Dr. Yoni Freedhoff outlines in an article written in this month’s CMAJ how Health Canada is pushing a policy that will allow fortification of foods with vitamins and minerals without any evidence that it will improve public health. Moreover, there is a real risk of overconsumption of said additions to our food supply that [...]

Ottawa Citizen journalist Dan Gardner castigates, and rightly so, how Olympic athletes sell out to corporations for oodles of cash without any consideration for the potential harm to public health outcomes. His column can be read here.

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for February 4, 2010

 

 Stepping stone to understanding the cause of SIDS: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Source:

Chemical imbalance may explain crib death: study

Low Serotonin Eyed as Mechanism for SIDS

Reference:
Brainstem Serotonergic Deficiency in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for February 3, 2010

 

 MMR/autism paper fully retracted by the Lancet: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Comment:

This is a story that we have covered extensively over the years on Sunday House Call. An excellent synopsis can be heard in our interview with Guardian columnist Dr. Ben Goldacre here.

I hold the some of the media just as responsible as Dr. Wakefield for this fiasco by sensationalizing news, promoting fear, and misrepresenting risk to peddle their stories. They are thus complicit in this MMR hoax. To see them react with such gusto against Wakefield and his research now that this paper has been completely retracted from publication epitomizes hypocrisy. They have learned nothing from their shameless behaviour and poor science reporting.

Source:

Lancet retracts study linking vaccine to autism

Reference:

The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 2 February 2010

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for January 29, 2010

 

 Flu activity below normal levels: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Source:

Flu activity ’significantly below’ normal for January, agency says

An interview on CTV’s Canada AM on December 29, 2009.

Here are the stories.

1) Obseity surgery can reverse type 2 diabetes for some

One of the wonders of science is how an action based on initial assumptions, hypotheses and theories can lead, at times, to unexpected and indeed beneficial consequences. When these consequences have the potential to affect the lives of millions of people, the research obviously takes on added significance.

The treatment of obesity via bariatric or gastric bypass surgery does help many to lose significant weight. Many of these people have type 2 diabetes. They have been either using insulin or a combination of oral medications to control the disease. However, the earlier the disease is diagnosed in a person’s life, the more likely they will suffer the myriad of cardiovascular and kidney complications among others. They believe that diabetes is a chronic, progressive incurable disease.

According to surgeon Dr. Richard Stubbs, this belief is wrong. He hypothesizes that type 2 diabetes is a disease of the gut and has evidence to substantiate the claim. Moreover, in diabetic patients who undergo gastric bypass, their type 2 diabetes disappears, in 6 days and never returns

• Dr. Richard Stubbs, Upper GI Surgeon and Professor, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Director of the Wakefield Biomedical Research Unit at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
  

2) Nanosuturing using light to stitch a wound

I am reminded of a scene from the science fiction movie Logan’s Run where a plastic surgeon uses a laser to cut the skin, makes the cosmetic change, and then seals the wound with a laser leaving no scar. Although this seemed an impossible feat of technology at the time, real science has edged closer to it.

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital are using light to “stitch” surface wound openings back together. The process is called nanosuturing or photochemical tissue bonding.

• Dr. Irene Kochevar, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry and Dermatology at the Harvard Medical School Wellman Center for Photomedicine and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

3) Protein responsible for brain cell death after stroke

There are many branches of stroke research from prevention, emergency treatment, to rehabilitation technologies and therapies. When a person suffers a stroke, it is a race to try to minimize the death of brain cells that follow the initial damage and oxygen deprivation.

Scientists at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, located at Toronto Western Hospital part of University Health Network, have learned in laboratory-based experiments, how to prevent the death of brain cells which would normally die within a few days after the brain is deprived of oxygen (stroke).

The findings were published in the September 8, 2009 online edition in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

• Dr. Mike Tymianski, MD PhD FRCSC, Medical Director of the Neurovascular Therapeutics Program at the University Health Network. Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Physiology at University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute

4) Bacteriophages kill resistant bacterial infections

Pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria want to survive. To that end, they have complex mechanisms that will allow them, over time, to adapt and resist antibiotic treatments. The pace of new antibiotics being introduced into the market is slowing and other approaches are needed to help fighting difficult to treat infections.

