In our latest In the News round-up, our experts talk about reducing the stigma of ostomies on Global News, consider how to end over-use of antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteria found in urine tests in the New York Times, look at how consumer genetic tests may be unnecessarily scaring users with false results in the Toronto Star, and share with CBC Radio why the concerns of caregivers should be an election issue.
Dr. Christine Soong, head of hospital medicine at Sinai Health, co-wrote an editorial for the Journal of the American Medical Association, arguing against automatic, needless urine testing for patients, and thus reducing antibiotic treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria, or bacteria in the urine with no other symptoms of urinary tract infection. You can read the full editorial here, and coverage in the New York Times here.
Seema Panchal, a genetic counsellor in The Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre at Sinai Health shared her thoughts on direct-to-consumer genetic tests, like 23andMe. She says that she’s come across anxiety-ridden patients with misinterpreted genetic test results, and companies shouldn’t make light of this issue. Read more in the Toronto Star.
Dr. Samir Sinha, head of geriatrics at Sinai Health, appeared on CBC Radio’s White Coat, Black Art to discuss the plight of unpaid caregivers in Canada, and urges federal parties to commit to a national seniors’ strategy that includes support for caregivers as one of its main pillars. Read more, and find the full audio link here.
Dr. Zane Cohen, director of Sinai Health’s Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases and colorectal surgeon, spoke to Global News about breaking down the stigma associated with ostomy or stoma appliances for those with digestive diseases. Watch the segment here.