September 20, 2023
FDA Panel Deems Phenylephrine Ineffective
One of North America’s most popular oral nasal decongestant, phenylephrine, was deemed ineffective by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel in a unanimous vote on September 12.
The Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee (NDAC) discussed the efficacy and pharmacokinetic data for phenylephrine. The committee’s next move is to determine if the drug’s status as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) should be revoked. This would mean manufacturers would have to come up with new formulations, or products containing the drug would be removed from store shelves. NDAC did not disclose a timeline for assessing GRASE status.
The vote that formally declared phenylephrine ineffective was in line with a review of pharmacology and clinical data presented by the FDA on Monday, which found the oral bioavailability of the drug is less than 1%, compared with 38%, a number often cited in the literature and based on outdated technology. Patients may be confused and concerned about the panel vote, especially those who feel they have benefitted from phenylephrine products. In the event of GRASE removal. Patients should know that phenylephrine is being pulled from shelves due to inefficacy rather than immediate health risks.
For more information you can Read More on the FDA website or view the a comprehensive video on the subject.
September 13, 2023
Health Canada approves updated Moderna vaccine for COVID-19
The new vaccine targets the XBB.1.5 variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already granted approval for updated Covid boosters from Pfizer and Moderna, designed to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant and are pending approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Pending guidance from Health Canada, individuals aged 5 and older should be able to receive an updated booster shot regardless of their vaccination history. Those previously vaccinated should wait at least two months after their last Covid shot before getting the new booster. Unvaccinated individuals can also receive the booster without completing a multidose primary series.
Note: Novavax, a Covid vaccine manufacturer, is also working on an updated booster, although it is still under FDA review. Notably, Novavax’s booster does not utilize mRNA technology.
The rollout of these boosters comes as Covid cases surge in Canada, largely driven by various subvariants. Health officials hope these boosters can mitigate a potential winter spike in illness.
While the original focus of the boosters was the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which has become less prevalent, other closely related subvariants like EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 remain significant. Both Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax claim their boosters are effective against EG.5, with Moderna’s booster also demonstrating efficacy against FL.1.51. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death, regardless of subvariant prevalence. Recent lab studies indicate that people previously infected with XBB omicron subvariants generated antibodies against EG.5, BA.2.86, and other omicron subvariants. This suggests that the updated booster may provide protection against these strains.
For most healthy individuals, one booster is likely sufficient until fall 2024. However, those at high risk for severe disease or immunocompromised individuals may be advised to receive an additional dose in the coming months.
The side effects of updated boosters are expected to be consistent with previous versions of the shots, including symptoms like headache, chills, fever, nausea, and injection site pain or swelling. Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines have shown a small but increased risk of myocarditis, primarily in young men. Most individuals recover fully from myocarditis, and ongoing studies are monitoring health issues following vaccine-associated heart problems.
(Note: This article adapted from an article published by NBC News and written by Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Health, and Medical Reporter for NBC News)
September 8, 2023
Underprescribed Menopause Relief: Women Suffer Needlessly
Treating with low-dose estrogen isn’t a radical approach – in fact, it is the standard of care for women experiencing many menopause symptoms, Faubion said. But the topic does have nuance and some people get lost in the specifics.
But lack of public knowledge reflects a bigger problem: Knowledge gaps exist among doctors, too, stemming from insufficient training on menopause-related issues.
During her 6-year urology residency, she never learned the role of vaginal estrogen on urinary problems, Winter said. Only during a 1-year fellowship on sexual dysfunction did she hear about the treatment.
Urologists are not the only clinicians who lack appropriate training. Obstetrics and gynecology residencies offer little knowledge on menopause treatments.
The problem is partly a systems-based one. Training programs often direct patients who are uninsured, or covered through public insurance, to medical residents. Patients who qualify for Medicaid or Medicare are often either pregnant or over 65, so women actively going through the transition can slip through the cracks.
According to Medicaid.gov, 80% of the national population covered by Medicaid is age 45 and younger.
When doctors have proper training and prescribe local hormones, patients don’t always follow the treatment plan. That failure to follow treatment is yet another example of remaining doubts from the misinformation spread through early research.
Sources
Ashley Winter, MD, urologist, chief medical officer, Odela Health.
National Institute on Aging: “Research explores the impact of menopause on women’s health and aging.”
Medicina: “The Controversial History of Hormone Replacement Therapy.”
Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director, The Menopause Society; director, Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Ghazaleh Moayedi, DO, OB/GYN, complex family planning specialist, Pegasus Health Justice Center.
Andrea Rapkin, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA.
September 6, 2023
The New Normal in Body Temperature
Researchers used a technique called LIMIT (Laboratory Information Mining for Individualized Thresholds).
It takes all the temperature measurements and then identify the outliers — the very tails of the distribution.
Looking at all the diagnosis codes in specific distributions, they can determine which diagnosis codes are overrepresented in those distributions. Now you have a data-driven way to say that yes, these diagnoses are associated with weird temperatures. Next, eliminate everyone with those diagnoses from the dataset. What you are left with is a normal population, or at least a population that doesn’t have a condition that seems to meaningfully affect temperature.
It turned out that diabetes was way overrepresented in the outlier group. Although 9.2% of the population had diabetes, 26% of people with very low temperatures did, so everyone with diabetes is removed from the dataset. While 5% of the population had a cough at their encounter, 7% of the people with very high temperature and 7% of the people with very low temperature had a cough, so everyone with cough gets thrown out.
The algorithm excluded people on antibiotics or who had sinusitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and, yes, a diagnosis of “fever.”
What we are left with is the real normal temperature: 36.64° C, or about 98.0° F.
The normal temperature in women tended to be higher than in men. The normal temperature declined with age as well. In fact, the researchers built an online calculator where you can enter your own, or your patient’s, parameters and calculate a normal body temperature for them. Studies have actually shown that body temperature may be decreasing over time in humans, possibly due to the lower levels of inflammation we face in modern life (thanks to improvements in hygiene and antibiotics).
These data show us that thin, older individuals really do run cooler, and that we may need to pay more attention to a low-grade fever in that population than we otherwise would.
Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE
September 5, 2023
Pirola: The newest variant
So far, only 26 cases of “Pirola,” as the new variant is being called, have been identified: 10 in Denmark, four each in Sweden and the United States, three in South Africa, two in Portugal, and one each in the United Kingdom, Israel, and Canada. BA 2.86 is a subvariant of Omicron, but according to reports from the CDC, the strain has many more mutations than the ones that came before it.
It is unique in that it has more than three mutations on the spike protein. The virus uses the spike proteins to enter our cells.
This may mean it will be more transmissible, cause more severe disease, and/or our vaccines and treatments may not work as well, as compared to other variants.
We don’t know if this variant will be associated with a change in the disease severity. We currently see increased numbers of cases in general, even though we don’t yet see the BA.2.86 in our system. It is important to monitor BA.2.86 (and other variants) and understand how its evolution impacts the number of cases and disease outcomes. We should all be aware of the current increase in cases, though, and try to get tested and be treated as soon as possible, as antivirals should be effective against the circulating variants.
Vaccine coverage for the BA.2.86 is an area of uncertainty right now,” said Mostafa.
In its report, the CDC says scientists are still figuring out how well the updated COVID vaccine works. It’s expected to be available in the fall, and for now, they believe the new shot will still make infections less severe, new variants and all.
We have tools that can be used – antivirals like Paxlovid are still efficacious with current dominant strains such as EG.5. It is always encouraged to get your boosters, mask, wash hands, and social distance.
September 1, 2023
After months of declining cases, Ontario public health data is showing an uptick of COVID-19 cases this summer.
“Every single year in Canada, since the emergence of COVID-19, we’ve seen a rise in the community burden of COVID-19 as summer enters fall season and to no one’s surprise we’re going to see the same thing this year,” said infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch.
Currently, the dominant strain is EG.5, which stems from Omicron. The other new strain is BA2.86 and also comes from Omicron. BA2.86 is a variant to watch because it’s highly mutated.
“There’s only a handful of cases, nothing to suggest that it’s more severe or transmissible, but the reason is when a version of the virus has mutated this much, it has that potential to spread widely and evade the immune system and the next one to two weeks will be really critical to learn more.”
When it comes to timing the next shot — Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a dose of the new vaccine, expected to be approved and available early this fall, for long-term care residents and adults 65 and up, if it’s been six months since their last shot or infection.
“For everyone else there isn’t a strong recommendation yet … so as we head into the fall, pay attention to the public health recommendations.”
September 1, 2023
When it comes to vaccines, experts say it matters which arm you get the shot in.
A new study specifically looked at COVID-19 vaccines, but researchers say it can still apply to other vaccinations as well.
In the observational study, authors analyzed immune responses from about 300 people who never had COVID-19 and received two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine between March and September 2021.
Researchers at E-Biomedicine revealed that when it comes to the COVID-19 shot, people who got all of their shots in one arm had a stronger immune response than those who switched it up.
Study participants were randomized to receive both doses in one arm or the second dose in the opposite arm. Two weeks after receiving the shots, researchers discovered certain immune cells – commonly known as “killer T cells” – were detected in 67% of people who received both injections in the same arm versus only 43% of those who got them in different arms.
Another theory, according to researchers, is that the vaccine in the same arm targets the same lymph nodes and this makes them more active in fighting off infections.
However, this new study contradicts what we were told at the beginning of COVID-19 when doctors said it didn’t matter which arm you chose.
The same goes for flu shots.
Researchers say that you will most likely benefit from always getting vaccinated in the same arm.
August 21, 2023
Our pharmacists are now offering Prescribing for Minor Ailments, please call the pharmacy to schedule an appointment. Our staff will be screening the requests to ensure that the condition in questions falls under the criteria set forth by the legislation. Minor Ailments eligible for Pharmacist Prescribing: Allergic rhinitis Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives) Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease Musculoskeletal sprains and strains Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated) Minor ailments are described as health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include: Usually a short-term condition Lab results aren’t usually required Low risk of treatment masking underlying conditions No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required Please refer to this document regarding commonly asked questions from patients about minor ailments
August 18, 2023
The right way to check your blood pressure
Follow these tips to make sure you get an accurate reading — both at home and during health care visits.
Because high blood pressure rarely has any warning signs or symptoms, many people with this stealth condition don’t realize they have it. But pressure that measures 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher — the official definition of high blood pressure — injures blood vessels, causing them to thicken and stiffen. Left untreated, high blood pressure eventually damages the heart, brain, and kidneys. That’s why every single health care visit should include a blood pressure check. Keep a record of your readings, which can fluctuate due to a range of factors, including exertion or stress. If your readings start trending toward the high range or you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should get a device for home-based checks (see “Choosing a home blood pressure monitor”).
August 16, 2023
Trust Centrum Pharmacy to Care about You
The best possible care is with a doctor or care team that knows your medical history and understands you, your lifestyle, and your values. Studies show people with a consistent doctor have better care, fewer trips to the hospital, and may even live longer. But what if you are away from home? Or you can’t see your usual doctor? Or need after-hours care? Of course, if you feel you have an emergency or life-threatening health issue, you should go to the emergency department. Otherwise, there are steps you can take to help you and your loved ones receive the best care at the right time and in the right place.
August 14, 2023
Supporting your LGBTQ+ patients with inclusive health education materials is crucial!
Providing inclusive care helps ensure that patients feel comfortable, respected, and heard throughout their healthcare journey. It involves listening carefully to patient needs, being educated about issues facing historically excluded populations, and offering relevant resources or advice that considers the patient’s identity and culture. Such care encourages people from all backgrounds and identities to seek the care they need and speak up when they have questions or concerns. The IMD Health Patient Engagement Platform has many educational health resources focused on the LGBTQ+ patient population. These resources come from trusted organizations like Strong Minds Strong Kids, the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and they cover topics such as safe sex, mental illness, and cancer in the LGBTQ+ community. Check out our page on LGBTQ+ Health to learn more!
August 11, 2023
Please do not hesitate to contact us using the secure messaging on our website or with our PharmAdvise App or by phone or only if you must, come in person, and speak to us directly. Our new temporary business hours are: Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm And Saturdays we are open 10:00 am till 1:00 pm We are closed Sundays and Statutory holidays. Our wish, for all of us, is that this situation resolves itself quickly. During this challenging time, we’re working hard to give you the confidence you need in your Pharmacy. Thank you for your business, and for placing your trust in us at Centrum Pharmacy.
August 9, 2023
Hot tips to stay cool this summer
With the summer season comes more outings, hotter days, longer nights… all with one catch— more sweat. Sweat is a natural process, and a necessary one, at that. We need to perspire in order to regulate our body temperature. That said, there are certain things you can do to limit the discomfort that comes along with the oh-so-dreaded armpit sweat stains.
- Apply antiperspirant at night time.
- Use a hairdryer (on cool) after applying your antiperspirant.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine—these act as stimulants for sweating. Try drinks with electrolytes, instead!
- Visit your family doctor if you are concerned about hyperhidrosis, a disorder causing a higher amount of sweating than what is deemed normal. This can be treated with a prescription at your doctor’s discretion.
- Consult your doctor about oral medications to help reduce sweating, such as glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin—however, be sure to discuss possible side effects, such as dry mouth, eyes, or headache.
- Look into new remedies on the market, such as Qbrexza, a topical medication that blocks stimulation of sweat glands. It works with a technology similarly to Botox.
- If you’ve tried all options and are still struggling to get your sweat levels under control, consult your doctor about sweat gland surgery—this can be used as a more advanced measure to treat hyperhidrosis.
- Wear loose fitted, breathable clothing. This may seem like a no brainer, however this is essential to promote breathability, which will ultimately keep your body cool. Think cotton and linen blends!
For a more in depth look at each tip, including insight from medical professionals, visit the below resource:
or
August 4, 2023
Civic Holiday
Hello, valued customers!
As we gear up to celebrate Civic Holiday on August 7th, we wanted to take a moment to remind you that Pharmacie Centrum Pharmacy will be closed on this special day. We believe in the importance of cherishing this day of unity and reflection as we take some well-deserved time off to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back! If you need any prescription refills or essential items, make sure to drop by before August 7th or after the holiday or visit our website – we’ll be here to serve you with a smile! From all of us at Pharmacie Centrum Pharmacy, we wish you a fantastic Civic Holiday filled with joy, laughter, quality time with loved ones!
Thank you for your understanding. Shop at Pharmacie Centrum Pharmacy for all your prescription needs and more.
August 2, 2023
IS YOUR PHARMACY CLOSING? HAS YOUR PHARMACY JUST CLOSED?
Come try Centrum Pharmacy (centrumpharmacy.com)
We have been providing Personalized Care to the Community for over 20 years.
Friendly, Knowledgeable, Experienced and Caring Staff Caring for your Health is our Primary Focus.
All Major Drug Plans Accepted and Processed Electronically Free Prescription Delivery Free
Medication Reviews Nurse on Staff Competitive Prices Personalized care Insulin and Diabetic
Supplies Herbal and Natural Products Pet health Prescriptions Medication Compounding
Individualized Dossett Pill Packs At Centrum Pharmacy we care about your good health. Our
pharmacists are always available to discuss your medication needs. Feel Free to Come meet with
one of our pharmacists.
PLACE CENTRUM PLAZA (near Alterna Savings and Lexus Resto bar)
COME FOR THE CONVEVIENCE STAY FOR THE SERVICE ENJOY THE LOW PRICES
Caring For Your Family Since 1999
August 2, 2023
How Lyme Disease affects you
Lyme disease (LD) is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium called a
spirochete (pronounced spy-ro-keet) that is carried by deer ticks. An infected tick can transmit the
spirochete to the humans and animals it bites. Untreated, the bacterium travels through the
bloodstream, establishes itself in various body tissues, and can cause a number of symptoms, some
of which are severe. Often, an erythema migrans (EM) rash appears within 7-14 days at the site of a
tick bite.
At Centrum Pharmacy are able to prescribe antibiotics prophylactically after a tic bite to help prevent
Lyme Disease. Please see our pharmacists right away if you suspect that you have been bitten by a
tick.
August 2, 2023
Is your Pharmacy Closing? We Can Look After your Prescriptions and Good Health
We know how unsettling it can be when your go-to pharmacy suddenly closes its doors. But fear
not, because Centrum Pharmacy is here to take care of all your healthcare needs with open
arms.
We offer:
– Expert Care: Our experienced pharmacists are here to address your concerns, provide
personalized advice, and ensure you receive the best care tailored to your needs.
– Diverse Services: From vaccinations to chronic disease management, Centrum
Pharmacy offers a wide range of services to keep you on the path to good health.
– Convenience: Your time is valuable! Centrum Pharmacy is all about efficiency, minimal
waiting times, online prescription refills, and home delivery options.
– Community-Oriented: We believe in giving back! Centrum Pharmacy is a local family
operated business that actively promotes the health and well being of its community
since 1999.
Don’t let a pharmacy or clinic closure disrupt your healthcare routine.
At Centrum Pharmacy you’ll be welcomed into a caring and supportive community that puts your
health first.
Visit our Site
August 2, 2023
Now offering Prescriptions for Minor Ailments,
Our pharmacists are now offering Prescribing for Minor Ailments, please call the pharmacy to
schedule an appointment. Our staff will be screening the requests to ensure that the condition in
questions falls under the criteria set forth by the legislation. Minor Ailments eligible for Pharmacist
Prescribing: Allergic rhinitis Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and
viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated) Minor ailments are described as health conditions that can
be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include: Usually a
short-term condition Lab results aren’t usually required Low risk of treatment masking underlying
conditions No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition
Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required Please refer to this document regarding commonly
asked questions from patients about minor ailments.
or
July 17, 2023
Flu vaccination may protect heart for months after the jab
A large British study found lower cardiovascular risk in higher- and lower-risk people alike.
