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Hospa has one of the largest Cardio care programs in a community academic hospital in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and provides treatment for many types of CVD, including heart transplant, open heart surgery, engiogram prostate, gynecological and urinary.
Hospa General is constantly thinking and going beyond for our patients, our community and our people. As people and communities change, Hospa General will continuously evolve to meet their needs. We are driven to achieve the promise of people-centred care – to create a welcome and inclusive environment that contributes to health equity.
Enhancing the patient and family experience
We work to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cancer care. All patients receive care guided by best practice standards of Cardio Care. These practices have been shown to provide the best patient outcomes. Patients and their families can quickly access a diverse range of cancer care services, including these facilities:
- The BMO Breast Diagnostic Clinic, part of the Karen, Heather & Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre
- The Baruch/Weisz Cardio Centre
- Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care
- Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Centre
Patients supported by dedicated team of experts
Our interdisciplinary team of highly skilled and compassionate health-care professionals includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, nurses, medical imaging professionals, case managers, and volunteers.
We partner with the two regional cancer centres: the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital at the University Health Network, to facilitate radiation treatments for our patients. A partnership between North York General and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers patients easy and timely access to quality colorectal cancer care.
Information for new patient
This following series of videos are designed for patients who are receiving treatment at the Anne Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic. The first video “A Day in Chemo Clinic”, is helpful to watch prior to starting treatment and want to know what to expect before your appointment.
Most patients will receive conventional chemotherapy and may find the videos that explain what chemotherapy is and how it is given, helpful. For a general introduction, start with “Chemo 101”. This video covers important day-to-day considerations such as “Can I take supplements while on chemo?”, “Can I drink alcohol while on chemo?” and “Do I have to avoid crowds while on chemo?” Additional videos include common side effects of chemotherapy, important prevention and management tips.
Available Doctors Under Food & Nutrition
Shazafar Ahmad
IT & Innovation Advisor
Sharon Noelker, RRT
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Melanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
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Understanding GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment
If you’ve ever enjoyed a large meal, only to be greeted later by a burning sensation in your chest, occasional burps, and an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach, you might have experienced acid reflux. This happens when stomach acid rises into the food pipe, causing discomfort. If these symptoms occur frequently (more than twice a week), it may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition that affects 1 in 5 people. Let’s explore what GERD is, its causes, and effective treatments.
KEY POINTS
1. Our stomach produces strong chemicals (acid) that helps break down and digest our food. But if this acid starts coming up in the food pipe, it can cause problems. This is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
2. Symptoms of GERD are a burning and uncomfortable feeling in chest (heart burn), discomfort in upper abdomen, watery burps that leave a terrible taste in their mouths, or a sensation that food is coming up. It can also cause cough, throat irritation, or bad breath.
3. GERD gets worse with oily, fatty, or spicy food, eating too much, laying down after a meal, pregnancy, smoking (nicotine), and with the use of caffeine (coffee, energy drinks, soda, tea). GERD is more common in people who are overweight.
4. Symptoms of GERD can easily be mixed with symptoms of other serious conditions such as heart attack, angina, or peptic ulcer. This is why its important to seek medical attention if your symptoms are new, or if they are getting worse.
5. Here are some tips to manage GERD:
– Cut down on food and drinks that cause more acid reflux. These include oily, fried, or spicy food and use of caffeine.
– Avoid over-eating
– Quit smoking and the use of other nicotine produces (like e-cigarettes, vapes).
– Have at least 2-3 hours of gap between dinner and bedtime. Try keeping your head elevated when sleeping.
– If you are overweight, then work on reducing your weight.
– Use medicines to help treat GERD. These include medicines that are used for immediate relief (antacids) and those that help reduce to acid production (like proton-pump inhibitors).
Remember, consult your doctor to make sure your symptoms are not from something else or if you need some more tests for diagnosis. Consult them to make sure you get the right treatment that is most suitable for you.
What Causes GERD?
The stomach produces strong acids to break down food and digest it, but sometimes, these acids rise back into the food pipe (esophagus), causing discomfort. A special muscle at the entrance of the stomach normally keeps this acid contained, but in people with GERD, the muscle doesn’t work properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux.
Certain foods (like spicy, oily, or high-protein meals) require more acid for digestion, which can make GERD worse. GERD symptoms are often more noticeable after large meals, especially when lying down. Obesity, smoking, and certain medications that relax the esophageal muscle are also major contributors to GERD.
Symptoms to Watch For
The hallmark of GERD is a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn). Other symptoms may include:
– Discomfort in the upper abdomen.
– Watery burps with a bad taste.
– A feeling of food coming up.
– Cough, throat irritation, or bad breath.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, vomiting, breathing difficulty, or severe abdominal pain as these can also indicate more serious conditions.
Managing GERD: Lifestyle Changes and Treatment
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
– Avoid triggering foods: Limit spicy, oily, and fatty foods, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and soda.
– Don’t overeat: Control portion sizes to avoid putting excess pressure on the stomach.
– Quit smoking: Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing reflux.
– Give yourself time after meals: Wait 2-3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
– Elevate your head while sleeping: Use pillows or a recliner to keep your head above your stomach.
2. Weight Management
Losing weight can significantly reduce GERD symptoms, as excess weight puts pressure on the stomach and exacerbates reflux.
3. Medications
For immediate relief, antacids can neutralize stomach acid. For longer-term management, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-blockers may be prescribed to reduce acid production. These are most effective when taken 30 minutes before meals.
If your symptoms aren’t improving with lifestyle changes or medication, consult a doctor for further tests or more advanced treatments.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
While GERD is common and manageable, you should seek medical attention if:
– Symptoms worsen or persist despite changes in diet and lifestyle.
– Chest pain radiates to the arms, neck, or back.
– You experience vomiting, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain.
– Weight loss occurs without trying.
These could be signs of more serious issues, including heart problems or ulcers.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
– Why did I develop GERD?
– What are the long-term effects of untreated GERD?
– What diet and lifestyle changes should I make to manage GERD?
– What is the right treatment for me?
– Are any of my current medications contributing to my GERD?
– What symptoms should I monitor, and when should I be concerned?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that stomach acid is so strong it can dissolve metal? Every meal triggers your stomach to produce almost half a liter of acid that not only aids in digestion but also helps kill harmful germs and toxins that could enter your body with food. This powerful process keeps us safe and healthy!
Guest Experts
Dr. Saavia Gargila, MD
Cardiology, Beaumont Hospital, USA
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Eric Warm, MD
Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA