Be Aware Health Care | September 26,2023

Key Findings from Statistics Canada's "Health of Canadians" Report

A new report by Statistics Canada highlights changes in the health of Canadians. Key findings include:

1. Decline in Life Expectancy Post-Pandemic: Life expectancy declined in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 and substance-related harms. In 2021, life expectancy at birth dropped to 81.6 years.

2. Mental Health Impacting Vulnerable Groups: Despite good general health reported by 59.7% of Canadians, there's been a decrease in self-reported mental health quality since 2015, especially among those aged 18-34. Anxiety and mood disorders are increasing, notably among Indigenous and low-income populations.

3. Lung Cancer Incidences Decreasing, Chronic Conditions Rising: Lung cancer rates have decreased, but chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity are on the rise, particularly in lower-income groups.

4. Canadian Youth Not Meeting Physical Activity, Nutrition Guidelines: Canadians over 12 report declining physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption. Youth aged 12-17 show a 14% decrease in physical activity since 2015.

5. Millions Lack a Regular Health-Care Provider: Approximately 4.7 million Canadians lack a regular health-care provider. Certain groups, like bisexual or pansexual individuals, First Nations people off-reserve, and racialized communities, are disproportionately affected. Residents of Atlantic provinces are more likely to report unmet health-care needs.

Additionally, concerns arise about meeting the home-care needs of the aging population. About 3.2% of Canadians used home-care services in 2021, with 1.6% reporting unmet needs.

In This Week’s Email:

Ontario News

1. Opposition to Health Care Privatization Grew

2. Ontario Encourages Vaccinations to Ensure a Healthy Respiratory Season

3. Hamilton Receives $1.8M Federal Funding

4. AI in Ontario Hospitals: Predicting Patient Needs and Improving Care

Canada News 🇨🇦

1. Improving Seniors' Care: Canada's Path to Equity and Access

2. FDA Panel: Phenylephrine Ineffective as Decongestant

3. B.C. Municipalities Vote Against Scrapping Health Worker Vaccine Mandate

Ontario News

Opposition to Health Care Privatization Grew

The Simcoe County Health Coalition and citizens strongly opposed health care privatization. In a recent referendum, 99 percent voted against privatizing hospital services. Concerns included under-funding, under-staffing, long wait times, and hospital closures. Ontario had the fewest hospital beds per capita and the lowest hospital spending in the country. Private companies benefitted amidst the crisis. Proponents argued that privatized services cost more and compromised accountability. The fight against privatization continued with a demonstration on September 25, 2023, at Queen's Park in Toronto.

Ontario Encourages Vaccinations to Ensure a Healthy Respiratory Season

Ontario is advising residents to stay safe this respiratory illness season by getting their flu and COVID-19 shots when available. Flu shots will be offered to high-risk groups first, with free shots for the general public available from October 30th at various locations. Simultaneous COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are encouraged for convenience. The province expects to receive Moderna's updated SPIKEVAX XBB COVID-19 vaccine soon. Ontario is also introducing a vaccination program for the RSV vaccine, Arexvy, for those aged 60 and older in specific settings. Pharmacists will soon administer this vaccine. The government is working on allowing pharmacists to prescribe Tamiflu for flu treatment. Rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19 remain accessible. These measures aim to keep communities safe and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

Hamilton Receives $1.8M Federal Funding

Hamilton is set to receive over $1.8 million in federal funding through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). The funds will support three critical projects aimed at addressing substance-related harms and overdose risks in the region.

The City of Hamilton will expand outreach services for individuals dealing with drug use and homelessness, while St. Joseph's Healthcare will develop measurement-based care for patients with substance use disorders. Additionally, the AIDS Network will provide pharmaceutical-grade medication as a safer alternative to illegal drugs, alongside support services.

These initiatives align with a broader effort to invest in prevention, harm reduction, and treatment to combat the ongoing public health crisis related to substance use and overdoses.

AI in Ontario Hospitals: Predicting Patient Needs and Improving Care

Hospitals in Ontario are using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare. Grand River Hospital in Kitchener is piloting an AI system to predict changes in patient needs, potentially improving care and bed management. In Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital is using AI to detect delirium, increasing recognition from 75% to 90% accuracy. Both hospitals stress that AI is meant to support, not replace, human interaction in healthcare.

Canada News 🇨🇦

Improving Seniors' Care: Canada's Path to Equity and Access

A new study from the C.D. Howe Institute highlights the need for improved access to seniors' care and greater equity in Canada's health system as the population ages. Canada ranked eighth out of 11 developed countries in seniors' care, with particular weaknesses in equity and access to care. Low-income seniors face obstacles in accessing medical care, with 15 percent not visiting a dentist and eight percent not receiving needed home care due to affordability issues. The study recommends enhancing overall access to care, timeliness, and reducing cost barriers for prescriptions, dentistry, and home care. It also draws inspiration from countries like Germany and the Netherlands, which excel in seniors' care, and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to address healthcare challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Panel: Phenylephrine Ineffective as Decongestant

A U.S. FDA panel unanimously declared that phenylephrine, a common decongestant in U.S. and Canadian over-the-counter meds, is ineffective when taken as pills. Experts found it only minimally relieves congestion when ingested.

Canadian experts had questioned phenylephrine's efficacy for years, with the Canadian Paediatric Society advising against its use in 2011. While it carries minimal risk, it can be costly. Experts recommend alternatives like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Pharmacists are excellent resources for selecting effective treatments.

Experts suggest consulting pharmacists for guidance on congestion relief. Over-the-counter meds may not provide significant relief for colds. Staying hydrated, resting, and consuming honey (for those over age one) can help manage symptoms. Many colds require time to run their course, and over-the-counter meds may not speed up recovery

B.C. Municipalities Vote Against Scrapping Health Worker Vaccine Mandate

At the Union of B.C. Municipalities, a vote took place regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health-care workers, unique to B.C. in Canada. Despite debates, the motion to eliminate the requirement was voted down.

Supporters argued for the safety of vulnerable patients, but politicians from northern B.C. emphasized the disproportionate impact on their communities. B.C.'s Health Minister, Adrain Dix, defended the mandate, citing a more significant increase in nurse staffing compared to Alberta, which lacks a mandate.

While some groups advocate lifting the mandate, Dix highlighted that over 99% of doctors have been vaccinated, underscoring the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. As of now, B.C. doesn't plan to change the mandate.