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Number of low birth weight babies rising in Canada
New analysis on birthing trends shows Caesarean-section rates, epidural
use also increasing
OTTAWA - In 2005-2006, about one in 16 babies (6.1%) born in Canadian hospitals was underweight, weighing less than 2,500 grams (or 5.5 pounds), according to new analysis from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This represents a steady increase in the rate of low birth weight babies over the past five years, up from 5.7% of hospital births in 2001-2002. The low birth weight rate had been declining between 1997 and 1999.
"Some babies weighing less than five-and-a-half pounds at birth may have
difficulties ahead," said Caroline Heick, CIHI's Director of Acute and
Ambulatory Care Information Services. "For example, they may face long periods
of hospitalization and have an increased risk of lifelong complications.
Though the increase seems to mirror U.S. trends, it is very important to
continue to monitor these rates in Canada and try to determine why, after
years of progress in prenatal care, the number of babies born underweight
appears to be rising again."
CIHI's new analysis, Giving Birth in Canada: Regional Trends From
2001-2002 to 2005-2006, provides the most up-to-date information on the
birthing process in Canada, and shows notable variations in the rates of low
birth weight babies across Canada. For example, among the provinces, Prince
Edward Island and Manitoba reported the lowest low birth weight rate (5.0% and
5.4% respectively) in 2005-2006, while Alberta and Ontario reported the
highest average provincial rates (6.9% and 6.4% respectively). Rates were even
higher at the health region level within the provinces, with some regions in
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and
Alberta reporting low birth weight rates of over 7%.
One in four babies delivered by Caesarean section
The number of women giving birth by Caesarean section in Canada steadily
increased over the past five years, climbing from 23% in 2001-2002 to 26% in
2005-2006. This is lower than the rate in the United States and Australia in
2004 (29%), though higher than the rate in England in 2005-2006 (24%). The
World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends no more than 15% of all births
should involve a Caesarean section.
CIHI's analysis found that women who had a previous Caesarean-section
delivery have an 82% chance of having a repeat Caesarean section, up from 73%
in 2001-2002. Women who had a Caesarean section in 2005-2006 were older than
women having a vaginal delivery (30.4 years versus 28.7 years).
"Over the past five years, we've seen an increase in Caesarean-section
rates for birth mothers in all age groups across Canada," says Heick.
"However, we do see wide variation in these rates between provinces. Some
literature suggests that changes in obstetrical practice and a low tolerance
for fetal risk may be contributing factors."
At the provincial level, Caesarean-section rates ranged from lows of 21%
in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to highs of 30% in Newfoundland and Labrador and
British Columbia. Regionally, lows ranged from 18% in Interlake (Manitoba) and
19% in Prince Albert (Saskatchewan) to highs of 34% in the Central Health
Region (Newfoundland and Labrador) and 37% in South Vancouver Island (B.C.).
Use of epidurals increasing; assisted deliveries decreasing
Epidural use also increased between 2001-2002 and 2005-2006 in most
regions. More than half (54%) of all women who gave birth vaginally in
2005-2006 were given an epidural, up from 45% of all vaginal births four years
earlier. The rate of epidural use varied greatly among regions, as well as
among provinces and territories. In 2005-2006, provincial rates ranged from
25% in P.E.I. and 28% in B.C. to 56% in Ontario and 68% in Quebec. Rates in
the territories were generally much lower, at 9.0% in Nunavut, 15% in the
Northwest Territories and 32% in the Yukon Territory. Regionally, rates ranged
from 9.0% in the Central Health Region (Newfoundland and Labrador) and 10% in
North Vancouver Island (B.C.) to 79% in Lanaudière (Quebec) and 78% in
Capitale nationale (Quebec).
In contrast to Caesarean-section and epidural rates, overall assisted
delivery rates decreased in most regions, from 16% of births in 2000-2001 to
14% of vaginal births in 2005-2006. As an assisted delivery technique, vacuum
extraction was used approximately twice as frequently as forceps, with average
rates in Canada of 9.8% and 3.7% respectively in 2005-2006. At the provincial
level, the lowest overall assisted delivery rates were observed in P.E.I.
(6.5%) and Manitoba (8.7%), while the highest were in Newfoundland and
Labrador and Alberta (17%). Regionally, lows ranged from 4.5% in Region 6
(Bathurst area) of New Brunswick and 5.4% in the Central Health Region
(Manitoba), to highs of 23% in the East Central and Calgary Health Regions in
Alberta.
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Canada and the Next Level of Health Care - Experts to discuss grass-roots access to Electronic Health Care Records
OTTAWA - A webinar on "Healthcare from the Grass Roots Up" will feature a panel of experts who will describe the benefits and challenges of empowering patients by providing them with access to their Electronic Health Records (EHR). The webinar will be held on Tuesday?August?14th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.
The "Health Care From the Grass Roots Up" webinar is an online
collaboration between experts who will discuss the rise of information systems
designed to empower patients with accessibility to their Electronic Health
Records. It is one in a series of pan-Canadian and global live expose of the
best practices being used today -- practices that embrace innovation in Health
Care delivery.
"Patients are taking more active roles in illness prevention and the
overall management of their health care," said Trevor Hodge, Senior Vice
President, Investment Strategies and Alliance, Canada Health Infoway.
"Providing patients with access to their electronic health record will provide
them with the information they need to monitor their well-being and will help
foster patient participation to an even greater extent."
Research has shown that keeping patients more informed is directly
associated with increased patient satisfaction, better treatment compliance
and a better understanding of their medical condition. Further, the source of
information relevant to the patient and their provider is collected at various
points along the healthcare continuum -- from both acute (hospital) and
ambulatory (G.P., homecare, clinics etc.) providers. The ability to assemble
these various data into the patients' Electronic Health Records is critical to
achieving lasting and significant outcomes. The result will be care of the
highest quality and efficiency, and most importantly, care that earns the
highest patient satisfaction.
The webinar panel consists of:
- Judith Shamian, President and CEO, Victorian Order of Nurses
- Lydia Lee Exec. Dir., University Health Network and CIO Toronto Central
LHIN
- Glen Kearns, VP, Clinical Programs, London Health Sciences Centre
- Ron Dunn, Vice President, McKesson Information Solutions Canada
- MODERATOR: Trevor Hodge, Senior VP, Canada Health Infoway
An electronic health record (EHR) is a secure and private lifetime record
of an individual's health and care history, available electronically to
authorized health providers. It facilitates the sharing of data - across the
continuum of care, across healthcare delivery organizations and across
geographies.
The webinar is being presented by Common Pulse, a collaborative
undertaking of Health Connexions, Cyglera, and CATAAlliance.
To register for the webinar, email
Mary Kubesh
mary.kubesh@healthconnexions.com
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Study: Childhood and adolescent cancer survival - 1999 to 2003
Statscan - Survival rates for childhood and adolescent cancers have improved substantially in Canada since the late 1980s, according to a new study.
The study, to be published in the European Journal of Cancer (in English only), used data from the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) to provide up-to-date estimates of cancer survival among children and teenagers aged 19 and under.
The CCR is a dynamic, population-based database maintained by Statistics Canada. The information comprising the CCR is based on reports from every provincial/territorial cancer registry in Canada.
Cancer is rare in children and adolescents, accounting for about 1% of all newly diagnosed neoplasms. Nonetheless, it is the fourth leading cause of death among Canadians under the age of 20.
The study found that the predicted five-year survival of 82% for children and adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer was 11% higher than was reported in the only previous Canadian national study. The previous study analyzed cases diagnosed from 1985 to 1988 with a follow-up to 1991.
Among diagnostic groups, the largest survival increases were observed for hepatic tumours (+20%), leukaemias (+15%) and central nervous system neoplasms (+14%).
Five-year survival estimates were highest for retinoblastoma (99%), carcinomas and other malignant epithelial neoplasms and malignant melanomas (91%), and for renal tumours (91%). They were lowest for hepatic tumours (68%) and for malignant bone tumours (68%).
Improvements in survival rates may generally be attributed to a number of changes in the management of childhood and adolescent cancers.
The most notable improvement is the widespread uptake of multimodal therapy. This concept combines surgery and radiation to treat local disease with chemotherapy to treat systematic disease.
