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Bird Flu Pandemic Could Cost 2 Trillion Dollars: World Bank.
"The global cost of a possible bird flu pandemic could be up to two trillion dollars... Peter Harrold, acting Vice President of the World Bank, told an international conference on avian flu in New Delhi that wraps up Thursday.
More than 600 delegates from 105 countries are in New Delhi to discuss preparedness and challenges in fighting avian flu. ..." [Agence France Presse/Factiva]
AFX writes that "...'About 20 percent of the global population will be affected during the next pandemic,' Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), told the gathering. Chan said 28 million people may need medical care over a relatively short period and worker absenteeism could reach 35 percent of the work force. ..." [AFX/Factiva]
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Local Youth Award Area Businesses, Institutions For Tobacco Control Initiatives
Waterloo Region - Two local youth groups are inviting members of the community to join them on Tuesday, December 4th in the atrium of the Regional Administration Building at 150 Frederick Street in Kitchener. The occasion is to celebrate area businesses and institutions that have taken steps to make their properties tobacco-free and help their employees quit smoking.
Youth Acting for Change on Tobacco (Y-ACT) and Toxik, two youth groups affiliated with Region of Waterloo Public Health, will be recognizing local employers at the Breathe Easy Tobacco-Free Initiative Awards from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“We’re hoping to raise awareness about the negative health effects of tobacco industry products and the manipulation of youth by big tobacco,” said Danielle DeVille, 18, of Kitchener. DeVille is a member of Toxik which, along with Y-ACT, is one of 56 Youth Action Alliances funded across the province as part of the Ontario government’s Smoke-Free Ontario strategy.
DeVille said there are three categories of awards: the Helping Hand award for employers that provide support to their employees to quit smoking; the Healthy Environment award for employers that take actions to make their properties smoke-free; and the Retail Award for those that remove retail tobacco displays.
The latter award is especially important to youth, according to Eliot Winkler, 17, of Cambridge. He said Y-ACT and Toxik are keen to see the end of power walls, the displays of tobacco products typically found behind retail store counters.
“More than half of all youth say they are influenced by in-store displays. Youth are more likely to be influenced by power walls than adults,” said Winkler. “There are still too many youth and children who are being influenced to use tobacco products by these displays and too many people who are being left without any help to quit the habit.”
DeVille said the benefit of being chosen for a Breathe Easy: Tobacco-Free Initiative Award is the recognition the nominated businesses receive from the community.
“This award shows the determination and initiative taken to make changes within workplaces in Waterloo Region. These changes will further benefit the future of existing employees, customers and the community,” she said.
DeVille said Youth Action Alliances spread awareness, mainly to local youth, about the negative health effects of tobacco industry products and the youth-targeted marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. They plan local health education events and activities aimed at preventing youth from starting to smoke, protecting them from the effects of second-hand smoke, and encouraging those who use tobacco products to quit.
Winkler and DeVille said their groups hope community members will come out to help them congratulate employers nominated for the awards.
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U.N. Urges Vigilance In Fight Bird Flu Despite Progress.
"Despite significant advances to deal with the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu in the past two years, countries must maintain their vigilance and cooperate in the face of a possible pandemic, according to a joint UN and World Bank [Third Global Progress Report on Responses to Avian Influenza and State of Pandemic Readiness] report released Friday.
The new report said 'that the capacity and understanding around communication about bird flu has greatly improved,' Senior UN System Influenza Coordinator David Nabarro told reporters at the UN Headquarters.
The report said that ...the pandemic threat has led most governments to improve services to detect, contain and lessen the impact of dangerous pathogens. However, many national pandemic plans are not sufficiently operational and the coordination of pandemic planning between countries needs greater attention, the report said. ..." [Xinhua/Factiva]
AP writes that "Bird flu in poultry and wild birds spread to 60 nations but is entrenched only in six because of improved and faster responses, experts said Thursday.
