Campaign 2000, What is it?

Written by Paige Cox

In 1989, there was a promise made in the House of Commons :

This House “seek(s) to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by 2000.” -House of Commons, unanimous all-party resolution, November 24, 1989 (House of Commons, 1989)

At the point that this was promised, over 1 million children were living in poverty in Canada. Campaign 2000 "is a cross-Canada public education movement to build Canadian awareness and support for the 1989 all-party House of Commons resolution to end child poverty in Canada by 2000." (Home, n.d.). In 2016, a report card was released by the campaign, which stated that 1.3 million Canadian children were living in poverty; in 2021, there were 1,313,400 children in Canada living in poverty.  Given that these years are farther apart, there may be many fluctuations in these numbers, but there are not. From 2020 to 2021, Canada's poverty rate rose from 15.2% to 17.8% (Racine,2024). 

As stated on the Campaign 2000 Website, this campaign has four main goals. They are as follows: 

1. We must raise and protect the basic living standards of families in all regions of the country so that no child in Canada will ever live in poverty.

2. We must improve the life chances of all children in Canada so that they can fulfill their potential, nurture their talent, and become responsible and contributing members of Canadian society.

3. We must ensure the availability of secure, affordable, and suitable housing as an inherent right of all children in Canada.

4. We must create, build and strengthen family support, child care and community-based resources to empower families to provide the best possible care for their children.

They leave you with the main point that “Poverty is never inevitable” (Sarangi, 2018). There is a common misconception that just because an individual grows up in poverty, they are doomed to live in poverty for the rest of their lives. This is never the case. 

This video was created as a campaign to raise awareness to the point that the promise for the eradication of poverty was not fulfilled. I will leave this article off with this powerful video. 

PSA - Child Poverty Canada (You made a promise)

To learn more about Campaign 2000, follow the link below.

Home - Campaign 2000 

What can we do? 24 years after the goal of eradicating poverty was promised, are there still things that can be done to help? When you look on the website under Take Action, you will see that they mention ways we can take action to support the goals of Capign 2000. Some of the goals that are mentioned are as promised. 

Join Campaign 2000 in eradicating child and family poverty in Canada:

1. Send a letter to your Member of Parliament that calls on the government of Canada to take tangible steps toward eradicating poverty. Here is a sample letter in English or French. Find your Member of Parliament on the Parliament of Canada website.

2. Campaign 2000 Partners are doing great work with communities experiencing poverty across Canada. Find one in your area to connect with!

3. Join the Make Poverty History or Dignity for All Canada-wide campaigns against poverty.

4. Circulate and sign online petitions aimed at eradicating poverty. Find petitions on websites such as change.org.

5. Host an event or round table discussion about poverty affecting members of your community.

6. Vote in municipal, provincial and federal elections! Voting is a meaningful way to influence decision-making on poverty and other issues.

There are so many ways that individuals can help in the fight to end child poverty. It is essential to realize that you do not have to be a government official to help create change; everyone can do these things! 

Resources

Home. (n.d.). Campaign 2000. Retrieved April 1, 2024, from https://campaign2000.ca/

House of Commons. (1989, November). Original-HofCommons-Motion-Nov1989.pdf. https://campaign2000.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Original-HofCommons-Motion-Nov1989.pdf

Racine, N. (2024). Child Poverty is on the rise in Canada. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/child-poverty-is-on-the-rise-in-canada

NationalC2000Infographic2016.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://campaign2000.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/NationalC2000Infographic2016.pdf

Sarangi, L. (2019). Setting the stage for a poverty-free Canada – 2019 report card on child family poverty in Canada.

Unmasking the Landscape of Preventable Illness: Addressing STI Realities in Canada through Navigation and Prevention Strategies

By Leisha Toory

As we commemorate Preventable Illness Month, it is crucial to shine a spotlight on an issue that affects individuals across the country: sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In a nation where the pursuit of health and well-being is paramount, understanding the prevalence, challenges, and preventive measures related to STIs is essential for fostering a healthier future for all Canadians.

Understanding the Landscape:

STIs represent a significant public health concern in Canada, with thousands of new cases reported each year. From common infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea to more serious conditions like HIV and syphilis, the impact of STIs reverberates throughout communities, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Prevalence and Trends:

Recent data from Health Canada reveals concerning trends regarding the prevalence of STIs.

In 2020, there were:

● 105,982 reported cases of chlamydia

● 30,833 reported cases of gonorrhea and

● 9,358 reported cases of infectious syphilis

Additionally, rates of gonorrhea and syphilis have been steadily increasing in recent years, with certain demographics, including young adults and men who have sex with men, being disproportionately affected.

Challenges and Barriers:

Several factors contribute to the persistent challenge of combating STIs in Canada. These include stigma and discrimination surrounding sexual health, limited access to testing and treatment in certain regions, and barriers to open communication about sexual health issues in both healthcare settings and broader societal discourse.

Preventive Measures and Interventions:

Despite the challenges, there are numerous preventive measures and interventions that individuals and communities can embrace to address the prevalence of STIs in Canada. These include:

1. Comprehensive Sex Education: Advocating for comprehensive, evidence-based sex education in schools and communities to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

2. Regular Testing and Screening: Encouraging individuals who are sexually active to undergo regular testing and screening for STIs, especially those at higher risk based on their sexual behaviors and demographics.

3. Access to Healthcare Services: Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, including STI testing, treatment, and counseling, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities.

4. Promotion of Condom Use: Promoting the consistent and correct use of condoms as a highly effective method of preventing the transmission of STIs during sexual activity.

5. Community Outreach and Support: Fostering supportive and non-judgmental environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking information, testing, and treatment for STIs, including initiatives targeted at vulnerable populations.

As we navigate the landscape of Preventable Illness Month, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the reality of STIs in the country. By raising awareness, advocating for preventive measures, and fostering supportive environments for individuals affected by STIs, we can work together to mitigate the impact of these infections and promote a future where sexual health is prioritized, and preventable illnesses are minimized for all Canadians.

Sources:

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2020). Chlamydia, gonorrhea, infectious syphilis in Canada, 2020: Infographic. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/chlamydia-gonorrhea-infectious-syphilis-canada-2020-infographic.html

Leisha Toory is the founder of the Period Priority Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Director with the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, and an Honors in Political Science undergraduate at the University of Ottawa.

Clean Water and Disease Prevention

By Julia Smith

Safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrhoeal diseases but acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases.

 -World Health Organization 

         Water is the single most important resource on this planet. It allows us to wash, hydrate, grow plants, and power our cities and factories, to name a few examples. Yet, the lack of clean water is a pressing issue that is plaguing the lives of so many.  Clean water is integral in staying healthy, yet in 2022, 2.2 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water, including 703 million without a basic water service, meaning that almost one in three people are at risk of contracting water-borne illnesses, from the water they consume daily. Drinking water is not the only way one can contract said illnesses, 3.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation, including 1.5 billion without basic sanitation services; and 2 billion lacked a basic handwashing facility, including 653 million with no handwashing facility at all, leading to un-sanitary living environments.

      Lack of clean drinking and washing caused by microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio and is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. Diarrhea is one of the top three leading causes of child death and this is often triggered by consuming unclean water, causing a child to die every 2 minutes from a water-borne disease.  Waterborne diseases cause over 25% of Ugandan students to drop out of school, losing out on the education that provides them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities.

What is being done?

    The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has brought countries together and challenges them to work towards the outlined water targets, as related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal six, which aims to ensure access to water for all calls nations to do the following:

Improve the management and quality of water resources, involving communities and including women and girls Ensure that people have access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene, Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.

What can you do?

●      Be mindful of your own water intake, make sure to close a tap when washing dishes, take short showers, and potentially invest in more water-friendly appliances

●      Challenge local governments to push for more water-friendly policies

●      Keep up to date with news regarding water, and disease (UN, Watter.org, Gov of Canada)

For more information click on the links below;

World Health Organization (WHO) Water and Disease Facts:

https://www.who.int/facilitates,and%20numerous%20neglected%20tropical%20disease

Clean Water and Sanitation Sustainable development goals:  https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/6-clean-water-and-sanitation/

Water Aid Canada- International Outreach :

https://www.wateraid.org/ca/what-we-do/the-issues/health

Why Are Paid Practicums Beneficial

By Kate Tucker and Christine Wincentaylo

Unpaid internships and their associated controversies have been brought to light in recent years. Benefits include work experience and exposure with companies that may otherwise be unable to support a student; however, unpaid positions put incredible financial stress on many interns and may only be viable options for those who have other means of accessing financial support to sustain an unpaid position. Less discussed in these debates are the impacts of paid internships, and so today, we are asking why should internships and practicums be paid. 

Internships and practicums are work experiences offered to students or trainees, often for a few months or semester. 

Some programs may require the completion of practicum terms, such as:

• Social work

• Nursing

• Education

• Engineering

• Business

Research by Maidment (2003) shared that “62% of social work students experienced placement-related stress due to fieldwork demands and expectations'', and the reality is these numbers are still consistent with the present times. The added stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase cost of living across Canada is proving to create far more barriers for students.  

Increasingly, university and college programs are encouraging students to complete co-op terms (work terms during their programs) or attain relevant work experience so that they are best prepared for a career in their area of study upon graduation. 

In these scenarios, students may complete unpaid work, hidden under the title of practicum or internship, as part of their required education. This often means that students are paying for these work experiences as part of their education through their tuition. Gaining work experience is essential to education, and thus including a work placement as a program requirement is acceptable. However, unpaid work can be consequential for students/trainees and may limit participation. For example, if practicums require long hours (such as matching the shift work schedule of a profession they are working with), students may need help to work paid part-time jobs that they rely on to support them financially throughout the school year. Paid work experience allows students to focus primarily on their work without the burden of unavailable financial resources for their work. 