Takeaway
- The risk for cardiovascular events fell after influenza vaccination among people with both higher and lower underlying cardiovascular risk.
- The flu vaccine could aid in cardiovascular disease (CVD) primary prevention.
Why this matters
- Shortly after an influenza diagnosis, the risk for myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke rises, suggesting the virus may trigger cardiovascular events.
- By contrast, in the 1-3 months after influenza vaccination, risks for first MI and stroke fall.
- Whether this depended on individuals’ underlying cardiovascular risk has been unclear.
Study design
- Self-controlled case-series analysis of electronic health records in the UK, 2008-2019 (n=193,900).
- Authors examined people aged 40-84 years who experienced both a first cardiovascular event and influenza vaccination within 12 months of each September during the study period.
- Outcome: first episode of left ventricular heart failure, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or acute limb ischaemia.
- Funding: Wellcome Trust.
Key results
- In the first 15-28 days following vaccination, acute cardiovascular event risk fell by 28%.
- At 91-120 days after vaccination, risk remained reduced by 17%.
- Lower risks were seen in all age groups and cardiovascular risk groups. However:
- Risk reduction was greater in 40- to 64-year-olds compared with older groups.
- It was greater in men than women.
July 17, 2023
Obstructive subclinical coronary atherosclerosis powerfully predicts heart attack risk
Takeaway
- Asymptomatic adults with subclinical obstructive atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries on CT face higher than an 8-fold risk for myocardial infarction (MI).
- The DANE-HEART and SCOT-HEART 2 trials are now underway to evaluate computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA)-guided primary prevention.
- In the meantime, the authors suggest considering CTCA for patients already undergoing cardiac CT and/or electrocardiogram-gated chest CT.
- The study, conducted by a Danish research team, appeared in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Why this matters
- Atherosclerosis can long precede ischemic heart disease (IHD).
- CTCA can detect asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis.
Study design
- Prospective observational cohort of Danish adults in the longitudinal Copenhagen General Population Study (n=9533).
- Participants were aged ≥40 years without symptoms or diagnosis of IHD.
- Starting in 2010, they could opt to undergo CTCA.
- Outcome: MI.
- Funding: AP Møller og Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond.
Key results
- 46% had subclinical coronary atherosclerosis found on CTA.
- 10% had obstructive disease (narrowing of lumen >50%).
- Over a median follow-up of 3.5 years:
- 0.7% had MI.
- 2.7% had MI or all-cause death.
- Adjusted relative risk of MI (vs no coronary atherosclerosis):
- With obstructive-nonextensive atherosclerosis: 8.28-fold.
- With obstructive-extensive atherosclerosis: 12.48-fold.
- Adjusted relative risk of either MI or death was approximately 3-fold in those with extensive disease.
July 12, 2023
Get another COVID-19 booster in the fall, Canada’s immunization panel recommends
Ottawa–Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) says people should get another COVID-19 vaccine booster in the fall if it’s been at least six months since their last dose or COVID-19 infection.
It says the booster doses will be new formulations updated to target more recent, immune-evasive variants.
NACI continues to strongly recommend that anyone five years of age and older who hasn’t yet been vaccinated should be immunized with a primary two-dose series of an mRNA vaccine.
It also has a “discretionary recommendation” that children six months to five years of age who haven’t yet been vaccinated get the two-dose primary series of an mRNA vaccine.
In June, NACI said that the bivalent mRNA vaccines can be used for people receiving their first two-dose vaccination series.
The mRNA vaccines available in Canada are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
July 5, 2023
Why it’s harder to stand up as you age: The science behind your stiff joints and tight muscles
Unfortunately, we do get less flexible as we get older. Clinicians even have a test called ‘Sit to Stand’ (measuring the ability to stand up from a chair), widely used to examine physical function and screen older people at risk of falls and frailty.
There are lots of reasons why standing up gets harder as we age. It’s thought that our tendons get tighter around joints and the cartilage between our joints deteriorates. There is also a general deterioration in ligaments and a reduction in fluid within the joint (synovial fluid) along with tightening of muscles surrounding the joint.
Our muscle mass also reduces as we get older, especially muscles such as the quadriceps (around the front of your thighs), which are needed to help us stand up from a chair.
But the good news is that these changes may be slowed down. Regular physical activity is thought to slow down the deterioration in our flexibility, along with the other benefits it has for bone density, cardiovascular health and our mental health.
Studies have shown that people who are physically active can achieve a greater range of motion than sedentary individuals, even in older age. It is recommended that older adults should do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility at least twice a week, as well at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity if you’re already active).
June 31, 2023
Celebrating Canada Day: Gratitude and Appreciation from Centrum Pharmacy
As Canada Day approaches, we at Centrum Pharmacy would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful community that has supported us over the years. It is also a time to reflect on the incredible opportunities and privileges that come with living in this beautiful country. Join us as we celebrate this special day and acknowledge the support of our local family, as well as the countless opportunities Canada has to offer.
Thank You, Our Local Family: Centrum Pharmacy owes its success and growth to the unwavering support of our local family – our customers, neighbours, and friends. Over the years, you have welcomed us into your lives, entrusted us with your healthcare needs, and embraced our commitment to providing the highest level of care. Your loyalty and patronage have allowed us to thrive and serve the community we hold so dear.
We are honoured to be a part of your healthcare journey, offering personalized services, expert advice, and a warm and friendly environment. We take pride in being your trusted partner, always striving to exceed your expectations. This Canada Day, we extend our sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support. We are privileged to serve you and look forward to many more years of caring for our local family.
Canada, a land of vast landscapes and diverse cultures, offers its citizens an abundance of opportunities and privileges. From breathtaking natural beauty to world-class healthcare and education systems, we are truly blessed to call this country home.
As we celebrate Canada Day, let us not forget the countless opportunities that have been provided to us. Whether it is the freedom to pursue our passions, access to quality healthcare, or the chance to build a prosperous future, Canada has continuously offered its residents a platform to thrive and succeed.
Happy Canada Day to all!
June 29, 2023
AMERICA’S MOST POPULAR DRUG HAS A PUZZLING SIDE EFFECT. WE FINALLY KNOW WHY.
The reason statins can make your muscles sore or weak was unclear—until scientists accidentally stumbled upon an answer.
Statins, one of the most extensively studied drugs on the planet, taken by tens of millions of Americans alone, have long had a perplexing side effect. Many patients—some 5 percent in clinical trials, and up to 30 percent in observational studies—experience sore and achy muscles, especially in the upper arms and legs. A much smaller proportion, less than 1 percent, develop muscle weakness or myopathy severe enough that they find it hard to climb stairs, get up from a sofa, get up from the toilet.
June 26, 2023
Caution: More Heavy Smoke Enveloping the City
As the layer of heavy smoke continues to envelop our city, we wish to remind you to stay indoors as much as possible. Environment Canada says the poor air quality due to the forest fires will likely continue, adding the risk is highest for people with lung or heart disease, elderly people, children, pregnant women and those who work outdoors.
“Stop any outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experience shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe coughing, dizziness or chest pain,” it wrote. “If you experience any symptoms or feel unwell, stay indoors.” If you do need to go outside, consider wearing a KN95 or N95 face covering.
June 23, 2023
Summer Health Month
For many patients, summer marks a time for camping, travelling, beach fun, and socializing with family and friends in the sun. For healthcare professionals, it means that more patients are suffering from heat exhaustion, sunburn and bug bites.
This summer, encourage your patients to move more and sit less, wear sunscreen and insect repellant, stay cool and hydrated, and quit tobacco use. Equip them with resources from trusted sources on IMD, like the Public Health Association of Canada, Caring for Kids and the Melanoma Network of Canada to help them prevent harmful conditions like Lyme disease and skin cancer.
June 23, 2023
Taking Novo Nordisk’s new obesity drug may help reduce the risk of heart disease as well as boosting weight loss
After a year of taking semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, patients’ risk of suffering from conditions like a heart attack or a stroke over the next ten years dropped to 6.3% from 7.6% when measured by a commonly used calculator, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found.
The results are among the first indication that the weight loss induced by the new GLP-1 agonist drugs like Wegovy also brings heart health benefits – something scientists expected, but do not yet have much comprehensive data to prove.
The study was only done among 93 patients, and the researchers said that more and larger studies were needed to see if the risk reduction score actually meant less illness and death long-term.
“It is extremely important, because we know obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Dr Andres Acosta, one of the researchers, told Reuters.
“So the question is, with medications that are 15% [average weight loss], can we really start improving cardiovascular risk and say people are dying less?”
The risk was calculated using the American College of Cardiology’s calculator, based on data including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The team assessed the risk before the patients – mainly white women, with a mean BMI of 39.8, but no history of heart disease – started the drug as well as after one year of taking it.
The research was peer reviewed by the congress organizers, the European Association for the Study of Obesity, but the full paper is not yet available. The study was not funded by Novo.
June 14, 2023
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines can be used for primary vaccination series: NACI
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) says bivalent mRNA vaccines can be used as the two-dose primary series of shots against COVID-19.
That means anyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, including infants age six months and over, can receive the bivalent formulations developed to target the Omicron variant.
The bivalent vaccines, manufactured by Moderna and by Pfizer-BioNTech, have previously been used only as booster shots for people five years of age and older.
NACI posted the new interim guidance online on Friday.
The statement says the supply of the original monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be available in Canada in the coming months.
NACI says its interim recommendation is considered “off-label” while Health Canada reviews manufacturers’ submissions for use of the bivalent vaccines for the primary vaccination series.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, says NACI’s recommendation reflects evidence that the bivalent vaccines are safe and effective.
June 12, 2023
WHO Advises Against Nonsugar Sweetener for Weight Control
A new guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO) on nonsugar sweeteners (NSSs) recommends not using them to control weight or reduce the risk for diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. These sweeteners include aspartame, acesulfame K, advantame, saccharine, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives.
The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review that collected data from 283 studies in adults, children, pregnant women, and mixed populations.
The findings suggest that use of NSSs does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. They also suggest that long-term use of NSSs may have potential undesirable effects.
To clarify, short-term NSS use results in a small reduction in body weight and body mass index in adults without significant effects on other measures of adiposity or cardiometabolic health, including fasting glucose, insulin, blood lipids, and blood pressure.
Conversely, on a long-term basis, results from prospective cohort studies suggest that higher NSS intake is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and all-cause mortality in adults (very low to low certainty evidence).
Regarding the risk for cancer, results from case-control studies suggest an association between saccharine intake and bladder cancer (very low certainty evidence), but significant associations for other types of cancer were not observed in case-control studies or meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Relatively fewer studies were found for children, and results were largely inconclusive.
Finally, results for pregnant women suggest that higher NSS intake is associated with increased risk for preterm birth (low certainty evidence) and possibly adiposity in offspring (very low certainty evidence).
June 09, 2023
Canadian Men’s Health Month
Make Sure Your Patients Have the Tools They Need
June marks Canadian Men’s Health Month. It’s an important reminder to men and people assigned male at birth, of every age and background, that their health matters. Research suggests that men tend to focus less on their health and well-being than women focus on theirs. Men see their doctors less frequently and often put off attending to their physical and mental health needs.
The IMD Health Patient Engagement Platform can help you equip your male patients with resources on common topics like parenting, prostate cancer, mental health concerns, and more.
June 09, 2023
How to stay healthy as wildfire smoke spreads across large swaths of Canada
As wildfires continue to rage in parts of Western and Central Canada, the smoke is blanketing cities and communities far away from the blazes and triggering air quality alerts.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Environment Canada’s air quality index warned of a “very high risk” in eastern Ontario cities, including Ottawa, and in Gatineau, Que.
Other cities and towns in Quebec and Ontario varied between “high risk” and “moderate risk.” In B.C., the Central Fraser Valley was designated “moderate risk.”
Here’s what this all means for you and how to stay safe.
June 07, 2023
What groundbreaking advancements can AI tools bring to the field of healthcare?
As pharmacists, we are cautious by nature, and recent concerns surrounding this new technology are certainly valid: Who gets to decide who controls the information that is being provided? How do we protect patient confidentiality if an AI tool is using patient data?
If you speak to anyone who has been following the development of AI, they will note that it is not only the technology itself that has been impressive to experience, but even more so, it is the rapid rate of its development that is leaving everyone bewildered. With this technology we could ensure that every patient receives the health information they need, regardless of their language or cultural background.
In addition, this model would eventually be able to communicate information beyond what their healthcare provider may have the time to share, including lifestyle changes and other factors that can help improve their condition and prevent complications from chronic disease.
AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we deliver healthcare. In the future, patients may even be able to ask questions and receive accurate, personalized responses in real-time, again, from the comfort of their own homes.
June 07, 2023
The New Vaccine Your Patients May Not Want
Compared with the complicated and ever-changing recommended vaccine schedule for infants and children, vaccines for adults have been straightforward. Adults without compromised immunity who received all their childhood vaccinations are eligible for a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) or tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years, recombinant herpes zoster vaccine at age 50, and pneumococcal vaccines at age 65, along with annual influenza and (likely) COVID-19 vaccines. Last year, due to rising rates of acute hepatitis B, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended universal hepatitis B vaccination for adults aged 19-59 years without a record of previous hepatitis B infection or vaccination.
June 07, 2023
Sucralose Damages DNA, Linked to Leaky Gut
A new study reveals health concerns about the sugar substitute sucralose so alarming that researchers said people should stop eating it and the government should regulate it more.
Sucralose is sold under the brand name Splenda and is also used as an ingredient in packaged foods and beverages.
The researchers conducted a series of laboratory experiments exposing human blood cells and gut tissue to sucralose-6-acetate. The findings build on previous research that linked sucralose to gut health problems.
The researchers found that sucralose causes DNA to break apart, putting people at risk for disease. They also linked sucralose to leaky gut syndrome, which means the lining of the intestines are worn down and become permeable. Symptoms are a burning sensation, painful digestion, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
When a substance damages DNA, it is called genotoxic. Researchers have found that eating sucralose results in the body producing a substance called sucralose-6-acetate, which the new study now shows is genotoxic. The researchers also found sucralose-6-acetate in trace amounts in off-the-shelf products that are so high, they would exceed the safety levels currently allowed in Europe.
The FDA says sucralose is safe, describing it as 600 times sweeter than table sugar and used in “baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins, and frozen dairy desserts.”
June 07, 2023
B-Vitamin May Help Boost Antidepressant Efficacy
The B vitamin, L-methylfolate (LMT) can be an effective adjunctive treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with an inadequate response to antidepressants, new research suggests.
Investigators analyzed six studies and found support for adjunctive use of LMF with patients with MDD not responding to antidepressant monotherapy. Treatment response was highest in those with obesity and inflammatory biomarkers.
“If clinicians try LMF on their patients with treatment-resistant depression, the treatment is very robust in patients who have high BMI or inflammatory biomarkers, and it’s worth a try even in patients who don’t have these indicators, since it’s safe and well-tolerated, with no downside”.
A considerable percentage of patients with MDD fail to achieve an adequate response to treatment. Previous research shows benefits of folate (vitamin B9) and other B vitamins in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
Folate is available in several forms, including LMF, which differs from dietary folate and synthetic folic acid supplements because it’s a reduced metabolite that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
“This is a ‘shortcut’ that gets directly to the brain, especially in those with higher BMI or inflammatory indicators, allowing their antidepressant to work better”.
LMF is available as a prescription medical food and approved for the clinical dietary management of patients with MDD.
June 07, 2023
Aspirin Use Tied to Lower Risk for Early Colorectal Cancer
The regular use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was found to be associated with a lower risk of early-onset conventional and advanced adenomas. Aspirin could prove to be an effective strategy in preventing early-onset colorectal cancer cases. A study confirms evidence from 30 years of research that suggests regular aspirin use reduces cancer risk. In patients with Lynch syndrome, the CAPP2 study showed that aspirin has a protective effect against colorectal cancer at 20 years follow-up.
While emerging data have suggested that aspirin use may reduce later-onset colorectal cancer, it was not known if regular aspirin and NSAID use are associated with diminished risk of early-onset conventional adenomas, and especially the high-risk adenomas conferring greater malignant potential known to be the major precursor of early-onset colorectal cancer. An unpublished analysis of molecular markers found that at least 57% of early-onset colorectal cancers developed from the conventional adenoma-carcinoma pathway.
May 15, 2023
Expert explains why this DIY ‘tick kit’ should be in your car right now
As tick populations and reports of tick-borne illness have spread across Michigan in recent years, public health officials have urged people to follow tick-bite prevention measures, such as performing daily tick checks and wearing tick-repellent clothing, during peak season in spring and summer.
This year, one tick expert is adding an extra tip to that list: Keep a tick safety kit close at hand.
Jean Tsao, an associate professor at Michigan State University who researches ticks and tick-borne disease, says a simple, homemade tick kit can ensure that people aren’t caught without the necessary tools for dealing with ticks.
May 15, 2023
Odds of Heart Attack Six Times Higher With Flu Diagnosis
People diagnosed with influenza are six times more likely to have a heart attack within the first week that they test positive for the influenza virus than they are in the year before or the year after, a new study indicates. This work, led by Annemarijn de Boer, PhD, with the Julius Center for Life Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht in Utrecht, the Netherlands, comes 5 years after a 2018 study by Canadian researchers found a similar strong connection between flu and heart attack in people hospitalized for heart attacks. The current findings will be presented by de Boer at the at this year & European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases in Copenhagen, Denmark, on April 18.
