1) West Nile Virus detected again in Simcoe-Muskoka: Health Unit urges vigilance

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Staff, August 12, 2025

Pexels – Mosquito – Jimmy Chan

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has confirmed new West Nile virus (WNv) activity in the region, with a second mosquito pool testing positive in New Tecumseth and an infected bird identified in Barrie. These findings follow earlier positive tests in Bradford West Gwillimbury and New Tecumseth in July.

While no human cases have been reported in Simcoe-Muskoka so far in 2025, public health officials warn that increased virus activity among birds and mosquitoes raises the risk of transmission to humans.

How West Nile Virus Spreads

West Nile virus circulates between birds and certain mosquito species. Humans can contract the virus through the bite of an infected mosquito—one that has previously fed on an infected bird.

Surveillance and Prevention Efforts

SMDHU continues to monitor mosquito populations across the region by setting traps and inspecting larvae in targeted areas. When positive results are found, enhanced surveillance measures are implemented.

To reduce the risk of infection, residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Use Health Canada-approved mosquito repellents as directed
• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in mosquito-prone areas
• Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

B

Know the Symptoms

Although most people bitten by an infected mosquito won’t become ill, West Nile virus can cause serious health issues in some individuals. Symptoms may include:

• Fever and muscle weakness
• Stiff neck and confusion
• Severe headache and sensitivity to light

In rare cases, WNv can lead to neurological complications. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Reporting Dead Birds

Residents who come across dead birds can report them to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781.

For more information on West Nile virus and how to protect yourself, visit smdhu.org/WNv or contact the health unit at 705-721-7520, ext. 8811 (toll-free 1-877-721-7520), weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

2) Lung cancer survival rate has doubled, but it still causes the most cancer deaths: StatCan 

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Nicole Ireland, August 13, 2025

Five-year survival rates for people with lung cancer have doubled since the 1990s, but the disease still kills more patients than any other type of cancer, a Statistics Canada report said on Wednesday.  

The report said the number of people living five years after they were diagnosed jumped from 13 per cent to 27 per cent between 1992 and 2021. 

Lung cancer is still responsible for almost a quarter of all cancer deaths in Canada, it said.  The report attributed the increase in lung cancer survival to new treatments, including drugs that target specific molecules in cancer cells and immunotherapy that prompts the patient’s immune system to attack cancerous cells.

“Back in the 1990s, getting a lung cancer diagnosis, it truly was a bit of a death sentence,” said Jessica Moffatt, vice-president of programs and advocacy at the Lung Health Foundation in an interview about the StatCan findings. 

“Cancer was detected very late, so usually around stage four, and the likelihood of survival was very low.”

Moffatt agreed that more effective treatments are part of the reason for increased lung cancer survival rates, but also said that better screening has been vital.  

“What we’re seeing today is that we’re able to detect cancer earlier, where treatment is more likely to be effective,” she said. 

Moffat expects to see five-year survival rates climb higher than StatCan’s 2021 data show, following the introduction of organized lung cancer screening programs in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia in 2022.  

Those programs screen patients for risk factors such as age and smoking history and if they’re

deemed high-risk, they are told to get a referral for a low-dose CT scan from a family doctor or nurse practitioner. 

Depending on the results of that “baseline scan,” Moffatt said, patients come back for regular screenings or are referred to diagnostic assessment if scan suggests lung cancer might be present.  She expects to see the survival rate trend upward as more provinces fund lung cancer screening programs. 

“One of the common stories we hear is that somebody had a persistent cough, they would go to their family physician who had potentially prescribed antibiotics and they would go back home and that wouldn’t work so they go to the ER (and) get more antibiotics and time was just passing when the lung cancer, the tumour was growing,” Moffatt said.  

“Then when they finally got their diagnosis, it’s at such an advanced stage. And that’s where organized screening tries to reduce the likelihood of that story because the most at-risk people should be screened frequently enough to catch any cancer growth.”

The Statistics Canada report said that as of 2021, the cancers with a five-year survival rate of 90 per cent or higher include thyroid, testicular, prostate and breast cancers, as well as melanoma skin cancer.  

It says cancers with the lowest survival rates of under 10 per cent include mesothelioma — cancer in the membrane that surrounds most internal organs — as well as cancer in the bile ducts of the liver. 

The report says those cancers, along with pancreatic cancer, are often diagnosed at advanced stages when the cancer has already spread. 

StatCan gathered the data on cancer survival rates from its Canadian Cancer Registry as well as its Canadian Vital Statistics death database. 

3) Canada has most measles cases on the continent as infections up exponentially over 2024: Pan American Health Organization

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Hannah Alberga, August 15, 2025

The Pan American Health Organization says Canada has the highest number of measles cases on the continent and more action is needed to address low vaccination rates.

