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.

Canada's Cervical Cancer Crisis: Failing Immigrant Women in Access to Lifesaving Screening

By Leisha Toory, Director of Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights

As we commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, it is crucial to address the pressing issue surrounding cervical cancer, ranking as the third most prevalent preventable reproductive cancer among Canadian women and remains a formidable public health challenge. In 2017, approximately 1550 Canadian women were projected to develop cervical cancer, resulting in 400 deaths. While Canada boasts a five-year relative survival rate of 74% for cervical cancer, this figure escalates to 93% when diagnosed in stage I-A, plunging to a distressing 15% in location IV-B.

Screening is a crucial tool for secondary prevention, enabling the early detection of cancer before symptoms manifest. This early detection translates into less aggressive treatments, shorter recovery times, and heightened survival rates, effectively reducing cancer morbidity and mortality. Notably, the primary impact of screening lies in identifying precancerous changes and addressing them before progression to cancer. Women treated for precancerous cervix conditions generally experience excellent outcomes and can avoid developing cervical cancer. Initiated in the 1960s, cervical cancer screening in Canada has played a pivotal role in diminishing the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and mortality rates. Mortality rates consistently declined by 2.8% annually between 1992 and 2008 following widespread implementation of cervical cancer screening.

However, despite the advantages of cervical cancer screening and the accessibility of provincially covered healthcare in Canada, ensuring reasonable access to medically necessary services without out-of-pocket expenses, a critical concern persists. Immigrant women, constituting 20.6% of the total population, continue to be underscreened. This disparity raises significant health concerns, especially considering Canada's ongoing influx of thousands of new immigrants annually.

Economic barriers form a substantial impediment to cervical cancer screening. Low socioeconomic status and insufficient income have been identified as significant hurdles. Despite publicly funded healthcare access in Canada, immigrant women face challenges in affording screening tests due to associated costs, transportation difficulties, and childcare issues. Hourly wage earners, predominantly women from low socioeconomic backgrounds, experience income loss when taking time off work for healthcare provider visits for screening tests. Some Chinese immigrant women even perceive screening as an inefficient use of government resources.

Inadequate reimbursement for physicians completing Pap tests contributes to the low screening rate, compounding the economic barriers faced by immigrant women. Healthcare providers recognize poverty as a significant influence on screening, considering it a lower priority for immigrant populations facing other critical challenges.

Healthcare system-related barriers, particularly from the patient's perspective, are centred around the lack of acceptable healthcare providers, with a preference for female physicians. Patients express greater comfort discussing Pap tests with female physicians. The absence of physicians' recommendations for screening tests further hinders the screening process. Additionally, immigrants encounter difficulties due to scheduling complexities, limited office hours, long waiting times, and challenges in accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate information.

Language barriers compound the issue, hindering immigrant women from effectively communicating in English or French. The lack of fluency in official languages impedes access to healthcare services, scheduling appointments, and engaging in discussions with healthcare providers.

Lack of knowledge is a significant barrier among immigrant women. Difficulties in accessing or navigating the healthcare system, limited understanding of cervical cancer and its risk factors, and misconceptions about the disease contribute to this barrier. Insufficient knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion, coupled with a lack of explanation from healthcare providers, leads to the perception that Pap tests are unnecessary.

In conclusion, while Canada has made strides in cervical cancer screening, significant disparities persist, particularly affecting immigrant women. Economic, healthcare system-related, language, and knowledge-related barriers collectively impede women's equitable access to screening services. Urgent and targeted interventions are required to address these disparities and ensure that all Canadian women have equal opportunities for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

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.

New Year Does Not Mean a New You

By Laetitia Satam, General Member

Let’s face it - we’ve all felt the pressure of the “New Year, new me” mantra. Why do we preach self-love all year long, yet there is an annual urge to undergo a drastic “transformation” of ourselves annually? Why do we discredit all the hard work we’ve already invested? The truth is, the new year does not have to equate to a new you. There is no reason for the new year to signify a new version of ourselves.

