While physical distancing requirements for COVID-19 have proven challenging for most people, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Bill Miller and University of British Columbia (UBC) PhD student Gordon Tao view the situation as an opportunity to highlight telerehabilitation services and how they can be successfully provided to patients in a variety of ways.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Dr. Jeremy Road and colleague, Dr. Chris Miller, recognized that their work with nitric oxide could be a game-changer. They were in the midst of examining the application of the virus-, bacteria- and fungus-killing free radical against non-tuberculous mycobacterial and other infections, and quickly pivoted their investigations towards the new coronavirus.
Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide, and while airway support machines can effectively help treat many with the condition, more research is needed to determine the best intervention for individuals with both sleep apnea and heart failure.
“Heart failure can cause sleep apnea or sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke,” explains Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. John Fleetham.
Q: How can I continue washing my hands this often, but also stop my skin from drying out?
A: Every time you wash your hands and they’re wet, you’re adding moisture to your skin. But when you wash and dry the skin over and over again, you eventually leach out all of its natural lipids (i.e. oils) and it can become dry and brittle. The key is to restore some of those lost lipids by applying emollient lotions and creams (i.e. moisturizers) that act as barriers to protect your skin.
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Ben Mortenson chuckles when he says that human beings are not great at doing two things at once or switching from one task to another. He and colleague Lisa Kristalovich at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre have worked together for five years on a number of research projects looking at the dual-task of driving, particularly among individuals with neurological impairments.
Approximately 15-20 per cent of Canadians live with some form of atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema. In a bid to find a better treatment to prevent eczema’s debilitating effects, findings by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers—recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology—have identified a key enzyme that contributes to the condition.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, one of the most talked about health recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus has been physical distancing, which means to stay at least two metres apart from others. As we adjust to this new normal, Dr. Emma Morton shares why we may be feeling strange about keeping our distance, along with strategies to help us cope.
A non-invasive device designed to improve outcomes for patients on mechanical ventilators was recently authorized by the FDA for emergency use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lungpacer Diaphragm Pacing Therapy System (DPTS) was developed to assist with retaining and regaining diaphragm function that, once lost, can make it challenging for patients to be taken off a ventilator.
The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, along with the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, is providing funding for innovative research projects aimed at addressing the evolving health care needs and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help accelerate research efforts to proactively respond to the virus in BC through prevention, detection, treatment and management.
