The pandemic upended much of our normal way of interacting with others. Hugging loved ones and bonding over shared meals had to stop because of distancing protocols. Contributor Johnny Spence explores the emotional and neurological impact of touch deprivation, especially as it pertains to healthcare practitioners.
ORILLIA, ONT. Pediatricians across Ontario are working to treat children who have developed eating disorders during the pandemic. In Orillia, the Soldiers Memorial Hospital reports a surge in children needing help as they struggle with bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders. The numbers are staggering and our team typically providing care are struggling to keep up with the number of kids we re seeing, said Dr. Michelle Gordon, the chief of pediatricians at the Orillia hospital. Dr. Gordon said she has never experienced a spike in eating disorders like this last year. It s been gut-wrenching to see these kids so unwell, said Dr. Gordon.