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"Cracked Science" light-hearted in-depth science for everyone
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The youtube channel "Cracked Science" with Jonathan Jerry provides some good humour and scientific knowledge in ten minute episodes to bring you up to speed and get you thinking.
Take a look at CRISPR is a Puppy and learn how gene therapy may be applied to human diseases.
Another episode helps to debunk the media hype on the discovery of a new human organ - "the Interstitium, the largest organ we never knew we had", Does a New Organ Explain Acupuncture? While some of this is opinionated to the reporter's own views on acupuncture, the evidence of the Interstitium is a good reminder of what we already know.
Canadian Medical Association dissolves General Council, the parliament of Canadian medicine.
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Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver BC - September 10, 2018
What a year it's been for the Canadian Medical Association.
First, just one year ago in August 2017, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) dropped the word 'physician' from its vision and mission statements, much to the surprise of many doctors across the country leaving them feeling abandoned.
Then, at the beginning of June 2018, the CMA sold the trust of doctors in MD Financial to the Bank of Nova Scotia for nearly C$2.6 billion. Now in August 2018, after 151 years, the CMA has dissolved the General Council, the parliament of Canadian medicine, as stated in the constitution itself.
Are these changes forward looking and preparing for the future or eroding the work, achievements and structures of the medical profession? Is direct physician input being replaced by filtered input that serves programs and bureaucracy?
Dr. McDonnell on the History of Medicine in BC
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This was included as part of another post on Doclounge.net but may be more useful as a separate post, especially for history buffs.
In particular the article attached, [6] McDonnell - Early medical legislation
The full series of 12 articles by Dr. McDonnell on the History of Medicine in BC may be of interest to readers and can be obtained from public library resources and other libraries:
President Eric Cadesky's report on the 2018 CMA Summit and General Council
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Dr Eric Cadesky, DoctorsOfBC President, in his president's blog reports on the 2018 CMA meeting in Winnipeg that just recently wrapped up.
He shares, "In past years, the CMA’s General Council meeting (GC) – the 'medical parliament of Canada' –focused on doctors debating motions on evolving and important topics ... the CMA this year instead organized a two-day Health Summit comprised of speakers and panel discussions. ... As is usual, the federal health minister attended, but was interviewed by a non-physician rather than giving a speech, and while she repeatedly stated she was “here to listen” she did not take any questions from the audience ... followed by the CMA’s Annual General Meeting and a pared-down GC without motions; many felt there was not enough time to debate the proposed changes to CMA governance and the Code of Ethics and Professionalism."
Rick Mercer's 2013 Rant - Scientists Muzzled Again
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This is one of my favorite Rick's Rants. In less than 2 minutes he lays it all out. Beginning with the problem for scientists then in the middle he turns it up a notch, "Get over yourselves. It's not like scientists are the only ones being told to shut up. No, it's everyone." Then after some fine examples he ends with a polite, "Thank you for not talking." A great entertaining and thought provoking rant.
Viscose rayon and health effects on workers during manufacturing
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Paul Blanc, University of California professor of medicine, chair of occupational and environmental medicine and author of the book "Fake Silk - The Lethal History of Viscose Rayon" has written about the dangers and health effects to workers in the manufacturing of these materials.
In a recent radio interview on CBC The Current he talks of the dangers and medical effects of exposure to carbon disulfide used in the manufacturing process and the diversity of products. He speaks of places where there are better working conditions and worker safeguards while there are other places where this is not so.
The toxic effects of carbon disulfide are dramatic and onset early. It easily travels into brain tissue and causes insanity along with other medical problems.
Canada India Network Initiative- CINI 2018
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An interactive, outcome focused 2 day conference. The theme is Building Healthy Civil Society through Innovation, Technology and Engagement. Major emphasis on non communicable chronic disease. There are 4 sessions. Opening session on chronic disease like Diabetes and impact by behaviour modification. See full program on website http://www.thecins.org. 2nd session on Leadership, 3rd session on holistic approach to health and integrative care. Final session on Technology with 7 colleagues sharing their projects in mobile technology, portable testing, social innovation, patient engagement.
Last kick at the can for some tax credits
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This tax season has been one of the least stressful thanks in large part to StudioTax free software for Canadian tax filing.
Also, thanks to a colleague sharing their recommendation and experience along with a few helpful tips to encourage using it.
Only after having completed the Netfile process I came across an article on the Globe and Mail website highlighting the last kick at the can for some tax credits. Some of these extend into the 2016 and 2017 Tax years and well worth a look. They relate to Fitness and Art tax credits, Education and textbook credits, as well as some less broadly applicable ones.
Cannabis, marijuana, what do we know?
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2016-10-16 Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver, BC
Cannabis is a plant that has been part of human history for thousands of years and on every continent. The uses of cannabis are far beyond just medical and recreational use.
What do we really know about cannabis?
Is cannabis more than just good for medical and health use, is it also good for the economy and the environment?
Are medical errors the third leading cause of death or disability and what can we do to protect ourselves?
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Dr Z. Essak, MD - Vancouver BC - March 4, 2018
The TEDx Stanley Park event at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on Saturday March 3, 2018 was incredible with 13 (a bakers dozen) memorable and inspiring speakers and 4 brief, fun energerizer programs to keep the audience engaged. Two of the presentations addressed medical errors.
With cancer as the leading cause of death and heart disease as the second leading cause, medical errors are referred to by some as the third leading cause of death and disability.
Whether errors are third or not, it makes sense that anything that helps to reduce or prevent medical errors is worth pursuing. Every error that can be prevented has direct benefit to individuals and their families.
