Read the article on The Toronto Star web site

Once again, this article clearly demonstrates the consistently bad judgment exercised by political parties no matter what their stripe.

First, the Liberals criticize the Tories when they are in power and vice-versa - same with the NDP if they had the opportunity. These matters are therefore of no particular import.

The natural reaction of the politician faced with a problem is to deflect criticism. This result in the appointment of a commission or another administrative body, who pretend to resolve the dilemma; this is known as a diversionary tactic.

It would never occur to our political masters that patient care is best delivered when required and that the appropriate therapy be instituted.

Bureaucrats and their organizations have no comprehensive understanding of what medical care should be and invariably complicate delivery at an exceedingly high cost.

Perhaps one day it might dawn on them that it would be best to leave healthcare to the professionals who understand the problems and maintain a sense of commitment with regard to their resolution.

No matter what profession, unless one has an understanding of the problem and the experience to deal with these situations in a capable manner, all efforts even if well-intentioned, will fail.

The tax payers of this country of whom I am one, should take note and steps to rectify these problems.

FK/sg/cn

Initially, the pitcher complains of pain and subsequently undergoes examination and treatment by the trainer. Ultrasound studies, X-rays, MRIs and PET Scans follow, often on an all too frequent basis and clearly without any significant clinical benefit. Therapy almost invariably consists of a combination of treatments designed to alleviate the symptoms. These include exercise, interferential current, ultrasound, massage and the inevitable application of ice.

Essentially, ice is a counter-irritant and is not beneficial with regard to cellular function or structure. It should be noted that these therapies modulate symptoms in contradistinction to Laser Therapy which is designed to heal tissue at the cellular level, thereby restoring normal cell structure and function. In essence, this technology cures the existing pathology and thereby achieves the desired result.

Generally, conventional therapies relieve symptoms temporarily and as the inflammation subsides, the pitcher resumes throwing. In my experience, rest, gentle stretching and the application of some heat accomplishes the same objective, probably more rapidly. Subsequent to the institution of modulation therapies, pitchers undergo a course of rehabilitation, primarily based on exercise, which may be counter-productive with regard to the healing process.

The institution of surgery following unsuccessful rehabilitation almost invariably results in permanent failure. For surgical repair to be successful, at least from a theoretical perspective, complete immobilization of the shoulder for six weeks or more would be required. This measure is seldom observed, therefore the repair is subject to technical breakdown.

At Meditech, we feel a more rational and elegant therapy would be to adopt the following strategy: • Rest (during early phase of injury)
• The administration of Laser Therapy daily
• Massage as indicated
• The initiation of gentle stretching 1-2 weeks post injury

The incorporation of this relatively simple approach to all shoulder injuries sustained by baseball pitchers would lead to a cure in over 90% of all cases; a player's career would therefore be extended. For example Duane Ward and a host of other pitchers that have labored for the Toronto Blue Jays and other baseball organizations in the past, are prime examples of the results produced utilizing the surgical approach for shoulder injuries. All too frequently, subsequent to surgery, pitchers will seldom throw the ball again - certainly not at the professional level.

Combining the healing potential of laser, nature (i.e. time) and other conservative measures, over 90% of all pitchers post injury could be returned to a normal functional levels, if the Meditech strategy is followed.

Fred Kahn, MD, FRCS(C)

Read the article on the Financial Post web site

We have reviewed a representative number of cases with respect to this issue and have found that in almost all instances the lack of success can be ascribed to the patient self-directing the frequency of treatment sessions, duration and other aspects of treatment. This is counter-productive for everyone concerned.

Accordingly, we make available this directive, to be distributed to each patient on the institution of therapy.

Patient Compliance - Therapeutic Implications

At this time, we wish to emphasize a number of factors regarding the administration of Laser Therapy.

The therapy team that attends to your medical problems will advise you regarding the frequency and duration of treatments. This may vary from one patient to another and also with respect to the condition being treated.