Aside from the financial benefits of paid internships/practicums, other reasons to support paid positions include positive mental health impacts and investment in their work. When students/trainees are paid for their work, they are respected for their value and may find an increased sense of belonging with the team. Compensation proves to students that they are an important part of a unit or working group. Thus they are given an opportunity to be reminded that their work is valuable/they belong there.

In situations where imposter syndrome may be at its peak, paid positions support students in recognizing the positive impact they can have and the appreciation their employers have for another set of helping hands. Further, as students are recognized for their work, they may become more invested in what they do. By investing in students and recognizing their work through compensation, students may be more inclined to return this investment with more inclination to learn and do the best they can as they know that their team values them. Other benefits for paid internships/practicum are numerous and consistent support that fair compensation for learners results in positive impacts for all, students and employers alike. 

In doing research for this piece, we have compiled a short list of places that offer or highlight paid positions for practicums and students; feel free to share your own!

• InviteHealth is an amazing site that highlights careers and educational pathways in health science. They share paid opportunities (and other incredible resources) regularly!  

• The Government of Canada (and the various departments within) have plenty of paid student positions available through their Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Student Work Placement Program. 

Paid internships with Ontario Public Services (OPS) offer multiple different internship programs such as: 

• Ontario Internship Program

• Indigenous Internship Program 

• Internships with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)

• Transportation Technician Initiative (engineering tech graduates)

• Engineering Development Program

Paid internships with government:

• Paid Internships by Career Edge, which offers a range of internships across Canada. 

If you are a student at a postsecondary institution in Canada, check with your school’s experiential learning team. There is often under-utilized funding allocated to faculties or whole institutions to support students in bringing their own funding to a practicum or internship, it is worth asking about! 

Extra Resources:

https://cprstoronto.com/2021/06/20/unpaid-internships-affect-us-all/

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/former-interns-reveal-how-unpaid-work-impacted-their-lives_uk_5a7d7303e4b044b3821c031f

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1378891.pdf

https://ph.prosple.com/campus/9-reasons-why-internships-should-be-paid

https://www.svlaw.ca/blog/details/item/unpaid-internships-what-does-the-employment-standards-act-say-

https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/field-placement/A_Paid_Practicum:_Do_I_Want_One%3F_How_Do_I_Find_One%3F/

https://vocationaltrainingcentre.com/articles/the-benefit-of-practicums/

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2019/05/successful-student-work-placement-program-increases-on-the-job-paid-work-experience-for-post-secondary-students.html

 https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1259

The Importance of Daily Mindfulness Practice for the Brain

By Shivani Shukla

Your brain is tired.

Perhaps you already knew this, but it’s still likely that you live in an almost constant state of getting things done, multitasking, and overstimulation. From stress induced cramming for your exams, to going through a cycle of social media and that one really good show while trying to sleep, it's quite easy to start flitting through life like it’s nothing. Not to say it’s all your fault– the world demands a lot from us, and we can demand a lot from ourselves trying to keep up. But there is something you can do to slow down for a bit, by perhaps keeping your mental health a little more healthier, and making yourself a little more happier. 

Mindfulness can seem like a sort of buzzword that is thrown around a lot by a variety of different people, making it hard to understand what it really is at its core. You might have heard the phrase “be mindful”, and wondered what that's supposed to even mean. The truth is, mindfulness is quite simple. It's the act of being genuinely and consciously aware of one’s surroundings, actions, and present state. Practicing mindfulness dates back to early Hindu and Buddhist practices, and is still relevant today. Taking a journey with mindfulness through practicing it daily can prove to be invaluable, contributing significantly to your brain health.

One of the many benefits of mindfulness is that it can help to root you in the moment, providing mental clarity and focus. As a cognitive skill, mindfulness can work in a variety of ways, such as by focusing on your breathing or what you are doing currently, instead of letting your mind wander about future or past events and occurrences as you might be used to doing. By practicing this kind of sincere mental focus daily, to the best of your ability, the way the brain perceives new challenges and tasks can change for the better with an increased capacity in paying attention to the present.

Mindfulness can also help with managing emotions, stress, and anxiety. By tuning into how you are feeling in the moment, you can better reflect on and manage your mental health. It has been found to influence pathways in the brain, such as some of the regions responsible for regulating emotions. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you could potentially control any negative thoughts and feelings that may arise, by allowing your brain to step away and simply become aware of their presence without spiraling into a loop. With practice, being able to calm yourself in a meaningful way is quite beneficial in situations that could be the opposite. 

Gray matter in the brain, a type of tissue that helps in processing information, makes it an important aspect of daily life. When practicing mindfulness, the amount of gray matter that deals with complex thinking and sense of self in the brain are increased. This shows that beyond the scope of the present, mindfulness has great long-term impacts. The types of thinking that can be further developed and increased in capability are divergent, convergent, and lateral thinking, among many others, such as creative thinking. Divergent thinking involves exploring various ideas in a spontaneous way, while convergent thinking focuses more on accuracy and logic. Meanwhile, lateral thinking and creative thinking are similar, both consisting of using new ideas and perspectives. Being able to access different skills in terms of thinking serves to strengthen various parts of your brain, as well as to allow for neural activation in many different regions. 

For many, facing your thoughts can be scary, and the idea of practicing meditation regularly can be quite daunting. However, practicing mindfulness on a daily basis helps quite a bit with solidifying its long term benefits. Since we are so used to our brains wandering throughout everyday life, being able to engage with mindfulness in a deeper sense requires a certain sense of discipline. Like many things, practice makes perfect. Consistently bringing yourself back to the present and staying in the moment becomes easier with time, so practicing mindfulness everyday makes this process more familiar and enjoyable. 

How could you get started?

There are many ways to start implementing mindfulness in your daily life. In general, it's good to start for shorter increments and work your way up as you see fit. Mindfulness can look different for everyone, being something that you can easily adapt to work best for you and who you are. This could be through practices centered around focus and relaxation, such as yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation both focus on breathing and calmness, as well as many sensations within the body, making them both great for practicing mindfulness as well as helping things like cardiovascular health. They are also available through various means in their own light, such as through classes or resources online. An even more flexible way to practice mindfulness is through different types of breathing techniques and exercises, which can be very effective in gradually implementing mindfulness in a way that is very accessible. There are even specific workshops available to help you get started. No matter how many different ways you choose to practice mindfulness, it’s a great step in taking care of your brain health and getting in touch with who you are.

Extra Resources:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/evoking-calm-practicing-mindfulness-in-daily-life-helps-202110142617

• https://www.madeofmillions.com/articles/how-mindfulness-affects-the-brain

• https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/less-stress-clearer-thoughts-with-mindfulness-meditation/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5337506/

• https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/

Why ADHD is Under-diagnosed in Adults and Women/Girls

By Karen Tang

This month’s theme at the YCRH is Brain Health and Neurodiversity. Neurodiversity can be understood as a framework for understanding how brains work and that diversity in cognitive functioning should be embraced. Currently a range of mental health conditions fall under this neurodiversity umbrella; they include: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, among others.

For this blog, we will focus on one aspect of neurodiversity, which is learning more about and understanding ADHD, particularly the crucial fact that it is oftentimes underdiagnosed in adults and individuals who are women. As a clinical psychologist trainee, I completed an assessment practicum that allowed me to complete a number of comprehensive assessments for ADHD in adults. Here are two main things I gleaned from my clinical experience:

ADHD in Adults

Firstly, ADHD is underdiagnosed in adults. I observed in my clinical placement working exclusively with adults, that these individuals typically coped well enough to “fly under the radar” while in their schooling years. Interestingly, it was their experiences during the COVID- 19 pandemic that led them to seek out an ADHD diagnosis, as many of their coping and management skills were no longer sufficient. For example, the switch from working in-person to completely working remotely from home due to pandemic restrictions led many clients to experience significant drops in mood and increases in anxiety. In turn, they were no longer experiencing the joyful motivation they derived from going to work (as they were previously thriving off of social interactions at work), leading to significant impacts in their work and productivity. Similarly, pandemic restrictions imposed led a number of my clients to start experiencing greater conflict in their interpersonal relationships given the higher demand of day- to-day responsibilities (e.g., supervising children while they attempt to do online schooling; not completing the greater number of tasks at home), to the extent that oftentimes, it is the client’s partner who might be urging them to seek an ADHD assessment. Additionally, a women may end up requesting an assessment for ADHD if one of their children receives a diagnosis, as she may start recognizing she has had the same experiences and symptoms.

Although ADHD has typically been regarded as a childhood condition, it is now recognized as a lifelong condition that can persist well into adulthood. ADHD symptoms in adults are similar to those in childhood (e.g., inattention, impulsivity), however, the intensity of certain symptoms, such as hyperactivity, is known to decrease over time for many.

ADHD in Women and Girls

Secondly, ADHD is often underdiagnosed in women and girls. In the past, ADHD was predominantly considered a condition in men and boys (think: the hyperactivity, impulsivity, and “bouncing off the walls” observed in the classroom). As such, this led to women and girls historically being underdiagnosed with ADHD, as many individuals were often the inattentive type (think: day-dreaming or staring out the window but not being overly disruptive to the classroom) yet still received good grades, thus, teachers were not flagging this for ADHD. As such, girls were being diagnosed with ADHD at half the rate that boys were, however, this diagnostic difference is made up in adulthood, when both women and men are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate.

From my clinical experience, I had a number of women seeking ADHD diagnosis when they were in adulthood—oftentimes, it was because they were struggling with post-secondary schooling and responsibilities with emerging adulthood and their usual coping styles were not helpful anymore.

What do I do if I suspect I have ADHD?

If you think you have ADHD or other types of neurodivergence, I suggest you reflect on whether these symptoms are problematic and having a negative impact on your life. Oftentimes, once you’ve reached adulthood, you have developed skills and strategies to compensate or cope with these symptoms. Furthermore, a diagnosis can only be achieved if it can be demonstrated that these symptoms are significantly impairing or impacting aspects of your life.

