New obesity treatment: Fasting, exercise and low carb diet - The NOT-FED study.

Introduction: Due to high rates of obesity in Canada, weight loss is an important primary care challenge. Recent innovations in strategies include intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate diets, with limited research in a rural setting.

Methods: This prospective 1-year observational study provided patients in Sioux Lookout, Northwestern Ontario with information on fasting and low-carbohydrate diets.

Characterizing high-frequency emergency department users in a rural northwestern Ontario hospital: a 5-year analysis of volume, frequency and acuity of visits.

Introduction: High-frequency emergency department users contribute substantially to urban emergency department workloads. The scope of this issue in rural emergency care provision is largely unknown.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed emergency department visits at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and associated primary care data from 2010 to 2014 for high-frequency (≥ 6 annual visits) and non-high-frequency(< 6 annual visits) emergency department users.

Opioid use in pregnancy and parenting: An Indigenous-based, collaborative framework for Northwestern Ontario.

Opioid use affects up to 30% of pregnancies in Northwestern Ontario. Health care providers in Northwestern Ontario have varying comfort levels providing care to substance-involved pregnant women. Furthermore, health care practitioners, social service agencies and community groups in Northwestern Ontario often work in isolation with little multidisciplinary communication and collaboration.

A 5 year retrospective study of emergency department use in Northwest Ontario: a measure of mental health and addictions needs.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to understand the five-year trend in total emergency department (ED) visits, frequency of use, and diagnoses and disposition of patients. Since the region has experienced a profound increase in opioid use disorder since 2009, we were particularly interested in changes in the volume of mental health and addiction (MHA) ED presentations.

Methods: Retrospective aggregate data analysis of ED visits to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre 2010-2014.

Delivering away from home: the perinatal experiences of First Nations women in northwestern Ontario.

Introduction: Our objective was to understand the perinatal knowledge and experiences of First Nations women from northwestern Ontario who travel away from their remote communities to give birth.

Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, HAPI, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO and CINAHL was undertaken using Medical Subject Headings and keywords focusing on Canadian Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) prenatal education and care, and maternal health literacy. This qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted in a rural hospital and prenatal clinic that serves First Nations women.

Traditional First Nations birthing practices: interviews with elders in Northwestern Ontario.

Objectives: Traditionally, First Nations maternity care was provided by community-based midwives trained through apprenticeship. Obstetrical practices and beliefs were integrated to provide holistic care. The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre has a mandate to be a centre of excellence for Aboriginal health care.