Pickleball Eye Injuries Rising Among Older Canadians
Pickleball’s popularity in Canada has led to more eye injuries, especially among players over 50. A JAMA study reports over 3,000 ocular injuries since 2005, with 1,262 in 2024 alone. Experts urge players to wear safety glasses to prevent serious damage like retinal detachment and orbital fractures.
Ontario Hospitals Face $1B Funding Shortfall
Ontario hospitals need $1 billion more this year to manage rising costs, population growth, and inflation. Despite recent funding increases, many hospitals remain in deficit. The Ontario Hospital Association urges more multi-year planning to ensure stability as healthcare demands rise with an aging population and complex care needs.
Asthma Inhalers Linked to Climate Pollution
Studies show metered-dose inhalers using hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) contribute heavily to global warming. These inhalers accounted for 98% of inhaler-related emissions, equivalent to driving over 500,000 cars annually. Experts urge shifting to dry-powder inhalers to cut emissions, though accessibility, cost, and usability remain challenges for many patients.
AI Persuasion in Healthcare Raises Concerns
UBC researchers found that AI tools like ChatGPT can sound more empathetic and convincing than real doctors, leading patients to trust inaccurate advice. Only 31% of ChatGPT’s medical responses were fully correct. With limited access to family doctors, Canadians increasingly rely on AI for healthcare guidance.
Two-Thirds of Canadians Are Now Overweight or Obese
New Statistics Canada data shows 68% of Canadian adults are overweight or obese—up from 60% before the pandemic. Rising obesity, especially among young adults, is linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor habits. Experts stress that while BMI has limitations, it remains an affordable tool for monitoring national health trends.
Global “Planetary Health Diet” Could Feed 9.6 Billion by 2050
The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission reports that adopting a “planetary health diet” — rich in plants and limited in red meat — could feed nearly 10 billion people sustainably by 2050. This global shift could cut food-related emissions by over half, prevent 15 million premature deaths, and save trillions in health costs.