Public Health event presents the facts on vaping

The youth vaping online information session is on Jan. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Talking to parents about the issue of e-cigarette products could help start discussions about the harms of vaping to their children.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is hosting a free online information session for parents and community members to discuss vaping. The session is on Jan. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is a fairly new issue for our community compared to other things like tobacco or cannabis, said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer for WDGPH.

Public health has partnered with both school boards for the event.

“You know, when it comes to vaping if youth are vaping in schools, if they are bringing vape products to schools to share with their friends, oftentimes the schools are seeing things that we ourselves can’t directly see,” said Tenenbaum.

Information relayed from schools to public health helps them see the health issue in a more concrete way and come up with solutions, he said.

WDGPH wants to make sure parents know what vaping is and the issues around it.

“And we want to give parents some concrete tips or things they can do to engage their children in conversation about what vaping is, why it’s harmful, and how they can reduce or prevent their use,” Tenenbaum said.

Data from the province shows youth despite being underage to purchase tobacco products are “able to access them and are using them in concerning ways,” he said.

We do know commonly people use vapes thinking it will reduce stress, depression or anxiety, he said.

“People are curious, they’re seeing their friends use it. They’re wondering what it’s like. And kind of tied in with that is the idea of to some extent maybe peer pressure that students are experiencing

Advice for telling the difference between medical fact and fiction.

It can be hard to know what is real on medical guidance.

One day last summer Antonia Prescott was scrolling the internet when she saw an article with a headline that intrigued her.

“Harvard professor names best exercise to burn fat and keep it off: Dr. Daniel E. Lieberman has explained what type of exercise and for how long a week people should be doing it for best results,” it said.

Curious, Prescott, turned to her husband, who was doing the dishes nearby and asked him what type of exercise people should do to burn fat and keep it off.

“That’s really complicated. I can’t answer that,” responded her husband, who happens to be Daniel E. Lieberman, a professor at Harvard, who never provided such guidance to anyone.

Like much of the “information” available online, what she was reading wasn’t accurate, or at least it was so oversimplified as to be meaningless.

The internet is filled with questionable guidance on weight loss and nearly every other topic ‒ but when it comes to health, such sketchy bits of content can be downright dangerous.

Most Americans encounter false information related to health online, according to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, and most aren’t sure whether that information is true.

Some may be harmless ‒ such as the best exercise for burning fat, which Lieberman, a paleoanthropologist, can’t answer simplistically from his data on human evolution.

But some of it, including outright lies, is often provided by bad actors who are trying to make money or gain power by manipulating innocent people, experts say.

These bad actors also take advantage of a flawed medical system that can leave people without access to professionals they trust to give them accurate, useful information.

Systemic changes are needed to help rebuild public trust, experts say.

At the individual level, people should learn to

Could you commit to buying just five new items of clothing in a year? | Fashion

I love fashion, enjoy following trends, keeping up with new brands and dressing up, but I have always bought too much. So when a report last year found that no amount of recycled materials, regenerative agriculture or innovative fabrics are going to make enough of an impact to keep global heating at bay, I decided to embark on a new way of getting dressed.

Those living in the high-income G20 countries, the report from the thinktank Hot or Cool Institute stated, need to radically reduce their fashion consumption. It set a specific brief: “If no other actions are implemented, such as repairing/mending, washing at lower temperatures, or buying secondhand, purchases of new garments should be limited to an average five items a year for achieving consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.”

Tiffanie Darke, wearing a top altered from an old dress.
Tiffanie Darke, wearing a top altered from an old dress. Photograph: Courtesy of Tiffanie Darke

Five is a radical number, but it’s also tangible. It still allows you the pleasure of shopping, but requires you to think carefully about the garments you choose. They need to be special, work hard in your wardrobe and you need to really love them.

What would cutting back to only five things do for me? It turned out, a lot. I had more fun with fashion this past year than ever before, as I turned to rental, alteration, swapping, borrowing and mending. I shopped my own wardrobe and found many unworn treasures (according to Wrap (Waste and Resources Action Programme) we only wear 20-30% of our wardrobes), meanwhile I was forced to consider my own personal style rather than one prescribed to me by catwalks or Instagram. Maybe the bow thing is not for me, and Tomato Girl summer worked better on TikTok.

When I announced my plans on

Department warns of unprecedented disruption to health services due to strike

Disruption to health services in Northern Ireland due to next week’s strike action will be on a scale “not experienced with previous industrial action”, health chiefs have warned.

The Department of Health said while efforts would be made to mitigate the impact of the industrial action, there would be “widespread disruption” – with some services not available at all.

Nurses and health workers are among those who are to take part in a generalised day of action on January 18 over an outstanding pay award for public sector workers.

The public are being advised to take all steps to reduce their requirement for health service treatment next Thursday.

In a statement, the Department of Health said it was “extremely concerned” about the potential impact of the industrial action.

