A new study found that women with severe disabilities are screened for breast cancer less often, at 61%, compared to those with moderate disabilities, who were screened more frequently. This disparity highlights the persistence of health disparities in breast cancer screening, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study found that immigrants in Ontario have a significantly lower risk of codeine overdose and death compared to those born in Canada, even when language proficiency is limited. The research suggests that physicians may not need to be as cautious in prescribing codeine for adults or new mothers from East Africa.
A recent study published by St. Michael's Hospital found that consuming about one serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils per day can lead to increased feelings of fullness. This may help with better weight management and weight loss. Pulses have a low glycemic index and can be used to reduce animal protein and 'bad' fats in meals.
Eating about two servings of tree nuts daily improved blood sugar markers in participants with Type 2 diabetes. Tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats yielded the best results.
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that adding tree nuts to a diet resulted in modest decreases in blood fats and sugars. The biggest reductions were seen when tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats.
Researchers found that bonuses did not improve breast and cervical cancer screening rates, but increased colorectal cancer screening by 4.7% per year. The study suggests alternative strategies like targeted outreach and public advertising campaigns may be more effective in improving cancer screening rates.
Research found that babies born to immigrant mothers have a significantly lower rate of cerebral palsy, particularly those from the Caribbean and East Asia. The study suggested that wealthier immigrants lose the 'healthy immigrant effect', which may explain why they are not at lower risk of CP than non-immigrant counterparts.
A new study reveals striking disparities between urban First Nations individuals and the general population, highlighting elevated emergency room use, multiple barriers to healthcare access, and significant rates of chronic disease. The findings also show that geography is not the only health care barrier for First Nations people.
Research by Dr. Joel Ray of St. Michael's Hospital found that a father's ethnic background influences a child's birthweight, similar to the effects seen in mothers. Babies born to mixed-ethnic parents tend to weigh less than those with two European-born parents.
Researchers found that people taking corticosteroid pills are at increased risk of developing active TB, but were less likely to be screened for the infection. Current guidelines may need to be revised to account for this increased risk and ensure timely screening.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital and ICES found that women with chronic physical illnesses are 10% more likely to use mental health services than men. Women also seek out mental health services on average six months earlier than men, highlighting a significant gender divide in care.
A study of nearly 13,000 Americans found no association between insomnia and high blood pressure, despite growing concerns about the potential health risks. Insomnia symptoms do not increase the risk of developing hypertension or being prescribed blood pressure medication.
As people with HIV age, they face stigma, social isolation, and increased health risks due to the virus and its treatment. A growing number of individuals are living into their 60s and 70s, highlighting the need for adapted policies and support systems.
A new study reveals that gene expression profiling tests, such as Oncotype Dx, have a heightened perceived value among patients with early breast cancer due to access barriers. The carefully administered technology has led to unintended consequences like gatekeeping and perceived inequalities in access.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that a diet rich in canola bread resulted in reduced blood glucose levels and significant reductions in LDL cholesterol. The benefits were most pronounced for those with the highest HbA1c scores, suggesting that canola oil may be a valuable addition to treatment plans.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly 75% of Ontarians with diabetes did not receive all recommended tests due to doctor payment models. Capitation models led to better care for patients, while traditional fee-for-service models resulted in lower quality care.
A new low-carb vegan diet, called Eco-Atkins, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and aid in weight loss. The diet combines elements of both vegan and low-carbohydrate diets, resulting in a 10% decrease in cholesterol levels over six months.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless clients in Toronto are nearly nine times more likely to have a history of problem or pathological gambling than the general population. This highlights the need for screening and holistic treatment approaches for this vulnerable group.
A new study suggests that reducing medical resident duty hours in Canada may have unforeseen consequences, including the need for a longer residency period or a shift towards competency-based training. The study's author argues that residents' work hours must be carefully managed to ensure both patient safety and resident well-being.
A new review paper by Dr. Subodh Verma links bicuspid aortic valves to an increased risk of aortic aneurysms, highlighting the need for regular surveillance and close monitoring. The study suggests that patients with this condition should avoid strenuous activities that may increase blood pressure and cause the aneurysm to grow.
Less than one percent of healthy urban children received dental care by age 12 months, and 39% had never been to a dentist by age 4. The study found that never having dental care was associated with younger age, lower family income, prolonged bottle use, and higher daily intake of sweetened drinks.
A new study reveals that clarity during consultations and the capability of clinical facilities significantly impact women's decisions regarding breast cancer surgery. Findings also show that MRI exams ordered less frequently in Canada led to fewer unnecessary prophylactic mastectomies compared to the US.
A gene expression profiling test analyzes patterns of 21 genes to predict cancer recurrence and benefit from chemotherapy. Many patients misunderstand the test's meaning, viewing it as a personalized and emotionally significant result rather than population-based statistics.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of homeless men suffered a traumatic brain injury in their life, with most occurring before they lost their homes. The study highlights the links between TBI and mental health issues, substance abuse, seizures, and poorer physical health.
