To the editor,
I read with interest a recent letter to The News by Graham Johnston of East Earltown. In the letter, Mr. Johnston mentions problems relating to health care in the province and northern Nova Scotia and the various chronic diseases prevalent in the area. The statistics and high rates of diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, cancer and other diseases and disorders are very troubling, to say the least.
One disease not mentioned and often overlooked is IBD or inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The recent issue of “Living Healthy,” in the last Salt Scapes magazine, declares the eastern provinces have the highest incidence of IBD in the world and noted pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Tony Otley, from the IWK, states “Nova Scotia, in particular, has the dubious honour of having the highest rates of IBD in the world.” He has been studying the disease for 20 years and treats more than 300 children and teenagers with serious conditions – these are ones referred to him from other doctors and pediatricians.
As our group begins fall meetings of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, these statistics are much in the forefront of our endeavours to work toward finding a cause and, ultimately, a cure for these diseases. Our group will be undertaking fundraising events this fall to raise money for research and appreciate the great support we have received in the past from the good people of Pictou County.
Mike Hollis
CCFC – Pictou County