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Measles in Manitoba, Family Dinners Benefits, and Aging Parents' Health Discussions · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

• 0:00
  Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
• 0:04
  Chow.
• 0:04
  I'm your host, Dr.
• 0:06
  Chi-Ming Chow.
• 0:07
  Today, we're diving into a pressing issue that's been making headlines in Manitoba,
• 0:12
  Canada.
• 0:13
  A recent measles outbreak is causing concern among health professionals, and there's a
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  strong advisory for those who are not vaccinated to avoid large public gatherings.
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  Manitoba is currently experiencing a surge in measles cases, and experts are urging
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  individuals who haven't been vaccinated to steer clear of large public events until the
• 0:37
  situation stabilizes.
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  This warning follows an incident where thousands of people were potentially exposed to
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  measles at the AG Days indoor farm show in Brandon, which took place from January
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  twentieth to the twenty-second.
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  The event attracted around thirty-five thousand attendees, and it's believed that those who
• 1:00
  visited hotels, restaurants, or shops in the city during this time could have been exposed
• 1:05
  to the virus.
• 1:07
  Dr.
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  Philippe Lagacé-Wiens, a medical microbiologist and physician at St.
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  Boniface Hospital, underscores the severity of the situation.
• 1:19
  He explains that in a closed environment, ninety percent of people who are susceptible to
• 1:24
  measles could contract the virus if there's an infectious person present.
• 1:29
  This is particularly concerning given that the symptoms of measles might not appear until
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  weeks after infection, allowing the disease to spread unknowingly.
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  The outbreak has brought Manitoba to its highest monthly count of confirmed measles
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  cases since it began last year.
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  With the virus continuing to circulate extensively, the risk of exposure in large
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  groups remains high for those unvaccinated.
• 1:56
  Dr.
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  Lagacé-Wiens emphasizes that neither physical distancing nor masks offer significant
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  protection against measles, unlike with COVID-19.
• 2:09
  The message is clear: if you're not vaccinated or exhibit measles-like symptoms, it's best to
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  avoid public gatherings.
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  Angela Rasmussen, a virologist from the University of Saskatchewan, points out that
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  herd immunity is no longer a viable protective measure for unvaccinated individuals.
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  The only way to reduce the risk of infection is to minimize exposure.
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  She advises parents of newborns who are not yet eligible for vaccination, and children who
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  cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, to avoid large gatherings.
• 2:45
  Despite the rising cases, Dr.
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  Lagacé-Wiens notes that the outbreak hasn't reached a point where restrictions or event
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  cancellations are necessary.
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  However, he warns that if the situation worsens, particularly if infants start to crowd
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  intensive care units, public health measures might become unavoidable.
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  Angela Rasmussen also highlights the challenge posed by misinformation campaigns that
• 3:08
  undermine public health guidance on vaccinations.
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  She stresses the importance of finding effective strategies to communicate directly
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  with those undecided about vaccines, to counteract the spread of disinformation.
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  Brandon's Mayor, Jeff Fawcett, mentions that the city has been vigilant about the potential
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  exposure at AG Days but hasn't seen a significant increase in local cases.
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  He attributes this to high immunization rates, influenced by the community's past experiences
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  with measles outbreaks in the 1980s.
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  The city continues to follow provincial health guidance, promoting vaccination and symptom
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  monitoring without imposing aggressive restrictions.
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  New research from the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma sheds light on the
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  potential benefits of family dinners in reducing substance use among teenagers.
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  The study indicates that regularly sharing meals as a family may discourage the use of
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  alcohol, cannabis, and e-cigarettes among adolescents.
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  Researchers gathered data through online surveys from two thousand ninety adolescents
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  aged twelve to seventeen and their parents across the United States.
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  They assessed the quality of family meals, considering factors such as communication,
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  enjoyment, digital distractions, and logistical challenges.
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  The teenagers were also asked about their alcohol, vaping, and cannabis use over the
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  previous six months.
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  The study found that higher-quality family meals were associated with a twenty-two to
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  thirty-four percent reduction in reported substance use among teenagers with lower levels
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  of childhood adversity.
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  Margie Skeer, the study’s lead author and a professor at Tufts University, emphasized that
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  these findings reinforce the importance of routine family connections as a practical and
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  accessible way to mitigate the risk of adolescent substance use.
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  The research highlights that regular family meals can foster consistent communication and
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  parental involvement, potentially reducing risky behaviors over time.
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  However, the study also noted that for adolescents with higher adversity
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  scores—equivalent to experiencing four or more adverse childhood experiences—the benefits of
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  family meals were less pronounced.
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  In such cases, more targeted and trauma-informed approaches, such as mental
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  health support, may be necessary.
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  It's important to note that while the study offers valuable insights, it has certain
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  limitations.
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  Its cross-sectional design means it cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect
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  relationship between family meals and reduced substance use.
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  Additionally, the use of online recruitment may limit the generalizability of the findings to
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  all families.