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Ontario Government Paves The Way For The Redevelopment Of Grand River Hospital
Projects At K-W And Freeport Health Centres Moving Forward To
Implementation
KITCHENER - The Ontario government is giving Grand River Hospital approval to implement the final stage of its redevelopment projects at both the Kitchener-Waterloo and Freeport sites. The government is also shouldering a larger share of the construction costs for Kitchener-Waterloo residents by providing an additional $42 million for the two sites, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"Today's announcement solidifies our commitment to building better health
services in Kitchener-Waterloo," said Smitherman. "The increased investment
will also mean less pressure on the community and a secure future for Grand
River Hospital."
The government is providing an additional $36 million for the
redevelopment of the Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W) Health Centre which will help
expand adult, adolescent and children's in-patient mental health services,
redevelop the Intensive Care Unit and upgrade ambulatory care, medical imaging
and operating room services. The additional funding announced today brings the
government's investment to approximately $82 million for the redevelopment of
the K-W Health Centre.
Today's announcement also includes an additional $6 million for the
Longer-Term Mental Health project at the Freeport Health Centre. The funding
will support the addition of 50 Longer-Term Mental Health beds to serve the
needs of Waterloo Region. The additional funding announced today brings the
government's investment to approximately $12 million for the redevelopment of
the Freeport Health Centre.
Projects at both sites are scheduled to begin in the fall, following the
close of tenders and awarding of the construction contract to the successful
bidder for each site.
"We are making sure our community continues to receive the best health
care," said John Milloy MPP for Kitchener Centre. "Today's announcement brings
us one step closer to seeing our newly renovated hospital come to life for the
benefit of Kitchener-Waterloo area residents."
"This is a great day for residents in Waterloo Region," said Malcolm
Maxwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grand River Hospital. "We
welcome the government's commitment to providing increased access to health
care services and programs for our community."
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have
achieved results in health care services in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Other
initiatives include:
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- Over $1 million for Kitchener area hospitals to account for growth and
improve emergency room processes;
- $9 million investment to assist Cambridge Memorial with infrastructure
renewal and approval to proceed with the first phase of its capital
project;
- A $39,636,671 increase in base operating funding for Grand River
Hospital since 2003/04, representing a 26.96 per cent increase.
>>
Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for
innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing
better access to doctors and nurses.
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New EatRight Ontario Service Provides Better Access to Registered Dietitians
Toronto - Dietitians of Canada (DC) is excited about the launch today of the EatRight Ontario service by the government of Ontario that now provides residents of Ontario with better access to Registered Dietitians and trusted nutrition advice. By calling 1-877-510-5102 in Ontario or visiting www.ontario.ca/eatright you can connect with a Registered Dietitian (RD) and get answers to your nutrition and healthy eating questions. DC has worked collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion to make this service a reality.
Registered Dietitians are available to answer your telephone calls 9am to 5pm, eastern time, Monday to Friday. The telephone centre provides service in both official languages, as well as accommodating other languages.
The new EatRight Ontario web site at www.ontario.ca/eatright includes an "Ask a Dietitian" feature where Ontario visitors to the web site can submit their healthy eating questions and receive a personal response from a Registered Dietitian. The toll free number and web site service improve access for everyone all across the province, including rural and remote areas.
Helen Haresign, VP Development for Dietitians of Canada and Program Director for this Dietitian Advisory Service explains, ?This service is for everyone, whether you are a health provider or a consumer. I encourage you to call or email us with your nutrition and healthy eating questions. You could be a first-time mum with questions about feeding your baby, a gym teacher concerned about the hydration needs of young athletes, a day care provider needing ideas for picky eaters, a business executive wanting to know about eating well on the go, or a fitness leader questioning the safety of a weight loss diet.?
This EatRight Ontario initiative is part of the broader Ontario Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. Eating well and staying active have a huge impact on achieving a healthy weight and chronic disease prevention. The focus of EatRight Ontario is on health promotion and disease prevention. It is not intended to provide a counseling service or address clinical nutrition needs of individual situations.
Dietitians of Canada represents more than 5,600 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC?s regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at www.dietitians.ca
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Ontario Government Unveils New Health Care Service For Ontarians
MedsCheck Offers Free, One-On-One Pharmacist Review Of Clients'
Medication
TORONTO - The Ontario government is expanding medicare by launching a brand new service called MedsCheck for all Ontarians who take three or more medications. MedsCheck is a free service that provides people with an opportunity to consult with their pharmacist for up to 30 minutes once a year to review the medications they are taking, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"This is the first program of its kind in Canada and it will ensure that
people are getting the most from their medications by taking them properly and
safely," said Smitherman. "We recognize pharmacists for the valuable role they
play in patient care - that is why we have created the MedsCheck program."
Under the MedsCheck program all Ontarians who take three or more
prescription medications for chronic conditions can receive an annual
one-on-one review of their medications from a pharmacist.
"We are delighted the government is supporting the MedsCheck program as
it will better utilize the skills and abilities of pharmacists as front-line
health care providers to deliver medication related patient care," said Ken
Burns, Chair, Ontario Pharmacists' Association. "The MedsCheck involves the
pharmacists' assessment of a comprehensive medication list. This helps
patients, pharmacists, physicians and other health care providers work
together to improve patient outcomes."
MedsCheck is being provided to Ontarians as a result of the Transparent
Drug System for Patients Act, 2006 passed in June, 2006. The Act allows for
the implementation of the government's plan to create a stronger more
effective and transparent drug system for everyone in Ontario.
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have
achieved results in better access to drug treatment for families. Other
initiatives include:
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- Passing the Transparent Drug Systems for Patients Act (Bill 102) to
ensure improved patient access to drugs and better value for money;
- Creating a new Pharmacy Council that gives pharmacists the opportunity
to be involved in developing pharmaceutical related policies;
- Approving funding for 67 new drugs on Ontario's Drug Benefit Formulary
since the passage of Bill 102 on October 1, 2006.
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Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty's government's plan for
innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing
better access to doctors and nurses.
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University of Guelph Creates Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation
The University of Guelph has launched a groundbreaking initiative in the fight against cancer with the creation of the Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation (ICCI).
The first of its kind in Canada, the institute will be dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care for companion animals and unlocking the deadly secrets of the disease for the benefit of all species, including humans.
“While in general our pets are living longer, healthier lives, as they get older they are also prone to cancer – just like people,” said ICCI co-director Prof. Paul Woods, clinical studies. “Dogs, in particular, develop many of the same types of cancers that we find in people. So by studying dogs with cancer, we can help fight and perhaps even prevent the disease in humans while improving care for the animals.”
Cancer treatments currently account for about one-third of the visits to the Ontario Veterinary College small-animal clinic, said Woods.
“Cancer is primarily a disease of an aging population, and companion animals are no exception. There is an increasing expectation from referring veterinarians and animal owners that cancer diagnosis and care for companion animals be at a level of sophistication and effectiveness similar to that found in human medicine.”
OVC dean Elizabeth Stone said veterinary medicine has also become an effective testing ground for new cancer therapies because it allows researchers to study naturally occurring cancer in dogs and cats and conduct clinical trials that parallel human research.
“By combining our expertise in basic cancer biology and veterinary medicine, OVC is taking an integrative approach to cancer studies that cannot be matched in a human health care environment,” said Stone. “The ICCI takes advantage of Guelph’s unique potential to broaden the scope of research and deepen our understanding of cancer. Investigators will be studying all aspects of the disease including abnormal cells and tissues at the molecular level, applied clinical care, cancer nutrition and prevention, environmental factors and societal impacts.”
Establishment of the institute will involve building a world-class facility within the OVC Teaching Hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, teaching and clinical research. This Animal Cancer Care Centre will offer diagnostic imaging, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, client counselling and investigational therapies.
The ICCI also entails collaborative research involving more than 30 cancer investigators from at least a dozen departments in OVC and other colleges across U of G.
“This aspect of the ICCI is unique because it will facilitate interactions not only between clinicians and cancer biologists but also among chemists, mathematicians, computer scientists, toxicologists, psychologists and others with expertise and interest in diverse aspects of cancer,” said ICCI co-director Prof. Brenda Coomber, biomedical sciences.
It’s expected that other cancer experts from Waterloo, Toronto, London and Hamilton will also be part of this comprehensive cancer research team.
“This is an important milestone for all of us,” said Stone. “The ICCI will be a tremendous benefit to our patients, their owners, referring veterinarians and society as a whole. It will also be a magnet for top students and researchers, who will want to be a part of it.”
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Ontario Government Moving Forward On New Hospital In Oakville
$15 Million Grant To Include Funds For Milton Site
OAKVILLE - The Ontario government is bringing Halton-area residents one step closer to a new hospital by providing Halton Healthcare Corporation with $12.5 million to plan for a new structure in Oakville, as well as $2.5 million to plan for renovations and provide services at the Milton site, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced July 9.
"Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to meeting the health
care needs of these communities," said Smitherman. "The Halton area is
thriving, so our government is investing in health care services so they can
grow alongside the local population."
Today's announcement of $15 million includes:
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- funding of $12.5 million to support plans for the replacement of the
Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH);
- funding of $1.5 million to support plans for upgrades and expansion of
the Milton District Hospital;
- operating funding of $1 million for the Halton Health Care Services
Corporation to meet current demand for services in Milton.
"This is great news for the residents of Oakville and Milton," said Kevin
Flynn, MPP for Oakville. "This funding will allow our hospital to move ahead
with planning for new facilities that will bring high quality health services
to our community."
"This is tremendous news for our communities," said John Oliver, President
& CEO, Halton Healthcare Services. "The capital funding will allow us to
continue our planning efforts for the new Oakville Hospital and initiates the
planning for the much needed expansion of the Milton District Hospital. We
thank the government for their investment in the health of our communities and
look forward to working collaboratively with them on these very exciting
redevelopment projects."
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have
achieved results in improving access to health care services in the Halton
area, other initiatives include:
- $6,867,653 for 12,132 procedures and scans at Halton Healthcare
Services since the start of the McGuinty Government Wait Time
Strategy;
- 52,000 more people with access to a family physician in the
Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network since 2003;
- A 24-station satellite dialysis unit located at the Joseph Brant
Memorial Hospital Wellness House Facility.
>>
Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for
innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing
better access to doctors and nurses.
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Ontario Health Quality Council appoints new CEO
TORONTO - On behalf of the Ontario Quality Health Council (OHQC), Ray Hession, Chair, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ben Chan to the position of CEO, effective November 1, 2007.
"Dr. Chan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in health care
quality improvement and management," said Hession. "He has been able to
accomplish a great deal at Saskatchewan's Health Quality Council and we look
forward to his contribution to the work of the OHQC."
Dr. Chan served as Saskatchewan's Health Quality Council's inaugural
Chief Executive Officer. He is a former Senior Scientist with the Institute
for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Assistant Professor at University of
Toronto's Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Chan received his BSc and MD from the
University of Toronto, a Master of Public Health from Harvard and Master of
Public Affairs from Princeton. In 2006, he was named Canada's Outstanding
Young Health Executive by the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.
Under Dr. Chan's leadership, Saskatchewan's Health Quality Council was awarded
that province's Health Excellence Award for its pioneering work in improving
chronic disease management, Intensive Care Unit patient safety, drug
management in seniors, and other areas of care.
"This is a great opportunity to build on the lessons learned in
Saskatchewan, to strengthen public reporting and support for continuous
quality improvement in Ontario", said Dr. Chan.
Created in September of 2005, the Ontario Health Quality Council reports
annually to Ontarians on access to health services, health human resources,
population health status and health system outcomes. The OHQC supports
continuous quality improvement in Ontario's health system.
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Innovative Governance Arrangements Needed to Control Anticipated Health Crisis, Highlights New CIGI and Ashgate Volume
Waterloo – Global health governance is in crisis and in desperate need of renewal, asserts an important new volume released by Ashgate and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).
Governing Global Health: Challenge, Response, Innovation, edited by Andrew F. Cooper, John J. Kirton, and Ted Schrecker, responds to the manifest failure of current governance arrangements in coping with the new and changing realities of global health. The editors of this volume call for a new vision in global health governance – not mere investment or incremental improvements – in order to tackle this potentially deadly crisis.
The war for global health is being lost on many fronts. Devastating diseases such as polio and tuberculosis, long thought to be on the verge of elimination, are resurfacing along with emerging ones such as SARS and avian influenza. And the threat of bioterrorism adds urgent impetus to efforts toward international cooperation in this area.
Governing Global Health examines the challenges and responses to such health issues and the roles of central institutions like the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the G8. This volume brings together the resources of three distinguished research groups: CIGI and the University of Waterloo; the University of Ottawa’s Canada Research Chair on Globalization and Health Equity; and the University of Toronto’s G8 Research Group.
LSE scholar Lord Anthony Giddens comments, “This is a seminal work. We live in an interconnected world in which health and illness, like so much else, have gone global. This challenge will demand major changes in transnational governance. The book discusses in a detailed and imaginative way what these changes should be.”
Governing Global Health is the twelfth book in Ashgate Publishing’s Global Environmental Governance series, and is available in hardcover for $99.95USD, ISBN: 0 7546 4873 7.
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Interval Training Burns More Fat, Increases Fitness, University of Guelph Study Finds
Guelph - Interval training burns fat and improves fitness more quickly than constant but moderately intensive physical activity, according to research by a University of Guelph researcher.
The study by Jason Talanian, a PhD student in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, was published this summer in the Journal of Applied Physiology. It found that after interval training, the amount of fat burned in an hour of continuous moderate cycling increased by 36 per cent and cardiovascular fitness increased by 13 per cent.
Fitness buffs and athletes have long used interval training — short bursts of intensive effort interspersed with more moderate stretches — to improve performance. But Talanian’s study shows that the practice also improves cardiovascular fitness and helps the body burn more fat, even during low-intensity or moderate workouts.
Talanian studied women riding stationary bikes in hard-easy intervals in the training lab of his supervisor, Guelph Prof. Lawrence Spriet. The eight subjects included moderately fit women in their 20s as well as borderline sedentary subjects and an active soccer player. They trained every other day for two weeks. They alternated 10 sets of four-minute bursts of riding at 90-per-cent effort with two-minute rest intervals.
It did not matter how fit the subjects were before. After interval training, they experienced not only an increase in fat used and in aerobic capacity, but also an increase of enzyme activity in the muscle
Talanian notes that faster fat burning and greater overall fitness may not necessarily mean immediate weight loss. The technique may improve someone’s potential to burn more fat, “but for weight loss, you need to consider a balance of exercise and a healthy diet,” he said.
The message from his studies is to mix interval training into an exercise routine once or twice a week, particularly in running, swimming or cycling.
For his follow-up study, Talanian plans to look at about a dozen women over a six-week training period. “We will look at muscle transporters that carry fatty acids into the cell that might help explain those earlier results,” he said.
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Fight Against Drugs Paying Off But More Efforts Needed: UN Report
"Efforts to eradicate the world's drug problem are paying off as
cultivation, production and abuses appear to have stabilized worldwide,
the UN said in its 2007 World Drug Report published Monday. ...
The area used for coca cultivation worldwide dropped by 29 percent between
2000 and 2006... Some 42 percent of all cocaine produced was also seized
last year, up from 24 percent seven years ago.
Meanwhile, the so-called Golden Triangle, an area comprising parts of
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand that was once one of Asia's largest opium
producers, is now 'almost opium free,' according to [UN Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Antonio Maria]Costa. ...Despite a
fall in poppy cultivation in South East Asia, opium production reached a
record 6,610 tons (7,286 short tons) worldwide last year, up 43 percent
from 2005. ..." [Agence France Presse/Factiva]
FT notes that "...The report, which covers 2005-06, estimates that about
200m people - nearly 5 percent of the world population aged 15-64 - use
illegal drugs. However, it puts the number of 'problem drug users', most
heroin or cocaine addicts, at just 25 million. ..." [The Financial Times
(UK)/Factiva]
AP writes that "Afghanistan produced dramatically more opium in 2006,
increasing its yield by roughly 49 percent from a year earlier and pushing
global opium production to a new record high, a UN report said Tuesday.
...
Afghanistan now accounts for 92 percent of global illicit opium
production, up from 70 percent in 2000 and 52 percent a decade earlier.
...Early indications suggest Afghanistan could see a further increase in
opium production in 2007, the report said. ..." [Associated Press/Factiva]
BBC adds that "...cultivation of opium poppies increased dramatically in
the country, despite the presence of more than 30,000 international troops
there. The report says Afghanistan is unlikely to regain real security
until the production of illegal drugs is tackled. In the 1980s,
Afghanistan produced some 30% of the world's opium, but now that figure
has more than tripled, the UN document says. ...
Thomas Pietschmann, the report's author, says production in Helmand has
now outstripped that of entire countries. ...The report says that while
global co-ordination of drug law enforcement has improved, traffickers of
heroin from Afghanistan and of cocaine from Colombia are now targeting new
routes in Africa.
