Be Aware Health Care | May 15th, 2024

Happy Wednesday readers, here’s the results from a Toronto-based study on the effects of taking a break from social media.

York University study revealed a striking find: a one-week break from social media can do wonders for self-esteem and body image. Among 66 female undergrads, those who stepped back reported a significant boost in both areas compared to their scrolling counterparts. This demographic, often susceptible to negative body image, saw real benefits from the digital detox. To keep those good vibes going, researchers recommend limiting screen time, filling feeds with positivity, and practicing self-care habits like mindfulness and exercise. It's a simple tweak with big rewards for mental and physical well-being.

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Ministry of Health vs. Ontario Medical Association

The Ontario Ministry of Health and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) are in arbitration over physician compensation, with the Ministry downplaying concerns about doctor recruitment and retention. While the OMA highlights significant challenges, like over two million residents lacking a family doctor, the Ministry argues that physician supply outpaces population growth and incomes have risen. Discrepancies in patient access persist, but the Ministry emphasizes ongoing initiatives to improve care. The OMA presents data on job vacancies and patient waitlists, declaring a physician human resources crisis. The Ontario College of Family Physicians echoes concerns, urging fair compensation reflective of doctors' essential role. Opposition voices call for government action to address physician shortages and enhance health care access.

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Making Big Moves Without Asking the Frontline

In Ontario, union leaders are sounding the alarm, urging the government to put home and community care workers first. What's got them riled up? The government's rollout of Bill 135, aka the Convenient Care Act, which shakes up Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) by merging 14 agencies into one mega Shared Service Organization. But wait—why the uproar? Well, unions like the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) argue this move spells trouble with concerns that it's all happening without a chat with frontline workers and could amp up job insecurity, privatization, and profit-driven motives. And let's not forget the unsung heroes here—home care workers, tending to over 400,000 Ontarians each month and ensuring smooth transitions from hospitals to homes. The unions aren't mincing words—they're rallying for a fully public, integrated, and supported home care system. Solidarity is their promise as they keep up the fight for both workers and patients alike.

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$2.4 Million: Primary Care for the Overlooked

Ontario's latest move? Investing $2.4 million into a mobile crisis response team in Lambton County. This dynamic squad, led by community paramedics and mental health workers, swoops in to offer immediate aid to those experiencing homelessness or battling mental health and addiction crises. Their mission? Interventions, referrals to treatment services, and hooking folks up with primary care providers. It's all part of the province's grand scheme to boost accessibility to mental health and addiction care, fitting right into their vision for seamless health care access across the board.

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Toronto Hospitals Unite to Slash Wait Times

In Toronto, four hospitals are teaming up to tackle Ontario's surgical backlog head-on, with a special focus on reducing wait times for gynecological procedures. The Ministry of Health is putting up the funding to kickstart this new initiative. By pooling resources and optimizing operating room schedules, they're fast-tracking surgeries like never before. And boy, are they making waves! In just three months, they've already knocked out a whopping 414 procedures, surpassing targets and bringing relief to many who've waited far too long. But hey, they're just getting started. While the initial funding phase wraps up, plans are in motion to keep the momentum going—think centralized intake models and expanded programs. Watch out, waitlists— Ontario’s making moves.

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Urgent Request from Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is ringing the alarm bells, calling on provinces and territories to step up their breast cancer screening game. Why? Well, evidence suggests that starting screening at 40 can lead to better outcomes— this is crucial information as some regions kick off screenings at 40, while others hold out until age 50. But here's the kicker: timely access to screening isn't just important—it's a game-changer. The society's not just sounding the alarm for all women; they're particularly flagging the risks faced by Black women and those under 50. While we await the latest guidance from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, the message is clear: it's time for provinces to pony up and consider funding screenings from age 40.

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BC’s $150M Health Care Initiative

British Columbia is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to healthcare. Health Minister Adrian Dix just unveiled a whopping $155.7 million plan to beef up recruitment, retention, and training of health care professionals. Picture this: expanding rural retention incentives, offering juicy signing bonuses for high-need positions, and doling out up to $8,000 per year for eligible health care heroes in underrepresented communities. There’s more - with $15 million earmarked over three years, mentorship programs and transition-to-practice support are getting a major facelift. Training initiatives are getting a boost too, with tuition credits and bursaries for fresh-faced graduates. Health care associations are all smiles, seeing these moves as potential game-changers for recruitment and workload management in the sector.

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Alberta’s Connect Care Adds 10,000 Staff

Big news for Calgarians! Alberta Health Services (AHS) has stepped up its game with the full launch of Connect Care last week. With over 10,600 additional staff and physicians onboard, patients can now expect top-notch care with comprehensive patient histories and up-to-date medication lists at their fingertips. Connect Care isn't just another system—it's a game-changer designed to streamline patient care and give healthcare providers easy access to vital health info. By fall 2024, a whopping 125,000 staff and physicians will be using Connect Care, making it one of the largest clinical system rollouts globally. But here's the kicker: patients aren't left out of the loop. Through the MyAHS Connect portal, they can manage appointments, check test results, and track medications—all from the comfort of their own screens. AHS isn't just raising the bar; they're setting the standard

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