Thomas Piggott MD PhD
@twpiggott.bsky.social
Medical Officer of Health & CEO @phlakelands.bsky.social researcher @hei_mcmaster | dad, doctor, dreamer
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Basic prevention strategies KEY!
More than 1/3 of cancer cases are preventable, massive study www.nature.com/articles/d41...
"Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially preventable..."
"...tobacco smoking was the leading contributor ... followed by infections & drinking alcohol."
More than 1/3 of cancer cases are preventable, massive study www.nature.com/articles/d41...
"Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially preventable..."
"...tobacco smoking was the leading contributor ... followed by infections & drinking alcohol."
More than one-third of cancer cases are preventable, massive study finds
Many cancers are linked to two modifiable habits: tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption.
www.nature.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Basic prevention strategies KEY!
More than 1/3 of cancer cases are preventable, massive study www.nature.com/articles/d41...
"Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially preventable..."
"...tobacco smoking was the leading contributor ... followed by infections & drinking alcohol."
More than 1/3 of cancer cases are preventable, massive study www.nature.com/articles/d41...
"Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially preventable..."
"...tobacco smoking was the leading contributor ... followed by infections & drinking alcohol."
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Climate change blames individuals when it is big corporations at fault, say teens. @simondonner.bsky.social was one of the experts at the event. www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/pos... via @cbcnews.ca @ubcgeography.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca
WATCH — We asked 100 kids how hopeful they are about their futures
In a townhall meets game show, CBC Kids News asks 100 kids in Vancouver, British Columbia, about their futures. Are they hopeful?
www.cbc.ca
February 4, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Climate change blames individuals when it is big corporations at fault, say teens. @simondonner.bsky.social was one of the experts at the event. www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/pos... via @cbcnews.ca @ubcgeography.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
In a warming world, Winter Olympics organizers will have to adapt
In a warming world, Winter Olympics organizers will have to adapt
You can make snow, sure, but that opens another can of worms.
www.motherjones.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In a warming world, Winter Olympics organizers will have to adapt
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
This tragic incident highlights the completely exploitative underpinnings of our dependency on digital devices, and the limits of any talk in the global north of 'digital ethics', 'tech ethics' etc.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC, officials say
Rubaya mine produces about 15% of the world’s coltan, which is processed into tantalum, used in mobile phones
www.theguardian.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:48 AM
This tragic incident highlights the completely exploitative underpinnings of our dependency on digital devices, and the limits of any talk in the global north of 'digital ethics', 'tech ethics' etc.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Chaos out here? Nope.
I’m speaking with CBC News about the closure of the Howe Street overdose prevention site.
These sites prevent deaths and connect people to care.
Shutting it down only guarantees one thing:
more public consumption.
more people using alone. More overdoses.
More tragedy.
I’m speaking with CBC News about the closure of the Howe Street overdose prevention site.
These sites prevent deaths and connect people to care.
Shutting it down only guarantees one thing:
more public consumption.
more people using alone. More overdoses.
More tragedy.
January 31, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Chaos out here? Nope.
I’m speaking with CBC News about the closure of the Howe Street overdose prevention site.
These sites prevent deaths and connect people to care.
Shutting it down only guarantees one thing:
more public consumption.
more people using alone. More overdoses.
More tragedy.
I’m speaking with CBC News about the closure of the Howe Street overdose prevention site.
These sites prevent deaths and connect people to care.
Shutting it down only guarantees one thing:
more public consumption.
more people using alone. More overdoses.
More tragedy.
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
The only people I can imagine who actually want fewer food inspectors are anti-government-spending perverts, the kind of people who like cuts because that's their kink, no matter how much damage they do to the economy.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
January 29, 2026 at 1:36 AM
The only people I can imagine who actually want fewer food inspectors are anti-government-spending perverts, the kind of people who like cuts because that's their kink, no matter how much damage they do to the economy.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
I want to get a “how much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket” poster for my office.