The UN says this threat must be addressed immediately if Africa - already
struggling under the burden of HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria - is to
avoid the serious health damage caused by drug abuse. ..." [BBC News (UK)]
NYT writes that "...Costa said coordinated drug law enforcement was
driving up the volume of drug seizures, with 48 percent of the cocaine and
24 percent of the heroin produced globally now being intercepted. The
interdiction figures for the two drugs in 1999 were, respectively, 24
percent and 15 percent. ...
The pattern of seizures outlined in the report shows that the transport of
heroin via Central Asia to Russia is relatively disorganized with many
people from countries along the routes involved.
By contrast, the report says, shipments of cocaine from Latin America are
dominated by large syndicates based in Mexico and Colombia with little
participation by the transit countries of Central America. ..." [The New
York Times]
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Ontario Government Invests $2 Million To Combat Crystal Methamphetamine Operations
Targeting Guns And Gangs, Organized Crime And Illegal Drugs
STRATFORD, ON - The Ontario government is investing $2 million to help Ontario communities combat the production, trafficking and use of crystal methamphetamine, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter announced June 25, 2007.
"Crystal methamphetamine is a growing problem for many Ontario
communities," said Kwinter. "These specialized officers will help provide
expertise in safely dismantling methamphetamine labs and targeting the
criminal organizations that operate them."
An increasing number of young people are using crystal methamphetamine,
commonly known as crystal meth. It is one of the most addictive street drugs
and among the hardest to treat. Users may suffer brain damage, including
memory impairment and drug induced psychosis. Crystal meth is also a danger to
the community as its production almost always involves organized crime with
ties to gun and gang activity. Furthermore, crystal meth labs are a safety
hazard in neighbourhoods as the chemicals used for the production of the drug
are toxic and explosive.
The government is allocating $1.5 million to the Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) for a team of nine OPP officers and one civilian as well as a new
fully-equipped response truck. The Office of the Fire Marshal will receive
half a million dollars to help meet the increased demands of fire and
explosion investigations resulting from the proliferation of crystal meth labs
as well as marijuana grow operations.
"These additional resources the ministry is providing will enable the OPP
and our partners to be better able to attack the growing problem of crystal
meth labs right across the province," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino.
"The nine new officers will help us to identify and shut down these labs. The
end result will be increased safety and quality of life for all the people of
Ontario."
"Crystal meth labs pose a significant health and safety risk to first
responders," said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. "This announcement by the
government will go a long way to reducing the number of labs in our
communities and reduce the risk of injury to our first responders."
"Stratford and area has been at the leading edge of a growing problem
with local crystal meth users," said Perth-Middlesex MPP John Wilkinson. "An
unprecedented community response is focused on making Perth County a Meth Free
Zone. Today's announcement by Minister Kwinter shows the wisdom of investing
at both the local and provincial level to fight the menace of crystal meth."
Crystal meth is a particular concern in Stratford and in surrounding
areas including Perth County. In addition to the response team, the Ontario
government announced funding of $1 million in the 2007 budget for the city of
Stratford to help tackle this problem through a community awareness and
education campaign, police enforcement initiatives and treatment. The OPP,
Stratford Police Service, Perth District Health Unit and Stratford Health
Services have worked together on this issue for several years and have a
wealth of experience and expertise upon which the province can draw.
"I am confident that the new team of specially trained officers is the
right answer to help make Ontario a meth-free zone," Kwinter said.
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| Dietitians of Canada supports elimination of trans fats from the food supply
Toronto, Ontario – Dietitians of Canada (DC) supports the announcement by the Minister of Health, Tony Clement, indicating that Canada will gradually eliminate added trans fat in manufactured foods. This follows the recommendations from the Trans Fat Task Force in the report TRANSforming the Food Supply, published in June 2006.
“We are very pleased with this announcement, says Marisa Leblanc, registered dietitian and spokesperson for DC. This is a good step towards helping Canadians achieve a healthier diet. In addition, many Canadians need to reduce their consumption of saturated fats and the total quantity of fat in their diet.”
Hélène Charlebois, registered dietitian, also adds: “The action of eliminating trans fats must also be applied in conjunction with consumer education and public awareness. Dietitians can play a key role in supporting Canadians to adopt healthy eating habits.”
Canada's food industry is to limit the trans fat content of vegetable oils and soft, spreadable margarines to 2 percent, and to limit the trans fat content for all other foods to 5 percent, including ingredients sold to restaurants. The industry is given two years to implement these changes.
There has been scientific evidence that trans fat can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Trans fats are known to raise blood levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol and lower blood levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol).
The major source of trans fat in the diet is from commercial hydrogenation of oils. Hydrogenation is used by the food industry to improve the keeping qualities of food. Partially hydrogenated oils are present in a wide variety of products, including vegetable oil shortenings, “stick” margarines and some soft (tub) margarines, bakery products such as cakes, pastries, cookies, muffins and breads, snack foods such as potato and corn chips, crackers, microwave popcorn and many ready-to-serve foods.
Dietitians of Canada represents more than 5,600 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC’s regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at www.dietitians.ca
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| Revolutionary Armrest Can Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries
University of Guelph engineers have designed an armrest that reduces repetitive strain injuries and has the potential to be used in almost anything with a seat, from heavy machinery to powered wheelchairs.
Tests show the provisionally patented armrest reduces muscle activity in the neck by more than 60 per cent compared to typical armrests, said Prof. Michele Oliver, who has led the 10-year project.
While the armrest is about to be piloted in excavators, Oliver said the possibilities of the design extend far beyond heavy machinery.
“It’s simple, cheap and relatively robust, so its potential uses are broad,” said Oliver, who presented the idea of using the armrests on powered wheelchairs on Sunday at the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineers Conference.
Oliver’s initial focus was on designing an armrest for heavy-machinery operators because it’s a line of work with high rates of repetitive strain injuries, she said. A joystick operator’s limbs can go through 20,000 motions in a typical 10-hour workday. Only after completing the design did she realize the ergonomic armrest could revolutionize seat designs.
“Simple solutions are the most elegant, and this is a solution that will apply to any environment where a person is operating a control,” she said.
Using computer simulations, Oliver and graduate student Greg Northey found that the neck muscles never get a chance to rest when someone is operating a joystick
Oliver said stationary armrests don’t provide enough support for joystick users because the arm is left floating when it moves forward and the shoulder is forced to rise when the arm moves backwards.
With the research obtained from the computer simulations, graduate student Taylor Murphy designed a moveable armrest that mimics the natural motion of the arm during joystick operations. Oliver said the armrest moves with the arm vertically and horizontally, relieving the shoulder from constantly stabilizing the arm and preventing strain on the neck muscles.
“It’s the first-ever heavy equipment armrest that moves and turns with the arm,” said Oliver.
Oliver recently received an NSERC Idea to Innovation grant of $122,000 to help move the design from the laboratory to the commercial market. She is currently working with a Canadian seat manufacturer for heavy machinery with the goal of retrofitting existing machines with the armrests and including the design in the production of future seats.
These dynamic armrests could be implemented in hundreds of thousands of work environments as early as 2010, said Oliver.
“It costs a couple of hundred dollars to build the armrest, which is a small price to pay considering the amount companies could save in Workplace Safety Insurance Board premiums.”
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Largest Canadian survey on menopause takes temperature as women enter this life stage on an unprecedented scale
Survey explores impact; reveals significant informational and treatment gaps facing today's generation of menopausal women
TORONTO - An unprecedented 2.7 million Canadian women - one in six - will reach menopause over the next decade. Today, more women than ever face the many disruptive symptoms that can accompany the transition towards this major life event.(1) However, a new national survey on menopause - the largest of its kind - reveals that challenges in patient-physician dialogue, knowledge gaps and dissatisfaction with treatment options may be preventing this extraordinary demographic wave from truly understanding and managing this important stage of life.
"The survey reinforces that menopause can have a serious impact on
quality of life and what's most concerning is women appear to be largely
unprepared for it," said Dr. Janet Dollin, President-Elect of the Federation
of Medical Women of Canada and Community Family Physician. "We have a real
opportunity to help women prepare by recognizing and managing symptoms so that
menopause can become a more positive and empowering experience."
The survey, conducted by Leger Marketing and sponsored by Wyeth Canada in
partnership with the Federation of Medical Women of Canada shows menopause
ranks among the most major milestones in a woman's life in terms of impact on
daily life. For nearly one in three women, the survey reveals menopause has
the same or greater impact on daily lives as bearing and raising children.