Now, I don’t want to say you shouldn’t have goals. If you’ve been making strides all year, the new year can motivate you to keep that momentum going! If you want to make healthy changes, go for it! Healthy growth is essential, and a new year can feel like a catalyst for making these changes. We do not need influencers and corporations telling us what changes we have to make, how to make them, or the stress of making these changes at an unsustainable pace. From toxic diet culture to consumerism, the new year is shifting from a time to enjoy with friends and family, to an isolating place of “transformation”.

Surveys have found that 59% of young adults (18-34), as opposed to only 19% of adults older than 55, a report setting a New Year resolution; even though being a young adult is already a stressful time full of growth, major life changes and developments. This could mean specific, possibly vulnerable populations being targeted to change themselves when they did not even want to or being pushed to make drastic changes in an unhealthy way. When you consider social media and advertisements' role in New Year's resolutions, it is no wonder younger audiences are also targeted. For young adults already navigating a rapidly changing world, the pressure of having new goals you “have” to achieve can be stressful. Studies have also shown that countries like the USA and Canada tend to set more resolutions, especially compared to our Western European and Nordic counterparts, at 37%, as opposed to 12-14% (Davis, 2023). This hints towards a difference in lifestyles; Western European and Nordic countries have consistently been found to be happier and healthier (Grenier 2016). This is partly due to their consistent healthy lifestyle, not sudden waves of needing to change their lifestyles. It’s not enough to change your life for a few weeks in January but then find it so challenging to maintain you have to revert your goals. The goal should be to make small, sustainable changes without rash decisions. It is the small decisions that compound into significant changes. Your social environment also has a lot to do with it; if you surround yourself with people making these quick and rash goals without a long-term game plan to be successful, it can ultimately be detrimental to your health. As many European countries see increasing health and lifestyle outcomes reflected in Canada and the USA, I wonder if they’ll also see increasing rates of New Year's resolutions.

Others have found it is not detrimental to creating a goal but rather the plan's scope and where it stems from (Baksh 2021). For example, simply saying you want to get “into shape” is quite broad, with no set point of what getting into shape means, while having a goal of running a 5k is something where it is easy to measure your progress. Furthermore, these goals can become detrimental if rooted in a place of self-loathing or poor self-image.

Convincing yourself that there is something about you that is “wrong” or that you have to “fix” can be detrimental to your mental health. Instead, I would advise you to have goals that allow you to be happy with who you are. If you have negative self-talk or become obsessed with your plan, talking to your loved ones about how you are feeling and reassessing your goal may be beneficial.

The narrative of “New Year, New Me” continues to be harmfully propagated, but it does not mean we should belittle those who do want to use the New Year to set some goals. I want to touch on the shame people receive from others when they try to achieve a new purpose. Many long-time gym goers will complain when the January rush hits, but I want to challenge people to channel those frustrations into support. We were all new to the gym at one point, and for some people, that support may help them see the gym as a life-long habit. Surveys have shown that 48% of people put fitness as their top New Year's resolution, making it the most common New Year's resolution and showing that health is a focus for many people. I think this is wonderful and that it can be inspiring. Health encompasses many aspects of health, including physical and mental health.

Ultimately, health comprises the millions of small decisions we make daily. For those looking for a New Year’s Resolution, I advise looking into the various aspects of health and the small things you can do to make yourself happier.

Regardless of whether you are setting a New Year resolution, the YCRH hopes everyone steps into the new year feeling energized and ready to tackle another year! If you are feeling under pressure this holiday season, please know you are not alone and that there are many resources out there if you need support.

References

Baksh, Justin. “New Year’s Resolutions May Harm Your Mental Health... 5 Things to Do Instead - Foundation Wellness.” Foundation Wellness, 2021, foundationswellness.net/mental-health/new-years-resolutions-harmful-to-your-mental-health-5-things-to-do-instead/.