A spokesperson said: “While every effort will be made to mitigate the impact on the public, there will be widespread disruption to all aspects of health and social care services.

“This is expected to impact across a wide range of areas including planned and unplanned (urgent/emergency) hospital services, community services such as day centres, district nursing and domiciliary care as well as ambulance cover.

“Trusts will work with trade union representatives to seek to protect emergency care.

“We nevertheless believe that disruption to services will be on a scale not experienced with previous industrial action.”

The department pointed out that the strike action would be taking place at a time when services are “already under sustained and very severe pressure”.

Industrial strike

Health workers will be on the picket line next week in Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

The spokesperson added: “Staffing shortfalls on the day are expected to be further exacerbated by industrial action in education and public transport.

“We would therefore ask the public to be very conscious of the fact that a

Guest column: Let’s develop ‘culture of health literacy in society’

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By: Dr. Mehdi Aloosh

Dear Residents of Windsor and Essex County:

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As the local medical officer of health, I extend my warmest wishes for the New Year on behalf of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

Looking forward to 2024, at the health unit, we will continue to support better health for all by working with our community and partners to address the health issues that impact our region. Our organization continues in its mission to promote, protect, and improve health and well-being for all residents of Windsor and Essex County, as it has for over a century.

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At the beginning of a new year, as we all consider ways to improve our lives, it is true that each of us has a role to play in achieving a healthy 2024.

Whether residing in our county municipalities or downtown core, taking proactive measures like vaccinations, embracing an active lifestyle, and seeking assistance for health issues, including mental health and substance use, contributes to our collective well-being.

Also, in this rapidly evolving world, it is important to educate ourselves and our children to make informed decisions for a healthier future. Let’s work together to develop a culture of health literacy in our society.

While this time of year may be challenging for some, it’s crucial to remember that spending quality time with friends and family continues to be one of the best ways to improve your mood and overall mental health.

In doing so, let’s be mindful of those who may be at a higher risk of negative outcomes for the viruses that have been circulating through our region over the past several weeks. Influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be very harmful or even fatal for vulnerable people.

health
Dr. Mehdi Aloosh,

TELUS Health and Clinia join forces

Montreal – Today, TELUS Health, a global leader in health technology, and Clinia, a leading provider of health-grade search technologies have announced an exclusive strategic partnership to revolutionize health navigation and deliver personalized care throughout individuals’ health journeys. By harnessing Clinia’s AI-powered technology stack, TELUS Health aims to streamline provider registry networks management, facilitate seamless interconnectivity and drive improved cost sustainability for payors and providers, eliminating the problems associated with traditional provider registry networks.

“The overwhelming amount of health information available online can be incredibly time consuming to navigate for both payors and individuals here in Canada, and globally,” said Martin Bélanger, Managing Director, Payor and Provider Solutions, TELUS Health. “We are investing in advanced technology to provide a more direct and personalized service that will empower individuals through better access to care and more highly customized recommendations based on their personal health needs. This innovative approach will also enable our pay-vider stakeholders to deploy efficient solutions at scale, ensuring widespread benefits for all.”

With the combined TELUS Health and Clinia infrastructure, time and effort spent on administrative tasks and manual data entry is optimized through turnkey solutions for their provider registry, allowing more effective allocation of resources. This solution eliminates the problems associated with traditional provider registry networks, which are expensive to maintain yet don’t give connected and complete information. Now, payors can leverage a complete single solution to power their own trusted experiences, including referrals and resource management for care teams, and give members direct access to vetted care providers that are personalized to the benefits plan of an employer or individual.

“By leveraging Clinia’s Health-grade Search stack to supercharge Canada’s leading provider network, adjudication and pharmacy solutions, TELUS Health’s offerings will now be even further ahead,” said Simon Bédard, CEO and Co-founder, Clinia. “TELUS Health already

Sustainable Fashion and Home Goods for Less

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Quince has undoubtedly become a top contender for our style editors’ favorite direct-to-consumer brands since we’ve discovered them. In our Quince review, we became personally acquainted with their washable silks, durable suede, plush cashmere, and even home essentials. Their clothing has found a place across several of our apparel guides, and ought to be on the radar of anyone looking to elevate their basics on a budget. 

By using high-quality materials in classic silhouettes, the San Francisco-based brand claims to be the exact opposite of fast fashion. But what really sets Quince apart is that it has some of the lowest prices we’ve seen for clothing made with luxury fabrics, which are on average 50-80% off traditional retail costs. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, affordable gift, their chunky Fisherman Crewneck is among our favorite cashmere sweaters we’ve tested. We also love the shearling boots, which bear an uncanny resemblance to UGG Ultra Minis and cost $80 less. 

Below, we explore more of the brand’s clothing, outerwear, accessories, and home collection to verify whether quality is sacrificed for low price points. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the brand’s mission and impact, as well as tips on sizing, fit, and styling suggestions.

