Ontario nursing shortage could worsen as many young nurses now say they want out: survey
A survey shows that many young nurses in Ontario are fed up with their profession and intend to leave, something that would dramatically impact an existing shortage of qualified care-givers.
Feeling like an Imposter: Syndrome linked to self-doubt and disconnectedness affecting women, people of colour more
Imposter Syndrome, also called perceived fraudulence, involves feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite education, experience and accomplishments. It is more widespread than people know.
Face facts: Video-conferencing ignites an appetite for cosmetic procedures
Lip-fillers? Eyebrow lift? Botox? Oh my! Through the rise of ‘Zoom University’ and ‘working from Zoom’, the pandemic’s increased Zoom usage has offered a daily dose of staring at our reflections, and it may be fueling a desire for cosmetic operations, according to an American study.
Tracking COVID-19: Dec. 7
Capital Current tracks the progress of the pandemic in Canada.
Students left behind: The pandemic has been especially hard on those with learning disabilities
Students left behind, the impact of COVID-19 on students with learning disabilities
Pandemic, Throne Speech raise awareness around mental health
With a heightened awareness around mental health both at the provincial and federal level as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Throne Speech, new policies and programs are being considered in an effort to improve mental health.
For international students in Canada, winter can be a SAD experience
That first winter in Canada can be more than a simple adjustment in clothing for international students. Sometimes they are impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Going greener: CHEO promises to kick its carbon habit
Ottawa's children's hospital has announced a plan to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Period partners provide necessities, supplement provincial programming
Period product drives in Ottawa run by grassroots organizations such as Period Packs aim to supplement government programs.
Movember Canada supports men’s health virtually for second year of pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that men’s health and men’s mental health is still in a crisis, sources say.
The Royal strives for ‘hospital without walls’ to address mental health issues, substance use — and stigma
Mental health issues and illnesses, including substance use, have been on the rise in Ontario in the past decade. The Royal Ottawa Hospital is expanding their services to meet this need in the community.
Time to speak up: Advocates say women need to push loudly to battle bias in Canadian health care
Women share their experiences with gender bias in the Canadian healthcare system.
Beware of ‘pinkwashing’: Why a breast cancer awareness campaign leaves this survivor boiling mad
That cute little pink ribbon finds itself on countless products, from flowers, to chocolates, to household products. It floats around everywhere and sometimes I feel like I can’t escape it.
Experts say approval of COVID-19 vaccines for kids will help achieve herd immunity, provide host of benefits
Following the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine in children age five to 11 in the United States, many are anticipating Health Canada’s approval in the coming weeks. Although vaccine hesitancy remains a key issue among parents, experts say vaccinating kids will bring society that much closer to herd immunity.
More access to mental health services vital to meet increased demand during pandemic, say advocates
This year's World Mental Health Day highlighted inequities that exist in the health-care system about accessing services for mental health. Here is what advocates in Ottawa have to say.
Lack of race-based data hid more severe impact of COVID-19 on BIPOC communities, experts say
Race-based data concerning the pandemic was not collected in Canada — at least not initially.
Verify Ontario app helping businesses ensure customers are fully vaxxed
On Oct. 14, the province released its COVID-19 vaccine verification app, Verify Ontario, and businesses are finding the app easier to check whether customers are fully vaccinated.
Cannabis spending in Canada has soared during the pandemic; some blame the stress
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many unprecedented challenges to people in Canada and all over the world. These challenges have affected many lifestyle choices including use of cannabis.
New lending library makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank
The new volunteer-based Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library opened five months ago on Boyd Avenue and it is busy gathering equipment to lend to Ottawa residents and help them better appreciate outdoor public spaces.
Alcohol-related deaths up during pandemic with anxiety, depression likely factors
Statistics Canada reports show increased alcohol mortality, likely due to barriers in accessing treatment amid COVID-19.
H.E.L.P. on offer: Ottawa charity raises money for those facing mental health struggles
Whether it's by running, walking, or riding horseback, Ottawans are doing what they can to raise money for mental health.
Experts call for more resources after Mental Health Act service calls jump during COVID-19
The number of service calls under Ontario's Mental Health Act has jumped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sexual violence crisis at Western University raises concerns over campus culture across Canada
Following the news, concern over campus safety has soared. “It could have just as easily been my campus,” says student.
Ottawa Public Health warns residents about West Nile virus after mosquito tests positive
As the City of Ottawa announces the first case of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes, experts weigh in about potential links to COVID-19.
Recovery Day in Ottawa underlines the need to end stigma around mental health issues, substance use
Mayor Jim Watson officially declared Sept. 17 as “Recovery Day” in Ottawa. Recovery Day Ottawa also unveiled plans for next year’s new WOW Festival.
Living legacy: One Ottawa family takes Terry Fox’s message of hope to heart
Tom Lingard and his family take part in the Terry Fox Run every year, but this year was different.
