Be Aware Health Care | June 13th, 2023

New Study Results : Sports Linked to Enhanced Mental Health in Children

A recent decades-long study conducted in the Netherlands highlights the positive correlation between sports and children's mental health. The study, part of the "Generation R" project led by the University of Rotterdam, followed 4,216 children from ages six to 13.

The research found that increased sports participation at a young age was associated with better self-esteem in adulthood. However, the study did not find evidence supporting the impact of sports on other neurological, psychological, or behavioral variables. The researchers suggest further investigation to determine if sports can help mitigate mental health issues in children at higher risk. The findings were published in the JAMA Journal of Psychiatry.

In today’s email:

Ontario

1. Discontinuing Free Pharmacy and Grocery Store COVID Tests

2. Alert: Ontario’s Rising Cases of Invasive Group A Streptococcus

3. Recall For Frozen Berries Sold in Ontario | Norovirus Contamination

4. Air Quality Alert Ends for Parts of Ontario | Moderate Health Remains

5. Northern Ontario Attracts Internationally Trained Nurses Amid Staff Shortages | Challenges Still Persist

Canada 🇨🇦

1. Shortage Alert For 2 Cancer Drugs

2. Medical Associates Urge Premiers to Prioritize Health Care Crisis in Upcoming Meeting

Ontario

Discontinuing Free Pharmacy and Grocery Store COVID Tests

The province of Ontario has announced that it will end its program offering free rapid COVID-19 tests at grocery stores and pharmacies by the end of June. In a memo to retailers, the Ministry of Health cited decreasing demand for tests, high vaccination rates, and lower COVID-19 transmission rates as the reasons behind winding down the program. While the program will conclude, free rapid tests will still be available in certain "high priority" communities through organizations like community health centers and Ontario Health Teams until December 31.

NDP health critic France Gelinas expressed concerns that vulnerable individuals across the province should continue to have access to rapid antigen tests, even if not in the same quantity as before. Liberal health critic Adil Shamji emphasized the need for equitable testing access during future outbreaks and respiratory seasons, especially considering the challenges faced by the healthcare system.

Alert: Ontario’s Rising Cases of Invasive Group A Streptococcus

Ontario health authorities have issued a warning about an increase in invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS) cases across all age groups, particularly children under 18 and adults over 65. The memo urges healthcare providers to stay vigilant for symptoms and potential complications. iGAS can cause severe illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. Prompt assessment, testing, and notification of public health units are recommended. The most recent report shows an upward trend in cases since January, with the highest monthly count recorded in April 2023.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat

• Rash

• Scabs and sores

• Pain and swelling

• Fever

• Severe muscle aches

• Nausea and vomiting

Recall For Frozen Berries Sold in Ontario | Norovirus Contamination

Health Canada has issued a recall for Alasko brand frozen fruit, specifically IQF Whole Raspberries and IQF Antioxidant Blend, due to possible norovirus contamination. The recall affects one and five-kilogram packages with specific best-before dates. The frozen fruit was distributed in several Canadian provinces. Illnesses linked to the product have been reported, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation.

Health Canada advises against consuming, using, selling, serving, or distributing the recalled product. Norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, typically appearing within 24 to 48 hours.

Air Quality Alert Ends for Parts of Ontario | Moderate Health Remains

Environment Canada has lifted the air quality statement for Toronto, but a moderate health risk persists. The city is expected to have a moderate Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) level of five out of ten. Residents are advised to monitor their health and adjust outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms. While pollutant concentration has decreased, pockets of smoke from wildfires in Quebec and Ontario remain. Saturday's AQHI level is predicted to be a four, indicating potential improvement.

The ongoing fire season may cause smoke to return, and rain may be isolated with the risk of lightning. Northern regions and Indigenous communities have been affected by poor air quality. Continued vigilance and precautions are necessary as long as fires persist.

Northern Ontario Attracts Internationally Trained Nurses Amid Staff Shortages | Challenges Still Persist

The College of Nurses of Ontario has seen a surge in the number of internationally trained nurses joining the health system, with almost half of the 12,385 new nurses registered last year obtaining their diplomas outside of Canada. Northern Ontario, facing nursing staff shortages, has become an attractive destination for some of these nurses.

However, reintegrating into the profession poses challenges. The lengthy process to obtain a nursing license in Ontario can be arduous, leading some nurses to consider alternative paths, such as passing certifications in the United States. While some internationally trained nurses have had positive experiences working in northern Ontario, biases and the need for cultural awareness persist. Host communities must address any biases against these nurses.

To address staff shortages, Health Science North in Sudbury is actively recruiting internationally trained nurses, and there are around 6,000 such nurses waiting for employment opportunities in Ontario. Full-time employment guarantees are essential to attract internationally educated nurses to rural areas of Northern Ontario.

Canada 🇨🇦

Shortage Alert For 2 Cancer Drugs

Canada is experiencing critical shortages of two important cancer drugs: Thyrotropin Alfa for thyroid cancer treatment and Asparaginase for a form of leukemia. The exact number of affected patients is unclear. These shortages are part of an ongoing concern in the Canadian healthcare system, as cancer drug shortages have been impacting patient care for years.

While some chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and cisplatin have faced shortages in the United States, Health Canada confirms their availability in Canada from multiple suppliers. In 2022, there were also shortages of other cancer medications, but those have been resolved.

Health Canada is conserving existing supplies of Thyrotropin Alfa and expediting manufacturing. For Asparaginase, the shortage is being addressed through importing foreign-authorized supplies and authorizing an alternative product. Several provinces and health organizations have noted periodic shortages of oncology drugs, including Dexrazoxane for metastatic breast cancer. Health Canada is monitoring at least 23 drug shortages and collaborates with stakeholders to mitigate impacts on patients.

Medical Associates Urge Premiers to Prioritize Health Care Crisis in Upcoming Meeting

The Canadian Medical Association and 14 other health worker organizations are urging provincial premiers to prioritize the health care crisis during their upcoming meeting in July. Last year, the premiers met multiple times to address the healthcare crisis and called on the federal government for increased funding. In February, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $196 billion deal for the Canada Health Transfer over the next decade, with all provinces except Quebec agreeing to it in principle. However, the medical associations emphasize that the healthcare crisis is far from resolved, highlighting issues such as long wait times, inadequate primary care, healthcare workforce shortages, and overcrowded emergency rooms. They are urging the premiers to address these concerns during their meeting.