Despite those strides, the risk of worldwide human-to-human pandemic remains as great today as it was when the hard-to-treat H5N1 flu strain first gained intense media attention in mid-2005...A health expert outside the UN said Thursday there was reason for optimism even though the risk of pandemic remains as high as a couple years ago. ..." [The Associated Press/Factiva]
AFP notes that "The world remains unprepared to cope with a pandemic in humans arising from bird flu, a UN and World Bank report released Thursday found. ...
Nabarro was quoted in the report as saying that 'pathogens are becoming more mobile as a result of increases in international travel and trade and changes in ecosystems.' 'The long term security of the human race requires all nations to prepare together - so that when new disease outbreaks and pandemics do occur, responses will be adequate and meet the needs of all people and not just a fortunate few,' he added. ..." [Agence France Presse/Factiva]
Reuters adds that "...domestic animals can act as a 'time bomb,' providing a place for the virus to hide and change, potentially into a pandemic strain, the UN's top bird flu official said.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has ... killed 206 out of 335 people infected and could mutate into a form at any time that would easily spread from person to person, killing tens of millions. ... One big problem is veterinary services in poor countries, some of which lack the facilities to even test for bird flu. ... The report is based on surveys of 146 countries, 95 percent of which said they had a bird flu plan. ..." [Reuters/Factiva]
Also report: Kyodo News, Dow Jones, Agencia EFE and Agencia Lusa
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10 Calls to Action by Canada's Research Hospitals on Strategic Framework for Science & Technology...
OTTAWA - The Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations (ACAHO), the national voice of Teaching Hospitals, Regional Health Authorities and their Research Institutes (known as "Research Hospitals") has released a groundbreaking report "Moving at the Speed of Discovery: From Bench to Bedside to Business" - which provides a framework for the country's health research enterprise, and highlights the diversity and depth of health research within ACAHO member institutions. The report can be downloaded from the Association's web-site at www.Acaho.org.
The report focuses on the important contributions that Canada's Research
Hospitals make through investments in health research, innovation and
commercialization by identifying over one hundred "world first" discoveries -
improving the health and health care of Canadians, and over eighty-five
spin-off companies - contributing to the country's growing skilled work force
and economic prosperity. Building on the platform of Medicare, this report
focuses on the impacts of research on the country's health and wealth.
"In today's increasingly competitive and knowledge-driven world, the
creation, dissemination and ownership of new knowledge - which is the
lifeblood of innovation - is crucial and will have a major impact on our
future quality of life and standard of living", said Dr. Denis Roy, President
of ACAHO and Executive Director of la Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de
Montréal (CHUM). "As we consider the impact of health research, such as the
biotechnology revolution, it is critical that we have the right strategic
framework and combination of people, structures and funding in place to fully
harness the full benefits that come from innovation."
Moving at the Speed of Discovery also underscores the essential
contribution that the federal government makes in supporting health research -
be it through a series of direct and indirect investments, and their shaping
of the legislative, regulatory and fiscal environment. "Without question, over
the past decade, the federal government has made a substantial contribution to
accelerating health research across the country - and they should be
applauded. However, we must continue to invest in key elements that support
the research enterprise if we are to remain internationally competitive so
that we can reap the benefits of world class research", said Dr. Arthur
Slutsky, ACAHO Co-Chair of the Sub-Committee of Vice-Presidents of Health
Research, and Vice-President, Health Research, St. Michael's Hospital in
Toronto.
Building on the federal government's Science & Technology Strategy
"Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage", the report
identifies 10 Calls to Action (see Backgrounder), which focus on the need to:
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- Develop a national strategic framework for health research
- Create a sustainable fiscal framework for public and private
investments in health research
- Identify a clearer consensus on discovery-based and targeted
investments in health research
- Develop and communicate a better understanding of the return-
on-investment from health research, innovation and commercialization,
and
- Create additional business acumen capacity to assist in the
commercialization of health research
"As we move forward, members of ACAHO are playing a critical role in
developing the country's health research capacity. Their work has been
groundbreaking, if not revolutionary, global in its impact and playing a
significant role opening up new avenues of scientific inquiry" said Mr. Glenn
Brimacombe, CEO of ACAHO. "Furthermore, in a world that is inter-connected and
rewards speed, it is clear that if Canada is to strengthen its social and
economic fabric as well as its international standing - now and well into the
future - it must continue to invest in the elements that support health
innovation. Otherwise, Canada will not be able to attract the great minds and
talent needed to discover the ideas that will transform our society from good
to great".
