Welcome to your evening edition of West Coast Health.

Arlen Redekop / PNG

  Mental health  

Can we reduce social media harms by engaging differently, instead of disengaging completely?

When it comes to psychological well-being in the digital age, University of B.C. professor Amori Mikami thinks it might be better to lean in, rather than log off.

“Quality over quantity” is the way, said Mikami.

Mikami is the author of a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology that looks at whether reducing social media use or improving the way social media is used, improves psychological well-being among 17- to 29-year-olds.

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The Canadian Press

  British Columbia  

Chief vet tells clinics to set up bird flu protocols amid human exposure risk

B.C.’s chief veterinarian has told clinics that treat wild birds that they must establish protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu because of the risk of human exposure to the illness.

Dr. Theresa Burns said in a letter to veterinarians last week that reporting of sick and dead wild birds across the province has increased recently and clinics handling wild birds must have safety procedures in place and ensure staff are trained and equipped with proper protection.

Days after Burns issued her letter, B.C. health authorities announced the first case of a human avian flu infection acquired in Canada, with a teenage patient in critical condition in hospital.

From our partners at Healthing.ca

• Nostalgia improves health and outlook in seniors: 'Now I have a goal'

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AP Photo

  Fitness  

From choking to clutch in a few easy steps

Performing under pressure is never easy. Whether you’re trying to put the puck in the net, win a point on the court, achieve a personal best or take on a tough opponent, nerves can get the better of you — especially as the pressure to perform ramps up.

We’ve all seen dramatic examples of pro athletes missing a field goal, kicking the ball over the net, dropping a pop fly and fanning on a shot. But it doesn’t take a stadium full of fans to amp up the pressure. If you compete — even with yourself — there’s always a chance nerves will get in the way of achieving your goals.

In sport it’s called choking, and it’s a common enough occurrence that researchers have studied the underlying causes and the strategies used to keep it from happening.

Headlines

• Vancouver Island doctors set up overdose prevention sites — without government blessing

• Ontario tables bill banning supervised consumption sites near schools, daycares

• Six monkeys still on loose from South Carolina compound after dozens escaped

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