For travel and work reasons deviations from the treatment schedule are permissible. Generally, however, patients are advised to follow the course of treatment outlined, in order to produce optimal clinical outcomes. Significant deviation from that course can impede the healing process.

Our experience over the course of almost twenty years has proven conclusively that patients who comply with their prescribed therapeutic schedule achieve their objectives more rapidly than those who do not.

Once again, in order to achieve maximum benefit, patients must be encouraged to follow the treatment schedule outlined by the healthcare professional managing their case.

•  Allowances with regard to frequency of treatments may be made depending on geographic considerations and the time factor involved. For best outcomes however, a relatively structured therapeutic programme is essential.

•  In some patients, improvement may be evident after only 1-2 treatment sessions, in others however, secondary to genetic factors, chronicity, etc. 8-12 treatments may be required before significant improvement is experienced.

•  It is always stressed that patients should adhere to the programme recommended, in order to achieve the desired objective.

•  Adverse effects resulting from Laser Therapy are negligible and are not significant in our extensive experience. Nevertheless, if any should occur bring them to the immediate attention of the medical staff in order that the therapy may be modified accordingly.

•  It is essential that patients be reassessed by the healthcare professional directing their therapeutic programme every 2-4 visits, to effect protocol changes that will advance the healing process.

•  Customization of the protocols for each individual patient is an important aspect of Laser Therapy.

•  If patients need to be seen more frequently by the supervising clinician, they should so indicate when registering or notify the attending therapist, prior to the initiation of treatment.

Fred Kahn, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C)

Meditech is continuously looking at ways to improve its products in terms of optimal performance, clinical efficacy, expanding clinical applications and being user-friendly. With this in mind, Meditech applied for and received, an Interact grant from the Ontario Centre of Excellence (OCE) at The University of Toronto, to study the optical and thermal properties of the LEDs utilized in its treatment arrays.

The Interact Programme was designed to initiate new industry-academic interactions that create collaborative research partnerships between industry and Ontario universities, colleges and research hospitals.

Meditech is working with the Institute for Optical Studies (IOS) to better understand the characteristics of both the diodes utilized and the materials incorporated in the treatment arrays.

The Institute for Optical Sciences (IOS) is a cross-disciplinary research and commercialization centre, embedded in the University of Toronto. It utilizes faculty and students from the departments of chemistry, physics, materials science, polymers, nanotechnology, photonics, and advanced engineering to deliver consulting services to industry. Meditech will use the results obtained from the research project to continue the improvements of the arrays and laser probes for its next generation systems. The new arrays will have a greater range of power output, improved reliability and longevity and utilize state-of-the-art technologies.

Meditech remains committed to providing the most technologically advanced and clinically effective laser therapy systems globally.

Fred Kahn, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

Part Two: http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2010/05/01/lawrence-solomon-shake-that-salt.aspx

The two articles enclosed are realistic commentaries, pertaining to the ingestion of salt. The conclusions stated, with which I concur completely, indicate that salt is essential in our diet for the maintenance of good health. Restriction of the use of salt can lead to physiological imbalances and accomplishes little of merit.

Salt is a vital ingredient in the maintenance of the body's physiological functions. Specifically, it is integral to the maintenance of hydration and electrolyte balance. It has always been my presumption that unless one has significant renal or cardiac dysfunction, the liberal if not excessive use of salt is totally safe and probably essential.

The normal ingestion of fluids will invariably eliminate any excess that may remain. Without question, the restriction of salt in the diet creates more problems than it cures.

Many physicians advise salt-free regimens without adequate reflection. This trend is sometimes based on the commercial aspects of marketing salt-free products. In addition, the confusion that exists with regard to the treatment of hypertension is a significant factor. Hypertension is generally associated with an increase in age and is sometimes necessary in order to permit adequate arterial perfusion of the peripheral areas of the body including the brain. Focusing on the removal of stress in the environment undoubtedly is the best anti-hypertensive therapy available.

