The Breast Health Program at Children’s and Women’s Health Center of B.C.
The Breast Health Program , which opened in January 1997, provides a range of information and diagnostic services to women with the aim of promoting breast health. The Program, located in the Women’s Health Centre at C&W consists of 3 components. 1. A Breast Assessment and Diagnostic Service (operated in partnership with the BC Cancer […]
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Consider Raloxifene
Menopausal women with risks for osteoporosis or fracture now have several new therapies. These new options include nasal spray calcitonin (called Miacalcin) approved to treat osteoporosis in the U.S.A. and Canada, risedronate (called Actonel) which will soon be available for osteoporosis prevention, and raloxifene (brand name Evista) which is approved in Canada for prevention of […]
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Congratulations to Dr. Keith Dawson
Last October Dr. Keith Dawson received two of Canada’s most prestigious medical citations. The first was the Gerald S. Wong Award earned for his exceptional efforts in assisting individuals with diabetes. The second was the Distinguished Service Award. He was chosen by his peers to receive this award for his contributions to the field of […]
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An Introduction to Thyroid Disease
Hypderthyroidism Overactivity of the thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. Individuals with this condition may experience a number of symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, tremor, palpitation, sweating, heat intolerance, itch, frequent bowel movements, disturbance of menstrual function, weakness, skin rash or eye symptoms such as pressure, or double vision. There are two common blood […]
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From the Editor
This issue, the Winter Solstice, completes all four wonderful turning points in the annual cycle. Unfortunately the winter rains are not finished with us yet, so be patient, be well, and find time to read and share this issue of our Quarterly Newsletter. The cover article on raloxifene by Dr. Jerilynn Prior presents a very […]
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The Puzzle of Perimenopause – an Educational Video
A video and personal monitoring system has been launched by Dr. Jerilynn C. Prior, Professor of Endocrinology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. She published a major review, “Perimenopause: the complex endocrinology of the menopausal transition” in Endocrine Reviews (1998;19:397-428). This “meta-analysis” of the published data on estrogen shows that estradiol levels in […]
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Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes
Introduction Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is caused by the destruction of the beta cells, the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. As insulin levels fall, blood sugar (glucose) rises. The destruction of the beta cells is mediated by the immune system. The trigger for this process is unknown but is felt […]
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Gestational Diabetes
The Value of Treatment There is controversy in some circles about the value of treating women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition that occurs in about 5% of pregnancies. This article will describe evidence clearly demonstrating that treatment has been effective and that the current standard of regular screening and treatment aimed at normalizing […]
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Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease refers to illnesses affecting the larger arteries supplying the heart (heart disease including heart attacks and heart failure), brain (stroke) and the legs (gangrene and amputations). These are collectively referred to as macrovascular disease which accounts for 70% of the deaths of people with diabetes. Diabetics also experience microvascular disease which refers to […]
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From the Editor
This issue of the Quarterly Newsletter finds us facing another West Coast fall with all of its unexpected surprises. We just never know at what season in our life we’ll be facing our biggest challenges and the endocrine system is fully capable of delivering the unexpected at any time. The cover article on gestational diabetes […]
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