We don’t take pain into account when assessing where to invest health sector research and delivery dollars. That needs to change
Pain is a difficult topic for Canada’s health care sector. It can arise from many diseases, but not always. For example, arthritis in a joint can be visible on X-rays and not cause any pain; but it can also be so painful as to completely disable an individual. Pain is subjective, so sufferers can be…
A growing body of research shows that most older adults will get the same long-term outcomes from less invasive treatment
By Eric Bohm University of Manitoba and Ivan Wong Arthroscopy Association of Canada Nearly half of Canadians aged 65 and over experience osteoarthritis in their knees. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time leading to pain, stiffness and decreased…
Hospitals need to identify vulnerable patients with complex needs so they can quickly address and minimize complications
By George Heckman and Paul Hébert Canadian Frailty Network Canadians are living longer. Unfortunately, our hospitals aren’t ready for them. Canadians over 65 years old use more than 40 per cent of hospital services, a demand that continues to rise. But as they age, Canadians hope to stay at home as long as possible. If…
Limiting access to alcohol led to chaos during the Prohibition. Will constraining opioids do the same?
There are so many reasons to be very glad that we live in Canada – one of the main is that we’re governed by the rule of law. Laws and the rules and regulations that underpin them are enacted by democratically-elected governments. They’re enforced and upheld by police and courts that are amazingly upright and…
Malnutrition is too common in vulnerable populations. We need to remedy this by adapting the new guide
“What do you think of the new Canada’s Food Guide?” is a question I’ve been asked a lot since Health Canada launched new guidance on how the nation should eat. I have reservations, particularly when it comes to the diets of those living with frailty and chronic illness. The guide recommends a plant-focused diet but…
As physicians, we see death made worse and more painful every day by poor advance care planning
By Paul Hébert and George Heckman Canadian Frailty Network Are you or a loved one aging, perhaps with a chronic heart or lung condition that limits daily activities? Do you have an older parent in a nursing home or who needs assistance with daily living activities? If so, read on and make the pledge. As…
Many people have ongoing pain where there is no obvious injury, or continue to have pain at the site of an injury long after it has healed
Chronic pain impacts the lives of many Canadians every day. Thousands wake up every morning to pain, deal with it throughout the day and don’t even escape its clutches as they sleep. Neuropathic pain is a very common chronic condition that poses a challenge for doctors. It's the result of a primary lesion or dysfunction in…