Canada’s Stance on Reducing Smoking

Ontario physician Dr. Andrew Johnson has practiced palliative, in-hospital, and obstetric care in Brampton for close to 30 years. As a private practice physician, Dr. Andrew Johnson’s practice in Brampton includes assisting patients with smoking-related ailments. In recent years, Canada has taken proactive steps to reduce the incidence of smoking in the country.

The Canadian government has gone about approaching reducing the incidence of smoking in the country by looking at overall patterns. This approach has attempted to look at disparities among populations to see which groups of people are more at risk for smoking. The particular factors the government studied were demographics (i.e. sex, race, and ethnicity), socioeconomic factors, family environment, other substance use, and mental health.

The study had mixed results but showed that the incidence of smoking was increased in one area. According to an article published in Tobacco Use Insights, half of the smokers in Canada suffered from mental health issues or had a substance abuse problem at some point in their lives. Other populations that were susceptible to smoking were low-income families and those without formal education. Men also were more likely to smoke than women.

Causes of a Sore Throat

A member of the medical staff at William Osler Centre in Brampton, Ontario, Dr. Andrew Johnson practices obstetrics and primary care. Practicing in Brampton for more than two decades, Dr. Andrew Johnson provides inpatient care services.

Sore throat is a common symptom associated with infections or other acute conditions. The causes of a sore throat generally fall into three categories:

1. Bacterial infection – The streptococcus bacteria can infect the throat and cause soreness, swelling, and fever. Streptococcus is usually treated with a round of antibiotics.

2. Viral infection – Common colds, influenza, and other viruses can cause sore throats alongside a host of other symptoms such as congestion or cough. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, patients must stay hydrated and well-rested until the virus passes.

3. Irritation – The lining of the throat can become inflamed due to exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, or even excessive mouth-breathing. Performing activities that strain the vocal cords such as shouting or singing loudly can also cause laryngitis, which is an inflamed voice box.

The Step-Care Approach to Palliative Pain Management

  Serving patients in Brampton, Ontario, Dr. Andrew Johnson provides personalized care for a wide range of issues requiring inpatient care and rehabilitation. In particular, Dr. Andrew Johnson has been providing palliative care to seriously ill Brampton-area patients since 2010.

One part of palliative care involves ensuring that patients are able to live lives that are optimally active and fulfilling, despite their serious illness. A major part of this plan is pain management. Patients are often asked to evaluate their pain using a total pain assessment, which is a 0-to-10 ranking system that ranges from very mild pain to extreme pain.

Meanwhile, persistent pain problems may be treated using the step-care approach, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Step 1 involves treating pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, in addition to stronger prescription NSAIDS. For those who cannot take ibuprofen, acetaminophen is another option. If pain is not relieved or worsens through this approach, Step 2 may involve weak opioids such as hydrocodone, which may be used in conjunction with nonopioid pain relievers.

In Step 3, which is reserved for severe pain situations, morphine or another stronger opioid may be administered. Keep in mind that because a tolerance for these drugs can develop over time, it’s best to use them sparingly and as a last resort.

An Overview of SOGC’s Continuing Medical Education Opportunities

 

Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
Image: socg.com

Dr. Andrew Johnson has spent nearly 23 years as a hospitalist and family physician at Brampton, Ontario’s William Osler Health Centre. Beyond his work at the Brampton medical centre, Dr. Andrew Johnson maintains memberships with organization such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.

Continuing medical education (CME) is a cornerstone of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s (SOGC) operations. With that said, the organization provides physicians throughout Canada with ample opportunities to maintain specialized professional knowledge while elevating the nation’s overall level of obstetrics and gynaecology services by learning about the latest trends and methodologies. In fact, medical professionals can visit www.sogc.org for information regarding plenary sessions, workshops, and enhanced skills courses in order to broaden their knowledge

CME events are held annually in Quebec (September), Ontario (November), West and Central Canada (March), and at the Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference in June. The most recent conference took place in Victoria between June 26 and 29. The 75th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference will begin on June 11 at the Halifax Convention Centre.