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National Observer
15-07-2025
- Health
- National Observer
Poor air quality can worsen pre-existing mental health challenges
The poor air quality that has blanketed swaths of central and Western Canada is not only infiltrating the lungs, but also distressing the mind. The federal government says people with mental illness are in a high-risk group prone to health problems when exposed to air pollution. Others who are most impacted when air quality plummets include seniors, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions. Environment Canada said Tuesday the air in parts of Saskatchewan and Inuvik is 'very high risk,' while Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Yellowknife are high- and moderate-risk areas due to wildfire smoke. Dr. Sean Kidd, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said polluted air can make people feel trapped, particularly those who are homeless and can't avoid the outdoors, as well as people who don't have air conditioning and have to open their windows during heat waves. That can exacerbate stressors and intensify distress for anyone who experiences mental-health challenges. "Being out in an environment like this, it's distressing, right? Especially if you can't escape it." High heat, humidity and air pollution are adding to the stresses weathered by all Canadians, but those already experiencing mental health challenges are particularly troubled by them. The combination of heat, humidity and air pollution can also cloud cognition, making people more irritable and reactive, which can lead to substance abuse, Kidd said. Kidd said evidence suggests there's also an increase in domestic violence and interpersonal conflict during extreme weather events. The United Nations (UN) reported in April that climate change could be linked to one in every ten cases of intimate partner violence by the end of the century if action is not taken to interrupt that trajectory. A 2018 study cited in the UN report found intimate partner femicide rose 28 per cent during heat waves in Madrid. Among the solutions is creating better, more stable housing that reduces exposure to high-risk air, and in doing so, improves health and well-being across the board, Kidd said. 'It's not just about breathing bad air," Kidd said. "(It's) ultimately about having fewer people breathing air like this." Still, those who have access to cool indoor spaces can feel stuck inside and socially isolated, which can result in doom scrolling and worsen feelings of loneliness. Jiaying Zhao, a professor of psychology and sustainability at the University of British Columbia, said when wildfires pollute the air in Vancouver and the sky turns an orange hue, she tends to stay home. "I just don't interact with people. I'm isolated as a result of air pollution and that's not good. That can really exacerbate depressive symptoms and any kind of mental-health issues associated with depression," Zhao said. Some young people struggle with the crushing reality of climate change, said Zhao. When air quality plummets, those feelings can swing from abstract to material. 'That further exacerbates eco-anxiety, climate anxiety, that makes me, as well as others, think this is the end of the world. It does seem like an apocalypse,' said Zhao. Dr. Zarina Giannone, a registered psychologist in Vancouver, said it helps to think about what makes you feel safe and more in control of the exposure, which can include connecting with other people who are also exposed and isolated. "When they're not breathing in clean air or there's been a forest fire, which is common out here in B.C. — for the, for the air to really change suddenly and quite significantly like that — that can impact how people feel, how safe they feel; can kind of provoke more situational change in their mental status and wellness." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
The Shoulder Check's Mental Health Movement Promotes Hockey Players And Beyond To ‘Make Contact'
Mental health is often overlooked in not just hockey and sports but society as a whole. One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in a given year, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In the United States, it's one in five adults and one in six youth aged 6 to 17, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. One hockey-centered initiative promotes support and important dialogue in the fight to raise mental health awareness. Shoulder Check, an initiative introduced by the #HT40 foundation in August 2023, is a non-profit that encourages individuals to support, check in and be there for one another. After his son's passing, Thorsen received stories and letters from people who knew Hayden, with the common thread being how supportive and caring of an individual he was. With that, Thorsen began a mission to continue what his son started. The #HT40 Foundation and Shoulder Check were created by Rob Thorsen, who lost his son Hayden Thorsen to suicide in 2022 when Hayden was just 16. Hayden was an avid hockey player, and those who came across him always expressed how he was always there for support and to talk when needed. 'He was empathetic, which I think isn't the most common descriptor for guys like that, right?' Thorsen said. 'And so when we thought about that, like, 'Who's going to do what (Hayden) did now that he's gone?' This idea answers that question.' The main message Shoulder Check promotes is to 'make kindness a contact sport.' Their team has spread this message through initiatives with various schools, hockey clubs and leagues. Even some NHL clubs are involved, including the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders. Through their messaging, there are three main pillars that Shoulder Check focuses on: reach out, check in and make contact. This message has been very well received and has, in part, allowed Thorsen and Shoulder Check to bring the program to huge heights. That includes the Shoulder Check Showcase, an annual charity hockey game that started in 2023. The game, which has featured NHL and PWHL players, takes place at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., a rink where Thorsen's son used to train during his time as a hockey goalie. Thorsen said the participating players, including Trevor Zegras and Chris Kreider, hugely support Shoulder Check's message and have spoken very openly about it during the showcase. 