May 15, 2023
The 3 Foods This Cardiologist NEVER Eats—and 5 Foods He Eats Every Day
Whether you have a history with heart disease, it runs in your family, or you just want to make sure you’re setting your body up for a long, healthy life, including heart-healthy foods in your diet can be one of the best ways to support your overall health. The CDC reports cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, but the American Heart Association says a healthy diet is one of the key factors in managing your heart health.
To help keep things simple, The Healthy @Reader’s Digest asked Long Cao, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist with Memorial Hermann in Houston, TX, for the heart-healthy foods he puts on his plate every day—and the food choices he incessantly avoids.
May 15, 2023
Explainer: How to avoid contracting Lyme disease
Every year in Canada, more than 2,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported, and the actual number who contract the bacterial infection is suspected to be much higher because symptoms are not always evident.
The disease is spread in Quebec by black-legged ticks that generally become infected with the bacteria that causes it, Borrelia burgdorferi, by feeding on the blood of infected animals, typically mice. They then crawl up plants, trees, tall grasses or piles of leaves and hope to latch on to passing large mammals, most often deer. Not all ticks are infected, but in certain high-risk zones in the Eastern Townships, as many as 50 per cent are.
Tick bites are usually painless and can go unnoticed. If left untreated, bacteria from an infected tick can spread in the blood and lead to painful symptoms. Quick treatment with antibiotics will cure the disease.
May 15, 2023
FDA Approves First-Of-Its Kind Drug to Ease Menopause Symptoms
An Astellas Pharma drug that treats hot flashes and night sweats from menopause is now approved by the FDA, a regulatory decision that makes the therapy the first one that hits a particular central nervous system target to ease the symptoms of this change in life.
The Friday approval of the drug, fezolinetant, covers the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms caused by menopause. Tokyo-based Astellas will market the once-a-day pill under the brand name Veozah. In an email, the company said the new drug will carry a wholesale price of $550 for a 30-day supply. Astellas expects Veozah will become available within three weeks.
May 10, 2023
Study Shows Higher Obesity-Related Cancer Mortality in Areas With More Fast Food
Communities with easy access to fast food were 77% more likely to have high levels of obesity-related cancer mortality, based on data from a new cross-sectional study of more than 3,000 communities.
Although increased healthy eating has been associated with reduced risk of obesity and with reduced cancer incidence and mortality, access to healthier eating remains a challenge in communities with less access to grocery stores and healthy food options (food deserts) and/or easy access to convenience stores and fast food (food swamps).
In addition, data on the association between food deserts and swamps and obesity-related cancer mortality are limited.
“We felt that the study was important given the fact that obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and multiple factors contribute to obesity, especially adverse food environments,” Dr. Bevel said. Also, I lived in these areas my whole life, and saw how it affected underserved populations. There was a story that needed to be told, so we’re telling it,”.
May 10, 2023
Intermittent fasting and an early meal may help to prevent type 2 diabetes
Liam Davenport
Intermittent fasting with time-restricted early eating can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals, according to the results of a randomised controlled study published in Nature Medicine.
Intermittent fasting plus early time-restricted eating was associated with significant improvement in glucose control compared with caloric restriction alone at 6 months, while both interventions were associated with improved cardiovascular risk markers and reduced BMI compared with standard weight loss advice.
“Following a time-restricted intermittent fasting diet may help reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes,” says lead author Leonie K. Heilbronn, Ph.D., University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia.
May 7, 2023
Rare heart condition among young men after Covid vaccines? A new study offers clues
A new study sheds light on what may be causing very rare cases of heart inflammation in young men after receiving an mRNA Covid vaccine.
Early hypotheses as to what was driving the heart inflammation, called myocarditis, included an allergic response to the vaccine, vaccine-induced antibodies, or an autoimmune response in which the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissue by mistake. But this study, published Friday in Science Immunology, doesn’t find evidence for any of these mechanisms.
Instead, when looking at cases in 23 patients, the researchers found signs of a revved-up immune system driven by inflammatory proteins.
May 5, 2023
Powerful new obesity drug poised to upend weight loss care
The U.S. approved the first vaccine for RSV on Wednesday, shots to protect older adults against a respiratory virus that’s most notorious for attacking babies but endangers their grandparents, too.
The Food and Drug Administration decision makes GSK’s shot, called Arexvy, the first of several potential vaccines in the pipeline for RSV to be licensed anywhere.
The move sets the stage for adults 60 and older to get vaccinated this fall — but first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide if every senior really needs RSV protection or only those considered at high risk from the respiratory syncytial virus. CDC’s advisers will debate that question in June.
medication is equated with ‘taking the easy way out’ or ‘not trying hard enough,”‘ she said.
May 1, 2023
When Should I Get Another Covid Booster?
A trio of recent announcements have put Covid-19 vaccines and boosters back into the spotlight. On April 10, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan resolution terminating the Covid-19 national emergency, which had allowed the government to free up funding and waive certain regulations to fight the pandemic. The same day, the White House announced the $5 billion Project Next Gen to develop the next generation of vaccines, as experts warned that current treatments were losing efficacy. And on April 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowed new boosters for older adults and immunocompromised patients. Altogether, these updates paint a mixed portrait, recognizing the continued threat of Covid-19 to certain groups while also turning a page and looking toward the future. “We don’t want to let our guard down and normalize the situation,” says Ofer Levy, a pediatrician and director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “And on the other hand, we can’t be in an emergency footing forever. So how do we find that right balance?” Read More
May 1, 2023
Powerful new obesity drug poised to upend weight loss care
By AP STAFF
As a growing number of overweight Americans clamor for Ozempic and Wegovy—drugs touted by celebrities and on TikTok to pare pounds—an even more powerful obesity medicine is poised to upend treatment.
Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people with the disease who were overweight or had obesity lose up to 16% of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months, the company said on Thursday.
The late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22% of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug. For a typical patient on the highest dose, that meant shedding more than 50 pounds.
Having diabetes makes it notoriously difficult to lose weight, said Dr. Nadia Ahmad, Lilly’s medical director of obesity clinical development, which means the recent results are especially significant. “We have not seen this degree of weight reduction,” she said.
Based on the new results, which have not yet been published in full, company officials said they will finalize an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management. A decision could come later this year. A company spokeswoman would not confirm whether the drug would be marketed for weight loss in the U.S. under a different brand name.
If approved for weight loss, tirzepatide could become the most effective drug to date in an arsenal of medications that are transforming the treatment of obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 American adults and is linked to dozens of diseases that can lead to disability or death.
“If everybody who had obesity in this country lost 20% of their body weight, we would be taking patients off all of these medications for reflux, for diabetes, for hypertension,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, a director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “We would not be sending patients for stent replacement.”
Industry analysts predict that tirzepatide could become one of the top-selling drugs ever, with annual sales topping $50 billion. It is expected to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic—a diabetes drug used so commonly to shed pounds that comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars—and Wegovy, a version of the drug also known as semaglutide approved for weight loss in 2021. Together, those drugs made nearly $10 billion in 2022, with prescriptions continuing to soar, company reports show.
In separate trials, tirzepatide has resulted in greater weight loss than semaglutide, whose users shed about 15% of their body weight over 16 months. A head-to-head trial comparing the two drugs is planned.
Mounjaro was first approved to treat diabetes last year. Since then, thousands of patients have obtained the drug from doctors and telehealth providers who prescribed it “off-label” to help them slim down.
In California, Matthew Barlow, a 48-year-old health technology executive, said he has lost more than 100 pounds since November by using Mounjaro and changing his diet.
“Psychologically, you don’t want to eat,” said Barlow. “Now I can eat two bites of a dessert and be satisfied.”
Rather than relying solely on diet, exercise and willpower to reduce weight, tirzepatide and other new drugs target the digestive and chemical pathways that underlie obesity, suppressing appetite and blunting cravings for food.
“They have entirely changed the landscape,” said Dr. Amy Rothberg, a University of Michigan endocrinologist who directs a virtual weight loss and diabetes program.
Research has shown that with diet and exercise alone, about a third of people will lose 5% or more of their body weight, said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. In the latest tirzepatide trial, more than 86% of patients using the highest dose of the drug lost at least 5% of their body weight. More than half on that dose lost at least 15%, the company said.
The obesity medications help overcome a biological mechanism that kicks in when people diet, triggering a coordinated effort by the body to prevent weight loss.
“That is a real physical phenomenon,” Dr. Aronne said. “There are a number of hormones that respond to reduced calorie intake.”
Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of semaglutide. That drug mimics a key gut hormone, known as GLP-1, that is activated after people eat, boosting the release of insulin and slowing release of sugar from the liver. It delays digestion and reduces appetite, making people feel full longer.
Tirzepatide is the first drug that uses the action of two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, for greater effects. It also targets the chemical signals sent from the gut to the brain, curbing cravings and thoughts of food.
Though the drugs appear safe, they can cause side effects, some serious. Most common reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Some users have developed pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, others have had gallbladder problems. Mounjaro’s product description warns that it could cause thyroid tumors, including cancer.
There are other downsides: Versions of semaglutide have been on the market for several years, but the long-term effects of taking drugs that override human metabolism are not yet clear. Early evidence suggests that when people stop taking the medications, they gain the weight back.
Plus, the medications are expensive—and in recent months, hard to get because of intermittent shortages. Wegovy is priced at about $1,300 a month. Mounjaro used for diabetes starts at about $1,000 per month.
Dr. Apovian said that only about 20% to 30% of patients with private insurance in her practice find the medications are covered. Some insurers who previously paid for the drugs are enacting new rules, requiring six months of documented lifestyle changes or a certain amount of weight loss for continued coverage. Medicare is largely prohibited from paying for weight-loss drugs, though there have been efforts by drugmakers and advocates for Congress to change that.
Still, experts say that the striking effects of tirzepatide—along with Ozempic, Wegovy and other drugs—underscore that losing weight is not merely a matter of willpower. Like high blood pressure, which affects about half of U.S. adults and is managed with medication, obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, not a character flaw, Dr. Aronne emphasized.
It remains to be seen what effect new drug treatments will have on pervasive bias against people with obesity, said Rebecca Puhl, a professor in the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, who studies weight stigma. U.S. culture has “deep-rooted beliefs about body weight and physical appearance” that are hard to change, she said.
“Weight stigma could persist or worsen if taking medication is equated with ‘taking the easy way out’ or ‘not trying hard enough,”‘ she said.
May 1, 2023
Is vitamin D the reason behind higher prostate cancer rates among Black men?
African American men are 1.7 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than other men of color or men of European backgrounds. They are also 2.1 times more likely to die of the disease. This disparity may be partially explained by a lack of equal access to healthcare many African Americans experience, but not completely. A new study investigates possible biological causes of this disparity, and finds that it may have to do with skin melanin and the manner in which African American men synthesize vitamin D from the sun. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles, CA, among others, contributed to this study. It appears in Cancer Research Communications. Read More
May 1, 2023
The Processed Meats Doctors Want You To Cut Out Over 40–And What To Eat Instead
Over time, our bodies become more vulnerable to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For this reason, it’s especially crucial to maintain a diet that’s as healthy as possible as we age. While you may have already considered the effects of eating harmful fast food (like these orders) or overindulging in sugary treats like these, it’s also important to evaluate the quality of the protein you’re consuming each day. As it turns out, processed meats can be some of the biggest offenders when it comes to heart health issues. In fact, there are two varieties in particular that experts warn against: deli meat and canned meats. Read More
April 28, 2023
Moderna developing mRNA vaccine for Lyme disease
A Lyme disease vaccine could be on its way soon, according to pharmaceutical company Moderna. The company has announced two new mRNA vaccines in development that could prevent Lyme disease, marking the “first application of its mRNA technology to bacterial pathogens.” The technology was used in creating the COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna also announced vaccine development plans for norovirus and RSV, which have both been spreading rapidly. “Untreated, Lyme disease can be very serious,” emergency physician and George Washington University professor Leana Wen says. “Some people develop debilitating symptoms that really impact their lives.” The disease comes from tick bites and can cause fever, chills, joint pain, and rashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If left untreated, the symptoms can be more severe including heart palpitations, arthritis, and facial palsy. Read More
February 6, 2022
WHY WON’T MY COUGH GO AWAY? DOCTORS EXPLAIN WHY THIS SYMPTOM LINGERS
AT THE BEGINNING of 2023, the flu hit me hard. Now, weeks later, I’m mostly recovered, but I still have one symptom: a lingering cough that just won’t seem to let up. It turns out I’m not alone. Sometimes called “postinfectious” or “postviral” cough, it occurs in as many as 1 in 4 people recovering from an upper respiratory infection. The ubiquity, however, doesn’t make it any less annoying. Here’s why doctors think coughs often linger following a virus, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor. Read more
December 19, 2022
How can you find joy (or at least peace) during difficult times?
An older adult patient once told me, “There are good decades and bad decades.” I remember the shock at hearing this — the patient was referring to the relationship with his wife. For many of us, 10 years seems like a very long time to struggle. How do we find joy when experiencing difficulties — or how do we at least make our struggles bearable?
November 27, 2022
Fentanyl Vaccine a Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid Crisis
Texas-based researchers have developed a vaccine that blocks the euphoric effects of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is increasingly involved in opioid overdose deaths in the United States. In studies in male and female mice, the vaccine generated significant and long-lasting levels of anti-fentanyl antibodies that were highly effective at reducing the antinociceptive, behavioral, and physiological effects of the drug. Read more
November 23, 2022
15 minutes of physical activity may reduce breast cancer mortality by 60%
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwideTrusted Source and a leading cause of death among women. Whereas five-year survival rates for the condition exceed 90%Trusted Source in high-income countries, the scenario is different in low and middle-income countries — India and South Africa, they stand at 66% and 40%. Studies showTrusted Source that physical activity is associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk. Other research suggests that physical activity reducesTrusted Source breast cancer mortality. Read more
November 10, 2022
New one-stop guideline takes a 360-degree approach to managing heart disease in Canadians
A new one-stop guideline takes a 360-degree approach to managing heart disease in Canadian patients, with 83 recommendations in one easy-to-use reference. The guideline is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.220138. “Clinicians are rightly concerned that there are too many guidelines with too many individual recommendations to be practical and useful for daily use, particularly in primary care. Typical patients with multiple illnesses require the access to many guidelines at the same time, and some recommendations are not harmonized and often seem contradictory,” says Dr. Peter Liu, chief scientific officer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and a senior author of the latest C-CHANGE guideline. “We hope this fourth update to the very popular C-CHANGE guideline will further meet the needs of health professionals and patients, to prevent and treat cardiovascular conditions and associated brain health with a simple harmonized approach.” Read more
November 9, 2022
Antibody therapy proves 88% effective at preventing malaria infections
In the first big real-world test for monoclonal antibodies against malaria a new study has reported extraordinarily promising results, with a novel therapy found to be 88.2% effective at preventing infections across a six-month period. The results add to a growing body of research focusing on antibody therapy as a tool to fight malaria.
November 8, 2022
Lucid Dying: Patients Recall Death Experiences During CPR
1 in 5 people who receive CPR report lucid experiences of death while they are seemingly unconscious and on the brink of death. The lucid experiences appear to be different from hallucinations, dreams, illusions, and delusions. Researchers found during these experiences the brain has heightened activity and markers for lucidity, suggesting the human sense of self, like other biological functions, may not completely stop around the time of death. Read more
November 7, 2022
Movember has finally come
Movember is here and moustache season is just getting started. Canadians across the country can let their facial hair run wild while helping to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
The 16th annual Movember campaign, led by the Movember Foundation is helping to change the face of men’s health with its goal of stopping men from dying too young.
“Participants can help raise funds by signing up at Movember.com to grow, move, host an event or Mo Your Own Way “They can grow a moustache for the month, join our physical activity challenge and walk or run 60 km throughout Movember, or host a virtual event. “It can be anything from a trivia night to a work social. It can be anything that brings people together virtually to have fun and do good.”
Funds raised during the month of Movember and all year round go towards funding innovative programs and research aimed at the primary cause areas — prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men’s mental health, and suicide prevention — with the intent of tackling these stats head-on.
November 6, 2022
Cumulative Blood Pressure Load: A Better Predictor of CV Events?
Cumulative systolic blood pressure load, which can be calculated from serial blood pressure measurements, may provide better prediction of major cardiovascular events compared with traditional blood pressure measures, a new study suggests. “Our results suggest that cumulative blood pressure load is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and should be used in future cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms,” the authors, led by Nelson Wang, MD, George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia, conclude. Read more
November 5, 2022
Semaglutide: The Diabetes Shot Non-Diabetics Are Using To Lose Weight
It’s like something out of a modern-day Wonderland: Ozempic — the shot that makes you magically thinner. The coveted injectable — a form of the glucose-regulating drug semaglutide, which boasts weight loss as a (wildly lucrative) side effect — is technically FDA-approved for those with Type 2 diabetes (and, at a higher dose, obesity), yet it’s now being used by a vast collective of folks solely for aesthetic purposes.
November 4, 2022
COVID-19: As new wave hits Ottawa, everything you need to know about booster shots
People over 18 in Ontario are eligible to start receiving a bivalent booster dose of COVID-19 on Monday that targets the Omicron variant.
