Dr. W. Gifford-Jones

LATEST STORIES BY DR. W. GIFFORD-JONES

The Philippines' insulin pill

A Spanish proverb states, “He loses all who loses the right moment.” I had a similar thought a few weeks ago when I wrote that, “a brain that’s full of knowledge has no room left to dream.”

March 24, 2018 Diet & Fitness

Try the Mediterranean Diet for a long life

Leonardo da Vinci once remarked, “Trifles make perfection and perfection is no trifle.” Trifles can make a huge difference in surgery, when building rockets, in nutrition, or in life generally. For instance, a report in the publication LifeExtension shows that a Mediterranean Diet prolongs life. As we all age, this is no trifle.

March 17, 2018 Diet & Fitness

Is insomnia shortening your life?

Author F. Scott Fitzgerald once remarked, “the worst thing in the world is try to sleep and not to.” I’m sure many readers share Fitzgerald’s problem. But suppose this common trouble kills you? That’s when it’s worthwhile to find out more about insomnia, and why some people suffer from TAT (Tired all the Time).

March 10, 2018 Diet & Fitness

History saves lives - but are we listening?

It’s been said that if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to relive it. So today I have to repeat what I’ve said before. It’s apparent that the medical profession, TV anchors, and medical officers of health (MOH), have never read history. Young children, and others, are dying of influenza.

March 3, 2018 Diet & Fitness

A great view, but will it kill you?

What is the greatest threat to having a heart attack, the nation’s number one killer? Ask this question and most people will answer it’s having high blood cholesterol. Or they respond, it’s due to hypertension, obesity, diabetes, or a stressful lifestyle.

February 24, 2018 Diet & Fitness

What I learned watching my wife’s cataract surgery

As a surgeon, giving medical advice to a family member, particularly to your wife, is a difficult task. Moreover, since she’s also my editor, Susan is well aware of my advice to readers. Namely, that it’s prudent never to agree to surgery for a painful hip or any chronic condition until it affects your quality of life. So, how did I react to her cataract surgery?

February 17, 2018 Diet & Fitness

It's flu season - are you ready?

“Get the shot” is the message now that flu season is here. But how effective is the vaccine? What is the chance of a mismatch? Are there serious complications? Should you get your shot at the local pharmacy? Or treat yourself with over-the-counter products? Should you rely on natural remedies?

February 10, 2018 Diet & Fitness

The Nitric Oxide key to prevent heart attack

Ask anyone what causes a sudden coronary attack and they will say it’s the result of high blood cholesterol, lack of exercise, obesity or smoking. Now, a report in LifeExtension magazine says doctors must start thinking endothelium. I’d bet few readers could even spell this word. So why is it so vital? And what natural remedies make it healthy?

February 3, 2018 Diet & Fitness

Cancer patients deserve better, say readers

Several weeks ago, I wrote that the federal Minister of Health had announced $100 million would be available to fight the opioid crisis. In addition, it would now be easier for addicts in treatment centres to obtain heroin. But I argued there was no such easy access to heroin for terminal cancer patients in agony. I’ve received tons of mail from angry readers:

January 27, 2018 Diet & Fitness

GIFFORD-JONES: My Scottish father would roll over in his grave

Most people know that obesity is a health issue. But how many know that it’s responsible for 95% of Type 2 diabetes? Or that many diabetes patients suffer from various heart issues? How many readers know how obesity affects surgery?

January 20, 2018 Diet & Fitness