Saskatoon’s Drug Crisis Leaves City Grieving and Overwhelmed
Saskatoon’s drug crisis, driven by toxic street drugs, has overwhelmed Prairie Harm Reduction and city responders. Overdose deaths and emergency calls have surged. Libraries closed due to violence, and safe consumption services face staff burnout. Officials stress the need for housing, healthcare, and reliable overdose data to drive long-term solutions.
AI Weapons Detection Expands in Canadian Hospitals Amid Rising ER Violence
Canadian hospitals, including London Health Sciences Centre and Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre, are installing AI-powered weapons detectors to address escalating emergency room violence. These scanners identify weapons while ignoring benign items like phones. The move is part of broader safety strategies alongside staff training, better lighting, cameras, and panic buttons.
SWPH Region Leads Ontario in Measles Cases, Youth Most Affected
Southwestern Public Health reports 343 measles cases—nearly 45% of Ontario’s total—mostly in unvaccinated youth under 18. Officials warn actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting. The rise highlights urgent concerns about immunization gaps, especially among children and teens, in the ongoing fight against preventable diseases.
Technology May Shield Against Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
A major meta-analysis finds that technology use—like smartphones, email, and computers—may reduce cognitive decline risk by 42%. The study challenges the “digital dementia” myth, supporting the cognitive reserve theory instead. But experts caution against excessive screen time and promote purposeful, mentally stimulating tech use for maximum benefit.
Rethinking Obesity: A Personalized Approach for Youth
The CMAJ has introduced new pediatric obesity guidelines, shifting from outdated advice to a holistic approach. Emphasizing mental health, early intervention, family-centric care, and evidence-based options like GLP-1 medications or surgery, the focus is on long-term wellbeing—not just weight. Obesity Canada stresses it's a complex, chronic disease, not willpower failure.
Additive Clusters in Ultra-Processed Foods Raise Diabetes Risk
A French study links common additive combinations in ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Mixtures like artificial sweeteners, gums, and preservatives may cause metabolic harm beyond individual effects. Experts call for deeper research and revised regulations that address how these additives interact when consumed together.