Written by Tony Hicks on February 18, 2021 Fact checked by Maria Gifford
Experts say the use of alcohol and drugs at a young age can cause heart problems later, especially in women. Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images
Researchers say young adults who use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are more likely to prematurely develop heart health issues.
They say women are more susceptible than men due to biology as well as a lack of screening for heart problems.
They add that young adults need to be educated about the long-term effects of substance use, as many feel they are invincible.
Drinking, smoking, and using drugs even recreationally is linked to premature heart disease in young people, especially women, according to new research.
Hamilton's opioid epidemic continues to cause deaths, even during the pandemic. And a new report shows more people died from overdoses toward the end of 2020.
Prioritization is already underway after Montreal public health officials began to administer vaccines to the cityâs homeless population last month. Officials there stress health-care workers and long-term care residents remain a top priority.
Last month, Toronto followed suit, launching a pilot project to vaccinate people in 100 shelters in the city. Dr. Stephen Hwang of St. Michael s Hospital, which is helping run the project with the city and several other organizations, said the initial rollout was, overall, a resounding success.â The goal is to develop a playbook so that we can have a plan that we can go out to immunize people in shelters across the city, he told the Canadian Press in January.
Raising the alarm: Priority vaccines urged for homeless population, shelter staff
by Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
Posted Feb 3, 2021 4:00 am EDT
Last Updated Feb 3, 2021 at 4:14 am EDT
CALGARY Advocates say homeless people should get priority to COVID-19 vaccines given how at risk they are to the virus and how much more likely they are to get severely ill if infected.
“We as a society set the moral tone by who we provide supports for and who we prioritize,” says a position statement released Wednesday by two national groups who work with street populations.
“It’s imperative that we include the most vulnerable who can benefit most from the protection afforded by COVID vaccination.”
They are five times more likely to die if infected, research suggests. Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
02/03/2021 12:41pm EST
Getty Images
CALGARY Advocates say homeless people should get priority to COVID-19 vaccines given how at risk they are to the virus and how much more likely they are to get severely ill if infected.
“We as a society set the moral tone by who we provide supports for and who we prioritize,” says a position statement released Wednesday by two national groups who work with street populations.
“It’s imperative that we include the most vulnerable who can benefit most from the protection afforded by COVID vaccination.”