AI-Enhanced Stethoscopes Revolutionize Heart Disease Screening
NCH Healthcare in Florida is pioneering AI use in stethoscopes for heart disease screening. Eko Health's technology identifies murmurs and arrhythmias with high accuracy, surpassing human detection. Despite the promise, concerns over data bias, AI's "black box" nature, and potential loss of clinical skills persist, balancing innovation with patient care.
uOttawa Leads Brain-Heart Research Initiative
Researchers from over 45 Canadian institutions, led by the University of Ottawa, are studying the brain and heart as a single unit. The Brain-Heart Interconnectome aims to detect, treat, and prevent related conditions, addressing a critical health challenge in Canada. Findings will be presented at a summit on June 12-14.
New CPS Guidelines Highlight Eating Disorder Detection
The Canadian Paediatric Society advises doctors and families to ask key questions to identify eating disorders in youth, noting a surge in cases since COVID-19. Specialist Kyla Fox emphasizes the possibility of recovery, drawing from her personal experience and advocating for better resources and education on eating disorders.
Art Prescriptions for Health Benefits
Engaging in art can improve physical and mental health by rewiring the brain and releasing beneficial neurochemicals. As evidence of art's health benefits grows, healthcare practitioners are increasingly prescribing art to treat conditions like heart disease, chronic pain, and depression. Make art a daily practice for better health.
Calgary Hospital Introduces Adaptive Gaming Therapy
Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary now offers adaptive gaming therapy through a partnership with Makers Making Change and a grant from the Calgary Health Foundation. Customized controllers help patients with physical limitations. Patient Karl Sawatzky, recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome, has experienced significant mobility improvements using this system.
Omicron Subvariants KP.2 and KP.3 Spreading Quickly in Canada
New subvariants KP.2 and KP.3, part of the Omicron lineage, represent 49.2% of Canadian COVID-19 cases. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious disease specialist, suggests varied impacts on individuals, highlighting vaccines' continued effectiveness. Early indications show no immediate concern, emphasizing the importance of individual health factors.