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Review of deaths occurring in Alberta during the 2009 influenza pandemic

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In 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. The new strain was named influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In 2010, the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness... More ≫

Description

In 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. The new strain was named influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In 2010, the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW) asked the Health Quality Council of Alberta to conduct a comprehensive review of the Alberta response to A(H1N1)pdm09. As part of this review, it was noted that Alberta had a higher mortality rate for than other provinces, but provincial differences in surveillance methods made inter-provincial comparisons difficult to interpret. In response to questions raised through the review, AHW committed to undertake a review of reported deaths to determine the role A(H1N1)pdm09 played in the death. This report presents the findings of the review.

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Tuberculosis surveillance report Alberta 2005 to 2009, with preliminary summary 2010

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This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is the latest in a series of annual reports of tuberculosis control in Alberta. It spans the five-year period from 2005 to 2009,... More ≫

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This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is the latest in a series of annual reports of tuberculosis control in Alberta. It spans the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, and as such allows both a longitudinal and current view of key measures of tuberculosis control in the province.

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Waterpipe smoking in Alberta

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Waterpipes, commonly referred to as hookah, shisha and narghile, can have health effects similar to cigarette use and can lead to increased risks from exposure to carbon monoxide, exposure to... More ≫

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Waterpipes, commonly referred to as hookah, shisha and narghile, can have health effects similar to cigarette use and can lead to increased risks from exposure to carbon monoxide, exposure to second hand smoke and tobacco addiction. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health looks at the problems associated with waterpipe smoking, trends in the use of waterpipes in Canada, and current actions being taken in Canada and in Alberta. It ends with a recommendation that Alberta begin work on amending the Tobacco Reduction Act to prohibit the use of waterpipe smoking in public places, workplaces and within 5 meters from the doorway, window or air intake to a public place or workplace.

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The state of dental health in Alberta : a brief report

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The purpose of this report is to briefly review topics around the potential public health benefits of dental health care. The report was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of... More ≫

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The purpose of this report is to briefly review topics around the potential public health benefits of dental health care. The report was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and prepared by the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Topics covered include: the prevalence and impacts of poor dental health to Canadians at the individual and population level; the dental health practices and insurance coverage of Canadians; policy and program initiatives that have been implemented locally, provincially, and nationally to address the issue of dental health promotion and oral health care coverage; and trends and gaps in knowledge around dental health care.

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Prescription drug misuse in Alberta : everyone’s problem

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The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives,... More ≫

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The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives, can quickly and easily lead to addiction. Compounding this ease of accessibility and affordability is the false perception that if a health care practitioner prescribes these medications, they are safe. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health provides statistics on the prevalence of prescription drug use and misuse, outlines the main issues that need to be addressed, and provides four recommended actions to address the problem.

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“You are what you eat” : preventing the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children

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Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical... More ≫

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Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health outlines why this should be of concern to Albertans, why action should be taken now, and possible steps that could be taken to address the problem.

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Let’s talk about the early years : early childhood development

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Current research has shown the strong connection between the early childhood years and life-long health, well-being, learning and behavior. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer... More ≫

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Current research has shown the strong connection between the early childhood years and life-long health, well-being, learning and behavior. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health looks at the current state of research on early childhood development, discusses the roles of the family, the community and society in supporting early childhood development, calls for a focus on collecting appropriate data to help appropriately measure and improve initiatives to support childhood development, and ends with a look at possible next steps.

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