If you do end up seeking a comprehensive ADHD assessment, find a licensed mental health professional (e.g., clinical psychologists, clinical social workers) or physician (e.g., psychiatrist, family doctor). Regardless of the professional selected, ensure you inquire about whether they have the training and expertise in working with adults with ADHD. It is important to find a qualified professional (particularly as comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults are quite a niche competency in clinical psychology!)

Resources and further reading on ADHD:

Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (https://chadd.org/)

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (https://chadd.org/)

How to ADHD YouTube Channel “The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain’s Executive Skills to Keep Up, Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home” (2016) by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare

“Taking Charge of Adult ADHD” (2010) by Russell Barkley

“The Gift of Adult ADD: How to Transform Your Challenges & Build on Your Strengths” (2008) by Lara Honos-Webb

Boost Your Brain: The Benefits of a Balanced Diet for Brain Health

By Laetitia Satam, General Member

I’m sure we’ve all heard the age-old saying that “You are what you eat”. Turns out this is true!

What you eat can impact various aspects of your physical and mental health, and this includes your brain health. Your diet can influence how you feel, and your mood, and even change your gut-microbiome to affect your mental health. If diet can affect your brain in so many different ways, how do you know what to eat?

It turns out that eating to support your brain health is eating a diet that supports your overall health, and no, there is no magic pill that can supplement a full healthy diet or magically improve your brain health. Harvard Medical School (2021) recommends eating a diet full of green, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, berries, walnuts, and tea and coffee. These specific recommendations are backed by science, with these foods containing specific nutrients that especially help power your brain. Even outside of brain health, this is an extremely healthy and balanced diet for your overall health. It has healthy fats, fibre, and protein! Fatty fish are recommended here for two major reasons: the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and the general phospholipid content. omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the structure and function of brain cell membranes. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and age-related cognitive decline. Phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, are integral components of cell membranes and are crucial for signal transmission between brain cells. Other dietary sources include eggs, soybeans, and organic meats. Another recommendation is that it is always best to spread your healthy choices out over the day if you can, as opposed to eating all at one meal. So while a salad topped with salmon and walnuts with a cup of berries and tea on the side might be a great (and delicious!) dinner for one night, if you split up when you eat these different foods you can feel satisfied all day long, and incorporate some more variety.

Now if you’re a student maybe you want to optimize your brain health during all those long study sessions. In a world that seems increasingly anti-carbohydrate, it might be surprising to learn glucose is the brain’s preferred source of energy. The brain is so demanding of glucose, a simple monosaccharide sugar, that it is responsible for half using almost half of all the sugar in the body, and up to 20% of your total daily energy expenditure (Edwards 2016). The tea, coffee, and fresh produce mentioned above can be especially useful here due to the presence of polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds. I also recommend tea, coffee, and fresh produce due to the presence of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant compounds that exhibit neuroprotective effects by reducing inflammation, enhancing blood flow to the brain, and promoting the formation of new neurons. So, when you’re studying and before reaching for an easy snack like a doughnut, remember that the type of carbohydrates you consume matters a lot as well. You want to pick options that are rich in fibre, such as whole wheat bread, or sourdough for gut health!

But why am I talking about gut health in a blog post about brain health? Let me introduce to you: the brain-gut connection! If you’ve ever felt tired or lethargic after a big dinner, you know there is no denying that what you eat has a huge impact on your brain and how you feel. And it goes beyond that, on a microscopic level. In your large intestine, you host billions of bacteria and microbes, all of which are working to break down anything that enters the large intestine. That can include things like fibre, especially since your small intestine is unable to digest fibre. The gut microbiome synthesizes short-chain fatty acids which can then move through your gastrointestinal tract, and are even responsible for synthesizing some vitamins like vitamin K. Two terms people often use when discussing their gut microbiome are prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are the dietary fibres we just discussed, it is food for your pre-existing gut flora. Probiotics, which are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and even sourdough bread are when you introduce new organisms into your gut microbiome, so they can join the party! But how do these little critters influence your mood? Studies have found that some patients with mood and anxiety disorders have low levels of diversity in their gut microbiome. This may mean they are not eating healthy gut healthy foods, or that they eat a diet with little variety so only not as many different types of organisms can survive. Current research also explores how changing the gut microbiome can change mental health outcomes!

Finally, I want to end off with a reminder to fuel your body in a way that is meaningful to you. As we discuss brain health, it is impossible to not mention your mental health as well. Food is so much more than a vesicle of nutrients, it is something that brings together people and cultures. Make sure to enjoy everything you want in a balanced way, and eat foods that make you feel good. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find out what your optimal diet is! These tips support and supplement what works best for you, your brain, body, and lifestyle!

References

Edwards, S. (2016). Sugar and the Brain. Hms.harvard.edu.

https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/sugar-brain#:~:text=Brai

n%20functions%20such%20as%20thinking

Harvard Medical School. (2021, March 6). Foods linked to better brainpower. Harvard Health.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower

How to Cope with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a Student

By Karen Tang, General Member

Disclaimer: The insights shared in this blog are not medical advice and thus, should not be taken as such. Please consult a licensed medical professional if you are unsure.

Dealing with a concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be anxiety-provoking, painful, and an all-around bad experience. The recovery after a concussion can be complex and unpredictable, and coupled with one’s intolerance with uncertainty, it can make predicting when you are ready to return back to school/regular life to be quite challenging and ambiguous.

I sustained a TBI from a motor vehicle accident in my third year in graduate school. It was a devastating experience that took months to recover both physical and mentally, that involved multiple health appointments, dealing with memory and cognitive challenges, taking three months of medical leave from school, and sitting with the uncertainty of a TBI recovery journey. Reflecting back on my experience now, I am grateful that this experience taught me the power of resiliency and hope, and that I was able to employ some clinical skills on myself (as a clinical psychologist trainee). Here are a number of ways I coped with a TBI/concussion as a student:

Build your health team

It is crucial to build a health team with qualified professionals familiar with working with individuals with a TBI. Working with my physician, they were able to diagnose my constant headaches and cognitive challenges as a concussion, and spurred my journey to recovery.

I found a physiotherapist who specializes in concussions, and they were able to do a comprehensive concussion assessment. A month into my healing journey, my physiotherapist deemed it was safe for me to incorporate light physical activity into my treatment and so using a stationary bike was my main form of movement. From a psychology standpoint, this draws on principles of behavioral activation, which is scheduling time in your day for pleasurable activities, particularly activities that move your body. I found doing physical activity was incredibly helpful for my recovery as it prevented me from being sedentary, which also helped my mood and anxiety symptoms.

My physiotherapist also referred me to an occupational therapist (OT) and massage therapist. Working together with my OT, we developed a “gradual return to normal plan” which included several helpful recommendations such as using time-based pacing for pain, which I found to be especially helpful when it came to screen time/doing cognitively challenging work like trying to read an article or write a paper. Furthermore, the OT was able to upgrade my ergonomic set-up, including a new computer monitor that was anti-flicker as well as a custom desk chair.

I also worked consistently with a massage therapist that specialized in working with clients with concussions, and found that to be a key aspect in my recovery (especially with the headaches).

Taking a pause at school

I ended up taking a full month of medical leave from my coursework, and a total of three months off from clinical placements (with a doctor’s note).

I highly recommend connecting with your school’s Student Accessibility Centre. Working with my student accessibility advisor, we were able to set up temporary (short-term) academic accommodations during that time (particularly as I had to pause my attendance in courses + renegotiate coursework deadlines). My advisor was able to reach out to my course instructors and negotiate deadlines for me, or suggest other ways of completing assignments (e.g., instead of a presentation in class, I could do an essay).

I would also connect with your program coordinator or similar to see if they can do anything to accommodate you and your needs! And if you are a graduate student, it would be imperative to reach out to your thesis supervisor as well. From my experience, everyone was very accommodating and understanding of my challenges and they were able to work with me to ensure I was able to make a full recovery while also mitigating the impacts of the leave on my progress in the program.

Coping with the uncertainty

In my opinion, one of the worst parts of my concussion recovery journey was dealing with the uncertainty with the healing process. I found that channeling some of my clinical skills gleaned in my training was helpful with dealing with this.

Firstly, I aimed to be gentle with myself. I recognized that my brain is doing my best, and that the passage of time really helps with healing. I practiced plenty of self-compassion exercises during this time, and really strived to treat myself with kindness and warmth.

Secondly, I really pulled on a technique called “Sphere of Control”, which is a concept that helps individuals focus on aspects that they can control, instead of ruminating on areas that are outside of their control. For example, during the healing process, I focused on what I could control (e.g., doing physical therapy exercises, engaging in movement), instead of fixating on aspects that were outside of my control (e.g., worrying about how long I have to take medical leave). 

Summary

To summarize, recovering from a concussion or TBI can be a painful experience rife with uncertainty. Hopefully this blog sheds some light into how a student can manage and cope with a concussion (although hopefully, you are never put in this position)!

Resources and further reading:

Time-Based Pacing: https://www.va.gov/PAINMANAGEMENT/Veteran_Public/Veteran_docs/Pacing-formula.pdf

Self-Compassion exercises: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#exercises

Managing chronic pain: A cognitive-behavioral therapy approach. Workbook (2007) by John D. Otis

Brain Injury Canada: https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/concussion/

How Mindfulness Changes Your Brain

By Julia Sarah Smith, General Member

Mindfulness and meditation are practices that have become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the widespread notion that these techniques help to contribute to good mental health and well-being while also helping to decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease. Yet, recent studies are highlighting that the heart is not the only organ that benefits greatly from mindfulness techniques, the brain, the control center of the human body is posed with an incredible advantage in memory, information synthesis and meta-cognitive awareness skills, to name a few of the areas positively impacted by mindfulness.