As engines of health innovation, members of ACAHO are leaders of
innovative and transformational organizations that serve a unique and
essential role in the system: they advance leading edge innovative practices
through health research, educate the next generation of health care
professionals, and provide much of the specialized health care services to
Canadians.
- 10 CALLS TO ACTION -
>>
Based on the information presented in this first-of-its-kind report,
ACAHO has identified a series of Calls to Action that need to be considered by
those who have a direct stake in the future success of Canada's health
research enterprise; this includes, federal and provincial governments and
their funding agencies, Teaching Hospitals and Academic Regional Health
Authorities (RHAs) (and their Research Institutes), Universities, Health
Charities and the private sector. Equally, if not more important, is the role
of the public, whom we serve and look to enhance their overall health status,
quality of life, and contributions to society.
In many ways, the Calls to Action have been developed with the
understanding that the form of the country's health research enterprise must
follow from its identified function. Framed in this manner, ACAHO is of the
view that the Calls to Action must be reflected in any national science and
technology strategy.
1. Develop a compelling vision and mission for health research in Canada:
It is crucial for Canada to develop a meaningful and compelling vision and
mission for the health research enterprise. It is equally crucial that this
vision and mission serve as a guidepost or roadmap in developing a more
detailed science and technology strategy for the health sector.
2. Develop a national strategic framework for health research in Canada:
Following from the development of a vision and mission for health research, it
is imperative that a national strategic framework for health research be
created. This integrated framework or "ecosystem" - which encompasses the
component parts of the health research enterprise - must reflect the "inputs"
required to support discovery-based research; the legislative, regulatory and
fiscal environment; the technology transfer process; and the process through
which we "translate" and convert knowledge into "outputs," such as improved
health for Canadians, more cost-effective clinical and administrative
decision-making, and greater movement of innovative products and services to
the marketplace. It must also be inextricably linked to the policy development
process.
3. Develop and communicate more practical methodologies that provide a
better understanding of the return-on-investment that come from health
research, innovation and commercialization: Given the need for improved
accountability and transparency for the manner in which we invest in health
research - and the fact that the global landscape for health research is
changing in terms of identifying targets and deliverables - we must develop
and communicate more practical and user-friendly methodologies that measure
the different ways in which health research provides value-for-money; this
includes improved health status, the provision of cost-effective health
services and the manner in which the system is organized and managed, and an
economic return-on-investment.
4. Develop a sustainable, multi-year federal fiscal framework for public
investments in health research: To facilitate a more rational policy
conversation and planning process that fully leverages our investments in
health research across the country, it is vital to develop a sustainable,
multi-year federal fiscal framework for health research. In its absence, we
continue to run the risk of lurching from year-to- year funding in an
environment plagued by uncertainty. This recommendation should be seriously
considered in light of the fact that close to 80% of public funding for health
research occurs in ACAHO member institutions.
5. Adopt a balanced federal approach to investing in the components that
support the health research enterprise in Canada Given the number of "moving
parts" that are integrally involved in supporting health research in Canada
and to maximize our collective outputs, it is essential to have an effective
structural alignment of federal instruments as well as a balanced approach to
investing in highly skilled people, operating grants, infrastructure and
indirect costs. At the same time, we need to ensure that we have an
appropriate and complementary legislative and regulatory framework (e.g.,
intellectual property, tax policy) that facilitates innovation in Canada, and
accelerates the translation of knowledge.