Terry Fox organizers promote ‘Your day your way’ virtual run
For the second year Terry Fox run will be virtual
Explainer: Brain-machine interfacing could change the way we interact with the world and with ourselves
Capital Current explains what brain-machine interfacing is and how it could change the way we interact with the world
Explainer: Vaccine passports spark debate about a two-tier society
As warnings of a potential fourth wave crop up across Canada, some provinces are opting for vaccine passports to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Organizations fear Ontario’s investment to reduce surgical wait times will endanger patients because of nursing shortage
Ontario nurses are concerned that the province's plan to accelerate surgeries and testing procedures to clear a pandemic backlog will out patients at risk because of a shortage of nurses.
First-time Olympian, Lauren Gale, proud to call Ottawa her “track home”
Lauren Gale describes herself as a “realistic dreamer”. The New Brunswick native is competing in her first Olympics, running the 4×400-metre relay on Aug. 5 at the Tokyo Olympics. Although the Olympics has always been a dream for the 21 year old, who runs for Colorado State University, she says it was a lot of work for it to become a tangible,...
‘We need to learn to live with fire,’ say experts, as Ontario faces its busiest forest fire season yet
Wildfire smoke from northwest Ontario moved into the rest of the province this past week, experts say we must learn to live with wildfire and make adjustments to our existing infrastructure to mitigate the impact on communities.
Experts debate the gamble by Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba on a vaccine lottery
Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta have started lotteries to get more people vaccinated in their provinces. The move has prompted debate about the efficacy and fairness of such initiatives.
Pandemic a marathon not a sprint: It’s been a long road for fitness professionals
Gyms in Ontario can open at 50 per cent capacity starting July 16, under step three of the province’s pandemic reopening plan.
Report by McMaster University researchers uncovers why rare blood clots occur after some vaccine jabs
A team of researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Not., have uncovered why dangerous but very rare instances of blood clotting called VITT happens after individuals receive an injection of AstraZeneca vaccine.
Outside the box: New community fridge aims to feed those in need
Ottawa’s first outdoor community fridge had its grand opening last Friday. The fridge, and an accompanying pantry shelf, was installed outside the Parkdale Food Centre on Rosemount Avenue last week in partnership with the Ottawa Community Food Partnership and the Hintonburg Community Association.
Ontario breaks ground on new $55 million LTC home in North Bay
Ontario government officials gathered in the empty lot of what used to be the old St. Joseph’s McLaren Hospital site overlooking downtown North Bay to break ground on one of the province’s newly announced long-term care projects. “We are going to build the nicest long-term care home this town has ever seen,” said Premier Doug Ford. Water’s Edge Care Community,...
AIDS turns 40: Hope for the future after decades of sorrow and stigma
Forty years ago the world was learning about a condition called AIDS. Today, during a pandemic, there is new hope that science can offer better treatment.
Planning committee approves zoning change to allow eight-storey Lowertown supportive housing building for Indigenous people and women in need
The city's planning committee has approved a zoning change to allow the construction of an eight storey building at 216 Murray St. to offer housing to Indigenous people and women in Lowertown.
Fighting Zoom fatigue in this new digital era
With video conferencing on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, tech researchers race to find the solutions to newly imposed social downgrades.
Canada embarking on a slow journey to allow fully vaccinated people to travel, Trudeau says
The federal government is moving forward cautiously to reopen borders and allow fully vaccinated Canadians to travel, the prime minister said Friday.
Organizations work to instill “vaccine confidence” in youth
Ontario organizations are working to combat vaccine hesitancy in youth and instill vaccine confidence.
Group wants public washrooms part of Ottawa’s Official Plan
GottaGo! Ottawa wants the city to make public washrooms part of the Official Plan that is new being finalized by staff.
COVID consequences: Ontario monitoring rare instances of heart conditions linked to mRNA vaccines
Experts say the public shouldn't be discouraged from getting vaccinated after reports of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in a few people who have received mRNA vaccines.
Ontario puts a priority on hotspots for second doses as evidence shows Delta variant more transmissible, less susceptible to vaccines
Experts speak as to why it's important to prioritize provincial hot spots for second doses of the vaccine - especially in light of the new Delta variant's presence.
Struggling in the shadows: Pandemic leaves backstage workers facing financial, mental health crises
Backstage workers in the country’s live entertainment industry are struggling with mental health issues, but little research exists to highlight their predicament. Lydon Thorpe produced sound for live entertainment on a cruise ship starting almost every day at 9 a.m. and ending work around midnight for six months. After that, he would take his semi-annual vacation on land. That life...
“We can’t let the pandemic stop us from doing the work that we do”: Native Women’s Association holds online support circles for residential school survivors
The Native Women’s Association of Canada is holding online support circles for residential school survivors in wake of Kamloops discovery.
Grassroots group helps people navigate Ontario’s complex vaccination appointment system
An organization in Toronto is trying to get vulnerable people in the community vaccinated by helping them overcome the confusion many are facing while booking appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.