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.
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:
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.
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.
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Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition caused by wear and tear over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. While it primarily affects older adults, the underlying risk factors and joint stress that lead to osteoarthritis often begin much earlier in life.
Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for osteoarthritis, along with what you can do to prevent it and maintain healthy joints.
1. Joint pains are common experiences, however, recurring joint pain may indicate arthritis caused by joint inflammation or damage.
2. Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by wear and tear on joints over time, leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
3. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include older age, obesity, repetitive stress on joints, sports injuries, and certain diseases.
4. Healthy exercise is essential for maintaining strong joints and supporting structures, despite osteoarthritis being caused by joint stress.
5. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain after use, morning stiffness that improves with movement, crackling sensations, and joint swelling.
6. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis involves a physical exam, questions about symptoms, and possibly X-rays to assess joint damage.
7. Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on pain reduction and improving daily function through exercises, physical therapy, weight management, supportive devices, and medications.
8. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended, but risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor.
Osteoarthritis develops when repeated stress on the joints leads to damage and the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion, preventing bones from rubbing together. As cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
– Older age
– Obesity (increased stress on weight-bearing joints)
– Repetitive stress from work or sports injuries
– Previous joint injuries
– Malpositioning of joints or awkward posture
– Genetic predisposition or family history
While osteoarthritis is common in older adults, the wear and tear on joints often begins earlier due to these risk factors.
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically start slowly and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
– Joint pain after use
– Morning stiffness that improves with movement (usually within 10–30 minutes)
– Crackling sensations or popping in the joints
– Swelling in the joints, though they usually don’t feel red or warm
These symptoms most often affect the knees, hips, lower back, and hands. The pain tends to get worse after prolonged use of the joint.
If you experience symptoms of osteoarthritis, a physical exam will help your doctor assess joint movement and tenderness. In some cases, X-rays may be needed to evaluate the extent of joint damage.
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through the following:
– Physical examination of the affected joint
– X-rays to look for joint damage or narrowing of cartilage
– History of joint pain and potential risk factors
Since osteoarthritis progresses gradually, it may not be recognized until a fracture or sudden injury occurs.
There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. It primarily results from joint wear and tear, while other types, like rheumatoid arthritis, are autoimmune diseases causing inflammation in the joints.
Key differences:
– Osteoarthritis: Caused by repetitive stress and aging, leading to cartilage breakdown.
– Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the joints, causing inflammation.
Your doctor will be able to differentiate between the two based on symptoms and diagnostic tests.
While osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to manage and slow down its progression.
1. Exercise and Physical Therapy
Exercise plays a crucial role in keeping the muscles around your joints strong. This reduces the stress on the joints and improves joint stability. Types of exercises include:
– Walking
– Cycling
– Swimming
– Yoga
– Strengthening exercises for legs and back
2. Weight Management
Being overweight puts additional strain on weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips. Losing weight, even by a small amount, can significantly reduce pain and improve function.
3. Medications for Pain Relief
Pain management is essential for osteoarthritis treatment. Common treatments include:
– NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen for pain relief.
– Topical creams like capsaicin or NSAIDs for localized pain.
– Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) for less severe pain.
4. Joint Replacement Surgery
For severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, joint replacement surgery may be recommended. This procedure removes the damaged part of the joint and replaces it with a metal or plastic prosthesis.
5. Supportive Devices
Using braces, orthotics, or a walking stick can help support weak joints, reduce stress, and improve mobility.
Did you know that the human body has over 200 joints? These joints allow us to perform a wide range of movements—from simple actions like bending and straightening to more complex motions like rotation and gliding. The flexibility and range of motion in our joints are essential for daily activities, and osteoarthritis can interfere with that amazing functionality.