It must also be understood that most individuals' blood pressures are highly labile, depending on circumstances. At rest, blood pressures generally return to normal, whereas in the stressful atmosphere of the physician's office for example, they are invariably and inordinately elevated. Frequently, anti-hypertensives are prescribed on the basis of the prevalent, almost hysterical approach to what may be termed the "temporary" elevation of blood pressure and over the past decade particularly, this has become somewhat ingrained in routine medical practice.

Many patients monitor their blood pressures with devices purchased at their local drug store (some of which are highly inaccurate) many times each day and develop an obsession with the readings, resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy. They may then consult a specialist who may prescribe an additional anti-hypertensive drug, resulting in the inappropriate management of hypertension, whether real or imaginary.

The controversy over salt utilization and the ingrained treatment of hypertension is not that dissimilar to the recent H1N1 crisis. These matters should provoke independent thought and one should be cautioned against the literature promulgated by pharmaceutical companies and governments. "Do not believe everything you may hear or read"; instead cultivate the ability to research widely and interpret correctly.

Whereas inoculation for polio and the other childhood diseases is extremely important, flu vaccination programs have a checkered history at best. Personally, I have never submitted to a flu shot and have been fortunate enough to avoid contracting these multiple disease entities, despite interacting daily with people who are infected and sometimes seriously ill. These contacts strengthen the immune system, much like inoculation.

It was interesting to note that during our recent flu epidemic, when the vaccine was unavailable to the public, panic reigned supreme. Stimulated by the media, the poorly informed clamored for the vaccine incessantly; once it became widely available, the demand evaporated instantly.

Medical fashion varies from one decade to the next as is well-illustrated by the history of the treatment of tonsillitis leading to almost routine tonsillectomies and once upon a time appendectomies were performed to prevent appendicitis. Today, fortunately these trends have fallen by the wayside.

Over the past hundred years, the management of psychiatric patients almost invariably resulted in long-term institutionalization. Beginning in the forties the advent of psychotherapy became the elitist approach. From an economic perspective however, it was problematic to apply this form of therapy widely.

Over the past twenty years, psychiatrists have found it easy to utilize psychomimetic drugs, as patient response can sometimes be dramatic and appears to be beneficial on a short-term basis. This trend, hopefully appears to be nearing its end as the complications engendered by this widely utilized and poorly monitored method are becoming better recognized.

Finally, rest assured that it is totally appropriate to use salt as required and no undue restriction is necessary, except in extreme circumstances.

Fred Kahn, MD FRCS(C)

The article enclosed, titled "Amputating Costs" was published in The Globe and Mail on April 16, 2010. It is timely and written with considerable comprehension of the facts. Moreover, it clearly defines the problems encountered in wound healing, so often leading to amputation. It stresses inefficiencies that serve only to increase the costs of treatment, along with a total disregard of the outcomes.

Managed health care, in essence, imposes relatively rigid parameters which have long been outdated. Personally, I would be embarrassed to treat a wound that did not heal in a timely fashion. Yet, the present system incentivizes prolonged and ineffective care, all too frequently, leading to negative results.

At Meditech over the past decade, we have been aware of the inadequacies of the present conventional approach to wound healing. This sector has therefore become one of the more compelling targets in our efforts to bring about change.

We have always questioned the prevalent methods applied in wound healing that are almost universally enforced.

At the same time, we have developed methodologies that are highly effective in this area.

To illustrate -

• Instead of using bandages of various descriptions, we treat the wounds with open exposure permitting access to the oxygen in the atmosphere.
• Instead of antibiotics, we use saline compresses which have no adverse reactions, are potent bactericidals and are inexpensive.
• Instead of surgical debridement, we use dilute hydrogen peroxide to remove non-viable tissue.
• When available, we also utilize hyperbaric chamber therapy.

The basic approach of our treatment platform is Laser Therapy customized for the individual patient. With this method, the need for analgesics is rapidly eliminated.

