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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 DermatologistMelanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
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Understanding Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Kidney stones are a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Often, kidney stones can sit silently in the kidneys without causing symptoms, but when they start moving or grow larger, they can lead to severe pain, nausea, and blood in the urine. Kidney stones can be painful and may require treatment, especially if they cause recurring issues. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of developing kidney stones again. Let’s explore more about this condition and how to manage it effectively.
KEY POINTS
1. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain, nausea, and blood in urine.
2. Kidney stones affect 1 in 10 people during their lifetime and can remain silent until they cause symptoms or complications.
3. Factors contributing to kidney stone formation include increased levels of certain chemicals in urine, dehydration, certain medical conditions, medications, and diet high in salt and protein.
4. Types of kidney stones include calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and others, each requiring specific treatment approaches.
5. Symptoms of kidney stones that require medical attention include severe pain, nausea/vomiting, blood in urine, fever, or difficulty in passing urine.
6. Treatment for kidney stones depends on factors like stone size, location, and symptoms, ranging from pain management and hydration to procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or surgical removal.
7. Preventive measures for kidney stones include staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, moderating protein consumption, and making dietary adjustments to minimize oxalate-rich foods.
8. Regular consultation with a healthcare provider is important, especially for those with recurrent kidney stones, to identify underlying causes and implement preventive strategies effectively.
How Are Kidney Stones Formed?
Kidney stones form when certain chemicals in the urine become too concentrated and start sticking together. These chemicals include calcium, oxalate, sodium, phosphate, and uric acid. When the kidneys filter blood, they collect waste products that eventually form urine. If certain chemicals increase or the urine becomes too concentrated (due to dehydration), kidney stones can form.
Several factors contribute to this process, including:
– Medical conditions such as gout, hormonal imbalances, or inflammatory bowel disease.
– Medications that increase the amount of stone-forming chemicals in the urine.
– Bacterial infections or other conditions that affect the urinary system.
– Dietary factors, such as a diet high in salt or protein, especially red meat or protein supplements, and low water intake.
The most common type of stone is calcium oxalate (about 80% of cases), but there are other types, such as uric acid, struvite, and others. Treatment and dietary adjustments will vary depending on the type of stone.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones and When to See a Doctor
Kidney stones often go unnoticed until they start moving or grow larger. When this happens, the pain can be severe. The pain is often felt in the flank and may radiate downwards, coming in waves. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine (which may turn the urine pink or red).
Smaller stones (less than 5mm) may pass on their own, but if a stone is larger and causes a blockage, it can lead to complications like kidney damage or infection. You should seek medical attention if you experience:
– Severe pain or difficulty in passing urine.
– Nausea/vomiting, fever, or blood in the urine.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further complications.
Treatment for Kidney Stones
Treatment varies depending on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the stone. Here’s how kidney stones are typically treated:
1. Small Stones: Most small stones will pass on their own. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids (2-3 liters of water a day) to help flush out the stone. Pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are typically used for symptom relief. A medication called tamsulosin may be prescribed to relax the ureter and help the stone pass.
2. Larger Stones: For stones that are too large to pass naturally or are causing significant pain, treatments may include:
– Shock wave lithotripsy: This procedure uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can be passed out in the urine.
– Ureteroscopy: A small scope is passed through the urethra to remove or break up the stone in the ureter or kidney.
– Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: For very large stones, a tube is inserted into the kidney through a small incision to remove the stone.
3. Prevention:
– Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day to keep your urine diluted and reduce the risk of stone formation.
– Reduce salt: Avoid salty foods such as chips, pickles, canned foods, and any food with added salt.
– Moderate protein intake: Especially red meat, which can contribute to stone formation.
– Reduce oxalate-rich foods: Cut down on foods like spinach, beets, tea, and chocolate. However, don’t completely eliminate them from your diet unless advised by your doctor.
If you’re prone to recurrent kidney stones, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and take steps to prevent future stones.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
– Why am I developing kidney stones?
– What are the symptoms of kidney stones, and when should I seek medical attention?
– Will I have kidney stones again?
– How much water should I drink to prevent stones from forming again?
– What dietary precautions should I take to avoid kidney stones?
– What are my treatment options for kidney stones?
– What are the risks and benefits of different treatment options?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that platelets—tiny cells in your blood—play an important role in stopping bleeding when you get injured? Your bone marrow creates about 100 billion platelets every day, that’s 1 million platelets every second! These cells only live for 7 to 10 days before being replaced, but they’re essential for keeping us healthy. Every time you donate platelets, your body works hard to produce more. It’s another reason to be grateful for our gifted bodies!
Guest Experts
Dr. Waqas Iqbal, MD
Urology & Kidney Transplant, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Megan Caroway, MD
Nephrology, Cincinnati, USA