Blog
5 minutes with Dr. Chris Carlsten
What’s the focus of your research?Our research focuses on the relationship between air pollution and public health. We look at how pollution particles affect the way genes are expressed in the body. One of our most recent studies demonstrated how two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can lead to fundamental health-related changes in biology by switching some genes on, while switching
More5 minutes with Dr. Pat Camp
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and support to help patients with chronic lung conditions learn to breathe—and function—at the highest level possible. A typical program lasts six to eight weeks. We spend about half the time on physical exercise, and the rest providing information and tips about living with a lung condition and getting
MoreTop five reasons why you should consider testing your home for radon
Are you safe enough from radon?No area in Alberta — and across Canada — is considered radon free, confirmed Health Canada. A 2012 cross-Canada survey shows 6.9 per cent of Canadians live in homes with radon above the acceptable limit. The Canadian Radon Guideline is 200 Becquerels/cubic metre, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves 148 Bq/m3 and World Health Organization recommends
MoreColleen’s Story: On January 1, 1992 I made the decision to quit
I started smoking when I was 15 due to the stress I felt I was under.As I look back, I realize I had little support or education to help me cope with family changes, deaths in the family, plus the challenges of being a teenager.In the 1970’s smoking was the thing to do. I watched my older brothers and sisters smoke, so one day I tried a cigarette myself. My smoking continued throughout high school
MoreRosalind’s story: I knew I could quit for weeks at a time… however I always ended up being drawn back to smoking
As a social smoker for over 35 years, I always assumed quitting was something I could do any time I wanted.I knew I could quit for weeks at a time while traveling, and while I was pregnant I quit for 2 years, however I always ended up being drawn back to smoking.That all changed when my dad had a heart attack. Following the heart attack, a series of tests where performed eventually leading to open
MoreBarbara’s Story: With their future uncertain, Barbara and partner Martin hold out hope for a lung transplant
Barbara and Martin met five years ago as most people do these days – online. One coffee date and the two knew it was a match.Each had already lived a lifetime of challenge, struggle, and loss, often putting their own lives on hold to support a loved one. Together, they planned to live out their retirement years doing the things that they love. Barbara’s slight cough and a monitor attached to her
MoreDarcy’s Story: At age 54 I was diagnosed with IPF, and would need a lung transplant to survive
Darcy Murdoch has played many roles in his life as an entertainer. An average encounter finds him effortlessly riffling between two of his alter egos, crooner Bobby Bacchus, and the King himself, Elvis Presley. But no role has challenged him more than that of patient.Years of long days and late nights working in the catering business, rich meals at odd hours and constant heavy lifting were
MoreJanet’s story: Six years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer
Six years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had most of my left lung and lymph nodes removed in my first surgery and tumours removed from my right lung in a second surgery three months later. I’ve never smoked.Finding out I had lung cancer was a huge shock for me. Like many people, I thought only people who smoked got lung cancer. But that’s not the case.Indoor radon exposure is the leading
MoreMy Experience With Lung Cancer – Part 6: When things are hard
March 6, 2015: The last month has been the hardest so far. The cancer progressed despite the new treatment, and that led to a fracture of my spine with back pain that kept me in bed for weeks. I had surgery to stabilize the back two weeks ago and finally feel that I am starting to get some strength and mobility back. And I will be starting a new chemotherapy today.It has been almost impossible to
MoreTina’s Journey with pulmonary hypertension
As a 21 year old woman attending college in Toronto, it was very difficult for me to imagine that an illness could possibly hit me at this stage in my life, but it did.I slowly started to notice that my daily walk to school was actually getting more difficult to do and not easier, which struck me as being odd. So I brought up my concerns with my family doctor. A misdiagnosis of a mild case of
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