Bone anchored prosthetics
At the transfemoral and transtibial amputation levels, bone anchored devices are now considered sate of the science. This requires a unique approach to providing a control strategy for the user. In the absence of a traditional socket, experts utilize anchor points for body powered control cables and harvesting of electromagnetic signals that route to the user’s prosthesis.
Source: Hanger Institute
Replacing BMI
An alternative that measures body fat percentage (BIA) is said to be far more reliable in predicting obesity-related diseases and death suggests a new study from UF Health. Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis a switch to BIA is predicted to change our approach to weight management treatment.
Source: Annals of Family Medicine
Myths about bladder health
1. Being incontinent of urine is part of natural aging. It’s often a sign of an underlying health issue rather than a natural process involved with aging.
2.There is no treatment for urinary incontinence. There are different types therefore various treatments – however there are things that can help.
3.The best way to avoid incontinence is to drink less fluid. Not a good idea as not drinking can lead to serious dehydration, constipation, infections, confused thinking, low blood pressure and even dizziness that leads to postural hypotension.
Source: Caregiving Strategies Handbook
Barbie has diabetes
A new Barbie doll has been designed in partnership with the global type 1 diabetes not-for-profit Breakthrough T1D. Her recent ‘inclusivity’ focused launch showed off a CGM on her arm that uses pink heart shaped medical tape and a phone that displays a blood sugar tracking app.
Source: Mattel
Osteo over 80
Over 90,000 fracture patients were studied for 5 years with only half receiving medications after treatment. Not only did those taking medications have reduced ongoing hospitalizations but their overall cause morbidity was reduced.
Source: Endo 2025
Nitrous oxide warning
Doctors are warning against dangerous use of ‘laughing gas” in 10–16 -year-olds. Encouraged by trending posts on TikTok, the gas is also known as hippy crack, whippets and NOS. Its also often deceptively labeled ‘whip cream chargers’ and shipped in large containers. Canada has recorded at least 101 intentional cases and says hundreds more have not been ‘officially identified’.
Source: Health Canada
Access to dental care
Looking at both population density and geography, a new study compared oral healthcare across Canada. Ontario led with 64.44 dentists per 100,000 residents with BC and Alberta close Surprisingly, Quebec, our second most populous province clocked in fourth at 52.94. The province has only 4737 dentists for nearly nine million residents. Geographically Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick fared the best in the rankings.
Source: Hellodent
Micro-plastic particles in non-stick pans
Susceptible to scratches and chips, the synthetic polymers that reduce sticking can, when exposed lead to both uneven cooking and the potential contamination of food with both metal particles and PTFE fragments. Key research findings now show that a single scratch can release up to 9,000 microplastic particles while a pan with broken coating can liberate over 2 million particles into food being cooked.
Source: Awesomestuff 365.com
Unmet needs for disabled persons
A new report from Stats Can looked at factors associated with unmet needs for disability supports with impacts showing higher for those with more chronic disabilities, women, vulnerable and racialized groups and those who are unemployed. Sixty six percent had at least one unmet need with most detailed needs being health care related—most common being physio, massage, chiro and counselling. (66%). Almost 14% reported unmet needs for prescription medication while 44% had paid out of pocket for medication.
Source: Statcan.gc.ca
Unaware of need for domestic travel coverage
A pair of recent surveys note that many Canadians are making local travel plans without including insurance in their deliberations. A CAA survey suggests that most people assume that their provincial health plans will cover them however this is not always the case. Experts caution that interprovincial coverage varies and certain medical, hospital, emergency and prescription medications are not the same across the country. The moral of the story: consider domestic travel coverage.
Source: Insurance Portal
Image: iStock
