By Stuart Chambers assisted dying, assisted suicide, bill c-14, Canada, Canada healthcare system, chronic illness, euthanasia, medically assisted suicide, mental disabilities, neurological conditions
A version of this commentary appeared in the Toronto Star, the Vancouver Province and the Huffington Post The assisted-dying bill (Bill C-14) was passed in Canada almost a year ago, but not without its detractors — on both sides of the issue. Opponents of the bill were concerned that vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities […]
By Ryan Meili and Christine Gibson Child health, Child poverty, chronic illness, Health care costs, low income
When parents bring a child into the clinic, they do so hoping for help to treat an acute illness or a longer-term problem.
By James Downar and John Muscedere cancer, chronic illness, elderly patients, End of life, End of life care, Health care in Canada, medication, Pharmaceutical, seniors, terminally ill patients, unpaid caregivers
Our healthcare system remains focused on acute – emergency — care and the “therapeutic imperative” to fix everything we can fix when a patient is ill. But when someone is approaching the end of life, this approach may no longer be what the patient and their families need or want most.
By Carolyn Shimmin chronic illness, diabetes, food industry, Health care in Canada, health education, Health journalism, investigative journalism, Obesity, obesity trends, physical fitness, weight bias
With a federal election on the horizon, certain high level policy topics are bound to make the headlines beyond the personalities of the political leaders: the economy, energy prices, jobs prospects even climate change.
By Carolyn Shimmin chronic illness, diabetes, food industry, Health care in Canada, health education, Health journalism, investigative journalism, Obesity, obesity trends, physical fitness, weight bias
Over three million Canadians struggle to make ends meet — and what may surprise many is the devastating influence poor income, education and occupation can have on our health.
By advanced directive, Canada, Canada Health Act, Canada’s healthcare system, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, chronic illness, CPR, DNR, do not resuscitate, Docotr, End of life care, health, heart attack, hospital, Podcasts, power of attorney, resuscitation, seniors
Will the cost of senior care in Canada one day break the bank? Probably not, contrary to common perceptions.
By Carolyn Shimmin chronic illness, diabetes, food industry, Health care in Canada, health education, Health journalism, investigative journalism, Obesity, obesity trends, physical fitness, weight bias
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Canadians living with obesity over the past few decades and it is often cited as a risk factor for other chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. This means that obesity is frequently a hot topic in […]
By Michael J. Schull chronic illness, emergency room, ER discharge, ER patient, ER visit, follow-up care, hospitalization, medical follow-up, Miramichi Leader
Television shows have popularized the theatrical entrance into the hospital emergency room: patients racing down hallways on gurneys with worried doctors and nurses running alongside — great drama. How most patients leave the emergency room isn’t quite as dramatic, but the facts tell a good news story.
By Carolyn Shimmin chronic illness, diabetes, food industry, Health care in Canada, health education, Health journalism, investigative journalism, Obesity, obesity trends, physical fitness, weight bias
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Canadians living with obesity over the past few decades, and it is often cited as a risk factor for other chronic health conditions —which means obesity is frequently in the news. So, what should journalists know before covering the topic?