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Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are warmly spiced, with crisp edges and soft centers—perfect for holiday decorating and eating. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Instructions Mix dry ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter & sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Combine : Gradually add dry mixture until dough forms. Chill dough : Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll & cut : Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake : Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool & decorate : Let cool com...

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Drug shortages in Canada affect millions of patients and health care providers

 

  

Many Canadians have experienced the frustration and anxiety of not being able to get the medications they need, as the country faces a persistent and worsening problem of drug shortages.

According to a survey commissioned by the Canadian Pharmacists Association, one in four adults in Canada has either personally been affected by drug shortages in the last three years or knows someone who has. The survey also found that 70% of pharmacists have difficulty finding alternative drugs for their patients.

The causes of drug shortages are complex and varied, ranging from manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory hurdles, market decisions by pharmaceutical companies, and increased demand for certain drugs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the drugs that have been in short supply include Lenoltec No. 4, a painkiller containing codeine; Ozempic, a widely-used drug for type 2 diabetes; EpiPens, which are essential for people with life-threatening allergies; Wellbutrin, a popular antidepressant; and various blood pressure medications.

Drug shortages can have serious consequences for patients and health care providers, such as increased costs, reduced quality of care, delayed or cancelled treatments, adverse reactions, medication errors, and psychological distress.

Health Canada has said it is aware of the issue and working to find solutions, such as facilitating the importation of foreign drugs, monitoring the supply situation, and collaborating with stakeholders. However, some experts have called for more action, such as investing in domestic production capacity, creating a national drug agency, and implementing mandatory reporting of drug shortages by manufacturers.

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