"Women of this generation are in the peak of their personal and
professional lives and are used to taking charge. We must ensure they are
prepared for menopause in the same way they have been for other significant
life stages," Dollin added.
The survey, which polled 2,049 Canadian women over 40 and 125 general
practitioners with at least 50 per cent female patients, reveals significant
gaps in knowledge and a lack of treatment options.
While 72 per cent of women feel knowledgeable about menopause, less than
30 per cent consider this knowledge to be very good. That number drops to less
than two in 10 for women experiencing symptoms in the early stages of
menopause. Only half of physicians consider their menopause patients to be
knowledgeable; less than one in 10 consider them very knowledgeable. Regarding
treatments for managing menopausal symptoms, nearly four in 10 physicians are
dissatisfied with current options and only half of women are satisfied.
Embracing A New Attitude Toward Menopause
A large proportion of female baby boomers, 58 per cent (those between the
ages of 41 and 61), are still under the average age of menopause (51),
according to Statistics Canada.(2) The first baby boomers turned 60 in 2006
and by the end of the year, almost 1,100 were celebrating this birthday each
day.(3) These female boomers are often characterized as the healthiest,
wealthiest, most active, educated and influential generation of women in
history. The survey clearly reflects this generation's positive attitude
towards aging with a majority agreeing with the statements: "As I get older, I
feel more self confident" (84 per cent); "50 is the new 40" (74 per cent);
and, "I see menopause as the beginning of an exciting phase of life" (53 per
cent).
"There's no doubt that today's women entering menopause are intent on
enjoying the second half of life," said Dollin. "Through improved education,
dialogue and treatment options we can help this and future generations of
women welcome the transition to this new chapter in their lives."
A wide range of symptoms were reported by 84 per cent of women in the
survey who were at some stage of menopause. Difficulty with sleep, hot
flashes, mood swings and fatigue were the most common symptoms and these
symptoms can occur long before a woman's menstrual period has stopped for
twelve months. While the average age of menopause is 51, half of the youngest
women surveyed (ages 41 to 45) reported symptoms, and for many, these symptoms
occurred frequently. The following were either experienced often or always by
this youngest group:
<<
- Difficulty sleeping (51 per cent)
- Hot flashes (39 per cent)
- Fatigue (57.3 per cent)
- Insomnia (40 per cent)
- Night sweats (38.5 per cent)
>>
Regular mood swings were experienced by 44 per cent of this youngest age
group, which was larger than that experienced in older age groups.
IMPACT OF SYMPTOMS ON RELATIONSHIPS, WORKPLACE
Nearly three in ten women (27 per cent) reported menopause negatively
affected the relationship with their spouse. Of those women who cited
sleepless nights as a menopausal symptom, nearly half said they experienced
the same or more sleepless nights as when raising a newborn. For working
professional women, hot flashes interfered with work for more than half and
caused anxiety in the workplace for a quarter of respondents.
While nearly all physicians say they proactively discuss menopause with
patients over the age of 40, only half of women say this conversation took
place. Of those women whose physicians did initiate discussions, 62 per cent
indicated this discussion happened at age 46 or later, after disruptive
symptoms may have already occurred.
"Encouraging earlier dialogue about menopause between women and health
care professionals is very important. Women may unnecessarily be living
regularly with disruptive symptoms such as difficulty sleeping without even
realizing they are related to menopause," said Dollin.
Treatment Dissatisfaction Underscores Need for Non-Hormonal Options
Physicians cited hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) as the most
recommended treatment for managing the symptoms of menopausal women, but
virtually all believe there is a need for more proven non-hormonal therapies.
Seven in 10 women agree. While reasons vary, female physicians cite reluctance
among women to take HRT as the number one reason that more non-hormonal
therapies backed by evidence are required. Seven in 10 doctors are
apprehensive about naturopathic therapies largely because of the lack of
quality research and evidence supporting their safety and efficacy.
Three in 10 physicians admit they have not been provided with enough
counsel and treatment options related to menopause to adequately provide
alternatives to their patients. "Given how the menopause landscape has changed
in recent years, there's clearly a demand for evidence-based research and
treatment options that both women and health care professionals can have
confidence in," said Dollin.
About Menopause
Menopause is part of a woman's natural aging process and is defined as
the permanent cessation of menstruation for a period of 12 months.(4) There
are three phases: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Perimenopause
refers to the time leading up to menopause; menopause is reached when a woman
has her last menstrual period; and, postmenopause begins when a woman has
reached menopause.(5) Menopausal symptoms can happen over several years.
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JOHN MILLOY, MPP, KITCHENER CENTRE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY GRANTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL AGENCIES TO ENHANCE VICTIM SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Kitchener: Three local agencies will receive a total of $169 942 through the Community Grant Program to help community-based agencies develop and enhance projects to offer effective services and supports to victims of crime.
“The McGuinty government is working with local communities to find new and better approaches to providing the help victims need close to home,” said John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre. “The projects we are supporting will help many victims of crime within our community rebuild their lives and get on the road to recovery.”
Locally, the following organizations are benefiting:
Catholic Family Counselling Family - $75 000 for the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region: Creation and implementation of a computerized client tracking system.
Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) – $74 812 for the ROOF Lunchbox: Development and delivery of a lunch prep and delivery café that will employ homeless, victimized youth in the Kitchener area. Victims will be helped to self-identify and be connected to community resources.
Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario - $20 130 for the Support Circles for Victims of Elder Abuse: Development of a group support model for isolated older persons who have been victims of elder abuse.
“This grant will allow the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region to provide more efficient and timely services to victims through effective use of information technology,” said Cathy Brothers, Executive Director, CFCC.
"We are extremely pleased that the OVSS has recognized the victimization that homeless and at-risk youth endure. For many of our youth, victimization is what drove them to the streets; and once on the street, their risk of being re-victimized increases. The funds received today will enable ROOF to provide a program that offers practical job skills to this vulnerable population. These job skills will help to build the resumes of those we serve, which will improve their chances of finding the long-term employment that is necessary to truly break the cycle of homelessness,” stated Sandy Bell, Executive Director, ROOF.
“These funds will enable us to develop resources for outreach to some of the most vulnerable members of our community and connect them with the supports they need to prevent re-victimization,” stated Rick Cober-Bauman, Program Director, MCC Ontario.
Across the province the McGuinty government is investing more than $15 million in local and provincial projects are being funded over three years through the Community Grants Program. $3.1 million was allocated in 2005-06, $6 million was allocated in 2006-07 and $6 million in 2007-08. These projects provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes, and child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation as well as under-served and unserved victims. The funding is provided through the Victims’ Justice Fund.
Applications from community-based organizations were reviewed and evaluated by seven review committees. The committees comprise community members, staff from the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat and representatives from the Office for Victims of Crime, an agency that advises the Attorney General on ways to ensure that the principles set out in the Victims’ Bill of Rights are followed.
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Ontario's Innovative Health Technology Businesses Get Boost from Strategic Partnership
TORONTO - A three-way collaboration between the Health Technology Exchange (htx.ca), National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. is stimulating growth in Ontario's medical and assistive technologies industry. The partnership will strengthen Ontario's leadership position in this sector, improving quality of life while reducing economic pressures on the province's public health care system.
With a growing and aging population, new challenges and increased
financial demands threaten the province's most cherished social programs. The
partnership will co-invest with small and medium sized businesses in the
sector to support their research and development efforts. These investments
will support collaborative research drawn from the province's publicly funded
research institutions, bringing the brightest minds to focus on
sector-specific needs. The objective is to create new, commercially viable
products for the medical and assistive technologies industry, generating new
business opportunities and jobs in the sector.
Each of the three partners brings the benefit of its particular expertise
to the evaluation of potential projects. Working and investing collectively
strengthens the projects and increases the likelihood of success. HTX has
exceptional knowledge of and connections within the sector, and NRC-IRAP has a
solid track record supporting research and development in small and medium
sized enterprises. OCE brings to the partnership the rigour of its
commercialization expertise and its systematic approach to accelerating
technology to the marketplace.
"This initiative is a tremendous example of our confidence in the ability
of Ontario's research community to spur commercial innovation," said Mark
Romoff, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence. "Medical
technologies play a critical role in sustaining the social benefits enjoyed by
Ontarians while reducing costs and improving the efficiency of the health care
system. We are confident that the results of this partnership will have a
positive impact on the provincial economy and the quality of life for
Ontarians."
