Public health

Slower walking speed may predict future mobility problems

Being able to walk outside for several blocks at a leisurely pace plays an important role in living a vibrant, healthy life. Walking short distances allows you to get the physical activity you need, live independently, go shopping, … READ MORE

The child who inspired Andiamo – London’s most exciting tech firm

The agony suffered by Diamo Parvez motivated parents Samiya and Naveed to alleviate the suffering of others through the use of an array of cutting-edge technology. Andiamo is using Big Data, AI and 3D printing to transform the lives … READ MORE

Parents say they can’t afford their disabled children under N.L. health system

Many families don’t qualify for coverage for costly special equipment and respite care. The family of six-year-old Lauren Tucker says they struggle to pay for all the care she needs — and they’re not the only ones. … READ MORE

An example of why patients need to control all their health and social care records

This blog is suffused with conflict of interest, but I hope that you’ll agree that it’s about improving the NHS rather than making money for me. Richard Smith. BMJ Richard Smith, BMJ Opinion July 1, 2019 Without being paid I have … READ MORE

Gait and balance dysfunction in older adults: Challenges and interventions

Falls are a significant—yet preventable—health issue among older adults. Each year, 3 million older Americans over the age of 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries which often result in disability, loss … READ MORE

We should care more about caregivers

Caregivers in Canada need more support. It’s time to strengthen support for the 28% of people who provide care for an ageing family member, friend or neighbour in Canada, argues an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association … READ MORE

I wrote the book on user-friendly design. What I see today horrifies me

The world is designed against the elderly, writes Don Norman, 83-year-old author of the industry bible Design of Everyday Things and a former Apple VP. Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman. Kristian Guevara By Don Norman, Fast … READ MORE

Access for disabled travelers finally on airlines’ radar

The world’s airlines have adopted a resolution that puts improving travel for disabled passengers at the top of their to-do list. At the International Air Transport Association annual meeting in June, the industry trade group … READ MORE

New air passenger protections kick in today

Bob Brown, a disability rights advocate who is quadriplegic, says the rules reduce the distance he can travel by air without putting his health at risk by up to 2,000 kilometres. Airlines, industry groups, passenger advocates taking … READ MORE

Apple opens iPhone EHR features to all healthcare organizations

Apple has announced that it will allow any US healthcare organization with a compatible electronic health record (EHR) to register with its mobile Health Records feature, according to a tweet from Ricky Bloomfield, MD, Apple’s … READ MORE

Finnish healthcare and social welfare system provides a variety of e-services to citizens

The system presses on towards the next level of usability and interoperability for professionals. THL studies population health and welfare, effectiveness of health and welfare policies and services, environmental health as well as … READ MORE

CRA moves to slash ‘excessive’ fees charged by disability tax credit companies

It’s been 5 years since legislation passed to tighten rules around firms that help Canadians apply. Cathy Publicover of Eastern Passage, N.S., said she welcomes proposed regulations to limit how much companies can charge to help … READ MORE

Apple puts accessibility features front and center

Although the meat of Apple’s accessibility news from WWDC has been covered, there still are other items announced that have relevancy to accessibility as well. Here, then, are some thoughts on Apple’s less-headlining … READ MORE

100% Orthotics coverage for Registered First Nations and Inuit

As a registered orthotic provider with Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Braceworks bills the NIHB Program directly. The Indigenous Health Program supports practices with ties to Indigenous culture and tradition, including midwifery … READ MORE

Once its greatest foes, doctors are embracing single-payer

When the American Medical Association — one of the nation’s most powerful health care groups — met in Chicago this June, its medical student caucus seized an opportunity for change. Doctors for the 99 Percent march from Zuccotti … READ MORE

Wheelchair users sue Atlanta, alleging sidewalk access violations

On June 11, Atlanta became the latest major U.S. city to be sued for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act due to lack of access to public sidewalks. The lawsuit follows recent settlements over similar issues in Los … READ MORE

New wheelchair-friendly public buses connect Banff and Lake Louise

‘Everybody should be able to get around Banff National Park,’ says chair of regional transit service. Roam Public Transit has introduced four new accessible buses for travel on the Lake Louise Express route, Route 8X, … READ MORE

Transitions: Helping kids make the leap to adult care

In healthcare, transition refers to planning for and making the move from child to adult services. When the process isn’t managed well, young adults can fall into gaps in care and declining function, health, and quality of life. … READ MORE

Advocates push for greater airline accessibility

A lawsuit is seeking to force the nation’s airlines to make big changes in order to better accommodate travelers with disabilities. This is what it’s like to travel with a disability in the United States. American Airlines 737 … READ MORE

Death by 1,000 clicks: where electronic health records went wrong

Inside a digital revolution that took a bad turn. The U.S. government claimed that turning American medical charts into electronic records would make health care better, safer, and cheaper. Ten years and $36 billion later, the system … READ MORE

Empathetic technology: can devices know what you’re feeling?

For some, the word “technology” might evoke cold imagery of steely robots and complex computer algorithms. But a talk on “empathetic technology” at this year’s Wired Health conference did a lot to change … READ MORE

Disabled Calgarians ask why Calgary Transit Access doesn’t ‘treat us with respect’

Nearly 300 complaints made to transportation service each year, related to no shows, late pick ups. A passenger waits to begin her trip on a Calgary Transit Access bus on March 6, 2019. The agency says about 30 per cent of the nearly … READ MORE

Apple to offer veterans access to medical records on iPhone

The Wall Street Journal reports today that Apple is in talks with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer electronic health record access to military veterans. This comes as Apple continues its push into the health industry with … READ MORE

Crucial for health system, many caregivers are struggling financially and emotionally

Caregivers are ‘glue that keeps the health-care system together,’ foundation says Stephane Alexis embraces his brother Torence, left, as they are photographed in their family home near Ottawa. Stephane helps provide care … READ MORE

How does helping people affect your brain?

Study shows neurobiological effects of providing support to others. Both younger and older participants in the Intergenerational Care Project have expressed excitement and joy at being able to interact with each other. Griffith … READ MORE

TELUS Health and Babylon to bring advanced digital health tech to Canada

Canadians will have more options for accessing quality care and communicating efficiently with healthcare professionals no matter where they are located. Babylon Health TELUS Health, a Canadian organization committed to driving … READ MORE

Orthopaedic surgeons on the common knee procedure that may cause more harm than good

Nearly half of Canadians aged 65 and over experience osteoarthritis in their knees. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time leading to … READ MORE

Walking frame could keep older adults active

A robotic walking frame that could help older people recover more quickly after a fall or injury, reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital, is being developed in partnership with researchers at Northumbria University, … READ MORE

Doctors say British military electronic health record system places service personnel at risk

Problems are negligible, says Ministry of Defence. British Armed Forces doctors are frustrated and concerned over the operational failings of the £80 million decade-old Defence Medical Information Capability Programme (DMICP) … READ MORE

Alberta law to allow unwed parents to share financial burden of disabled adult children

The proposed legislation would allow parents to apply for financial support from ex-partners. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who is 18 but still requires constant care due to her Down syndrome and several other medical … READ MORE

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