Assessing the efficacy of Canada's food guide and the barriers of use

The landscape of nutrition advice is vast and full of misinformation. A primary source of nutrition advice in Canada comes from the Canadian Food Guide, however, many questions remain regarding the reach and accessibility of the food guide. Specifically, is the population most likely to receive and use this information, the population that needs it the most? Are there barriers to following this guide that Health Canada has failed to address? Is there evidence supporting the efficacy of this food guide in populations at risk for nutrition misinformation or diet-related preventable diseases? This commentary reviews the past research regarding efficacy of previous food guides and highlights potential barriers preventing equal and accessible use of Canada’s Food Guide.

The rise of electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have quickly gained popularity among adolescents and adults, and have begun to replace conventional cigarettes as a source of nicotine. Although little is known about the impact of the exposure of chemical constituents of ECs, two major constituents, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin have been implicated as formaldehyde-releasing agents. The wide variety of EC flavours appeal to users of all ages with reports showing a positive correlation between EC use and sweet flavorings. In addition, although marketing strategies advertise ECs as tools to facilitate smoking cessation, the evidence supporting this role is weak. In terms of its effect on users with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, the data is conflicting regarding whether ECs have an impact on cardiovascular function. Although it is obvious that their safety and efficacy needs to be better understood, it is nonetheless essential to review what the research conducted so far has shown.

Reflecting on environment to understand diversifying health perspectives

People hold health conceptions that are shaped by their environments. In Canada, these ideas and subsequent research approaches are often developed further through academic training. Current public health perspectives and approaches are largely focused on Western worldviews of health. I share my reflections on my environments, and continued journey as a student in academia that led me to question the current standard of teaching uniform health perspectives. Fostering a singular-worldview learning environment translate to future scholars missing opportunities to learn promising discourses – such as strength-based approaches – that may be more effective in application, including in Indigenous health research. I suggest ways in which environments that foster the appreciation and comprehension of diverse health perspectives can be built.

Where population health meets clean energy

Q&A with Jill Baumgartner, health researcher and associate professor at McGill University.