Be Aware Health Care | June 20th, 2023

Osteoporosis (“The Silent Thief”) | Risks & Prevention

Osteoporosis, dubbed the silent thief, often remains undetected until a bone fracture happens. This prevalent disease affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in Canada, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures. While osteoporosis doesn't exhibit noticeable symptoms, experts emphasize early awareness and prevention measures. The bone renewal process, involving osteoclasts breaking down bone and osteoblasts building new bone, requires a delicate balance.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, menopause in women, sedentary lifestyles, and genetics. To prevent osteoporosis, individuals should focus on regular exercise, especially weight-bearing and balancing activities, to stimulate bone density. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet and supplementation is also crucial. Osteoporosis Canada is set to release updated guidelines in fall 2023, incorporating new evidence-based approaches.

In the week’s email:

Ontario

1. Shortcomings of Bill 124 | Ontario Workers Awarded Wage Increase

2. Private Surgery Clinics | New Details

3. Hamilton Hospital Staff Protest Bill 60

4. Med School Brings Crash Course To Northern Ontario

Canada 🇨🇦

1. B.C | Prescription Coverage For Medication To Treat Opioid Addiction

2. Doctors Urge Caution | More Parents Use Melatonin To Help Kids Sleep

3. B.C Sales of Ozempic to U.S Citizens Nearly Gone

Ontario

Shortcomings of Bill 124 | Ontario Workers Awarded Wage Increase

Arbitrator Kaplan's Bill 124 reopener award recognizes the negative impact of Bill 124, introduced by Doug Ford's government, on union member wages in Ontario hospitals. The award addresses the challenges posed by the pandemic, healthcare worker shortage, and inflation, but falls short of fully compensating for these factors. The award includes salary increases of 3.75% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023, along with additional incentives for registered practical nurses (RPNs). However, these increases do not fully keep up with inflation or adequately address the staffing crisis in hospitals.

OCHU/CUPE and SEIU Healthcare members emphasize the need for future negotiations to address these ongoing issues and urge hospitals and the Ontario government to prioritize fair compensation that reflects inflation and tackles the staffing crisis. Recent settlements and arbitration outcomes have acknowledged the negative consequences of Bill 124, and OCHU/CUPE calls on the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) to join them in opposing the government's costly appeal of the bill.

Private Surgery Clinics | New Details

The Ontario government has unveiled new regulations outlining how OHIP-covered surgeries will be conducted at private clinics. These regulations, posted publicly on June 9, are part of Premier Doug Ford's plan to address surgical backlogs by allowing private clinics to perform more procedures covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The legislation, known as Bill 60 or the Your Health Act, enables both for-profit and not-for-profit clinics to offer cataract surgeries, MRI and CT scans, minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, and eventually knee and hip replacements under OHIP.

The government emphasized that licensed clinics will be held to public standards and oversight by designated "expert organizations." The new regulations also require private clinics to disclose prices for uninsured services and establish mechanisms for patient complaints and protection. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the College of Midwives of Ontario will act as inspecting bodies to ensure quality and safety standards are met.

Hamilton Hospital Staff Protest Bill 60

Hamilton health care workers rally against Ontario's health reform bill, expressing concerns over increased privatization of surgeries and procedures. Over 2,400 staff members signed a petition opposing Bill 60, citing fears of understaffing and longer wait times. Critics argue that diverting public tax dollars to private clinics will drain resources from public hospitals. The government aims to reduce a backlog of 200,000 surgeries but faces opposition regarding the impact on public health care quality. The bill's proponents emphasize a robust oversight framework and insured services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Med School Brings Crash Course To Northern Ontario

Canada's Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM) is addressing the shortage of doctors in rural areas by offering a unique curriculum that focuses on community culture. NOSM recruits students from rural communities, with 90% of its student body coming from northern Ontario. The program immerses students in smaller centers, increasing the likelihood that they will choose to practice there after graduation. The curriculum includes placements in Indigenous communities, emphasizing cultural understanding and respect. The approach has been successful, with about half of NOSM graduates choosing to practice in northern Ontario, benefiting underserved communities. Patients have expressed greater comfort in seeking medical care from doctors trained in their cultural customs.

Canada 🇨🇦

B.C | Prescription Coverage For Medication To Treat Opioid Addiction

British Columbia (B.C.) has become the first province in Canada to offer universal coverage for medications used in the treatment of opioid-use disorder. Starting from June 6, B.C. residents with an active medical services plan will have access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) medications, such as methadone or Suboxone, without financial barriers. The move aims to improve access to care and create more equitable health outcomes. Previously, some patients had coverage through the publicly funded PharmaCare program, while others paid out-of-pocket. Under the new rules, patients will be fully covered for OAT medication costs under a provincial coverage plan called Plan Z. The announcement comes as B.C. faces a high number of deaths from the toxic drug supply, with almost 600 deaths reported in the first three months of 2023.

Doctors Urge Caution | More Parents Use Melatonin To Help Kids Sleep

The popularity of melatonin as a sleep aid for children is growing, but doctors warn of potential risks. While it can be helpful for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, it may not be suitable for typically developing children. Melatonin doses for children are small, and giving too much can be harmful. There is a concern about parents administering adult-sized doses to children. Doctors recommend exploring other solutions and consulting healthcare providers or sleep specialists for sleep issues in older children.

B.C Sales of Ozempic to U.S Citizens Nearly Gone

According to the province of British Columbia, sales of the diabetes drug Ozempic to U.S. residents from pharmacies in B.C. have plunged by over 99% since restrictions were implemented. Starting April 19, American residents were no longer allowed to order Ozempic online from B.C. Between April 20 and May 31, only 111 Ozempic prescriptions were filled for U.S. residents, compared to 30,700 prescriptions filled in B.C. from January 1 to April 19. The drug, primarily intended for Type 2 diabetes, gained popularity due to claims of aiding weight loss, although it is not approved for that purpose. B.C.'s health ministry restricted sales to prevent shortages. The investigation continues into two Metro Vancouver pharmacies that mailed most of the doses south, and a physician in Nova Scotia who wrote the majority of prescriptions has been temporarily suspended. B.C.'s PharmaCare program covers Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes treatment, but not for weight loss.