How Quince maintains affordable prices

To keep prices ultra-low, Quince goes beyond the traditional direct-to-consumer model. Besides cutting out the usual middleman with a factory-direct model, the brand also sources its items directly from makers to lower design costs. Furthermore, Quince strategically minimizes corporate overhead expenses. This cuts out supply chain costs, which typically includes paying for sourcing agents, warehousing, wholesaling, distribution and storefront retail. Without all these, Quince is allowed ample profit margins without up-charging the consumer.

Quince’s sustainability

Israeli Forces Strike Across Gaza Strip as Gaza Health Ministry Says Death Toll Tops 24,100

Israeli forces launched new airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday, while the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said Monday that Israeli attacks killed more than 130 people during the past day.

Israel’s military said its operations included killing five militants in northern Gaza “who were attempting to locate weapons,” along with airstrikes and ground attacks that destroyed weapons storage facilities in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis area.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its casualty totals, said Monday that the number of dead from Israel’s military campaign had risen to at least 24,100, with more than 60,000 others injured.

Israel began its military campaign to wipe out Hamas after Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 people hostage in the terror attack.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his appeal Monday for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, saying it is urgently needed to get aid to Palestinians, facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas, and halt the spread of the war throughout the Middle East.

“I am profoundly worried by what is unfolding,” Guterres told reporters at the United Nations.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Monday for a “sustainable cease-fire” in Gaza as she became the latest diplomat to travel to the region to discuss the conflict and humanitarian efforts.

“No cease-fire can be one sided and no cease-fire can be unconditional,” Wong said at a news conference ahead of her departure on the trip that includes stops in Jordan, Israel, the West Bank and the United Arab Emirates.

A temporary cease-fire in late November included militants in the Gaza Strip releasing more than 100 hostages, while Israel set free 240 Palestinian prisoners.

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip, in a position near the Israel-Gaza border, Jan. 14, 2024.

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards

Can home care save Quebec’s struggling health system? – Montreal

Family physician Dr. Eveline Gaillardetz worked all day, but didn’t set foot in a clinic or hospital on Friday. She worked in her car and at the homes of her patients in Verdun.

“I think now the new generation of doctors, they see how home care can save the health-care system,” Gaillardetz told Global News as she drove to a private seniors home where she has multiple patients.

Gaillardetz is part of a team of 15 doctors and nurses at the Verdun CLSC known as SIAD (Soins intensifs à domicile).

They visit palliative care patients approaching the end of life so they won’t have to go to an overcrowded ER. There’s a doctor on call 24/7.

“It’s a very demanding practice, but it’s a beautiful practice too,” the physician said.

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She received calls repeatedly in the two hours Global News spent with her on Friday.

“Without even having to send him to the emergency, we could provide the care that this patient needs at home,” she said after getting off one call.

Health authorities said this week that many seniors are showing up to emergency departments these days. It’s a problem that is likely to get worse in the years to come.


Click to play video: 'Can at home care ease the burden on Quebec ERs?'


Can at home care ease the burden on Quebec ERs?


“We know that we’re at the beginning of that new trend of having a very old population,” said Gaillardetz.


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Quebec’s Golden Age Federation (FADOQ) wants to see SIAD, and home care in general, expanded.

“The state of palliative home care in Quebec is really deplorable,” said FADOQ government relations director Philippe Poirier-Monette.  “Nearly 80 per cent of the Quebec population dies at hospital. In the UK, it’s about 50 per cent

More secure hospital information system coming to Bluewater Health

Bluewater Health, hardest hit by a cyberattack on five Southwestern Ontario hospitals last fall, had a relatively dated system for storing and sharing patient information at the time, Bluewater Health’s board chairperson says.

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Bluewater Health, hardest hit by a cyberattack on five Southwestern Ontario hospitals last fall, had a relatively dated system for storing and sharing patient information at the time, Bluewater Health’s board chairperson says.

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“It did make a difference,” said Margaret Dragan, about the hospital group’s 20-plus-year-old hospital information system that’s been eyed for an update since 2013.

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Other hospitals in Chatham-Kent, Leamington and Windsor affected by the ransomware attack, detected Oct. 23, via shared supply and technology systems provider TransForm Shared Service Organization, already were using a newer Oracle Cerner hospital information system at the time, Dragan said.

Bluewater Health announced this week it’s switching to Oracle Cerner by the end of 2024.

The upgrade was expected to happen around now, even before the cyberattack, Dragan said, adding Bluewater took its time evaluating hospital information system options before deciding because it wanted to be thorough.

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Vendors are making Bluewater Health’s implementation a priority because of the cyberattack, a hospital official said.

Dragan stopped short of saying Bluewater Health’s existing Meditech system — still in place until the switch to Oracle Cerner is complete — is more vulnerable to cyberattack, adding officials have been asked to not talk about certain things given

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