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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 AdvisorSharon Noelker, RRT
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Melanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
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Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Bones Strong
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and porous, making them more prone to fractures with even minimal stress. This condition is more common among older women, but it can also affect men and younger individuals with certain risk factors.
Our bones are living organs that are constantly being repaired and replaced. The process involves old bone being replaced by new bone, keeping our skeleton strong and healthy. However, when this process doesn’t work properly, bones can become weak and brittle. In this article, we’ll explore how to keep bones healthy, what causes osteoporosis, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
KEY POINTS
1. Bones stay healthy through a constant process of replacement, where old and weak parts are replaced with new ones. Calcium and Vitamin D play an important part in this process.
2. Calcium comes from foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified products.
3. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin with sunlight exposure and found in certain foods. Its is vital for healthy bones and muscles.
4. Regular exercise, including brisk walking, running, or sports, helps keep our bones strong and improve overall health.
5. Lifestyle factors like inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and excessive caffeine or carbonated drink intake can weaken bones.
6. Osteoporosis is a condition of weak and porous bones, making them prone to fractures with minimal stress.
7. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, family history, smoking, alcohol use, certain diseases, malnutrition, and certain medications.
8. Diagnosis of osteoporosis is done through a DXA scan, recommended for women over 65, men over 70, and younger individuals with risk factors.
9. Treatment for osteoporosis includes calcium and vitamin D supplements, medications to decrease bone loss or increase bone formation, and fall prevention strategies.
10. Management involves regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and measures to prevent falls and fractures.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Our bones stay healthy through a continuous process of replacement—old, weak parts are replaced with new, stronger bone. Calcium and Vitamin D play a crucial role in this process.
– Calcium is found in foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified products.
– Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure and can also be found in certain foods like fish (salmon), red meat, and egg yolk.
The process of bone health also depends on regular exercise, such as brisk walking, running, or sports, which helps strengthen bones and improve overall health.
How Osteoporosis Develops
Osteoporosis happens when the body’s bone renewal process becomes unbalanced. This can result in bone loss or reduced bone formation, causing bones to become more fragile and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is most common in older women but can also affect men, particularly those with certain risk factors.
The following factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis:
– Advanced age
– Family history of osteoporosis
– Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
– Chronic diseases, including diabetes and celiac disease
– Malnutrition or poor dietary habits
– Use of certain medications, such as long-term steroids and chemotherapy
How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed
Osteoporosis often remains undetected because it has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. It may be discovered after an accident, such as a fall that results in a broken hip.
To diagnose osteoporosis, a DXA scan (a special X-ray) is performed, which measures the strength and density of bones. The scan can determine if your bones are:
– Normal
– Weak (osteopenia)
– Very weak (osteoporosis)
Doctors recommend a DXA scan for:
– Women over 65 and men over 70
– Younger individuals with risk factors
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because it often doesn’t show symptoms until a fracture occurs. The most common fractures happen in the hip, spine, or wrist. If left undiagnosed, it can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
Osteoporosis Treatment
The goal of treatment for osteoporosis is to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Treatment generally includes:
1. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
– Adults with osteopenia or osteoporosis should aim to consume 1000–1200 mg of calcium daily and 800–1000 IU of Vitamin D to improve bone health.
– In some cases, Vitamin D supplements may be needed, especially if levels are low.
2. Medications
– Various medications are used to either decrease bone destruction or stimulate new bone formation. These include pills or injections.
– The treatment plan may involve weekly, monthly, or annual doses, depending on the medication prescribed.
3. Exercise and Fall Prevention
– Exercise plays a key role in strengthening bones. Weight-bearing activities like walking, climbing stairs, and dancing are ideal for maintaining bone health.
– To prevent falls, make sure to wear non-slip shoes, keep the home free of obstacles, and consider using a walking stick or walker.
How to Keep Your Bones Healthy
– Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D.
– Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 3 days a week of 30 minutes of activity.
– Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
– Avoid excessive caffeine and carbonated drinks, which can weaken bones.
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that we are born with 300 bones? As we grow, some of these bones fuse together, leaving us with 206 bones as adults. More than 100 of these bones are in our hands and feet!
The smallest bones in our body are found in our ears, helping us hear by vibrating. The strongest bone is the femur, which can hold the weight of your entire body!
Guest Experts
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Mateen Hotiana, MD
Endocrinology, Marshall University, USA