6. Recognize the full value that Canada's Research Hospitals bring to the
health research enterprise: Members of ACAHO - which comprise the overwhelming
majority of Canada's Research Hospitals - play a critical role in translating
knowledge that comes from health research. Our members have important
collaborative relationships and partnerships with governments, Universities
and the private sector; however, our members are stand-alone organizations who
make strategic contributions to advancing the boundaries of research,
knowledge creation and innovation in their own right.
7. Develop a clearer consensus on the relationship between
discovery-based and targeted investments health research: While it is
understood that new knowledge and innovation can be created in non-linear
ways, more clarity is required vis-à-vis the relationship between investments
in discovery-based research and those investments that are more targeted in
nature (e.g., wait times, public health, mental health). It is important to
bear in mind that each form of research has different objectives, and that
this should be reflected in our funding priorities.
8. Create additional business acumen capacity to assist in the
commercialization of health research: As Canada continues to advance our
understanding of the global impact of discoveries that come from the life
sciences, we also must ensure that we have the people skills to fully harness
the economic benefits that come from new discoveries. While there are
established approaches to communicating information to the public, and to
clinicians, administrators and policy makers, more must be done when it comes
to converting new knowledge into innovative and marketable products and
services. We must ask ourselves how we can improve our collective business
acumen and implement the "mechanisms" required to successfully commercialize
findings from health research.
9. Develop an inclusive and ongoing process of consultation that promotes
an effective dialogue: While there are ongoing discussions related to Canada's
health research enterprise, there is no process that brings together all of
the relevant stakeholders to discuss ongoing and emerging issues of
importance. Organizations like Research Canada and the Canadian Health
Industries Partnership can play vital roles, yet it is important to establish
a "meeting place" where all key stakeholders can discuss the future of health
research in this country.
10. Develop more robust data instruments that collect comparable health
research data: Currently, the publicly available data sets in existence and
their respective survey instruments are either incomplete or not as
effectively targeted to the health research community as they need to be. In
order to more fully understand the breadth of parameters that are involved in
the health research enterprise, it is essential to develop relevant and
comparable indicators and more rigorous methods of collecting information on a
timely and regular basis.
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No Change 18 Years Later - New Report Shows Child Poverty at 1989 Levels
TORONTO - Eighteen years after the 1989 all-party resolution of the House of Commons to end child poverty in Canada the rate is exactly the same, says a new report from Campaign 2000. Despite a growing economy, a soaring dollar and low unemployment, Statistics Canada data shows the after-tax child poverty rate is 11.7%, exactly where it was when all federal parties decided action was urgently needed.
The 2007 National Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada shows
that 788,000 children live in poverty in Canada. A startling 41% of low-income
children live in families with at least one parent working full-time all year
yet do not earn enough to lift their families out of poverty. The risk of
living in poverty is not the same for all children. Poverty hits children in
racialized, First Nations and recent immigrant communities much more often.
"The report is called It Takes a Nation to Raise a Generation because we
are calling on the federal government to step up to the plate with a
comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy," said Ann Decter, National
Coordinator of Campaign 2000, releasing the document in Ottawa today. "The
federal government has the fiscal resources if they don't give them away in
general, across the board tax cuts."
"Canadians have been polled and they've said clearly: Close the poverty
gap, that's the country we want to live in. That's what we expect of our
federal government. I want to know my daughter's classmates have enough to
eat, every day. I want to know that no child will go homeless in Canada this
winter. I want to see all First Nations children living safely beyond the
entrapping cycle of poverty," said Ms. Decter. "That's what poverty reduction
means."
Ms. Decter pointed to polling that shows 85% of Canadians believe that if
the government takes concrete action, poverty in Canada could be drastically
reduced.
"Teachers know what poverty looks like," commented Emily Noble, President
of the Canadian Teachers' Federation, "they see children who are too hungry to
settle down and learn, children who are living in homeless shelters, children
who carry a burden of worry for their families. The Canadian Teachers'
Federation joins the call for political commitment to a national Poverty
Reduction Strategy for Canada. Parents should be able to provide an adequate
living standard for their children - working together, governments can ensure
that is possible."
