Latest news with #UniversityofToronto
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcon Introduces Clareon PanOptix Pro in Canada, Delivering the Lowest Light Scatter of any Trifocal IOL
Clareon PanOptix Pro has half the light scatter of Clareon PanOptix1-3,*,** PanOptix Pro provides an unprecedented 94% light utilization, compared to a theoretical maximum utilization of 96% for diffractive optics1-4,*,**,† Clareon PanOptix Pro provides more uninterrupted light distribution across the full visual range, and is designed for better image contrast1,††,‡ TORONTO, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the approval of Clareon® PanOptix® Pro intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients in Canada. PanOptix Pro leverages proprietary ENLIGHTEN® NXT Optical technology which delivers the lowest light scatter and highest reported light utilization of any trifocal IOL.1-3,5-9,**,‡‡ PanOptix Pro provides an unprecedented 94% light utilization, compared to a theoretical maximum utilization of 96% for diffractive optics.1-4,*,**,† These enhancements also provide more uninterrupted light distribution from distance to near, and a 16% increase in optical image contrast between distance and intermediate.1,††,‡ PanOptix Pro builds on the clinically-proven low visual disturbance profile, high spectacle independence and exceptionally high patient satisfaction of PanOptix.10-13,§,§§,¶,¶¶ "As the global leader in eye care, we are committed to improving our technologies to advance patient outcomes through rigorous, world-class R&D," said Rob Scott, VP, Intraocular Devices, R&D, Alcon. "Our team looked at hundreds of design options, ultimately landing on a targeted diffractive refinement that helped us recover 50% of light lost to scatter, and reposition it to a beneficial focal point for PanOptix Pro.1,3,10.14-19,* This allowed for specific enhancements while maintaining the features that have driven the success of PanOptix—the world's most implanted trifocal IOL."1-3,20,21,*,**,‡‡,‖,Ω "PanOptix has been a cornerstone of my cataract practice for eight years," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, MD, MEd, FRCSC, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto. "These lenses have consistently delivered outstanding visual outcomes for my patients 10, 24, § – a low visual disturbance profile25, ∂and a happy patient with greater spectacle independence.23, § So, it's exciting to see this technology evolve to further meet patients' visual expectations. Now, with PanOptix Pro, more light utilization and less light scatter is possible‡,‡‡, empowering both my practice and my patients." PanOptix Pro will be available in Canada from Alcon in the single-use Clareon AutonoMe® preloaded delivery system and as well as with the Clareon Monarch® IV delivery system in early 2026.22 PanOptix Pro offers a +2.17 diopter intermediate and a +3.25 diopter near add power. Like all Alcon IOLs, PanOptix Pro will be available with blue light and ultraviolet filtering.22 For surgeons interested in more information on PanOptix Pro, please speak to a local Alcon representative. About Clareon PanOptix Pro The Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide. Please consult the Directions for Use regarding indications, precautions, cautions and warnings which is available at About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at *PanOptix has 88% light utilization (12% scatter light)/PanOptix Pro 94% light utilization (6% scatter light). **Based on manufacturer-reported values and respective methodology for Clareon PanOptix, Envista Envy, AT Elana, Gemetric and Rayner. †For feasible diffractive optics of up to pentafocal design from Krackhardt et al. ††Simulated photopic through-focus point spread function (light intensity [energy])—polychromatic. ‡Compared to Clareon PanOptix. ‡‡Based on bench and vision simulator studies. §Based on prospective multicenter randomized study at 6 months, significantly more subjects reported not experiencing starburst and glare (p<0.05 n=276). §§All-implanted analysis set. ¶In response to the IOLSAT questionnaire question "In the past 7 days, how often did you need to wear eyeglasses to see"? ¶¶Response to the following question on IOLSAT questionnaire (Version 1.0, December 20, 2018) at 6 months post-op "Given your vision today, if you had to do it all over, would you have the same lenses implanted again?"; n=127. ‖Based on worldwide IOL unit sales of Clareon PanOptix and AcrySof IQ PanOptix through Q1, 2024. ΩSeverity ratings by phakic patients with simulated implant of Clareon PanOptix Pro and Clareon PanOptix using VirtIOL simulator (n=64). ∂Based in a meta-analysis of 11 unique clinical studies with 580 patients in 10 different countries, including "very bothersome" and "severe" visual disturbances. Clinical studies were performed on the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL; AcrySof IQ PanOptix and Clareon PanOptix are optically equivalent. References Alcon data on file, 2025. REF-25218 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25221 Alcon data on file, 2015. REF-08546 Krackhardt U, et al: Upper bound on the diffraction efficiency of phase-only fanout elements. Applied Optics; 1992; 31:27-37.; 10. Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston. Muzychuk, A. Defocus Curve Performance of a Novel Hydrophobic Acrylic Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A prospective, Multicenter Canadian Study. ASCRS Annual Meeting, April 5-8, Boston. Rayner Professional Website. Accessed September 2024. Carones F. New Concept of Light Distribution for Bilateral Trifocal IOL Implantation. AAO. 2022;2022:53. ZEISS AT LISA tri family. Supplement in Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today (Europe), September 2014. Zeiss Cataract Insights: Laying the Myth or Reality; Digitalization enhances cataract surgery? Supplement in Ophthalmology Times, Europe; May 22, 2024; Accessed September 2024. Kohnen T, Lapid-Gortzak R, Ramamurthy D, et al. Clinical outcomes after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens: A worldwide pooled analysis of prospective clinical investigations. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;Volume 17:155-163. doi:10.2147/opth.s377234. Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23958. Alcon data on file, 2018. REF-01475. Alcon Vision LLC. Clareon® PanOptix® Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL. Product Information. 2021. Charness N, Dijkstra K, Jastrzembski T, Weaver S, Champion M. Monitor viewing distance for younger and older workers. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 2008;52(19):1614- 1617. doi:10.1177/154193120805201965 Government of Canada CC for OH and S. CCOHS: Office ergonomics. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. April 25, 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023. Gundersen K, Potvin R. Trifocal intraocular lenses: A comparison of the visual performance and quality of vision provided by two different lens designs. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2017;Volume 11:1081-1087. doi:10.2147/opth.s136164 Kohnen T, Titke C, Böhm M. Trifocal intraocular lens implantation to treat visual demands in various distances following lens removal. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;161. doi:10.1016/ Lwowski C, Pawlowicz K, Petermann K, et al. Visual and patient-reported factors leading to satisfaction after implantation of diffractive extended depth-of-focus and trifocal intraocular lenses. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2022;48(4):421-428. doi:10.1097/ Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25903 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23554 MarketScope LLC. 2023 IOL Market Report: Global Analysis for 2022 to 2028. St. Louis, MO: MarketScope LLC; 2023. Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL Model PXYWT0 2024 Directions for Use. Zhu D, et al. Rate of complete spectacle independence with a trifocal intraocular lens: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2023;12(2):1157-1171. doi:10.1007/ Vision LLC. Modi S, Lehmann R, Maxwell A, et al. Visual and patient-reported outcomes of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens compared with those of a monofocal intraocular lens. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(2):197-207. doi:10.1016/ Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston. Connect with us onFacebook LinkedIn View source version on Contacts Media Relations Jane Lee Cheung+1 289 290 2393 (Canada) Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Alcon Introduces Clareon PanOptix Pro in Canada, Delivering the Lowest Light Scatter of any Trifocal IOL
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the approval of Clareon ® PanOptix ® Pro intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients in Canada. PanOptix Pro leverages proprietary ENLIGHTEN ® NXT Optical technology which delivers the lowest light scatter and highest reported light utilization of any trifocal IOL. 1-3,5-9,**,‡‡ PanOptix Pro provides an unprecedented 94% light utilization, compared to a theoretical maximum utilization of 96% for diffractive optics. 1-4,*,**,† These enhancements also provide more uninterrupted light distribution from distance to near, and a 16% increase in optical image contrast between distance and intermediate. 1,††,‡ PanOptix Pro builds on the clinically-proven low visual disturbance profile, high spectacle independence and exceptionally high patient satisfaction of PanOptix. 10-13,§,§§,¶,¶¶ "Now, with PanOptix Pro, more light utilization and less light scatter is possible‡,‡‡, empowering both my practice and my patients.' Share 'As the global leader in eye care, we are committed to improving our technologies to advance patient outcomes through rigorous, world-class R&D,' said Rob Scott, VP, Intraocular Devices, R&D, Alcon. 'Our team looked at hundreds of design options, ultimately landing on a targeted diffractive refinement that helped us recover 50% of light lost to scatter, and reposition it to a beneficial focal point for PanOptix Pro. 1,3,10.14-19,* This allowed for specific enhancements while maintaining the features that have driven the success of PanOptix—the world's most implanted trifocal IOL.' 1-3,20,21,*,**,‡‡,‖,Ω 'PanOptix has been a cornerstone of my cataract practice for eight years,' said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, MD, MEd, FRCSC, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto. 