I have been diagnosed with a breast condition called ductal carcinoma in situ. My doctor says it could turn into breast cancer and should be removed...
Personal Health Navigator
Paul Taylor, Sunnybrook’s Patient Navigation Advisor, will provide advice and answer questions to patients and visitors, relying heavily on medical and health experts.
Having trouble navigating the healthcare system? Have a question about your care?
Ask Paul: askpaul@sunnybrook.ca
Why user fees would be bad for Canadian health care
The news media is full of stories about overcrowded hospital emergency rooms and people waiting a long time for medical treatments. Why don’t we...
How ‘mindfulness’ group therapy can speed access to mental-health care
I suffer from anxiety. My family doctor said I would have to wait a long time to get an appointment with a psychiatrist, and suggested I attend a...
What you need to know about being discharged from hospital
My brother was in a car accident and taken to a trauma centre at a major hospital. After he began to improve, he was sent to another hospital for the...
Getting rid of unused drugs: To flush or not to flush?
The FDA website says it’s okay to flush some drugs down the toilet. But Health Canada’s says you should never flush away drugs because it’s bad...
Is total rest really the best treatment for concussions?
My daughter suffered a concussion while playing hockey. The doctor said she should rest until her symptoms disappear. But after one month she is...
Marijuana for pain relief? Prescribing is clouded by lack of research.
My mother had a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s now six months since her operation and she is still suffering from...
How depression can lead to heart disease
QUESTION: A close friend has been troubled by manic depression for many years. She’s now in her 40s and recently found out that she already has...
Why unnecessary medical tests may do more harm than good
I’ve had really bad back pain recently. Should I have an MRI, CT scan or even an X-ray to find out what’s causing my discomfort?
What to do when you can’t afford your medications
I’ve been prescribed several medications for various health problems. But I find it hard to pay for my drugs. What am I supposed to do it when I...