Davis, Sarah. “New Year’s Resolutions Statistics 2023.” Forbes Health, 11 Jan. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/.

Grenier, Matthew. “How Healthy Are Europeans?” ILCUK, 9 Sept. 2016, ilcuk.org.uk/how-healthy-are-europeans-2/. Accessed 23 Dec. 2023

How to Eat to Support Planetary Health (and your own)!

By Laetitia Satam, General Member

As concerns regarding climate change begin to rise, it is no surprise that people are turning to sustainable diet options. This means choosing foods that are less resource intensive, which are better and more tolerable for the planet, while also promoting health.

What is a planetary diet? A planetary diet is sustainable for the Earth in the long term and can also feed everyone. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 10 billion people on the Earth, and with 1 ⁄ 3 of people already experiencing hunger, that is a lot of mouths to feed. The world is already experiencing hunger levels that have not been seen since 2005, showing a backslide in solving the world's hunger problem. So, what is a sustainable diet, and how can it solve these issues?

A sustainable diet is plant-based. Now, I first want to say that a plant-based diet does NOT mean a vegetarian or vegan diet. A plant-based diet can still incorporate animal-based protein sources in smaller proportions and less frequently. It is also important to note that many diets outside the Western diet already follow these practices. Traditional Chinese and Japanese diets (along with many other cultures) make meat a side dish to the main vegetable-based dish. The Western diet also heavily consumes red meat, such as beef, and while red meat is healthy in moderation, raising cow herds requires a lot of resources, such as land and water. Plant-based foods also offer fibre (which many Canadians do not get enough of), multiple vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which promote heart health.

While plant-based foods are healthy and more sustainable, I also want to take time here to highlight that the meat and dairy industry is aware of their impact on the environment. Canadian Dairy Farmers of Canada created ProAction, standards all Canadian Dairy Farmers must abide by, including environmental sustainability. Canadian Dairy Farmers are investing in things like bioreactors to convert methane (the greenhouse gas that cows emit, which is one of their most significant concerns in terms of global warming) into energy to fuel farms, breeding cows that produce the least amount of methane while producing the most milk and working to reduce the amount of land and water that cows need. Dairy cows also contribute to only about 1% of carbon emissions in Canada, so I think it is important to remember not to demonize any one industry. Instead, it is a collection of industry trends that play a role in global warming. However, the number one cause of deforestation is to grow feed for cows. This has become a massive concern for countries in South America and includes the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest. Cows have the worst feed conversion ratio when you look at the feed conversion rate (how much feed and water need to be provided to an animal to yield meat). Even options like fish, although very healthy, are not sustainable due to the vast overfishing of our oceans, ruining marine ecosystems. By eating a sustainable diet, we are protecting the Earth and ensuring we can work to use our land to feed everyone.

Making a conscious, informed decision means knowing as many facts as possible. Ultimately, the key is consuming everything in moderation. Regarding health, red meat has many nutrition benefits, such as bioavailable heme iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and more. However, since red meat contains so much heme iron when consumed in excess, heme iron is a pro-oxidant that leads to inflammatory responses and free radicals accumulating in the body, which can lead to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis, leading to cardiovascular disease. Cow’s milk is an excellent source of bioavailable calcium, and just three servings a day can bring you to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium while also providing vitamin D, which most Canadians are deficient in. Plant-based beverages advertised as milk in Canada must also be fortified to meet the same nutritional quality as cow’s milk.

A sustainable, plant-based diet can also mean being open to and incorporating more whole, plant-based protein sources, such as tofu, tempeh, or natto. Soy protein sources are complete proteins that contain all the essential amino acids your body needs in the correct quantities. These can also be easy swaps - consider making tofu scrambles instead of scrambled eggs for breakfast! Try having meatless meals or even meatless days a few times a week. Make animal-based proteins a minor part of your diet, and when possible, swap them out with whole, plant-based proteins. Even when choosing other plant-based proteins like beans and legumes, pairing them with grains like rice creates a complementary protein which can still meet your essential amino acid needs.