'These lenses have consistently delivered outstanding visual outcomes for my patients 10, 24, § – a low visual disturbance profile 25, ∂ and a happy patient with greater spectacle independence. 23, § So, it's exciting to see this technology evolve to further meet patients' visual expectations. Now, with PanOptix Pro, more light utilization and less light scatter is possible ‡,‡‡, empowering both my practice and my patients.' PanOptix Pro will be available in Canada from Alcon in the single-use Clareon AutonoMe ® preloaded delivery system and as well as with the Clareon Monarch ® IV delivery system in early 2026. 22 PanOptix Pro offers a +2.17 diopter intermediate and a +3.25 diopter near add power. Like all Alcon IOLs, PanOptix Pro will be available with blue light and ultraviolet filtering. 22 For surgeons interested in more information on PanOptix Pro, please speak to a local Alcon representative. About Clareon PanOptix Pro The Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the Clareon PanOptix Pro Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide. Please consult the Directions for Use regarding indications, precautions, cautions and warnings which is available at About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at * PanOptix has 88% light utilization (12% scatter light)/PanOptix Pro 94% light utilization (6% scatter light). ** Based on manufacturer-reported values and respective methodology for Clareon PanOptix, Envista Envy, AT Elana, Gemetric and Rayner. † For feasible diffractive optics of up to pentafocal design from Krackhardt et al. †† Simulated photopic through-focus point spread function (light intensity [energy])—polychromatic. ‡ Compared to Clareon PanOptix. ‡‡ Based on bench and vision simulator studies. §Based on prospective multicenter randomized study at 6 months, significantly more subjects reported not experiencing starburst and glare (p<0.05 n=276). §§All-implanted analysis set. ¶In response to the IOLSAT questionnaire question 'In the past 7 days, how often did you need to wear eyeglasses to see'? ¶¶Response to the following question on IOLSAT questionnaire (Version 1.0, December 20, 2018) at 6 months post-op "Given your vision today, if you had to do it all over, would you have the same lenses implanted again?"; n=127. ‖ Based on worldwide IOL unit sales of Clareon PanOptix and AcrySof IQ PanOptix through Q1, 2024. Ω Severity ratings by phakic patients with simulated implant of Clareon PanOptix Pro and Clareon PanOptix using VirtIOL simulator (n=64). ∂ Based in a meta-analysis of 11 unique clinical studies with 580 patients in 10 different countries, including "very bothersome' and "severe" visual disturbances. Clinical studies were performed on the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL; AcrySof IQ PanOptix and Clareon PanOptix are optically equivalent. Expand References Alcon data on file, 2025. REF-25218 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25221 Alcon data on file, 2015. REF-08546 Krackhardt U, et al: Upper bound on the diffraction efficiency of phase-only fanout elements. Applied Optics; 1992; 31:27-37.; 10. Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston. Muzychuk, A. Defocus Curve Performance of a Novel Hydrophobic Acrylic Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A prospective, Multicenter Canadian Study. ASCRS Annual Meeting, April 5-8, Boston. Rayner Professional Website. Accessed September 2024. Carones F. New Concept of Light Distribution for Bilateral Trifocal IOL Implantation. AAO. 2022;2022:53. ZEISS AT LISA tri family. Supplement in Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today (Europe), September 2014. Zeiss Cataract Insights: Laying the Myth or Reality; Digitalization enhances cataract surgery? Supplement in Ophthalmology Times, Europe; May 22, 2024; Accessed September 2024. Kohnen T, Lapid-Gortzak R, Ramamurthy D, et al. Clinical outcomes after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens: A worldwide pooled analysis of prospective clinical investigations. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;Volume 17:155-163. doi:10.2147/opth.s377234. Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23958. Alcon data on file, 2018. REF-01475. Alcon Vision LLC. Clareon® PanOptix® Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL. Product Information. 2021. Charness N, Dijkstra K, Jastrzembski T, Weaver S, Champion M. Monitor viewing distance for younger and older workers. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 2008;52(19):1614- 1617. doi:10.1177/154193120805201965 Government of Canada CC for OH and S. CCOHS: Office ergonomics. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. April 25, 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023. Gundersen K, Potvin R. Trifocal intraocular lenses: A comparison of the visual performance and quality of vision provided by two different lens designs. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2017;Volume 11:1081-1087. doi:10.2147/opth.s136164 Kohnen T, Titke C, Böhm M. Trifocal intraocular lens implantation to treat visual demands in various distances following lens removal. