Be Aware Health Care | July 4th, 2023

Canada Experts Set The Record Straight | 10 Facts About Sun Protection

1. Sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure, including the risk of skin cancer.

2. There are two types of UV rays to be aware of: UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause DNA damage, and UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn.

3. When choosing sunscreen, consider the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and opt for broad-spectrum formulas that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

4. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using a minimum broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

5. It's important to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body and reapply it as needed, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.

6. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, fog, and windows, so sun protection is necessary even on cloudy days or when indoors.

7. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, and mineral sunscreens that create a physical barrier to reflect and scatter UV rays.

8. Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

9. Age plays a role in sun protection, with youth being more susceptible to burns and increased risk of skin cancer, while older individuals may have accumulated sun damage over time.

10. Proper storage of sunscreen away from direct sunlight and adherence to expiration dates are essential for maintaining its effectiveness.

In this week’s email:

Ontario News

1. Floria Clinic | Paving The Way For Inclusive Care 

2. Revealed | Creating 300+ Spaces in Ontario Paramedic Program

3. Ontario Health Care Workers Continue to Protest Bill 60 | Kitchener

4. Tabs on Ontario’s Tick-Borne Illnesses

Canadian News 🇨🇦

1. Applications Open | $650 for Canadian Children Dental Care

2. Doctors Burn-Out Leads to 3400 Patients Without Family Doctor

3. Canada Plans to Double Admission of Health-Care Professionals to Address Emergency Room Crisis

Ontario News

Floria Clinic | Paving The Way For Inclusive Care

A new virtual clinic called Foria Clinic has been launched in Ontario, Canada, to provide gender-affirming healthcare for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. Foria Clinic was created by Dr. Kate Greenaway, the founder of Connect Clinic, in partnership with PurposeMed, a company specializing in telehealth services for underserved communities.

The clinic offers services that are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and charges fees ranging from $99 for follow-up appointments to $199 or $299 for initial appointments. While the introduction of user-pay services creates a financial barrier, Greenaway hopes to establish a fund to assist those who cannot afford the fees. The shift to a user-pay model has raised concerns about creating a two-tier privatized healthcare system and limiting access to care for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals, who are already more likely to experience poverty.

The previous clinic, Connect Clinic, ceased operations due to changes in funding, leaving many patients without access to gender-affirming healthcare. Virtual care is seen as a safer and more accessible option for some individuals, particularly those who cannot find suitable providers in their local communities. The Ministry of Health has not indicated if funding for virtual gender-affirming care will be restored.

Revealed | Creating 300+ Spaces in Ontario Paramedic Program

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones has unveiled plans to create more than 300 new spaces in paramedic programs at provincial colleges this year. The initiative aims to strengthen the paramedic workforce and ensure timely access to emergency services for Ontarians.

The decision comes in response to reports of increasing offload delays and ambulance shortages across the province. The colleges offering expanded enrolment include Algonquin College, Cambrian College, Centennial College, and several others. Additionally, the Learn and Stay Grant, which covers tuition, books, and fees, will be extended to paramedic students in northern Ontario, provided they work in the same region for a specified duration. These measures seek to address the growing demand for paramedic services and enhance emergency care in the province.

Ontario Health Care Workers Continue to Protest Bill 60 | Kitchener

Front-line healthcare workers in Kitchener staged a rally in front of St. Mary's General Hospital on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The protest aimed to challenge the province's Your Health Act, also known as Bill 60. Organized by three unions, the rally sought to oppose the government's plan to outsource hospital surgeries and diagnostic procedures to private clinics.

Over 700 workers, including those represented by the Ontario Nurses' Association, Unifor, and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, had signed a petition demanding an end to healthcare privatization. The staff at St. Mary's General Hospital warned that this move would have a detrimental impact on healthcare services in public hospitals across Ontario, including in Kitchener. The rally participants included nurses, medical lab technologists, aides, cleaners, and clerical staff, united in their commitment to preserving public healthcare.

Tabs on Ontario’s Tick-Borne Illnesses

Tick-borne illnesses in Ontario, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus, are expected to increase due to climate change, according to Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health. A new regulation requires healthcare providers to report cases of these illnesses. Tick survival and breeding patterns contribute to their spread. Symptoms range from fever and chills to more severe complications. Preventive measures include insect repellent and tick checks. Treatment options vary, and prompt medical attention is advised for tick bites accompanied by fever.

Canadian News 🇨🇦

Applications Open | $650 for Canadian Children Dental Care

The Canadian government has opened applications for the second benefit period of the Canada Dental Benefit, offering financial assistance for families with young children. Each child can receive up to $650 per benefit period, totaling $1,300 over two periods. The aim is to provide dental care support to families who lack insurance coverage, ensuring children receive necessary oral health care. To be eligible, children must be under 12 years old, the family's net income should be below $90,000, and they should not have private dental insurance. Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2024, with quick processing and potential payment via cheque or direct deposit. Required information includes the child's dental care provider's details, appointment dates, and relevant employment information.

Doctors Burn-Out Leads to 3400 Patients Without Family Doctor

Dr. Paul Corney, a family doctor in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), has decided to permanently close his practice due to challenges in finding a replacement and increasing personal stress. In a letter to his remaining 3,400 patients, he announced the winding down of his practice in Charlottetown, with a planned closure date of September 15, 2023.

The province's health authority, Health P.E.I., is working to find solutions for the patients affected by the closure. In the meantime, patients can access free online care through the province's virtual health service, Maple. Dr. Corney expressed his efforts to secure nurse practitioners, other physicians, or medical assistants but was unable to find available help. Patients are advised to continue their scheduled appointments with allied healthcare professionals associated with the practice until the closure, after which they will be transferred to appropriate Health P.E.I. services.

The letter highlighted the strain on healthcare resources in P.E.I., stating that many doctors, nurses, and medical support personnel have left the healthcare system. Dr. Corney cited burnout and the unrelenting needs of his patients as reasons for his departure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his patients' medical needs.

Canada Plans to Double Admission of Health-Care Professionals to Address Emergency Room Crisis

The Canadian government is planning to double the number of health-care professionals it admits each year to address potential crises in the country's emergency rooms. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced that the federal Express Entry program, which brings highly skilled immigrants to Canada, will offer a streamlined path for professionals in key sectors, starting with health care. The government invited 500 skilled health-care workers through the Express Entry process and plans to invite an additional 1,500 by July 5. The goal is to admit around 8,000 new health-care workers annually, compared to the previous rate of just over 4,000. The new process will require faster visa processing times, and the government has made efforts to improve backlogs and reduce administrative barriers. The increase in health-care workers aims to alleviate staffing shortages and the strain on emergency rooms across the country, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.