OTTAWA – CBC News’ The National broadcast reported an unusual spike in cases of rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by intense exercise, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rhabdomyolysis Cases Rise in Newfoundland and Labrador

According to the broadcast, approximately 20 people, mostly women between the ages of 19 and 30, have been treated in hospital emergency rooms since October for exertional rhabdomyolysis, commonly known as rhabdo. The condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure in severe cases. Symptoms include extreme pain, swelling, and dark-colored urine.

Experts appearing on the broadcast suggested that fitness trends and social media may be contributing factors, with individuals pushing themselves too hard during workouts or returning to exercise after a break. The broadcast emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, listening to one’s body, and starting slowly when changing activities.

Air Canada Launches Arbitration Pilot Project

The CBC News report also covered Air Canada’s new pilot project to address its significant backlog of passenger complaints – currently around 96,000. The airline is testing an arbitration process with an independent third party, the Canadian Aviation Dispute Resolution organization, for approximately 500 customers.

The arbitrator will have up to 90 days to rule on each case, but the results will be non-binding for passengers. Air Canada will be bound by the arbitrator’s decision, but passengers retain the right to pursue their claims with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) after the arbitration process. Industry experts expressed concerns about the impartiality of the system, given that Air Canada is funding the arbitration process. Air Canada plans to share the results of the pilot project with the federal government this summer.