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;161. doi:10.1016/ Lwowski C, Pawlowicz K, Petermann K, et al. Visual and patient-reported factors leading to satisfaction after implantation of diffractive extended depth-of-focus and trifocal intraocular lenses. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2022;48(4):421-428. doi:10.1097/ Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-25903 Alcon data on file, 2024. REF-23554 MarketScope LLC. 2023 IOL Market Report: Global Analysis for 2022 to 2028. St. Louis, MO: MarketScope LLC; 2023. Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL Model PXYWT0 2024 Directions for Use. Zhu D, et al. Rate of complete spectacle independence with a trifocal intraocular lens: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2023;12(2):1157-1171. doi:10.1007/ Vision LLC. Modi S, Lehmann R, Maxwell A, et al. Visual and patient-reported outcomes of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens compared with those of a monofocal intraocular lens. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(2):197-207. doi:10.1016/ Zhu D., Zhang J., et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
Global News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Global News
Canadians are ‘leading' in LGBTQ2 support amid global declines: Ipsos
Support for LGBTQ2 rights and visibility remains strong among Canadians and has increased over the past year, a new poll suggests, even as global attitudes continue to decline. Data released Friday by Ipsos in its annual Pride Report showed Canada was among the few nations where support has gone up among 26 countries surveyed, although that support is lower than levels seen in 2021. 'Canada does appear to be leading in its support on a whole range of metrics,' said Sanyam Sethi, vice-president at Ipsos Public Affairs. The report found nearly eight out of 10 Canadians surveyed said they support same-sex marriage or legal recognition, that same-sex couples should have the same right to adopt children as heterosexual couples, and that LGBTQ2 people should be protected from harassment and discrimination in employment, housing and access to businesses. Story continues below advertisement Globally, between 60 and 75 per cent of respondents supported those same positions. Canadians were also found to be more supportive of LGBTQ2 visibility, with majorities or pluralities approving of public displays of affection, being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity, and seeing more openly LGBTQ2 people on screen, in sports and promoted within companies and brands. Those attitudes were also above the global average, sometimes as much as 10 points. 2:14 Montrealers march against rising homophobia and transphobia on international day Although support for transgender rights in Canada was slightly below that for gay, lesbian, bisexual or non-binary people, Ipsos found it remains well above the global average and has also increased slightly since last year. 'It's really a breath of fresh air, especially when we look around the world and see in lots of places there's actually a rollback of rights and negative opinions are increasing, to see that Canada is still holding strong,' said Carmen Logie, a University of Toronto professor and the Canada Research Chair in global health equity. Story continues below advertisement Twelve per cent of Canadians identify as LGBTQ2, Ipsos said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Canada joined Ireland, Thailand, Spain, Argentina and Mexico as the few countries that saw support increase over the past year, despite remaining below 2021 levels. However, those countries regularly outpaced Canada across all questions asked by Ipsos. Generational gender split? The report also noted a widening gender gap for support of LGBTQ2 rights and visibility depending on age. While baby boomers and Gen X men and women were largely aligned in their support, those attitudes diverged among millennials and especially Gen Z, the poll found, with more young women supporting LGBTQ2 issues than young men. That was true in Canada as well, with Gen Z women sometimes outperforming their male counterparts by as much as 20 points on some questions. Story continues below advertisement Sethi said Ipsos has found similar gender divides among Gen Z Canadians on other issues as well, beyond LGBTQ2 rights. 'This is a generation growing up together but not seeing eye-to-eye on most issues,' she said. Canadian support on all questions posed by Ipsos is also well above levels reported in the United States, where the Trump administration has undertaken sweeping measures against diversity initiatives in government, education and business. 2:23 LGBTQ2S+ Americans leaving U.S. for Canada following Trump's policy reversals On many issues — including same-sex marriage, which has been legal for a decade in the U.S. — American support has dropped over the past year and is down overall from 2021, the data suggests. Fewer Americans even said they had an LGBTQ2 friend, relative or co-worker when asked compared to last year, while Canada and other countries saw gains. Story continues below advertisement Shelley Craig, a professor at the University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair on sexual and gender minority youth, noted U.S. media and political narratives — particularly those seen in the 2024 election cycle — have spread in Canada as well. She said those attitudes have taken the form of online misinformation, hate speech and attacks on LGBTQ2 people in recent years. 