Media stories for November 19, 2012

Flu vaccine protects the vulnerable
Vancouver Sun – Letter to the editor
In a joint letter, BC Chief Medical Health Officers argue that when healthcare workers get the shot it makes for better outcomes for their patients and long-term care residents.

Don’t let the dispute fool you — get a flu shot
Vancouver Sun – Editorial
While there may be a debate about the effectiveness of health care workers getting a flu shot, it will be unfortunate if it distracts people from protecting themselves from the flu, including by receiving a flu shot.

BC living donor transplants
The Province – Heartbeat of a city
In 1976, a mother in B.C. donated a kidney to help save the life of her daughter, who had kidney disease. Her gift marked the first living organ transplant in BC. More than a thousand living donor transplants have been performed since.

A perfect match in every way
The Province – Heartbeat of the city
Jordan Youd gave is wife his love, dedication – and the kidney that gave her back her life. St. Paul’s nephrologist Dr. Monica Beaulieu is quoted.

A chain of faith, a gift of life
The Province – Heartbeat of the city
Revolutionary organ exchange program can involve a domino chain of up to 10 people across Canada, and it drastically reduces wait times for transplant recipients.

Act like a man? Well, not if you want to live a healthier life
Vancouver Sun – Op-Ed
Heath care experts say that about 70% of the problem is caused by men’s attitude and behaviour around health, not genetics. That’s why Vancouver’s Dr. Larry Goldenberg started Men’s Health Initiative – to create a movement to improve men’s health.

Behind Richmond Hospital’s operating room doors
Richmond Review
Richmond Hospital Foundation president and CEO Natalie Meixner’s column runs monthly in the Richmond Review.

Better home support for dying patients in Vancouver would improve hospital wait times
Vancouver Observer
Writer speaks to the despair of losing her mother, but also of her lost faith in a healthcare system operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.