This!

This article from the Economist is an interesting look at social determinants of health. It describes how suicide rates around the world are falling, with the notable exception of the United States, where rated have increased by 18% since 2000. Societal and economic forces are at play in both the rise and the fall. The rise in the US is in the population of young men of lower economic means who have fewer prospects as factories close. Other areas in the world including China and India are seeing a decline in suicide, particularly among young women who are gaining freedoms and agency.

A curated list of resources on epidemiology from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. Some of the relevant topics covered are complex systems models, and social determinants of health.

Descriptive article discussing new approaches to supporting individuals with dementia. Included are descriptions of De Hogeweyk in Amsterdam - a long-term care facility designed to feel like a neighborhood and home, while still keeping residents safe and medically supported. Another approach is described as the butterfly model of dementia care where stimulation comes to the person.

Government of Canada resource on health that defines social determinants of health , where and how these show up in Canada. High-level strategies for reducing health inequalities are discussed and links are provided to other resources including Health Inequalities Data Tool and Key Health Inequalities in Canada: A National Portrait.

This Alberta Health resources describes a vision for Alberta's Primary Health Care Strategy. Primary Health Care is the first place people go for health care intervention. The document illustrates the need for Albertans to be as healthy as they can be. A detailed and step by step progression through the Primary Health Care system and the associated systems are provided.

Discussion of increasing awareness of amyloid plaques not representing the specter of threat for dementia. The remediation of these plaques has been the focus for much historical dementia research. New research focuses on risk factors, including chronic stress, lack of exercise and restorative sleep, insulin resistance and diabetes, low kidney function, high blood pressure, inflammation from exposure to infections and environmental toxins, poor nutrition, small strokes, heart disease, concussions, genetics, and a lack of social connection and mental stimulation. This article suggest that an effortful change to lifestyle and environmental factors may actually reverse progression of dementia.

Interviews were conducted with prospective study participants and their families, as well as experts in the field of dementia to investigate the potential areas of benefit for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment in both a day care center and home settings. Areas identified for possible support were daily challenges, safety and security, monitoring health and well-being, and therapeutic intervention.

In follow up to interviews were conducted with prospective study participants and their families, as well as experts in the field of dementia, home care robots were trialed for a period of 12 weeks with a small sample of individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment in both a day care center and home settings. The participants behavior, affect, level of depression, cognition, agitation and social responses were observed and recorded. Improved social interaction and mood were noted in the intervention group. Further study for a longer period with a larger study group are indicated.

Discussion of vulnerable populations in health care, that might not typically be considered vulnerable including those with socioeconomic disadvantages, individuals labeled as queer, those in prison or labeled with a stigmatizing complex medical disease, immigrants, and physicians. Vulnerable populations are at risk for inequitable access to health and worsening their health outcomes. Often these groups are disadvantaged by health workers judgements.

This journal article is an indictment of the current Canadian system of Aboriginal health care, which is characterized by jurisdictional ambiguity arising from the Indian Act. This legislation allocated Aboriginal health care issues to the federal government while the remainder of Canada's healthcare is administered by the provinces. This has resulted in staggering health inequities in life expectancy, infant mortality, rates of suicide and prevalence of chronic disease. Change is needed for public policy that advances health equity for Canada's Aboriginal population. The Indian Act has served to perpetuate race and gender bias, and there seems to be no political will to alter this legislation. Efforts are being made to engage a process of self-determination in health care and community-led research. The authors note that systemic change is needed. This will require engagement on all levels of governance.

Interactive web resource that shows health spending per capita and per sector across Canada through a variety of graphical and figure representations.

Curated and annotated resource list on social determinants of health within Canada.

Youtube channel of RefWorks to help users become proficient by watching video tutorials. Videos are available on multiple topics to better enable a user to effectively use RefWorks for content curation and management.

This tool is intended to help professionals increase their awareness of their own biases and how these potentially alter the care they provide. Insight into one’s own biases has the potential to increase sensitivity and self-reflection, thus changing personal practice.