Category Archives: Health

Health

‘I’ve only got one set of hands’: Last remaining ER doctor in Port Hardy wants to hire physician assistant out of his own pocket

Leave a comment

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Port Hardy Hospital’s emergency room is headed for life support, says the only ER doctor expected to be available as of July 1.

Of the four local doctors on the roster at the largest hospital in northern Vancouver Island, one tendered a resignation in March and two others recently announced their departure at the end of June, said Dr. Alex Nataros.

Continue reading ‘I’ve only got one set of hands’: Last remaining ER doctor in Port Hardy wants to hire physician assistant out of his own pocket →
Health

UBC Team: BC Sponge May Provide Covid Cure

Leave a comment

UBC researchers have identified three biological compounds sourced in Canada that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. All three are derived from marine organisms, including a sea sponge native to Howe Sound.

The discovery paves the way for the development of new medicines for COVID-19 variants based on natural sources. BC’s ocean and forest ecosystems may contain a wealth of new antivirals waiting to be discovered.

Continue reading UBC Team: BC Sponge May Provide Covid Cure →
Forests, Health, Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

From fish to forests, how 2022 played out on Canada’s West Coast

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the year’s climate-related gains and catastrophes wrap, Canada’s National Observer is reviewing the top five stories to make waves in B.C.’s coastal and island communities in 2022. 

First Nations, forests and fish-related news surfaced as some top issues from CNO’s Island Insider beat, and are likely to dominate headlines in the new year as well. 

Continue reading From fish to forests, how 2022 played out on Canada’s West Coast →
Community, Health

Gorge Hall hosts first New Years event during pandemic, fundraises for hall maintenance

By Louis Belcourt, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

Locals on Cortes are hosting an all ages New Years Eve event with live music and food at the Gorge Hall for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Whaletown Community Club (WCC) for the maintenance of the Gorge Hall. The organization owns and manages the Gorge Hall, the Whaletown Cemetery, the Louisa Tucker Library, the Old Schoolhouse Gallery building, and leases Avery Park from the government. The funds will be managed by the WCC board, the WCC President, and the WCC treasurer Izabelle Perry.

Continue reading Gorge Hall hosts first New Years event during pandemic, fundraises for hall maintenance →
Health

A Promising New Way to Prevent HIV Infections

By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A British Columbia-led research group is paving the way for a landmark preventative HIV medication it hopes can reduce Canada’s stagnant rates of new HIV infections. 

Long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is more than 99 per cent effective  at preventing the development of HIV when it is injected every two  months, according to clinical trial data reported by manufacturer ViiV  Healthcare. 

The injectable drug, cabotegravir, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last December but has not yet been submitted to Health Canada for approval. 

Continue reading A Promising New Way to Prevent HIV Infections →