Andrew Griffith's Blog, page 19

Can Acupuncture and Yoga Ease Stress? — Health Hub from Cleveland Clinic

A good piece by the Cleveland Clinic on acupuncture and yoga, going through some of the more common myths and how either can be used to complement conventional medicine. Acupuncture Myth 1: Acupuncture is ancient folk medicine; no legitimate healthcare professional would recommend it Myth 2: Acupuncture hurts — after all, we’re talking needles Myth [...]

Apple has introduced me to the uncertainty of being doctored

An amusing piece, comparing medical and computer diagnostics, and when finding the problem is uncertain and problematic. Quote: Looking back, I’d like to imagine that a different series of decisions could have led to a better outcome. Unfortunately, my imagination doesn’t get far. When it comes to caring for the sick – whether man or [...]

How one man tapped into the Web to crowd-source a cure for his cancer

An interesting application of crowd sourcing, beyond what many of us do in the various patient fora and blogs that we participate in. My own sense is that too much information creates another task of having to filter and assess all that information, and makes decisions harder, rather than easier. And unclear from the article [...]

Walking, cycling may ease cancer-related fatigue: study | Reuters

Not surprising and certainly has been my experience (despite the comments with respect to lymphoma and leukaemia). I think part of it is just getting the lungs and heart working more; in my case, in the early days of treatment, this reduced the risk of pneumonia as well. Not to mention the psychological and emotional [...]

Can Exercise Protect the Brain From Fatty Foods? – NYTimes.com

Yet another benefit of exercise. While still preferable to reduce the intake of fatty foods, the occasional indulgence can be countered by exercise. Kind of like having your cake and eating it to – if accompanied by a brisk walk. Quote: Still, he [Vijayakumar Mavanji] says, there’s enough accumulating evidence about the potential cognitive risks [...]

An end of life discussion is one of the most important to do right

Some of the challenges of having end of life discussions when there is no prior relationship with the doctor, and with vulnerable patients. Quote: But sometimes patients have been waiting, oh so patiently, for someone to bring up the subject and be willing to take enough time to answer the questions that they have been [...]

The elephant in the room

A somewhat lengthy reflection on some of the drivers of healthcare costs, particularly the incentive systems and the lack of consistency among practitioners. Well worth reading for those interested in health policy. Article ends up with some good questions for the medical profession and policy makers: The key question is ‘How should healthcare decisions be [...]

Many health apps are based on flimsy science at best, and they often do not work – The Washington Post

A good comprehensive review of some of the more dubious apps out there. As usual, is something sounds too good to be true, or makes a claim that stretches common sense, buyer beware. There is the broader debate about whether or not regulation is required, and if so, whether a heavy (e.g., approval and certification) [...]

Living with Cancer: A Journey | The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

A short blurb on my book at the Ottawa Hospital Foundation website. Living with Cancer: A Journey | The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Filed under: Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant, Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), Cancer, Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma Tagged: Health, Living with Cancer: A Journey, Medicine, ottawa hospital foundation

Psychopaths All Around Us – The Dish | By Andrew Sullivan – The Daily Beast

An interesting read on psychopaths and just how prevalent they are. We all know people with some elements or aspects of this trait. For fun, try the psychopath quiz link and see where you end up on the scale. I ended up low, but wonder whether I would have been higher in my earlier life, [...]