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March 18, 2011 11:52  by Avis Favaro
Every day, we get hundreds of emails from people pitching stories and from viewers asking questions. You may think we don’t read them all, but we do. This one certainly got my attention. It followed a story we did on a scientific paper showing that cell phones held near the head for extended periods boosted the amount of glucose in certain areas of the brain near the cell phone antenna. [More]
December 17, 2010 13:43  by Avis Favaro
You may be among the thousands receiving an email warning about mandarin oranges from China. Here's why you shouldn't believe everything you read. [More]
December 1, 2010 17:16  by Avis Favaro
It’s just a one-patient study but it offers an intriguing direction for research into treating inflammatory bowel diseases. Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Centre were given a unique opportunity when they tracked a 34-year-old California man suffering with ulcerative colitis who decided to swallow worm eggs to see if they would help ease his colitis symptoms. [More]
July 1, 2010 13:12  by Avis Favaro

For most of us, bees and hornets are a summer annoyance that can be simply swatted away. But for more than 2 million people in North America, insect stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

The problem is many people don’t know they are allergic to insect stings until one occurs, so it’s important to pay close attention to someone’s reactions following a sting. [More]
June 3, 2010 10:59  by Avis Favaro

Not long ago, I did a story on an inspiring doctor from Georgetown, Ont., named Jeff Sutherland. After years as a family physician, emergency room doctor obstetrician and administrator, Jeff is learning what life is like as a patient…with one of the most devastating diseases around - ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

They’ve also launched a really stirring public service ad. I challenge you to watch it and not feel moved. [More]
May 10, 2010 11:10  by Angela Mulholland
Last week, CTV's medical specialist, Avis Favaro, reported that two Liberal MPs, Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Dr. Kirsty Duncan, hads written an open letter to Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq, asking the government to intervene in the debate over whether MS patients should be tested and treated for malforned neck veins, called CCSVI. Today, Duncan issued a formal request for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the issue. [More]
February 10, 2010 08:28  by Avis Favaro
Women who take the hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin were furious last spring when the maker of the pills quietly hiked the price astronomically. Many angry women complained and now, it appears those complaints may have paid off. [More]
January 25, 2010 11:46  by Avis Favaro
“Don’t forget to put on your hat!” It’s the refrain of many mothers, watching their kids and teenagers as they slip out the door in the blustery days of winter. Turns out they are right; a new study finds taht wearing a hat in the cold is good for your health. [More]
December 23, 2009 08:06  by Avis Favaro
Call it a Christmas gift to myself, from my job. I’ve never had high blood pressure. I’ve only reported on other people who have it. But somewhere in the middle of October, during the dark days of swine flu, my numbers shot up. Puzzled, my doctor prescribed diuretics and beta-blockers. [More]
June 12, 2009 21:45  by Avis Favaro

We’re hearing about a sudden price increase in the commonly used medication called nitrostat.

People are telling us about an almost four fold increase price over a one week period in May and that this is causing problems for some seniors.

If you are affected -- drop us a line at health@ctv.ca

Thanks, Avis Favaro,
Elizabeth St.Philip,
CTV News Medical Unit

[More]
May 25, 2009 07:25  by Avis Favaro
We received an email last this week from a Toronto woman who went to her pharmacy to pick up her hormone replacemement therapy and got a big surprise. The price had suddenly jumped from about $15 for a month’s supply to nearly $125. Are these sudden huge price changes happening with other medications? [More]
May 14, 2009 13:46  by Avis Favaro
Among the myriad of diseases we cover on CTV, Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gherig’s Disease, rarely gets attention it deserves. But I was reminded about this devastating disease by the poignant story of Brandeis University sociology professor Morrie Schwartz put into a play now showing in Toronto. [More]
May 1, 2009 14:08  by Avis Favaro
Reporting on the evolution of H1N1 feels a lot like 2003 – the changing stories, the multiple press conferences, the uncertainty and the confusion. It’s a fascinating story because we are watching the world track a new disease. But there have been times where I have been uncomfortable with how the messages have been conveyed to the public – is the right story getting out? [More]
March 16, 2009 11:06  by Avis Favaro
It has largely been up to doctors to report medication side effects to Health Canada. But the agency wants all Canadians to know that anyone can report suspected side effects from health products. [More]
Dr. Marla Shapiroclose [x]

Dr. Marla Shapiro, MDCM CCFP MHSc FRCP(C) FCFP, is a family physician and the Health and Medical Contributor for CTV's Canada AM as well as the editor of Parents Canada magazine, launched in March 2007.

She completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science in Community Health and Epidemiology. She holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is a NAMS credentialed menopause specialist. She is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, where she recently won an award for Creative Professional Activity.

Dr. Shapiro won the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/Canadian Foundation for Women's Health Award for Excellence in Women's Health Journalism in 2006 for her documentary "Run Your Own Race." Her book, "Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer" was released in the fall of 2006 and is a national bestseller.

For her lifelong commitment to family medicine, Shapiro was awarded the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Award of Excellence for 2008.

