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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 Substance Use Disorder: Recognizing, Treating, and Overcoming Addiction
Substance Use Disorder (SUD), commonly known as addiction, is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior. It’s a challenge many face, often starting in the teens or early twenties, when the brain is still developing and rational thinking is most vulnerable. But there’s good news – addiction is treatable, and recognizing it early is key to overcoming it.
KEY POINTS
1. Experimenting with drugs or alcohol, whether for pleasure or stress relief, can lead to addiction. People can also develop addiction to prescription drugs such as opioids, which may be initially prescribed for medical reason but then misused.
2. Addiction, also known as substance, use disorder, affects both the brain and behavior. People develop uncontrollable use of addictive substances, even when they know it is harmful for them or is hurting the people around them. They may feel helpless in this struggle.
3. Some symptoms of substance use disorder are: urge to use the substance every day, having craving and withdrawal symptoms when it is not used, using substance even when you know it is harmful, and unable to meet obligations and responsibilities at work, school, or in personal life.
4. Most people grappling with substance use disorder don’t seek help due to societal stigma, apprehension, and limited access to treatment facilities and experts. They may also lack the insight that they have developed an addiction.
5. Family and friends can provide a supportive role. However, the individual struggling with addiction must express willingness to change and actively seek treatment.
6. Treatment begins with recognizing the presence of substance use disorder in oneself, identifying motivations to quit, and seeking professional help to get personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include therapy sessions, medicines, and addressing other mental health issues.
Why Addiction is Hard to Control
Addiction hijacks the brain’s natural reward system, providing instant, intense pleasure from substance use. This quick high leads to cravings and a vicious cycle, where a person needs more of the substance to feel the same effect. Over time, normal, healthy pleasures (like achievements or relationships) seem less rewarding. The brain rewires to rely on substances, making addiction harder to control. As the addiction progresses, it affects work, hobbies, relationships, and overall life functioning.
The Path to Recovery
Step 1: Recognizing Addiction
The first step to recovery is acknowledging that you have an addiction. Some common signs include:
– Using substances almost every day or feeling compelled to use them.
– Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.
– Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or in personal life.
– Continuing substance use despite knowing its harm.
Step 2: Understanding the Why
Once you recognize the addiction, it’s important to define your motivation to quit. Whether it’s for a better life, freedom, or for loved ones, having a clear purpose keeps you motivated to stay on track during the recovery process.
Step 3: Seeking Professional Help
Professional treatment is essential. This can include detoxification, therapy sessions, outpatient visits, support groups, and possibly medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Treatment plans will vary depending on the type of substance and the individual’s situation.
Withdrawal from substances can cause both physical and mental changes. Common symptoms include mood swings, agitation, headaches, and nausea. Medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve the likelihood of staying sober.
Step 4: Addressing Co-occurring Mental Health Issues
Many individuals with substance use disorder also struggle with underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Treating these conditions through counseling or medications is an essential part of the recovery process.
Step 5: Managing Risks and Complications
Addiction can lead to risky behaviors and health complications, such as:
– Sharing needles leading to infections like HIV and Hepatitis.
– Lung damage from inhaling or snorting substances.
– Heart and liver diseases due to alcohol and drug use.
Accidental overdoses are a real risk, often leading to brain damage or death. Understanding and managing these risks are critical during treatment.
How Families and Friends Can Help
Support from family and friends plays a crucial role in recovery, but it’s important to understand that the individual must want to seek help. Some signs you might notice include:
– Missing important tasks at school or work.
– Neglecting self-care or having financial problems without clear reasons.
– Signs of intoxication.
While it’s important to be patient and offer a safe, trusted space for the individual to express their struggles, support must come from within. It’s not effective to force treatment on someone who isn’t ready. Be there for them, help with practical tasks, and provide motivation as they navigate their recovery.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Detoxification is often the first step, followed by therapy (individual or group), outpatient support, and sometimes medication. For some individuals, long-term medications may be necessary to maintain sobriety. Treatment plans are customized to each person, with comprehensive support to tackle the addiction and its causes.
The Road Ahead: Relapses and Recovery
Recovery from addiction can involve relapses, but that doesn’t mean failure. It’s important to be prepared for setbacks and have a plan in place to get back on track. Ongoing support from loved ones, professional help, and support groups can keep individuals motivated throughout the process.
Questions to Ask During Addiction Treatment
– What are the signs and symptoms of addiction?
– Which treatment programs do you recommend for my situation?
– What are the side effects of the medications or treatments you’re suggesting?
– How long will the treatment take?
– Are there lifestyle changes or additional therapies I should consider?
– How will I know that the treatment is working?
– What should I do if I experience a relapse or cravings?
– Do you recommend any support groups or counseling services?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that the willpower to quit addiction can be strengthened like a muscle? Through practice, persistence, and positive reinforcement, individuals can gradually regain control over their cravings and dependency.
Guest Experts
Dr. Nabila Baber, MD
Addiction Medicine, Mercy Health Clinic, USA
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Momina Qureshi, MD
Dr. Momina Qureshi, MD Disorder , Doctor of Medicine , Email: hello@drsmartteam.com Location: Dr. Smart. LLC, Ohio, USA Book An Appointment About Dr. Momina Qureshi Dr. Momina Qureshi is a dedicated MBBS doctor with an MD, known for her compassionate approach to providing high-quality healthcare. As an esteemed member of the Dr. Smart Team, Dr.