The regional agency within the World Health Organization, which covers North and South America, says there has been an exponential rise in measles this year. 

As of Aug. 8, it recorded 10,139 confirmed measles cases across ten countries, representing a 33-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when there were 311 cases. Canada leads the pack with 4,548 measles cases, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.

PAHO says low vaccination rates are primarily to blame, with U.S. and Mexico also seeing large outbreaks over the past year. 

The health agency says countries should strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities.

Vaccine coverage rates in the region are 79 per cent for the two doses needed, which is below the 95 per cent recommended to prevent outbreaks.

The group’s data shows 18 people have died as a result of the outbreak: 14 in Mexico, three in the United States and a newborn in Canada.

PAHO says outbreaks have particularly been identified in Mennonite communities, but adds recent data suggests an increasing number of cases outside of these groups.

In Mexico, PAHO says a mass vaccination campaign is underway in Chihuahua, where most of its 3,911 infections have occurred. 

“Indigenous communities have been hardest hit, with a case-fatality rate 20 times higher than in the general population,” its report says. 

The U.S. has reported outbreaks in 41 jurisdictions, with a total of 1,356 cases.

“It’s important to note that these numbers are dynamic and may change as countries continue to update their case counts,” said spokesperson Sebastian Oliel in an email. 

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content

4)  Kellogg says it will remove artificial dyes from cereals by the end of 2027

Courtesy Barrie360.com and The Associated Press

By Wyatte Grantham-philips, August 15, 2025

WK Kellogg Co. plans to remove artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the next two and a

half years, according to the company and the attorney general of Texas. The maker of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks gave the timeline as U.S. food producers face increasing pressure from the U.S. government and consumers to phase out synthetic colourings from their products.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Wednesday that Kellogg had signed an agreement assuring his office that the Michigan-based company would “permanently remove toxic dyes” from its cereals by the end of 2027.

Paxton launched an investigation earlier this year into whether Kellogg violated state consumer protection laws by continuing to use blue, red, yellow, green, and orange artificial dyes. Around the same time, U.S. health officials said that they would urge foodmakers to voluntarily work toward removing petroleum-based colours.

Both Kellogg and General Mills, another major U.S. cereal maker, said they would. General Mills later joined Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Smuckers and some other food manufacturers in announcing target dates for making all their products without artificial dyes.

But Paxton’s office said Kellogg was the first to sign a “legally binding” agreement. “Following months of investigating and negotiating, I’m proud to officially say Kellogg’s will stop putting these unhealthy ingredients in its cereals,” the attorney general said in a statement.

Details about the terms of the agreement Kellogg signed, which is legally known as an assurance of voluntary compliance, were not immediately clear. The company did not comment on it directly when reached by The Associated Press on Thursday but said it appreciates “the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Texas AG’s office and share their focus on health and wellness.”

Kellogg also pointed to its earlier commitment to phase out FD&C dyes, which are synthetic additives that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for use in food, drugs and cosmetics. It said it already planned to stop launching new products with the dyes in January.

“We have announced we are reformulating our cereals served in schools to not include FD&C colours by the 2026-27 school year,” Kellogg said in an emailed statement Thursday. By the end of 2027, “we will completely remove FD&C colors from the small percentage of our foods that contain them today.”

According to Kellogg’s website, 85% of the cereal the company sells contains no FD&C colors —

and none of its products have included Red No. 3 for years. Federal regulators banned that dye from food in January.

Synthetic dyes have long been used to make brightly coloured cereals, drinks, candies, baked goods and even products like cough syrup. But health advocates have called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children.

The FDA has maintained that its currently approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing colour additives.”

Pressure on the food industry has increased since Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken critic of such synthetic additives, became President Donald Trump’s health secretary.

5)  Why adaptogenic drinks are the next big thing in wellness

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Marie Gagne, August 12, 2025

This Barrie 360 article is brought to you by Sober Sips.

Forget the bitter green juices, gritty protein shakes, and smoothie recipes that require a grocery haul and a blender. While these healthy options have their place, they’re often hard to stick with — and don’t always feel like a treat.

Adaptogenic drinks offer a different kind of wellness rit ual: easy, enjoyable, and rooted in natural ingredients that help your body handle stress, improve your mood, and support rest. Blended with powerful herbs, mushrooms, and amino acids, these functional beverages are designed to support your mental and physical balance — no complicated prep required.

But don’t take our word for it … let’s look at how these drinks work, what’s in them, and why they might become your new favorite ritual.

What are adaptogenic drinks?

Adaptogenic drinks are feel-good beverages made with natural ingredients that help your body handle stress and stay balanced. You’ll often find calming herbs, mushrooms, and amino acids like ashwagandha, ginseng, reishi, L-tryptophan, and 5-HTP in the mix.

