Media stories for the week of May 21 – May 24

May 24, 2013

B.C. policy on ovarian cancer prevention gets international support
Vancouver Sun
A B.C.-led procedure to prevent ovarian cancer has received support from an Italian study. With mention of the work by VCH doctors Dianne Miller and Blake Gilks.

Why it matters on the Coast
Coast Reporter
The Coast has high smoking rates compared to other areas in B.C. Written by Caitlin Etherington, tobacco reduction coordinator for VCH.

Bowen’s health service needs
Bowen Island Undercurrent
Bowen Island needs a community-specific assessment done to accurately describe its healthcare needs. With mention of VCH survey being launched in June as well as a VCH letter submitted to council.

BC Minister’s Son Beat Odds to Win Residency Spot
The Tyee
The son of a VCH and PHC medical director and a B.C. cabinet has landed a residency position in cardiac surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital after studying medicine abroad.

May 23, 2013

Barbara Yaffe: B.C. residents healthiest in Canada, despite spending less on medical care
Vancouver Sun
A Conference Board of Canada report gave B.C. an A grade for having the healthiest population in Canada

Environmental groups oppose $15-million coal shipment plans
Vancouver Sun
A new coal export plan faces opposition from residents and environmental groups. With mention of request for a health assessment from VCH and Fraser Health.

First Nations agreement to promote addressing violence
Whistler Question
The Howe Sound Women’s Society Centre is spearheading an agreement for Sea to Sky First Nations to protect their women, children and elders. With mention of VCH funding for the First Nations Women’s Safety Network.

Combined treatments get golf pro back swinging
Vancouver Sun
A golf pro is back on the links thanks to neural therapy treatment. With quotes from Dr. Paul Bishop, a spine specialist at VGH’s ICORD centre as well as mention of treatment at Lions Gate Hospital.

May 22, 2013

Dietician to discuss food, allergies and children
Richmond Review
A VCH program for parents on food and allergies is taking place in June.

Vancouver street food: new vendors and new ideas
Vancouver Sun – Blog
The new, VCH-approved Vancouver food trucks offer an eclectic range of items.

Exercise Helps Women Recover from Coronary Disease
Impact Magazine
VGH has a unique fitness class for women recovering from coronary disease.

May 21, 2013

Drug users sue Abbotsford over anti-harm reduction bylaw
CBC News
Advocates for needle exchanges are suing the City of Abbotsford, saying the city’s bylaw which bans harm reduction centres violates basic human rights.

Legal advocacy group to challenge Abbotsford’s bylaw against harm reduction sites in court
Vancouver Sun
The Pivot Legal Society says it’s helping three injection drug users launch a human rights complaint and a civil lawsuit because they say drug users’ rights to access medical care are being violated.

Ticking time bomb: Women in B.C. wait up to 3 years to have preventive mastectomy
The Province
Women in this province are waiting too long – as much as three years – to have a preventative mastectomy.

Joe Segal: A passion for helping
Vancouver Sun
Inspired by the lack of support for people with mental illnesses, philanthropist Joe Segal donates a lot of money to mental health.

Health system still good value
Times Colonist – Editorial
British Columbians get fair value for the money they spend on health care.

Should we say no to nosodes?
Globe and Mail
As vaccination rates continue to fall and outbreaks of preventable illnesses are becoming increasingly common, doctors are worried that nosodes could divert more people from legitimate immunization campaigns. Paul Martiquet, medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, is quoted.

Feces study raises questions about pool cleanliness
CTV News
A new study says 58 per cent of swimming pools tested in 2012 contained E.coli. VCH health protection manager Paul Markey is quoted.

Keep camp lunches simple and healthy
North Shore News
Parents can make healthy, hearty lunches for their kids at summer camp. With quotes from Helen Yeung, a community dietitian with VCH.