Prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, homeopathic, and street drugs can have known and unknown side effects that can be drug or individual specific. For individuals who dive for recreation or for work, the unique nature of the hyperbaric environment can add complexity to the side effects experienced. Changes in ambient pressure, temperature, or gas levels can lead to changes in physiological mechanisms in the body at depth or on resurfacing. As well, the diver’s gas mixture, which might differ from ambient air, could be a factor.
An attending physician’s statement (APS) is a common requirement for insurance underwriting. Insurers will order an APS as part of standard age and coverage amount requirements or to explore information received from an applicant’s telephone interview or paramedical testing. The insurer’s underwriting vendor will generally contact a physician’s office to verify that the applicant is a patient, then send a request for file information. The vendor will follow up regularly by email, fax, or phone, as long as the APS remains outstanding.
Doctors of BC members are invited to attend the 2018 annual general meeting (AGM) on 2 June 2018 at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (UBC Campus, 6163 University Blvd., Vancouver). Onsite registration opens at 8:15 a.m. and the AGM will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Jack Poole Hall.
Studies carried out by Vancouver-based researchers led by Dr Patrick McGeer suggest that if started early enough, a daily regimen of the nonprescription NSAID ibuprofen could prevent the onset of Alzheimer disease (AD).
As of 2016, an estimated 564 000 Canadians live with dementia (expected to rise to 937 000 by 2031). The combined health care system and out-of-pocket costs of dementia is estimated at $10.4 billion—estimated to increase by 60% to $16.6 billion by 2031.
I have been actively involved with the Facility Engagement Initiative within Interior Health (IH) since it began. My involvement has been as both the IH Facility Engagement physician liaison and chair of the Kelowna General Hospital Facility Engagement working group. As of 2018, 20 facilities across IH have initiated more than 200 Facility Engagement activities. In short, the initiative at Interior Health is flourishing.
