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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
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
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Turning 40: A Milestone for Health Monitoring
Turning 40 is a big milestone, and it’s a perfect time to start prioritizing your health with routine check-ups. As we age, certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can develop silently without noticeable symptoms. These conditions, when left unchecked, can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
Regular health checks are essential for early detection and prevention. Let’s dive into the key checks you should consider as you turn 40 and how they can help you stay healthy.
KEY POINTS
1. Prioritizing health is even more important as you turn 40 and over.
2. Regular health checks are essential, especially for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, if left untreated.
3. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly. Readings above 120/80 are considered borderline high, and over 140/90 are considered hypertension.
4. Diabetes screening involves various tests like fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance test, or Hemoglobin A1c, with follow-up screenings recommended every 3 years for those with normal results.
5. Cholesterol levels should be assessed with a lipid profile, and regular screening every 5 years is advised, although individuals with additional risk factors may need more frequent checks.
6. Lifestyle changes such as diet improvement, weight management, regular exercise, and smoking cessation play a crucial role in preventing and managing these conditions, reducing the risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Talk to your doctor to make you personalized health evaluation plan.
Why You Should Start Regular Health Checks at 40
As you reach this milestone, taking proactive steps towards managing your health can help you prevent or control serious conditions before they develop into bigger problems.
Key Conditions to Monitor:
– High Blood Pressure
– Diabetes
– High Cholesterol
1. Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure is an important indicator of heart health. It’s essential to get your blood pressure checked regularly:
– Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.
– Borderline high (prehypertension) is between 120-130 over 80-90.
– Hypertension is anything above 130/90.
Tips for an accurate reading:
– Avoid exercise, smoking, or drinking caffeinated drinks 30 minutes before the test.
– Relax for 5 minutes before having your blood pressure taken.
– Re-check annually if your blood pressure is normal, and more frequently if it is borderline or high.
2. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes can remain undiagnosed for years. You should get screened regularly, especially if you have risk factors like a family history or being overweight. There are three common methods for diabetes screening:
1. Fasting blood glucose – A blood test after fasting for 8 hours.
2. Glucose tolerance test – Blood glucose checked after consuming 75 grams of liquid glucose.
3. Hemoglobin A1c – Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
When to get re-screened:
– If your results are normal, follow up every 3 years.
3. Cholesterol Monitoring
Cholesterol levels play a significant role in your heart health. A lipid profile measures the levels of different fats in your blood. If your cholesterol levels are normal, a re-test every 5 years is typically sufficient. However, if you have other risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, you may need more frequent checks.
4. Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Health Conditions
Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes can help you reduce the risk of developing these conditions or prevent them from worsening. Consider the following:
– Diet improvement: Reduce intake of fatty, oily, and sugary foods. Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Weight management: Even losing a small amount of weight can make a significant difference in managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
– Regular exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling benefit your heart, metabolism, and overall health.
– Smoking cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
5. Screening for Other Conditions
Turning 40 is also a great time to discuss cancer screenings with your doctor. Early detection is key for many types of cancer, and your doctor can guide you on the appropriate screenings based on your personal health history.
Fantastic Fact!
The age of 40 is often called the “age of wisdom” – a time to reflect on accomplishments and plan for the future. While this age can bring a range of emotions, it’s also the perfect time to start building healthy habits for the next chapter of your life.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
As you approach 40, here are some important questions to discuss with your doctor:
– What are the risk factors for developing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol at age 40?
– What steps should I take if my blood pressure is borderline high?
– What are the different methods for diabetes screening, and how often should I undergo these tests based on my risk factors?
– How frequently should I have a lipid profile test to monitor my cholesterol levels?
– What lifestyle changes would be most beneficial for me to reduce the risk of developing these conditions or managing existing ones?
– Are there any additional health screenings or tests I should consider at age 40?
– How can I quit smoking effectively, and what resources are available to help me?
– Can you help me develop a personalized health plan for maintaining good health as I enter this new phase of life?
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