Local researchers making a difference

There is no shortage of talent on B.C.’s health research scene, but it’s particularly special to recognize Kelowna professionals who are making a difference.

Dr. Sanjoy Ghosh and Dr. Mary Jung, based at UBC Okanagan, recently received awards from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research to support obesity and diabetes research. These awards are presented to promising new investigators to help them launch independent research careers and build strong research programs, and I congratulate them for being selected as it speaks volumes about their achievements thus far.

The awards are worth up to $90,000 per year over a maximum term of five years. Dr. Ghosh is looking at how the unsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils contribute to increased inflammation in our bodies, which can accelerate heart disease. As a complementary project, he is also investigating how exercise guidelines can be modified to meet the needs of people who are already overweight or experiencing heart troubles.

Dr. Jung is tackling the issue of obesity and type 2 diabetes from a different perspective. Her research is focused around self-regulation training programs for individuals who are pre-diabetic. She is testing the effectiveness of a theory-based, brief counseling program coupled with a smartphone app, to help people be more active and better manage their conditions. With more of us taking up technology on a daily basis, it’s interesting to think about the ways in which it might boost our health rather than compromise it!

Health has always been a priority for my constituents, and I can safely surmise, for all British Columbians. I’m looking forward to learning about the outcomes of these local research projects, which are contributing greatly to B.C.’s already stellar reputation when it comes to health research.

The Michael Smith Foundation in particular supports a vibrant community of researchers that is developing new treatments and cures, responding to emerging health issues, and improving the delivery of health care.

It works closely with government and other key stakeholders to ensure B.C. remains internationally competitive in the area of health research, to help improve the health of British Columbians.

That’s why our government recently provided an $11-million dollar grant to the foundation—we know our ongoing support brings huge dividends. Since 2001, MSFHR scholars have attracted more than $1.1 billion in additional investments to B.C.’s research community and trained more than 4,700 apprentices. This helps to ensure our research capabilities remain strong down the road.

Overall, our government has invested more than $900 million in health and life science research since 2001. This important work is directly benefiting patients and their families. One example is cancer research in B.C., which is among the strongest in Canada. According to the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada, B.C.’s groundbreaking ovarian cancer surgery can potentially reduce ovarian cancer deaths by 50 per cent. That’s a tremendous figure.

We also celebrate great health outcomes here in British Columbia. B.C. has the best overall cancer rates in Canada. According to 2014 estimates in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Canadian Cancer Statistics report, our province still maintains the lowest overall cancer incidence and mortality rates in the country. We also maintain the lowest lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and kidney cancer incidence rates.

The life expectancy in British Columbia is the highest in Canada at 82 years. Ours is the only province in the country that has shown a consistent decline in new HIV diagnoses, and HIV/AIDS-related deaths have decreased by more than 76 per cent since 1996. And we have the lowest smoking rate in Canada, at 14.5 per cent.

There are other factors that contribute to this success, including education programs and tobacco control initiatives—and many of us have taken proactive steps to prevent various illnesses and conditions.

I’d like to encourage you to continue that good work by attending my upcoming health forums.

November’s event, presented by Maureen McGrath, will focus on sexual health. Maureen is a registered nurse, sexual health educator and radio host who educates on reproductive health all across the life cycle. This session will be held on Nov. 15, 1-3 p.m., in lecture theatre EME 0500 at UBCO’s Management and Engineering Building. Admission is free.

December’s forum will focus on obesity and the holidays: surviving and thriving during the holiday season. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the season without overindulging, consider taking part in this discussion on Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m., at the Creekside Theatre Community Complex in Lake Country. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Roger Crittenden and registered dietitian Tristan Smith. See you there!

Norm Letnick is the MLA for Kelowna Lake Country, minister of agriculture and former chairman of the Select Standing Committee on Health for British Columbia.