To reduce the pandemic of chronic disease, the World Health Organization implores physicians to target physical inactivity as a key risk factor. Chronic disease causes the majority of Canadian deaths, and if physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking were eliminated, 80% of all heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and 40% of cancers would be prevented.[1] Physical activity is effective treatment and prevention in 25 chronic conditions.[2]
When a child or youth appears to be struggling with suicidal ideation, talking with them about it can be difficult—for physicians, parents, teachers, and friends alike.
Clinical practice guidelines are “statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care and are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options.”[1] Their utility and limitations have recently been well described by D. Etches in This Changed My Practice.[2]
In 2014 the Patterns of Practice Committee published the following information about physicians billing for family members or themselves. Despite this, there continue to be incidents of physicians treating and billing for family members or themselves.
Physicians are reminded of Preamble C. 19 of the MSC Payment Schedule and the Doctors of BC Guide to Fees, which states:
The role of the caregiver is crucial to the physical and mental health of outpatients. However, those providing essential support are often desperately in need of help themselves. There are approximately 1 million caregivers in BC, and research[1] from the Office of the Seniors Advocate indicates that 30% of them feel distressed and, therefore, unable to continue in their caring activities. The research also found that the support available to unpaid caregivers is less accessible now than it has been in previous years.