Another option for children from six months to five years old is also available Monday as the Pfizer vaccine is rolled out. A Moderna shot was already approved for that age group in the province.
The vaccine news arrives as Ontario braces for a possible surge of COVID-19 as schools have resumed and people move indoors this fall.
In Ottawa, levels of the virus are high and increasing, Ottawa Public Health said in its latest update on Sept. 22.
November 3, 2022
Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication?
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a common type of anti-acid medication, and are available both by prescription and over the counter. Omeprazole and pantoprazole are examples of PPIs. They are the treatment of choice for several gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and H. pylori infection. New guidelines by the American Gastroenterological Association have highlighted the need to address appropriate PPI usage, and they recommend that PPIs should be taken at the lowest dose and shortest duration for the condition being treated. However, PPIs are frequently overused, and may be taken for longer than necessary. This can happen unintentionally; for example, if the medication was started while the patient was hospitalized, or it was started as a trial to see if a patient’s symptoms would improve and then is continued beyond the needed timeframe. Read more
November 2, 2022
Border vaccine rules, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, mask mandates on planes and trains to end on Oct. 1
The federal government says it’s dropping all COVID-19 measures at borders on Saturday, meaning travellers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains. As of Oct. 1, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
- Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- Provide proof of vaccination;
- Undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
- Carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
- Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada;
- Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail;
- Or wear masks on planes and trains.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Monday’s decision is not a sign Canada is out of the pandemic, but said the government’s data showed the importation of new variants was no longer having an effect on the evolution of the virus in country. Read more
November 1, 2022
New Canadian guidelines for menopausal hormone replacement therapy
New Canadian guidelines have been released on when to prescribe menopausal hormone therapy — and when it might heighten health risks, according to CTV News . Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), according to the new guidelines, is the most effective treatment to relieve menopause symptoms, especially when they are severe. Long-term data suggests that MHT should not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if it isn’t prescribed for women who are already at an increased risk of heart disease and isn’t prescribed for an extended period. Here’s the catch. Menopause officially begins 12 months after a woman has had her last period. Menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse, can last for many years for some women, or intensify at different points. Read more
October 31, 2022
We Want to Suck Your Blood!
With Halloween just around the corner and people sharing stories about vampires, werewolves, and other creatures that feast on the blood of innocent victims, I thought it would be a good time for us humans to reflect on how we also prey on the blood of the innocent — in our case, innocent crabs! The blood of the horseshoe crab is an essential ingredient for endotoxin screening in pharmaceutical products. Endotoxins, produced by several gram-negative bacteria, can be life-threatening to humans and can lead to toxic shock if given intravenously, even in small amounts. The horseshoe crab is equipped with an extremely sensitive system that protects them from endotoxin contamination. A substance called limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), present in the crab’s hemolymph, detects and coagulates tiny amounts of endotoxin by recognizing the lipopolysaccharides, a constituent of gram-negative bacteria. Read more
October 30, 2022
What you should know about bivalent COVID-19 boosters, including the difference between Moderna and Pfizer
Canadians are being urged by the country’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to get one of two approved bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they’re eligible. Because vaccine-conferred immunity wanes over time, boosters are important for keeping the population protected against COVID-19, health officials say, especially as the cooler weather threatens to bring another surge of cases. Read more
October 29, 2022
Green bananas found to reduce cancers by over 50%
A trial in people with high hereditary risk of a wide range of cancers has shown a major preventive effect from resistant starch, found in a range of foods such as oats and slightly green bananas. It can also be found in breakfast cereal, cooked and cooled pasta and rice, peas and beans. Read more
October 28, 2022
Zinc reverses lung damage and significantly improves patient survival
Investigators from the Women’s Guild Lung Institute at Cedars-Sinai have discovered that zinc, a common mineral, may reverse lung damage and improve survival for patients with a deadly age-related condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Their findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, have the potential to change the landscape of treatment for patients with this disease, which most often affects those over age 50. Read more
October 23, 2022
New immune-evasive Omicron strains are coming. Is Canada ready?
Canada is heading into a potentially brutal winter as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise, Omicron continues to rapidly mutate and booster uptake remains stagnant — all at a time when flu season is returning and the health-care system is already under intense pressure. COVID-related hospitalizations are currently higher than any previous fall in the pandemic, nearly double last October and almost four times more than in 2020. Read more
October 22, 2022
New York’s struggle with the new Omicron variant BQ is trying to tell us something
As scientists speculate what an autumn COVID wave might look like in the U.S., all eyes are on the Empire State. That’s because it’s considered a “bellwether” when it comes to viral conditions, and what happens there often provides a preview for the rest of the country. Right now, New York is seeing mounting cases of the extremely transmissible, immune-evasive BQ family of COVID variants, which includes BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. Experts tell Fortune that because such variants are thriving there, they’re likely to thrive elsewhere in the country too. Read more
September 29, 2022
The risk of heart inflammation is higher for COVID infections than the vaccine
The health implications of COVID-19 do not always go away when fevers break, coughs subside, and senses of smell and taste return. An estimated 4 million people suffer from long COVID, which has symptoms like brain fog, lingering cough, fatigue, and more. A new study out this week found that one out of 20 people who have had COVID-19 report that they still have symptoms six to 18 months after first getting sick. Read more
September 28, 2022
Is the Pandemic Over? If Only It Were That Simple
President Joe Biden says the pandemic is over. The World Health Organization says the end is in sight. Many of us would rather talk about almost anything else, and even New York City has dropped most of its COVID protocols. Biden’s claim (made to reporter Scott Pelley on Sunday on 60 Minutes ) has caused the debate over COVID-19 to explode yet again, even though he’s twice now tried to soften it. It has roiled the already divided public, fueled extensive coverage on television news, and led pundits to take sides. Read more
September 25, 2022
4 Signs of High Cholesterol You Should Know About
Early signs of high cholesterol
How do your cholesterol levels feel today? Even if you knew, you might not be sure what they mean; what’s considered “normal” varies by age and sex among other factors, so for most of us there’s no way to know for certain how healthy our cholesterol levels are—even if high cholesterol is negatively impacting our health.
“People often talk about blood pressure as a silent killer, but cholesterol can be as well,” says cardiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University and the president of the American Heart Association.
September 24, 2022
Why gender is at the heart of the matter for cardiac illness
Heart diseases are still chronically misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in women. With depressing regularity, we see stories of women failed by the health system when they come to hospitals with the symptoms of a heart attack. As a professor of cardiac science with 40 years’ experience, for me it has been a frustrating journey to get to the real cause of this problem: a combination of professional, systemic and technical biases. The experiences of individual patients are complex to analyze and interpret, but now we can view these effects on a much bigger scale. Read more
September 24, 2022
How Soon After Having COVID Can You Get the New COVID Vaccine Booster Shots?
If you recently had COVID-19, when is the best time to get the new omicron-specific booster shot? According to federal officials, there are no restrictions for getting the booster around a recent COVID infection. Anyone who has received a primary COVID vaccine is eligible two months from their last dose of either the original vaccines or the previous booster shots. But Chicago’s top doctor, who recently recovered from COVID herself, said while there is no requirement to wait, some people might consider postponing their latest dose if they’ve been recently infected – depending on a few things. Read more
September 23, 2022
NOPE, TELEMEDICINE DOESN’T LIMIT ACCESS TO CARE
The paper is one of two studies on telemedicine published in NEJM Catalyst. The second study demonstrates the success of an effort to provide mental health services to nursing homes via a hybrid model that includes telemedicine. “For patients, the message is clear and reassuring: Telemedicine is an effective and efficient way of receiving many kinds of health care,” says Kathleen Fear, lead author of the first paper and and director of data and analytics at the University of Rorchester Health Lab. “Especially for those with transportation challenges, it is a service that really fills a gap—and vitally, it does not compromise the quality of the care that patients receive.” Read more
September 23, 2022
Early Puberty in Girls Surged in The Pandemic, And We May Finally Know Why
Among the laundry list of health problems COVID has inflicted on the world’s population, one of the more perplexing could be an increase in the number of girls experiencing what is known as idiopathic precocious puberty – abnormally early onset of puberty. More than one study has spotted the spike in numbers during the early months of the pandemic of what is typically a rare condition, highlighting a potential link between the virus and a trigger for early adolescence. Now a study presented at the 60th Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting in Rome suggests it might not have anything to do with the infection at all. Read more
September 22, 2022
‘Game Changer’ Semaglutide Halves Diabetes Risk From Obesity
Treatment of people with obesity but without diabetes with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist semaglutide (Wegovy) — hailed at its approval in 2021 as a “game changer” for the treatment of obesity — led to beneficial changes in body mass index (BMI), glycemic control, and other clinical measures. This collectively cut the calculated risk for possible future development of type 2 diabetes in study participants by more than half, based on post-hoc analysis of data from two pivotal trials that compared semaglutide with placebo. The findings “suggest that semaglutide could help prevent type 2 diabetes in people with overweight or obesity,” said W. Timothy Garvey, MD, in a presentation at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2022 Annual Meeting. Read more
September 16, 2022
Artificial sweeteners linked to risk of cardiovascular disease
The findings of a study of more than 100,000 people suggest artificial sweeteners increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The population-based prospective cohort study of 103,388 participants of the French NutriNet-Santé cohort examined the associations between CVD and artificial sweeteners from all dietary sources (beverages, tabletop sweeteners, dairy products, etc.) and CVD. The study found that total artificial sweetener intake was associated with an increased risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.18; P=.03). The absolute incidence rate in higher consumers and non-consumers was 346 and 314 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Read more
September 15, 2022
New 988 crisis line launched in U.S. for mental health crises is also happening in Canada
Content Warning: This story contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation. If you are in need of support for yourself, a friend or a family member, Talk Suicide Canada, formerly the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service helpline, offers support and can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7. Or, connect via text at 45645, from 4 p.m. to midnight ET. Putting crisis care more in reach for people in need is a step forward in reducing suicide, and supporting mental health, experts say, in response to a new dedicated crisis lifeline just launched in the U.S. and headed to Canada next year. Read more
September 13, 2022
Blood Type Linked to Higher Risk for Early-Onset Stroke
Individuals with type A blood have a 16% higher risk for early-onset stroke (EOS) than those with other blood types, new research shows. Conversely, results from a meta-analysis of nearly 17,000 cases of ischemic stroke in adults younger than 60 years showed that having type O blood reduced the risk for EOS by 12%. In addition, the associations with risk were significantly stronger in EOS than in those with late-onset stroke (LOS), pointing to a stronger role for prothrombotic factors in younger patients, the researchers note. Read more
September 12, 2022
New York declares a disaster due to polio outbreak which officials fear have infected THOUSANDS in the state
New York state officials have declared a disaster over the states polio outbreak where there has been one confirmed case and dozens of positive wastewater samples dating back as far as April. The move was announced by Gov Kathy Hochul’s office on Friday. In a release, officials say that move allows ‘necessary State agencies to take appropriate action to assist local governments and individuals in containing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from this State disaster emergency.’ The Empire state first detected a case of the devastating virus in Rockland County – just outside of New York City‘s Bronx borough – on July 21. In the time since, wastewater surveillance has also detected the virus within the city itself and in nearby Orange and Sullivan counties. On Friday, officials revealed that Nassau County, also just outside of the Big Apple, had detected the virus in its wastewater surveillance as well. Read more
September 12, 2022
Spirituality linked to better cardiovascular health in Black Americans
Takeaway
- Lifestyles that include spirituality or religiosity are associated with healthier levels of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among African Americans.
Why this matters
- American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) factors to prevent CVD are:
- Physical activity (PA).
- Diet.
- Smoking.
- BMI.
- BP.
- Cholesterol.
- Glucose.
- African Americans fare worse on nearly all components vs White Americans.
August 31, 2022
Our Wearable Future, Part 1: What Will New Tech Look Like?
Although inflammation serves a vital role in the body’s defense and repair systems, chronic inflammation can cause more harm than good. And that may make you wonder: what can I do about it? In fact, there’s a lot you can do. And you may already be doing it. That’s because some of the most important ways to fight inflammation are measures you should be taking routinely. Let’s take a look at key elements of fighting chronic inflammation: prevention, detection, and treatment. Read more
August 31, 2022
Our Wearable Future, Part 1: What Will New Tech Look Like?
This is the first in a two-part series on the future of wearable tech. Part two examines the incredible advances in power and electronics that will make future wearables work and can be found here.
Michael Snyder wears eight sensors on his body every day, including two smartwatches on each wrist. Overkill? Some desperate innate need to get an accurate step count? (Gotta get your 10,000 in!) No. He is a geneticist studying how to track people’s health using wearables – the relatively new term for devices we wear on or close to our skin to measure anything from heart rate to how many stairs we climb each day. Read more
August 31, 2022
An action plan to fight unhealthy inflammation
Although inflammation serves a vital role in the body’s defense and repair systems, chronic inflammation can cause more harm than good. And that may make you wonder: what can I do about it? In fact, there’s a lot you can do. And you may already be doing it. That’s because some of the most important ways to fight inflammation are measures you should be taking routinely. Let’s take a look at key elements of fighting chronic inflammation: prevention, detection, and treatment. Read more
August 18, 2022
How does monkeypox spread? Here’s what scientists know so far
Sexual activity still primary driver of outbreak, as studies suggest range of transmission routes
Can you catch monkeypox from a toilet seat, or by trying on clothes at a thrift store? Is the virus spreading through bodily fluids? Can you pass it to your pets? Search for “monkeypox” on social media, and those are the kinds of questions you’ll find online. Read more
July 17, 2022
How Many Minutes You Need To Walk Daily To Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease by 30%
From pumping your system full of mood-boosting endorphins to building muscular endurance to optimizing your oxygen uptake, the benefits of aerobic exercise are numerous, especially when it comes to keeping your heart healthy. Not to get too morbid, but heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). On the bright side, though, walking is one of the best ways to show your ticker some TLC. Read more
July 16, 2022
Ask an Expert: What Happens If Diabetes Is Not Managed Properly?
Meet the Expert
Do-Eun Lee, MD, has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years and specializes in diabetes, thyroid issues, and general endocrinology. She currently operates a private practice in Lafayette, CA, which opened in 2009. She has authored several publications and is the recipient of various professional awards and honors, including the Young Investigator Travel Award from Seoul National University College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America, Las Vegas. Read more
July 15, 2022
Why Blood Type May Be the Map to Your Heart Health
You’ve definitely heard this question at some point in your life: What’s your blood type? We all have one, and if you aren’t sure what yours is, there’s great reason to find out: science suggests our blood type may make a difference when it comes to how healthy our hearts are. You wouldn’t know it by looking on the surface, but coursing through your veins every second of every day are tiny variations that categorize your blood into one of these groups: A+, A-, B+, B-, O-, O+, AB+ and AB-. Unless you’ve donated blood, were given a transfusion or found out during pregnancy, maybe you’ve never thought twice about your blood type and what it means for your health. Read more
July 14, 2022
CRISPR cure for high cholesterol enters first human trial
A trial testing a new CRISPR-based treatment to lower cholesterol has officially kicked off in New Zealand. If it works as well as it did in animal trials, the one-and-done treatment could save countless lives — permanently lowering cholesterol and the risk of a heart attack. Why it matters: Cholesterol is a waxy material produced by the liver and found in certain foods we eat. It circulates in the blood, and it comes in two varieties: HDL and LDL.
July 13, 2022
Is there a way to prevent the pain of canker sores?
Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores come by their name honestly. Aphthous is derived from the Greek aphthae , which means “to set on fire” — and if you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how appropriate that descriptor is. Unlike cold sores which occur outside of the mouth, canker sores are small, inflamed lesions that form on the mucous membrane inside the mouth on the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums and are quite common for people of all ages. Read more
July 12, 2022
We’re Living Through The Biggest Drop in Childhood Vaccination Rates in 30 Years
Increased misinformation and the disruption of global supply chains due to COVID-19 are behind the biggest sustained drop in childhood vaccinations in three decades, a UN report said. The percentage of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) fell five percentage points between 2019 and 2021 to 81 percent, according to official data published Thursday by WHO and UNICEF.
July 11, 2022 Does BA.5 cause more severe disease than earlier Omicron subvariants? With the Omicron subtype BA.5 rapidly becoming dominant in the United States a small body of research has begun to reveal the unique properties of this novel SARS-CoV-2 variant. Two recent preprints have described how BA.5 is more immune-evasive than prior iterations of the virus and how it could lead to more severe disease. According to the latest variant-tracking estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the BA.5 Omicron variant accounts for the majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States. BA.5 has quickly taken over in predominance from BA.2.12.1, which had briefly ruled over BA.2, following the first Omicron BA.1.1 wave at the beginning of the year. Read more
July 11, 2022
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Cholesterol
If you are due for your annual doctor visit it also might be time for a cholesterol check. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6-years. Those with heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol should have it checked more often.
July 11, 2022
The first CRISPR gene-editing drug is coming—possibly as soon as next year
Until recently, CRISPR—the gene-editing technology that won scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry—sounded more like science fiction than medicine; lab-created molecular scissors are used to snip out problematic DNA sections in a patient’s cells to cure them of disease. But soon we could see regulators approve the very first treatment using this gene-editing technology in an effort to combat rare inherited blood disorders that affect millions across the globe.
June 20, 2022
An anti-inflammatory diet may be good for your joints
Changing your diet can’t cure conditions like arthritis, but it may help prevent or manage them.
