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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

Melanie Dalton, MD

Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA

Imad Awan

Lead - Art & Animation

Ask Any Question If You Have

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    Understanding Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know

    Dengue fever is a common viral infection that affects millions of people every year, particularly in warm, tropical climates. With 100-400 million infections annually, it’s a growing global concern. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the virus. Understanding how dengue spreads, its symptoms, treatment options, and how to protect yourself is crucial for preventing and managing this illness.

    KEY POINTS

    1. Dengue fever is caused by a virus that spreads from a bite of a mosquito that is carrying that virus.

    2. Dengue does not spread from one person to another by direct contact. But it can spread if the infected person getting bitten by a mosquito and then that mosquito bites someone else.

    3. Symptoms typically appear 4 to 7 days after the mosquito bite and may include high fever, eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, joint pain, and body aches.

    4. Severe cases of dengue can lead to low blood platelet levels, resulting in bleeding from gums, nose, or gut. It can become a serious problem and can cause damage to organs or death.

    5. Infants, pregnant women, and individuals who have had dengue in the past have a higher risk of developing severe dengue infection.

    6. Diagnosis of dengue involves blood tests for dengue antigen or antibody, as well as monitoring platelet levels.

    7. Treatment for mild cases involves managing symptoms with pain relievers (like Panadol or Tylenol), rest, hydration, and avoiding certain medications that may increase bleeding risk.

    8. Seek medical care immediately if experiencing severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, fainting, bleeding, or dark-colored stools.

    9. We can play an important role in stopping the spread of dengue by eliminating mosquitos breeding sites and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Drain stagnant water from containers, use insecticides, wear protective clothing (full sleeves), use mosquito repellents, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets.

    What is Dengue and How Does It Spread?

    Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Importantly, dengue is not contagious from person to person. However, if an infected person is bitten by a mosquito, that mosquito can then spread the virus to others.

    While dengue fever is common, it can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking medical attention is essential.

    What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

    Symptoms of dengue typically appear 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common signs include:

    – High fever
    – Eye pain
    – Headache
    – Nausea or vomiting
    – Rash
    – Joint pain and body aches

    The symptoms often last for about one week. However, other infections like malaria, COVID-19, and other illnesses can have similar symptoms, so a diagnosis is essential.

    Severe Dengue: In some cases, dengue can progress into severe dengue, where the platelet count drops dangerously low, leading to:

    – Bleeding gums
    – Nosebleeds
    – Rashes with red spots
    – Internal bleeding (vomit or stool with blood)

    Severe cases may lead to organ damage, low blood pressure, and even death. Close medical monitoring is necessary for people at risk, including infants, pregnant women, and those with a history of dengue.

    How is Dengue Fever Diagnosed?

    Since many diseases share symptoms similar to dengue, doctors typically perform blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. They check for dengue antigens or antibodies and monitor the platelet levels. If platelet counts are very low, a blood transfusion may be required.

    How is Dengue Fever Treated?

    For mild dengue, treatment typically involves:

    – Rest and hydration
    – Pain relief (such as Panadol or Tylenol)
    – Avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can worsen bleeding risks

    If you experience danger signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, or bleeding, seek medical help immediately.

    In such cases, patients may require hospitalization for fluids, platelet transfusions, and other supportive treatments.

    What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves from Dengue?

    To protect yourself and your community from dengue:

    – Avoid mosquito bites by following the preventive steps outlined above.
    – Educate others about how dengue spreads and how to avoid mosquitoes.
    – Keep your environment clean and free of standing water.

    When we all work together, we can reduce the burden of dengue in our communities.

    QUESTIONS TO ASK Your Doctor

    – What specific symptoms should I be looking for that could indicate dengue fever?

    – How long after being bitten do dengue symptoms typically appear, and how long do they last?

    – What tests do I need to confirm a diagnosis of dengue fever?

    – If I suspect I have dengue, when should I seek medical help, and what precautions should I take to protect others?

    – What are the treatment options available for dengue fever?

    – How do I know if my dengue fever is worsening, and what complications should I watch out for?

    – What steps can I take to prevent getting dengue?

    Fantastic Fact!

    Did you know that platelets in our blood help stop bleeding when we’re injured? Every day, our bone marrow produces around 100 billion new platelets, which equals to 1 million every second! These platelets only live for 7-10 days. So, when you donate platelets, your body quickly replaces them within just 3 days! Incredible, isn’t it?

    Guest Experts

    Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc

    Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA

    Dr. Mehreen Arshad, MD

    Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, USA

    Dr. Faisal Mahmood, MD

    Infectious Diseases, Aga Khan University, Pakistan