HealthCare & Medical: 1) GBGH Foundation launches $20M “We See You” campaign to transform local health care; 2)SMDHU lifts advisory for potential blue-green algae bloom in Kempenfelt Bay; 3)Increase in drug-related deaths prompts alert from local health officials; 4) Some people tape their mouths shut at night. Doctors wish they wouldn’t

1) GBGH Foundation launches $20M “We See You” campaign to transform local health care

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Staff, September 29, 2025

The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation has officially launched its “We See You: Inside and Out” capital campaign, a bold $20-million initiative to strengthen health care in North Simcoe. The GBGH Foundation team proudly shows off the campaign merchandise, available for sale through WeSeeYouGBGH.ca.

The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation has officially launched “We See You: Inside and Out,” a $20-million capital campaign designed to reshape health care across North Simcoe. Unveiled at the Foundation’s Power of Giving event this month, the campaign promises expanded services, upgraded facilities, and a renewed commitment to compassionate, accessible care.

A Promise to Every Patient

“This campaign is more than fundraising — it’s a promise,” said Nicole Kraftscik, CEO of the GBGH Foundation. “We’re telling every patient, caregiver, and community member: you will be seen, cared for, and supported.”

Key Priorities

The “We See You” campaign targets four major areas of investment:

• Acute Mental Health: A new 48,000 sq. ft. addition will provide timely, compassionate care for patients in crisis.
• Mammography Services: Expanded access to early breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
• Pharmacy & Lab Renovations: Modernized spaces to meet today’s safety standards and improve efficiency.
• Hospital-Wide Equipment Upgrades: Ensuring every department has the tools to deliver excellent care.

Community-Driven Momentum

With $14 million already raised — more than 70% of the goal — the campaign is powered by local donors, businesses, and philanthropic partners. Leading the charge are Campaign Co-Chairs Chris and Candice Bondar of Gilkon Construction, and Dr. Cait Button, Chief of GBGH’s Emergency Department.

“This campaign is powered by the people who live, work and play here,” added Kraftscik. “Every gift, every act of support is helping us build a healthier future.”

How to Get Involved

The GBGH Foundation invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to support the campaign through donations, monthly giving, volunteering, hosting events, or advocacy. Supporters can also purchase “We See You” merchandise — including hoodies and drinkware — with proceeds going directly to the campaign.

To learn more or make a contribution, visit WeSeeYouGBGH.ca.

2)SMDHU lifts advisory for potential blue-green algae bloom in Kempenfelt Bay

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Julius Hern, September 26, 2025

After seven days, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) lifted the advisory it issued regarding a potential blue-green algae bloom Friday.

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in freshwater. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase when the water is warm, slow moving, shallow, and full of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

Those conditions can promote dense blooms and some can produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals. Symptoms can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.

Blooms will appear green, blue, turquoise or olive green in colour. It may also look like scum, foam, mats or paint floating on the water’s surface. However, it wouldn’t be uncommon for the microorganisms to be present below the surface. They can smell like rotting plants, garbage, or rotten eggs.

Generally, cooler weather, rainfall, and reduced sunshine can lead to the breakup of an algal bloom. Decreasing the amount of nutrients entering the water source can also limit their occurrence and severity.

The SMDHU says it will continue to closely monitor the water.

3) Increase in drug-related deaths prompts alert from local health officials

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Ian MacLennan, October 3, 2025

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDU) is sounding the alarm about what appears to be a deadly substance circulating in the unregulated supply of drugs in Barrie and the surrounding area.

On Friday, the health unit said it has received information related to an increase in drug-related deaths.

“The risk of death may extend to those using substances not believed to be fentanyl,” the SMDHU stated in its alert.

While the details of the substance are not available at this time, the health unit says information from Toronto Drug Check Services indicates that carfentanil continues to be found in drug samples checked by them.

More information: https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Drugs/opioids

4) Some people tape their mouths shut at night. Doctors wish they wouldn’t

Courtesy Barrie360.com and The Associated Press

By Kenya Hunter, September 28, 2025

Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.

Doctors say don’t do it.

Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.

“The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.

It is better to breathe through your nose most of the time

Mouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.

If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.

Don’t rush to use mouth tape

But even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.

There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.

And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.

Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.

Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find out.

The safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.

You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.

“The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”

The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”