"Support for poverty reduction is growing across the country," Ms. Decter
added. "Four provincial governments either have strategies in place or have
committed to develop them. The federal Liberal Party has announced bold
targets. Premiers of different political stripes are committing to
comprehensive, long-term plans. The federal government can play a crucial role
through a national Poverty Reduction Strategy."
The report provides evidence that federal programs already in place can
reduce poverty, and calls for more to be done. "We're calling on the federal
government to support poverty reduction by increasing the Canada Child Tax
Benefit, increasing federal work tax credits, investing broadly in child care
and affordable housing and supporting a targeted plan to address Aboriginal
poverty," said Dr. Adje Van de Sande of Carleton University.
"Federal savings from lower debt charges should be invested in poverty
reduction," said Ms. Decter. "Let's not just get Canada out of debt, let's get
poverty out of Canada. That's the vision of a great nation."
<<
Additional highlights from "It Takes a Nation to Raise a Generation":
- Children live in poverty across Canada. Child poverty rates are at
double digit levels in all provinces except Alberta, Quebec and PEI.
- More parents are working, but they're still poor. No matter were you
live in Canada, full-time work at minimum wage is not an escape from
poverty.
- Children in families that face systemic discrimination run a much
greater risk of growing up in poverty. For children of recent
immigrants, racialized communities, children with disabilities and
children of single mothers, before-tax poverty rates range from
28 to 49%.
- The First Nations population is young and growing and child poverty
rates are a formidable barrier. 28% of Aboriginal children living in
First Nations communities were living in poverty in 2001, as were
40% living outside First Nation communities.
- Families still live deeply in poverty. The average low income family
needs $9,000 to $11,000 more in annual income to move out of
poverty.
- Children depend on food banks to have enough to eat.
280,900 children used food banks in 2006, almost double the number
in 1989.
- Government programs make a difference. In 2005, the child poverty
rate would have been a third higher without public investments.
>>
Provincial Child Poverty Report Cards were also released today in BC,
Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and a Living Wage Report was issued in
Alberta. All reports are available at www.campaign2000.ca
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UW students hold physical activity workshop at local public school
WATERLOO - University of Waterloo students will conduct a workshop this week discussing how local public school pupils can exercise more than they do now in their daily lives.
The physical activity workshop, aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle, will be held Wednesday at Sunnyside Public School, 1042 Weber St E., in Kitchener. The event, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will involve about 21 UW undergraduate and graduate students and volunteers from the Canada World Youth agency.
The workshop organizers are David Siladi and Christine Herrera, UW graduate students working on their master's degrees in public health.
"We want to encourage the young students to integrate physical activity into their everyday life," says Herrera. "The process involved will help to stimulate more than 400 elementary school students to develop their own ideas and ways of being more physically active."
Siladi says the workshop will draw on recommendations from Canada's Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth. The guidelines call for children and youth to do at least 90 minutes a day of moderate to vigourous physical activity over several months.
Canada scores an F in physical activity levels, according to the 2007 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Ninety-one per cent of Canadian children and youth do not meet the targets set out in Canada's physical activity guides.
The report was prepared by Active Healthy Kids Canada, a charitable organization founded in 1994 to advocate the importance of quality, accessible and enjoyable physical activity participation experiences for children and youth.
"The workshop builds on the current efforts to improve in-school physical activity levels by developing the students' capacity for improving after-school physical activity," Herrera says, adding that the UW students have already met with teachers to obtain their views on the workshop.
"The development of the workshop has really been a group effort -- the views from the teachers along with the valuable input from the student volunteers have been vital in making this workshop a success."
Siladi says the workshop provides an opportunity for university and elementary school students to exchange knowledge, information and experiences. "The hope is to make lasting connections between the university and the community."
Future plans include taking the workshop to other schools as well as follow-up presentations at Sunnyside.
