News

Radon: Encourage your patients who smoke to test for radon

Persons who smoke—and people regularly exposed to second-hand smoke—who also have long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. While the lifetime exposure to continuous high levels of radon (800 Bq/m3) in a non-smoker results in a one-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer, that risk increases to one in 3 for a person who smokes. This makes radon another important reason to quit smoking. All homes, and in particular...

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Rabies PEP shortage over: RabIg sparing measures no longer in effect

To: Ottawa Family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, ER Physicians, Emergency Departments, ID PhysiciansFrom: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public HealthDate: December 23, 2019

The Ministry of Health has informed Ottawa Public Health that the supply of rabies immune globulin (RabIg) has been replenished and remains stable. Therefore, the Ministry has asked that the administration of rabies immune globulin return to previous regular practices using the current...

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Antiviral Medications for Treatment and Prevention of Influenza

Treatment of Influenza-like Illness

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu® - oral) and Zanamivir (Relenza® - inhaled) are neuraminidase inhibitors which block the exit of influenza virus from respiratory cells and thus prevent further replication of the virus.

Despite debate about oseltamivir efficacy studies[i], neuraminidase inhibitors are still recommended for treatment of people at high risk of complications from influenza (adults aged 65+, pregnant women and women up to 4 weeks post-partum, indigenous people...

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Electronic Referrals: Physicians can now refer to The Royal directly from EMR

Family physicians and nurse practitioners can now submit referrals to certain mental health programs at The Royal directly from their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems. This EMR-based referral process can be used to refer patients to the following programs:

• Mood and Anxiety Disorders
• Integrated Schizophrenia Recovery
• Forensic Mental Health
• Dual Diagnosis
• Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders
• Short Term Talk Therapy (IASP program led by The Royal and delivered in collaboration with community...

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LGBTQ+ Patients: Links to Clinical and Care Practices, Learning Opportunities

The health needs of LGBTQ+ people are unique. They can be affected by a range of social, structural and behavioural factors as well as deep-rooted stigma and discrimination. Barriers in accessing care may also be compounded by other factors such as racial status, education and income level, geographic isolation, immigration status, knowledge and cultural beliefs.

Transgender individuals may also face additional issues.  Unique health concerns and needs related to hormone replacement therapy,...

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