We fully endorse the treatment of wounds with an outcome based on resolution and agree that remuneration should be based on clinical results.

In closing, I make one final statement - "bring on the wounds and we will heal them!"

Fred Kahn, MD, FRCS(C)

Insurance carriers appear to demonstrate an undue level of concern with the designation of healthcare professionals administering Laser Therapy. This article is designed to clarify this issue. First it should be noted that Laser Therapy can be administered by a duly trained physician, physiotherapist or chiropractor, based on the knowledge and expertise acquired at our certification course, complemented of course with subsequent experience. Moreover, the above designated healthcare professionals can perform an assessment and prescribe the protocols as required. They can then administer Laser Therapy directly or delegate it to any certified laser therapist under their supervision, someone who may not be licensed to diagnose. Despite this, some carriers will pay a physiotherapist but not the other designations and other carriers will pay the chiropractor but not the other two professionals and so forth. To anyone with a functional IQ, this would appear to be irrational and indeed qualifies under that category. In essence, there is no logical or legal foundation for this position.

At Meditech, a team of healthcare professionals participate in the process of assessment, protocol prescription and the actual administration of the therapy. All the individuals involved in the process are qualified laser therapists and are able to integrate this technology into their therapeutic programmes, as clinically indicated. At our facility, laser therapy is generally utilized as the basic treatment platform, although sometimes complemented by other technologies.

Within the team concept, the various disciplines work collaboratively to provide the "best practice" standard in order to achieve an optimal clinical outcome. It is important that everyone, particularly insurance carriers, clearly understand this process, designed to protect the patients best interests.

To summarize - At Meditech, we offer a comprehensive therapeutic programme designed on an individual basis in order to achieve an optimal clinical outcome. This may include periodic participation by the physician, the physiotherapist and/or the chiropractor, along with those who apply the therapy under supervision. The latter include kinesiologists, laser therapists, massage and exercise therapists, again working on a collaborative basis.

Our technology is currently utilized in over forty countries worldwide including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and other health care facilities. Moreover, our organization conducts a significant body of scientific research and annually contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile organizations anonymously. In addition, we provide many thousands of dollars of treatment annually without charge, primarily to needy, elderly citizens, who are often neglected.

It should not be a surprise that I am somewhat perplexed by these newspaper ads whose intent, after many years of reading, I am unable to grasp. I expect it is designed to increase the funds raised for reasons that are largely undisclosed. This organization, much like other fundraising groups, maintains an extensive staff, spends considerable resources on advertising and like most corporations attempts to increase their annual gross, presumably to reward management with generous bonuses, commensurate with their fundraising efforts. At the same time my research and experience leads me to believe that the not inconsiderable contributions, do not appear to provide any direct or indirect benefits to arthritis sufferers. Does anyone ever question what happens to these funds, i.e. where do they end up and why? - nor have I ever seen explanations provided by management. For instance, the most recent insert in the National Post dated January 2010, on its cover features an elegant sketch of the skeletal outline of the spine. At the bottom of the same page, it recommends the use of Rub A535, described as the #1 pharmacist recommended brand. Moreover, it is advertised as being recognized as the most arthritis friendly product and is recommended by the Arthritis Society. What is Rub A535 and what benefit does it actually provide?

On Page 2, it begins with an article written by the President and CEO of the Arthritis Society. In essence, it states that "arthritis is a problem" in our society. It quotes a number of statistics which are meaningless. On most of the pages, there are advertisements which may be misleading, repetitive and appear to have no relevance. Osteoporosis is extensively discussed and we all know that this is a disease associated with aging, lack of activity and poor dietary habits. There are many simple preventative measures that can be followed on a daily basis, to effectively counteract the negative aspects of this condition; i.e. a healthy balanced diet, some vitamin and mineral supplements and a minimum of 30 minutes or more of vigorous daily activity, yet none of these are stressed.

