From the pandemic’s global death toll to the health outcomes of vegetarian children, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits from April 30-May 6.

Vegetarian and meat-eating children have similar growth and nutrition but not weight, study finds
CNN on May 3, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Jonathon Maguire

CNN reports on a study led by Dr. Jonathon Maguire that finds that kids eating a vegetarian diet and kids eating meat were similar in growth, height and nutritional measures, but vegetarian kids were more likely to be underweight.

Featured in over 300 outlets, including The Daily Mail and CTV News

Death Toll During Pandemic Far Exceeds Totals Reported by Countries, W.H.O. Says
The New York Times on May 5, 2022
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Dr. Prabhat Jha, director of the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael’s, speaks to The New York Times about a new report that finds nearly 15 million more people died during the pandemic than would have died during normal times.

Also on CBC The National

Toronto physician named new scientific director of provincial COVID-19 advisory group
The Canadian Press on May 1, 2022
Feature of Dr. Fahad Razak

Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St. Michael’s Hospital, is set to become the new scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

New data shows opioid-related deaths have once again jumped in Ontario
CBC Radio on May 2, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tara Gomes

Ontario saw a record number of opioid-related deaths in 2021, up 15% from 2020. Dr. Tara Gomes, scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, speaks to Ontario Morning about what factors are driving the surge.

Also in TVO.org

COVID-19 prevention drug Evusheld to arrive in Ontario next week
Toronto Star on April 29, 2022
Interview with Dr. Darren Yuen

As the first doses of COVID-19 prevention drug Evusheld arrive in Ontario, Dr. Darren Yuen, Unity Health transplant nephrologist, speaks about the hope it will bring to transplant community.

Bridging the gaps in health care
Desi News on May 4, 2022
Feature of Dr. Nav Persaud

“I am working to narrow the health gap between the highest and lowest wealth brackets, ensuring that everyone can afford the medication they need,” says Dr. Nav Persaud, in a feature in Desi News that profiles him and his commitment to health justice.

This 96-year-old has been singing to hospital patients for 30 years
CBC Toronto on May 5, 2022
Interview with George Linton, Susan Bertoldi

96-year-old Unity Health volunteer George Linton talks to CBC News about performing for hospital staff and patients, and being awarded the Governor General Sovereigns’ Medal. Susan Bertoldi, operations leader of volunteer services at St. Joseph’s, saysit’s gratifying to see someone like Linton get the recognition he deserves.

Forget brunch and flowers: ‘Touched out’ moms just want to be left alone Mother’s Day
The Canadian Press on May 6, 2022
Interview with Dr. Cindy Lee Dennis

What does it mean when a mother says she’s “touched out?” Dr. Cindy Lee Dennis, women’s health research chair at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, explains the desire of many moms to be left alone and given a break from childcare duties.