Whole, plant-based proteins are emphasized because ultra-processed meat analogues (think “fake” meat) are not part of a sustainable diet. There is a vast difference between making a homemade bean burger and buying a Beyond Burger at the grocery store. While Beyond Burgers is vegan, just because something is vegan does not make it healthy. When comparing the nutritional information of a Beyond Burger to a regular beef burger, they are comparable nutritionally, although the Beyond Burger has more salt. It should also be noted that the protein from a Beyond Burger may not be as bioavailable (one breakthrough solution to this thought has been using soy leghemoglobin in Impossible Meat, which is bioavailable! This is relatively new on the market, and I, for one, am interested to see how it will change consumer preference to plant-based analogues). Ultra-processed foods can also be unsustainable because of the packaging and transportation behind these foods, as opposed to whole foods that usually do not require as much packaging and minimal transport when purchased locally. A sustainable diet promotes shopping locally and eating foods that are in season if this option is available to you.

Outside of supporting planetary health, ultra-processed foods have countless detrimental health effects. From being high in added sugars to excess sodium, a high consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and more. Ultra-processed foods are making up more and more of the Western diet, which has detrimental health effects. As for developing countries that are also beginning to adapt to a Western diet, these health effects can significantly burden their healthcare system, which is not equipped to deal with all these chronic diseases. That is why a sustainable diet can be linked back to more traditional diets before there was a McDonalds on every block!

Eating a diet that supports planetary health can also help your health. I know that changing your diet can be overwhelming and complicated, so I want to remind you that it is all about small, sustainable changes you can maintain over time. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good! Every small, sustainable change can add up over time, improving the planet and your health as well!

Tensions between English and French Canadians

By Julia Smith, General Member

The complicated relationships between English and French Canadians have been shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, linguistic, and political factors, and this divide between the two communities has persisted for centuries due to a lack of genuine, long-lasting efforts to bridge the gap and address the underlying issues. 

The relationship between English and French Canadians has been riddled with tension and division for centuries, with the roots of this issue traced back to the early days of Canadian history when the French and the British first colonized the country. The two groups had different languages religious and political systems, which led to tensions and conflicts over control and use of land and resources. Despite being coined a “multicultural country,” this divide persists. However, members of both groups generally share a common identity as inhabitants of Canada, and the cultural and linguistic differences between them have led to marginalization and a desire for greater autonomy between the two parties, resulting in a relationship riddled with tension. 

The language divide between the  French and English Canadians is the most visible cause of the tension. French Canadians see their language as a vital component of their identity and culture, and they have fought for its recognition and protection for decades through mass protests, worker strikes, and political policies (CBC News). In contrast, many English Canadians view French as a secondary language and do not see the need for it to have equal status with English. This has created a sense of marginalization among French Canadians, who feel that their language and culture are not valued or respected, as is their religion.   Historically, the French-speaking population in Canada has been predominantly Catholic. In contrast, the English-speaking population was predominantly Protestant, representing various denominations such as Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, Baptist, and Methodist. The British authorities, influenced by their Protestant background, sought to limit the influence and power of the Catholic Church, particularly in Quebec. Catholic institutions were often subjected to restrictions, and Catholic clergy and educators faced various forms of persecution. 

The feeling of being a minority in their homeland has led to a push for greater political autonomy and recognition of Quebec's distinct identity. The desire for greater independence and recognition of the French language and culture in Quebec has been contentious for many years. The province has a distinct cultural identity that is different from the rest of Canada, and many Quebecois feel that their French language and culture are threatened by the dominance of English in North America (Government of Canada). The Quebec Sovereignty movement was a political movement that emerged in the late 20th century, seeking to make Quebec an independent country. The movement was motivated by a desire to protect Quebec's French language and culture and to have greater control over the province's political and economic affairs. The movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, and a referendum on sovereignty was held in 1980. A mass vote revealed that 50.58 percent of Quebec residents were against the referendum, contrary to the 49.42 percent of inhabitants who were for this change, which ultimately led this movement to be discarded in the landscape of mainstream politics. Yet, the notion that the votes were so close highlights the desire Quebecois have for autonomy, further reinforcing the desire for self-governance/autonomy. 

