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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 DermatologistMelanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
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Why Quitting Smoking is So Hard and How You Can Do It
Tobacco smoking is one of the most addictive substances. It often starts from curiosity or peer influence, but soon enough, it becomes a habit that’s difficult to break. The addiction to nicotine makes quitting smoking a challenging endeavor for many. However, quitting smoking brings immediate health benefits, and it’s never too late to quit! Let’s explore why quitting is so difficult, the positive changes your body experiences when you stop smoking, and effective strategies to quit like a champ.
KEY POINTS
1. Smoking often starts as a curiosity or social influence by the environment or friends. But it quickly becomes a habit that is difficult to break due to nicotine addiction.
2. When a person smokes, the brain feels good because of a chemical called dopamine. But this feeling goes away quickly, and the person feels urge to smoke again… and again.
3. When a person stops smoking, they may feel grumpy, restless, get headaches, constipation, or feel hungry more often. These are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which gets better with time.
4. Smoking is very harmful for our body and health, affecting oral health, lungs and breathing, cardiovascular health, immune function, bone health, and increasing cancer risk.
5. Quitting smoking leads to immediate health benefits with improved heart rate, lower blood pressure, and better breathing.
6. Over time, quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and various cancers.
7. Effective strategies to quit smoking include:
– having a motivating purpose
– setting a quit date
– replacing smoking habits with other activities
– avoiding circumstances that prompt smoking
– using medicines to help quit under medical guidance
– Seeking support from friends and family
8. Persistence and seeking help from smoking cessation programs, helplines, and healthcare providers are helpful for achieving and maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle.
How Smoking Becomes a Habit
Smoking often starts as a curiosity, an activity done for fun, or to feel a sense of belonging among peers. However, it quickly becomes a habit due to the addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine releases a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel good temporarily. However, this feeling fades quickly, leading to a strong urge to smoke again, trapping you in a cycle of dependence.
As the addiction grows, the body starts to need more nicotine to feel the same satisfaction, which makes the craving even stronger.
The Harmful Effects of Smoking
Cigarettes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals that affect every part of your body. The negative effects depend on how long and how much a person smokes, and it often becomes more severe with time.
Key Health Issues Caused by Smoking:
– Oral Health: Smoking stains teeth and gums and leads to early tooth loss.
– Lungs and Breathing: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, leading to chronic conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
– Cardiovascular Health: Smoking raises heart rate, blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
– Cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of cancer, particularly lung, mouth, and throat cancer.
– Weakening of Immune System: Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
What Happens When You Quit Smoking?
The good news is that quitting smoking brings immediate health benefits. The body starts to recover and heal soon after you quit:
– 20 minutes after quitting: Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
– 1 day after quitting: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop back to normal.
– 1 month after quitting: Coughing and breathing improve significantly.
– 1-3 months: Risk of heart attack declines.
– 1 year after quitting: Risk of heart disease is reduced by 50%.
– 5-10 years: The risk of stroke and heart disease drops to that of someone who has never smoked. The risk of smoking-related cancers also decreases by more than 50%.
How to Quit Smoking: Effective Strategies
Quitting smoking is tough, but it’s possible! It may take more than one attempt, but each attempt brings you closer to success. Here are some effective strategies to help you quit smoking for good:
1. Find Your Motivation
Ask yourself, “Why do I want to quit?” Finding a motivating reason can keep you on track. Whether it’s for your health, your family, or simply to live a longer life, a strong purpose helps you stay focused.
2. Set a Quit Date
Setting a specific quit date gives you a clear goal. It makes your decision to quit real and helps you prepare mentally. Stick to that date as your starting point to a smoke-free life.
3. Replace Smoking with Other Habits
Identify your smoking triggers (e.g., after meals, social situations) and replace those moments with healthier alternatives. Keep your hands busy with activities like drawing, chewing gum, or even calling a friend. The urge to smoke will subside after a few minutes, so finding something else to do will keep your mind occupied.
4. Seek Support
Tell your family and friends that you’re quitting. Having their support will make it easier. You can also seek help from quit-smoking programs, counseling, or support groups. You don’t have to do it alone!
5. Consider Medication
Medications can increase your chances of quitting. They help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Common options include:
– Varenicline (Chantix): Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
– Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gums, lozenges, or nasal sprays deliver a controlled amount of nicotine to ease withdrawal.
Consult your doctor about which medication might work best for you.
6. Be Persistent
It may take more than one attempt to quit smoking, and that’s okay! Every time you try, you’re getting closer to success. Don’t give up, and keep moving forward. Each cigarette you avoid brings you one step closer to being smoke-free!
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
As you embark on your journey to quit smoking, here are some helpful questions to ask your healthcare provider:
– What are the health risks associated with smoking, and how does quitting reduce these risks?
– What treatments or methods for quitting smoking are available, and which one is best for me?
– What medications or nicotine replacement therapies can help, and what are their side effects?
– How can I manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process?
– What support programs or resources are available to help me quit smoking, such as counseling or support groups?
– Can you help me create a personalized quit plan based on my lifestyle and preferences?
– What strategies can I use to cope with cravings and triggers?
– How often should I follow up with you during my smoking cessation journey?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that smoking not only harms your health but also costs you time and money? If you smoke a pack every day for 20 years, it can cost you $36,000 in the U.S.! And that’s just money – it also takes away 15,000 hours of your life. Imagine how many great things you could do with that time and money!
Guest Experts
Sharon Noelker, RRT
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Eric Warm, MD
Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA