Protein: Health, hype and hard truths
By James Kendry, Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia Protein is having its moment: From grocery store shelves to Instagram feeds, high-protein foods are everywhere. Food labels shout their protein content in bold, oversized fonts, while social media overflows with recipes promising to pack more protein into your favourite dishes. […]
BC Coroners Service says 292 people died due to unregulated drug toxicity in May, June 2025
According to preliminary data, 145 people in May and 147 people in June 2025 died due to unregulated drug toxicity, as reported by the BC Coroners Service. The unregulated drug deaths dashboard includes a new occupation industry page, which includes deaths where occupation industry was known. The two most common industries of current or past […]
Column: We need a strong treaty on plastics
Plastic has only been in widespread use for about 75 years. Now it’s everywhere, from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean, from the Arctic to Antarctic. In swirling ocean patches, in the air and soil, in our food and drink — even in our bodies — plastic in its many forms, including tiny micro- […]
How falling vaccination rates are fueling the antibiotic resistance crisis
By Dr. Ruchika Gupta, Assistant Professor, Western Univeristy Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health threats we face today. It’s often blamed on the overuse of antibiotics, and for a good reason. But there’s another major factor quietly driving this crisis that doesn’t get as much attention: low vaccination rates. In early 2025, Ontario […]
50/50 cash raffle for KERPA
As Canada’s first physician-based Special Operations Medical Retrieval Service, KERPA delivers a level of ground critical emergency care unmatched in the region. At the heart of our mission lies a simple truth: Every Life Matters. And every minute saved, every intervention delivered, brings us one step closer to ensuring that no patient is left without […]
Sunshine is lovely, and here's some advice from a skin cancer researcher
Incidence of melanoma is increasing in both men and women. Here’s what we all need to know. By Dr. Elaine McWhirter There is certainly growing awareness of the damaging effects of overexposure to the sun, including skin cancers. Still, I see in both my medical practice as a skin cancer specialist and in the course […]
Could a career in Massage Therapy be for you?
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, the need for compassionate, hands-on healthcare has never been greater. More and more people are experiencing stress, burnout, and physical strain, and they’re looking for natural, holistic ways to reconnect with their bodies and restore well-being. At the same time, many individuals are searching for meaningful careers—work that […]
Mobile breast cancer screening coming to Trail
BC Cancer’s breast screening program offers no-cost screening mammograms to eligible people in BC. Screening mammograms are available to most women, and many Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse individuals, 40 years and older, who have no symptoms. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in BC with around 3,500 receiving a breast cancer […]
Column: Feel better -- get outside, meet people, have fun and help the world!
Most people care about the planet and each other. Yet we watch in dismay as moneyed and powerful forces destroy the natural systems our health and lives depend on. Addressing global heating and biodiversity loss — which affect everyone but disproportionately the marginalized and vulnerable — requires those in government and industry to act with […]
Western Canada’s first menopause clinic
Women and gender-diverse people who are experiencing complex menopause symptoms can now access specialized care at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre’s new Complex Menopause Clinic, a first of its kind in Western Canada. “Women and gender-diverse people face unique health challenges that are often overlooked – and menopause is one of them,” said Josie […]