The 8-page compendium in the newspaper reveals nothing that is unknown, provides no effective solutions and concludes with a full page ad sponsored by Abbott Immunology. This infers that Abbott Pharmaceuticals can provide help in these situations, although there is nothing included that specifically states how.

Six years ago, a member of my organization made contact with the CEO of the Arthritis Society. After several discussions, a representative from the society was sent to our offices to explore our technology. Clearly, this was not someone at a significant managerial level and this individual spent most of an hour bemoaning the fact that her boyfriend was moving out of their joint residence and she did not know how to deal with this. She had no knowledge whatsoever of arthritis, laser therapy or medicine.

If the Arthritis Society were truly focused on helping people with arthritis, they would be exploring new therapeutic avenues and actually attempt to help the afflicted, rather than simply raising funds, which to all intents and purposes seem to disappear into the great nowhere.

Recently an article in the New York Times dated January 25, 2010 caught my attention; the title - "Insurer Steps Up Fight to Control Health Care Cost". With regard to this publication, I state as President Obama did in his healthcare speech late last year, "that this issue must be resolved before healthcare can be delivered with the primary objective of providing the best possible care available, directly to patients."

Increasingly, in my office practice the single most pervasive and negative factor each day are the therapeutic restrictions imposed by insurance carriers. In my personal opinion, patients are entitled to the best care available for any particular problem. This should be the basic platform of quality healthcare, yet insurance carriers have become increasingly obstructive in allowing this process to take its course. If the proposed mode of treatment is not covered, permission to initiate treatment is invariably delayed. Consequently, the healing process is prolonged, is generally less effective, the condition may become chronic and the cost of care is substantially increased. Currently, my office requires one full-time secretary to assist patients in attempting to resolve these issues in order to permit the initiation of proper treatment.

For example - just 3 weeks ago, a patient presented on a Saturday morning having sustained a severe skiing injury to the right shoulder on the previous day. At the resort where this occurred, an X-ray had been taken and interpreted as being normal. The patient was provided with analgesics and a sling and was sent home. On the Saturday morning following the injury of the previous day, the patient presented at our clinic in acute distress. Over the next 3 weeks, 12 laser therapy sessions were administered. This resulted in complete resolution of the problem.

An orthopedic consult, requested initially, has still not reached the head of the waiting line. An MRI performed 2 weeks after treatment had been initiated, reported the presence of a Hill-Sachs fracture and extensive ligamentous and other soft tissue damage.

If the parents of this 15 year old boy had not been willing to short-circuit the system, institution of therapy would have been delayed, the course of treatment prolonged with undoubtedly a less than an optimal outcome. This is a clear-cut example where early treatment consistently applied and monitored can achieve an optimal result, devoid of any other considerations. It has still not been determined whether there is insurance coverage although both parents are high level professionals and are "supposedly" covered by several insurance policies. Incidentally, the patient has made a complete recovery, including a normal pain-free range of motion of the left shoulder, while the insurance battle rages on.

The hours of secretarial time wasted on paperwork and telephone calls required in order to stimulate carriers to honour their obligation is becoming increasingly complex and invasive. As we all know from personal experience insurance companies and their sales minions are happy to sell policies and collect premiums. Their glowing ads promise security, unlimited benefits and infiltrate the media at all levels. At the same time, the series of hurdles imposed on the way to compensation is becoming insurmountable. These imposed economics overshadow the need for both urgent and high quality care, which should be the primary concern. The result - an impasse in the delivery of healthcare, strangled by carriers primarily interested in profit margins. The ramifications of this state of affairs are negative from every perspective, particularly when an immediate and positive approach is so essential. No one appears to be pro-active in the struggle to correct these deficiencies, which play a major role in the breakdown of healthcare delivery systems. Before we can continue to move forward in a positive manner, this impediment must be removed.

When I first received this inquiry, I was caught in a dilemma whether to treat or let nature take its course. Fortunately, I made the right decision which is what we attempt to do at all times. The results speak for themselves.

