Breathing is such an automatic process that it can be easily overlooked. Yet, for many asthma sufferers, that is not always the case. To help asthma patients manage their symptoms, health care providers often instruct them to use an Asthma Action Plan (AAP). AAPs have traditionally been paper-based, but a new study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researchers is testing the efficacy of an electronic AAP (eAAP) with text-based reminders.

Despite the best intentions of health care providers, patients who reside in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside often fall through the cracks in the health system. Many patients have multiple chronic health conditions, substance use and mental health issues, and often live on the street. As medical director of Vancouver Community Substance Use Services, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Ronald Joe sees these challenges firsthand.

Imagine being able to lower the impact of unhealthy thoughts through visualization. Technological advances are bringing health care one step closer to managing mental health conditions that are difficult to treat with medications using videogame-like computer software.

Q: I biked to work all summer but now that the days are shorter, wetter and colder, is it still safe?

Imagine having a sunburn all the time. This is the reality for patients with autoimmune diseases that cause blistering. But hope is on the horizon. Research findings of primary investigator and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. David Granville and his team have revealed the culprit that exacerbates blistering and prevents healing.

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) supports health improvements and innovation through its Knowledge Translation Challenge, a program run in collaboration with Providence Health Care. This competition challenges health care practitioners to translate research discoveries and evidence into everyday practice with the aim of improving patient care. The challenge brings together practitioners who do not have knowledge translation experience and researchers who provide knowledge translation mentorship and resources.

This summer’s heat waves had people scrambling for ways to stay cool. In the Lower Mainland pool hours were extended, cooling centres were set up to prevent heat-related illness and power usage hit an all-time high. Ongoing wildfires and poor air quality in the interior were another reminder that global warming’s effect on our health has never been more evident. 

We know that exposure to the sun’s rays can cause premature aging of the skin, but in some cases it can also lead to an allergic reaction. Dr. Harvey Lui explains how to tell if that rash is from the sun and when to see your doctor.