Foods that reduce inflammation inside the body are all the rage these days — and for good reason. Eating these foods over time has been linked to a lower risk of numerous health conditions, including heart and blood vessel problems and chronic diseases such as diabetes. But can a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods also help your joints? “Research seems to show a benefit when it comes to prevention,” says Natalie McCormick, a research fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Studies, such as the Nurses’ Health Study, have found that not only can an anti-inflammatory diet help to prevent arthritis, but it may also prevent conditions like heart disease and diabetes that people with arthritis are more likely to develop.”
June 19, 2022
21 Things We Should 100% Avoid Doing At All-Inclusive Resorts
There are important things that travelers should 100% avoid while staying at a resort, no matter where it is.
There are plenty of perks when it comes to booking a trip to an all-inclusive resort whether it’s with the entire family or a loved one. Travelers have the opportunity to indulge on their vacation, relax and unwind, and not worry about having a pay a bill. With food and beverages at your constant disposal and tons of activities provided for people of all ages, it’s no wonder all-inclusive resorts are a favorite among travelers. Even with the convenience of having just about everything at your fingertips, there are still important things that travelers should 100% avoid while staying at a resort, no matter where it is. So if travelers want to make the most of their vacation, take a look at these 21 things we should 100% avoid doing at all-inclusive resorts.
June 18, 2022
What to look for in multivitamins
The first multivitamins hit the market in 1943. By the 1950s, bottles of them could be found on many family dinner tables. Americans were gobbling them down — and still are. But do we need them?
“People view them as a form of insurance,” says JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “They are hedging their bets. I don’t discourage anyone from taking a multivitamin. But multivitamins and other supplements will never be a substitute for a healthful diet.”
June 17, 2022
The right way to check your blood pressure
Follow these tips to make sure you get an accurate reading — both at home and during health care visits.
Because high blood pressure rarely has any warning signs or symptoms, many people with this stealth condition don’t realize they have it. But pressure that measures 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher — the official definition of high blood pressure — injures blood vessels, causing them to thicken and stiffen. Left untreated, high blood pressure eventually damages the heart, brain, and kidneys. That’s why every single health care visit should include a blood pressure check. Keep a record of your readings, which can fluctuate due to a range of factors, including exertion or stress. If your readings start trending toward the high range or you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should get a device for home-based checks (see “Choosing a home blood pressure monitor”). Read more
June 16, 2022
Study Shows Vitamin B12 Deficiency Often Occurs in Long-Term Metformin Users
Metformin intake of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is being observed by researchers due to its side effects. Frequent doses of metformin can result in vitamin b12 deficiency. Diabetes patients are often exposed to metformin, as it is an oral medication for hyperglycemia. Metformin can regulate high blood sugar, which aids in preventing kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function difficulties. The medication also restores the proper insulin response of the patient’s body Read more
June 5, 2022
FDA Approves First Drug of Its Kind for Severe Alopecia
People with a severe form of baldness will now have a significant treatment option available. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration approved baricitinib for treating alopecia areata. The drug, taken as a pill, is the first of its kind intended to treat the autoimmune disorder, though it’s already commonly used for other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Alopecia areata is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks hair follicle cells. Hair loss typically occurs before age 40, and symptoms can range from periodically losing patches of scalp hair to the permanent loss of hair throughout the body. It’s thought to affect 7 million people in the U.S. Read more
June 4, 2022
Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Here’s what we know about Justin Bieber’s diagnosis
Earlier this week, 28-year-old Canadian musician, Justin Bieber, announced to the world that he is suffering from a rare syndrome that causes partial facial paralysis. 
June 3, 2022
What are the different types of body fat?
Ask the doctor
Q. I hear there are different types of fat in your body, some good for you and some not. Could I be a lucky person who has only the good kind? A. Unfortunately, no one has only the good kind, but most of us at least have some. Over the past 30 years, we’ve learned a lot about fat. We used to think it was mainly insulation against the cold, nothing more. In fact, it’s a lot more. Read more
June 3, 2022
I’m a Doctor and Beg You Never Take These Vitamins
Vitamins are a big business! While the billion dollar industry offers consumers a wide range of products promising a variety of things like weight loss, shiny hair, clear skin and overall good health, some vitamins aren’t as safe as you think. Yes, there are benefits to taking vitamins, but there’s also a lot of risk. “There are several vitamins that many people take without thinking twice, but that can be quite harmful,” Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies tells us. Read on to see which ones to stay away from and why–and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID. Read more
June 2, 2022
Supporting your LGBTQ+ patients with inclusive health education materials is crucial!
Providing inclusive care helps ensure that patients feel comfortable, respected, and heard throughout their healthcare journey. It involves listening carefully to patient needs, being educated about issues facing historically excluded populations, and offering relevant resources or advice that considers the patient’s identity and culture. Such care encourages people from all backgrounds and identities to seek the care they need and speak up when they have questions or concerns. The IMD Health Patient Engagement Platform has many educational health resources focused on the LGBTQ+ patient population. These resources come from trusted organizations like Strong Minds Strong Kids, the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and they cover topics such as safe sex, mental illness, and cancer in the LGBTQ+ community. Check out our page on LGBTQ+ Health to learn more! Read more
June 1, 2022
Injectable gel shows potential for relief among those with chronic low back pain
The preliminary results from an experimental hydrogel injected into degenerated spinal discs are raising the prospect of a potential new treatment for the scourge of low back pain. Degenerative disc disease is the leading cause of chronic low back pain and occurs due to the accumulation of damage to the intervertebral discs that cushion the spine. Healthy discs absorb and distribute forces to facilitate movement and flexibility in the spine, however, with cumulative damage they can become dry, thin, cracked, or torn, which causes pain or loss of motion. Read more
May 31, 2022
16 Realistic Health Goals That Have Nothing to Do With Your Weight Nor Waist
Many of us consider the new year the start of a new-and-improved version of ourselves. While this can be motivating, it can also involve unrealistic or harmful attempts at weight loss. But wellbeing is much more than weight, so these healthy New Year’s resolutions can help you start the year right. Read more
May 30, 2022
These 4 Numbers Can Tell You More About Your Health Than Your Weight Can
Curious whether you’re on track to live a long, healthy life into your golden years? Most health professionals would tell you to hop on a scale because numbers like weight and BMI (body mass index) are often used to predict your chances of developing certain diseases and your life expectancy overall. Read more
May 29, 2022
Cholesterol-lowering statins are prescribed to 200 million people worldwide, leading some to question whether their ubiquity is called for. Reviewing the available evidence dispels most concerns. Statins are amazingly effective at reducing death from cardiovascular disease, with minimal side effects. The term “wonder drug” often gets used haphazardly, usually by charlatans to describe unproven supplements. But statins genuinely may be wonder drugs, with few risks but large, life-extending benefits. Read more
May 29, 2022
Frustrated With Delays, Doctors Take Aim at Prior Authorization
LAST DECEMBER, a young patient was admitted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, after several medications had failed to quell the child’s relentless seizures. A hospital pediatrician, Vignesh Doraiswamy, consulted with neurologists and then tried a different drug. The child had fewer seizures, became more interactive, and was ready to go back home, says Doraiswamy. But there was a problem: The patient’s insurance company refused to authorize the new medication for the parents to administer. The family had to remain in the hospital for at least two more days, Doraiswamy recalls, while the decision went through an appeals process. Doctors have long asserted that prior authorization — the need to get approval from the patient’s insurer before proceeding with treatment — causes delays that can hurt patient care. In an American Medical Association survey conducted in December 2021, one-third of physicians reported that such delays have caused at least one of their patients to experience a serious problem, such as hospitalization, the development of a birth defect, disability, and even death. In that same survey, more than 80 percent of surveyed doctors said patients at least sometimes abandon their recommended treatment because of prior authorization hassles. Just over half of the physicians who treat adult patients in the workforce said prior authorization has interfered with patients’ ability to do their jobs. Read more
May 28, 2022
The messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccines, including ones made by Moderna and Pfizer, notched some famous successes and pioneered the use of mRNA technology along the way. Now, scientists are testing similar technologies as treatments for a variety of conditions, including heart injury. New research presented in April at the Frontiers in CardioVascular Biomedicine 2022 conference shows that mRNA can help heart cells regenerate after being damaged from a heart attack—and has the potential to be an effective therapy. Other recent research treating cardiac injury using similar approaches has also shown promise. Should these treatments be effective in people, they would be among the first to heal damage after a heart attack, which current treatments for heart attack don’t really do. “A real solution is not provided to the patient,” said Maria Clara Labonia, a medical doctor and Ph.D. student at the University of Utrecht, in the Netherlands, who is the lead author of the study. “So many aims are towards new therapeutic strategies.” Read more
May 27, 2022
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease (LD) is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium called a spirochete (pronounced spy-ro-keet) that is carried by deer ticks. An infected tick can transmit the spirochete to the humans and animals it bites. Untreated, the bacterium travels through the bloodstream, establishes itself in various body tissues, and can cause a number of symptoms, some of which are severe. Often, an erythema migrans (EM) rash appears within 7-14 days at the site of a tick bite. LD manifests itself as a multisystem inflammatory disease that affects the skin in its early, localized stage, and spreads to the joints, nervous system and, to a lesser extent, other organ systems in its later, disseminated stages. If diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics, LD is almost always readily cured. Generally, LD in its later stages can also be treated effectively, but because the rate of disease progression and individual response to treatment varies from one patient to the next, some patients may have symptoms that linger for months or even years following treatment. In rare instances, LD causes permanent damage. Read more
May 26, 2022
While genealogical DNA tests may be marketed as harmless and exciting way for people to learn more about their ancestral heritage, one Canadian researcher says there needs to be more support for those who receive unexpected results that have potential to disrupt family relations, bringing up questions of paternity and infidelity. Robert Whitley, an associate professor of psychiatry at McGill University, is studying the psychosocial experiences of Canadians who receive surprising news from ancestry DNA tests, specifically “not parent expected” events, which is when someone who is presumed to be an individual’s parent is not in fact the biological mother or father. “You’re meeting family that you didn’t know existed, and that can be very psychologically disruptive and a huge stress to mental health and family harmony,” he told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview on Friday. Whitley says it’s a more common scenario than one might think. Read more
May 27, 2022
While genealogical DNA tests may be marketed as harmless and exciting way for people to learn more about their ancestral heritage, one Canadian researcher says there needs to be more support for those who receive unexpected results that have potential to disrupt family relations, bringing up questions of paternity and infidelity. Robert Whitley, an associate professor of psychiatry at McGill University, is studying the psychosocial experiences of Canadians who receive surprising news from ancestry DNA tests, specifically “not parent expected” events, which is when someone who is presumed to be an individual’s parent is not in fact the biological mother or father. “You’re meeting family that you didn’t know existed, and that can be very psychologically disruptive and a huge stress to mental health and family harmony,” he told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview on Friday. Whitley says it’s a more common scenario than one might think. Read more
May 25, 2022
What vaccines, treatments do we have to combat monkeypox?
LONDON — With cases of monkeypox inexplicably on the rise outside of Africa – where the viral disease is endemic – public health officials are using contact tracing, isolation and targeted vaccination to curb its spread. Global health officials have tracked more than 200 suspected and confirmed cases of the usually mild viral infection in 19 countries since early May. The monkeypox variant implicated in the current outbreak has a case fatality rate of around 1%, though no deaths have been reported so far. Here’s what we know about the existing range of vaccines and treatments: VACCINES The smallpox and monkeypox viruses are closely related, and the first generation of smallpox vaccines appear up to 85% effective in preventing monkeypox, the World Health Organization has said. Read more
May 9, 2022
The best possible care is with a doctor or care team that knows your medical history and understands you, your lifestyle, and your values. Studies show people with a consistent doctor have better care, fewer trips to the hospital, and may even live longer. But what if you are away from home? Or you can’t see your usual doctor? Or need after-hours care? Of course, if you feel you have an emergency or life-threatening health issue, you should go to the emergency department. Otherwise, there are steps you can take to help you and your loved ones receive the best care at the right time and in the right place. Read more
May 8, 2022
Scientists have mapped an entire unbroken human genome for the first time, a milestone that completes the groundbreaking work started by the Human Genome Project decades ago, according to a motherlode of new studies published in Science and other journals on Thursday. The final stubborn gaps of the genome, representing about eight percent of this human blueprint, were filled by the Telomere to Telomere (T2T) consortium, an international team consisting of dozens of scientists. The achievement opens the door to a host of new discoveries about the genetic variation between people, the evolution of our species, and the treatment of genetic diseases. Read more
May 8, 2022
More than two years after allergy experts recommended newer antihistamines and recommended against using Benadryl as a first-line treatment, many Canadians are still reaching for that recognizable brand name over others. In October 2019, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSASI) put out a position statement regarding oral allergy medication, stating that newer antihistamines were safer than first-generation ones, and that they should be recommended over older staples like Benadryl due to a higher rate of potential side effects. The position statement referred specifically to medications that treat non-life-threatening allergic reactions such as hay fever and hives. Read more
May 7, 2022
Dressing your baby up in a Gucci bodysuit is one thing, but deciding their eye colour before birth is another. Jess gives us a rundown of the scientific breakthroughs and potential benefits of gene-editing, as well as guiding us through the moral minefield of designer babies… Read more
May 8, 2022
For decades the drumbeat on salt has been that consuming too much can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. For people who already have weakened hearts, the danger was greater, and general recommendations have been to toss the salt shaker. Now, a new randomized clinical trial which followed 806 patients with heart failure at 26 medical centres in Canada, the U.S., Colombia, Chile, Mexico and New Zealand in which half received nutritional counselling on how to reduce their dietary salt intake, and the other half received usual care (i.e., general dietary advice given in routine clinical practice), found lower sodium intake did not lead to fewer emergency visits, hospitalizations or deaths. Prior to the study, participants consumed an average of 2,217 mg of salt per day, or a little less than a teaspoon. After one year, the usual care group had reduced their intake to an average of 2,072 mg a day, while those who’d received dietary counselling consumed 1,658 mg a day. The researchers compared death rates from any cause, cardiovascular hospitalization or ER visit and found no statistically significant difference. So, does this mean salt-lovers can shake those shakers with abandon? Not a chance. The study, the largest randomized clinical trial to look at sodium reduction and heart failure, revealed that consuming less salt did improve these patients’ symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, coughing, and overall quality of life, using three quality of life assessment tools, as well as the New York Heart Association heart failure classification , a measure of heart failure severity. Read more
May 7, 2022
You may want to take your blood pressure medicine at bedtime rather than when you get up in the morning, according to a study published Tuesday in the European Heart Journal. The research found that people who take their anti-hypertensive medicine before bed had better-controlled blood pressure and consequently had a much lower risk of death or illness from heart problems when compared to people who took their medication in the morning. Compared to those who took their medicine in the morning, the people who took their medicine at night had nearly half the risk of dying from heart problems and nearly half the risk of having heart attack, stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction or of needing a procedure to unblock their arteries. Read more
May 6, 2022
Your diet clearly plays a role in determining your cholesterol levels, but if you’re like most people, the most important factor isn’t how much cholesterol-rich food you eat. Rather, it’s what else you eat. Figuring this out has been a learning process. Get your copy of Managing Your Cholesterol Managing Your Cholesterol Managing Your Cholesterol offers up-to-date information to help you or a loved one keep cholesterol in check. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. It covers cholesterol tests and the genetics of cholesterol. The report also focuses on treatments based on the latest scientific evidence, including the pros and cons of statins and other medications, and provides the lowdown on other substances advertised to lower cholesterol. Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment. Read more
May 5, 2022
Cholesterol is a thick substance that can be found in the blood. While some cholesterol is good—your body actually needs it to build healthy cells—having very high cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia) can have a negative impact on your heart, eventually leading to heart disease, according to the . In some situations this can result in fatty deposits building up in the blood vessels (a condition referred to as atherosclerosis), making it more difficult for blood to flow through the arteries. Read More
May 4, 2022
When it comes to heart health, your cholesterol can be viewed as a primary building block in a good, solid foundation. Of course, there are other important factors—like the bricks, beams, and mortar of a home—your diet, if you smoke, your weight management, genetics and other lifestyle choices all contribute to your heart’s healthy working order. Of course, the body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to work properly, but bodies that host an excess of this fatty substance can develop blockages in the blood vessel walls, which increase the risk for a stroke or heart attack. Here are a few need-to-know facts about your cholesterol… Read more
May 2, 2022
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that can be found in every single cell in your body. We actually need cholesterol to make hormones and vitamin D, as well as some of the substances that help us digest foods. While our bodies naturally make all the cholesterol we need, cholesterol can also be found in some of the things we eat. Cholesterol moves through our bloodstream in small packages. These packages are called lipoproteins, and consist of fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside, and come in two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Read More
September 16, 2021
Proof of Vaccinations Requirements
Yesterday, the Provincial Government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them implement the proof of vaccination requirements which will take effect on September 22, 2021.
