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🛡️ Your Health Data: Safe & Sound?
Good morning, Other Siders!
As the leaves fall and November chills set in, we're turning up the heat with sizzling insights here at The Other Side of the Care. 🍂🔥 Before you get lost in the Black Friday madness (we know, those deals are irresistible!), let's take a moment to revel in the latest and greatest from the healthcare world, both in Canada and beyond.
We're buzzing with excitement (and it's not just the caffeine!) to bring you the most intriguing, chuckle-worthy updates. Think of it as your pre-Black Friday warm-up - a little mental gymnastics before you flex those shopping muscles! 🛍️💪
So, snuggle up in your comfiest blanket, grab a warm beverage, and let’s dive into the healthcare happenings that are making waves. Who knows, you might just find the perfect conversation starter for your Black Friday queue chit-chat!
In today’s edition, we’re serving up:
✅ Health Record Ownership & P.E.I. Healthcare Crisis
✅ Surgeries: Profit vs Patient Care Debate
✅ Dental Style Innovations & Digital Health Safety
✅ Women's Health Tech, Loneliness, Climate Health, & Measles Concerns
News that Impacts You!
💡📄 Own Your Health Records?
Ever feel like your health records are playing hide-and-seek with cyberattacks on the rise? Experts are saying, "Get a copy, folks!" because hospitals are getting hit by ransomware. Just last month, five Ontario hospitals were like, "Oops, our systems are down." Now, patients are playing the guessing game with their health. No universal health portal in Ontario yet, but hey, some hospitals are trying private portals like PocketHealth. But it's not all peaches and cream – cybersecurity whiz David Shipley warns about the risks of keeping personal medical data. So, what's your take? Do you feel ready to be the master of your own medical domain?
🌀 Perfect Storm in P.E.I. Healthcare?
At Health P.E.I.'s latest AGM, CEO Dr. Michael Gardam hit us with some real talk: P.E.I.'s healthcare's in a 'perfect storm.' The gist? Not enough healthcare workers, a growing population, and a shiny new med school that might just make things trickier. Yup, we're talking about needing more doctors before even thinking about teaching them. Meanwhile, Health Minister Mark McLane's all about training our own and opening doors for international healthcare professionals. But hey, Gardam's optimistic, seeing improvements and a future where our biggest worry is having too many healthcare workers (fingers crossed!).
💰🏥 Surgeries: Profit or Patient Care?
Did you hear about this? Premier Doug Ford's government in Ontario is paying a private clinic more than public hospitals for the same surgeries. Yep, you heard that right! Documents obtained by CBC News show the privately-owned Don Mills Surgical Unit gets a sweeter deal for procedures like cataract or gallbladder surgeries compared to what hospitals receive. While the government says this is to cut wait times and save costs, health pros are worried it's just lining the clinic's pockets without really shortening queues.
What do you think? Is this a savvy move or just a cash grab?
💭Let us know what you think by writing to us at [email protected]
Tools & Tech to Keep a Tab On!
🧓 📱 Redefining Safety & Care in the Digital Age
Telus Health has unveiled its next-generation medical alert system, featuring advanced capabilities such as fall detection and improved two-way communication. The system includes a wearable pendant equipped with innovative technology to detect falls and ensure prompt assistance. Additionally, caregivers can stay connected through a mobile app, receiving real-time alerts and updates on the user's well-being. Telus Health's commitment to leveraging technology is evident in this comprehensive medical alert system, providing enhanced safety and support for individuals.
😁 💫 A Stylish Smile Revolution in Canada
Ormco, a global orthodontic solution provider, has announced the Canadian launch of its latest innovation, "Damon™ Clear3 Braces." These braces feature advanced design and aesthetic qualities, providing orthodontic patients with a discreet and comfortable option for teeth alignment. The Damon™ Clear3 Braces are designed to offer effective treatment while minimizing the visibility of braces. This launch signifies Ormco's commitment to providing innovative orthodontic solutions to meet the diverse needs of patients, including those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing orthodontic experience.
💍 👩 Evie Ring, the Smart Health Tracker Redefining Women's Health Monitoring
The "Evie Ring" is a health tracker designed specifically for women, offering a range of features to monitor various aspects of well-being. This smart ring tracks metrics such as menstrual cycles, fertility windows, stress levels, and overall health. It aims to provide women with personalized insights and data to help them better understand and manage their health. With its discreet and stylish design, the Evie Ring merges technology with women's health needs, offering a comprehensive solution for tracking and improving overall well-being. November 20 onwards, customers will be able to place an order for the Evie Ring.
Evolving Global Health
😥 The Loneliness Epidemic 💭
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared loneliness a global public health concern. Recognizing the pervasive impact of loneliness on mental and physical well-being, the declaration underscores the need for concerted efforts to address and mitigate the effects of social isolation. The WHO is urging governments, communities, and individuals to prioritize strategies that foster social connections, support networks, and mental health resources to combat the growing issue of loneliness worldwide.
☁️ ☀️🌈 A Global Indicator to Address Climate-Related Health Risks
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change has introduced a Global Indicator of Outdoor Workers to assess the health impacts of climate change on individuals working outdoors. This initiative aims to highlight the vulnerabilities of outdoor workers to climate-related health risks and calls for targeted interventions to safeguard their well-being. The Global Indicator serves as a crucial tool in monitoring the intersection of climate change and public health, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
📈 🦠 Global Measles Threat Grows
The global threat of measles continues to grow as millions of children remain unvaccinated for yet another year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Measles cases globally saw an 18% increase in 2022, accompanied by a 43% rise in deaths, compared to 2021, according to a joint report from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The WHO has emphasized the urgency of addressing barriers to vaccination, enhancing immunization programs, and fostering global collaboration to prevent the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.
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