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  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, many of us are scrambling to find the perfect
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  gift for our partners.
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  Alyse Dermer, the founder of Mr.
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  Considerate, a luxury gift concierge service, shares some insightful advice on how to make
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  your Valentine's Day gift truly special.
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  One of the most memorable gifts she received was a bracelet from her husband early in their
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  relationship.
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  It wasn't the price tag that made it special, but the thought and effort he put into
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  remembering her admiration for it and going back to purchase it for her.
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  According to Dermer, the key to a meaningful gift is to show your partner that you truly see
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  and appreciate them.
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  It's not about buying the most expensive item, but rather about finding something that
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  resonates with their current stage of life and needs.
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  For instance, an expensive piece of lingerie might not be the best choice for a new mom.
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  Instead, consider gifts that solve a problem or enhance their daily life, like a lightweight
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  bag for a partner who commutes or an elegant evening clutch for upcoming events.
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  Dr.
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  Julian Givi, an associate professor of marketing at West Virginia University, advises
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  against overly practical gifts like toasters.
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  Valentine's Day is about a touch of luxury and pampering, which doesn't have to break the
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  bank.
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  The focus should be on thoughtful gestures that make your partner feel cherished.
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  Dr.
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  Evan Polman from the University of Wisconsin suggests that the value of a gift isn't in its
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  price, but in its ability to meet reasonable expectations and show attentiveness to your
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  partner's desires.
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  If you're considering something useful yet special, think about items your partner
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  wouldn't buy for themselves but would enjoy, such as a cashmere scarf or a nice set of
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  pajamas.
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  Dermer suggests adding a festive touch by choosing items in colors that resonate with the
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  holiday spirit.
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  Experiences can also make wonderful gifts.
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  While material gifts are common, Dr.
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  Givi highlights that experiences are often more cherished over time.
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  Consider concert tickets or a couple's massage, which not only create lasting memories but also
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  strengthen your bond.
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  If you prefer a tangible gift, you can pair it with an experience, like matching aprons with a
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  cooking class or warm gloves hinting at a winter hike.
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  Classic gifts like roses and chocolates are always an option, but presentation matters.
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  Instead of handing over grocery store flowers in plastic wrap, consider placing them in a
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  vase.
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  Elevate a simple box of chocolates by presenting them in a decorative jar.
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  And don't underestimate the power of a heartfelt card—sometimes words can convey your
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  affection better than any gift.
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  If this year's gift doesn't hit the mark, don't fret.
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  Start paying attention to your partner's likes and dislikes now, and take notes for next year.
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  Often, they leave subtle hints about what they might appreciate in the future.
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  Thoughtful gift-giving is an art that takes time and observation, but it can make all the
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  difference in making your partner feel truly valued.
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  Dr.
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  Stephen Osei-Osafo recently made a significant life change by relocating from the United
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  Kingdom to Surrey, British Columbia.
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  After years of training and working within the National Health Service, he decided to embark
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  on this journey, driven by the turmoil and job uncertainty he experienced within the NHS.
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  His move was partly inspired by a study from the British Medical Association, which found
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  that around twenty percent of family physicians in the United Kingdom were considering other
• 9:55
  employment due to limited options within the NHS.
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  Despite having a stable job, Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo was concerned that the instability within the NHS might hinder his ability to
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  provide consistent, long-term care to his patients—something he deeply values in his
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  practice.
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  When he learned that Canada was experiencing a shortage of family doctors, he saw it as an
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  opportunity to fulfill his career aspirations and said, "sign me up."
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  Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo landed in Surrey, British Columbia's second-largest city by population, in November
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  and has been working to establish his practice there.
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  He was immediately struck by the kindness and respectfulness of Canadians, which has made his
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  transition smoother and more enjoyable.
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  "I've just been so delighted at how respectful and receptive people are.
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  It's just really been a delight from start to finish so far," he remarked.
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  The decision to move to British Columbia was influenced by a recruiter named Gary, whom Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo met about a year ago.
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  Gary represented the clinic in Surrey where Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo now works and highlighted the province's need for family physicians.
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  Additionally, the weather in British Columbia, which is similar to London's, was an attractive
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  factor for Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo, who is not fond of snow.
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  Although there were some logistical hurdles, such as finding a place to live and ensuring
• 11:24
  his qualifications transferred, Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo found the process manageable, thanks to a government-funded organization called
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  Health Match British Columbia.
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  This organization assisted him in navigating the necessary procedures, including an exam
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  that was required at the time.
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  Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo notes that the health care system in Canada, particularly in British Columbia,
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  shares many similarities with the NHS in the United Kingdom.
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  The day-to-day structure of his practice feels familiar, with a routine that includes
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  preparing for patients in the morning and seeing them throughout the day.
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  These similarities have helped him feel at home in his new environment.
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  Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo is currently focused on building strong relationships with his patients in
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  Surrey, aiming to provide continuity of care that spans from "cradle-to-grave." He believes
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  that by serving patients over the long term, he can become an integral part of their health
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  journey, identifying issues that might not be immediately apparent to them or their families.