Despite its setbacks, the sovereignty movement's failure in Quebec has not extinguished the persistent desire for greater autonomy within the province. This enduring aspiration for increased self-governance continues to shape the political landscape of Canada and remains a prominent topic of discussion among politicians and citizens alike. In response to the longstanding division between English and French Canadians, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to address the underlying issues and foster a more inclusive and harmonious society. Adopting

bilingualism in 1969 was a pivotal moment that recognized the importance of both English and French languages in the fabric of Canadian society. This initiative sought to bridge the linguistic divide by granting official status to both languages and promoting a more equitable treatment of the country's two major linguistic groups. This critical step towards linguistic equality represented a significant shift in Canadian policy and highlighted the government's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all Canadians. 

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, re-drafted in 1982, safeguarded fundamental rights and freedoms, including language and cultural rights, by explicitly recognizing the significance of linguistic and cultural diversity; the Charter aimed to protect and preserve the unique identity of French-speaking Canadians, while also safeguarding the rights of other linguistic and cultural communities across the country. Despite these essential strides toward inclusivity, many French Canadians feel that these actions were long overdue and should have been implemented decades earlier. 

Promoting bilingualism and language learning can help to foster mutual understanding and respect between English and French Canadians. Governments must invest in language education programs, and businesses can provide language training opportunities to their employees. Organizing cultural exchange programs between French and English-speaking communities can promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. The Explore Program, funded by the Government of Canada, offers immersive language learning experiences in English or French for students aged 18-30. Participants live with a host family and attend language classes, cultural activities, and excursions, and the program has successfully promoted bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding.   In addition to the previously mentioned efforts, addressing the economic factors contributing to the divide between English and French Canadians is essential. Historically, French Canadians were marginalized and excluded from many economic opportunities due to discrimination and lack of access to education and resources (Morton, Desmond. A Short History of Canada). The marginalization has led to a persistent economic gap between the two communities, exacerbating tensions and perpetuating the divide. To bridge this financial gap, efforts can be made to provide equal access to education and job opportunities for French Canadians and provide subsidies for French-language businesses alongside addressing the systemic discrimination that French Canadians face in the job market and other areas of the economy for all Canadians.

Despite being a multicultural country, the divide between the two communities persists due to a lack of genuine, long-lasting efforts to bridge the gap and address the underlying issues. The language divide between the two groups is the most visible cause of tension, with French Canadians feeling marginalized and undervalued. Acknowledging and addressing the past injustices caused by colonialism and discrimination is also a necessary step toward reconciliation and healing. Only through genuine efforts and initiatives can we hope to bridge the gap between English and French Canadians and create a more united, diverse, and inclusive Canada.

The following resources were used in the creation of this blog post: 

“Dispatches.” French Canada and Recruitment during the First World War | Dispatches | Learn | Canadian War Museum, www.warmuseum.ca/learn/dispatches/french-Canada-and-recruitment-during-the-first-world-war/#tabs 

“Is There a Deep Split between French and English Canada?: AHA.” Is There a Deep Split between French and English Canada? | AHA, www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/gi-roundtable-series/pamphlets/em-47-cour-oldest-good-neighbor-(1946)/is-there-a-deep-split-between-french-and-English

“Francophone-Anglophone Relations.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/francophone-anglophone-relations  

Heritage, Canadian. “Government of Canada.” Canada.Ca, / Gouvernement Du Canada, 19 Feb. 2021, www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/publications/general-publications/equality-official-languages.html#a3.