As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
- Sporting events;
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
- Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
June 15, 2021
The truth about the placebo effect
It all starts with the old saying, “mind over matter.” To break it down, the placebo effect is the impression of cured or improved symptoms of things like illness, pain, nausea, after undergoing or taking what is perceived as a medical treatment. It has been proven time and time again to play an considerable role in our interpretation of our health, and it has been used as a subtle form of manipulation by parents tending to their sick children. Most of all though, it is important to be mindful of the placebo effect phenomenon when developing new drugs— specifically when testing their efficacy. Experiments have even gone so far as to pin point specific attributes of placebos that are most effective— for example, coloured pills are more convincing than white, and injections and “flashier” more expensive looking procedures are also more convincing. Notably, the placebo effect has an “opponent” known as the ‘nocebo’ effect. This occurs when someone “thinks themselves ill” in result of a medical treatment or occurrence. It relates to what are known as “psychosomatic symptoms” which present themselves as similar to medical symptoms, sometimes even unconsciously. This is an area deeply rooted in neurology, where brain’s relationship with the rest of the nervous system is closely studied. So… What is the cause of all this? When it comes to the placebo effect, it really depends on the situation. Certain ailments that are more subjective, such as depression or anxiety, for example, can be more susceptible to a self-fulfilling prophecy, which ties into the placebo effect when certain treatments are involved. It has also been discovered over the years that a person’s pain does not coincide directly with the severity of an injury. This means the mind plays more of a role than we may realize when it comes to the pain scale— which also indicates the mind’s involvement in perceived treatment of injury, as well. Concepts like immune-conditioning, deeply rooted in psychology, also play a big part. To learn more about the placebo effect, the relationship it has with the ‘nocebo’ effect, and the fascinating science behind what we know as “mind over matter” visit: https://www.newscientist.com/definition/placebo-effect/
June 14, 2021:
Hot tips to stay cool this summer
With the summer season comes more outings, hotter days, longer nights… all with one catch— more sweat. Sweat is a natural process, and a necessary one, at that. We need to perspire in order to regulate our body temperature. That said, there are certain things you can do to limit the discomfort that comes along with the oh-so-dreaded armpit sweat stains.
- Apply antiperspirant at night time.
- Use a hairdryer (on cool) after applying your antiperspirant.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine—these act as stimulants for sweating. Try drinks with electrolytes, instead!
- Visit your family doctor if you are concerned about hyperhidrosis, a disorder causing a higher amount of sweating than what is deemed normal. This can be treated with a prescription at your doctor’s discretion.
- Consult your doctor about oral medications to help reduce sweating, such as glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin—however, be sure to discuss possible side effects, such as dry mouth, eyes, or headache.
- Look into new remedies on the market, such as Qbrexza, a topical medication that blocks stimulation of sweat glands. It works with a technology similarly to Botox.
- If you’ve tried all options and are still struggling to get your sweat levels under control, consult your doctor about sweat gland surgery—this can be used as a more advanced measure to treat hyperhidrosis.
- Wear loose fitted, breathable clothing. This may seem like a no brainer, however this is essential to promote breathability, which will ultimately keep your body cool. Think cotton and linen blends!
For a more in depth look at each tip, including insight from medical professionals, visit the below resource: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/how-to-sweat-less-this-summer-readers-digest-canada/ar-BB16fYjr?li=AAggFp5#interstitial=1 Below are some high quality over the counter products available at Centrum Pharmacy: https://www.secretdeodorant.ca/en-ca/clinical-strength-hypoallergenic-smooth-solid https://www.drysol.ca/
June 13, 2021:
Lyme Disease: overview, signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment
Lyme disease is a common vector-borne disease (meaning transmitted from the bite of an infected animal or insect to a human). Specifically in the Ottawa area, blacklegged/deer ticks carrying a bacteria known as borrelia burgdorferi are commonly found in heavily wooded/grassy areas— and most often during warmer months, between April-September. Beginning signs of a tick bite can look like a small red bump similar to a mosquito bite, and is not necessarily indicative of Lyme disease. However, within 30 days, symptoms of infection may arise. These include rash expansion while leaving a central clearing at the site of the bite, fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, neck stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, symptoms of Lyme disease can accelerate once entered into the bloodstream, affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most importantly, prevention is key for protecting yourself from infection. Basic protocols include but are not limited to: wearing long sleeved, light coloured clothing to visibly identify ticks, walking on cleared paths and walkways, and doing routine full body checks on yourself, your outdoor gear, your children, and/or pets after spending time in at risk areas. Proper bug repellant containing DEET for your skin, clothing, and gear is important as well. Centrum Pharmacy offers highly effective products viewed in the images to your right: Ben’s Bug Spray, Ben’s Wipes Creating your own “tick-free” zone through landscape maintenance at home is another way to stay protected. This could mean keeping your lawn mowed, keeping recreation items (children’s play equipment, backyard seating) away from the edges of brush/wooded areas and preferably in the sun, and/or keeping wood stacked in a dry area to prevent potential infestation of rodents ticks feed on.
Although there are endless means of prevention, accidents still happen.
This brings us to the question of: what to do if you are bitten/infected by a tick?
Firstly, don’t panic. If you notice a tick bite, it is important to safely remove it as soon as possible. Doing so within 24-36 hours will reduce chances of infection. You may use sanitized fine-tipped tweezers to detach the tick by getting as close to the skin as possible, and by extracting with upward steady and even pressure. It is important not to twist the tick as you pull, as this result in the detachment of the tick’s mouth parts under the skin barrier. Once the tick is removed, clean the site of the bite and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. For safe disposal, either place the tick in rubbing alcohol, an airtight sealed bag, fold it up in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Do not crush the tick with your fingers.
Now… What about follow-up care?
It is important whether or not you remove the tick safely and promptly to inform your doctor, and to note when the bite occurred— as oftentimes, symptoms can arise over the course of several weeks post-bite. Your MD will also be able to ensure complete removal of the tick, along with accurate documentation in case of future symptoms of post Lyme disease. The presence of borrelia burgdorferi in Ottawa is currently high enough for public health to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis, a means of protective medications after a potential exposure to HIV, if the following criteria are met:
- The tick is fully or partially engorged or has been attached for 24 or more hours
- It has been less than or equal to 72 hours since the tick has been removed
- Doxycycline is not contraindicated (e.g., pregnancy, under 8 years old)
A 200 mg single dose of oral doxycycline, an antibiotic made to combat harmful bacteria in the body, may be offered to adults and children eight years and older. If pregnant, one should discuss with your doctor to make an informed decision between the above mentioned single dose of doxycycline, or to forego, but closely monitor for signs of Lyme disease signs and symptoms. As for children under eight, doxycycline is not typically recommended, and close monitoring for early signs of Lyme disease is advised. For all others who do not meet the earlier mentioned criteria for post-exposure prophylaxis, it is advised to closely monitor yourself for earliest signs and symptoms of Lyme disease for 30 days post-bite, such as lesion expansion or viral infection-life illness.
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)
Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured within 2-4 weeks of antibiotic treatment, in some cases, symptoms may continue for up to 6 months— this is known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The reason for PTLDS is unknown, but a couple of expert hypotheses include the trigger of an autoimmune response causing these symptoms, or possibly due to Lyme disease being a persistent and sometimes difficult to detect infection. At this point in time, there is no proven long-term treatment for PTLDS— and long term antibiotic use can in turn cause serious health complications. If you are experiencing PTLDS, it will usually get better over time, but it can sometimes take months to get back to feeling completely well again. It is important to address your symptoms with your doctor in order to receive best recommendations for managing these symptoms. View Ottawa Algorithm for Lyme Disease here. Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/resources/Documents/Ottawa-Algorithm-for-Lyme-Disease_July2019.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/index.html
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/resources/Documents/memo-lyme-2017-04-12_en.pdfhttps://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome | Lyme Disease | CDC
May 5, 2021:
VIRTUAL WALK-IN CLINIC SERVICES AVAILABLE! Visit: https://www.virtualmdcanada.com/ OR call: 1-800-594-0537 NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR? Secure Virtual Tele-Medicine visits available. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, family doctors are now offering OHIP covered phone-in appointments to all Ontario residents. If you are a patient of the Orleans Family Health Clinic, please call them (613 837-5454) to schedule an appointment with your own Family Doctor. Your appointment may be in person or over the phone based on your individual circumstances. IF THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR YOU DO NOT HAVE A FAMILY DOCTOR, CENTRUM PHARMACY IS HERE TO HELP! Have A Simple Medical Issue? Keep The Community Safe By Having It Addressed Over The Phone Instead Of In Person. If you need a prescription, it will be faxed to Centrum Pharmacy. We need to keep ourselves and our community safe during this crisis. By visiting a doctor’s office unnecessarily, you put vulnerable people and yourself at risk. Health Services Include: COVID-19 Assessment/Counselling/Prescription refills/UTI treatment/Cold and Flu Assessments/Sexual Health Consultations/Aches, sprains, rashes, and more… Contact our VIRTUAL WALK-IN CLINIC PARTNER: Visit: https://www.virtualmdcanada.com/ OR call: 1-800-594-0537 Fill Out The Form And You Will Be Contacted By A Licensed Ontario Physician Within 24 Hours. www.my-rx.ca
April 14, 2021:
Medical considerations when fasting during Ramadan For 30 days, Muslims will fast. Fasting means nothing goes in the mouth – no food, water or medication. But what about those with medical conditions? Should they be taking part in the fast? To answer that, we turn to another tenant of Islam. If someone is unable to participate, they don’t have to. If fasting makes your medical condition worse, don’t fast. If skipping medication will hurt you, take your medicine. Self-infliction of wound, pain or injury is not expected or should be done. If you have a proper reason for breaking your fast before sundown, you can always make it up later in the year without loss of blessing.” If you are controlling diabetes with your diet, fasting can be beneficial. However, if you require insulin and food to keep your sugar at safe levels, do it. Keep yourself healthy. Cancer treatment can bring significant stress on the body. You should eat and stay in optimal shape rather than not eat and make your condition worse.” If you are newly diagnosed with a condition and aren’t sure the effects of fasting, check with your doctor. You should also check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about changing the times you take your medications. In general, fasting has positive effects on body and soul. But we all should recognize that the body is a gift of God and we have to treat it with care.
May 19, 2020:
WE HAVE MASKS AND SANITIZER IN STOCK! KN95 Masks 3-Ply Disposable Masks 3 Layer High Quality Cloth Reusable Face Coverings Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer Available Recommended for daily use, shopping, events and gatherings. www.my-rx.ca
April 7, 2020
VIRTUAL WALK-IN CLINIC SERVICES AVAILABLE! Visit: https://www.virtualmdcanada.com/ or call: 1-800-594-0537 NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR? Secure Virtual Tele-Medicine visits available. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, family doctors are now offering OHIP covered phone-in appointments to all Ontario residents. If you are a patient of the Orleans Family Health Clinic, please call them (613 837-5454) to schedule an appointment with your own Family Doctor. Your appointment may be in person or over the phone based on your individual circumstances. IF THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR YOU DO NOT HAVE A FAMILY DOCTOR, CENTRUM PHARMACY IS HERE TO HELP! Have A Simple Medical Issue? Keep The Community Safe By Having It Addressed Over The Phone Instead Of In Person. If you need a prescription it will be faxed to Centrum Pharmacy. We need to keep ourselves and our community safe during this crisis. By visiting a doctor’s office unnecessarily, you put vulnerable people and yourself at risk. Health Services Include: COVID-19 Assessment/Counselling/Prescription refills/UTI treatment/Cold and Flu Assessments/Sexual Health Consultations/Aches, sprains, rashes, and more… Contact our VIRTUAL WALK-IN CLINIC PARTNER: Visit: https://www.virtualmdcanada.com/ or call: 1-800-594-0537 Fill Out The Form And You Will Be Contacted By A Licensed Ontario Physician Within 24 Hours. www.my-rx.ca
April 2, 2020:
Please do not hesitate to contact us using the secure messaging on our website or with our PharmAdvise App or by phone or only if you must, come in person, and speak to us directly. Our new temporary business hours are: Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm And Saturdays we are open 10:00 am till 1:00 pm We are closed Sundays and Statutory holidays. Our wish, for all of us, is that this situation resolves itself quickly. During this challenging time, we’re working hard to give you the confidence you need in your Pharmacy. Thank you for your business, and for placing your trust in us at Centrum Pharmacy. www.my-rx.ca
April 2, 2020:
As we all navigate through the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting, all of us at Centrum Pharmacy, would like to reassure you that we remain fully staffed, our supply chains are fully functional, and we will be available to help in any way we can. This pandemic has forced us all, to work differently and we have to adjust to a new reality for the time being. Your pharmacy is no exception, We are implementing Physical and Social Distancing measures as prescribed by the Ottawa Public Health Department, as well as adjusting our hours and operational practices in an attempt to maximize safety. We also want to assure you that we’ve taken numerous precautions to keep premises clean and our customers and colleagues safe including limiting the number of customers in the premises at one time and increasing our free delivery options. Your well-being and the safety of our colleagues and customers is our top priority. www.my-rx.ca
COVID-19 Blog
September 26st, 2022:
WHO ‘Strongly Advises Against’ Use of Two COVID Treatments
LONDON (Reuters) – Two COVID-19 antibody therapies are no longer recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), on the basis that Omicron and the variant’s latest offshoots have likely rendered them obsolete. The two therapies – which are designed to work by binding to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to neutralise the virus’ ability to infect cells – were some of the first medicines developed early in the pandemic. The virus has since evolved, and mounting evidence from lab tests suggests the two therapies – sotrovimab as well as casirivimab-imdevimab – have limited clinical activity against the latest iterations of the virus. As a result, they have also fallen out of favour with the U.S. health regulator. On Thursday, WHO experts said they strongly advised against the use of the two therapies in patients with COVID-19, reversing previous conditional recommendations endorsing them, as part of a suite of recommendations published in the British Medical Journal. Read More
September 25th, 2022:
Pfizer vs. Moderna: What are the new bivalent boosters’ differences?
(NEXSTAR) – Americans looking to get a booster shot against the coronavirus this fall don’t just have one new option – they’ve got two. Both Moderna and Pfizer have a new FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine, specially formulated to ward off the omicron variant of the virus. Both vaccines are bivalent, meaning they contain parts of the original COVID-19 strain and the omicron strain that’s grown dominant in 2022. Both companies’ new shots are very similar. Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to choose between the two.
Who is eligible for each type of booster?
This is the key difference between Pfizer’s and Moderna’s bivalent booster: Moderna’s is authorized for adults, 18 and over, while Pfizer’s is cleared for anyone 12 and older, per the Food and Drug Administration. Read More
September 21st, 2022:
Canada to drop COVID-19 vaccine border policy, ArriveCan to be optional: sources
The federal government plans to drop its COVID-19 vaccine border requirements by the end of September and make the ArriveCan application optional, sources confirmed to CTV News. The government is expected to make this policy change by the end of the month, and the sources indicated the Liberals would also end the outstanding random COVID-19 testing for travellers. Read More
September 14th, 2022:
Health Canada approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids six months to four years old
By CP STAFF Ottawa–Health Canada approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine today for use in children between six months and four years old. The federal department says after a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, it concluded the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine outweigh the potential risks for kids. It’s the second vaccine to be approved for that age group, after Health Canada approved Moderna’s Spikevax shot in July. Health Canada says it is approving a three-dose primary series of the vaccine for children under five, with three weeks between the first and second doses and eight weeks between the second and third doses. The department says the jabs, which target the original strain of COVID-19, remain effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. The government recently approved a newer version of Moderna’s vaccine that targets the Omicron variant of COVID-19, but its use has not yet been approved for the youngest cohort.
September 13th, 2022:
All Ontario adults to be eligible for Omicron-specific COVID-19 booster as of Sept. 26
Vulnerable Ontarians aged 18 years and over can now book bivalent COVID-19 booster appointments with eligibility expanding to all on Sept. 26. The bivalent booster is an adapted version of the original Moderna mRNA vaccine, and targets both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. Individuals can receive this booster at least six months after their most recent dose, regardless of how many prior boosters they’ve had. “The bivalent COVID-19 booster is a safe and effective way for people to better protect themselves against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a statement. Read More
August 18th, 2022:
COVID-19: UBC researchers discover ‘weak spot’ in all major variants
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a “weak spot” in all major variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, a breakthrough that could lead to universally effective treatments.
In a study, published Thursday in Nature Communications, researchers used a process called cryo-electron microscopy.
This new technology allows researchers to rapidly freeze proteins at the atomic level so they can take hundreds of thousands of snapshots — much like X rays — of individual proteins. Read More
August 18th, 2022:
Large Canadian study suggests COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy and pregnant women experienced lower rates of health events post vaccination than similarly aged, non-pregnant vaccinated people, suggests a large Canadian study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected pregnant women, who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease compared with similarly aged non-pregnant individuals. COVID-19 vaccines were recommended for use in pregnancy in many countries early on in vaccine deployment, based on established prior safety of inactivated vaccines in pregnancy and reassuring data from the small number of pregnancies occurring during pre-authorization vaccine trials. Read More
August 9th, 2022:
COVID VAX PATCH BEATS NEEDLES FOR FIGHTING VARIANTS
The research, conducted in partnership with Brisbane biotechnology company Vaxxas, tested the Hexapro SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine using the Vaxxas high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology. The results found the patch was far more effective at neutralizing COVID-19 variants. The vaccine patch appeared to counteract new variants more effectively than the current SARs-CoV-2 vaccine delivered by injection, says Christopher McMillan of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland. Read More
August 9th, 2022:
COVID-19 patients more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease – study
People who have been infected with COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a study has found. Researchers from King’s College London investigated whether a sample of those who were at one time infected with COVID-19 developed diabetes and heart disease at a higher rate than those who were never infected, and found that the answer was in the affirmative, but only in the short term. In the peer-reviewed study published in PLOS Medicine, researchers analyzed the medical records of close to 430,000 patients who did not have DM or CVD matched with an equal number of control patients from 1,356 family clinics across the UK. Researchers accounted for differences in differences in age, ethnicity, smoking habits, body mass index, blood pressure and other factors among patients. Read More
June 20th, 2022:
Novavax Is the Latest Approved COVID Vaccine—Here’s What to Know About It
With the recent emergence of BA.4 and BA.5 variants and the surge in COVID cases, many people are concerned about their safety. The good news is that the FDA recently approved a fourth vaccine, Novavax, offering another option for adults in the U.S. who have not been vaccinated. How effective is this new vaccine? And what makes Novavax different from the others? Here’s everything you need to know. Read More
July 20th, 2022:
You’ll likely catch COVID-19 again and again. Will each round feel milder?
