Ontario Union Demands Provincial Support as Hospital Staff Faces Overwhelming Workload
According to CUPE's Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, a staffing shortage is causing hospital employees in Ontario to struggle with excessive workloads. Members' mental health is being negatively impacted by the understaffing problem; many of them hate going to work, and two out of every five are thinking about quitting. Healthcare unions have long issued advisories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on hiring and worker retention.
Report Reveals Longer Wait Times for Specialist Treatment in Canada
According to a recent Fraser Institute study, the majority of Canadians had to wait longer than expected in 2023 to see specialists and receive treatment. From a general practitioner referral to specialized therapy, the wait time increased marginally to 27.7 weeks in 2022 from 27.4 weeks. In addition to that, wait times grew in seven provinces while they improved in three other areas.
Salmonella Outbreak from Cantaloupes in Canada: 5 Dead, 129 Infected
Infected 129 people and five deaths have resulted from a salmonella outbreak in Canada connected to cantaloupes under the Rudy and Malichita brands. Caseloads have increased, especially in Quebec. With 44 hospitalizations, the outbreak affects primarily elderly people and small children throughout six regions.
Startling 400% Rise in Eating Disorders Among Male Youths in Ontario
In Ontario, the prevalence of eating disorders in male children and teenagers has increased by 400%, a substantial increase from levels observed in the early 2000s. While girls make up the majority of cases, teenage boys and younger children (ages 12 to 14) have shown the greatest growth. Since these populations were historically less likely to be harmed, this change represents a worrying trend.
Unveiling the Body's Response: How Seeing a Sick Person Prepares You for Illness
According to studies by Patricia Lopes at Chapman University, seeing a sick person causes our bodies to go through a biochemical reaction that gets us ready for diseases. It illustrates how infections have knock-on consequences that affect other people's health and behaviour. Stressing the interdependence of people within social groupings, it may act as a protective mechanism but does not take the role of vaccinations.
PHAC Predicts Imminent Declaration of Flu Season's Onset This Week
The flu season may begin soon, according to federal health authorities, as new data reveals a 6.8% flu case positive rate, which is higher than the 5% cutoff. The start of the season will be officially announced nationwide if this pattern persists. 1,849 influenza cases—mostly type A—were recorded in the Public Health Agency of Canada's FluWatch report for the period of November 12–18, 2023.