From the rising opioid crisis to the danger of concussions in sports, these are the health conversations that helped define Canada

The Decade in Health

As the 2010s come to close, we look back at a mix of your favourite stories and speakers. From the rising opioid crisis to the danger of concussions in sports, these are the ideas, people, and conversations that helped define Canada




My Life and Death on Opioids

BY CHRIS WILLIE
In November 2017, The Walrus started working with Chris Willie on a memoir about his fentanyl addiction. While writing the article, Willie died from an overdose. This version of his story is published with his family’s approval




Are Breast Implants Making Women Sick?

BY JULIE CHADWICK
New evidence suggests that doctors were wrong about one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world




Teaching Teens How to Have Good Sex

BY VIVIANE FAIRBANK
Many young adults accept pain as a normal part of intercourse. Why doesn’t sex ed value pleasure?




A History of Hymens

BY DR. JEN GUNTER
The Vagina Bible author on why virginity is a social construct




How I Saved My Kids From Sugar

BY YONI FREEDHOFF
The overconsumption of sugar has became a normal part of our culture. Here’s a recipe for fighting back




The Human Egg Trade

BY ALISON MOTLUK
How Canada’s fertility laws are failing donors, doctors, and parents




After Two Decades on Antidepressants, Who Am I?

BY EMILY LANDAU
I was diagnosed with a mental illness at age eleven and joined one of the first generations to grow up on prescription pills




Should You Trust Dr. Google?

BY DR. ROHIT KHANNA
Why we need to authenticate health information on the internet




Inside the Controversial Concussion Lab That Could Save Football

BY BRETT POPPLEWELL
Why Toronto researchers are questioning the link between the sport and long-term brain damage




How the Anti-vax Movement Harms Us All

BY JASMINE BUDAK
Why measles made a comeback in a country with high immunization rates




Why Canada Needs Paid Menstrual Leave

BY ETERNITY MARTIS
We want to lead the world on women’s issues. Let’s start at home




How Technology Can Fill the Gaps in Our Mental Health System

BY JODIE SHUPAC
Wait times for psychiatrists are often dangerously long. Why many Canadians are using apps to help treat their depression


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The Walrus Staff