Case of whooping cough confirmed at junior high school in Dartmouth
Staff and families of Caledonia Junior High have been notified and the health authority is working with the infected person to identify more close contacts, the authority said in a statement to CBC News.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection and the risk of school-aged children and adults becoming seriously ill is low, Dr. Cristin Muecke, regional medical officer of health, said in the statement.
People who are vaccinated against the illness are considered well protected, but babies who are too young to be vaccinated are at highest risk of severe illness, the statement said.
Whooping cough spreads easily from person to person through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of pertussis include:
Deep rapid coughing followed by a "whoop" sound.
Vomiting after coughing.
Coughing that is most severe at night.
Apnea (periods of not breathing) in babies.
Nova Scotians can access their vaccine records at vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca, the statement said. More information about whooping cough can be found on the health authority's website.
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CTV News
21 minutes ago
- CTV News
Ontario's family doctors could soon have a new compensation system. Here is how it will work
Ontario family doctors could soon be subject to a new compensation system as part of the province's efforts to incentivize physicians to work as general practitioners. Ontario Medical Association CEO Kimberly Moran tells CTV News that negotiations on the new system are ongoing but that she believes a deal can be reached within months. She said that while the matter is still under an arbitration board's review an agreement has already been reached with the Ontario government on 'most of the elements.' The focus of the new system would be to pay doctors for the time they spend doing administration, as well as the time they spend providing medical care, Moran says. Right now, family doctors are not compensated for the time they spend working on administration or with specialists on behalf of their patients. Instead, doctors operate under both a fee-for-service model, in which they are reimbursed under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for every service they provide a patient and an enrollment system, in which they are paid a set amount per patient, regardless of how many times they see them. 'What this incentivized compensation model does is that it recognizes the work that's done by doctors that they have talked about as very challenging and that is a lot of critical administration,' Moran said of the new proposed model. 'It directly compensates that for them, so for example if you need referral to a specialization or if the family doctor needs to talk to your specialist about something, like none of that time is compensated. But now its going to be, so that's great.' Ontario has long had a shortage of family doctors. The provincial government has pledged to make sure that every Ontarian has a family doctor by 2029 and Moran said she is hopeful the new system will convince more physicians to enter family medicine. The OMA represents 31,500 practicing physicians in Ontario. 'The hope is that it will attract new physicians to the field, keep those who are practicing now and entice other doctors who have moved away from that kind of medicine back to practice medicine there,' she said. Ontario is short on doctors of all sorts but Moran emphasized the importance of family doctors right now. Right now, 2.5 million Ontarians are without a family doctor. 'What we wanted to do with this model was incentivize family doctors, those who have chosen family medicine,' she said. 'To have improved compensation is one of the ways we recruit and retain family doctors. It is going to be important over the next decade to make sure we have enough doctors through all of our specialties. But for this time, right now, where attachment to a family doctor is so critical, we wanted to focus here.' Moran said that under the existing payment system doctors were not compensated for the total time they spent with a patient who may come in 'with four, five, six different things to do.' She said that the new system 'means that if the doctor has to spend 45 minutes with a person who has lots of complexity, its going to be compensated properly.' Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones was asked about the ongoing negotiations during an unrelated press conference on Wednesday but declined to comment, only offering that there were 'very positive movements' and that progress was being made. 'So, as we expand primary care clinicians, opportunities in communities, we want to make sure that those physicians, those clinicians, those nurse practitioners are well supported and we're doing that work with the OMA. I can tell you to date it has been very positive,' she said.