"Ontario is proud to invest in Ontario Centres of Excellence and htx.ca -
The Health Technology Exchange," said Premier and Minister of Research and
Innovation, Dalton McGuinty. "Each contributes to a health care system that is
more effective and efficient for all Ontarians."
"We are announcing today that seven high-potential projects have taken
flight through the collaboration," says Morris (Mickey) Milner, President &
CEO, htx.ca - The Health Technology Exchange. "The projects support
collaborations around a diverse range of medical and assistive devices and
will have impact across the sector."
Attodyne Inc. and the University of Toronto will develop a high power
laser for medical and dental surgery that will improve healing and reduce the
surrounding tissue damage that can result from existing laser technologies.
Best Medical Canada and the Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre are
collaborating to develop a device to automatically measure the position of
dosimeters during radiation therapy in cancer treatment. This new device will
allow true 4D patient dose measurements during radiation therapy.
Dynamis Mobility and Georgian College are partnering to improve the
performance and maneuverability of patient transfer devices. The result will
improve the safety, speed and flexibility of patient transport for both
patients and healthcare workers.
Genopod Inc. and Trent University are working together to develop a
universal sample container with an embedded read/write radio frequency
identification (RFID) chip for identification and tracking. They are also
developing a chemical medium to preserve blood and tissue specimens without
ice or refrigeration.
GestureTek Inc., the University of Ottawa and McGill University are
collaborating to enhance GestureTek's Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise
(IREX) system and produce guidelines for clinicians using IREX for
measurement, assessment and rehabilitation purposes.
Quillsoft Ltd. and Bloorview Kids Rehab are partnering to develop
software to help children with learning disabilities. Their work will enhance
the word prediction software, WordQ(TM), and develop ThoughtQ(TM), which acts
as a student's scratchpad for ongoing visual and spoken reference, predicting
and prompting words associated with a particular topic.
Tertec Enterprises Inc. and Seneca College are researching and developing
intelligent peripherals to extend the capabilities and functionality of the
Tertec Mon Ami(TM) system which serves as an electronic companion, guardian
and mentor to support active aging, caregivers and persons in need of care.
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Small business report card on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency shows "room for improvement"
OTTAWA - The average small business spends roughly a month out of each year complying with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations. This is among the key findings of a report: CFIA Report Card - A Small Business Assessment of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, released June 14, 2007 by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that shows, for small businesses in the agriculture and agri-food sector, the regulatory burden imposed by CFIA has risen over the last three years, and that the Agency's service levels need improvement.
CFIB will brief Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl on the report's
findings in meetings today. CFIB surveyed independently owned businesses
across the country that interact with the CFIA, including those involved in
primary production, food processing, and fishing.
Cost of Interacting with CFIA: "The average business that deals with CFIA
commits over 29 days per year and spends over $19,000 annually to comply with
its regulations," CFIB's vice-president for Agri-business, Marilyn
Braun-Pollon said. Sixty-six per cent of respondents reported an increase in
regulations over the past three years. Forty-two per cent do not feel the CFIA
is aware of how regulations impact their business.
"While small business owners understand that a certain amount of
regulation is important for food safety, excessive red tape decreases the
overall productivity of this sector. The challenge for businesses rests in
maintaining the safety of the food products produced and dealing with
government red tape without hindering their performance," Braun-Pollon added.
CFIA Impact on Business: "To get a sense of how serious the problem is,
consider that 41 per cent of respondents say CFIA regulations "significantly
reduce" their productivity," she added. "Another 40 per cent said CFIA
regulations impede their ability to compete with larger firms. And there is a
definite social cost as 58 per cent of businesses indicated CFIA regulations
"add significant stress to my life."
<<
CFIA Service Quality Measures Viewed Poorly:
- Only 5 per cent of respondents rated the service quality as 'good',
- Every service quality measure except one - accessibility - received
more poor responses than favourable ones,
- Under 1 in 4 businesses said CFIA's 'willingness to provide
interpretations/opinions' was 'good',
- Only 20 per cent were satisfied with the availability of information;
and
- 'Amount of paperwork' (44 per cent), and 'readability, simplicity of
information' (42 per cent) solicited the highest percentage of
dissatisfied responses.
>>
"Since these businesses have little choice but to deal with the CFIA, it
is essential the Agency provide high quality service that meets the needs of
small business owners. The CFIA has considerable room for customer service
improvement for its clients," noted Braun-Pollon.
The federal government has committed to a 20 per cent decrease in the
overall regulatory burden facing small business by the end of 2008. "The
Canadian Food Inspection Agency can play a big part in meeting that goal just
by streamlining its processes and improving the quality and timeliness of its
services to business. Our report includes 10 specific recommendations such as
committing to annual reviews of the regulatory burden and service standards,
and putting information commonly used by small business into plain language,
that would help the Agency do just that," Braun-Pollon concluded.
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BrainTrust Canada launches new 'protectyourhead' social marketing campaign
KELOWNA, BC - BrainTrust Canada, a community rehabilitation organization dedicated to being a leader in injury prevention, is launching a hard-hitting social marketing campaign in BC targeted at the highest risk group for brain injury, males 16-24 years of age. This is the only social marketing campaign of its kind in Canada focussed on brain injury. Brain injury is the greatest cause of death and disability under 44 (Center for Disease Control, National Institute of Health in the US). Of all types of injury those to the brain are among the most likely to result in death or permanent disability. Based on a conservative estimate, there are an estimated 12,000 brain injuries each year in BC, and up to 160,000 people are living with long-term disability relating to brain injury.
The new multi-media campaign includes a new website
www.protectyourhead.com created by Kelowna-based web design company Artistech
Newmedia Inc. The site includes a series of interactive and entertaining
simulators that demonstrate what everyday social situations may be like after
sustaining brain injury. The new website will be followed by various other
campaign elements including television, print, outdoor advertising, event
marketing and non-traditional lifestyle promotions to help raise awareness of
the issue of brain injury with the target audience, The off-line campaign,
developed by DDB Canada's Vancouver office, has already been recognized
internationally for creative excellence at last night's New York Festivals
2007 International Advertising Awards, where the outdoor/print series
"Construction Worker/Skateboarder/Trail Rider", which launched earlier this
spring, was awarded a Bronze World Medal.
The television and print advertisements are based on the insight that
brain injury can affect everything, uses simple concepts such as drawings and
puzzles as an analogy for injury. The outdoor ads are more direct, and include
a series of messages and compelling images meant to provoke thought. As part
of the grassroots component of the campaign, protectyourhead.com decals are
being distributed at extreme sports events such as mountain biking
competitions, through high profile athletes such as international mountain
bike champion Shaums March of Squamish, British Columbia. In addition, a
workplace component to the campaign includes posters that will be distributed
in the community and schools as part of a relationship with WorkSafe BC.
"June is brain injury awareness month so this is a perfect time to launch
our campaign," says Magda Kapp, Social Marketing Manager for BrainTrust
Canada. "The reality about this issue is that costs relating to brain injury
in BC have reached an astounding $1 billion annually. However the good news is
that 90% of brain injuries are preventable, and if we can reduce the incidence
in this province, it will benefit everyone. Our 'protectyourhead' campaign
focusses on changing decision making behavior, as injury can happen in a
moment, and recovery can be lifelong. The campaign is very hard-hitting, and
is intended to make people think about their choices, by illustrating that
everything changes after brain injury. At this time we are still seeking
partners to support this campaign and our cause."
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False beliefs about sexual abuse against children: A reality still too present in 2007
MONTREAL - An Echo survey undertaken by the Marie-Vincent Foundation, in cooperation with the Centre d'expertise en agression sexuelle Marie-Vincent, brings to light the overwhelming reality of child sexual abuse victims. According to the data, nearly seven out of ten Quebecers underestimate the extent of the problem of sexual abuse toward children, and more than half don't know whom to contact to denounce maltreatment against children.
The Echo survey, carried out from March 5 to April 12, 2007 via telephone
interviews of a representative sample of 1,000 male and female Quebecers aged
18 and over, and able to converse in French, shows that false beliefs still
exist concerning the nature of acts committed by the abuser, the reaction of
children and ignorance of resources.
Earlier surveys carried out by the Marie-Vincent Foundation revealed that
Quebecers understand the importance of breaking the silence and speaking
openly of abuse. Moreover, a large majority of persons know they have a legal
obligation to make a report when there are reasonable grounds to believe a
child is abused. Nonetheless, 22.6% of persons questioned believe that solid
proof is required before reporting to authorities, which could lead to
significant consequences for victims.
