Youth Mental Health Care in Canada Shifting Post-Pandemic
A CIHI report reveals fewer hospitalizations but more prescriptions and doctor visits for youth mental health. While care settings changed, overall mental health hasn't improved. Most affected are girls aged 15–17. Experts stress the need for earlier recognition and more targeted mental health resources for Canadian children and teens.
Inflammatory Diets Linked to Earlier Menstruation in Girls
Kids eating inflammatory diets may start puberty earlier, according to research. A 15% higher chance of early menstruation was linked to poor diets, even after adjusting for body size. Experts urge families to reduce processed foods and prioritize whole, nutritious meals to support long-term health and delay early puberty.
Too Much Processed Food May Be Linked to Parkinson’s Symptoms
A new study suggests consuming around 11 servings of ultraprocessed foods daily may raise the likelihood of early Parkinson’s symptoms. While no direct diagnosis link was found, symptoms like sleep issues and depression appeared more frequently. Experts say reducing processed food intake may help protect long-term brain health.
Study Links Plastic Chemicals to Heart Disease Deaths
A global study found that DEHP, a common phthalate in plastics, contributed to over 368,000 heart disease deaths in 2018 among people aged 55–64. Widely used in consumer products, phthalates disrupt hormones and health. Experts advise reducing plastic use and avoiding scented and processed products to minimize exposure.
Ontario Sees Sharp Spike in Measles Cases
Ontario reported 223 new measles cases in a week, the highest increase since October, totaling 1,243 cases. Southwestern regions are most affected, primarily due to unvaccinated households. Hospitalizations reached 84, including 63 children. Alberta may soon face similar surges, with experts warning of the potential for 1,000+ cases.
Shift in Youth Mental Health Care Patterns in Canada
Mental health care for Canadian youth has moved from emergency and hospital settings to more community-based care, such as doctor visits and medication. While ER visits dropped 31% and hospitalizations 23% since 2018, prescriptions and primary care visits rose. Mental health outcomes, however, haven’t shown improvement post-pandemic.