False health information harms patients, providers, and the integrity of medicine. What can physicians do?

Join us at #CCPH2025 for a discussion w/ @drshazmamithani.bsky.social, Dr. Sarah Newbery, @jossreimer.bsky.social, Doctor Mike and Dr. Sukhmeet Sachal.

Register here: bit.ly/46b17FH

IMPORTANT PSA FOR ALBERTANS

GoA is now requiring the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines be pre-ordered on their online booking site by September 30. Please spread the word and get your family pre-ordered ASAP.

bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/pr...

What are the signs of heat illness? Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum, so recognizing early symptoms is key to avoiding progression

What are the signs of heat illness? Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum, so recognizing early symptoms is key to avoiding progression, by @drshazmamithani.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-... via @theglobeandmail.com

“The organization calls Bill 26 an “unprecedented government intrusion” because it requires physicians to follow a law rather than clinical guidelines, the needs of patients and their own conscience.”

That includes family doctors providing preventative care (which keeps people out of hospitals). It also includes services like home care and other supportive care that occurs in the community, rather than in hospitals. We need to start changing the conversation. /2

@picardonhealth.bsky.social

I think we are focussing on the wrong metrics when we talk about the healthcare system. We talk a lot about hospital space. Yes, we have an aging population, but I think we would be better served talking more about keeping people out of hospitals by increasing care in the community. /1

Accidents happen – but these five rules will help keep you out of the ER While some ED visits can’t be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of needing emergency medical care

Accidents happen – but these five rules will help keep you out of the ER, by @drshazmamithani.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-... via @theglobeandmail.com

As emergency departments across Alberta face overcrowding, AMA board member Dr. Shazma Mithani @drshazmamithani.bsky.social highlights five ways to help keep you healthy and out of the ER. canadian-reviews.ca/accidents-ha...

80: What the Privatization of Healthcare Looks Like Podcast Episode · Money Feels · 2025-04-10 · 47m

Really great discussion on the Money Feels podcast on healthcare privatization. Take a listen!

cc @picardonhealth.bsky.social

podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/m...

2 doses is considered immune. Titres are only indicated in certain populations (like HCWs). Check with your doctor or public health on whether you should have them checked.

2 doses of MMR is considered immune for measles. Titres are only tested in certain populations (like HCWs), and data shows that immunity exists outside what we can measure with antibody titres.

R value is 12-18 (compared to 2-3 for COVID).

We now have confirmed measles cases in multiple provinces across Canada, including Alberta.

Do you have questions about measles? Drop them below!

#measles #abhealth #health

Concern grows over low measles vaccination rates in parts of B.C. | CBC News Scientists are raising the alarm over low measles vaccination rates in parts of B.C. as concern grows over outbreaks in Ontario and Texas.

Concern grows over low #measles #vaccination rates in parts of B.C. Some regions had less than two-thirds of 7-year-olds fully vaccinated against measles in 2023, by Akshay Kulkarni www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca #MMR

Measles has arrived in Alberta with a recent confirmed case in the Calgary region.

Stay diligent and make sure you and your loved ones are adequately vaccinated.

#alberta #yyc #abhealth #measles

Thanks to @albertadoctors.bsky.social for the invite to speak on your health delivery model panel at the Representative Forum!

Great discussion about improving timely surgical access.

I met some lovely folks IRL!
@drshazmamithani.bsky.social
Dr Hardcastle
Dr Parks
#abpoli #ableg

cc: @picardonhealth.bsky.social @caulfieldtim.bsky.social @fionamattatall.bsky.social @cmadocs.bsky.social @albertadoctors.bsky.social @antibioticdoc.bsky.social @alonghurst.bsky.social @jossreimer.bsky.social @alikamd.bsky.social

6. Antibodies last in a newborn (from the birthing parent) for 6-12 months.
7. Vaccinated or partially vaccinated people can still get the disease but symptoms are mild.
8. Life threatening complications like pneumonia and encephalitis are much more likely if not vaccinated.

/3

4. The first MMR dose is at 12 months and the second is at either 18 months (or 4-6 years) depending where you live.
5. In outbreak situations and for international travel, an MMR dose can be given as early as 6 months (but 2 additional doses will still be needed later).

/2

A few important reminders about measles:
1. It’s one of the most contagious diseases on the planet and is spread by airborne transmission.
2. Measles lasts in the air for hours after the infected person has left the room.
3. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer over 95% protection.

/1

A measles outbreak has been reported in northern Alberta. Measles is highly contagious and the best source for preventing outbreaks is immunization. For more information visit: myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Immuni...

WE SUPPORT SACE Help Oliver Nielsen raise money to support Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE)

I’m playing in a charity hockey game called the heavy hockey showdown to raise money for SACE on March 15 at the downtown community arena. Here’s a link to donate www.justgiving.com/page/oliver-...

Sexual Assault Center Edmonton lost @albertagov.bsky.social funding!! This is abhorrent news!! What have we become in Alberta.
www.instagram.com/p/DHB3qpTyAK...

@alannasmith.bsky.social @carrietait.bsky.social @markusoff.bsky.social @mbellefontaine.bsky.social @jantafrench.bsky.social @jenleecbc.bsky.social @picardonhealth.bsky.social

The Sexual Assault Centre for Edmonton (SACE) provides tremendous supports for sexual assault survivors in #yeg.

As of today, SACE has paused intake because of an unexpected funding cut by the Alberta Government.

This is absolutely devastating to SA survivors.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Until we can start reframing our approach to health as preventative rather than reactive, we are never going to solve our health system failures.

@picardonhealth.bsky.social @fionamattatall.bsky.social @naheedd.bsky.social @caulfieldtim.bsky.social

With the extreme cold, we have been seeing many more cases of frostbite in unhoused patients. These patients often require admission to hospital, and in severe cases, require amputation months down the road.

Any guesses on what could prevent this and be much more cost effective ?

Housing.

And how to protect yourself.

2/2

I’ve been getting more questions about “Bird Flu” and whether it’s time to worry.

Here’s some info on what you need to know. 1/2

With all going on in Alberta politics regarding the healthcare system right now…
… your reminder that the care you receive is directly thanks to the amazing humans who work on the frontlines: the nurses, the doctors, the clerical staff, allied health, support workers 💖🧑‍⚕️