Dr. W. Gifford-Jones

LATEST STORIES BY DR. W. GIFFORD-JONES

GIFFORD-JONES: The truth about sugar substitutes

Have I been leading readers astray? For years this column has stressed that we’re all consuming too many calories, and in particular, too much sugar. I’ve always practiced what I write, so for years I’ve made sure it is a sugar-free cola that I add to my rum before dinner. But are these alternatives to sugar safe? Scientists at Tufts University report that the research on sugar substitutes continues to advance – yet few clear answers are apparent.

October 19, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: Is your child living in a germ-free prison?

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, popularized the expression, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Any doctor would agree that cleanliness is on the pathway to health nirvana. But are we going too far in keeping young children isolated from common germs? Are some parents doing a disservice to their youngsters by keeping them too clean?

October 12, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Mother and son using wash hand sanitizer gel in the cafe. (Getty Images file photo)

GIFFORD-JONES: What medical advice would I give Bianca Andreescu?

What an historic moment for Canada as we all watched Bianca Andreescu defeat Serena Williams at the U.S. Open and capture her first major tennis championship. I’m sure that this talented teenager will win more trophies in the future. So is there any medical advice to help her avoid injury and end a promising career?

October 5, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Bianca Andreescu poses with her trophy at the Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center on Sept. 8, 2019 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

DISSING DOC: Rotten law, rotten politicians, rotten eggs

Months ago, I wrote a bracelet could be worn by those opposed to medical assistance in dying (MAID).

September 28, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Gifford-Jones thinks politicians are rotten eggs for not endorsing his end of life ideas.

ENDING THE BLOODBATH: Gun violence a critical 'health issue'

Campaigning politicians in Canada and the U.S. are arguing for stricter gun laws to address the epidemic of gun deaths.

September 21, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Shanan Dionne, whose daughter Rori Hache was murdered, hugs a friends outside court.

GIFFORD-JONES: Did you hear about the North American wimp epidemic?

How do people in other countries handle pain following various surgical procedures? It’s a pertinent question today in light of the debate on opioid usage in North America.

September 14, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: The perfect calcium to prevent weak bones

Leonardo Da Vinci, (often called the “Universal Genius”), remarked over 500 years ago that, “Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle.” It’s a phrase often repeated when teaching young surgeons. Now, there’s a “perfect calcium” – an Icelandic natural remedy that helps to keep bones strong.

September 7, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Aquamin, is a whole food source of calcium that’s not mined from limestone. Rather, it’s obtained from a red-algae plant, Lithothamnion calcareum, that grows off the clean, cold waters of Iceland.

GIFFORD-JONES: Natural remedies could help finance Pharmacare

It’s soon voting time and politicians will again try buying your votes with freebies. One is universal Pharmacare. England, France, and New Zealand have varying types of free drugs. Canada and the U.S. should have the same. But the U.S. debt is $22 trillion and Canada’s $2.2 trillion. The “Debt Time Clock” shows these debts are increasing by millions every hour. If this doesn’t scare you, nothing will. But could increased use of natural remedies help make Pharmacare more affordable?

August 31, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Dr. Gifford Jones and his daughter, Diana, have collaborated on a new book which explains the doctor's natural health philosophy

GIFFORD-JONES: Magnesium a natural remedy to treat migraines

Migraine attacks have plagued humankind for centuries and they are still a major cause of disability worldwide. During a recent reunion at the Harvard Medical School, a professor told me of an interesting study. He said that Dr. Stephanie W. Goldberg, a neurologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, has reported that magnesium can be helpful in treating these debilitating headaches.

August 24, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: How does our longevity compare with MLB players?

Today, what’s the best message that parents can give their children about sports? I’d be particularly concerned if a child wanted to get involved in football or hockey. I’d try to convince him or her it’s safer to play baseball. Now, a report in Men’s Health Resources, reveals this is prudent advice.

August 17, 2019 Diet & Fitness