'We're seeing more Canadians than before who might have been assuming everything was fine speaking up a little bit more, and I think that is part of the bounce back we're seeing,' she said. Craig also gave credit to the work done by LGBTQ2 organizations in Canada to boost education and awareness to push back on more negative narratives. 'There is a lot of room for growth, because we are not where we have been in the past in terms of overall acceptance,' she said. —With files from Global's Kyle Benning These are the results of a 26-country survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform between Friday, April 25, and Friday, May 9, 2025. For this survey, Ipsos interviewed a total of 19,028 adults aged 18-74 in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United States, 20-74 in Thailand, 21-74 in Singapore, and 16-74 in all other countries. The sample consists of approximately 1,000 individuals each in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain, Türkiye, and the U.S., and 500 individuals each in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, and Thailand. Samples in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.S. can be considered representative of their general adult populations under the age of 75. The '26-country average' reflects the average result for all the countries and markets where the survey was conducted. It has not been adjusted to the population size of each country or market and is not intended to suggest a total result. The precision of Ipsos online polls is calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,001 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. Percentages cited may not always add to 100% or to the sum of each value due to the effects of rounding.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Toronto suffers world's worst air quality as Canada's second-worst wildfire season chokes nation
Toronto is bracing for another summer of dangerous air quality as wildfires continue to rage across northern Ontario, the Prairies, and Western Canada, with doctors warning that the health effects of wildfire smoke are more serious and more widespread than many realize. The worst air quality Toronto recorded the worst air quality in the world in early June, according to global air tracker IQAir, as smoke from more than 183 active wildfires in Ontario drifted south into the city. It's a dramatic increase from the 100 wildfires recorded in the province at this time last year, and experts say it's a troubling sign of what lies ahead. 'We're already seeing much higher than our 10-year average,' said Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. 'It does look like we are in for a tough season.' Canada's second-worst fire According to federal data, the 2025 wildfire season has already burned 3.7 million hectares of land, an area six times larger than Prince Edward Island, making it Canada's second-worst fire year on record, behind only 2023. Live Events The resulting smoke has triggered air quality alerts in five provinces and one territory, and it's not staying contained within Canadian borders. Smoke from Canadian fires drifted over parts of the continental US in early June, from Kansas City to Minneapolis. High chances of health risks Though Toronto residents are far from the flames, Dr. Gupta says the health risks are very real. 'We see increased emergency room visits for things like asthma, COPD flare-ups, and even heart attacks and strokes,' he explained. 'These particles are so small they enter the bloodstream through the lungs and start affecting the heart and other organs.' Even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause headaches, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and in severe cases, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Gupta added that vulnerable populations, including seniors, pregnant individuals, people with chronic illness, and children, are at the greatest risk. However, even healthy individuals should be cautious. 'When I see an AQHI [Air Quality Health Index] over 7, I won't go for a run outside. I'll exercise indoors,' Gupta said. 'When you're running, you breathe in twice as much pollution. It really can take a toll.' On smoky days, experts advise staying indoors, using HEPA air purifiers, and if you must go outside, wearing a fitted N95 mask to filter out fine particulate matter. This summer's conditions are expected to worsen, with The Weather Network forecasting a hotter and drier climate around the Ontario–Manitoba border, resulting in more wildfire outbreaks and smoke movement. 'The effects aren't always visible, but they're happening,' Dr. Gupta said. 'You may not feel it, but the smoke is doing the damage.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The new life-saving tech that ALL Scots need to know about – it's a game-changer
