s damn what the boss thinks. I’m closing the door and taking a nap.” In our North American society what we want to do, and can do, without getting fired, are two different things. But is it time for employers to agree that South Americans are not crazy for shutting their doors and having an afternoon siesta?
Dr. Scott Campbell, a sleep expert at Weill Medical College, in White Plains N.Y., says “napping is a healthy habit if your schedule permits it. I don’t see why you would try to overcome what your body is trying to tell you”. I’d agree, but it’s safer if the boss is on holiday.
Cocaine in Water? I Prefer Wine!By Dr. Gifford Jones
Going camping in Newfoundland in August? If so, don’t paint your toenails with bright blue, blueberry-scented nail polish. A report in The Medical Post shows this can be hazardous to your health. According to the Post, a young woman, while camping, was attacked by a mouse. The mouse bit her toe, refused to let go, and was finally killed with a broom. But what provoked the attack?
In late August Newfoundland is rife with blueberries which constitute a large portion of a mouse’s diet. The mouse, apparently spotting the toe sticking out of a blanket, smelled the scent, and sank it’s teeth into what it thought was a juicy blueberry.
Less sex Dangerous? And How Safe is The Communion Cup?By Dr. Gifford Jones
“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.
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