Health
→ NewsU.S. flu tests show one in three positive over holidays
The CDC reported about 32.9% of U.S. influenza tests were positive for the week ending Dec. 27 and hospitalizations increased; Canada is set to release federal flu data on Friday.
CDC recommendation changes may increase vaccine hesitancy in Canada
Doctors warn the U.S. CDC's updated childhood vaccine schedule could increase confusion and vaccine hesitancy in Canada; Canadian officials say their immunization schedule remains based on current scientific evidence.
Nestlé recall of some baby formulas does not apply to Canadian products.
Nestlé is voluntarily recalling certain batches of SMA, BEBA and NAN infant formulas in several countries over possible cereulide contamination; the company and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency say the recall does not affect products sold in Canada.
Warm hugs strengthen self‑perception and a sense of security, researchers say
Researchers at Queen Mary University London linked thermoception (the perception of temperature) to self‑awareness after reviewing decades of research. They report that warmth combined with touch can increase body ownership and reinforce a feeling of security.
Weather warnings for southern B.C. as rain and snow arrive
A wet, wintry front is bringing heavy rain to Metro Vancouver and snowfall warnings across parts of southern British Columbia, with precipitation warnings reported to continue into Wednesday.
Crunchy Nutritious Bars: Nutri‑Grain launches a new whole‑grain cereal bar
Nutri‑Grain has introduced Nutri‑Grain Crunchy, a new cereal bar that contains at least 23 grams of whole grains per bar and is offered in Chocolate Chip Chia and Honey Oat Flax flavors.
Saskatchewan lowers age for breast cancer screening to 43.
Saskatchewan lowered the age of eligibility for breast cancer screening to 43 on Jan. 2 and plans to lower it further to 40 by June; advocates welcome the change but say it should have happened sooner.
Creatine-infused seasonings arrive at German fried chicken chain
ESN and Loco Chicken launched a lemon pepper seasoning infused with three grams of creatine monohydrate at hundreds of Loco Chicken locations in Germany, accompanied by limited-time promotional items such as a special edition shaker bottle and protein samples.
CFIA suspends licence for Goodfood's Montreal facility
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has suspended the licence for Goodfood Market Corp's Saint-Laurent, Quebec facility under Part Four (preventative controls) of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, and the CFIA said there are no recalls tied to the suspension.
Pistachio recall expands to include Peace By Chocolate and NuttyHero products.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency added several Peace By Chocolate and NuttyHero pistachio-containing products to a Canada-wide recall tied to a salmonella outbreak; the expanded list covers 333 products.
Measles update: new exposure sites reported in Morden
Manitoba Health announced new measles exposure sites in Morden and asked people who were there to monitor for symptoms and check their immunization records.
Mountain lion linked to suspected Colorado attack after earlier nearby encounter
Officials said a woman found on a Crosier Mountain trail had wounds consistent with a mountain lion attack; wildlife officers killed two mountain lions and necropsies and an autopsy are scheduled.
H3N2 flu rising in U.S. and raising concern in Canada
U.S. health officials report about 7.5 million H3N2 infections this season and roughly 81,000 hospitalizations; Health Canada will publish its next flu update next week.
Waterloo region sees earlier rise in flu cases and hospitalizations
Waterloo region reports an earlier-than-usual surge in influenza linked to a new H3N2 variation, with rising cases, hospitalizations and high test positivity.