CBC
22 minutes ago
- CBC
Low-income renters press governments for ways to cool apartments in heat waves
Social Sharing Sandra Walsh was struggling to breathe in her apartment when temperatures across Nova Scotia soared in July, but the woman on social assistance says her pleas for a government-funded air conditioner have been ignored. "With the high humidity, it affects my breathing and I have to gasp for air," says the 46-year-old woman, recently diagnosed with a progressive lung disease. "Even taking frequent, cold showers isn't really helping." The resident of New Glasgow, N.S., is among many low-income Canadians with health conditions struggling to get government help to stay cool. She wants to buy a $300 air conditioner, but that would leave her with little money for food or medications. As of Wednesday, Walsh said it had been more than two months since she asked her income assistance caseworker for money to pay for an air conditioner. She said she has made the same request every summer since 2020, but has been refused. Similar struggles over what advocates call the "right to cooling" are gaining attention across the country. 'Right to cooling' Renters' groups argue AC units are sometimes required to prevent illness and death, and some experts are calling for wider solutions that could include public cooling centres. Last year, another resident of New Glasgow, Julie Leggett, won an appeal before an adjudicator who decided the province had to pay for an air conditioner due to her chronic pain condition. But the ruling only applies to Leggett. Nova Scotia's Department of Social Development said in a recent statement its policy of refusing to cover the cost of air conditioners for low-income people with health conditions has not changed. "In situations where health risks are worsened by extreme heat, caseworkers may refer individuals to local charities such as St. Vincent de Paul or churches," a spokeswoman for the department said in an email. Meanwhile, the province says Efficiency Nova Scotia — a non-profit energy conservation utility — can help landlords purchase heat pumps for affordable housing. Leggett says these solutions aren't always available to people living in poverty. "The province should not be trying to push its legal obligations onto non-profits that are already maxed out," she wrote in an email. 'It is very, very expensive for me' In Ottawa, where temperatures soared in mid-July, 75-year-old apartment dweller Marie Lourdes Garnier said provincial governments should be helping low-income renters purchase air conditioners. She said her apartment was stifling during a recent heat wave, adding that in recent weeks she's found herself growing faint despite continually splashing cold water on her head. A spokesperson for the Ontario government said people on income assistance can apply for an air conditioner when municipal or First Nations programs permit it. In addition, people with disabilities can apply through the Ontario Disabilities Support Program, and the City of Toronto recently started offering a pilot program for low-income seniors. Garnier, who lives on a small pension, isn't eligible for these programs because she is not receiving income assistance. "It's very, very expensive for me ... [and] I'm not talking about [needing an AC unit] for comfort. It's a matter of life and death." Last year, an advocacy group for low-income renters known as ACORN found that a "negligible proportion" of its membership received public funds to buy an air conditioner or heat pump. A majority of the 737 people who responded to a survey reported poor sleep, fatigue and headaches from excessive indoor heat. Emergency departments see heat-related visits In Moncton, N.B., Peter Jongeneelen — vice-chair of ACORN New Brunswick — said during a recent heat wave, he was admitted to an ER because he was suffering from heat exhaustion. He said people living on disability pensions need help, "[but] there's no real programs out there in New Brunswick. It's something we would like to change." Meanwhile, the number of people showing up at emergency rooms with heat-related problems continues to rise. Last month, Health Canada reported this type of case rose from about 600 in 2004 to about 1,100 in 2023. In British Columbia, where a "heat dome" in the summer of 2021 caused 600 deaths, the province committed $30 million in 2023 for a free air conditioner program run by BC Hydro. Since then, about 27,500 free AC units have been installed, the utility said. Still, University of British Columbia researcher Liv Yoon says the program has faced challenges. Some landlords, for example, have said their buildings simply can't support air conditioning. Yoon, co-author of a report titled "A Right to Cool," said there's a need for public cooling centres and access to free public transit to reach them. The report also calls for creation of affordable housing that includes passive shade systems to reduce indoor heat. Solutions other than AC Alex Boston, a B.C.-based urban planner and consultant, said air conditioners may be necessary for some low-income renters, but other solutions are often available. Indoor temperatures can be lowered by using window shades and fans, he said in an interview. Simple shading and air movement can decrease indoor temperatures by as much as 10 C, he said. In New Glasgow, Walsh said shades and fans might help. "But a refusal [of assistance] would mean I would suffer and not be able to breathe with the extreme heat, which can lead to death," she said.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Our Guide To The Best Cold Plunge Tubs In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them)
