W. Gifford-Jones, MD and Diana Gifford-Jones

Lasers to Regenerate Teeth?

Over 400 years ago, Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, realized the importance of sound teeth. Don Quixote said, “For I would have you know, Sancho, that a mouth without molars is like a mill without a stone, and a tooth is more precious than a diamond.”

For the Right Diagnosis, Consult a Dog

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of malignancy. But according to The Cancer Society, it is also one of the fastest increasing malignancies. For instance, the incidence of new cases is now greater than the combined number of new breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers.

What You Should Know About AF

The tick, tick of a Rolex watch is very reliable. The lub-dub, lub- dub, of the heart is also reliable, in early age. But a report from Johns Hopkins University says that over age 40, one in four women and men, are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, commonly known as Afib or AF. How serious is this problem, and how would I treat it if it happened to me?

How Many Would Agree To a Fecal Enema?

John Dillinger, the notorious bank robber, was once asked why he robbed banks. He replied, “That’s where the money is.” Today, if you asked infectious disease experts where Clostridium difficile resides, they would reply, “It’s in hospitals. It’s dangerous and can be lethal.”

Who Says 10,000 Steps a Day?

How many steps do most people take daily, and how many are needed for good health? I had no idea how many I take and thought it would be interesting and prudent to find out. And, who is right about exercise, Mark Twain or the Earl of Derby?

Boomers Now Know the Pain of Arthritis

Psst! Do you want a tip on how to make millions of dollars? Buy a company that sells painkillers. Why? Because the boomer generation is starting to hurt more with each passing year. And they expect effective relief from the agony of arthritis. What boomers want, they expect to get. But how successful will they be?

What You Should Ask Before You Say, “I Do”

We’ve often heard a minister ask, “Mary MacTavish, do you take John MacDuff to be your lawful husband, to love and cherish, till death do you part?” But in 2014, hasn’t life become more complicated for such a lifetime vow? Shouldn’t Mary ask John, “Do you toss your dirty socks on the floor?” Or, “What is your risk of obesity?” She might demand “Before we go roaming in the gloaming, send me a copy of your sperm count and what you wear underneath your kilt.”

Tight Collar? It Increases Risk of Glaucoma

What’s the best way to diagnose disease? Today, as never before, there are many scientific tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs and more blood and genetics tests available every year. But is it possible to spot a potential disease without using these expensive procedures? Instead, how about the KISS approach (keep it simple, stupid)?

Robotic-Surgery Still Requires Skilled Human Hands

Dr. Harvey Cushing, one of Harvard’s great neurosurgeons, once remarked, “There is no such thing as minor surgery, but there are a lot of minor surgeons”. He wanted to drive home the point that you should always be careful about who does your operation. But when Cushing made this remark, he had never heard of Robotic-Surgery. So what would he say now?

Did Jim Flaherty Have To Die?

Could the life of one of Canada’s great Ministers of Finance have been saved by medical treatment? You did not have to be a doctor to see the change in his facial appearance and realize he was not well. But when he apparently died from a massive heart attack, was he denied a natural remedy that might have saved his life? And could his son, who suffered from a disability, have been saved by the same treatment?

Potassium: Like Sex and Money, Just the Right Amount

“Why would anyone be so foolish to carry on this asinine habit for so long?” This was my immediate reaction to an article, published by LiveScience and reported at the European Heart Rhythm Association. In effect, the article shows how a most innocent habit, carried out for a long period, can send you to hospital.

Death by Measles??

How would you react if your unvaccinated child or grandchild died from measles? No doubt your response would be one of agonizing grief. What you wouldn’t know is that this personal tragedy did not have to happen in 2014. Unfortunately, I bet not one doctor in a thousand knows how Dr. Frederick Klenner successfully treated this viral infection over 60 years ago.

How Safe Are Your Drugs?

Have you ever wondered about the safety of drugs that you’ve purchased? Are you concerned that they have in the bottle what’s indicated on the package? Or worried that they contain dangerous substances that shouldn’t be present? So is there any way to be sure we’re getting what we pay for?

A Scientific Way To Stop Killing Yourself with Cigarettes

How can the war in Vietnam now be saving lives? During the Vietnam conflict U.S. soldiers were given free cheap cigarettes, but they were harsh to smoke. To decrease the harshness, soldiers applied glycerine gel to one end of the cigarette which trapped harmful tar. This has pioneered a life-saving idea called “NicoBloc”.

Forget Cholesterol Numbers. How’s Your Mitochondria?

“You’re so like your mother, you have so much energy!” friends have said to me. I admit energy-wise they’re right. My father preferred to sit in his chair analyzing mathematical problems, while mother was high octane gas. She never stopped running around. But I didn’t know why I inherited her energy until I read a report in the Nutrition Action Health Letter about mitochondria. So, here’s how you can increase your energy level.

They Tried To Hang Me In 1981

What had I done so wrong 33 years ago? I had written a column about the health hazards of excessive amounts of sugar. The Canadian Sugar Institute asked The College of Physicians and Surgeons to discipline me for making false charges. It was only after many hours of testimony that democracy prevailed. The College decided that, as a journalist, I had the right to a personal opinion. So is the linking of sugar to heart disease a new idea?

My Number Is 18924

Why am I mad as hell? This week I finally joined “Dignitas”, the Swiss organization that allows freedom of choice in death. Now I’m Registered Member 18924. I hope I don’t get a chance to use it soon or ever. But if I develop a debilitating illness, Dignitas will be available. Many share my view. We want to cry out “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.”

Longevity: Do I Have The Secret?

This month of my 90^th birthday, a reader asks, “I like your way of speaking and getting the message across. You sure are witty and energetic. It does not sound like you’re in a “Home”. So what’s the secret of your longevity? I’m sure other readers wouldn’t mind knowing.”

Beetrootburgers, To Lower Blood Pressure and Boost Amour

Why would I want to eat beets? Because my Mother happened to like beets and said they were good for me. You did not say “No” to my Mother. Besides, I thought they might be better than spinach. Now it appears my Mother made an excellent choice as research shows the lowly beet packs a powerful punch.

Sex? The Day after Heart Attack?

Being shot by a jealous lover at 95 years of age is my idea of the best way to leave this planet. But suppose you’re younger and have survived a coronary attack or bypass surgery? Is a little romp in the bed safe? Or is it time to switch to backgammon?