For a decade, I've taken opioids to deal with pain from a genetic disorder. My new doctor refuses to prescribe me the same dose of opioids to keep my...
Personal Health Navigator
Paul Taylor retired from his role as Sunnybrook’s Patient Navigation Advisor in 2020. From 2013 to 2020, he wrote a regular column in which he provided advice and answered questions from patients and their families. Follow Paul on Twitter @epaultaylor
Can surgery lead to memory problems?
Between 10 and 20 per cent of patients will experience cognitive impairment at the time they are discharged from hospital after surgery.
Why was my father denied a medically-assisted death?
My father was in the advanced stages of prostate cancer and wanted a medically-assisted death and die in his own home. Why was he denied his request?
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented by boosting ‘cognitive reserve’?
I’ve heard the world’s biggest drug company has stopped searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Are there any non-drug treatments in the works?
How social media can affect your teen’s mental health
Although social media poses a potential risk to some vulnerable individuals, it also holds the promise of readily available antidotes.
How hearing loss may accelerate dementia
My father is going deaf, but he refuses to wear a hearing aid. Is there any way to make him come to his senses?
Provide health care to older adults? The words you use matter
Older adult or senior: Which term do you prefer?
Why hiccups are still a medical mystery
Hiccups may be extremely common, but that doesn’t mean doctors have figured out what actually causes them.
Will an Aspirin a day keep the cardiologist away?
Several of my friends take Aspirin daily to guard against heart disease. Is there any reason not to take Aspirin?
Why pregnant women should get a flu shot
The flu can harm pregnant women, and their unborn babies, too. Despite what you read in the news, you should get your flu shot if you're pregnant.