News

Masks to be worn in B.C. health facilities as flu and COVID cases increase
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Thursday the masks must be worn by all healthcare workers, volunteers and visitors in patient-care areas starting Oct. 3 to guard against spreading illnesses to those who are vulnerable.
Food insecurity among Indigenous kids is a ‘public health crisis,’ doctors say
Family physician Dr. Rebekah Eatmon sees parents in tears, frustrated that they can’t provide enough healthy food for their children.

Joyce Echaquan’s community fights for change to health system three years after death

It has been three years since Joyce Echaquan died in hospital after filming staff insulting her.
A series of poor choices: 'Caring, diligent and competent' plastic surgeon hit with five-month suspension

Dr. John Te Shao Kao treated a family member over several years for non-urgent conditions. While the services he provided were not covered by public health insurance and he didn't bill the patient, his actions were 'serious and unacceptable,' ruled the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal.
Keto diet may help reduce alcohol cravings

MRI scans show changes in brain craving activity with the diet during detox.
Point of view: Indigenous reconciliation, from the lens of a doctor with settler ancestors

Calgary obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Charlene Lyndon is a descendant of settlers who arrived in Treaty 7 Territory in 1881.
Debilitating side effects: Off-label use of domperidone for lactation linked to psychotic withdrawal symptoms

After a two-year review, Health Canada said it will update the product monograph for domperidone, which some women said caused them to have severe panic attacks, anxiety and intrusive thoughts after they stopped taking it.
Guidelines for including Indigenous people in clinical trials underway: report

Indigenous researchers from the University of Alberta are leading the process to create the new guidelines.
Health Canada authorizes updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine

The mRNA vaccine targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant that is circulating in Canada.
2 accused of false Alzheimer’s diagnoses get prison terms for fraud convictions

The U.S. Justice Department has said Sherry-Ann Jenkins was not trained or licensed to provide any medical care but presented herself as a doctor and billed patients for unneeded treatments.