Reynolds, W. Richard. “French-English Tensions Increase in Canada.” Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Times, 16 Jan. 2020, www.tampabay.com/archive/1990/03/02/french-English-tensions-increase-in-canada/  

Food Insecurity around the Holidays

"It isn’t just those at the lowest ends of the economic spectrum who are suffering; many people who never thought they would need to turn to a food bank are walking through our doors for the first time."

By Julia Smith, General Member

For many, the holidays are when families and friends gather for a beautiful meal. Still, for those plagued with food insecurity and inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints, this reality is far from the truth. Food insecurity is a severe public health problem, especially during the pandemic and post-pandemic, with the extreme rise in grocery prices. Many families wanting to make their family’s holiday season magical end up with an enormous economic burden during the holidays. As a result, stress related to food insecurity is common during this time of year, which can get in the way of enjoying the holiday season.

Food insecurity around the holidays is not as simple as being unable to afford a plentiful holiday feast; its impacts are more extreme. During the school year, most publicly funded schools in Canada offer a school breakfast program that provides children with nutritious meals, and healthy snacks are often available throughout the day. When schools close for winter break, these meals disappear, which can add an extra financial burden on families. Many parents rely on these programs to provide for their children, resulting in families giving smaller portions and purchasing whatever foods they can afford, which are often highly processed and nutrient-deficient. Single-parent households struggle even more with this. Statistics Canada reports that 17.3 percent of food bank users in 2023 were single-parent households, and roughly one-third of food bank clients are children. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to increase and the prices of food continue to rise, more and more two-parent households are turning to food banks across Canada to help feed their families

With grocery prices rising this holiday season, food insecurity around the holidays is projected to increase (Statistics Canada), leaving more people relying on food banks and unable to have a “traditional” holiday meal. The price of chicken has more than doubled from .78 cents per pound last year to $1.64 per pound this year. This, coupled with the higher level of community need, which remains 50% to 70% higher than pre-pandemic levels, and about 30% of calls to the food bank’s emergency helpline are from first-time callers, is an immediate cry for concern, demanding attention.

What can you do to help?

Donating to your local food bank helps provide immediate relief to those in need in your community. Below are items that food banks would benefit from the most this holiday season, should you consider donating:

****Before donating, be sure to research your foodbank and see what their guidelines are, as some only accept non-perishable items ****

Whole-grain foods, like oatmeal, barley, high-fibre cereals or whole-grain pasta, contain fibre and are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and iron. Food banks often use these items in their kitchens to create fresh and healthy meals.

Lean proteins from foods like canned tuna and chicken and plant-based proteins like peanut butter, beans, and lentils help maintain body tissue and are filling.

Canned fruit is another good option when you are thinking of donating. It is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Try to choose ones that are free of added salt and sugars.

Financial donations are a great way to help as well. Food banks can buy what they need during low donations by giving a monetary donation.

Although food insecurity around the holidays is a huge problem to tackle, with the help of all Canadians, we can help make the holidays better for those in need!

Mental Health Around the Holidays

By Julia Smith, General Member

The holiday season. Full of joy and cheer. We are fed this message constantly by those around us and the media, but this reality is far from the truth for many. The holiday season can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and increase the likelihood of those pre-dispose. External factors range from drastic schedule changes and the feelings of needing to impress family members to increased alcohol consumption, which are to blame for the increase in poor mental health around the holiday season.

A study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI) study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s medical director, called this statistic a warning call to action, stating, "What the survey shows is a tremendous need for people to reach out and watch out for each other in keeping with the spirit of the season.”

Being particularly mindful of children and youths' wellbeing during this ‘triggering” time is also imperative, as the highest rates for child/youth psychiatric hospitalizations occur from November to January. For many adults, rates of drinking alcoholic beverages increased drastically, and death rates related to alcohol consumption increased. Holiday traditions create social pressure to drink, coupled with the fact that alcohol is often given as a gift, placing over 6 million Canadians who self-identified as meeting the criteria of “substance abuse/ addiction” in an incredibly vulnerable situation.