The only people I can imagine who actually want fewer food inspectors are anti-government-spending perverts, the kind of people who like cuts because that's their kink, no matter how much damage they do to the economy.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
How much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket, I wonder.
January 29, 2026 at 3:00 AM
I want to get a “how much productivity is lost when diarrhea rates skyrocket” poster for my office.
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Not only could this cause avoidable health problems, but the Canadian government is forcing the wrong people to make sacrifices
Starting May 1, resettled refugees and asylum seekers must co-pay 30% of the costs of services such as dental, optometry and physiotherapy under its interim federal health plan. They will also be charged a $4 flat rate on each prescription. www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
Canada will require refugees and asylum seekers to co-pay for health care starting in May
They will have to pay 30 per cent of the costs of services such as dental, optometry and physiotherapy and a $4 flat rate on each prescription.
www.thestar.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Not only could this cause avoidable health problems, but the Canadian government is forcing the wrong people to make sacrifices
Crazy new other idea, active & public transit infrastructure. Free or affordable. Safe. Adequately paid staff. Fun 🚲. Community & connection.
January 28, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Crazy new other idea, active & public transit infrastructure. Free or affordable. Safe. Adequately paid staff. Fun 🚲. Community & connection.
“The findings reveal a disconnect between the risks of alcohol and the way it is regulated in Canada”
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
Researchers ranked Canada’s most harmful drugs. Why alcohol is No. 1 — and how the drinker isn’t the only victim
The findings reveal a disconnect between the risks of alcohol and the way it is regulated in Canada.
www.thestar.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:32 AM
“The findings reveal a disconnect between the risks of alcohol and the way it is regulated in Canada”
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
To see how Kirsty Duncan advocated for science, watch her TED talk or read her book, "The Exclusion Effect: How the sciences discourage women & girls and what to do about it"
Scientists must be free to learn, to speak, and to challenge, she said -- an even more vital argument now than then.
Scientists must be free to learn, to speak, and to challenge, she said -- an even more vital argument now than then.
Scientists must be free to learn, to speak and to challenge
"You do not mess with something so fundamental, so precious, as science," says Kirsty Duncan, Canada's first Minister of Science. In a heartfelt, inspiring talk about pushing boundaries, she makes the...
www.ted.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:00 AM
To see how Kirsty Duncan advocated for science, watch her TED talk or read her book, "The Exclusion Effect: How the sciences discourage women & girls and what to do about it"
Scientists must be free to learn, to speak, and to challenge, she said -- an even more vital argument now than then.
Scientists must be free to learn, to speak, and to challenge, she said -- an even more vital argument now than then.
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
The world has lost one of its most courageous and passionate advocates for people + science.
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dead at 59 | CBC News
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer.
www.cbc.ca
January 27, 2026 at 1:49 AM
The world has lost one of its most courageous and passionate advocates for people + science.
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
RIP Honourable Duncan. Loss of a tremendous Canadian leader and academic. I’ll remember her most for her work on gender equity in science and fascinating medical geography work on the origins of the 1918 Flu pandemic.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dies at 59 | CBC News
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer.
www.cbc.ca
January 27, 2026 at 1:15 AM
RIP Honourable Duncan. Loss of a tremendous Canadian leader and academic. I’ll remember her most for her work on gender equity in science and fascinating medical geography work on the origins of the 1918 Flu pandemic.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Something is deeply wrong if we, as a society, cannot agree that an administration that snatches up children, uses them as bait to hunt down others, is morally repulsive.
They want to tell you a kid with a Spider-Man backpack is evil
Liam Ramos' innocence, like the innocence of all kids, is unimpeachable. The visuals of his arrest are excruciating.
www.motherjones.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:17 AM
Something is deeply wrong if we, as a society, cannot agree that an administration that snatches up children, uses them as bait to hunt down others, is morally repulsive.
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Alto to host open house on proposed high-speed rail network on February 26 in #Ptbo. Open house at McDonnel Street Community Centre is part of three-month initial consultation process that also includes virtual info sessions and an online information portal. kawarthanow.com/2026/01/15/a...