For many people, the thought of mindfulness practices can be daunting, yet by simply practicing at least three times a week for 10-20 minutes, one can experience the aforementioned benefits.  Research has suggested that mindfulness meditation can measurably alter brain function and structure, even if done in shorter sessions, three times a week. Researchers from Harvard University have demonstrated alterations in the brains of meditators after eight weeks of meditating for an average of 30 minutes each day. Specifically, their findings suggested an increase in the concentration of grey matter in the areas of the brain identified with memory, empathy, and sense of self. Grey matter is a type of tissue in the brain and spinal cord that is imperative to create new neural pathways and experience emotional development, this is why grey matter is most prevalent in the brains of those under 18 years old.  Grey matter naturally decreases with age, but conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can expedite this process.

 Alongside increasing grey matter, mindfulness practices also change the amygdala, which is an almond-shaped region within each hemisphere of the brain that evaluates our environmental circumstances and determines whether something is a threat or not.  The amygdala is also involved with experiencing negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, sadness, and aggression. The amygdala is responsible for firing the signals that activate the flight or fight system, and it helps with emotional processing and emotional intelligence, in turn contributing to a higher Emotional Quotient (EQ), and intelligence quotient (IQ), the ability to reason and solve problems.    

How to implement mindfulness into your daily life:  

●      Provide intention to the task you are doing; don't think about what will happen next, simply cherish the moment and give all your energy to what you are presently doing.  

●      Take “brain breaks”, when you start to feel like you can't focus anymore, get up and go for a short 10-minute walk, to get your blood flowing and re-center your thoughts.

●      Take deep breaths more often. Make an effort to notice your breath and control your breath pattern to help ground yourself.  

For more information click on the links below: 

Harvard: Can Mindfulness Change The Brain?

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-mindfulness-change-your-brain-202105132455

How Mindfulness Affects the Brain

https://www.madeofmillions.com/articles/how-mindfulness-affects-the-brain

Mindfulness and the Brain: What Does Neuro Science Say?

https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-brain-research-neuroscience/

SRHR and Systemic Racism: Failing BIPOC in Canadian Healthcare

By Leisha Toory, General Member

Understanding the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences and outcomes of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Canada requires a deep examination of intersecting factors rooted in oppressive colonial policies and institutional structures. Reproductive Justice, as outlined by various scholars and organizations, emphasizes the importance of considering multiple intersecting factors such as class, race, gender, sexuality, and access to healthcare in shaping individuals' reproductive experiences. Elizabeth McGibbon , a Canadian scholar, underscores how intersectionality and existing systemic power structures contribute to poor health outcomes for BIPOC communities by linking racism to social determinants of health.

 Despite established literature highlighting negative SRHR experiences among BIPOC women, systemic racism continues to pervade healthcare institutions, leading to inadequate awareness, discrimination, and implicit biases among healthcare providers. Implicit biases, defined as unconscious and uncontrollable associations influencing thoughts and actions, contribute to disparities in healthcare delivery . For instance, racial implicit biases among healthcare professionals can result in the dismissal or inappropriate treatment of patients from specific racial groups, exacerbating SRHR inequities.

  Recent studies in Canada have identified instances of everyday racism experienced by racialized healthcare users, leading to feelings of discrimination, dehumanization, and unequal access to healthcare services. Shocking examples of medical racism, such as the case of  Joyce Echaquan , highlight the dire consequences of systemic biases within the healthcare system. Black and Indigenous women in Canada, in particular, have historically faced mistreatment, neglect, and discrimination in their SRHR experiences, resulting in poor health outcomes .

 The relationship between Black women and the healthcare system in Canada is complex, characterized by a history of racism and medical experimentation, leading to mistrust and negative SRHR experiences . Similarly, Indigenous women continue to experience reproductive injustice, including coerced sterilizations and limited access to SRHR services. Federally incarcerated women, a significant portion of whom are Indigenous, also face unconstitutional barriers to SRHR services, perpetuating intergenerational trauma and health disparities .

Addressing these systemic failures requires anti-racist policies  that go beyond cultural competence training and acknowledge the role of unequal power dynamics and everyday racism in healthcare. A Reproductive Justice Framework , initiated by women of color, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing disparities in SRHR by considering intersecting oppressions and advocating for resources and social justice. Healthcare providers must also recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, racism, and social exclusion on the health status of Indigenous populations in Canada.

Building trust in the Canadian healthcare system among BIPOC communities necessitates culturally appropriate healthcare delivery and programs addressing socioeconomic determinants affecting SRHR. Increasing the representation of Indigenous, Black, and racialized healthcare professionals in SRHR studies and healthcare roles is crucial for advancing equitable SRHR outcomes for BIPOC communities. These individuals can drive meaningful change within the healthcare system, ensuring that all patients receive respectful, inclusive, and equitable SRHR care.

In conclusion, trust in the Canadian healthcare system hinges upon several crucial factors. These include ensuring healthcare providers are well-informed, delivering culturally appropriate care, and implementing prioritized programs aimed at addressing socioeconomic determinants affecting sexual and reproductive health and rights. Recognizing the historical contexts of slavery for Black womxn, colonialism of Indigenous womxn, and ongoing racism for Indigenous, Black, and People of Color womxn, along with their intersections with social determinants of health, is paramount in understanding the inequities leading to poor SRHR outcomes. To advance reproductive health studies effectively, it is imperative to increase representation of Indigenous, Black, and racialized midwives, nurses, physicians, and researchers who comprehend the potential health impacts of systemic racism on individual and population-level health outcomes. By advocating for change within and across the healthcare system, they can champion equitable SRHR for BIPOC communities, thus fostering greater trust in the Canadian healthcare system.

Leisha Toory is the founder of the Period Priority Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Director with the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, and an Honors in Political Science undergraduate at the University of Ottawa.

How to Advocate for Your Own Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights (SRHR)

By Laetitia Satam, General Member

Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights (SRHR) can be scary to navigate, for a variety of reasons. From not knowing where to find information, to taboos surrounding SRHR, here are some tips for advocating for your own SRHR.

The YCRH has done a phenomenal job this month explaining all the vast topics that fall under SRHR, such as STI testing, reproductive health (beyond PCOS and endometriosis), preventing sexual violence, and having access to sexual health support. However, a much too common tale is visiting a primary care provider, finding the courage to address your needs, only to feel that your SRHR needs were not taken seriously. Studies in British Columbia have found that 66% of patients delayed or avoided getting sexual health care, and Action Canada (2019) found that there are further inequalities for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ youth, or newcomers to Canada (Mark et al. 2021). So what can you do?

Use your voice. If you are not happy with the healthcare you are receiving, you have the right to ask for another healthcare provider, to get a second opinion, and ensure your needs are being taken seriously. You also have the right to ask for a healthcare provider of a specific gender if that will make you more comfortable. However, all this self-advocating can be tiring. When you are already not feeling well, it can be a daunting task to advocate for yourself. If you have a trusted person in your life, you can ask them to come to appointments with you. If you feel like your health needs are not being met, or you feel like something is still wrong, continue to push and advocate to get the healthcare services you need and are entitled to. As seen on our social media earlier this month, sexual and reproductive rights go beyond common diagnosis of PCOS and endometriosis. There is also no shame about discussing your sexual and reproductive health with your healthcare provider. If you feel like something may be wrong, it is always better to speak to someone about it sooner than later. It can n be reassuring to hear that healthcare providers have seen just about anything, and they truly do want you to live your best, healthiest life.

If you are requiring more support with your SRHR, see if there are any sexual health clinics near you. Sexual health clinics have trained professionals who are equipped to listen to your needs and provide many healthcare services, and have resources in case you are looking for further information. Furthermore, there are some clinics that are specifically designed for youth and the resources to support young people. Don’t be afraid to do your own research and explore your options. When it comes to advocating for SRHR, knowledge is key. That is why it is shocking that 2 in 3 Canadian Youth report that sexual education in schools did not equip them with the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions regarding their SRHR (Mohamed 2023). By ensuring that youth have a strong foundation about their sexual health and have safe spaces to ask questions about SRHR, it is ensuring that they feel comfortable advocating for their SRHR. With the current political landscape of sexual health education in schools, now it is time for all of us to collectively advocate the future of youth.

Furthermore, the healthcare system is overwhelmed. Advocating for SRHR can look like writing letters to your member of parliament and calling upon the government to address shortages and gaps in the healthcare system such as the physician shortage and long wait times. There are many systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need, especially when you consider all the steps that are required to access the health care system. There are many organizations and sexual health clinics that can help you find resources and navigate the healthcare system. It is also time to talk about SRHR openly and freely to reduce the stigma and taboo around these topics. Sexual and reproductive health is no different than any other form of healthcare.

Ultimately, sexual health and reproductive rights can feel scary or challenging to navigate at times. It is important to remember that there are resources, organizations, and support to help you navigate systems to be able to advocate your SRHR. Always listen to what you feel is right, and we hope you feel empowered in advocating for your sexual health and reproductive rights.

Works Cited

Action Canada. “The Personal Is STILL Political | Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.” Www.actioncanadashr.org, 2019, www.actioncanadashr.org/campaigns/personal-still-political. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.

Gilbert, Mark, et al. “Accessing Needed Sexual Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: A Survey of Sexual Health Service Clients.” Sexually Transmitted Infections, vol. 98, no. 5, 5 Nov. 2021, pp. 360–365, sti.bmj.com/content/sextrans/early/2021/11/05/sextrans-2021-055013.full.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2021-055013. Accessed 8 Jan. 2023.

Mohamed, Shamin. “Sex Lives Report 2023.” Issuu.com, 13 Oct. 2023, issuu.com/letsstopaids/docs/sex_lives_report_2023_by_letsstopaids. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.

The Best and Worst Provinces for Easy Access to Birth Control in Canada

By Leisha Toory, General Member

According to The Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas The Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas  by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, if you're seeking convenient access to birth control in Canada, residing in British Columbia or Quebec might be your best bet. These two provinces are the only ones to score above 75 percent in the atlas, which ranks provinces based on government policies affecting both access to and information about contraception.