'It's amazing to hear them speak so honestly about it, so much so that I've had people write and reach out to me afterwards, and be like, 'Man, you know, I saw one of the guys speaking about this last night,' and it really just struck me, you know, like the power of a role model sharing something so honest and true.' ' The Shoulder Check Showcase returns on July 24, and the list of NHL players is the biggest yet: Zegras, Kreider, Jake Oettinger, Jonathan Quick, Matty Beniers, Shane Pinto, Jacob Trouba, Matt Rempe, Mason McTavish, Shayne Gostisbehere and more. 'There's an autograph line that these guys will spend like an hour in just interacting with all the kids who come out. It's a really special thing,' Thorsen said. Beyond the 2025 showcase, Thorsen and the Shoulder Check program have big plans in the works. Shoulder Check looks to continue its work with schools of all age groups and even expand its reach to other sports and avenues beyond just hockey. It's also expected to reveal a new campaign in the fall, Thorsen said. 'We hope to have a campaign that launches at the start of next year's hockey season that brings this message forward in a totally different way that we're really excited about,' Thorsen said. Apart from future plans, and with June being Pride month, Thorsen expressed the importance of being there for people in specific communities during these months but also the greater importance of 'maintaining that awareness throughout the whole year.' 'We've got to be aware of folks who we know are more vulnerable or might be struggling more all year round, all the time,' he said. 'Whether that be Pride month, or we talk about inclusion and 'hockey is for everybody' and all those great things that are trying to build the biggest tent possible, like, that's a truth. We're all capable of looking after one another.' The work that Thorsen, the #HT40 Foundation and the Shoulder Check program are doing is truly special, and the message of making 'kindness a contact sport' reaches and helps those far beyond the scope of hockey. As Thorsen says, it is continuing the legacy of his son Hayden, who was always there for his peers. 'We didn't set out to turn a horrible thing into a positive thing,' he said. 'We set out to make sure something someone was doing in the world continues to be done, but now can be done at scale, because we know it mattered.' For more information and to donate to the #HT40 Foundation and the Shoulder Check program, check out their website. There, you can also purchase merchandise, as well as tickets for the upcoming 2025 Shoulder Check Showcase charity game. Get thelatest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and bysubscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting belowthe article on Copyright 2025 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
Global News
06-06-2025
- Global News
Toronto man who deliberately shot an unarmed stranger given life sentence
A Toronto man who shot and killed an unarmed stranger has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 18 years. Superior Court Justice Maureen Forestell called the murder of John Wheeler 'profoundly serious' give it was the result of the fact that 18-year-old Christopher Mitchell wanted to avoid potentially being apprehended by police for a break-and-enter. Last October, Mitchell pleaded guilty to second-degree murder admitting that on Aug. 12, 2020, he shot and killed Wheeler with a shotgun outside the apartment building at 1350 Danforth Rd. where Wheeler lived. Mitchell and another person attended the apartment complex with the intention of breaking into a convenience store. They were in an alcove near the store when Wheeler emerged from the lobby of the apartment building to make his way to work. Wheeler glanced in the direction of the alcove and looked at his phone before moving to the driveway to wait for his ride to work. Mr. Mitchell believed that Mr. Wheeler was contacting the police. Mr. Mitchell removed a shotgun from the duffel bag he was carrying. He crept up behind Mr. Wheeler and shot him in the back. Story continues below advertisement Wheeler, a 45-year-old man who delivered drywall for a living, had texted his friend to tell him he was outside and ready to be picked up. In victim impact statements delivered in court Monday, Wheeler, who was 45 and the youngest of 12 children, was described as a kind, funny, hardworking and generous man. Reading from her reasons for sentence, Forestell said, 'The loss of a loved one is always difficult but when that loss is the result of senseless violence it is even more painful. In addition to the impact on the family and friends of Mr. Wheeler, crimes like this one impact the entire community. A good, hardworking man waiting to go to work was shot and killed in a targeted manner. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This type of offence undermines our collective sense of safety and security in our community.' A psychological report prepared by Dr. Giorgio Ilacqua found that Mitchell, the eldest of four siblings, suffered significant physical abuse as a child. As a result, he was placed in group home and foster care by age 15 because of the physical abuse. Court heard that Mitchell was raised by his mother because his father was in the criminal justice system and has had no contact with his father for the last five years. He also also been diagnosed with mental illnesses and a substance abuse disorder. Story continues below advertisement 'At around 12 years of age, Mr. Mitchell began to hear voices. He was assessed at one point at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. However, he did not receive any treatment or medication for these conditions until after his arrest on the charge before me. He is presently taking antipsychotic medication and antidepressants,' Forestell said. Court heard Mitchell has also abused substances since age 11. Mr. Mitchell admitted Ilacqua that he became involved in criminal activity in his teens and that this included selling drugs. Mr. Mitchell left school after Grade 10. While attending school he was frequently suspended, including for fighting, stabbing and guns. Since his incarceration, Mr. Mitchell has completed high school and has begun college-level courses. While in custody, Mr. Mitchell has also pursued Bible study. Ilacqua administered a series of psychological tests. He diagnosed Mitchell with post-traumatic stress Disorder with psychotic features, depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. He relates these conditions to Mr. Mitchell's dysfunctional childhood and the abuse that he experienced. The risk assessment conducted by Ilacqua places Mr. Mitchell at high risk for future involvement in the justice system but Ilacqua opines that appropriate monitoring, structure and intervention could likely decrease the risk. During an interview with Global News outside the courthouse, Wheeler's niece said the family was anxious for the sentencing to be finished after nearly five years. Arlene Stuckless said she was angry for years and has been through an emotional rollercoaster. Story continues below advertisement 'There are a lot of people who could be watching this right now, going, 'Oh, this poor family, it's not going to happen to us' but you don't know honestly,' said Stuckless. Stuckless said she is hopeful that Mitchell can be rehabilitated and wants to see more social services for young men like Mitchell who come from broken homes. 