Alto to host open house on proposed high-speed rail network on February 26 in Peterborough | kawarthaNOW
By Bruce Head. Open house at McDonnel Street Community Centre is part of three-month initial consultation process that also includes virtual info sessions and an online information portal.
kawarthanow.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Alto to host open house on proposed high-speed rail network on February 26 in #Ptbo. Open house at McDonnel Street Community Centre is part of three-month initial consultation process that also includes virtual info sessions and an online information portal. kawarthanow.com/2026/01/15/a...
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
We are lucky enough to have a great population of these beauties who winter around the Rice Lake area.
oebs.ca/about-bluebi...
oebs.ca/about-bluebi...
January 15, 2026 at 11:58 PM
We are lucky enough to have a great population of these beauties who winter around the Rice Lake area.
oebs.ca/about-bluebi...
oebs.ca/about-bluebi...
Happy Ski to Work Day for those who celebrate 🇨🇦 ! ❄️
January 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Happy Ski to Work Day for those who celebrate 🇨🇦 ! ❄️
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
🧵👋 Hi, I'm a university instructor and writer about peace, health, human rights and humanitarianism.
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
January 26, 2025 at 4:24 AM
🧵👋 Hi, I'm a university instructor and writer about peace, health, human rights and humanitarianism.
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
Given the unprecedented times we're in, here's a 🧵 of thoughts and resources for:
PROTECTING YOUR WELL-BEING AND ADAPTABILITY DURING AND BEYOND 2025 (I'll keep adding to this over the next week).
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
🚨 News today that - driven by the burning of #fossilfuels - 2025 was the 3rd hottest year on record.
Looking forward to hosting a discussion about how a fossil fuel ad ban can improve health with @samanthagreen.bsky.social & @latemper.bsky.social
@cape-acme.bsky.social @gchalliance.bsky.social
Looking forward to hosting a discussion about how a fossil fuel ad ban can improve health with @samanthagreen.bsky.social & @latemper.bsky.social
@cape-acme.bsky.social @gchalliance.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 5:06 PM
🚨 News today that - driven by the burning of #fossilfuels - 2025 was the 3rd hottest year on record.
Looking forward to hosting a discussion about how a fossil fuel ad ban can improve health with @samanthagreen.bsky.social & @latemper.bsky.social
@cape-acme.bsky.social @gchalliance.bsky.social
Looking forward to hosting a discussion about how a fossil fuel ad ban can improve health with @samanthagreen.bsky.social & @latemper.bsky.social
@cape-acme.bsky.social @gchalliance.bsky.social
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
Homelessness is getting worse across Ontario with an estimated 85,000 people who were without a home in 2025 and nearly 2,000 encampments across the province, a new report from Ontario’s municipalities shows.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Nearly 85,000 people homeless in Ontario, up 8 per cent in 1 year: report
Homelessness is getting worse across Ontario with an estimated 85,000 people who were without a home in 2025 and nearly 2,000 encampments across the province, a new report from Ontario’s municipalitie...
www.cp24.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:55 AM
Homelessness is getting worse across Ontario with an estimated 85,000 people who were without a home in 2025 and nearly 2,000 encampments across the province, a new report from Ontario’s municipalities shows.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Reposted by Thomas Piggott MD PhD
#Ptbo County Bonnie Clark re-acclaimed as 2026 chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. With Lennox and Addington County warden Nathan Townend named vice-chair, Clark will continue to push strategic priorities for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and more. kawarthanow.com/2026/01/13/p...
Peterborough County Bonnie Clark re-acclaimed as 2026 chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus | kawarthaNOW
By kawarthaNOW. With Lennox and Addington County warden Nathan Townend named vice-chair, Clark will continue to push strategic priorities for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and more.
kawarthanow.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:20 PM
#Ptbo County Bonnie Clark re-acclaimed as 2026 chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. With Lennox and Addington County warden Nathan Townend named vice-chair, Clark will continue to push strategic priorities for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and more. kawarthanow.com/2026/01/13/p...