Health
→ NewsEdmundston hopes to approve affordable and accessible housing project.
Edmundston aims to approve a project of three buildings with eight units each by the end of February, with rents capped at 30% of tenants' income.
Wood burning in homes contributes about one-fifth of winter fine-particle pollution
A Northwestern University study estimates residential wood burning produces about 22% of winter PM2.5 in the U.S. and links this outdoor pollution to an estimated 8,600 premature deaths per year, with higher exposure and harms reported in many urban areas and among some communities of colour.
Potatoes can be part of a healthy diet when prepared simply.
Experts say whole potatoes contain fibre, vitamin C, potassium and other nutrients, and a recent study found potatoes provide different nutrients than whole grains. The article reports that frying (French fries) was linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk, while baked, boiled or mashed potatoes were not.
Ontario speeds up cancer drug access with FAST program
Ontario's FAST program is fast-tracking six cancer drugs, allowing patients to access certain treatments up to a year sooner than the usual public funding process.
Cervical cancer self-screening is expanding in B.C.
BC Cancer now mails self‑administered HPV test kits and reports higher first‑time screening rates; the province pairs this with vaccination programs that have already lowered precancer and cancer rates.
Frostbite risk rises amid bitterly cold weather
Health officials say a countrywide deep freeze has raised the risk of frostbite, noting that cases can develop quickly on exposed skin and that early warming and timely medical assessment are reported as important.
Fruits and vegetables are crucial for building a healthy gut.
Dr. Nieman writes that a diverse, fibre-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes and fermented foods supports a healthy gut microbiome, and that antibiotics and processed foods can disrupt that bacterial balance.
Extreme cold warnings are in effect across Saskatchewan this weekend.
Extreme cold warnings cover much of Saskatchewan, and officials report higher risks to heating systems, vehicles and pets during the cold snap.
Nova Scotia still behind on disability remedy plan
A progress report says Nova Scotia is behind on several targets in its five-year remedy plan for people with disabilities, and the plan's final legal deadline is March 31, 2028.
Cancer patient raises funds after finding hope in precision medicine
Dan Murphy, diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2023, received precision medicine after genetic testing and says it has improved his quality of life. His family has raised $1.2-million so far to support research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Penticton-Summerland MLA calls for end to medical waitlists
Amelia Boultbee joined her friend Sara Gillooly at the legislature to highlight months-long waits for diagnostic tests and treatment; the article reports that later scans showed the cancer had spread.
N.B. report finds herbicides and heavy metals not the cause of most undiagnosed neurological illnesses
A provincial review of 222 cases concluded that herbicides and heavy metals are unlikely to explain most of the undiagnosed neurological illnesses reported in New Brunswick; the province has asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to review individual patient data once consent and a data‑sharing agreement are in place.
Vitamin D in milk and margarine is now higher
Health Canada required manufacturers to increase the amount of added vitamin D in certain milks, margarines and some milk alternatives as of Dec. 31, 2025; the department says this change is expected to roughly double Canadians' vitamin D intake.
Manitoba bird die-off samples test positive for H5N1
Samples taken after a large bird die-off in southern Manitoba tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, and authorities reported about 500 dead birds were found in early December.
Sudbury contractor creates reflective insulation kits that may reduce frostbite risk
A Sudbury contractor adapted reflective insulation into tent bases and boot/hat liners and, with local partners, has produced and distributed more than fifty kits to people living in tents; she is in talks with a Canadian manufacturer to explore wider availability.
Saskatchewan launches independent review of hospital safety
The Saskatchewan government has launched an independent, third-party review of hospital protective services and incident handling after recent violent incidents; the Saskatchewan Health Authority is also rolling out metal detectors and hiring 51 new protective service workers.
Alzheimer's drug access in Canada delayed by bureaucracy
Health Canada has approved lecanemab, a disease‑modifying drug shown to delay Alzheimer's progression by about one year, but many patients in Canada are still waiting for public or private coverage.
Potential biomarker linked to MS progression identified by researchers
Researchers at the University Health Network and the University of Toronto report in Nature Immunology that a high CXCL13-to-BAFF ratio is associated with leptomeningeal (compartmentalized) inflammation seen in progressive multiple sclerosis, based on a new preclinical model and measures in human samples.
Jane Darville fought stigma during the AIDS crisis with Princess Diana's visit
Jane Darville helped lead Casey House in Toronto during the late 1980s AIDS crisis and has been named to the Order of Canada; the article recalls Princess Diana's 1991 visit that drew public attention and eased stigma.
Children-supporting initiatives from Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation reach New York area.
The Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation awarded more than $1.6 million in grants and Signature Impact Programs to 68 nonprofits in the New York metropolitan area, supporting youth with serious medical needs and food insecurity; Signature Impact Programs will support projects in 2026.
Obesity may be linked to dementia risk, researchers report
A genetic-analysis study reports an association between higher body weight and greater risk of vascular dementia; experts in the article note limits such as diagnostic-code inequalities and say randomized trials would be needed to test whether treating obesity prevents dementia.
Weight-loss drugs offer promise but are not a cure-all
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have shown clear benefits for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, but side effects, costs and long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
Cannabis and sleep: so far the science is unclear
A national survey of more than 4,000 Canadians found 15.6% use cannabis specifically to help with sleep, and current clinical evidence on cannabis as a sleep treatment is mixed and limited.
Dental care benefits for First Nations and Inuit falling behind Canadian standards, say dentists
Dentists and program users say the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program often does not cover modern dental costs and that administrative delays and payment issues are causing some providers to stop billing the program.
Ontario pilot speeds public coverage of five cancer drugs
Ontario's FAST pilot has expanded public funding for five cancer therapies, including Scemblix, by reimbursing treatments tied to Project Orbis before pan-Canadian pricing deals were completed.
B.C. woman with terminal cancer says health-care system needs help
Sara Gilooly says delays and limited testing in B.C. contributed to her breast cancer progressing to metastatic disease; an independent MLA called the problem systemic and provincial health officials did not respond by deadline.
Canadian officials warn about counterfeit Ozempic and Mounjaro products.
Health Canada says counterfeit versions of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are being sold in stores and online, and the agency has not assessed these unauthorized products for safety, effectiveness or quality.
Lyme disease care gaps persist in Canada, patients call for change
Patients with Lyme disease in Canada report delays in diagnosis and ongoing symptoms after treatment; a free public panel in Gatineau on Feb. 2 will bring clinicians, researchers and patient partners together to discuss complications and care.
Protein Overnight Oats from Kodiak debut in three flavors
Kodiak has launched Protein Overnight Oats in Maple Pecan, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, and Cookie Butter; the product pairs whole grain oats, chia, flax, and quinoa to provide 20 grams of protein per serving and under 10 grams of sugar.
Dollarama offering refunds after baby-toy recall
Health Canada announced a recall of Disney Baby Water Teethers after testing found fungal contamination in the liquid filling; Dollarama says it has posted the recall and is offering refunds.