Research found that pregnant immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean islands are at higher risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia compared to women from other regions. Obstetricians should consider these pregnancies as high-risk and provide enhanced surveillance and culturally sensitive care.
Research at St. Michael's Hospital found that administering adrenaline after a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital does not improve long-term survival rates, despite its long-standing use as treatment for decades. The study suggests alternative methods such as early defibrillator use and effective CPR may be more beneficial.
Research reveals that benzodiazepines can significantly increase the risk of respiratory issues in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This risk is consistent even after accounting for the severity of the person's illness.
A study by Dr. Yvonne Bombard explores the public's perception on newborn testing, revealing concerns about freedom of choice and the danger of over-diagnosis with whole-genome sequencing. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach to screening programs that prioritize both benefits and potential harms.
A new study found that teenagers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion are at significantly greater odds of attempting suicide, being bullied and engaging in high-risk behaviors. They also have a higher likelihood of becoming bullies themselves and experiencing anxiety or depression.
A daily serving of pulses can significantly lower LDL 'bad' cholesterol by five per cent, translating to a five to six per cent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. North Americans would need to more than double their current pulse intake to achieve this benefit.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that restricting surgical residents' hours does not necessarily lead to improved patient outcomes. Instead, it may increase complications for some patients and reduce their ability to observe and learn from complex cases.
A study of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) found they are more likely to visit emergency departments, be arrested or assaulted. The research highlights the importance of screening for TBI and providing support to manage behaviors after brain injuries.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that ultrasound-guided paravertebral blocks improved pain relief, reduced recovery room time, and enabled earlier discharge for breast cancer patients compared to general anesthesia. The study's lead author notes the benefits of this technique will also apply to cosmetic breast surgeries.
After four years of decline, the rate of teenagers coming into Ontario emergency departments with suicide-related behaviors stopped dropping between 2006 and 2010. The rates did not continue to drop and about one-third more of these events resulted in a hospital admission, suggesting an increase in severity.
A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that fructose is not responsible for the increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests that excess calorie consumption, regardless of source, contributes to the development of the disease. Dr. John Sievenpiper, lead author of the study, em...
Researchers warn that soccer's unique aspect – the purposeful use of the head to control the ball – may contribute to long-term cognitive consequences. Studies found concussions accounted for 5.8% to 8.6% of injuries in soccer games, with players who executed more headers experiencing memory and planning deficits.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that consuming fructose may increase total cholesterol and postprandial triglycerides, but not affect insulin production or markers of fatty liver disease more than glucose. Fructose showed potential benefits over glucose in some key risk factor categories.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that high doses of folic acid supplements promote the growth of existing breast cancer cells in rats. The study suggests a potential link between folic acid consumption and increased risk of developing breast cancer, particularly among women taking multivitamins or supplements.
A new study found that NHL teams pay out $218 million annually for lost time due to injuries. Concussions were the most expensive type of injury, accounting for $42.8 million per year. The research highlights the need for better protection for athletes in hockey.
A new study reveals that living in densely populated neighborhoods can decrease the risk of developing diabetes and obesity. The design of Toronto's neighborhoods, such as Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills, Edenbridge-Humber Valley, and Morningside, encourage walking and discourage driving, leading to a lower risk of these health issues.
A literature review found that government policies allowing both parents to take parental leave reduce physical and mental stress levels in women. This equitable distribution of responsibilities improves women's overall health, particularly in countries with existing parental leave policies.
A review published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests tripling tobacco taxes worldwide would reduce smoking rates by one-third, preventing 200 million premature deaths. Controlling tobacco marketing is also crucial to helping people quit smoking.
Researchers found no link between fructose and postprandial triglycerides, a marker for cardiovascular risk. However, excessive calorie intake from fructose contributes to negative health outcomes.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that parental stress is associated with weight gain in children, particularly those of Hispanic descent. Children whose parents experience high levels of stress have a higher BMI and increased rate of weight gain compared to those with low stress levels.
Physicians' assessments of a patient's appearance can be inaccurate, with limited value in diagnosing actual poor health status. A new study found that only 12 out of 126 patients were rated as 'chronically ill' by most physicians, highlighting the need for more objective diagnostic methods.
Research at St. Michael's Hospital found that bedside handover, where patients are involved in the transfer of accountability with their care team, can reduce potential errors and improve patient engagement. The study also showed that this approach increases patient safety, satisfaction, and better informs care plans.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that youth prefer rapid point-of-care HIV testing due to its speed and non-invasiveness. The test provides results within minutes, making it ideal for transient or homeless youth who may not return for follow-up appointments.
Two new studies reveal that location plays a significant role in determining drowning survival rates, with rural residents facing a higher risk of drowning. The research emphasizes the need for improved water safety measures and CPR training to reduce drowning incidents.
Research reveals South Asian-Canadians in Peel have a 15% lower rate of cancer screening, making them more vulnerable to cancer deaths. The study attributes this disparity to barriers such as long wait times and limited education on cancer risk factors.