By this point in the pandemic, you’ve likely had COVID-19 at least once. Maybe twice. Perhaps even three times, as some unfortunate Canadians have experienced, all while this virus evolved to become increasingly savvy at infecting us. It’s clear that reinfections from this coronavirus are the norm, much like with those behind the common cold. Unfortunately, that also means early speculation about one-and-done bouts of COVID-19 offering immunity against future infections has long gone out the window. Read More
June 20th, 2022:
BA.5 Symptoms, At-Home Testing and Everything Else We Know About the New COVID Variant
What’s happening
The omicron variant of COVID-19 keeps changing, creating newer, more contagious variants. BA.5 seems to be the most contagious version to date and is causing most current COVID-19 cases in the US
Why it matters
BA.5 is causing more reinfection in people who already had COVID-19, including earlier versions of omicron. It’s also evading immunity from the vaccines. Read More
July 19th, 2022:
The Covid Virus Keeps Evolving. Why Haven’t Vaccines?
ON MARCH 16, 2020, the first volunteer received a shot of Moderna’s then-experimental Covid-19 vaccine, just 63 days after the company had generated a genetic blueprint of the new virus. But Moderna’s rival beat it to the marketplace: Pfizer’s Covid vaccine would be authorized for use in the United States less than a year later, a record-breaking achievement. Previously, the fastest a vaccine had ever been developed was for mumps—which took about four years. Read More
June 18th, 2022:
‘Hypercontagious’ omicron BA.5 variant resistant to prior COVID vaccination, study says
The omicron BA.5 subvariant, which is dominating coronavirus cases reported in the U.S., is much more resistant to mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, according to a recent Columbia University study. As one of omicron’s newer subvariants, it was described as “hypercontagious” by Dr. Gregory Poland, who leads Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group. Read More
July 17th, 2022:
Should you get a fourth COVID vaccine dose now or in the fall? Five experts weigh in
July 16th, 2022:
Why the Omicron offshoot BA.5 is a big deal
After the Omicron tidal wave washed over the United States in January and the smaller rise in cases in the spring caused by the BA.2 subvariant, it might have seemed like the coronavirus could be ignored for a while. After all, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in December that nearly all Americans had been vaccinated or have antibodies from a past infection. Surely all that immunity bought some breathing room.
But suddenly, many people who had recovered from Covid-19 as recently as March or April found themselves exhausted, coughing and staring at two red lines on a rapid test. How could this be happening again – and so soon?
July 14th, 2022:
Health Canada approves first COVID-19 vax for youngest kids By CP STAFF Ottawa–Canada’s drug regulator approved Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for infants and preschoolers, making it the first vaccine approved for that age group in the country. Health Canada now says the Moderna vaccine can be given to young children between the ages of six months and five years old in doses one-quarter the size of that approved for adults. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is expected to provide advice on its use later today. The approval expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to nearly two million children in Canada, though the availability of the vaccine will be determined by provinces. The vaccine requires two dose given about four weeks apart. Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for young children between six-months and five-years old was submitted to Health Canada last month and is still under review.
July 13th, 2022:
Expanded Eligibility Criteria for Second Booster Doses Today the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced plans to expand the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccine second booster doses eligibility to Ontarians aged 18 years of age and older. As previously communicated to members, the updated Executive Officer Notice states that pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccines must also have applied for the 2022-23 Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) program. Consequently, the Ministry has updated the Administration of Publicly Funded COVID-19 Vaccines in Ontario Pharmacies program to reflect these changes. Highlights of the changes are provided below, and the final documents will be shared in our Professional Practice Update once they become available. Two-Dose Primary Series Effective July 14, 2022, the Ontario government has expanded the eligibility criteria for second booster doses to include individuals 18 years of age and older if at least 5 months (140 days) have passed since the individual's first booster dose. Pharmacists should note that with informed consent, individuals may receive their second booster dose 3 months (84 days) after their last dose. Eligible individuals who have received the two-dose primary series will therefore now be eligible for a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Three-Dose Primary Series As of July 14, 2022, immunocompromised individuals who have completed a three-dose primary series and received a first booster dose are eligible for a second booster dose if they are: 18 years and older and at least 5 months (140 days) have passed since the individual’s first booster However, with informed consent, immunocompromised individuals aged 18 years and older may receive their second booster dose if at least 3 months have passed since they received their first booster dose. For individuals who have completed a three-dose primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine, the expanded criteria for second booster doses means they are eligible for a fifth dose.
June 24th, 2022:
Why the timing of your next COVID shot is so important
Waning immunity and rise of new Omicron subvariants threatens future surge
June 20th, 2022:
The positive results of a new vaccine have raised hopes of a cure for pancreatic cancer. One of the deadliest cancers with limited treatment options, the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients is abysmally low despite the medical advances of the last two decades. That makes the messenger RNA vaccine [the same technology used to make the COVID-19 vaccines of US firms Pfizer and Moderna] a major medical breakthrough in treating pancreatic cancer. The vaccine autogene cevumeran produced promising results in a small trial involving people whose cancers were detected early. Half of the 16 patients remained cancer-free 18 months after their tumours were removed and given the mRNA vaccine. Read More
June 14th, 2022:
Canada to end COVID vaccine mandate for domestic travel: Sources
OTTAWA — Sources confirm the Canadian government is putting an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic and outbound international travellers and federally regulated workers.
A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday afternoon as the government faces mounting pressure from tourism and travel associations to do away with vaccine mandates to help ease the chaos that has erupted at Canada’s airports and bring rules in line with provincial public health measures. The new rules are expected to come into effect on June 20, though two government sources close to the decision, who were granted anonymity to speak about matters they were not authorized to discuss publicly, say the rules for foreign nationals coming to Canada will not change: International travellers coming to Canada will still be required to show proof of vaccination.
May 27th, 2022:
After weeks at a two-year low, COVID cases are on the rise again in some countries. In the United States, there were 100,000 daily new infections, on average–up from 30,000 in mid-March. The trend is intensifying an important debate in epidemiological circles. What’s the best strategy for preventing catastrophic mass death from the worst possible new COVID variants? New restrictions? New vaccines? New therapies? A mix of the three? Whatever consensus takes shape could guide us into the pandemic’s fourth year. But there’s a catch, of course. Public health costs money. And in the world’s richest country, the United States, a few right-wing politicians are doing their damnedest to make sure no new money is available to speed up development, production, and distribution of new vaccines and therapies. Vaccine development is stalling. China is still pushing locally made vaccines that don’t work very well. The leading Western vaccine manufacturers are focusing on developing boosters specifically for the recent Omicron variant. But by the time these boosters are ready in the fall, Omicron is likely to have been replaced by a new and more dangerous variant. Read More
May 26th, 2022:
Ontario to end most mask mandates Saturday, including in hospitals, on public transit
Masking will remain mandatory in long-term care and retirement homes, province says
Ontario will lift most remaining mask mandates on Saturday, including in hospitals and on public transit. The mandates are set to expire at 12 a.m. on June 11, but masking will remain mandatory in long-term care and retirement homes, the province’s chief medical officer of health said in a news release on Wednesday. Dr. Kieran Moore said Ontario’s COVID-19 situation, with the help of high vaccination rates, continues to improve. Read More
May 27th, 2022:
After weeks at a two-year low, COVID cases are on the rise again in some countries. In the United States, there were 100,000 daily new infections, on average–up from 30,000 in mid-March. The trend is intensifying an important debate in epidemiological circles. What’s the best strategy for preventing catastrophic mass death from the worst possible new COVID variants? New restrictions? New vaccines? New therapies? A mix of the three? Whatever consensus takes shape could guide us into the pandemic’s fourth year. But there’s a catch, of course. Public health costs money. And in the world’s richest country, the United States, a few right-wing politicians are doing their damnedest to make sure no new money is available to speed up development, production, and distribution of new vaccines and therapies. Vaccine development is stalling. China is still pushing locally made vaccines that don’t work very well. The leading Western vaccine manufacturers are focusing on developing boosters specifically for the recent Omicron variant. But by the time these boosters are ready in the fall, Omicron is likely to have been replaced by a new and more dangerous variant. Read More
May 26th, 2022:
New Omicron variants are so infectious that South Africa had a 5th wave even though 97% had antibody protection
Examination of 3,395 samples from blood donors earlier this year, at the tail end of the fourth wave of infections, showed that 87% of South Africans had previously been infected with the virus, while just over 97% had either had a previous infection or a vaccination or both. The study was lead by Stellenbosch University’s DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis and the South African National Blood Service. The findings demonstrate the ability of the Omicron variant, especially its BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages, to infect those who already have protection against the disease. Still, despite the proportion of positive tests nearing a record daily cases as the latest surge peaked, hospitalizations were well below previous waves and relatively few deaths were recorded. Read More
August 5th, 2021:
How likely are you to contract COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated? Here’s a look at what we know about what scientists are calling “breakthrough” infections:
At this stage in the COVID-19 pandemic, being fully vaccinated is a highly anticipated milestone among citizens worldwide. That said, we’ve been hearing more and more about the chance of contracting COVID-19 (even if you got two shots) due to the growing development of new variants such as Delta. So… how is this possible? To put it plainly, vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna allow (very) high protection against the Coronavirus. However, these new variant developments are more equipped to override, or in other words “break through” the antibodies that current vaccines provide. It is important to be aware of these developments, and to especially be mindful of those who are immunocompromised and at increased risk due to the rate of spread. That said, it is also important to not let this affect our confidence in the authorized COVID-19 vaccines. These instances of infection are rare, and often show mild to no symptoms. Being vaccinated continues to prove significantly decreased severity of symptoms and chances of being hospitalized. To read more about the emerging research on variant development, how they will affect the nature of the pandemic, and statistical data presented so far, check out the full SciTechDaily article HERE
August 4th, 2021:
New data from Pfizer suggests that a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can “strongly” boost protection against the Delta variant beyond the protection afforded by the standard two doses.
The data suggests that antibody levels against the Delta variant in people ages 18 to 55 who receive a third dose of vaccine are greater than five-fold than following a second dose. Among people ages 65 to 85, the Pfizer data suggest that antibody levels against the Delta variant after receiving a third dose of vaccine are greater than 11-fold than following a second dose. The data also show that antibody levels are much higher after a third dose than a second dose against the original coronavirus variant and the Beta variant. This data provided by Pfizer has not yet been peer-reviewed or published.
August 3rd, 2021:
Myocarditis and Pericarditis After Covid-19 Vaccines: Frequently asked questions
Below is a guide made for teens, their guardians, and young adults, and uses information from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and government data from Canada, Israel, and the United States. View the full info graphic PDF HERE.
July 3rd, 2021:
Unvaccinated individuals may act as hosts for potential COVID-19 variant mutations: how it works, and how to prevent it
Maggie Fox, Senior Editor of CNN Health puts it into perspective for us: consider a COVID-19 variant a bank robber, and vaccinations the ‘wanted’ poster. The fewer signs we put up, the more freedom we give the robber to develop their disguise and continue to get away with the crime. The same can be said about COVID-19 variants. According to experts such as Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a virus is given the ability to mutate every time it is passed onto a new host. Oftentimes, these mutations do not come as a threat, don’t alter the variant in any severe way, and sometimes can even weaken the variant depending on the host. However, all it takes is one random mutation that can throw the system off entirely, and in turn allow for a higher rate of infection. Once a mutation is made, this ‘version’ of the variant is what will be passed onto a new host. What is most worrisome, is when this mutation is transmitted to someone who is not vaccinated. An unvaccinated host allows for a more threatening rate of transmission. When this mutant version is passed on enough times… it becomes a new, more dangerous variant in itself. Currently, available vaccines protect against all variants, but the World Health Organization is stressing that this can change in the blink of an eye. In order for the COVID-19 pandemic to finally run its course, vaccination rates play an integral role in overcoming the odds of the emergence of new variants. For more details on variants that have played a part in the COVID-19 pandemic and on the science behind mutations, read the full referenced article here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/unvaccinated-people-are-variant-factories-infectious-diseases-expert-says-1.5495359
June 21st, 2021:
Regular physical activity: a valuable contributor to protection against COVID-19?
As we know, moving our bodies has proven to benefit us in countless ways, from preventing illnesses like heart disease, dementia, cancer— to even helping us live longer. It has been proven since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that the above mentioned health conditions increase likelihood of more severe illness after contracting the virus. That said, there hadn’t been any studies on the direct correlation between exercise and the ability to prevent/fight off COVID-19. Findings by the British Journal of Sports Medicine through studying patient reports at Kaiser Permanente, California took this a step further— and in result, suggest regular physical activity can protect those infected by COVID-19 from getting seriously ill. So how did they figure it out? By doing a lot of cross analyzing, researchers compared what are called “Exercise Vital Signs”, a pair of questions healthcare providers at Kaiser asked all of their patients to gage their levels of physical activity— specifically of those who confirmed having COVID-19 between January and October 2020, and who had also been at the healthcare center six months prior to contracting the virus. Even after accounting for characteristics that could have interfered, the findings of regular exercise decreasing the likelihood of becoming seriously ill, admitted to the ICU, and even of death were clear. Does this mean if you’re keeping active and are vaccinated, you could be ‘super protected’? This still has yet to be studied. What we do know, though, is that keeping our bodies moving will always be a reliable way to up our chances of fighting off illness— and yes, even COVID-19. For more details, visit the Harvard Health Publishing article here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-exercise-help-protect-against-severe-covid-19-202106092475?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BF20210621-Exercise&utm_id=3008601&dlv-emuid=89914cb7-2817-4e44-a6d7-57a5cfb17192&dlv-mlid=3008601
June 15, 2021:
The significant role animals have played in the fight against COVID-19
Animal testing for science has been a sensitive topic for many years— and understandably, a controversial matter for for citizens and activists worldwide. That said, however, it is important to acknowledge the advancements science has made— specifically in the sector of battling infectious disease— due to the ability to perform such clinical trials. Although exciting advancements have been made, such as the Center for Contemporary Science, where progress is being made to convert human organs into testable micro-versions, the day where animal testing is ethically substituted is not yet within reach. Melanie Challenger of The Guardian puts it plainly: it is not about being on one side or the other when it comes to animal testing. At this point in time, it is simply about acknowledging the vital role animals have played in the development of drug safety and efficacy testing— which in turn, has saved millions upon millions of lives over past decades, and continue to as move our way through the modern day COVID-19 pandemic. To read more about the processes behind preclinical trials and the UK’s history in governing research animals, read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/17/animals-overlooked-allies-fight-against-covid-vacci
June 7th, 2021:
Heart inflammation and COVID-19 vaccines
There may be a link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and a small number of people developing myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. A few kids who received the Pfizer vaccine have reported swelling in the heart. Myocarditis can occur after viral infections, even from a cold. The virus triggers inflammation of the heart as part of the body’s immune response. Symptoms include chest pain and pressure and in more serious cases, an irregular heartbeat. Often, it goes away on its own. In the rare cases it can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Young males appear most likely to get myocarditis after the second dose. Young people have strong immune responses; also their immune systems are already primed from the first dose. So in rare cases, an over exuberant immune response can trigger inflammation. COVID-19 is a serious threat to heart health; so getting a vaccine to prevent it is the right thing to do. Patients with existing heart disease aren’t at any higher risk of this side effect. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. It’s still important to be aware of the potential risk of heart inflammation. That way, if someone develops symptoms and they’ve recently had their second dose, they won’t just ignore the symptoms and should see a health professional. Since myocarditis is more common in younger people, by the time it’s their turn to get second doses, there should be much clearer data from other countries.
June 3rd, 2021:
Ontarians who received a first shot of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can opt to stick with it or choose to get Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose, the province officially said Thursday.
The move was expected after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated its guidance earlier this week to allow for mixing and matching of vaccines. “Both second-dose options available to individuals who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are safe and provide strong protection against COVID-19 and will count as a completed series,” the province said in a news release. “These second dose options will be provided at the recommended 12-week interval.” Starting tomorrow, June 4, individuals who received the AstraZeneca vaccine at least 12 weeks ago and wish to have a second shot of the same vaccine can contact the pharmacy or physician who provided it for their subsequent dose. Or, if they choose to get a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, they can get a shot at a pharmacy that is offering those. Beginning on June 7, those who got the AstraZeneca vaccine will be able to book their second of shot of either Pfizer or Moderna through the province’s central system or via their local public health unit, depending on where they live.
June 3rd, 2021:
The latest coronavirus variant of concern appears to be more transmissible and cause more severe symptoms than other variants and could become the dominant strain of the virus in Ontario within weeks. The variant is one of two in the B.1.617 family, which has largely been responsible for the devastating COVID-19 situation in India. B.1.617.2, known as the “delta variant” is quickly replacing B.1.117 as the most prevalent form of the virus locally and within one month, the delta variant will be the dominant strain in the GTA, with the rest of Ontario soon following. Vaccines appear to be effective against B.1.617, and increased vaccination rates will be key to avoiding a fourth wave in Canada. The virus is definitely upping its game. Lockdown measures may help but ultimately the best defense is to get Canadians fully vaccinated— especially in hot spot areas. We must increase vaccination rates in response.
