Also in the news
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* Roger Collier
* Ann Silversides

*   © 2008 Canadian Medical Association

**In-vitro fertilization cost barriers**: Canadians have limited access to publicly-funded in-vitro fertilization and as a result, the country has fallen behind many developed countries in the provision of appropriate medical care for women who have difficulty conceiving, according to a study by the University of Western Ontario's Dr. Jeff Nisker (*J Obstet Gynaecol Can* 2008;30[5]:425-31). Only 15% of women who need the procedure to conceive are able to afford the cost. Canada is one of few developed countries in which the procedure isn't publicly funded, writes Nisker. Because fertility drugs are more affordable, it is also a world leader in triplets, quadruplets and multiple pregnancies. But these children are often born prematurely, requiring large outlays for neonatal intensive care and long term support for physical and cognitive problems that commonly ensue.

**Fitness tax credit:** A mountaineering member of Alberta's legislature is proposing a $1500 fitness tax credit for all Albertans. Dave Rodney, a Tory who has twice climbed to the top of Mount Everest, has introduced a private member's bill to offer tax relief for those who pay annual fees for various athletic activities. Sports involvement has declined across Canada, according to a recent Statistics Canada report. In Alberta, fewer than 33% of residents played in organized sports in 2005, compared to 45% in 1992. Rodney says his proposal would promote fitness and save the province's health care system money.

![Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/178/13/1652/F1.medium.gif)

[Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/178/13/1652/F1)

Photo by: vndrpttn / iStockphoto.com

**Killer diseases**: Noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke have replaced infectious diseases as the primary causes of deaths in the world, according to a World Health Organization report published May 19, 2008. Over the next 2 decades, diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are expected to play smaller roles in global deaths. The report, available at [www.who.int](http://www.who.int), and based on data from 193 member states, indicates chronic illnesses have even become the chief causes of deaths in many developing countries.