At the bottom of the list is Newfoundland, scoring only 41.8 percent. While many health experts argue that providing prescription contraception to those in need should be straightforward—especially considering estimates suggesting that every dollar invested in contraception access could save up to nine dollars in the public sector—the considerations regarding who receives subsidized birth control and how it's provided are more intricate. Let's delve into both access and information.

Cost is indeed a significant concern, as highlighted by the atlas. Financial barriers remain the primary obstacle to contraceptive access across Canada. One key reason for British Columbia's leading position in the atlas is its groundbreaking policy of offering free prescription contraception, a first among Canadian provinces.

 Yet, access encompasses more than just financial considerations. The project evaluated not only the extent of financial coverage offered by each province but also the range of supplies covered, the authorization of practitioners to issue prescriptions, and the necessity of prescriptions for emergency contraception.

 On a positive note, all provinces and territories now permit pharmacists, midwives, registered nurses, or a combination of these healthcare professionals to prescribe birth control, alongside general practitioners and nurse practitioners.

 However, a significant drawback remains: fewer than half ( 46 % ) of provinces and territories extend financial coverage for prescription contraception to all or most of their population.

 Having access to readily available and affordable contraception is undoubtedly beneficial – as long as you're aware of its availability and how to obtain it. One would assume this aspect to be straightforward, given the strong online presence of each province and territory, offering extensive information to citizens. However, surprisingly, not all of them provide information about contraception.

 Citizens of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, or Yukon, for instance, do not have access to a government-produced website providing information on contraception. Even among those provinces and territories that do have such websites, the discoverability, quality of information, and links to reliable external sources vary considerably. Furthermore, only four provinces offer information solely in English, with Ontario being the sole province to include a cautionary note about misinformation.

 While all provinces and territories incorporate contraception information into their school sexual education curriculum (although this is elective in Nunavut), nearly a quarter (23 percent) of provinces and territories lack a website produced by a provincial health authority or a major public health authority that offers information on contraception.

 Although some of the oversights revealed in the Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas may seem incredulous, there is promising progress underway. 

The newly elected government of Manitoba has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfill its campaign pledge of offering free prescription contraception.

Furthermore, in a recent session of the Ontario legislature on November 29, 2023, the opposition NDP brought attention to the issue, advocating for a change in the existing policy. Currently, birth control is covered exclusively for women under 25 years old, contingent upon their lack of coverage under a private plan. The NDP proposed extending this coverage to include free prescription contraception for all Ontario residents in need.

Paying for contraception out-of-pocket can be financially burdensome, with costs potentially reaching up to $10,000 over an individual's reproductive lifespan, based on a monthly expense of $25 for hormonal pills. Additionally, the insertion of an IUD can incur a cost of $400 , rendering these expenses prohibitive for some individuals.

Notably, the provision of free prescription contraception not only benefits citizens directly but also carries significant financial advantages. Dr. Wendy Norman, the lead author of the Contraception Cost-Effectiveness in British Columbia study, emphasized that the cost of managing unintended pregnancies surpasses the expenses associated with subsidizing contraception. She highlighted that B.C.'s policy of providing free prescription contraception could potentially save the province $27 million annually.

Liz Thompson, the Advocacy Team Lead for Ontario's non-profit organization Cover ContraceptiON, underscores the fundamental disparity between proactive and reactive healthcare approaches. She notes that substantial sums are spent on reactive care due to the lack of access to contraception, underscoring the importance of proactive measures.

On April 1, 2023, British Columbia implemented universally accessible contraception, sparking hope in Liz. She observes that with the removal of financial barriers, a significant number of people have opted for IUD insertions, leading to waiting lists for the procedure in BC. Liz sees this as a positive challenge.

Manitoba is set to follow suit with universal access to contraception in 2024 .

However, in Ontario, where Liz is actively involved in the Cover ContraceptiON  campaign, the November 29 debate did not yield the desired outcome. Despite hopes for increased funding for contraceptive accessibility, Liz notes that no new commitments were made. This means hundreds of thousands of Ontarians who do not qualify for free prescription contraceptives will continue to strain the healthcare system with emergency visits and treatments.

Despite setbacks, Liz remains determined. She emphasizes the need for further education among Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) about the health benefits of contraception for various medical conditions, including uterine cancer. Liz and her team of Cover ContraceptiON volunteers plan to engage with government members over the coming months to highlight the advantages of contraception.

Leisha Toory is the founder of the Period Priority Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Director with the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, and an Honors in Political Science undergraduate at the University of Ottawa.

What is Bullying?

By Julia Smith, General Member

Bullying is a term that everyone is familiar with in one way or another, and often begin to understand what it is in primary school. Bullying refers to aggressive and reported behaviour by a person or group where the behaviour exhibited towards a party causes harm, fear or distress. Bullying can range from psychological, social or physical damage as well as the intent to harm another individual, group or property.  Often, Bullying occurs when there is a natural or perceived power imbalance, such as size, strength, age, economic status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, or gender expression, to name a few.

The four “main” classifications for Bullying are as follows; 

1. Physically, this can include but is not limited to hitting, shoving, stealing, or damaging someone’s property.

2. Electronic, more commonly known as cyberbullying, is when an individual spreads rumours and hurtful comments online through the use of e-mail, text messaging and social networking sites.  Cyberbullying is on the rise, with 42% of Canadian youth reporting being cyberbullied.

3. Verbal Bullying can include name-calling, mocking, or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments in front of the person or behind the person's back. 40% of Canadian workers have experienced Bullying in the workplace.

4. Social Bullying is very sneaky because it is not overt, and it means excluding others from a group or spreading gossip or rumours about them.  Only 10% of bullying incidents in schools are reported to authorities.

Everyone has the right to feel safe, accepted and valued. It is essential to make our school communities, community centers, universities, and colleges better places by being respectful of others and standing up against Bullying whenever it happens

What to do if you are being bullied.

When you are being bullied, it is very important to try to stay as calm as possible and not to show that you are upset, as often bullies are just looking for a reaction. You could try humour and be assertive, not aggressive, to name a few strategies. It can be challenging to stand up for yourself sometimes; you might feel intimidated, surprised or even scared. You are not alone in this feeling, as 64% of children who were bullied did not report it to an adult. Yet, the best thing you can do is ignore the bullying and, walk away and speak to someone who can help you, perhaps an older student, a teacher, a counsellor, a coach, a parent guardian, or a trusted adult. It is also an excellent strategy to tell multiple people; the more people you tell, the more they will know about the incident and help keep you safe.  If you’re scared to talk to an adult alone, ask a friend to accompany you. 

What if you are the bully and are ready to stop Bullying? 

First of all, congratulations; this is an amazing first step.  It is essential to talk to someone who can help, an older student, your friends, or an adult you trust, as they can help you find ways to get along with others. Set goals daily to make it easier not to bully; a plan could be as simple as helping others rather than hurting them. Learn to accept people's differences. It's okay not to like everyone around you, but that doesn't mean you need to disrespect them. Appreciate people for their differences, and try to put yourself in other people's shoes. Once you do this, you will see that you would not want to be picked on, punched, ignored or left out. 

You could also try to make amends and, if you are brave enough, right some past wrongs by apologizing to people you have bullied. It doesn't mean they will like you or be your friends, but it is an excellent first step to moving forward in the right direction. 

What should you do if you see someone else being a bully?

It can be challenging to watch those around you being bullied, and knowing what to do in this situation is not always obvious, but seeking help is always the way to go. It's not always a good idea to intervene but you must seek help as quickly as possible, If you are in the schoolyard, find a trusted adult immediately. It is essential to know that telling someone what is happening is not tattling; you protect others.   It is necessary to help stand up for people who are being bullied and to snuff out the bullies so they learn that their behaviour is not okay.  

Stand up for those who are bullied. They need your help! 

Check out this helpful website for information on Bullying. 

Preventing Bullying:  www.prevnet.ca

Statistics about Bullying in Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/bullying.html

Cyber Bullying: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/cyberbullying/cyberbullying-against-law.html

Endo and PCOS: Not Just Sexual and Reproductive Health Conditions (For Women)

By Karen Tang, General Member

This month’s theme for the YCRH’s social media and blogs surrounds the topic of Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR).

What is Endometriosis (Endo)?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition often linked with severe, life-impacting pain, particularly during menstruation. In fact, individuals with endometriosis often have a decreased quality of life given that the extreme pain can lead to avoidance of intercourse, and interruptions to daily life such as skipping school and/or work. Endo occurs when tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.

Other symptoms can include heavy bleeding during periods, challenges with infertility, bloating and nausea, and fatigue.

The World Health Organization suggests that Endo impacts about 10% of reproductive aged women and girls worldwide, which is around 190 million individuals. Unfortunately, there currently is no cure for Endo, so management of symptoms is key (e.g., hormonal contraceptives, medications).

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

The World Health Organization states that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal condition that impacts about 8-13% of women of reproductive age, although oftentimes, it remains undiagnosed.

PCOS symptoms can include hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and increased levels of androgen, and ovarian cysts. Challenges with excessive hair, acne and oily skin, weight gain, and infertility are often a result of PCOS.

Similar to Endo, PCOS is a chronic condition with no cure. As such, symptoms are often managed through lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., hormonal contraceptives), and fertility treatments.  

Impacts on Mental Health

It is important to keep in mind that Endo and PCOS are not simply fertility and/or reproductive health concerns, but are conditions that can have symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, including mental health. Specifically, Endo and PCOS are often linked with higher psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, as well as a negative body image. As such, many of the current treatments for Endo (e.g., medications to reduce pain) and PCOS (e.g., hormonal contraceptives to regulate periods) may help with managing and regulating the hormonal aspects of these conditions, but currently, treatment does not adequately address psychological symptoms of these conditions. As such, it is imperative that we work towards developing treatment and interventions that are supportive and women-centred, in order to improve individual’s quality of life by addressing psychological distress, body image concerns, anxiety, and low mood symptoms.

