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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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Understanding Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked, leading to a lack of oxygen and brain cell death. This rapid loss of brain function is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Time is critical – the sooner a stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage. Let’s explore what a stroke is, how to identify it, how it’s treated, and what preventive measures can reduce your risk.
KEY POINTS
1. Our brain is made of billions of tiny cells (neurons) that need constant supply of energy and oxygen from blood to function.
2. Different parts of brain have different roles:
– Frontal lobe: controls movement, critical thinking, and personality traits.
– Parietal & occipital lobes: process sensory input from the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin, and tells us about the world around us.
– Temporal lobes: control hearing, understanding speech, speaking, regulates emotions, and works with basal ganglia to manage feelings.
– Cerebellum: controls balance and coordination, ensuring smooth and precise movements.
– Brain stem: Controls essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and connects brain to spinal cord.
3. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot, leading to brain damage. The brain cells start dying very quickly due to lack of oxygen.
4. Follow the F.A.S.T steps to identify a stroke. Look for Facial weakness, Arms strength, and Speech disturbances. Time is critical. Call Emergency services right away!
5. Stroke treatment involves prompt assessment, diagnostic imaging, giving medicines to dissolve the clot, procedure for clot removal, identifying underlying causes, and starting rehabilitation for recovery.
6. Common risk factors for stroke are: diabetes, hypertension, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol. It’s important to manage these conditions with optimal control.
7. Adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise, and awareness of personal risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of having a stroke.
What Are the Treatment Options for Stroke?
When a person arrives at the hospital with a suspected stroke, doctors will quickly assess the situation and often conduct a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. If the stroke occurred within a few hours, doctors may administer medicines to dissolve the clot or perform a procedure to remove the clot.
However, these treatments are only effective when given within a short window of time. The sooner the treatment is administered, the better the chances of recovery.
Stroke Rehabilitation
After the immediate treatment, rehabilitation becomes key for recovery. This process helps stroke survivors regain lost functions, such as speech, movement, and cognitive abilities. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can take months, but with patience and consistent effort, many stroke survivors experience significant improvement.
Recovery is individual, and some may regain full function, while others may experience long-term disability. The key is to start rehabilitation as soon as possible to enhance recovery.
Risk Factors for Stroke: How to Lower Your Risk
Certain lifestyle factors and health conditions increase the likelihood of having a stroke. These include:
– Hypertension (high blood pressure)
– Diabetes
– Smoking
– Excessive alcohol consumption
– High cholesterol
Managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes is crucial to reducing your stroke risk. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar can all help.
How to Prevent a Stroke
While genetics play a role in stroke risk, there are several steps you can take to minimize your chances:
– Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of clotting.
– Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
– Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit salt, saturated fats, and sugar.
– Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
– Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of high blood pressure and clotting.
Additionally, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to blood clots or conditions like atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of stroke. If you have a family history of strokes or related conditions, consult your doctor for additional preventive measures.
Fantastic Fact!
The human brain is incredibly powerful and adaptive. After birth, the brain grows three times its size in the first year and continues developing until about the age of 18. The average brain weighs 1.5 kg, making up only 2% of the body’s weight but consuming 20% of the body’s oxygen.
Let’s be grateful for this amazing gift and use our brain to learn new skills, develop ideas, and improve our world.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
As you think about stroke prevention and treatment, here are some important questions to ask:
– What are the common risk factors for stroke, and how can they be managed?
– What warning signs and symptoms should I be aware of that may indicate a stroke?
– What diagnostic tests are used to confirm a stroke diagnosis?
– What treatment options are available for stroke, and what are the benefits and risks of each?
– What lifestyle changes can help me reduce the risk of stroke?
– Are there any specific medications or preventive measures recommended for individuals at high stroke risk?
– What rehabilitation and recovery programs are available for stroke survivors?
– How long does it take for recovery after a stroke, and how much improvement is possible?
– What support resources are available for stroke patients and caregivers?
Guest Experts
Dr. Sahar F Zafar, MD
Neurology, Harvard Medical School, USA
Dr. Saad Shafqat, MD
Neurology, Aga Khan University, Pakistan