TEACH + LEARN

STROKE What is a stroke? In a healthy brain, blood vessels carry blood to all the brain’s cells, supplying nutrients and oxygen. A stroke occurs when this blood supply to one area of brain tissue is interrupted. It can occur in any part of the brain. How does a stroke occur? There are two types [...]

SLEEP DISTURBANCE What is sleep? Sleep is a complex process that is controlled by a number of the body’s systems. The “master” of these systems when it comes to sleep is known as the circadian rhythm. This is the body’s internal alarm clock that, when working well, wakes us up after a good night sleep [...]

CHOLECYSTECTOMY (GALLBLADDER REMOVAL) What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder Why do surgeons remove the gallbladder? A gallbladder is removed for a few different reasons. Gallstones most common Other reasons you may have your gallbladder removed include abnormal growths, like a weed in your lawn, called a polyp How is the [...]

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE What is Coronary artery disease? Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as Ischemic Heart Disease or Coronary Heart Disease, is a type of heart disease that affects the blood vessels that feed the heart, known as coronary arteries. Arteries are just like highways. When these arteries harden or become clogged less nutrients [...]

GALLSTONE REMOVAL ASK THE EXPERT Why aren't gallstones removed BEFORE they cause a problem? Many thanks to Dr. Lesley Barron, MD, MSc, FRCSC for responding to this question following a recent post on gallstones Gallstones can be found on an abdominal ultrasound done for other reasons- this is also called asymptomatic cholelithiasis (Stones are in [...]

HELICOBACTER PYLORI What is Helicobacter pylori? Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori for short) is a type of bacteria that lives inside the stomach. H.Pylori can live in the stomach by protecting themselves from stomach acid. They cause irritation in the stomach and left untreated can occasionally cause open sores or ulcers to form.   Why do we [...]

GALLSTONES What is a gallstone and how do they form? Gallstones form just like snowballs... The gallstone begins with a small piece of debris Lots of extra cholesterol in the gallbladder is added to the small piece of debris Not moving. When the gallbladder doesn't move or contract it allows cholesterol to add onto the gallstone [...]

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE What is peripheral arterial disease? It is the result of poor blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the legs and feet. What causes peripheral arterial disease? Hardening and narrowing of the arteries in the legs leads to poor blood flow. This narrowing is the same process of hardening that happens in the [...]

THE BILIARY TRACT AND GALLBLADDER What is the biliary tract and what does it have to do with my gallbladder? The gallbladder is part of a larger system that doctors call the biliary tract. The biliary tract is the tubing which connects the liver and gallbladder. This set of of tubes which allows 2-8 cups [...]

ASTHMA By: Yashoda Valliere M3, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry What is asthma? Asthma is a long-term disease involving inflammation of the airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become narrowed (“bronchospasm”), making it difficult to breathe. This is reversible and goes away after the end of the asthma attack. Who gets asthma? Asthma [...]