How to Protect Yourself from AKI
By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, May 12, 2013
Many North Americans will unknowingly fall into a trap during 2013. It results in the law of “unintended consequences”. Moreover, as medical treatment progresses every year, more of such consequences are waiting to happen. This week, what you should know about acute kidney injury (AKI).
Improved material for ‘laser welding’ of tissue in intestinal surgeryBy American Chemical Society Wednesday, May 8, 2013
ACS Nano
A new “solder” for laser welding of tissue during surgical operations has the potential to produce stronger seals and expand use of this alternative to conventional sutures and stapling in intestinal surgery, scientists are reporting. Their study, which involves use of a gold-based solder, or sealing material, appears in the journal ACS Nano.
The Worm; a Sight You Will Never ForgetBy Dr. Gifford Jones Saturday, April 13, 2013
“Would you like ice in your drink?” To this, I normally say “yes”. But there are times when I say an emphatic “no”. I know, when travelling in the less hygienic part of the world, having an icy drink may result in the “Hong Kong Trots” or “Montezuma’s Revenge”. On an unlucky day, even hepatitis B infection. Even in some North American locations, I sometimes decline ice. Why? Because I never want to see Ascaris lumbricoides in the toilet bowel. If it ever happens to you, it’s a sight you will never forget.
Ten Things to Know About the Fire in Your BellyBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, March 31, 2013
Nietzsche, the German philosopher wrote, “The belly is the main reason why man does not mistake himself for a god”. Heartburn reminds us we are quite human. It should also remind us that ignoring this common symptom can also be dangerous. So what should you know about it?
Toward a pill to enable celiac patients to eat foods containing glutenBy American Chemical Society Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Scientists are reporting an advance toward development of a pill that could become celiac disease’s counterpart to the lactase pills that people with lactose intolerance can take to eat dairy products without risking digestive upsets. They describe the approach, which involves an enzyme that breaks down the gluten that causes celiac symptoms, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
A Unique Way to Stop Bean Flatus
By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, December 9, 2012
Do you suffer from chronic abdominal pain, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation? If so, there’s a good chance the diagnosis is “irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS). This condition is one of the most commonly diagnosed problems in this country. However, most people are treating it the wrong way, destroying their bowels with laxatives. It’s smarter to use natural therapy.
New analysis of drinking water-related gastrointestinal illnessBy American Chemical Society Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Environmental Science & Technology
The distribution system piping in U.S. public water systems that rely on non-disinfected well water or “ground water” may be a largely unrecognized cause of up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI), involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, scientists are reporting. Their study in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology concludes that such illnesses may become more of a problem as much of the nation’s drinking water supply system continues to age and deteriorate.
Do You Really Need a Colonoscopy?By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, June 3, 2012
Is there any way that you can avoid having a colonoscopy? A survey showed that many believed the test isn’t needed until symptoms occur. Others said their doctor never suggested one, or they were too embarrassed to discuss it. Still others said it was too painful. If you’re thinking this way, think again, it may cost you your life.
Can A Fart Kill?By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, April 22, 2012
Ig Nobel prizes are prestigious awards given each year at Harvard University to those engaged in strange scientific research. For instance, Canadian researchers received the award for showing that small farts, known as fast repetitive ticks (FRTs), can be lethal. But why would the Vatican receive one?
Will bubble-powered microrockets zoom through the human stomach?By American Chemical Society Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Scientists have developed a new kind of tiny motor — which they term a “microrocket” — that can propel itself through acidic environments, such as the human stomach, without any external energy source, opening the way to a variety of medical and industrial applications. Their report in the Journal of the American Chemical Society describes the microrockets traveling at virtual warp speed for such devices. A human moving at the same speed would have to run at a clip of 400 miles per hour.
Think Twice About Hernia Surgery
By Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, October 9, 2011
A reader asks, “Is it necessary to get a hernia repaired quickly?”
The time-honoured tradition has always been to fix it. But is this approach always the right one? Or is “tincture of time”, namely watchful waiting, the best way to treat this common condition?
Act Like Animals To Save Your KidneysBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, September 4, 2011
Who are the master chemists that control water balance in our bodies, keep the blood neither too acid nor alkaline, rid us of dangerous waste, filter every drop of blood in our bodies every 30 minutes and weigh a mere five ounces? They’re our kidneys. But millions of North Americans are so abusing this vital organ that their lives depend solely on renal dialysis. What lethal mistakes are they making?
History provides much of the answer. Fifty years ago in Australia, Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries, people developed a bad habit. They were using mixtures of Aspirin, codeine, phenacetin and caffeine, not only for pain relief, but also for their mood-altering qualities. In fact, at watch factories in Switzerland, workers were encouraged to take this combination and provided free samples. That resulted in injured kidneys.
Styrofoam Popcorn and How to Trick a BartenderBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, August 21, 2011
Why do people eat more than they should? You say you’ve heard all the reasons? But I bet you’re dead wrong. Why? It’s because a report in The Nutrition Action Health Letter is written by a marketing expert, not a doctor. As well, there’s a way to get rid of unwelcome dinner guests, and trick a bartender.
Brian Wansink, Professor of Marketing at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, directs the Food and Brand Lab. He asks people “When was the last time you ate to the point of regretting it?” He follows that with, “Why did you do it?” He receives the usual answers, “It was a tough day” or “I was depressed” etc, etc. But most replied they were hungry and the food looked good.
Don’t Take the Easy Route to Treat HeartburnBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, May 29, 2011
How could North Americans have so many ill stomachs? Why does treatment cost so many billions? And why are so many taking the wrong medication?
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 10 years ago one in eight Canadians over 65 years of age was taking PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), the strongest medicine available to stop gastric acid secretion. Now, one in five is on this medication. A report from Johns Hopkins University says that every year 113 million Americans take these pills.
A Natural Cure For ConstipationBy Dr. Gifford Jones Sunday, June 20, 2010
What’s the only cure for alcoholics? Alcoholics Anonymous. It advises people to pour alcohol down the drain. What we need is another organization, called Constipation Anonymous, to preach the same message to those who cripple their bowels by the chronic use of laxatives. But there is a safe, cheap, natural cure, unknown to 99.9 percent of the population, that cures daily grunting on the John.
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