Not Just a Women’s Health Condition

It can be easy to simply brush off Endo and PCOS as being a “women’s health concern,” but in reality, these health concerns impact all of us (think YCRH’s last month’s theme on global health).

Firstly, infertility and challenges with getting pregnant are often key indicators of Endo and PCOS. Infertility not only impacts the person aiming to get pregnant, but also their partner, and broadly, their loved ones/families.

Additionally, there can be significant social, public health, and economic implications. For example, given the severe pain experienced by those with Endo, this can lead individuals to missing school and/or work, which can have both social (e.g., impacting literacy and education attainment) and economic (e.g., lost wages) impacts. In terms of public health, where the goal is promoting and protecting the health of the entire population, then evidently, we are currently ignoring half of the population. Women’s health conditions are systematically underfunded, under researched, and thus, largely not understood, which may explain why there is currently no cure for either condition.

Research is clearly desperately needed to further understand these conditions, so that we can have treatment that not only helps manage these chronic conditions and the associated mental health symptoms, but with the overall goal of improving the overall quality of life for all women.

Note: *Women is used throughout the blog as a general, all-encompassing term. Please note that Endo and PCOS can impact girls, women, transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people.

Resources and further reading:

“Invisible Women” (Book) by Caroline Criado Perez: https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

“Women’s health research lacks funding – these charts show how” (Article) by Kerri Smith https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-023-01475-2/index.html

UNICEF Report Card 18

By Christine Wincentaylo, Laetitia Satam, and Kate Tucker

UNICEF Report Cards have existed for over 20 years and measure child and youth well-being in high-income countries worldwide. The UNICEF Report Card series has helped answer these questions:

1. How well are children in the world’s wealthiest countries experiencing childhoods?

2. Are childhoods getting better?

3. What will help countries with similar resources achieve excellent outcomes for every child?

Report Card 18 specifically compares levels of child poverty in the wealthiest countries, the progress they have been making to end child poverty, and how well their policies protect children from deprivation (1). Recommendations and reviews of specific policies are unique to Canada; background on child poverty in Canada is outlined in the report. Additionally, absolute and relative comparisons between other countries support recommendations, strengths, barriers, and future actional tasks with proven success.

What is Child Poverty?

The government of Canada does not have an official definition of poverty; however, it is often assessed by level of income. The Low Income Measure (LIM) measures poverty in UNICEF Report Card 18. It is defined as a fixed percentage of payment, and a household is considered low if its income is below a certain percentage of median household income (2). The international ‘gold standard’ for measuring income-based poverty, used by the European Union (EU), measures the number of children in households with an income less than 60 percent of the median national income, but 50 percent, or some other determination can/may be used as well in other contexts. UNICEF Report Card 18 used a LIM of 60 to acknowledge that children require more than having basic needs met to thrive in a wealthy country and set a minimum income for social inclusion and well-being (1).

Child poverty rates are calculated as the number of children in poverty divided by the number of children in the population (aged 0–17 inclusive). For everyone, but especially children, poverty is so much more than just money. The experience of living in poverty can impact children for the rest of their lives due to potentially limited access to nutritious foods, adequate shelter and clothing, safe and clean environments to play in, and an essential focus on survival rather than just being a kid. Living in poverty as a child is also a critical determinant of health and results in health-altering outcomes well beyond childhood (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). Child poverty levels highly depend on how healthy governments protect children from it (1). Good policies can and do reduce child poverty. Eliminating child poverty is possible in Canada using ambitious goals and effective government policies.

Summary of main findings in Report Card 18

This year’s UNICEF Report Card ranked Canada as #11, a significant improvement from the last, which placed Canada at #28 (1). While this is a substantial improvement, it is crucial to note that child poverty has risen in Canada for the first time in many years, with more than 1 million children currently being raised in poverty. Child poverty has increased from 5.2% in 2020 to 17.8% in 2021. This rise in poverty is also not equally distributed across Canada; Child poverty rates range widely in Canada, from 14% in Quebec to 38% in the territories. The lack of access to services for youth in environments reflects this

. Furthermore, Child poverty rose in every province except Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, with the most significant increases in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is interesting to see such stark differences among Atlantic Canada. There have been compounding factors that have led to the rise of child poverty in Canada, stemming from navigating a post-COVID-19 world that is full of inflation-ridden prices, housing crises, and more.

Canada ranks 11th among 39 wealthy countries for its progress in reducing child poverty—image from UNICEF Canada.

When you consider all these variables, it is saddening that it is children who are the most affected by poverty. Children have the highest rate of food insecurity in the country at 24%, which is 1.8 million children. This is an additional 400,000 children to the 1.4 million children already facing food insecurity in 2021. Different households are also disproportionately affected by child poverty, such as single-parent households (3). The 2023 UNICEF report card found that for single-parent households with two children, Canada’s social protection is only 36% of the average wage (1).

Child poverty also plays a huge role in mental well-being, and it is crucial to protect youth's mental health as childhood and adolescence are times of rapid growth and development, and poverty can lead to poor health outcomes later in life. The Canadian Mental Health Association of Canada reports that the stress of living in poverty can lead to depression and anxiety and that adequate access to education, employment, and housing are core pillars to lifting youth out of poverty and thus improving their mental health (4). More than a quarter of youth hospitalized for mental health crises were from less-affluent households Canadian Institute for Health Information (5). This is evidence of how lifting children out of poverty can have a cascade effect, reducing the healthcare system's burden and ensuring children are happy and healthy.

Child poverty rates, UNICEF Canada.

So What’s Next?

Recommendations for acting on this report include:

Increasing community gardens significantly increases food security (food disparity drastically impacts child poverty), improves health, especially in marginalized communities, and even reduces crime rates and provides nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables (6). A study found that individuals experiencing food insecurity are more vulnerable to developing a wide range of chronic conditions. Participants were 3% more likely to get diabetes, 2% more likely to get heart disease, and 1.5 % more likely to develop hypertension. This inevitably leads to a higher annual healthcare cost for food-insecure adults(7). To create a community garden differs from province to province; by searching online for “community gardens,” you can be directed to your community website, such as the city of Toronto: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/gardens-and-horticulture/urban-agriculture/community-gardens/

Community Garden

Lunch programs, nearly 1 in 3 children go to school hungry (1). School feeding programs can reduce poverty by boosting income for households and communities. For families, the value of meals in school is about 10% of a household’s income (8). These programs can increase enrolment by an average of 9%. To learn more about starting a school lunch program in your area, visit https://canadianfeedthechildren.ca/.

Stay current with MBM-C (Children’s Market Basket Measure) and help with the research. The MBM-C is a measurement that determines how the government will support children in low-income households (1). “More than 50% of the world’s poorest people are children" (9). Connect with Childcare Canada and the National Advisory Council on Poverty to help create change.

Educate yourself and others on the income support programs that benefit children in Canada such as: “Maternity benefits under the Employment Insurance (EI) program (all of Canada excluding Quebec), Parental benefits under the Employment Insurance (EI) program (all of Canada excluding Quebec), Maternity benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, Paternity benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, Non-shareable adoption benefits, and Shareable adoption benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), Adoption-related welcome and support benefits, Multiple adoption, Single-parent adoption benefits, and Single-parent adoption benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), Canada Pension Plan (CCP) children’s benefits. All these programs are located in the UNICEF Report 18. There are always pros and cons within any program, but the value of these income programs has been shown to reduce child poverty. From 2016 to 2017, impoverished children decreased from 11% to 9% (10).

Contact your local MPs and council members and ask how they address child poverty in your area. If you need help starting a conversation, here are some Citizens For Public Justice tips.

These are some ways to help create change and work towards recommendations made with the report. Let us know about other ways to work together to create a safe and healthy space for all children in Canada.

Sources:

1. UNICEF Report Card 18 [Internet]. Available from: https://www.unicef.ca/en/unicef-report-card-18

2. Towards a Poverty Reduction Strategy – A backgrounder on poverty in Canada [Internet]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/poverty-reduction/backgrounder.html

3. Guttmann A. Child poverty, health and health care use in Canada. Paediatr Child Health. 2001;6(8):509–13.

4. Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. Poverty and Mental Illness [Internet]. 2007. Available from: https://ontario.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/cmha_ont_poverty_backgrounder_112007.pdf

5. CIHI. Children and youth mental health in Canada [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://www.cihi.ca/en/children-and-youth-mental-health-in-canada

6. Community Gardens Are Growing Health, Food, & Opportunity [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/community-gardens/

7. How community gardens are tackling food insecurity [Internet]. Available from: https://home.blnkpage.org/health-science/how-community-gardens-are-tackling-food-insecurity/#:~:text=Community%20gardens%20provide%20individuals%20and%20families%20with%20separate%2C,provide%20lower-income%20households%20with%20access%20to%20nutritious%20food

8. World Food Programme. The impact of school feeding programmes [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000102338/download/

9. Canadian Feed the Children. Child Poverty: Causes and Effects [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://canadianfeedthechildren.ca/the-feed/child-poverty-causes-and-effects/

10. Mitchell PJ, DeBruyn R. The Pros and Cons of Canada’s Child Benefit [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-canadas-child-benefit

Why YOU Should Care About Global Health

By Karen Tang, General Member

This month’s theme for the YCRH’s social media and blogs surrounds the topic of Global Health. Here is a quick guide introducing the topic.

What is Global Health?

It is essential first to define Global Health. As the name implies, Global Health is about the health of humans worldwide.

How does Global Health impact me?

The main challenge with global health is to ensure that regardless of someone's physical location in the world, they can live their healthiest possible life. Global health threats can comprise of emerging diseases, disease outbreaks, environmental disasters, and the inaccessibility of healthcare. Furthermore, to improve Global health, we can aim to reduce inequities worldwide, combat preventable diseases, and ensure healthcare is accessible and inclusive for all.