A study by researchers at University College London Ear Institute to be published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology uses a virus that destroys bacteria. These viruses are called bacteriophages.

• Dr. Anthony (Tony) Wright, Emeritus Professor of Otolaryngology, UCL Ear Institute

5) The Zamboni theory on MS and the Liberation Treatment

CTV’s W5 and medical specialist Avis Favaro reported on this finding earlier this year.. This theory contends that multiple sclerosis patients suffer from blockages in the veins in their necks or the azygous vein down their spine that cause blood to reflux back into the brain and leave the deposits of iron that mark MS.

Zamboni has also found that angioplasty to open these clogged veins can lead to remissions in MS symptoms in some patients.

References and news stories
UPDATE: Healthy kids need only one dose of H1N1 vaccine
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 – update 74 – November 13, 2009
Cochrane review of vaccines and autism claim
Experts advise WHO on pandemic vaccine policies and strategies – Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 14
Ottawa Public Health H1N1 website
Public Health Agency of Canada [...]

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for December 17, 2009

 

 H1N1 may crowd out seasonal flu this year: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Source:

Swine Flu May Mean Seasonal Strain Won’t Emerge in U.S. Winter

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for December 16, 2009

 

 The third wave: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Source:

H1N1 ‘not done yet’: Canada’s top doctor

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for December 9, 2009

 

 H1N1 pandemic severity update : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Swine Flu Pandemic May Be Less Severe Than Expected

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for November 30, 2009

 

 Why the H1N1 vaccine program continues: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for November 12, 2009

 

 Hobson's choice: the H1N1 vaccine initiative: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Source: Cost of vaccinating the nation hits $1.5-billion and climbing

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for November 11, 2009

 

 Expert: Don't worry about H1N1 double doses for kids: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I just received this email forwarded to me by a chiropractic colleague and friend. He has been steamed about the misinformation and advice being broadcast to the public by certain Ottawa chiropractors.
Below, from the Ontario Chiropractic Association is their policy statement on this issue that in short states that vaccine science and recommendations are [...]

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for November 3, 2009

 

 H1N1 Still Mild in Ottawa : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for November 2, 2009

 

 Why the H1N1 vaccine program is focusing on high-risk groups first: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for October 29, 2009

 

 Debunking the thimerosal and squalene myths, again : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for October 28, 2009

 

 What to look for if your infant or child shows signs of flu: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for October 26, 2009

Answers to listeners questions.

I will be on a special two-hour listener phone in show on H1N1 to be broadcast on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 3 PM EDT on Rob Snow’s Afternoon Edition on 580 CFRA in Ottawa.

 

 H1N1 quick snappers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As the focus of attention turns to the H1N1 outbreak that is now occurring across the country, the public faces an array of information sources that will influence their opinion about vaccination.
There have been many claims and critiques about the H1N1 vaccine and it has become a springboard to envelop other vaccines and vaccination [...]

 

 Sunday House Call #287 Special Vaccine and H1N1 edition: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

With the H1N1 flu season upon us, the need to provide credible evidenced-based information to the public is an essential in order to answer questions and concerns. Dr. Isra Levy, the City of Ottawa’s Chief Medical Offer of Health and Dr. Nadine Sicard, Associate Medical Offer of Health and member of the National Advisory [...]

 

 H1N1 vaccine questions and answers Part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 H1N1 vaccine questions and answers Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 H1N1 vaccine questions and answers Part 3: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This article, written by Dr. Noni MacDonald and Dr. Francoise Baylis , answers many of the question you may have about the vaccine. I believe that credible evidenced-based information provided to the public respects what I have witnessed and experienced on my radio show; that no topic is difficult to understand if it is explained cogently and rationally. It also counters fear-mongering and misrepresentation of facts for personal gain.

Should you take the H1N1 Vaccine?

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for October 22, 2009

 

 Safety data of H1N1 vaccine: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Article:

First H1N1 clinic opens Oct. 26

Addendum: In the interview I did not have the opportunity to mention that Guillain Barré Syndrome does not occur in children.

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for October 19, 2009

 

 H1N1 adjuvant explained: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I am not a fan of how newspapers use headlines to misrepresent stories to provke unwarranted fear, and heightened risk perception. Today, the Ottawa Citizen published two stories about seasonal and H1N1 vaccine. The first story, For Guillain-Barre survivors, flu shot stirs up unwelcome memories, emblazoned on the front page has all the elements [...]

