At what age should women’s breasts receive radiation to detect breast cancer? In Canada, some provinces are lowering the age of eligibility from 50 to 40, even before a task force releases an update on breast cancer screening guidelines. The current guidelines do not recommend routine screening for women in […]
Health
RNs Begin To Prescribe Medication In Ontario
The College of Nurses of Ontario is marking a significant milestone in health care as we begin to authorize Registered Nurses (RNs) to prescribe medication in Ontario. Under regulations approved by government in November 2023, RNs in the General Class who meet specific requirements gained the authority to prescribe certain medications and […]
Common Sense Health: A Failing Grade in Basic Mathematics
Have even one in a thousand North Americans ever heard of Kissick’ s Law? More than 25 years ago, if you were reading the Ontario Medical Review, you would have seen an article, written by Dr. Samuel Vaisrub, explaining the message. Kissick stated that if the U.S. Declaration of Independence […]
March 6 Update on Students’ Incomplete Immunization Records
As of March 6, 257 elementary students are suspended from school for continuing to have incomplete immunization records with the Health Unit; as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O.1990. Children remaining on school suspension will have the suspension order lifted once parents/guardians take one or more […]
Update on Students with Incomplete Immunization Records
As of March 4, 2024, 599 elementary students are suspended from school for continuing to have incomplete immunization records with the Health Unit; as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O.1990. Children remaining on school suspension will have the suspension order lifted once parents/guardians take one or more […]
860 Elementary Students Suspended For Missing Immunizations
“The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) (1990), Section 11, Subsections (1) and (2) require public health units to maintain and review immunization records for every student attending school in Ontario; and to enforce a school suspension on students with incomplete immunization records. In the Fall of 2023, immunization records of […]
Ontario Nurses Urged To Participate In First-Ever Workforce Census
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is asking Ontario’s nurses to participate in a first-of-its-kind census. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) launched its first Workforce Census. The census, which is being sent to about 200,000 nurses in the province, includes questions that […]
Common Sense Health: Work Hard to Be 100 and Healthy
Few children have the good fortune of wishing “Happy 100th Birthday” to a vibrant, healthy parent reaching that esteemed age. But that’s what my brothers and I are doing this week. We’ve had the incredible journey of growing up with Dr. W. Gifford-Jones as our dad! Countless people have asked, what’s […]
Health Unit Reminds Families to Avoid Infectious Disease When Traveling
There has been a significant increase of measles activity worldwide, with measles cases recently reported in Ontario. As March Break approaches for many in the region, the WECHU strongly advises everyone to ensure they are up to date with all their vaccinations, including measles, prior to travelling. Individuals who are not fully […]
Common Sense Health: Never Ignore Symptoms of Early Heart Failure
Years ago, after interviewing Dr. Michael McDonald, I asked, “Will you be my cardiologist?” Now, as I reach my 100th year I’m grateful his sound advice has kept me alive. He’s associated with the world class Peter Munk Cardiac Center affiliated with the University of Toronto. During my visit he […]