Cross-partisanship co-operation among political leaders doesn’t neatly translate into a similar consensus among the Canadian public, including those with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
People who already experience social barriers and poorer mental health status are especially vulnerable during a socially distant holiday season.
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People in high-risk groups are already more likely to be experiencing negative mental health effects during the pandemic. Spending the holidays isolated from family and friends may make matters worse.
With more health resources devoted to COVID-19, non-COVID patients may have unmet health-care needs, which predict poorer health in the future.
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With COVID-19 placing heavy demands on the health-care system, non-COVID patients may struggle to access care, putting women, people in poor health and those without a regular doctor at risk.
Exercise therapy improved mental health and quality of life.
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Fear of contracting coronavirus in hospital means people could be suffering in silence at home without getting the essential care they need.
Plexiglass installed as a barrier to protect a cashier is seen at a grocery store in Airdrie, Alta., on April 1, 2020.
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COVID-19 poses a particular threat to workers with underlying health conditions. Going to work could expose them to a virus that targets them disproportionately.
Stigmas surrounding mental health can create difficult or even dangerous situations for employees struggling with mental illness.
People ages 50-64 begin to develop chronic conditions for which they need coverage. Doing away with insurance for pre-existing conditions puts this group at risk.
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Stripping away preexisting conditions coverage would have far-reaching effects, but 50- to 64-year-olds are most vulnerable. Ignoring medical issues at that age could mean sicker oldsters later on.
Up to 80 per cent of community care for older adults is provided by unpaid informal caregivers. In the absence of government supports, many of them struggle with exhaustion, stress and depression.
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Informal caregivers contribute $25 million to the Canadian economy in unpaid labour, receiving virtually no financial support or emotional respite. More web-based interventions could help.
‘Don’t mind me dear, I’ve got joint problems.’
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Professor and Canada Research Chair in Person Centred Interventions for Older Adults with Multimorbidity and their Caregivers, School of Nursing, McMaster University