Original broadcast date: February 15, 2009

It may seem counterintuitive to some who are protecting themselves or their children from allergic reactions to foods, but researchers at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in conjunction with Duke University have determined that giving children with milk allergies increasingly higher doses of milk over time [...]

 

 Overcoming milk allergy: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The word colic is enough to jar parents’ memories of sleepless nights and hours of frustration and angst trying to soothe their newborn. This particular newborn stage has no definitive treatment, hence there are myriad home remedies and suggestions to treat it.

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen October 05, 2005
The omega-3 (linolenic) and omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acids discussed in detail last week are the focus [...]

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen September 28, 2005
Our diet has radically changed over the past century, and with it the balance between [...]

What have we learned about the cardiovascular risk of Vioxx, with so much media attention lately? Health Canada set up a 13-member expert panel to review and critique the scientific evidence for the Cox-2 painkillers Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra. The panel recommended in its July report that Merck could resubmit Vioxx for approval.

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen, August 6, 2005
Original Title: Sounds Like a Good Idea
New ultrasound technologies offer valuable diagnostic tools
The application of new technologies and research has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostic imaging, diagnosis and treatment.
My last [...]

Four exciting good-news medical stories warrant more exposure. Two of the stories report research into restoring the sight of visually impaired people. The other two stories demonstrate ultrasound technology advances to treat prostate cancer and improve medical diagnostic imaging.

With summer approaching, an understanding of summer heat upon the human body can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Although many people are aware of the effects of alcohol abuse on family and friends, missing from this equation is a child’s reaction to a parent who drinks too much.

Many diseases can alter the appearance of our fingernails and toenails. Curvature changes, discolourations, lines and pits are clues used to diagnose various conditions.

When discussing the potential side effects of drugs, risks must be viewed within a realistic context. Indeed, my last column on Ecstasy, or MDMA, and today’s on GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) and ketamine, contain information that is factually correct.

Recently, one of my patients with bipolar disorder took Ecstasy at a rave. Within 60 minutes she had collapsed on the dance floor from dehydration.

If your doctor offered the option of a blood test to determine what diseases your child will develop in their lifetime, what would you do? This option is soon to be a reality.

The thrill of the winter sojourn to warmer climes and ocean activities like scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling, among others, can lead many to overlook other notable health and safety precautions.

Watching someone we love lose their sense of self has become an all-too-common occurrence in Canada and, indeed, in many parts of the world. Even as adults, our childhood image of our parents is firmly imprinted into our minds. The piece-by-piece loss of this image is painful to witness and frightening to the afflicted.

Mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE) remains in the news, with two more cases reported in cattle this month in Alberta.

All the ingredients for a potential health calamity are present

The tsunami survivors face great health challenges. To date there have not been reports of epidemics of cholera or other infectious diseases. However, the massive aid pouring into the affected regions is designed to address the health risks that have the potential to cause further harm.

I thought it might be fun and interesting to present some of the medical stories of 2004 that did not make the front page, yet illustrate an undercurrent of fantastic potential.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, stroke accounted for 20 per cent of the 79,389 deaths from cardiovascular diseases in 1998. The Canadian statistics are indeed disconcerting, reflecting tremendous suffering and financial burdens to families and society.

What is a drug interaction? Many believe it occurs when one or more medications directly affect the effectiveness of another. But how does it happen?

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen Friday, November 12, 2004
Original Title: Infection control for dummies

Infection control can be a complicated matter, especially [...]

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen October 18, 2004
Original Title: The HN factor
New information and reports of bird flu have shifted attention to [...]

On Oct. 3, I reviewed why hyperpigmentation (dark skin spots) occurs, as well as some of the common causes and conditions. But it does not end there. Indeed, there are more skin conditions that raise many questions from concerned patients.

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen October 3, 2004
Original title: Out, Out Damn Spot: Part 1

The formation of dark skin spots, or hyperpigmentation, can either be a benign condition or the development of a serious local or systemic [...]

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen September 20, 2004

Young men rarely see their family doctor (if they have one). There [...]