We have seen a number of similar cases of this type in the past, however this one is somewhat special, particularly in view of the result.

At the same time, we offer our congratulations and thanks to therapist Donna Rasplica, MSc., R.Ac., Dr. TCM, who made it all happen. It is highly probable that this patient will continue to improve over a prolonged period of time.

The lesson to be learned from this case is - "that you cannot succeed unless you try." In addition, the healing potential of Laser Therapy is once again emphasized.

An article titled "Some physical therapy may be a stretch" by Gina Kolata in the Globe & Mail published January 8th, 2010, refers to some of the misconception and impediments in the rehabilitation industry today.

First of all, one must remember that nature cures most medical problems given time and rest. For this reason, when any therapy is applied coincidentally, the credit is generally attributed to the treatment, which may be totally erroneous.

Additionally, the economic equation all too frequently encroaches on matters and dictates the type of therapy applied, whether appropriate or not. The gatekeepers who generally restrict prompt initiation of treatment, the selection of the correct treatment, increase costs, negatively impact results and are increasingly intrusive in the healing process.

At this time in my practice, I see approximately fifty new patients each week, many with acute sports injuries and/or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Most have been subjected to prolonged courses of ineffective therapy, but are forced continue the course imposed by insurance carriers and other influences, non-relevant from the medical perspective.

It must be understood that success can be best achieved if all irrelevancies are eliminated. The focus should always be on establishing a correct diagnosis and the prompt institution of treatment that provides a curative effect.

In our organization over the past twenty years, we have utilized Laser Therapy with appropriately engineered delivery systems, along with scientifically developed protocols that are effective in the rehabilitation process as the basic therapeutic platform. This approach invariably achieves optimal clinical outcomes. Health care professionals, please take note!

TORONTO, Ontario [November 1, 2009] Friday, October 30th was an epic day at Meditech. We were able to watch our horse run an absolutely superb race which once again proved that winning is everything. Competing in a 14 horse field against several highly rated entrants and running on a longer course at Woodbine Racetrack, Verne's Baby ran the perfect race. He got out of the gate smoothly and was never worse than fifth. Running unimpeded on the outside once the finish line came in sight, he calmly passed the horses ahead of him and won going away.

This event followed a win at Fort Erie eight days earlier. In both races, the jockey deserves a great deal of credit as he brought the horse from off the pace during that event also, maneuvered him to the inside and won by a nose.

In the October 30th race at Woodbine, I did not expect him to win particularly against younger horses in their prime and running on a longer course. Clearly, this race confirmed that he has returned to top form and guess what - laser therapy made it all possible.

Those who firmly stated that these accomplishments were not possible should be made aware that the "impossible", when intelligently approached, can be attained. Aside from the horse, credit is due to Vito and William Armata the trainers, the jockey Mike Mehak an apprentice who truly bonded with the horse and rode him with a degree of expertise that many jockeys never achieve and Denis our Laser Therapist who applied the therapy. This was a singular event indeed.

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to Barack Obama's powerful speech on the topic of health care in the US. Although the American President has many detractors with regard to this and other programmes, I am increasingly impressed with his actions, articulated through his words.

Unlike most politicians, his messages are clear, consistent and realistic, despite the often rhetorical stylistic positioning of the media and the opposition.

Most importantly, he has instilled a "sense of reason" and expressed the need for action - "now". In stressing these factors, he has managed to push special interest groups out of bounds or at least off centre stage. He is addressing issues that have been bounced around over the past century by almost every president on the election stump, items which generally die a rapid death shortly after elections are over. In the past, almost all US presidents have capitulated to vested interests, however Obama has made it patently clear that he will not follow that road. As is appropriate, he is insistent that the time to act on these issues is now and whereas solutions may be elusive and require time to achieve - a beginning is paramount. This appears to be his main focus and I concur with that sentiment entirely.

