Canadian Diabetes Association applauds government support for Albertans with diabetes

The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds Alberta Health and Wellness for enhancing support for Albertans with diabetes using insulin following an announcement made by the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. The changes include expanded Blue Cross coverage for diabetes supplies, such as blood glucose test strips, lancets, syringes, needles, cartridges and urine test strips for Albertans with diabetes using insulin. As of July 1, 2012, coverage will also be expanded for clients of the Alberta Monitoring for Health program, which is a program administered by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Coverage for diabetes supplies will also be extended to women with gestational diabetes - a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Previous Association research revealed that Alberta has among the highest out-of-pocket expenses for people with diabetes if they do not qualify for low-income supports

Long-distance heartbeats: digital stethoscopes connect cardiac cases (Canada)

Heart patients in several Alberta communities can now be examined by cardiac specialists using digital stethoscopes. The technology allows doctors at the Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton to hear heart and lung sounds on the Internet while they talk to patients via a video link. Dr. Lucille Lalonde, one of the institute's cardiologists, says hearing the heart and lungs can help determine if a patient needs immediate care. She says it's a quick way to connect with someone who may otherwise have to travel to Edmonton from hundreds of kilometres away. Digital stethoscopes are currently being used in Drayton Valley, Wetaskiwin, Edson and High Level. It's expect Fort McMurray will come online soon" - Winnipeg Free Press