Discover the best cold plunge tubs in Canada: compare size, insulation, ease of use, and where to buy the top models for ultimate recovery and chill. Cold plunges have been gaining in popularity for good reason. With benefits like improved mood and circulation, better recovery after exercise (lower inflammation and soreness… yes please), and even potential immune benefits, it's easy to see why so many people are taking up this practice. Cold plunge tubs are designed to make your cold plunges as easy as possible. They are sized to fit almost every body type and height, are incredibly well insulated (and might even be chiller compatible for temperature maintenance), and can be set up indoors or out. They come in solid and inflatable options, too, so they can travel with you or stay in place. If you're cold plunging often enough that your bathtub isn't cutting it, we're here to make sure that you find the best cold plunge tub for your needs. Cold plunge tubs will vary in features like price, capacity, type (solid vs. inflatable), chiller compatibility, overall size, and more. To find the best fit, you should think about every feature. They all matter. This comprehensive guide will investigate the best cold plunge tubs in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let's dive right into our top five products. The Best Cold Plunge Tubs Right Now Our Top Pick for The Best Cold Plunge Tub Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub Review What We Think of the Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub The Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub is the best of the best. Since it's chiller-compatible, it'll always be at the right temperature, and it won't freeze in the cold months, either! You can use it all year round to keep your body (and mind!) feeling its best. This solid tub is also incredibly durable, so you won't have to replace it for years, if ever. We really appreciate that this tub comes with an insulated cover, too. If you don't have the space inside for a cold plunge tub, this one will do just fine outdoors full-time. The recline in the tub also guarantees full relaxation every time, and if you want to keep your phone handy for a timer or music to complete the scene, the handy phone mount will be your best friend. There are only two negatives you could pull from this cold plunge tub. The first is the size. It's large, it's solid, and it's heavy, so if portability is something you're looking for, you'll have to pass this one by. It's also the most expensive cold plunge tub (by a long shot), so if you're limited by any type of budget, you likely won't be able to add this one to your cart without some serious saving. All in all, the Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub is top-of-the-line, and then some. If you're dedicated to your cold plunges and looking for the best possible way to get them done, this option is the only one you should be looking at. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 1/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub Reviewers could not be happier with the Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub. Both versions of the chiller work amazingly well for keeping the tub at their preferred temperature, and they love that they can use it all winter without it freezing or getting damaged. The phone mount is a helpful addition, too. They wouldn't change anything about this cold plunge tub. Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd like to keep your phone handy while you cold plunge Longevity is really important to you You're looking for a luxurious experience every time You plan to keep your tub outside Don't Buy If… You don't have a ton of money to spend on a cold plunge tub Portability matters Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub Specifications Dimensions: 66.6' x 31.5' x 26' Weight: 144 lbs Type: Solid Capacity: 398 L Chiller Compatible: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Inflatable Pick Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub Review What We Think of the Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub We really like the Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub. It's an inflatable tub that takes only 15 minutes to set up, so you won't have to worry about time constraints or confusing instructions getting in the way of your cold plunge. It weighs only 28 lbs, too, so it's great to travel with! With this option, you get to say hello to the perfect cold plunge anytime, anywhere. Another reason we love this one so much is that it's a full tub that comes with a chiller, just like the best solid options out there. You get all of the benefits of a traditional cold plunge tub without the permanent loss of space. We love that for you. The tub material is UV-resistant, too, so it can be set up in the backyard without any worries about it losing its colour or durability. The only issue you might come across with this cold plunge tub is the price tag. While it's not the priciest option out there (we leave that title to the solid tubs), it's still much more expensive than most cold plunge tubs you'll see. If you're shopping on any kind of a budget or won't be using it all the time, you can definitely find options that are better suited to you. All in all, the Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub is the most impressive inflatable option you're likely to encounter. Whether you're prioritizing consistent and effort-free water temperatures, a luxurious recline, or portability, this tub is an amazing one to settle on. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 1/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub. They haven't run into any quality issues with it even after many uses, and they were surprised by how sturdy it is when inflated. It travels well since it's not too heavy, and the chiller is an amazing addition for consistent temperatures year-round. They highly recommend it. Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub Pros and Cons Buy If… You'll need to cold plunge away from home or you're too short on space for a permanent tub A quick setup process would be nice You'd prefer a tub with a chiller instead of one requiring ice You'll need to use your tub outdoors Don't Buy If… Affordability is something you're looking for Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub Specifications Dimensions: 61' x 32' x 28' Weight: 28 lbs Type: Inflatable Capacity: 398 L Chiller Compatible: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Mid-Range Pick Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub Review What We Think of the Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub We are really excited to introduce you to the Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub. It's one of the most affordable full-sized inflatable tubs out there, so it's a great choice if you're shopping on a budget but still want to get the most out of your cold plunges. No matter how tall you are, you'll have room to recline and keep most, if not all, of your body submerged at once. This tub is also super user-friendly when it comes to setup. It takes only three minutes to fully inflate it, and a high-quality hand pump is even included to make it easier! You can always go with an automatic pump for even faster setup, though. The portability of this cold plunge tub makes it perfect for travel, too. The only reason you might not love everything about this cold plunge tub is if you're looking for one with a chiller instead of one relying on ice that you supply. While this one is compatible with a chiller, it doesn't include one (the budget-friendly price is the reason for that), so you'll need to make a separate purchase if that's something you're set on having. All in all, the Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub is the perfect choice for folks who need something lightweight and portable but don't want to go with a bucket-style tub. With a great price, too, this is the best of all worlds, wouldn't you say? Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Quality: 4.5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub Reviewers are having a good time with the Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub. They're amazed by how sturdy the sides of the tub are and how easy it is to get in and out. The size of the tub is also perfect for most people to stretch their legs out and relax. The buckles keeping the lid down are pretty poor quality, but that's the only issue that popped up repeatedly. Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate an ultra-fast setup You want to stretch out on a budget Portability matters to you Don't Buy If… You don't want to make any extra purchases for a chiller tub Freein FB-BT62S23 Cold Plunge Tub Specifications Dimensions: 24' x 62' x 35' Weight: 30.8 lbs Type: Inflatable Capacity: 382 L Chiller Compatible: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Compact Pick The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub Review What We Think of The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub We think you'll enjoy The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub, and there are a lot of reasons for that. One of the main ones is the convenience of its small size. That is why it's our compact pick, after all. It can be set up in any corner of the house or on a small deck/patio/balcony—it's perfect for all spaces, and travel, too! The affordable price is another huge benefit. This tub is more durable than you'd expect, too, and with an insulated cover, it's perfect for all-season use. It has an inflatable ring at the top to make upright sitting more comfortable, too. We're also big fans of the tap at the bottom. It makes the emptying process go a whole lot smoother. Who doesn't want to experience that for themselves? While there are a lot of good things stemming from the smaller size of this cold plunge tub, there are also some challenges that we need to mention. Since it is designed for upright sitting, it can be difficult for taller folks to be fully submerged—you'll likely have to get used to dry shoulders with this one. It can also be more difficult to get in and out of, so if you have any mobility challenges, it might not be the best choice. All in all, The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub is close to unbeatable when it comes to compact cold plunge tubs. Since it's also incredibly affordable and durable enough to withstand all of Canada's seasons, it's a great choice for everybody. Performance: 4.5/5 Usability: 4/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 4.5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub Reviewers have very positive things to say about The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub. Taller people have to sit with their knees up and can't submerge to their neck, but they're still happy with the cold plunge experience. It's easy to set the tub up indoors and out, and it holds up well to Canadian winters as well. Some of them have even purchased a second one as a gift for family and friends. The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub Pros and Cons Buy If… You like to sit upright during a cold plunge You need a tub that can be set up anywhere Affordability is a priority Easy emptying is