Herrera and Siladi are working on the workshop as part of a UW knowledge mobilization course, taught by psychology professor Kathleen Bloom. The event was developed in co-operation with UW's international health development association, a student-run, volunteer organization.
The workshop was piloted two years ago when Jim Berry, principal of Sunnyside Public School, invited a local judo club to perform at an assembly.
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Canada's top health researchers to be recognized
HIV/AIDS specialist to be named Canada's Health Researcher of the Year
OTTAWA - Canada's top health researchers will be recognized tonight at the 6th annual Canadian Health Research Awards - A Celebration of Excellence. These awards are among the Canadian research community's highest honours.
This year's Health Researcher of the Year in the category of Biomedical
and Clinical Research will be Dr. Francis Plummer of the National Microbiology
Laboratory in Winnipeg. Dr. Plummer will be awarded the prestigious CIHR
Michael Smith Prize for his world class research on HIV resistance and work on
an HIV vaccine.
The Health Researcher of the Year in the Health Services and Systems and
Population Health Research category will be Dr. Peter Singer from the
University of Toronto. Dr. Singer will receive the esteemed CIHR Michael Smith
Prize for his research focusing on using life sciences to improve health in
developing countries.
Canada's Premier Young Researcher will be Dr. Michael B. Reed from McGill
University. He will be presented with the Peter Lougheed/CIHR New Investigator
Award for his important research on tuberculosis. Dr. Wilbert J. Keon,
Senator, will be named the 2007 Champion of Health Research. He will receive
the CIHR Distinguished Leadership Award for his pioneering efforts creating
Canada's largest research and clinical artificial heart development program.
The Canadian Health Research Awards, which will be held tonight in Ottawa
at the National Gallery of Canada, are hosted by the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (CIHR), in collaboration with the Government of Canada, the
Health Charities Coalition of Canada (HCCC), Research Canada - An Alliance for
Health Discovery, the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare
Organizations, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, Canada's
provincial health research organizations and the event's national media
sponsor, the Globe and Mail. André Picard, public health reporter at the Globe
and Mail, will be Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Attending the event will be Canada's leading health researchers as well
as Steven Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, other Members of
Parliament and Dr. Pierre Chartrand, Acting President of CIHR.
"Canadian health researchers are generating the knowledge that makes a
difference to Canadians in so many different areas," said the Honourable Tony
Clement, Minister of Health. "They are helping to ensure a strong health care
system in which needed treatments are provided on a timely basis and in which
patient safety is key. They are developing better ways to prevent, diagnose
and treat diseases such as cancer and heart disease. And they are finding new
ways to promote and maintain mental health."
The following individuals and organizations are among those being
recognized for their outstanding contributions to improving the health of
Canadians:
- Dr. Francis Plummer (Chief Science Advisory and Scientific Director General, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada) is the recipient of the CIHR Michael Smith Prize in Health Research - Canada's Health Researcher of the Year in the category of Biomedical and Clinical Research. This award recognizes innovation, creativity, leadership and dedication to health research. Dr. Francis Plummer is one of the world's leading specialists in HIV/AIDS. His work has also led to low-cost interventions to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, tools that have been adopted by UNAIDS and the World Bank.
- Dr. Peter Singer (Senior Scientist, McLaughlin Rotman Centre,
University Health Network and Professor of Medicine at the University
of Toronto) is the recipient of the CIHR Michael Smith Prize in
Health Research - Canada's Health Researcher of the Year in the
category of Health Services and Systems and Population Health
Research. Dr. Singer's research is at the nexus of life sciences and
the developing world. His core ideas include learning how to move
life sciences technologies from 'lab to village' and discovering how
determining how countries can accelerate commercialization of life
sciences for health and economic development.
- Dr. Wilbert J. Keon (Senator, The Senate of Canada) is the 2007
Champion of Health Research. He receives the CIHR Distinguished
Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership qualities
and support by individuals for health research. Dr. Keon's has
pioneered many groundbreaking clinical innovations which are now
standard practice; these include surgical reperfusion in acute heart
attacks. He has also established broad-based research programs. As a
senator he has participated in numerous major health- and science-
related reports, including reports on Canada's health care system and
on mental health.