Although it is impossible to put an end to the worrying increase of mental health conditions around the holidays, implementing strategies and knowing what to do if you notice yourself or someone around you’s mental health declining.

1- Check in with yourself and those around you regularly. Take a moment to reflect, and ask yourself ( or others), “How am I feeling?” and “Is there anything I need to do for myself?”. You know what your body and mind need, so validate that!

2- Manage Holiday Expectations by not “building” up the excitement to a point of disappointment, should what you were hoping for not happen. Through practicing gratitude, you may begin to feel more relaxed and content.

3- Think ahead, and try to avoid known “triggers” that cause your mental wellbeing to spiral.

4- Create a plan of action so you know what to do in mentally/ emotionally tricky situations. For many, a change in the usual schedule can cause anxiety and worry, but by creating a plan, you are helping to mitigate much of the uncertainty that comes with unstructured times.

5- Understand that you can say no. At a time when so much can be asked of you by those around you, setting concrete boundaries to not overwork yourself is imperative.

For more information, familiarize yourself with the resources below:

Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. “Dry February, You Say?” Statistics Canada, 2 Feb. 2023, www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/2877-dry-February-you-say

“Maintaining Mental Health during the Holiday Season.” NAMI California, 21 Nov. 2022, namica.org/blog/handling-stress-during-the-holiday-season

“The Most Difficult Time of the Year: Mental Health during the Holidays.” NAMI, www.nami.org/Blogs/From-the-CEO/December-2021/The-Most-Difficult-Time-of-The-Year-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays

Patient-Centred Care: A Key to Empowering Individuals in Sexual and Reproductive Health Appointments

By Leisha Toory, General Member

Navigating sexual and reproductive health appointments can be a daunting experience for many individuals. Whether you're seeking contraception, discussing fertility concerns, or addressing issues related to sexual health, advocating for yourself is crucial to ensure you receive the care and information you need. In this article, we'll explore strategies to empower yourself during sexual and reproductive health appointments.

1. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Before your appointment, take the time to research and gather information about the topics you want to discuss. Understanding your own body, menstrual cycle, contraception options, or any specific concerns will help you ask informed questions and enable you to participate actively in the decision-making process.

2. Prepare Questions

Make a list of questions and concerns you want to address during your appointment. Consider writing them down to ensure you don't forget anything. Topics could include contraceptive choices, fertility concerns, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or any unusual symptoms you've experienced. Having a prepared list will help you stay focused and ensure all your concerns are addressed.

3. Seek a Trusted Healthcare Provider

Choosing a healthcare provider who makes you feel comfortable and respected is essential. It may be time to seek a new provider if you don't feel heard or respected during appointments. A trusting and open doctor-patient relationship is fundamental to advocating for your sexual and reproductive health.

4. Communicate Clearly

During your appointment, express your concerns and questions clearly and honestly. Don't be afraid to discuss sensitive issues or ask for clarification if something is unclear. Your healthcare provider is there to help you, and open communication is vital to receiving the best care possible.

5. Discuss Your Goals and Preferences

Share your personal goals and preferences regarding your sexual and reproductive health. Whether you're interested in starting a family, preventing pregnancy, or managing a specific condition, your healthcare provider can offer tailored advice and options that align with your objectives.

6. Consent and Informed Decision-Making

Always remember that you have the right to informed consent. Your healthcare provider should thoroughly explain any recommended procedures, tests, or treatments, including potential risks and alternatives. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek a second opinion if you are unsure about your care.

7. Be Honest About Your Sexual Activity

Honesty is crucial when discussing your sexual history and activity. Your healthcare provider needs accurate information to assess your risk factors for STIs, offer appropriate screenings, and provide relevant advice. Remember that confidentiality rules bind healthcare professionals, so your information will be confidential.