'They're only outlet is to be running on the streets and then they get hooked up with the wrong people, they get their hands on that gun and they think they're big tough guys and they're not,' said Stuckless. Wheeler's niece said the family believes a life sentence with a parole ineligibility period of 18 years is a sentence that should give Mitchell time to work on himself. 'For him to be incarcerated that long — hopefully, he doesn't get involved with the wrong people and go to the wrong path and he takes the time he's given and he does something good with his life and then when he does getting out of jail, he can help other young, maybe,' Stuckless added.
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Man linked to multiple slayings found after absconding from CAMH
James Rushton, 43, who was found not criminally responsible for father's 2019 death, located by cops Monday James Rushton, 43, walked away from CAMH on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Queen and Ossington in Toronto. Photo by Police handout The man found by police after walking away from a downtown psychiatric ward was responsible for the death of two people — including the 2019 stabbing death of his father. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account James Rushton, 43, absconded from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) at Queen St. W. and Ossington Ave. Sunday at around 3:30 p.m. He was located by police Monday afternoon and returned to custody. He was found not criminally responsible for the October 2019 second-degree murder of his father Thomas Denney, 62. According to media reports, police found Rushton at the time near King St. and University Ave. — incoherent and covered with blood — after repeatedly stabbing his father. Denney's murder came two years after Rushton was convicted of bashing his father's head with a rock, a crime for which he was sentenced to time served for his 200 days of pretrial custody. At the time of that May 2017 attack, Rushton had been released on a recognizance while facing charges from the previous November of robbery, failure to comply with probation conditions and possession of the proceeds of crime. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He was also convicted in the 2000s for domestic violence against his sister and a former partner. In 2019, Rushton reportedly told arresting officers that his father was the devil and that he'd killed before. In 2005, he was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison on a manslaughter conviction after sucker-punching a man who allegedly pulled on a female acquaintance's blouse — with the judge noting he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time. His victim died after a single punch, court documents stated. Freed in 2008 on a statutory release, he was sent back to prison to complete his full term after he admitted to using crack. A 2008 parole board document, obtained by the Toronto Sun, highlights Rushton's history of drug- and booze-fuelled violence. bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume Read More
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Man responsible for multiple deaths found after absconding from CAMH
James Rushton, 43, found not criminally responsible for father's 2019 slaying, located by cops Monday James Rushton, 43, walked away from CAMH on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Queen and Ossington in Toronto. Photo by Police handout The man found by police after walking away from a downtown psychiatric ward was responsible for the death of two people — including the 2019 stabbing death of his father. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account James Rushton, 43, absconded from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) at Queen St. W. and Ossington Ave. Sunday at around 3:30 p.m. He was located by police Monday afternoon and returned to custody. He was found not criminally responsible for the October 2019 second-degree murder of his father Thomas Denney, 62. According to media reports, police found Rushton at the time near King St. and University Ave. — incoherent and covered with blood — after repeatedly stabbing his father. Denney's murder came two years after Rushton was convicted of bashing his father's head with a rock, a crime for which he was sentenced to time served for his 200 days of pretrial custody. At the time of that May 2017 attack, Rushton had been released on a recognizance while facing charges from the previous November of robbery, failure to comply with probation conditions and possession of the proceeds of crime. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He was also convicted in the 2000s for domestic violence against his sister and a former partner. In 2019, Rushton reportedly told arresting officers that his father was the devil and that he'd killed before. In 2005, he was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison on a manslaughter conviction after sucker-punching a man who allegedly pulled on a female acquaintance's blouse — with the judge noting he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time. His victim died after a single punch, court documents stated. Freed in 2008 on a statutory release, he was sent back to prison to complete his full term after he admitted to using crack. A 2008 parole board document, obtained by the Toronto Sun, highlights Rushton's history of drug- and booze-fuelled violence. bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume Read More