Angela Mulhollandclose [x]

Angela Mulholland is the editor of CTV News' semi-weekly health newsletter MedNews Express as well as the MedNews Express Blog.

She has been a journalist for CTV News since 2000, covering current affairs, health and entertainment for CTV.ca. Before CTV, she worked for CBC.ca for two years.

She has a degree from St. Jerome's University in Waterloo, ON, and studied journalism at Sheridan College in Oakville. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Avis Favaroclose [x]

Avis Favaro has been with CTV News since 1992, producing stories for CTV National and CTV News Channel - Newsnet- as well as for CTV affiliate stations across the country.

Avis and producer Elizabeth St. Philip won the 2008 Media Awards for Excellence in Health Reporting handed out by the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Medical association for a story on BPA found in food cans.

She has been nominated for an impressive 12 Geminis, winning once for a unique story on an experimental cancer treatment developed in Winnipeg in the 1940's.

Avis has a masters in journalism from UWO and a Bachelor's degree in History, and launched her journalism career as a writer/reporter at Global in 1982.

Dr. Yoni Freedhoffclose [x]

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, MD CCFP Dip ABBM, is the founder and Medical Director of the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, a multi-disciplinary behavioural weight management program. Formally trained in family medicine, since 2004 his practice has been exclusively dedicated to the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Dr. Freedhoff has been referred to as a "nutritional watchdog" by the Canadian Medical Association Journal and a national "obesity expert" by the Canadian Obesity Network. His advocacy efforts for improved public policies regarding nutrition and obesity have found him testifying in front of the Canadian House of Commons, giving press conferences with the Ontario Medical Association, commenting regularly in the national media, and as a sought after lecturer.

Dr. Freedhoff explores issues pertinent to nutrition, obesity, public policy and advocacy in his daily blog Weighty Matters which is ranked among the world's top health blogs and was voted the top Canadian health blog of 2008 by the Canadian Blog Awards.

Dr. Grant Lumclose [x]

Dr. Lum is a sports medicine physician. He is the medical director and founder of Athletic Edge Sports Medicine, a multidisciplinary sports medicine organization offering services to the athletic and active public.

He is involved in the care of recreational, elite amateur and professional athletes, including players in the NHL, NFL and NBA. He is also involved in the performing arts medical community, taking care of musicians, vocalists, dancers and other performing artists.

Dr. Lum studied medicine at the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1992. He completed a two-year residency in Family Medicine, and then specialty training in Sports Medicine.

He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, an adjunct professor at York University's Faculty of Fine Arts, and medical director of George Brown College's Fitness and Lifestyle Management Program.

Dr. Lorne Brandesclose [x]

A senior oncologist at CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Brandes received his MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1968.

Following post-graduate training at the Royal Marsden Hospital (London) and the University of Manitoba, he joined the faculty at U. Of M. in 1975, where he is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology.

He is also affiliated with the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology.

Dr. Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., C. Psych.close [x]

Dr. Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., C. Psych., is a Clinical Psychologist at the Work, Stress and Health Program/Psychological Trauma Program, at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She also provides private practice at the CBT Associates of Toronto and is a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

She completed her Honours Degree in Psychology and Mathematics at York University and her Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University. She also completed a Clinical/Research Postdoctoral Fellowship at CAMH. She has received numerous academic awards and distinctions.

Kamkar provides consultation, comprehensive assessments, and evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioural treatment for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, including psychological distress related to stress and anxiety in the workplace. She also provides training, education, and supervision as well as various educational seminars and workshops. She adheres to a scientist-practitioner model of practice and integrates research and science with practice.

One of Dr. Kamkar's greatest interests has been to provide education to enhance public awareness of mental health/illness in general and of psychological distress in the workplace. She has written articles for comprehensive public resources and provided numerous public relations - media work.

Dr. Neil Rauclose [x]

Dr. Neil Rau grew up in Ottawa. He initially studied mathematics at the University of Waterloo before completing his MD at the University of Toronto in 1991. He completed training in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at McGill University in 1996, before establishing a busy private practice in Oakville. He is currently the medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at Halton Healthcare Services.

In 1998, he completed his training in medical microbiology at the University of Toronto and he now serves as the medical microbiologist and chair of the patient safety steering committee at his hospital.

He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto. He also the newly elected Section Head for Infectious Diseases with the Association for Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. He is also a frequent contributor to CTV News.

He lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, and is an avid amateur concert pianist.

Cara Rosenbloom, RD close [x]

Registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom believes that nutrition can make a difference in overall health and wellness and enjoys translating complex nutrition information into usable and helpful advice.

Rosenbloom holds a literature degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food & Nutrition from Ryerson University. She completed a dietetic internship at North York General Hospital to become a registered dietitian.

Prior to becoming a nutrition columnist, Rosenbloom worked as a dietitian at The Hospital for Sick Children for three years. She is a member of Dietitians of Canada and the College of Dietitians of Ontario and the president of Words to Eat By, a nutrition communications company.