$633 Million Health Care Boost for Manitoba through Federal-Provincial Agreement
A $633 million deal was reached by Manitoba and Ottawa to improve the province's healthcare system, with an emphasis on senior care and front-line staffing. The money will go toward hiring 400 physicians, 300 nurses, 200 paramedics, and 100 home health aides. It will also support initiatives to help foreign-trained medical professionals find practice opportunities in Manitoba.
McMaster University Study Finds Schools and Daycares Not Major Sources of COVID-19 Transmission
A two-year examination by McMaster University researchers concluded that COVID-19 transmission in schools was not significant when proper infection prevention and control measures were implemented. Published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, the review, which analyzed over 34,000 references worldwide, questions the need for repeated disruptions to in-person learning during the pandemic.
Feds Combat Physician Shortage with Enhanced Loan Forgiveness for Rural Doctors and Nurses
The Canadian government is increasing forgivable loans for medical students by 50% to address a critical shortage of doctors and nurses in rural and remote areas. This measure aims to fill the expected gap of 48,900 family doctors by 2031, exacerbated by an aging population and retiring physicians. The stagnation of medical residency spots has hindered the entry of new healthcare professionals.
Study Links Severe Menopausal Symptoms to Increased Dementia Risk
A study from the University of Calgary, led by Dr. Zahinoor Ismail at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, indicates that intense menopause symptoms might be early indicators of dementia. The comprehensive study encompasses 2,400 participants from across Canada,who respond to inquiries regarding their cognition, health, lifestyle, and quality of life.
Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Isolate Cell Behind Allergic Reactions, Paving Way for Potential Allergy Elimination
Turning off allergies may soon be a reality, thanks to groundbreaking research identifying a cell linked to allergic reactions. A team from McMaster University and ALK-Abello discovered the type-2 memory B cell which produces antibodies causing allergies, marking a significant advance in allergy studies. This represents the first time such a cell has been identified, providing insights into the mechanics of allergies.
Latest U.S. Research Finds COVID-19 Vaccines 54% Effective Against Symptomatic Infection
The first U.S. study assessing the latest COVID-19 vaccines' effectiveness revealed they are 54% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in adults. This evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention involved examining COVID-19 test results from 9,000 individuals at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, comparing the infection rates among those vaccinated with the new shot against those who were not.