April

Late-life depression (LLD) is defined as a depressive disorder occurring in a patient older than 60 years, although the onset and definition of cutoff may vary.[1] The impact of clinical depression in older adults can be significant, and choosing effective psychotherapeutic and pharmacological management options can be challenging. 

Delirium is defined as an acute decline in cognitive functioning and should be considered a medical emergency as it is often the result of a noxious disruption to equilibrium.

The article "Cervical cancer screening in BC Chinese women" (Hislop TG, Teh C, Lai A, et al. BCMJ 2000;42(10):456-460) confirms the suspicion of why the incidence of invasive cervical cancer is higher in Chinese women than in Caucasian women in BC (two to four times higher in BCCA study 1993).[1] The study concludes that the cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) rates in these Chinese women are about 20% below the provincial average.

It is well known that over half the public are using complementary health modalities and that most do not inform their family physicians for fear of disapproval.

The Association of Complementary Physicians of BC, an organization for physicians interested in complementary and integrative medicine, have been engaged in discussions with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC over the last year regarding this matter.

Pollution in the Okanagan Valley is high. With its Go Green campaign, the city of Kelowna is trying to reduce air pollution by restricting the use of cars through car pooling, the use of public transportation, and the use of bicycles.

They are also attempting to reduce smoke by promoting "high tech" non-polluting wood-burning stoves as an alternative to the use of BC Gas heating and the escalating costs of BC Gas.

The provincial government has just issued 22 permits to allow beehive burners to continue to pollute.