Some sex workers are choosing the industry because it can be more lucrative and rewarding than low-paying service industry jobs, says a recent study by a researcher at the University of Victoria. Prof. Cecilia Benoit, a scientist at the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C., said she’s heard a variety of reasons why sex workers…
Author: Linda Givetash
Linda Givetash is a Canadian-South African freelance journalist based in Vancouver, B.C. Her work has appeared in print, digital and broadcast media outlets around the globe.
Caregiving takes toll on finances, career, health
For three years, Heidi Hudson spent her days caring for her ailing father and her nights working on the few contracts she could pick up to support herself. Doctors would say her father, who suffered serious complications following a routine kidney operation, was dying. But as he enjoyed periods of recovery, her role as a…
Male sex workers in Vancouver feel safer on the internet than on the street
A study on male sex workers in Vancouver has found that although the move to selling sex online rather than on the streets improved safety, a recent law prohibiting the advertisement of sex online may be driving the industry further underground. The study by the B.C. Centre of Excellence in HIV/AIDS and the outreach program Hustle surveyed 39 men…
How Uganda’s economy has received a boost from hosting refugees
On a small farm in northwestern Uganda, Nyantet Malual proudly shows off the cow she bought with earnings from her last harvest. The ability to own property and provide for her family was only a dream for the South Sudanese refugee when she arrived in the country two years ago. “Now I’m sitting here, I…
Out of the shadows
In rural West Africa, this treatment takes its most violent form with those suffering from mental disorders often left outdoors in the elements, chained to trees for years on end and regularly whipped to force “evil spirits” to leave their bodies. — ALJAZEERA
Praying for a cure
In West Africa, hundreds of people with mental illness live in awful conditions. One organization is fighting for a new approach to treatment.
Rising to meet the demand for palliative care
ARUA, UGANDA — There were no health workers dedicated to palliative care in the West Nile region when Lucy Agaboru first learned of the treatment over 15 years ago — but that has since changed dramatically. Ms. Agaboru is now the head of a palliative care unit at Arua Regional Referral Hospital. It’s a role she…
Canada needs to invest in new hospitals, says health care association
Dr. Richard Johnston knew the health care system was in trouble when he walked down a hallway at University of Alberta Hospital and saw an older woman housed in a linen closet instead of a proper room.
Happy at home
Seventy-year-old Paul Morrison is among 700,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Despite the diagnosis, Morrison continues to live alone in his Vancouver home. This story is about the people and resources helping Morrison maintain his independence.
A source of hope in early-onset dementia
Retired nurse Nita Levy and her husband, Michael, a retired accountant, established Paul’s Club in 2012. They were inspired to create a program appropriate for people’s ages and abilities after their brother-in-law, Paul, died as a result of early-onset dementia.
Vancouver clinic looks to recruit sexually active gay men for blood donations
Despite decades of being banned from giving blood, sexually active gay men are now being asked to donate to a Vancouver clinic that is doing research into blood products.
Health research in SA short R1.6 billion
Bongani Mayosi, head of the department of medicine at the University of Cape Town, explains the shortfall in government spending for health research and suggests how the problem can be corrected.
Rape culture blames victims, normalises violence – experts
Every day, news headlines feature stories about incidents of rape and sexual assault in communities across the country. Although rape is incredibly prevalent, many offences go unreported.
A third of South Africans affected by mental illness – expert
July is Mental Illness Awareness Month and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group is encouraging people to seek help.
Innovation is key to future of B.C. health-care system
More seniors, chronic illnesses, and tighter budgets will add up to mounting pressure on health services in the coming years — but this might not be cause for alarm.
Vancouver’s medical and tech sectors come together for innovative health apps
Auti-Sim, a game currently available for free online, was created by a developer, designer, and early childhood educator in Vancouver. Set in a virtual playground, the game allows users to see and feel what childhood play is like for someone with the hypersensitive hearing that can result from autism.
Mental Health Week encourages women to speak out
With her blond hair shimmering in the sun as she watched ferries sail by, the 27-year-old showed no sign of the mood swings and depression that have plagued her mind for much of her life.
Discussing end-of-life care with family invaluable, experts say
Death isn’t a typical topic of conversation at the dinner table for most families. But in the event a person is nearing death and can no longer voice their wishes, their family is often left guessing what their loved one’s wishes would be.
Lydia Herrle recovering and optimistic one year after collision
Waterloo Region Record Published: May 17, 2013 [web] [PDF] BADEN — Lydia Herrle ran and laughed with friends on the field at Baden Public School, giving no hint that a year ago she was airlifted to hospital with terrible, life-threatening injuries. Herrle, 14, was hit by a truck while climbing off a school bus outside her…
New Hamburg couple struggles with end-of-life planning
Already experiencing a loss of mobility, fine motor skills including writing, and his sense of smell, the 70-year-old has begun to think about and plan his death to ensure the quality of life he wants to maintain is honoured.