The other pandemic
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The other pandemic

From January 2016 to March 2021, 22,828 people died in Canada’s “other” pandemic: drug overdose deaths. This total does not include the numbers since March, which are reportedly high but not yet available. By contrast, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has profoundly affected us all, has caused a similar number of Canadian deaths (27,500 through September)….

The doctor who invented hand-washing
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The doctor who invented hand-washing

Monday morning and there’s another sad story: a person who vocally opposed vaccinations for COVID-19 has died from the disease. Before dying, the patient tells loved ones, “Get vaccinated.” I doubt that these stories do much to change the minds of people who are firmly against COVID vaccinations. What does bother me, however, is the…

Uplifting Words: To healthcare workers
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Uplifting Words: To healthcare workers

Father, comfort and sustain our health care workers in these horrendous days. Protect them and their families and friends from the worldwide pandemic. Give them courage and hope. When they are overwhelmed and exhausted, give them respite and rest. In a profession where the standards are so high, help them forgive themselves when the workload…

Tam asks faith leaders to remain ‘vigilant’, promote vaccine acceptance
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Tam asks faith leaders to remain ‘vigilant’, promote vaccine acceptance

Canadian faith leaders have an important role to play in promoting COVID-19 vaccines, including helping their members overcome vaccine hesitancy. That was the message Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, delivered to more than 1,300 participants of an online information event last Wednesday. The event was arranged by the Canadian Council of Churches, Canadian…

Dying to live

Dying to live

“You know, our culture venerates heroes who go on fighting till the end, whether on the battlefield or in a hospital bed. Sometimes, though, retreat is the better part of valour, especially if that retreat avoids unnecessary suffering and leads to new life. I’ve fought this cancer for 13 years. I’m ready to retreat to be with my Lord.”

Daycare germs and ancient bugs
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Daycare germs and ancient bugs

A couple weeks back, laid up from that daycare-derived sinus infection, my thoughts turned theological. I tend to be the sort that binges Netflix while convalescing, but occasionally a moment of mystical clarity intrudes (abetted, I’m sure, by the psychotropic properties of Advil Cold & Sinus), and well, when that happens, I let it take me by the hand.