Last week, I had occasion to treat an ex-cabinet minister and impressed upon that individual the need for all politicians to address and resolve important issues, rather than speaking out of both sides of their mouths, while saying nothing. As most of us understand, politicians focus on the moment, i.e. the polls, getting elected, staying elected and doing what is expedient or politically correct. Moreover, they sometimes appear to be in political office only to pursue their own agendas, including generous pensions, prolonged vacations, extensive staffs and privileges, along with overly generous budgets for the purpose of self-indulgence.

Obama, in less than one year in office, has differentiated himself from the norm. Moreover, I am amazed by the energy and ongoing motion that he continually generates. As I frequently state to some of my co-workers, "to succeed, you must commit to your job, address issues, find solutions and implement them." That is the formula for success. Unfortunately, in my experience, less than 10% of the workforce adheres to this code and it is refreshing to see a leader do so, particularly at the highest level. I feel that this is the impetus that the US and the entire world needs and as a global figure - he will establish a standard for others. Leadership must not only be seen but heard and to pursue and complete important agendas, rather than engaging in endless, non-focused discussion, is critical.

During his address, Mr. Obama stressed certain items that previously seemed to be perpetually lost in the shuffle. One - that insurance companies should not be practicing medicine, i.e. making decisions regarding best practice decisions, once upon a time determined by properly trained medical consultants. Two - that insurance companies could no longer make inappropriate exclusions for treatment, which are arbitrarily established unilaterally and brook no protest from the victims.

These two items alone have in large part prevented adequate medical care being provided to patients over the last fifty or more years. That insurance companies by fiat and other questionable methods (control of the purse strings) are able to enforce self-interest rules, while governments idly stand by is outrageous; therein lie many of the problems in health care systems throughout the world, no matter who controls, provides or administers. Ideally, health care services should offer the best possible therapy for the patient's condition, to the exclusion of all other considerations. The Obama approach might not achieve that initially but will certainly be a major step in the right direction, one that has regressed significantly over the last twenty-five years, despite the plethora of technological advances.

As a final comment it should be noted that the increasing reaction to Obama's directives, most of which I deem appropriate, including the health care solution is typical of how unpopular the truth has become. Indeed, it appears to have become almost unpalatable. This is demonstrated daily in the media, the courts and the prevalent political forums. Often, what we know to be the truth is so distorted or even repudiated that falsehoods become the norm. As has been previously stated, "The lie oft repeated becomes the truth." Much of the opposition to Obama is based on that mentality and this too needs to change. Whereas I do not idolize individuals, I am still able to recognize the truth and will always support it. All those capable of thinking independently should be similarly inclined.

THE TREATMENT OF CHOICE FOR DEGENERATIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEES

October 2, 2009, Fred Kahn MD, FRCS(C)

I recently read the enclosed article in the Financial Post September 30, 2009. Whereas the article in its context is largely correct and points out a significant number of alternative therapies for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis of the knees, it misses out on the most important option of all.

Before I proceed with this commentary, I should state that degenerative osteoarthritis of the knees affects over 30%of the adult population over 50 years in age. It is particularly prevalent in athletes who have played contact sports both at the amateur and professional level. In those instances, the process is accelerated and often becomes symptomatic in the early and mid 40's.

With all due respect, medications both oral and injectable have not provided a solution nor as the enclosed article indicates, has surgery. Knee replacements, when they work, are more than satisfactory but in a significant percentage of cases, they result in failure. (I.e. pain, inflammation and the ability to be ambulatory). Sometimes, this is followed by the insertion of a replacement prosthesis, again with less than desirable results. At our clinics, these unfortunate patients present, not infrequently and unfortunately it is not possible for them to return to their pre-surgical state.

From the therapeutic perspective, we have been utilizing Laser Therapy over the past 15 years and out of over 200 knees treated on an average annualized basis, less than 3% have required replacement surgery. Often, we see patients who are already scheduled for surgery and are allowed 3 to 4 weeks to prove the effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Almost invariably, we succeed. Why this approach should not be more widely used is therefore difficult to understand.

