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Health – Articles, Analysis, Comment

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Although semaglutide drugs like Ozempic are indicated to treat Type 2 diabetes, they are increasingly prescribed off-label because of their observed effectiveness at inducing weight loss. (Shutterstock)

How dieting, weight suppression and even misuse of drugs like Ozempic can contribute to eating disorders

The demand for off-label weight loss drugs like Ozempic is concerning, because of the impact on weight stigma and the health risks of unsupervised weight loss, including developing eating disorders.
Poverty reduction has the potential to initiate a beneficial cascade that would improve the lives of children and youth. (Shutterstock)

Child poverty is on the rise in Canada, putting over 1 million kids at risk of life-long negative effects

Over one million Canadian children live in poverty. Child poverty is a pernicious childhood adversity that has detrimental long-term impacts on health, development and well-being throughout life.
Like natural hormones, known as endogenous hormones, the artificial hormones contained in the pill, known as exogenous hormones, can have effects on the brain. (Shutterstock)

The contraceptive pill also affects the brain and the regulation of emotions

Oral contraceptives modify the menstrual cycle. What’s less well known is that they also reach the brain, particularly the regions important for regulating emotions.
An increase in cases of diseases caused by group A Streptococcus has been seen in several countries including Canada. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID))

Strep A explainer: Why invasive cases are increasing, how it spreads and what symptoms to look for

An increase in serious illnesses caused by group A Streptococcus has recently made Strep A a growing concern in Canada and elsewhere. Here’s why and how it’s spreading, and what symptoms to look for.
Research shows a strong link between screen time and mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. (Shutterstock)

Excessive social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated adolescent mental health challenges

During the pandemic, many people relied on social media for distraction and social connection. However, excessive social media use can negatively affect mental health, especially for young people.
A recent study found that 41 per cent of Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes met the criteria for one or more mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders. (Shutterstock)

Big dreams and high demands: The mental health challenges of elite youth athletes

Given the unique demands and pressures of competing in elite sport environments, it is imperative that we pay attention to elite youth athletes’ mental health needs.
Given how wealth contributes to health on the personal, individual level, the case for economic growth being good for us might seem intuitive. (Shutterstock)

Is economic growth good for our health?

The historical correlation between economic prosperity and increased life expectancy might suggest that growth is generally a good thing. However, other evidence points to the downside of growth.
A gathering of Indigenous community members, Knowledge Keepers and Elders, service providers, researchers and non-Indigenous allies met in Toronto to talk about neurodevelopmental disabilities. (Jason Jenkins)

Hearing the voices of Indigenous people with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Although their stories often tell of strengths, struggles and important community contributions, the voices of Indigenous people with neurodevelopmental disabilities often go unheard.
A veteran hugs his service dog during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Service dogs play vital roles for veterans, but Canada’s lack of standards makes travel and access difficult

Organizations have very different approaches to training service dogs and matching them with veterans. Neither the industry nor Canada’s provinces and territories have come to a consensus on standards.
Researchers investigated how the availability of neighbourhood amenities may have contributed to changes in youth mental health and stress levels during the first six months of the pandemic. (Unsplash/Paul Hanaoka)

Neighbourhood amenities may have helped youth mental health and stress early in the pandemic

Neighbourhood features may have helped youth cope with the mental health impact of pandemic restrictions. Parks didn’t play much of a role but food amenities and the suburbs did.