something you don't want to do without Don't Buy If… You're tall and want to be fully submerged You struggle with full mobility The Cold Pod TCP01 Cold Plunge Tub Specifications Dimensions: 29.5' x 29.5' x 29.5' Weight: 7.7 lbs Type: Solid Capacity: 333 L Chiller Compatible: No Warranty: 1 year Our Budget Pick Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub Review What We Think of the Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub Considering the Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub is a very small fraction of the cost of most cold plunge tubs, we were expecting it to fall short of expectations in every way. Instead, it surprised us. It inflates in only minutes, and with the inflatable ring for head/upper back comfort and a pillow to sit on, this tub is even more comfortable than ones that cost thousands of dollars! This option is perfect for small spaces, too. With a diameter of only 34.5 inches, it can easily be set up in a corner of the house or patio without too much sacrifice on your end. It easily folds down for ultra-compact storage, too. Plus, with a durable carry bag included, it's one of the easiest tubs to hit the road with. What's not to love? There are only two reasons this tub might not be a good option for you. One of them is the size. While it's great for small houses and travel, it doesn't let you recline and can be difficult to get in and out of. The second is the lack of a chiller, or even the compatibility with one. This tub is water and ice-friendly only. Hopefully, that's how you like to do your cold plunges. Overall, the Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub is one that we can't recommend highly enough for shoppers on a budget. Not only is it the most affordable cold plunge tub out there, but it's also really comfortable and as portable as it gets. Bonus! Times two! Performance: 4.5/5 Usability: 4/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 4.5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub Reviewers are quite happy with the Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub. The inflatable rim and water-filled pillow make it really comfortable to sit in, and it's large enough for everyone to get a good soak without it taking up too much floor space. The carry bag makes it really easy to travel with, too. There weren't any complaints that popped up more than once. They have a high opinion of this tub. Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub Pros and Cons Buy If… You want to spend as little as possible on the cold plunge experience You want to be comfortable while sitting in the tub You plan to travel with your cold plunge tub A small footprint works better for your space Don't Buy If… You want a tub with a chiller You prefer to recline in a cold plunge tub Vevor JC-03 Cold Plunge Tub Specifications Dimensions: 35.4' x 35.4' x 29.5' Weight: 9.3 lbs Type: Solid Capacity: 370 L Chiller Compatible: No Why Trust Shopping Trends? At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we're recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison. Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it's a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you'd use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every 'top pick' featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship. How to Properly Choose Your Cold Plunge Tub Price Some cold plunge tubs cost less than $60, but others can reach almost $10,000. Generally, the most expensive cold plunge tubs will be solid instead of inflatable, full-sized instead of upright, and will include a chiller for temperature maintenance without ice. Type Cold plunge tubs are available in two types, solid and inflatable. Solid tubs tend to be more expensive than inflatable ones, but they're also more durable and weather-resistant. They're ideal for permanent places. If portability or affordability are a priority, an inflatable style is better suited to you. Chiller Compatibility Many cold plunge tubs are compatible with chillers, machines that regulate your water temperature for you so you don't need ice. These tubs will be much more expensive than ones that don't offer chiller compatibility, especially if the chiller is included with the purchase. It's up to you if a chiller is worth the cost or not. Capacity The water capacity of a cold plunge tub will typically range between 300 L and 400 L. Bigger tubs will have a larger capacity and will therefore be better-suited to larger individuals and steadier temperature maintenance. Overall Size Cold plunge tubs can be used all year round, and that means you need a place to keep them all year. Their size is an important thing to think about, especially if you are short on square footage in your home already. Full-size tubs will require more space than upright ones. Portability The portability of a cold plunge tub will be affected mostly by its size and weight, and inflatable tubs will be more portable than solid ones. Some of the smaller foldable solid tubs will come with carry bags to make travel even easier. If you'll be hitting the road with your cold plunge tub fairly often, a compact carry mode and a travel bag are things we definitely recommend. Extras Some cold plunge tubs come with extras like pillows and phone holder mounts. If you're interested in getting the most out of every cold plunge, it's a good idea to look for options that offer something a little extra. How To Choose An Inflatable Paddle Board How To Choose A Treadmill (And A Few Of Our Favourite Models For 2025) 18 Genius Pickleball Accessories To Level Up Your Game This Summer Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