Global health matters for everyone, regardless of your geophysical location. Consider the analogy of a garden when illustrating the importance of global health. In a garden, some plants have all the resources they need to stay healthy and grow—this includes sunlight, soil, and the right amount of water. However, other plants do not have the same resources in that same garden, putting them at greater risk of not thriving. As a result, the garden as a whole is more vulnerable.

As a global community, we all function together in a society. Furthermore, we are all human beings with a right to affordable and efficacious healthcare. If our global neighbours do not have access to the healthcare they need, society's overall health can be put at risk. Similarly, when everyone has access to health care, we are all better equipped to combat disease and promote greater well-being for all.

What are some examples of Global Health initiatives?

COVID-19 often comes to the forefront when discussing diseases and vaccine rollouts, given its global impact on the world as a pandemic. One of the most memorable global health initiatives of our generation will no doubt be the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine. Research from a study published in the Lancet indicates that during the first year of immunization (from December 2020 to December 2021), the high uptick in vaccinations prevented at least 14.4 to 19.8 million deaths globally. This statistic is based on data collected in 185 countries worldwide.

Although an impressive statistic, further deaths could have been prevented, particularly in “lower-income countries.” The authors report significant differences in the COVID-19 vaccination rates across regions and countries, highlighting a substantial difference in global health. In countries denoted as “high- and upper-middle-income countries”, the vaccination rates were higher than in “lower-income countries”, where the vaccination rate stands at under 5 percent (versus over 100% in some countries that vaccinated non-residents as well). Disparities in global health are still prevalent today, even in the recent case study of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another example is the eradication of smallpox worldwide. Smallpox was once an increasingly prevalent and deadly disease due to globalization. However, given the global concerted efforts of vaccination campaigns spearheaded by the World Health Organization, in 1980, the World Health Assembly officially declared the eradication of smallpox.

Next steps

After reading this, you understand what Global Health is, its importance, and why it matters to you! Keep an eye out on our YCRH social media and blogs this month as we discuss and continue raising awareness of global health issues.

Resources and further reading:

Statistics and an interactive map of COVID-19 vaccination rates: https://datatopics.worldbank.org/sdgatlas/goal-3-good-health-and-well-being?lang=en#c5

“Why should you care about global health? Episode 17 of "That's Public Health" video by the American Public Health Association: https://youtu.be/y6ENCgkgH_w?si=y5MvlS5kEbERIM-D

Smallpox by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/smallpox/index.html#:~:text=In%201980%2C%20the%20World%20Health,occurring%20smallpox%20have%20happened%20since.

That’s a Wrap: Analyzing the 2023 Canada Food Price Report

By Laetitia Satam, Kathleena Henricus, and Shivani Shukla

Perhaps most explicitly seen in increases in food bank usage due to food insecurity, it is clear that Canadians have been feeling the burn of rising grocery store prices. The 2024 Canada’s Food Price Report breaks down the kind of burden Canadians faced in 2023 and what is expected regarding food for 2024. This report is a cross-country collaboration between Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of British Columbia. Amidst many consumer reports, the 2024 Canada Food Price Report was highly anticipated, highlighting spending trends, poor mental health, and high food rates.

The report highlighted that, despite inflation, Canadians spent significantly less on food in 2023. Reducing the amount of money spent on food can be done in two ways: reducing the quantity of food bought or reducing the quality of what is purchased. Overarchingly, this means that Canadians were less well-nourished. One of the many possible reasons for this lack of spending could be financial difficulties, such as the 4.2% increase in household debt during the past year. This rise in debt helps explain why, in 2023, there were almost 2 million visits to food banks, which is a 32% increase since March 2022 and a whopping 78.5% increase from March 2019.

No doubt, prevailing food insecurity in Canada has hurt mental health. A study by the University of Toronto found that Canadians in food-insecure households are at a greater risk of declining mental health and that the consequences of food insecurity can have an even more significant toll on the healthcare system. For example, 1 in 8 households in Ontario is food insecure, but food insecure households account for more than 1 in 3 hospitalizations due to mental health crises. Children being raised in food-insecure homes are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity, inattention, and adverse impacts on their mental health, such as more significant risks of depression and suicidal ideation (2018). When looking at these findings, it is clear that Canadians need food support and that food insecurity needs to be addressed more seriously.

While households are struggling, the 2023 Canada Food Price Report also found that “[g]rocers continued to profit and excessively exploit the ongoing inflationary trends” and that almost a third (30.3%) of Canadians believe price-gouging is the reason for inflated grocery prices. What Canadians believe may not be wrong; for example, the Canada Bread Company pleaded guilty to 4 counts of price-fixing under the Competition Act. Price fixing is an illegal practice and occurs when competitors agree not to change the price of a good since it leads to a higher price being maintained even when the market can accommodate a lower price. Choosing not to offer products at lower and more competitive prices drives Canadian food insecurity and makes it consistently harder to access proper and healthy nourishment.

While the past year's trends are disheartening, there is some reason for Canadians to be optimistic about market changes in 2024. 2024, the Canada Food Price Report expects a deflationary trend, especially for essential goods. For exact breakdowns of different grocery products, it was found that the total anticipated increase in food prices ranges from 2.5 - 4.5%, with bakery, meat, and vegetables seeing the most significant price increase, ranging from 5-7%. Hopefully, a deflationary trend will help decrease food prices and bring more Canadians out of food insecurity, which can positively impact their mental health.

We have some great tips and tricks if you are looking for solutions to help cut down on your grocery bill or meal plan on a budget! Some things to remember are affordable swaps; frozen and even canned produce can be cheaper than fresh produce, last longer, and frozen produce is nutritionally equivalent to fresh produce. Canned produce may lead to losing some heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, but they are still healthy options to incorporate into your diet! It can also be worthwhile to buy the no-name brands instead of brand-name foods, especially when the quality and taste are not distinguishable. Another great, sustainable idea to cut down on food waste is only to buy what you need. Try planning your meals for the week before your grocery run to ensure you are not buying anything that will ultimately have to be thrown out. Furthermore, if you ever see a fantastic deal, do not be afraid to buy in bulk and freeze the excess! Just read up on safely freezing your food for the best quality. Different grocery stores may also have different deals; if you have the time, try to shop around or check out which weekly deals different grocery stores offer. As an individual, you can impact your life and budget in many ways!

However, we must acknowledge that the burden of increasing food prices is falling on consumers and remain vocal that it does not need to be this way. This is an issue affecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As part of community-based advocacy efforts, we urge you to contact your local MPs and policymakers to voice your concerns and ask what policy work is being done to reduce food insecurity in Canada. You can call, email, send letters, and even organize with a group of people to bring these issues forward. Putting pressure on policymakers to act now can show how important this issue is to Canadians and that action needs to be taken immediately.

People and families need to be able to access proper food and nourishment, as adequate nutrition is one of the critical factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being able to function correctly depends in large part on food and food quality. The 2024 Canada Food Price Report outlined many food-related factors, highlighting some essential information and causes for concern. In 2023, Canadians saw many hardships concerning food, such as high rates of food insecurity that resulted in a lack of well-nourishment and a decline in mental health within families, affecting children who are an especially vulnerable population. Increases in food bank usage, resulting from price fixing and other factors, also caused more strained access to food in 2023. Things seem to be looking up in 2024 regarding high prices, which can hopefully help with many of the difficulties faced in 2023. Reports like the Canada Food Price Report help spread awareness and knowledge concerning food and showcase the importance of supporting nonprofits and food banks battling food insecurity. In 2024, we must work towards building healthier communities, ensuring everyone gets the nourishment and support they deserve.

Drug Awareness: The Opioid Epidemic

By Julia Smith, General Member

On October 17, 2018, the Federal Government legalized recreational cannabis.

Ontario's Government put rules in place to keep cannabis out of reach of children and youth. One must be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis. This is the same as the minimum age for selling tobacco and alcohol in Ontario. Yet, cannabis is by far the only drug that is readily used in Canada; the use of drugs, in particular, opioids, is becoming an epidemic.

Opioids are a family of drugs that have a morphine-like effect; they can cause a slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, and feeling like you might pass out. Some opioids are prescription, while others are street opioid drugs that can include drugs like heroin, morphine, Fentanyl, methadone and codeine. It is essential to know that All opioids, prescription and non-prescription, can cause overdoses. If you are prescribed over-the-counter opioids, you must lock them up in your house.

Many people, including teens and parents alike, often think that prescription drugs are less harmful than street drugs as they are prescribed, but this is not the case. They can be just as potent and deadly if misused; dealers of street drugs are becoming increasingly sneaky at making their drugs look like prescription medications such as Percocet or Oxycodone. You must never take prescription drugs not provided by a physician or pharmacist.

Fentanyl is a very popular opioid; it is dangerous, potent and illegal, yet despite this, many people are overdosing on this drug. Fentanyl is generally prescribed as a patch as a painkiller and is around 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine. Because of this, the risk of overdose, even accidental overdose, is much higher. Illegal Fentanyl is turning up in many different drugs on the street, and It can be found in different party drugs like cocaine and ecstasy; these drugs are often synthetically produced and cut with unsafe materials, so there is no way to know what is in them.

What to do if you or a friend have overdosed?

Naloxone:

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. You can get a take-home naloxone kit at no cost from pharmacies and other agencies in Ottawa and in most provinces. If you are a parent or a friend of someone who uses or if you use, get a naloxone kit. Keep it ready in case of an overdose. Friends or family of teens in Ontario who are worried. It is essential to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose quickly. Having a naloxone kit available can save a life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

In the event of an Overdose:

It is essential to know that an overdose is considered a medical emergency. If you witness or suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately, even if naloxone has been administered. An overdose of opioids, such as Fentanyl, will have at least one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

• The Person will be unresponsive. The Body is limp

• The Person’s Breathing is prolonged

• Their Lips and nails might appear blue

• Their Skin can be cold and feel clammy

• The Person might be choking and throwing up

• The Person is making gurgling noises

• Small pupils

• Excess perspiration

Worrying facts:

• Canada has the second-highest level of prescription opioid use globally.