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  Living in British Columbia has been a positive experience for Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo.
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  He appreciates the open spaces and greenery, which are more abundant than what he was
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  accustomed to in the United Kingdom.
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  The sense of community and the opportunity to meet new people have also enriched his
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  experience.
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  Encouraged by his positive experience, Dr.
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  Osei-Osafo is actively encouraging his colleagues in the United Kingdom to consider
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  moving to Canada.
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  He believes that, given the challenges within the NHS, now is an opportune time for
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  physicians to explore their career options in Canada, where they can make a meaningful impact
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  and find fulfillment in their work.
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  Today, we're delving into a crucial topic that concerns many families—conversations you need
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  to have with your aging parents.
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  As Americans live longer, often managing multiple chronic conditions, it's essential for
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  adult children to be informed about their parents' health.
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  Unfortunately, many only gain this insight after an emergency situation, such as a fall or
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  a hospitalization, has occurred.
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  Dr.
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  Louise Aronson, a geriatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, and
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  author of "Elderhood," emphasizes that this lack of communication can be detrimental.
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  In emergencies, adult children may find themselves unsure of how to proceed,
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  potentially clashing with siblings and grappling with guilt over their decisions.
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  For aging parents, this silence can lead to their wishes being misunderstood, causing
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  unnecessary stress for their children as they try to guess what their parents would have
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  wanted.
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  To prevent these challenging situations, experts suggest having important conversations
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  with your parents before a crisis occurs.
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  Dr.
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  Aronson points out that while these discussions might seem difficult, avoiding them can lead to
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  much worse scenarios down the line.
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  The first step is to understand your parents' baseline health.
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  In an emergency, doctors only see a snapshot of your parent's health status, so having a clear
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  picture of their daily functioning can aid in effective diagnosis and treatment.
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  Dr.
• 14:53
  Sabrina Taldone, the chief of general internal medicine at the University of Miami Health,
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  advises beginning with questions about your parents' daily routines.
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  This can gradually lead to more specific inquiries regarding their mobility and
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  cognitive abilities.
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  By understanding their regular activities and any difficulties they might face, you can
• 15:14
  better support their health needs and communicate effectively with healthcare
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  providers if necessary.
• 15:22
  Today, we're turning our attention to a significant development in British Columbia's
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  healthcare landscape.
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  Vancouver Coastal Health is introducing a new model of long-term care aimed at easing the
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  growing waitlists for such facilities.
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  This initiative involves moving some of the long-term care services out of large
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  institutions and into smaller, more homely settings within local neighborhoods.
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  The new approach involves purchasing existing houses in neighborhoods and converting them
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  into licensed long-term care homes.
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  Each of these homes will accommodate up to ten residents, providing them with private rooms
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  and shared spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor areas.
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  The idea is to create a home-like environment where seniors can receive around-the-clock
• 16:09
  clinical care.
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  British Columbia's Health Minister, Josie Osborne, has expressed that this model is
• 16:16
  designed to preserve the dignity and connection of residents.
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  It's seen as a crucial part of the continuum of seniors' care, bridging the gap between
• 16:26
  independent living and more intensive long-term care.
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  Yasmin Jetha, the vice-president of community services at Vancouver Coastal Health, points
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  out that this household-style model is based on evidence suggesting it's better suited for many
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  seniors, particularly those with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.
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  The goal is to offer an environment where residents can enjoy a more familiar and
• 16:52
  comforting daily routine.
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  While the introduction of these small care homes is a positive step, senior advocates like
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  Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, caution that it's not a complete solution to the
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  long-term care crisis.
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  The demand for long-term care beds continues to rise sharply, with wait times for publicly
• 17:13
  funded spaces having doubled since 2016.
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  On average, seniors now wait nearly ten months for a spot, compared to five months a decade
• 17:23
  ago.
• 17:24
  B.C.
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  Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt calls the approach innovative and pragmatic, noting that it aligns
• 17:31
  with how many older adults prefer to live.
• 17:34
  However, he emphasizes the need for more investment in building new long-term care homes
• 17:39
  to meet the increasing demands of an aging population.
• 17:43
  The province is projected to need nearly sixteen thousand new beds by 2036.
• 17:49
  Despite these challenges, the first three small care homes are expected to open in the spring
• 17:55
  of 2026, with plans to eventually create about two hundred beds by 2029.
• 18:01
  This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the long-term care needs of British
• 18:06
  Columbia's seniors.
• 18:08
  As we wrap up today's episode, it's clear that while these new small care homes offer a
• 18:13
  promising alternative to traditional long-term care facilities, they represent just one
• 18:19
  component of a much-needed comprehensive solution.
• 18:22
  Thank you for tuning in to Morning Medical with Dr.
• 18:25
  Chow.
• 18:25
  Stay informed and take care of your health.
• 18:28
  Until next time, I'm Dr.
• 18:30
  Chi-Ming Chow, signing off.