Dr. W. Gifford-Jones

LATEST STORIES BY DR. W. GIFFORD-JONES

GIFFORD-JONES: Reader response to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Last week, I discussed a tragedy that never gets the attention it deserves. That children born into a competitive world, are not born equal, and do not receive justice. They’re newborns with damaged brains, born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Angry readers of the column replied saying, “Thank you for reporting this matter.” A problem not familiar to many.

March 23, 2019 Diet & Fitness

DR. GIFFORD JONES: The great tragedy of a damaged brain at birth

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms says that all Canadians receive justice. The U.S. Constitution states that “All men are created equal.” But some children are born who do not receive justice. Nor will they ever be equal. It’s because they have damaged brains at birth, due to no fault of their own.

March 16, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: The endless grief of chronic pain

“He preaches patience that never knew pain.”

March 9, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GiFFORD-JONES: The saga of spinal decompression

Can stretching spinal vertebrae ease lower back and neck pain? Can it circumvent surgery? It’s a question I’ve researched for several years as I suffer from spinal pain. The first spinal clinic I sought looked at my neck MRI’s and concluded that stretching the spine was too dangerous at my age. But recently another doctor agreed to treatment. So, was this therapy more successful than a 5 o’clock rum, or glass of Chardonnay?

March 2, 2019 Health

GIFFORD-JONES: Laughter really is good medicine

Years ago I told this story: A Russian member of the Russian Ski patrol arrived home after several months on duty. A TV interviewer asked, “What do you do first after being away so long?” He replied, “I make love to my wife.” The interviewer then asked, “Yes, but what do you do next?” He replied, “I make love to my wife again.” Frustrated, the interviewer continued, “but then what do you do?” He said, “Oh, I take off my skis.”

February 23, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: Healthcare of the future may include paging Dr. Robot

How much will artificial intelligence (AI) play in the future when you require medical care? Today, millions are being spent to produce cars that drive by themselves. Will the same be spent on Dr. AI, your family doctor?

February 16, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: Here's to chocolate, in love and in health

Chocolate: All things in moderation, even in this season of love

February 9, 2019 Diet & Fitness

DR. GIFFORD-JONES: Too high to drive on less than one joint

Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors has sound advice for those who want to become rich. He counsels: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” This sage advice also applies to many aspects of life. For one, it applies to a recent report in the Canadian Automobile Association Magazine (CAAM), for those who believe they can use marijuana and drive safely. And what should you know about Bill-C 46?

February 2, 2019 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: Seeing-eye dog wins the First W. G-J Prize

It’s been aptly said that, “a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself!”

January 26, 2019 Diet & Fitness

Introducing the Dr. Gifford-Jones prize

For 44 years I’ve been writing this medical column. It’s been a privilege, but also a huge responsibility. Now, in my 95th year, my time on this planet is limited. Consequently, I’d like to establish The W. Gifford-Jones Prize to honour somebody or something that personifies the importance of common sense, a healthy lifestyle and innovative medical thinking that I have been preaching for years.

January 19, 2019 Health