Instead of giving you a jolt of energy or acting like a vitamin supplement, these drinks are made to gently support your mood, help you relax, or even get a better night’s sleep — all in a simple, ready-to-drink format.

Key ingredients and their benefits

While the ingredients in every adaptogenic drink vary, here are some popular ones and their superpowers:

Adaptogens

Below are some common adaptogens and how they help improve wellness: 

Ashwagandha: One of the most well-known adaptogens, ashwagandha helps lower cortisol levels (your stress hormone), promote calm, and support better sleep over time.

Rhodiola Rosea: Used to boost mental and physical stamina, especially during stressful situations. It’s great for energy, focus, and mood support without overstimulation.

Holy Basil (Tulsi): This calming herb is known to help the body adapt to stress while promoting clarity and a sense of emotional balance. It’s also great for immunity.

Ginseng (Panax or Siberian): An energizing adaptogen that helps improve mental clarity, physical endurance, and resilience to stress. Panax is more stimulating; Siberian is gentler.

Reishi Mushroom: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi supports calm, immunity, and deep rest. Often used in evening blends or drinks that promote relaxation.

Maca Root: Technically not a classic adaptogen, but commonly treated as one. Known for supporting energy, mood, and hormonal balance — often used in women’s health blends.

Supportive ingredients (not adaptogens)

These ingredients aren’t classified as traditional adaptogens but offer many health and wellness benefits and often accompany adaptogens: 

L-Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin and melatonin — great for mood balance and better sleep.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Not a true adaptogen, but prized for its cognitive support — helps with memory, focus, and overall brain function.

5-HTP: A naturally occurring compound that helps boost serotonin, often used in mood-boosting or calming drinks.

L-Theanine: Found in green tea, this amino acid promotes a sense of calm focus — ideal for stress without drowsiness.

L-Tyrosine: Supports the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, helping improve focus, alertness, and stress resilience.

L-Glutamine: An amino acid that supports gut health, immune function, and muscle recovery — often included in recovery or digestion-support blends.

Ginger Root: A warming root with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It also supports immunity and can help soothe nausea or upset stomach.

Milk Thistle: Supports liver health and detoxification. Often used in drinks that help the body recover from stress or cleanse naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Often added to tonics for a natural “reset” effect.

Probiotics: Good bacteria that support gut health, digestion, and immunity. A healthy gut can also boost mood and mental clarity.

Magnesium: A mineral that helps with muscle relaxation, sleep quality, and stress support. Common in calming or sleep-focused drinks.

Cardamom: A fragrant spice known to support digestion and reduce bloating, with mild calming properties that help soothe the nervous system.

Kava Kava Root: Traditionally used in the Pacific Islands, kava promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and supports restful sleep. It works as a natural relaxant rather than an adaptogen.

Alcohol-free, drug-free, and actually beneficial

Many people turn to wine or other substances to unwind. But adaptogenic drinks offer a healthier alternative, helping you actually relax without compromising your clarity, mood, or sleep quality.

Plus, they’re:

• Non-addictive
• Low- or no-calorie
• Caffeine-free (in most cases)
• Vegan and often organic

They fit effortlessly into most lifestyles — whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, pregnant, or just looking for better ways to cope with stress.

When to sip for maximum benefit

Adaptogenic drinks can be used any time of day, depending on their formula:

• Morning: Go for blends with ginseng or rhodiola to promote energy and clarity.
• Afternoon slump: A mushroom-based or mood-boosting drink can help sustain calm focus.
• Evening: Look for calming herbs like ashwagandha, reishi, or L-tryptophan to wind down and prep for sleep.

Make it part of your routine — like a wellness coffee or a healthier happy hour.

Are they backed by science?

Many of the herbs and compounds in adaptogenic drinks have been studied individually for their effects on mood, stress, and sleep. One study showed that they not only help with stress-induced and stress-related disorders, adaptogens can also help with chronic disease and pathological conditions.

While more research is needed on the blends themselves, the anecdotal feedback is overwhelmingly positive — with many users reporting better stress management, more restful sleep, and improved emotional well-being.

Sip your way to better balance

Today’s adaptogenic drinks aren’t just functional — they’re delicious. Think sparkling tonics, tea-based elixirs, or botanically infused sips with complex, cocktail-inspired flavors. You won’t miss the alcohol — or the groggy aftereffects.

Whether you’re ditching booze or looking for tastier ways to feel more like yourself, adaptogenic drinks offer a smart, natural, simple way to support your mind and body. With herbs, mushrooms, and mood-boosting compounds all working together, this wellness trend isn’t just hype — it’s a healthier habit in a glass.