May 28, 2021:
Dates to remember for second-dose vaccine eligibility in Ontario
Second doses continue to be provided to groups such as long-term care home, retirement home, First Nations Elder Care home residents, high-risk health care workers, essential caregivers, people with health conditions, First Nations, Indigenous, Metis peoples
- May 31: Ages 80+ can sign up for a second dose
- June 14: Ages 70-79 can sign up for a second dose
- June 28: Those who received a first dose between Mar 8 and April 18; those with highest health risk conditions, special education workers
- July 19: Those who received a first dose between April 19 and May 9; those who are 50+, or with high-risk health conditions
- August 2: Those who received a first dose between May 10 and May 30; those who cannot work from home, or have at-risk health conditions
- August 9: Those who received a first dose May 31 and onwards
Anyone eligible for their second dose can go to the same location they received their first shot, or they can book at a different available location through the provincial booking system and pharmacies.
May 25, 2021:
Ontario residents who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in mid-March will be able to book their second shot this week as the province seeks to use up its stockpile before it expires. Those who got their first jab of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 during a pilot project at some pharmacies and doctors’ offices will be prioritized for the second dose. Though the recommended interval between shots is at least 12 weeks, the second injection is being offered to that group after 10 weeks in order to make use of 45,000 doses set to expire in roughly a week.
May 19, 2021:
Can I get the Pfizer vaccine as a second dose if I got the Astra Vaccine as the first Dose?
It seems that it actually may be better if you do. A Spanish study on mixing COVID-19 vaccines has found that giving a dose of Pfizer’s drug to people who already received a first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine is highly safe and effective. The Combivacs study, run by Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, found the immune response in people who received a Pfizer shot was between 30 and 40 times greater than in a control group who only had AstraZeneca doses. This seems to confirm preliminary data from UK studies. The preliminary findings from the UK studies did show that the common side effects of the second vaccine dose such as fever, tiredness and soreness were greater in people who received mixed vaccine dose regimens. Usually, a heightened routine side effect profile equates with better protection. I guess sometimes we have to earn our immunity.
May 15, 2021:
Good news and bad news
Good News:
New studies show that delaying the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to 3 months increases immunity compared to the regular 21 day second dose schedule. For us in Canada the normal 21 day second dose schedule is not an option. We have to wait 3 months for the second dose. At least we may have a stronger, longer lasting immune response.
Bad news:
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a single shot of the Pfizer vaccine was only 29.5 per cent effective in preventing infection by the B.1.1.7 variant now pervasive in Ontario, and only 54.5 per cent effective in preventing hospitalization or death. 90 per cent of positive samples in Ontario appear to have the characteristics of the B.1.1.7 variant. So Even If you have had 1 dose of the vaccine, it is imperative that you should still continue to take public safety measures to protect yourself from this particularly virulent B.1.1.7 variant.
May 15, 2021:
Studies with Mixing Vaccine Types
With the government pausing the AstraZeneca (AZ) and J&J vaccines due to rare blood clots there are millions of people who have received a first dose of these jabs and may now be unable or unwilling to get a second. Allowing mixed-dose vaccination might help these people get fully vaccinated. In the UK, a Study assessing the mix-and-match theory is underway. Recipients will have received either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine and will be randomly allocated to receive either the same vaccine for their second dose or a different vaccine. In mice, combinations of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines boosted immunity better than two doses of either one alone. Now this cocktail and others are being tested in humans. Preliminary studies show promise. If these mixed schedules generate an immune response that is as good as the standard schedules, and without a significant increase in the vaccine reactions, this will allow more people to complete their Covid-19 immunisation course more rapidly. There is no reason to think it’s not going to work, and it might even work better.
May 6, 2021:
Effectiveness of the Pfizer Vaccine to the B.1.1.7 (UK) Variant
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a single shot of the Pfizer vaccine was only 29.5 per cent effective in preventing infection by the B.1.1.7 variant now pervasive in Ontario, and only 54.5 per cent effective in preventing hospitalization or death. 90 per cent of positive samples in Ontario appear to have the characteristics of the B.1.1.7 variant. With both doses, the vaccine’s efficacy against infection by B.1.1.7, with or without symptoms, was 87 per cent, increasing to 90 per cent 14 days after the second dose. It was 100 per cent effective against severe symptoms or death. So Even If you have had 1 dose of the vaccine, it is imperative that you should still continue to take public safety measures to protect yourself from this particularly virulent B.1.1.7 variant.
May 5, 2021:
Where can I get a COVID-19 Test?
- Follow this link:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-test-and-testing-location-information
- Click the “find a testing Location” button
- Enter your Postal code
Results are sorted by whether you have symptoms/exposure or whether you are asymptomatic.
May 5, 2021:
COVID-19 Vaccine registration has opened up for individuals 18 years or older living in high risk neighborhoods. Please follow Ottawa Public Health instructions to register. Vaccination is underway for Phase 1 and 2:
- Adults 55 years of age and older Adults 18 years of age and older living or working in high risk communities
- Adults 18 years of age and older living in “hot spots” including postal codes starting with K1T, K1V and K2V
- Adults 40 years of age or older – AstraZeneca vaccine in select pharmacies
- Staff, caregivers and residents in all retirement homes
- Priority health care workers identified in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization
- Non-front-line moderate priority health care workers
- Faith leaders
- Adults in First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations
- Adults receiving chronic home health care who live in high risk communities
- Special Education workers
- Clients who are pregnant or with highest risk health conditions and their caregivers
- Licensed child care workers
- People who live and work in congregate settings
https://secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/vaccines/COVID-19-Vaccine-Screening-Tool www.my-rx.ca
May 4, 2021:
Studies with Mixing Vaccine Types
With rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca (AZ) and J&J vaccines, there are millions of people who have received a first dose of these jabs and may now be unable or unwilling to get a second. Allowing mixed-dose vaccination might help these people get fully vaccinated. The Sputnik V vaccine uses two different kinds of adenovirus in its prime and booster doses to deliver genetic instructions. Using an alternative vehicle to deliver the cargo allows the vaccines genetic payload to skirt inadvertent immune attack. It seems to work. Sputnik V is one of the most effective vaccines at 91.6%. In the UK, a Study assessing the mix-and-match theory is underway. Recipients will have received either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine and will be randomly allocated to receive either the same vaccine for their second dose or a different vaccine. In mice, combinations of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines boosted immunity better than two doses of either one alone. Now this cocktail and others are being tested in humans. If we can show that these mixed schedules generate an immune response that is as good as the standard schedules, and without a significant increase in the vaccine reactions, this will allow more people to complete their Covid-19 immunization course more rapidly. There is no reason to think it’s not going to work, and it might even work better – who knows?
May 4, 2021:
Can we mix two different Vaccines as a first and second dose?
A clinical trial to learn whether mixing the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines can help increase the number of people who can be vaccinated is underway. Experts say there’s not enough data to know whether this approach is an effective solution. The CDC currently recommends against mixing vaccines except under exceptional circumstances. It’s better to use the same vaccine in one dose until we know more. NACI recommends that if the vaccine product used for a previously received dose is not known, or not available, attempts should be made to complete the vaccine series with a similar type of COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., mRNA vaccine and mRNA vaccine). It does not recommended that vaccines of different types (e.g., mRNA vaccine and viral vector vaccine) be used in the same series at this time.” Others argue that mixing two different vaccines could actually do a better job of protecting against Covid-19. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) researcher Dr Kylie Quinn describes vaccines as vehicles delivering cargo – the vehicles may be different, and they may drop off their payloads by different means, but the spike protein cargo is the same. Because the cargo is identical, the vaccines should, in theory, work well together.
May 4, 2021:
What are the symptoms of a blood clotting reaction to the Astra Zeneca and Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine?
Serious side effects of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine can occur within three weeks of vaccination and require emergency care. Possible symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent stomach pain
- Severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Leg swelling
- Easy bruising or tiny red spots on the skin beyond the injection site
Visit Thrombosis Canada (Figure-right) for more.
May 4, 2021:
Do the Astra Zeneca and Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine cause blood clots?
First approved in the United Kingdom on December 30, AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine received World Health Organization (WHO) approval in February and has since expanded to much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. But sporadic reports of a rare blood clotting disorder called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) hindered the vaccine’s rollout. However, both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the WHO insist that the vaccine is safe, citing under 30 reported cases of serious blood clots among 20 million people given the AstraZeneca vaccine across Europe. Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, the only adenovirus-vectored option offered in the U.S., was also temporarily paused in the U.S. in April following rare reports of CVST. The thought is that the incidents of CVST have something to do with the adenovirus vector that’s being used to deliver that spike protein genetic material. These cases are so rare that most experts believe that there is a “host component”, something about the people who got the clotting disorder that’s different from people who didn’t. Nearly all of those affected have been women ages 18 to 49, with the disorder happening at a rate of 7 for every 1 million vaccinated women in this age group. For women age 50 and older and men of all ages, the disorder is even rarer.
May 4, 2021:
Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed don’t use the live virus that causes COVID-19. It will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it’s possible that you could become infected with the just before or after being vaccinated. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I’ve already had COVID-19? Getting COVID-19 might offer some natural protection from reinfection with the virus. But it’s not clear how long this protection lasts. Because reinfection is possible and COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications, it’s recommended that people who have already had COVID-19 get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Can I still get COVID-19 after I’m vaccinated? COVID-19 vaccination will protect most people from getting sick with COVID-19. A very small percentage of fully vaccinated people will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the COVID-19 virus. These are called vaccine breakthrough cases. However, vaccination might make illness less severe. If you are fully vaccinated, the overall risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 is much lower.
May 4, 2021
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an existing health condition?
Yes, if you have an existing health condition you can get a COVID-19 vaccine — as long as you haven’t had an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or any of its ingredients. But there is limited information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in people who have weakened immune systems or autoimmune conditions. Although these are the types of people that most need the vaccine. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine? If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may choose to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While further research is needed, early findings suggests that getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy poses no serious risks. The findings are based on data from the CDC’s coronavirus vaccine safety monitoring system. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits. Keep in mind that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines don’t alter your DNA or cause genetic changes. Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine? There is no COVID-19 vaccine yet for children under age 12. Clinical trials involving younger children are in progress and look promising.
May 4, 2021:
Is it OK to take an over-the-counter pain medication before or after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
It isn’t recommended that you take a pain medication before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent possible discomfort. It’s not clear how these medications might impact the effectiveness of the vaccines. However, it’s OK to take this kind of medication after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, as long as you have no other medical reason that would prevent you from taking it.
May 4, 2021:
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions?
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you may still get a COVID-19 vaccine. You should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. If you’ve had an immediate allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine? You might be having an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine if you experience these signs within four hours of your first vaccine dose: Continuous shortness of breath or wheezing, Swelling of the lips, eyes or tongue, Redness, swelling or itchiness in areas of the body other than the limb in which the vaccine was given If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, get help right away. Tell your doctor about your reaction, even if it went away on its own or you didn’t get emergency care. This reaction might mean you are allergic to the vaccine. You might not be able to get a second dose of the same vaccine. However, you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose. Allergists, believes that someone who has an immediate anaphylactic reaction to the first dose of an mRNA vaccine should not receive the second dose of that vaccine but rather may be able to get the Viral Vector vaccine for their second shot with careful monitoring.
May 4, 2021:
What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?
A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including: Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling unwell
- Swollen lymph nodes
May 4, 2021:
Are the vaccines safe?
Every vaccine that is approved undergoes stringent safety testing, and data continues to be collected on any side effects or adverse outcomes that could be related to the vaccine over time. People who receive vaccines may experience a number of side effects, such as a sore arm, fever, fatigue, chills, nausea, and body aches — especially after the second dose of one of the two-dose regimens. This is a sign that the immune system is reacting and is not a cause for concern. The side effects are generally more intense after the second shot, as the immune system reacts to the known spike protein. The CDC also reports that 80% of those who reported experiencing side effects were women, which may be related to sex hormones’ role in the immune response. There are some rare serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis — a life-threatening, but treatable, allergic reaction. In the United States, this reaction has occurred in about two to five people per million vaccinated and has not resulted in any deaths. It is recommended that vaccinated people stay at the vaccination site for observation for at least 15 minutes after getting the shot in case they do have a negative reaction.
May 4, 2021:
Which vaccine is the best one?
The experts agreed: The best vaccine is the one that is first available to you. “What I tell my patients and family members is to take whatever vaccine you can get,” “They’re all highly effective. You can’t really make any discernment from one to another.” Some have speculated that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — with their roughly 95% efficacy rates in clinical trials — are better than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (66% efficacy) and the AstraZeneca vaccine (76% efficacy). But comparing the different vaccines’ efficacy rates is sometimes like comparing apples and oranges. Efficacy data depends on many factors, including when and where the clinical trials took place. Pfizer and Moderna, tested their vaccines earlier in the pandemic and primarily in the United States before more contagious and deadly variants emerged, while much of Johnson & Johnson’s data was gathered in South America and South Africa, where particularly troubling variants were spreading. Another complication is what the researchers conducting the clinical trials were measuring. The efficacy number reported in clinical trials was against any COVID-19 symptoms — even mild ones. What we’re trying to do is prevent severe illness. All of them are close to 100% at preventing hospitalized COVID-19.”
May 4, 2021:
What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
A COVID-19 vaccine might: Prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill or dying due to COVID-19 Prevent you from spreading the COVID-19 virus to others Add to the number of people in the community who are protected from getting COVID-19 — making it harder for the disease to spread and contributing to herd immunity Prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading and replicating, which allows it to mutate and possibly become more resistant to vaccines
May 4, 2021:
Here are some excellent links to information about the COVID-19 Vaccines:
https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/COVID-19-Resources/COVID-Vaccine/Vaccine-Comparison-Chart-HCP-2021-03-17.pdf https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859 https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/are-they-safe-which-one-best-your-covid-19-vaccine-questions-answered https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/02/comparing-the-covid-19-vaccines-developed-by-pfizer-moderna-and-johnson-johnson/ https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/how-the-vaccines-we-have-and-the-ones-coming-next-stack-up-against-covid-19-variants-1.5905708
April 22, 2021:
Availability of COVID-19 Vaccine at Centrum Pharmacy
Unfortunately, we will not be administering the COVID-19 Vaccine at Centrum Pharmacy. The Updated List of Pharmacies that are administering the pharmacy can be found here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations The following nearby pharmacies will be administering the vaccine. Contact them directly and make an appointment to have the vaccine administered. Rexall 110 Place D’Orleans Drive, Unit 160 Website: www.rexall.ca/covid-19/vaccines NoFrills Pharmacy 1226 Orleans Place Drive Website: www.nofrills.ca/covid19 Innes IDA Pharmacy 4473 Innes Road Website: www.innesidealpharmacy.ca Loblaw Pharmacy 4270 Innes Road Website: www.Realcanadiansuperstore.ca/covid19 Shoppers Drug Mart 6491 Jeanne d’Arc Website: www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19 Shoppers Drug Mart (3.19 km away) 1937 Portobello Website: www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19 The vaccine is also available through Ottawa Public Health: Website: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx We advise all of our clients that are eligible to get vaccinated, to do so as soon as possible. If you are concerned about whether you can safely receive the vaccine because of your medical conditions or because of your medications, please contact your doctor or the pharmacist at Centrum Pharmacy 613 837-4995
April 14, 2021:
The staff at Centrum Pharmacy want to wish our Muslim customers, Ramadan Mubarak.
The question frequently asked is “Can I take the vaccine while fasting?” The answer is, “Yes, you should take it as it does not affect the fast.” Islamic agencies agree that non-nutritious injections, for example vaccines, have no effect on the fast and will not invalidate the fast. It is well established that a vaccine injection is not a form of sustenance and is permissible. The Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force recommends people get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, without delay. Under the task force’s guidelines, it notes that getting tested for COVID-19 while fasting, or taking the vaccine, doesn’t break a fast. For Most people, it is not necessary to eat before or right after vaccination. Stay hydrated and eat a nourishing meal before sunrise. Individuals are permitted to stop fasting if they get side-effects after getting the shot. Muslims may forgo fasting if they fall ill and make up for missed days after Ramadan or give charity instead. You should consult your doctor if you are unsure whether fasting is safe for you, or your local Imam if you are unsure about exemptions to the fast.
March 1, 2021:
COVID-19 Vaccine registration has opened up for individuals 18 years or older living in high risk neighborhoods. Please follow the instructions on the link below to register: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx#Pop-up-clinics-in-high-risk-communities Further Information and Links to register can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx Vaccination is underway for Phase 1 and 2:
- Adults 55 years of age and older Adults 18 years of age and older living or working in high risk communities
- Adults 18 years of age and older living in “hot spots” including postal codes starting with K1T, K1V and K2V
- Adults 40 years of age or older – AstraZeneca vaccine in select pharmacies
- Staff, caregivers and residents in all retirement homes
- Priority health care workers identified in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization
- Non-front-line moderate priority health care workers
- Faith leaders
- Adults in First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations
- Adults receiving chronic home health care who live in high risk communities
- Special Education workers
- Clients who are pregnant or with highest risk health conditions and their caregivers
- Licensed child care workers
- People who live and work in congregate settings
https://secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/vaccines/COVID-19-Vaccine-Screening-Tool www.my-rx.ca