"While nearly half of victims are between six and eleven years old when
they are first abused, it is surprising to learn that one out of four adults
believes that a child may provoke sexual abuse by his or her behaviour, that
abuse occurs on the street or at school rather than in a private setting, and
that an abused child victim will resist with force or try to get away",
indicated Mr. Claude Girouard, member of the board of both the Marie-Vincent
Foundation and the Centre d'expertise en agression sexuelle Marie-Vincent. As
far as acts committed by the abuser, one out of two adults believe that sexual
abuse against children must necessarily involve anal or vaginal sexual
relations.
It is already established that 90% of abuse committed against children is
never disclosed to authorities. So it is not surprising to learn from the
present survey that yet nearly six out of ten persons questioned acknowledge
not knowing the resources designed to assist child maltreatment victims.
Results of the survey confirm that education of the Québec population
regarding sexual abuse must continue. "The survey carried out for the
Marie-Vincent Foundation shows that Quebecers, even in 2007, underestimate the
extent of the problem of sexual abuse against children. To this effect, the
topic of sexual abuse needs to be maintained in families, the media, companies
and communities. The Marie-Vincent Foundation, with its annual awareness
campaign and services offered by its Centre d'expertise en agression sexuelle
Marie-Vincent, intends to pursue this objective," said Ms. Lucie Joyal,
executive director of the Centre d'expertise.
Since 1975, the Marie-Vincent Foundation's mission has been to prevent
situations of abuse and neglect toward children under twelve. The Foundation
also helps abuse victims by offering therapeutic services through its Centre
d'expertise en agression sexuelle and research carried out by the
Marie-Vincent interuniversity Chair on sexual abuse toward children.
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Sex Conference to Explore Human Rights and Sexual Health
The 29th Annual Guelph Sexuality Conference, Canada’s largest and longest-running sexual health forum, runs June 19 and 20 at the University of Guelph.
The event will bring together more than 400 educators, nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, clergy, students and other health professionals from across North America.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Human Rights and Sexual Health: Implications for Education and Service.”
“Canada has been amazing in making wonderful advances in human rights, but we can’t be complacent,” said Richard Barham, chair of the conference planning committee and a retired professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. “We have laws in place to protect minority groups, and people are obligated to know how to be respectful and meet the needs of these people whether it’s in the workplace, an educational institution or anywhere.”
Other topics on the agenda include queer family planning, sexual health support for people with intellectual disabilities and issues surrounding transgender.
The conference, which is taking place in the Thornbrough Building and the University Centre, is open only to registrants and the media. Media passes may be arranged in advance, and a media registration table will be set up during the event on the ground floor of the Thornbrough Building.
Prior to the two-day conference, a one-week intensive sex therapy training course for sex therapists runs June 11 to 15. There will also be pre-conference workshops on June 18 covering sexual education for young people and updates on sexually transmitted infections.
Program Highlights
Tuesday, June 19
Opening session 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.
-Sexual Rights in a Multicultural Society: How Do We Measure Up?
Morning concurrent sessions 10:30 a.m. to noon
-The Negotiation of Sexual Consent in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
-Changes in Me: A Resource for Educators on Puberty and Adolescent Development
Afternoon concurrent sessions 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.
-Counselling the Asymptomatic STI Patient
-Resources and Policy Briefs For and About Sex Work
-Look in the Phonebook Under “A”: Women’s Experience in Attempting to Access Abortion Services in Canadian Hospitals
-Women’s Reproductive and Sexual Rights: A Global and Local Perspective – A Research Forum
-Beyond Homophobia: Educating Our Educators
-Queer Family Planning: Preconception and Prenatal Issues and Insights
-A Youth Charter of Sexual and Reproductive Rights
-Breaking Down the Barriers: The Challenges of Facilitating Sexual Health Support for Persons with Disability
Closing session 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
-The Legal Regulation of Sexuality
Wednesday, June 20
Panel session 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.
-Trans Issues Through a Human Rights Lens
Morning concurrent sessions 10:30 to noon
-Family Transformations: Helping Parents to Help their Trans Children
-Restorative Justice and Sexual Trauma – The Use of Dialogue in Healing Paths
- Help! My Client is Polyamorous
-Doubly Disenfranchised: Supporting Persons with Developmental Disabilities to Grieve from a Social/Sexual Perspective
-How to be a Sex-Positive, Abstinence-Plus, Pro-Diversity Sex Educator
-Innovative Sex-Ed on Campus
Afternoon concurrent sessions
-Transfathers 2B: Developing a Healthy Advocacy Course for Trans Men Considering Parenting
-Sexual Violence and Its’ Effect on Relationships for Young Women
-Sex, Drugs and Cyberspace: MSM and HIV Prevention
-Community Perspectives on HIV: Experience from Kenya
-Sex Esteem: Developing Sexuality Confidence in Adults with Developmental Disability
-Snapshot of Sexual Health in Canada
Closing session 3:05 p.m.
-Global Change and Intimate Relations in the 21st Century: Framing Sexual Rights and Sexual Health
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HopeSpring hosts free public lecture on Complete Cancer Care
Waterloo – HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre is pleased to host a free public lecture on Complete Cancer Care, Saturday, June 23 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This special evening of information and inspiration will be held at Luther Village on the Park, Sunshine Centre in Waterloo.
The public lecture is one component of The Skills for Healing Cancer Retreat hosted by HopeSpring the weekend of June 22 to 24. Speakers include Dr. Jawaid Younus, a medical oncologist with the London Regional Cancer Program and Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Younus will speak on therapy options following breast cancer surgery.
Dr. Rob Rutledge, a radiation oncologist from the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre will focus on integrating conventional medicine with body, mind, and spirit practices.
“The public lecture will provide cancer patients and their families with insight and training in skills such as meditation, stress reduction, deep relaxation, and working well with the medical system,” said Pat Carty, a founder and staff member at HopeSpring. “There is profound value in offering cancer patients a positive framework for discussing feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. These are emotions that many cancer patients have in common.”
The event begins Saturday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Luther Village on the Park, Sunshine Village, 141 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo. There is free parking next door at the Waterloo Recreation Complex.
This event is free to cancer patients and a friend or family member. Reserving a seat in advance is suggested, but not required. Book today at 519-742-HOPE (519-742-4673). Or visit www.hopespring.ca
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With $15, 0000 MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HELPS TO COMBAT ELDER ABUSE IN KITCHENER - OR NOT
Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse Receives Funds to Help Prevent Abuse of Seniors
WATERLOO REGION - The Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse has received $15,000 from the Ontario government which it may use to combat the abuse of senior citizens, John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, announced June 11, 2007.
“We are proud of the work that the Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse does to ensure that seniors are able to live safely and with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said Milloy. “And we thank you on behalf of those who have benefited from your dedication and support.”
The group may use the funds to produce public education materials on preventing elder abuse, host information sessions to raise awareness, or share information with members of the Elder Abuse Prevention Network. This one-time grant may also help the Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse to coordinate community services and provide training for front-line staff.
“If you or someone you know is being abused, I urge you to call the Victim Support Line at 1-888-579-2888 to report it,” said Jan Mellow of the Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse. “Help is just a phone call away and you can remain anonymous.”
According to experts in the field, elder abuse has many forms, the most common of which is financial abuse, and can take place in the home, in a residential setting or in the community. Abusers may be family members, friends, staff, or other individuals in positions of trust or authority.
Today’s funding announcement is one of 55 grants to community groups across the province which are working against elder abuse.
The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse have joined forces with communities across the province to implement the province’s strategy to combat elder abuse.
Through Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse seven regional elder abuse consultants are supporting local efforts to combat abuse. They also support local elder abuse committees/
networks, strengthen partnerships between these committees, facilitate training initiatives for professionals and volunteers, and help raise public awareness of elder abuse.
“Our government is committed to shedding light on this important issue, and to finding ways to end abuse of seniors,” said Minister Responsible for Seniors, Jim Bradley.
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Festival brings together the world's experts on caregiving, disability, aging, and technology
Five distinctive international conferences generate solutions to the
challenges facing the world's aging populations
TORONTO - The world's leading experts on topics relating to aging, disability, informal caregiving and new technologies are gathering in Toronto for a one-of-a-kind festival. From June 16-19, 2007, The Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology (FICCDAT) will bring together for the first time five distinctive conferences to facilitate a global dialogue among leading experts on the universal issues of aging, disability, caregiving and the role of technology in helping the world's aging populations live longer and better.
