Respirologist warns wildfire smoke poses serious health risks to people with existing conditions
Dr. Shawn Aaron explains how wildfire smoke impacts lung health, worsens existing conditions, and shares key tips for staying safe during poor air quality.
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National Post
8 minutes ago
- National Post
Pop is in the spotlight yet again. This time, for its ability to disrupt gut bacteria and immunity
Pop has been a hot topic over the past few weeks. First, U.S. President Donald Trump waded into MAHA — Make America Healthy Again — waters by saying Coca-Cola was swapping high-fructose corn syrup for cane sugar. 'It's just better!' he posted on social media. (Health experts say it's not. There's no nutritional difference between the two.) Article content Drinking pop has long been linked to adverse health effects, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Added sugars (whatever their source) are the primary culprit, yet 'diet sodas, which have been found to increase hunger and disrupt metabolism, are not any better,' according to UCLA Health. A new study suggests another pop-consumption concern: sugary drinks disrupt gut bacteria and immunity. Article content Article content But it's not all doom and gloom, say researchers from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The study published in Nature Communications found that though drinking pop sweetened with white sugar alters the DNA of gut bacteria and affects the immune system, once sugar consumption stops, the impacts are reversible. Article content Article content 'Gut bacteria are important members of the microbial community within our body, i.e., the microbiome. These bacteria, which have co-evolved with humans for generations, are so essential to human health in general and to the development of the immune system in particular that we cannot function without them,' says a press release about the research. Studies have shown that diet influences microbiome composition and overall functionality, write the researchers, led by professor Naama Geva-Zatorsky and Ph.D. student Noa Gal-Mandelbaum. In contrast, research on the impact of what we eat on the functionality of specific gut bacteria is 'relatively scarce.' Article content Article content The current research builds on a previous study by the Geva-Zatorsky Lab, which identified DNA inversions ('rapid genetic switches') as one way gut bacteria respond to and protect themselves when facing environmental changes. To understand how dietary factors affect these inversions, the study focused on Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Article content Article content The researchers say that this 'prominent gut member' plays a role in preventing gut inflammation, preserving its mucus layer and protecting the body from pathogens. By studying the effects of different dietary components on the bacteria's DNA, in vitro, in mice and in humans, the researchers found that white sugar consumption created DNA inversions, which impacted the immune system. Article content In a social media post, Technion said, 'This discovery highlights the deep connection between our diet, microbiome and health — and opens the door to personalized nutrition for a stronger immune system.' Article content
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
‘A silent disease': Manitoba hepatitis C numbers on the rise again
Dr. Kelly Kaita from U of M discusses hepatitis C in Manitoba and the urgent need for action to eliminate the virus. Dr. Kelly Kaita from U of M discusses hepatitis C in Manitoba and the urgent need for action to eliminate the virus. Manitoba has the highest level of hepatitis C in the country and an infectious disease expert said it shows no signs of slowing down. Doctor Kelly Kaita heads up the viral hepatitis investigative unit at the University of Manitoba. After a 'dramatic decrease' of infected individuals from 2018 to 2020, federal surveillance data recorded an upswing in Manitoba hepatitis C cases in 2021, Kaita said. That year, Manitoba recorded 42.3 cases per 100,000 people—the most in Canada and distantly followed by Saskatchewan at 38.3 and Newfoundland and Labrador at 29.8. This trend looks to continue in the next batch of data, Kaita said. 'In 2022 data, it looks like it will be the same, and it's suspected that that might relate to the opioid epidemic and the methamphetamine epidemic that a lot of the provinces are seeing right now.' Kelly Kaita Doctor Kelly Kaita is shown during a CTV Morning Live Winnipeg interview on World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2025. Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It causes liver inflammation and if left untreated, can cause serious liver damage. Symptoms can take years to appear, Kaita said, meaning many who are infected don't know to seek treatment. 'It's a silent disease.' While it can spread through recreational drug use, there are other common ways to contract the virus, like unprofessional tattoos or body piercings and blood transfusions prior to 1990. However, one demographic is particularly at risk. 'If you're in the age group born between 1945 and 1975, you're five times more likely to have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus,' he said, noting anyone born between those years should get tested. Kaita shared the reminder on World Hepatitis Day, an occasion to boost awareness about the disease in a World Health Organization-led push to eradicate it altogether by 2030. He reminded those who might have a high-risk factor to get tested, as he stressed it is a curable disease. 'Get tested. Get cured, and then we can reach that 2030 goal.' - With files from CTV's Ainsley McPhail
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Heat and humidity warning continues
Environment Canada is warning of a scorching start to the work week. A multi-day heat event continues for much of southwestern Ontario, including Waterloo Region, Guelph, Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tavistock. Monday will be the hottest, with daytime temperatures reaching 30 to 33 degrees Celsius. With the humidex, it could feel closer to 38 or 42. Overnight temperatures, meanwhile, are only expected to drop to 19 or 21 degrees Celsius. Environment Canada said the steamy conditions will continue into Tuesday, while Wednesday will bring an end to the heat event. Signs of heat illness Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or fainting Extreme thirst Dark urine and decreased urination Intense fatigue Confusion or lack of coordination Skin rash Muscle cramps Heavy sweating Rapid breathing and heartbeat Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency. Those symptoms include: High body temperature Very hot, red skin Confusion or change in consciousness Dizziness or fainting If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately. Beating the heat The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Know the weather forecast before going outside Modify your plans according to the weather Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric Seek shade Avoid sun exposure if you can Take breaks as needed Avoid using your oven Take a cool shower or bath Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place Close blinds and shades, Turn on air conditioning or use a fan Cooling centres The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre. The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices, as well as public swimming pools and splash pads. Guelph also has a list air-conditioned libraries and facilities open to the public, including the locations of splash pads and swimming pools in the community. A list of cooling centres, pools and splashpads in Brantford can be found here. Protecting your pets Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous. Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death. Signs of an overheated pet include: Excessive panting Drooling Vomiting Collapsing Lethargy Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth If your pet is suffering from the heat, it's a good idea to gradually cool them down. Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice. Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