8. Advocate for Your Preferred Contraception

If you're interested in contraception, advocate for the method that suits you best. Discuss the pros and cons of various options, such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, or fertility awareness methods. Your healthcare provider can help you make an informed choice based on your lifestyle and preferences.

9. Ask for Follow-Up

If you have ongoing concerns or symptoms persist, don't hesitate to request follow-up appointments or additional tests. Your health is a priority, and addressing any unresolved issues promptly is important.

10. Seek a Second Opinion

If you're unsure about a diagnosis or recommended treatment, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider is perfectly acceptable. Second opinions can offer different perspectives and help you make more informed decisions about your care.

11. Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, trust your instincts. Don't ignore your gut feelings if something doesn't feel right, whether it's your treatment plan, how you're being treated, or your healthcare provider's recommendations. Seek clarification, express your concerns, and, if necessary, consider finding a new provider who aligns better with your needs.

Advocating for your sexual and reproductive health is an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being. By educating yourself, preparing questions, seeking a trusted healthcare provider, and communicating openly and honestly, you can ensure that you receive the care and support you need to make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health. Remember that you have the right to participate actively in your healthcare journey; your voice matters.

Preparing for Exams

By Karen Tang, General Member

Whether this is your first year of writing university final exams or your last year of graduate school, as mid to late December approaches, there can be a certain level of stress and anxiety for students!

Oftentimes, it can feel anxiety-inducing when it comes to preparing for your final exams. You might not know where to start, or you already feel overwhelmed and maybe burnt out from the semester. Here are some general tips to get you started on tackling studying and preparing for finals!

First, it can be helpful to make a list! Put everything you need to do on it, such as reading Chapters 13 and 14 for your biology course, to writing your final paper. Be sure to include the basics, like showering, eating, and keeping hydrated! These small acts of self-care can often be neglected when you have your head in the books. However, the adrenaline rush of checking something off (even if it feels small) will help you carry on to the next item on the list.

Learn to ride your waves. We all have different times of day or week when we feel more or less effective. Figure out what yours are and plan to do your most challenging work for those times. Leave mindless, repetitive tasks (e.g., checking your emails, scrolling through social media) to the times when you are least effective.

Likewise, learn your prime place to study. As an extrovert, I know that I work best from home. You will never find me at the university or local library when I am cramming for exams. There is a good chance I will run into someone I know and then keep chatting and chatting….and then I won’t finish studying for the day! If I want a change of pace from studying at home, I am also a big fan of cafés since there is a lower chance I’d run into someone I know there. The café ambiance can also really help set the mood for productivity.

Next, be realistic! Most of us know (probably from personal experience) that cramming for an exam is not the most feasible (or realistic) endeavour. This is totally the same for studying and preparing for exams. If you try to cram into one day more than you are actually realistically capable of, you will feel like you are constantly falling behind, and that isn’t great for keeping morale up, nor is it being kind to yourself.

On the note of being kind to yourself, ensure that you rest and take time off. If you don’t take time to recuperate and rest, it will just slow you down to a barely productive state anyway. Then you start beating yourself up about your lack of studying, and then you cry over your textbooks about how you have failed at studying. Rest is both healthy and productive!

Similarly, reward is essential as well. It is vital to reward yourself in both small and big ways! Small rewards might be pushing through a particular gruelling chapter of physics and enjoying a sweet treat afterward or reading the next chapter of a pleasurable book (hopefully not a textbook). Large rewards might be going out with friends or trying a new restaurant after a particularly long day of studying! Likewise, I am a big fan of rewarding myself by taking evenings and weekends off (if possible) for self-care and rest purposes.

Best of luck studying and preparing for this exam season! You are almost at the finish line for this semester!

Resources and additional study tips:

https://mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/resources/resource-library/preparing-for-finals

https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/preparing-for-finals/

https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/learning/exam-prep/exam-prep-5-strategies