'We've got lots of defibs where we don't really need them and not many defibs where we urgently do need them.' HEART STARTER The new life-saving tech that ALL Scots need to know about – it's a game-changer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN innovative new map which works out where defibrillators should be placed is setting Scotland on a route to a life-saving future. When someone has a cardiac arrest, their chance of survival drops by ten per cent for every minute they're waiting for an ambulance. 2 Defibrillators need to be in the right place 2 For every minute without help, the chance of survival dips So getting access to a shock from a defib can mean the difference between life and death. But experts have discovered these vital machines are not always in the right place. Now PADmap has been created to pinpoint exactly where they should be placed to save the most lives. Dr Gareth Clegg, who leads the resuscitation research group at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'Currently about 4,000 people a year will have a cardiac arrest and about ten per cent of them will survive. "We think as many as a quarter of them should be surviving. 'But the issue is help has to be delivered very, very quickly and it has to be delivered by the people around them while the ambulance is on the way. 'And we've got lots of defibs where we don't really need them and not many defibs where we urgently do need them.' The medic, also an associate medical director with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said to boost someone's chance of recovery, bystanders need to perform CPR and access to a defib. Dr Clegg said: 'Nobody's really nailed this convincingly anywhere in the world. In built-up areas you just need to have defibs around the place and available so that somebody can run and get one. The ambulance service will always tell you where the nearest defib is if it's registered. 'Defibs need to be in high enough quantities and currently we're nowhere near high enough quantities in Scotland. But they also need to be in the right places.' How to perform CPR on an adult The expert's research group discovered that while the number of defibs in Scotland has gone up dramatically over the last few years, their use hasn't increased in the same way. He said: 'That's because more and more communities that are well off are buying defibs and putting them in places where cardiac arrests aren't happening. They happen in the poorer communities that don't have defibs.' PADmap takes two sources of information - historical data about where cardiac arrests have happened and where defibs are located right now. Dr Clegg explained: 'It puts them together using some clever maths, that we borrowed from the University of Toronto, and forms a map that says if you're going to put another defib in your area, this is where you should put it for maximum benefit. 'Where there isn't already a defib and where they're most likely to be cardiac arrested in the future. And we can predict that fairly accurately. We don't know when they're going to happen but we do know where they're most likely to happen.' The map is available to the public so communities that fundraise for defibs can work out exactly where to put them. And, despite launching less than three months ago, it's working already. The team behind PADmap contacted avid fundraiser Martin Stuart, who has been instrumental in the placement and guardianship of 123 defibrillators across the Falkirk area. Dr Clegg said: 'We plugged into Martin when he was applying for money from Falkirk Council to buy more defibs. We gave him some locations for placement and, because he's an obsessional kind of guy, he's got details of when every defib he's put out was used. 'And the defibs he put out using PADmap locations were twice as likely to be used with 66 per cent more shocks delivered. 'This mini study shows PADmap beats intuition and it beats sensible thoughts about footfall because where cardiac arrest happens is far more nuanced.' And the team has already been in touch with others to share the tech. LIFE-SAVING SUPPORT LIFE-SAVING charity St Andrew's First Aid says tools like PADmap are vital to keep Scotland's hearts ticking. Chief executive Stuart Callison said: 'As Scotland's only dedicated first aid charity, we're proud to support PADmap, which is transforming how life-saving resources are provided. 'By using real data to place defibrillators where they are needed most, PADmap is helping to ensure that no one is left without access to life saving-support in a moment of critical need.' Dr Clegg said: 'We have approached other ambulance services and had chats with people in Slovenia and Canada. 'We're in serious conversation with the Welsh ambulance service, with Northern Ireland, with the North East ambulance service too. And the offer to them is, we'll put their data on PADmap and make it freely available at no charge. All we're asking for is for them to cover the cost to the developer. 'We're committed to the idea that if people put not just more defibs out, but more defibs in the right places, it will save more lives.'