• Opioids were responsible for 45% of drug overdose deaths between 2009 and 2011

• 13% of Ottawa high school students used prescription drugs, and two-thirds of students got the drug from a parent, sibling or someone else they live with.

For more information, click on the links below:

https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/epidemic.html - Understanding the Opioid Epidemic

https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/CCSA-Canada-Opioid-Crisis-What-You-Should-Know-Poster-2021-en.pdf - Candas Opioid Crisis Info Graphic

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html - Canadian Government get Help with Substance Abuse

Empowering Voices: The Role of Youth in Shaping Global Health Agendas

By Leisha Toory, Director of Sexual Health and Reproduction Rights

In an ever-evolving world, youth's dynamic energy and innovative perspectives are becoming increasingly crucial in shaping global health agendas. As a force for change, young people are demonstrating their ability to drive transformative initiatives, advocate for inclusivity, and influence policy-making on a global scale.

The Power of Youth Engagement:

1. Catalysts for Change:

Youth engagement is not merely symbolic but a potent force driving substantive change. According to a study published in the Lancet, involving youth in decision-making increases the likelihood of successful and sustainable health interventions (Patel et al., 2018).

2. Innovative Solutions:

The unique perspectives and experiences of young people often lead to innovative solutions. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the significant contributions of youth-led initiatives in combating health challenges, especially in areas such as mental health and sexual and reproductive health (WHO, 2020).

3. Digital Advocacy:

The digital era has empowered youth to connect, mobilize, and advocate globally. Platforms like social media enable young activists to raise awareness, garner support, and influence public opinion, as demonstrated in various global health movements (Kaplan et al., 2016).

Inclusivity in Global Health Policies:

1. Addressing Health Disparities:

Youth engagement is pivotal in addressing health disparities. The involvement of young people ensures that policies consider the unique health challenges this demographic faces, contributing to more equitable health outcomes (Kickbusch et al., 2017).

2. LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy:

A growing body of research emphasizes the crucial role of youth-led LGBTQ+ health advocacy in shaping global health agendas. Initiatives championed by young activists have increased awareness and improved healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide (Hughto et al., 2019).

Challenges and Opportunities:

1. Barriers to Engagement:

Despite the positive impact, youth engagement faces challenges such as limited resources, lack of representation in decision-making bodies, and skepticism about the efficacy of youth-led initiatives. Addressing these challenges is essential for sustained progress (Smith et al., 2018).

2. Opportunities for Collaboration:

Collaborative efforts between youth organizations, governmental bodies, and international agencies present opportunities to overcome challenges. The WHO's Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health encourages collaborative partnerships to amplify youth voices in health decision-making (WHO, 2016).

As we navigate complex global health challenges, empowering youth voices is beneficial and imperative. The evidence supports that youth-led initiatives contribute to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable global health agendas. Governments, international organizations, and communities must recognize and actively involve youth in policy-making processes to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all.

References:

- Patel, V., Kim, Y. R., & Contribution of Youth to Global Health, (2018). The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30625-1

- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Youth and health for a sustainable future. https://www.who.int/southeastasia/activities/youth-and-health-for-a-sustainable-future

- Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2016). Higher education and the digital revolution: About MOOCs, SPOCs, social media, and the Cookie Monster. Business Horizons, 59(4), 441–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2016.03.008

- Kickbusch, I., Franz, C., Holzscheiter, A., & Hunger, I. (2017). Addressing global health governance challenges through a new mechanism: The proposal for a Committee C in the World Health Assembly. Global Challenges, 1(1), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.1012

- Hughto, J. M. W., Pachankis, J. E., Willie, T. C., & Reisner, S. L. (2019). Victimization and depressive symptomology in transgender adults: The mediating role of avoidant coping. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 66(3), 323–331. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000353

- World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-2030). https://www.who.int/life-course/partners/global-strategy/globalstrategyreport2016-2030-lowres.pdf

- Smith, C. M., & Wakefield, M. (2018). The global youth tobacco survey: 2001–2002. Health Education Research, 17(3), 492–499. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/17.4.492

Leisha Toory is the founder of the Period Priority Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Director with the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, and an Honors in Political Science undergraduate at the University of Ottawa.

The Double Burden of Malnutrition in Global Health

By Laetitia Satam, General Member

Malnutrition. When most people hear the word malnutrition, they think of undereating, having nutritional deficiencies, and picture someone looking weak. What if I told you malnutrition includes all those and the exact opposite? Malnutrition, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a deficiency or excess of nutrient intake, an imbalance of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrition utilization (2022). As the Western world grapples with an obesity epidemic, it is crucial to understand that on both sides of the spectrum, being underweight or overweight is malnutrition. As we see grocery store shelves stocked with ultra-processed foods, a diet declining in fresh fruits and vegetables, and parts of the world experiencing extreme food insecurity, it is no surprise that nutrition is declining worldwide.

Interestingly, countries, especially those currently undergoing rapid economic growth and development, can see a “double burden.”. The double burden in nutrition is when both undernutrition and obesity or cases of being overweight are prevalent. This double burden can be seen on an individual, a household, or a more significant population level. For example, a child who experienced stunting due to undernutrition who becomes obese later in life, in a home where parents and a mother suffer from anemia (low iron) but her children are overweight, or seeing both underweight and obese individuals in a country’s population (World Health Organization, 2020). This is a challenge for countries that are rapidly developing and are undergoing a nutrition translation. As incomes increase, so do levels of food security. However, when there is an increase in wealth in a nation and a more remarkable ability to secure food, that does not mean nutrition education is adequately provided, leading to people not only consuming more than they were previously but also consuming foods that are not optimized for health or ultra-processed foods commonly consumed in the West. Studies have found that industrializing countries like India also face significant wealth disparities, leading those in poverty to undernutrition. In contrast, those with more outstanding affluence face issues with overnutrition, widening the difference between populations (Nguyen et al., 2021). Interestingly, the prevalence of overweight/obesity is still increasing in low socioeconomic communities, although not at the rapid rates of urban centers (Nguyen et al., 2021). There is also a fear that these countries will adopt a more Western diet, which is full of ultra-processed foods and high in sugar and sodium. However, this can have even more detrimental health effects, as these countries may not have adequate health resources and systems to support an increase in the chronic diseases often seen in the West (such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, etc.). The double burden can strain healthcare systems dealing with extreme ends of malnutrition, an issue not typically seen in industrialized countries with solid healthcare systems.

Now, how can the double burden be addressed? This is where global health plays a role. While many of the WHO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been stalled by polycrises, this does change the fact that world hunger has worsened since 2015, with current levels not being observed since 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected by hunger, while the double burden grows in industrializing countries. Many SDGs can play a role in addressing the double duty. SDG 1, Zero Poverty and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, address critical determinants of malnutrition. By addressing these social determinants, initiatives can simultaneously contribute to SDG 1 and SDG 10, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals can access sufficient nutritious food. Poverty is one of the most significant factors for facing food insecurity, and for some living in poverty, it means only ultra-processed foods are available. An interesting parallel has been drawn when discussing poverty in industrialized vs industrialized countries; a person in poverty in a country like Canada can most likely afford calories with a low nutritional value, whereas a person in a country with low socioeconomic conditions is unlikely to afford any calories. This further adds to the complexity of addressing poverty and malnutrition globally, highlighting the importance of different, localized initiatives.

Zero Hunger (SDG 2) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition. Addressing the double burden of malnutrition aligns with the comprehensive approach needed to fulfill the aspirations of SDG 2. Initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture, equitable access to nutritious food, and improved food systems contribute to dismantling the double burden. Many efforts are being made to end hunger, from community gardens to changing distribution systems, supporting local and micro farmers, and ensuring the climate and soil are healthy enough to further agricultural development.

SDG3, Good Health and Well-being focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. Tackling the double burden of malnutrition aligns with SDG 3 by addressing undernutrition-related health issues (such as stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition-related concerns (including obesity and non-communicable diseases). An optimal diet is the foundation for good health and begins right from conception. Even giving birth continues to be dangerous in areas of the world, and we are facing high rates of food insecurity. Sub-Saharan Africa sees high cases of preeclampsia, which can lead to death in mothers during childbirth. In response, many soon-to-be moms choose to undereat pregnancy in hopes of keeping their babies small for birth. However, global health experts know that an adequate set of healthy weights leads to better outcomes for both the mother and the baby, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in vulnerable populations and the multifaceted role global health plays in addressing these inequalities.

Quality Education SDG 4: Education plays a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition. Promoting awareness about balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of adequate healthcare contributes to achieving SDG 4. Educated communities are more likely to adopt positive health behaviours and make informed dietary choices. As people experience greater upward social mobility and have greater purchasing power for food, they must be educated on how to make healthy options on what to buy. Furthermore, with the expansion of global fast food chains and ultra-processed foods, individuals need to be educated on making wise choices when incorporating these options into their diets. Global health experts often advocate for educational initiatives because prevention is better than cure. Educating populations to make better nutritional decisions can alleviate the healthcare system's stress and allow future generations to prosper.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Collaboration across sectors, nations, and organizations is crucial for effectively addressing the double burden of malnutrition. SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships, making it a cornerstone for the global health community to work together and pool resources to tackle complex challenges like malnutrition comprehensively. These collaborations must work with all levels of organizations to tackle the double burden occurring on multiple levels while ensuring individual needs are met.

While the double burden may be new, various global health sectors must pool together to address it. Strides can be made towards addressing the double duty by achieving the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. As more parts of the world continue to industrialize, the goal should be to provide everyone with the adequate nutrition they need in their worlds, regardless of their socioeconomic status.