The January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine contains the results of a Dutch-led study on the relationship between exercise and school performance. After reviewing 10 observational and four intervention studies, and qualifying two as sufficiently high quality, researchers found significant evidence of a positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance. […]Continue readingPhys ed may be good for the body and the mind (Netherlands)
News and Events
Seclusion and restraints not recovery-oriented care (USA)
The Copeland Centre, known for the development of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), has released a new position paper calling for the elimination and/or reduction of seclusion and restraints in psychiatric services. This paper states that seclusion (defined as involuntary confinement alone in a room) and restraints (referring to all physical and chemical restraint […]Continue readingSeclusion and restraints not recovery-oriented care (USA)
Nicotine replacement therapies up in smoke? (USA)
A new study conducted by researchers from Harvard University and University of Massachusetts discovered that nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) – which include patches, gum, inhaler and nasal sprays – on their own do not help people to quit smoking over the long term. In fact, investigators found that NRTs are not more effective than simply […]Continue readingNicotine replacement therapies up in smoke? (USA)
Responding to domestic violence in clinical settings: online tutorial
A new bilingual resource provides clinicians with information on responding to domestic violence. The online tutorial includes 17 scenarios that can be started, paused and resumed at any time. It was developed by a panel of experts – including physicians, nurses, social workers and researchers – at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Women’s College Hospital […]Continue readingResponding to domestic violence in clinical settings: online tutorial
MHCC promotes Mental Health First Aid in 2012
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is encouraging Canadians to make a resolution to learn Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in 2012. MHFA is a training course that teaches individuals to provide initial help to someone who is developing mental health problems or in crisis. Students learn about risk factors, sign and symptoms for […]Continue readingMHCC promotes Mental Health First Aid in 2012
Chief Medical Officer of Health puts focus on health promotion
In an annual report to Ontario’s legislative assembly, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has called for a new conversation on health focused less on health care, and more on health promotion and chronic disease and injury prevention. In the December 1 report, Dr. Arlene King states that key determinants of health lie outside the […]Continue readingChief Medical Officer of Health puts focus on health promotion
PPAO office releases 2010 annual report
The Psychiatric Patient Advocacy Office (PPAO) has released their 2010 annual report. The PPAO has been providing rights advice, education and advocacy to Ontarians with mental illness for over 25 years. They offer both individual and system advocacy to provide a system of checks and balances for rights identified in the Mental Health Act (MHA). […]Continue readingPPAO office releases 2010 annual report
25 in 5 says Poverty Reduction Plan making progress but more work needed
The third annual progress card on poverty reduction has been released by the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction. In its report, “Common Ground: A Strategy for Moving Forward on Poverty Reduction”, the Network observes that the Ontario government has made strides towards its goal of a 25 per cent reduction in child poverty […]Continue reading25 in 5 says Poverty Reduction Plan making progress but more work needed
Provincial HSJCC responds to omnibus crime bill
In September 2011, the Government of Canada introduced the Safe Streets and Communities Act (Bill C-10). According to a press release by the Department of Justice Canada, this Bill proposes various amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada, including provisions to “increase the mandatory minimum penalties for nine existing offences to better reflect the serious […]Continue readingProvincial HSJCC responds to omnibus crime bill
Research Snapshot: Tobacco-related medical education is associated with improved confidence and practices of family physicians and pediatricians
Exposure to second-hand smoke from tobacco use can cause a number of negative health effects for children. This highlights the importance for physicians to advise parents who smoke about the health risks their children are exposed to, and to assist in efforts to reduce or quit smoking. Researchers in Ontario looked at how tobacco-related education […]Continue readingResearch Snapshot: Tobacco-related medical education is associated with improved confidence and practices of family physicians and pediatricians