Health
Doctor Game: Beware of chronic pain, a close cousin to suicide
By Medicine Hat News on March 11th, 2019
“He preaches patience that never knew pain.” These sage words were published in the Handbook of Proverbs in 1855. Or, as Shakespeare wrote, “They breathe the truth that breathe their words in pain.” Today, pain is the most common medical symptom that plagues mankind. But when does it kill? The number of people suffering from ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Laughter has always been good medicine
By Medicine Hat News on February 25th, 2019
Years ago I told this story. A member of the Russian Ski patrol arrived home after several months on duty. A TV interviewer asked, “What do you do first after being away so long?” He replied, “I make love to my wife”. “Yes, but what do you do next?” “I make love to my wife ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Darling, a little chocolate for a little amour?
By Medicine Hat News on February 11th, 2019
Hmm, should I order flowers, maybe consider a romantic candlelight dinner, or a box of chocolates? This year, chocolate wins after reading an article from the highly respected Nutrition department at Tuft’s University. So, what’s good and what’s questionable about chocolate on Valentine’s Day? I believe readers will agree that we need a lot more ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Can a person be too high to drive on less than one joint?
By Medicine Hat News on February 4th, 2019
Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors has sound advice for those who want to become rich. He counsels, “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” This sage advice also applies to many aspects of life. For one, it applies to a recent report in the Canadian Automobile Association Magazine (CAAM), for ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Seeing-eye dog wins first W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Humanity
By Medicine Hat News on January 28th, 2019
Readers may ask why I chose to award a Service Dog the first W. Gifford-Jones Prize for Humanity. And wonder why human achievement was ignored. There were plenty of reasons and it required only moments for me to choose a seeing-eye dog. It’s been aptly said that, “A dog is the only thing on earth ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health: Are you getting enough fibre?
By Gillian Slade on January 21st, 2019
Most of us do not have enough fibre in our diet and the implications have now been highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is not only about ensuring your bowel movements are regular but the benefits in terms of your overall health and longevity. Eating enough fibre can reduce your risk of heart ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: A W. Gifford-Jones Prize for service to humanity
By Medicine Hat News on January 21st, 2019
For 44 years I’ve been writing this medical column. It’s been a privilege, but also a huge responsibility. Now, in my 95th year, my time on this planet is limited. Consequently, I’d like to establish The W. Gifford-Jones Prize to honour somebody or something that personifies the importance of common sense, a healthy lifestyle and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!To Your Health: A pain in the back
By Gillian Slade on January 14th, 2019
If you are one of the many people living with back pain and you are not a candidate for surgery — not many are — there may be hope on the horizon for you. Ask anyone who deals with chronic back pain and they will talk about it affecting almost every aspect of their lives. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: How we can prevent deaths from influenza
By Medicine Hat News on January 14th, 2019
Death from influenza is always tragic. But it is particularly so when it occurs at a young age. This year an increasing number of influenza cases is being seen in emergency centres. And, as usual, thousands of North Americans will die from this seasonal disease. But are some dying needlessly? The Center for Disease Control ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Why not Dr. Sydney Bush for the Nobel Prize?
By Medicine Hat News on January 7th, 2019
What a sad day for me! I should also add, for the world. I have just learned that Dr. Sydney Bush has died. During my 43 years of writing this column I have never devoted a memoriam to a colleague. But one is needed for Dr. Sydney Bush. In part, I’ll miss his presence. But ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctor Game: Are you taking these medicines too long?
By Medicine Hat News on December 31st, 2018
What will be your 2019 New Year’s resolution? Losing weight? Finally deciding to get off the couch and get more exercise? Hopefully to convince yourself smoking means 20 years less life? These are all healthy ways to start the year. But I’d like to add another New Year’s resolution. Many North Americans are taking medicines ... Read More »
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