Several years ago, I circulated a letter to every provincial health minister in Canada requesting that their ministry permit us to treat 100 knees waiting for knee replacement. I indicated that these could be rehabilitated at a cost of less than $2,000.00 per patient, significantly less than continuing procrastination or pursuing the surgical route. Not one health minister responded. Despite this, we continue to treat individuals suffering from this entity on a daily basis and achieve consistent, outstanding results. Whereas I am exasperated with this current state of affairs, I wonder what can be done to rectify this situation in a constructive manner.

In conclusion, I can state unequivocally that the treatment of choice for degenerative osteoarthritis of the knees is Low Intensity Laser Therapy. Surgery, if required on rare occasions, can always be performed at a later date.

For Release -September 13-19, 2009

How would you like to own a racehorse who won hundreds of thousands of dollars? I'm sure we'd crack open the champagne after each race. But how would you feel when the horse develops arthritis and chip fractures in the knee? Then, four veterinarians and two trainers say, "This horse could not and should not run again". This is when we start crying in our champagne. But what has a racehorse to do with our aches and pains? In one word, plenty.

Dr. Fred Kahn, Founder of MediTech Laser and Rehabilitation Clinic in Toronto, told me he inherited this horse in an "exchange ownership" in lieu of paying an outstanding account. But when the horse became lame he decided to see if Light Laser Intensive Therapy (LLIT) would restore his horse's swollen, tender, joints.

Dr. Dennis Potosky, an expert on LLIT at Meditech, began treating the horse three times a week. Two months later the swelling and pain were gone, the horse was walking without a limp, and was ready for the track. Since then it has raced four times and finished first in the last event running six and one eighth furlongs leaving the field behind.

This is an amazing story. Under normal circumstances, this horse would never have raced again. But how does its success affect us? In the past, LLIT was used for several years to treat a variety of common, painful conditions in humans. And like the horse, I've also had first-hand experience with this therapy.

Several years ago I crawled out of bed one morning, unable to stand due to excruciating back pain. An MRI showed two ruptured lumbar discs. A neurosurgeon said he could operate, but there was no guarantee of success. Or I could play for time, hope the protruding discs would heal, and the pain might subside. Fortunately I had read about LLIT, contacted Dr Kahn, and started laser therapy. A few weeks later I returned to my medical practice.

Since that time I've observed the effects of LLIT on several types of patients. Some suffer from pain that has not been helped by conventional medical treatment and have been told they have to learn to live with it. In addition, they're taking toxic pain medication that can cause complications whereas LLIT has no known adverse side-effects.

The majority of patients at Meditech suffer from arthritis involving hip, knee or spine. A large number have degenerative disc disease with bulging discs, or spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the diameter of the spinal canal. Both of these conditions cause pressure on spinal nerves and constant pain. Their quality of life is severely diminished.

Other patients who can be helped are those suffering from the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to long hours at the computer. And I've seen dramatic results in patients who have chronic, long-standing diabetic ulcers resistant to the usual treatment.

But it's not just the elderly who are helped by LLIT. The clinic sees patients of all ages who have sport injuries. These problems usually respond quickly to laser therapy. I've also seen dermatology lesions such as psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, and herpes lesions fade away after treatment.

Dr. Mary Dyson, Emeritus Professor of Physiology at King's College, London, England, is an international authority on wound healing. She says that "LLIT provides a jump-start to the body's natural healing process." She adds that, "this technology delivers energy to the tissues that is transformed into biochemical energy. This results in increased blood supply and accelerated healing time."

Obviously what gives a jump-start to humans does the same for horses. It's been aptly said that you can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Now, one could add it's possible to treat a crippled horse with LLIT. He still may refuse to drink water. But it appears he will be quite willing to run like hell again and win a race.

LLIT is not available in all parts of the U.S and Canada. If you wish to know of a clinic in your area we may be able to help. Use the e-mail address referrals@bell.net or call the number 416-917-4396