FICCDAT delegates will have an unprecedented opportunity to share and
explore the most current scientific, technological and social developments
with other professionals from different backgrounds but who are working
towards the similar goal of improving the lives of seniors, persons with
disabilities and their caregivers.
"Never before has there been a professional event of this scale where
international conferences unite with the common themes related to disability
and aging but approached from very different perspectives," says Dr. Geoff
Fernie, Vice President, Research, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto
Rehab).
"In a society where researchers compete for funding, health providers
strive for greater recognition and special interest groups search for new
donors, there has been growing division amongst professions and groups
representing similar causes. This fragmentation has created silos of
information and a lack of communication between professions, policy, services,
research and practice," adds Dr. Fernie.
"The truth is that various professions each have unique challenges and
unique approaches to similar issues. The key is to break down their individual
silos and share our expertise and experiences in an international dialogue,"
explains Andria Spindel, President of March of Dimes Canada and Co-Chair of
FICCDAT.
She continues, "The silos that exist do so at many levels and FICCDAT is
attempting to address them all. Joint sessions between conferences, shared
poster presentations, social events and working groups are some of the planned
vehicles for breaking down the silos. FICCDAT is sending a message about
shared solutions."
Some examples of how FICCDAT is fostering the sharing of knowledge are
seen in the collaborations of its five conferences. The Growing Older with a
Disability Conference, which will address gerontological issues facing
populations with physical and mental disabilities, and the 2nd International
Conference on Technology and Aging (ICTA2), which aims to drive a global
vision of how technologies can improve the quality of life for seniors, will
share between them keynote speaker Dr. Eric Dishman, founder and General
Manager of Intel's Health Research & Innovation Group, who is responsible for
driving global R&D for new healthcare and wellness-related technologies across
the continuum of care from hospital to home. Also, registrants of one
conference will be granted access to a session each day for any other of the
five conferences. This is meant to promote the festival themes and the
opportunity to share knowledge and experiences across atypical professional
platforms.
"Grouping five international conferences under the umbrella of a larger
festival will provide each field with crucial resources that will help to
ensure an outstanding conference," says Dr. Fernie.
He continues, "Furthermore, it will provide the opportunity for delegates
to collaborate and learn with other experts in other fields. There are
significant overlaps which will be important to explore and solidify further."
Even though FICCDAT is predominately a professional educational event,
the topics being discussed touch the lives of everyone. Festival hosts March
of Dimes Canada and the Toronto Rehab, two organizations dedicated to
improving the lives of individuals recovering from, and living with, disabling
injury and illness and age-related conditions, have opened up the festival to
consumers. The public is invited to attend the FICCDAT trade exhibition, which
features special presentations, new technologies to help people age in their
homes, unique services available to caregivers, and a sneak peak at future
state-of-the-art laboratories where future innovations will be created.
Visit www.ficcdat.com to learn more about FICCDAT and the five
international conferences
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ONTARIO GOVERNMENT INVESTING MORE MONEY FOR BETTER HOSPITAL CARE IN WATERLOO REGION
An Additional $24 Million for Local Hospitals for 2007/2008
Kitchener – Residents of Waterloo Region will benefit from improved hospital care thanks to an increase of $24 million in base operating funding this fiscal year for St. Mary’s General Hospital, Grand River Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre announced on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.
Of this additional funding, local hospitals have been allocated:
$ 9,512,861 million for St. Mary’s General Hospital
$ 9,569,171 million for Grand River Hospital, and
$ 4,887,425 million for Cambridge Memorial Hospital
“Hospitals are an integral part of our entire healthcare system,” John Milloy stated. “With this new funding, our government is ensuring that our region’s hospitals have the resources they need to provide critical programs and services. We are committed to making sure that our residents will continue to benefit from improved access to quality hospital services.”
"The WWLHIN is pleased to see this allocation of more than $30 Million for our area hospitals. Our hospitals provide excellent services to our community. Together we are committed to improving health care services, especially in the priority areas of access to services and reducing wait times. These monies will certainly go a long way toward achieving our collective goals," said Sandra Hanmer, CEO of the WWLHIN.
“Today’s announcement of additional funding is wonderful news for our community and the many people who receive care at St. Mary's every year, SMGH President Moira Taylor said, “Our patients deserve access to the best care possible and Minister Smitherman’s financial support today ensures that we will continue to provide timely, compassionate health care for our community.”
"This is good news for our patients and community, said Patrick Gaskin, Executive Vice President, GRH, “This additional funding will better position us to continue providing quality patient care at Grand River Hospital."
“Today’s announcement is extraordinarily good news for Cambridge Memorial Hospital and exceptionally important for health care. The thousands of patients which we serve will be the direct recipients of this injection of additional operating dollars at our Hospital, stated Julia Dumanian, CEO, CMH, “As one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities, additional Ministry of Health money will enable us to hire more patient care providers and ensure continued quality care for the residents of Cambridge and North Dumfries.”
“Our goal is to make Ontario hospitals stronger and sustainable over the long term so that they continue to meet the health care needs of Ontarians patients in the future,” Smitherman said. “Working collaboratively with our hospital partners, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal and we are proud that the vast majority of our hospitals are being more innovative and delivering high quality public health care.
Ontario hospitals will receive $14.1 billion in operating funding this fiscal year, an increase of over $495 million –or 3.7 per cent – from the previous year.
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in quality hospital care for families. Other initiatives include:
Reducing wait times for five key health care services (hip and knee joint replacement, cataract surgeries, cancer surgeries, cardiac procedures and MRI and CT exams) with an investment of more than $895 million over four years for approximately 1,270,000 additional procedures in these areas.
Investing $5 billion in modernizing and expanding health care facilities by 2010 to meet the needs of the province’s growing and aging population.
Investing $143 million in an Emergency Department Action Plan, which contains system-wide solutions to ensure emergency rooms stay open and increase capacity in the health care system to meet the needs of Ontario patients.
Investing in community-based primary health care with the creation of 49 new and satellite Community Health Centres (CHCs), and 150 Family Health Teams to reduce the pressure on hospital emergency rooms.
Today’s initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public health, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.
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9 in 10 Canadians Agree that Hiring More Nurses Would Address Long Wait Times for Medical Treatment
ST JOHN'S - The results of a new poll show that Canadians overwhelming (90%) agree hiring more nurses to reduce waiting times to receive medical or surgical attention.
These are some the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of
the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) that also found a nearly
overwhelming majority of Canadians (84%) trust information that comes from
organizations representing nurses, more than the 77% who trust information
from organizations representing doctors.
The poll, carried out from May 29 to May 31, 2007 found that trust in
nurses and doctors was significantly more than the two thirds (64%) who trust
healthcare information coming from chief executives of hospitals and other
health authorities, and the (60%) who are inclined to trust information from
the provincial minister of health, 57% from the federal minister of health
(57%) and editorial writers and commentators (51%).
Rating the Quality of Healthcare in Canada
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When rating the quality of healthcare in Canada, three in ten (30%) rated
it as being 'very good' (25%) or 'excellent' (5%), while four in ten (38%)
said that the quality of healthcare in Canada is 'good'. Less than one third
(31%) indicated that the quality is only 'fair' (22%) or 'poor' (10%).
"This polling information confirms Canadians understand the crucial role
nurses play in improving patient care and helping reduce wait times," said
Linda Silas, RN, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU).
"The challenge for all governments is to find creative ways of increasing
the number of permanent nursing positions. The nursing shortage is creating a
barrier to improved access and quality patient care. Canadians trust nurses;
let governments use the knowledge and expertise of nurses to help improve
Canada's public healthcare system."
Improving Canadian Healthcare
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Other poll results included findings that Canadians strongly agreed, or
somewhat agreed with the following proposals to improve the healthcare system:
<<
- Extend coverage of publicly-insured services to include access to home
care, long-term care, mental health care and drug benefits (89%).
- Developing a Canada-wide government financed Pharmacare program that
would provide to Canadians most doctor-prescribed drugs without charge
(73%).
- Increasing personal taxes by about fifty dollars a year to eliminate
for everyone up-front costs for prescription drugs such as co-pays and
deductibles and to provide prescription drug coverage to everyone not
now covered (62%).
- Recruit nurses and physicians through free university tuition (67%).
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Women and stroke - special risks, worse prognosis
OTTAWA - Strokes kill 45% more women than men in Canada, according to a new data analysis released today by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. And that's why Canadian women have a strong reason to be aware of the warning signs of stroke, says the Foundation.
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