- Dr. Michael B. Reed (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, McGill
University) is the recipient of the Peter Lougheed/CIHR New
Investigator Award - Canada's Premier Young Researcher. This award is
given to Canada's brightest young health researchers at the beginning
of their careers. Dr. Reed's research focuses on better understanding
strain variation within the tuberculosis bacterium, studying and
characterizing the unique attributes of the Beijing strain lineage
that help it adapt to the diverse environmental conditions it
encounters within the human host. His research could potentially lead
to improved treatments for tuberculosis and an improved way to
identify patients most at risk for developing active disease.
- Dr. Thomas Kerr (Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
Scholar, Research Scientist, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS,
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of British
Columbia) is the national recipient of the CIHR Knowledge Translation
Award. This award recognizes an exceptional individual or team
currently involved in a collaborative health research or development
project that aims to advance and expand the understanding of
knowledge translation. Dr. Kerr's research evaluating North America's
first safe injecting facility, Vancouver's Eastside medical injection
site program, has contributed significantly to academic, public and
government discussions on the subject of injection drug use and
HIV/AIDS.
- Dr. Ron Zernicke (Executive Director, Alberta Bone and Joint Health
Institute) is the recipient of the CIHR Partnership Award for his
work in designing one-stop clinics for hip and knee replacements
where patients have access to a multidisciplinary team of health-care
providers. This award recognizes partnerships that bring health
research communities together to create innovative approaches to
important research challenges. The Alberta Bone and Joint Health
Institute worked with the Alberta Orthopaedic Society (AOS), three
Regional Health Authorities (Calgary, Capital and David Thompson) and
Alberta Health and Wellness on a one-year randomized controlled study
of the new approach. It was one of the most extensive research
efforts in health services delivery ever in North America. The model
is now being expanded to all health regions in Alberta, and the
knowledge is being shared with health-care providers across Canada.
- Ms. Pamela A. Kolopack (Graduate Student, University of Toronto) is
the recipient of the CIHR Douglas Kinsella Doctoral Award for
Research in Bioethics. This award honours the accomplishments of Dr.
T. Douglas Kinsella in bioethics and his lifelong promotion of the
ethical treatment of humans in research. Ms. Kolopack's work will
contribute to the development of an improved framework for the
analysis of the ethics of proposed public health research
initiatives.
- Dr. Filio Billia (Clinician-Scientist Trainee, University Health
Network) is the recipient of the CIHR BIOTECanada Schering Plough
Canada Fellowship. The award is presented to the highest-ranked
postdoctoral fellowship candidate in the fields of immunology,
infectious and inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular conditions,
allergies and respiratory problems. Working under Dr. Rudiger van
Harsdorf of the University Health Network, Dr. Billia is studying why
the cardiac muscle cells that make up the heart are unable to
replicate, by identifying signaling pathways that are responsible for
keeping the cells in this state of arrest. The Fellowship will help
to support her further research training as a clinician scientist,
focusing on new approaches to treating heart failure.
- Mr. Bechara Saab (PhD Student, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute,
Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto) is the recipient of the
CIHR Synapse Youth Mentorship Award. This award recognizes the
efforts of a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow who has made
exceptional efforts to promote health research among Canada's high
school students. Mr. Saab is involved with a variety of activities to
motivate youth to learn about science, including SciHigh, the youth
outreach program of the Samuel Lunenfeld Institute.
>>
"This evening we honour exceptional individuals for their remarkable
contributions to health research and for the benefits this research has
generated for Canadians," said Dr. Chartrand about the Canadian Health
Research Awards.
For a complete list of award recipients, please visit the CIHR website www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
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A cure for inactive youth: video games to make you sweat! Canada's First Youth Interactive Gym to open its 7th location- in GUELPH!
GUELPH, ON - The cure for inactive kids is now coming to Guelph! Bulldog Interactive Fitness for youth is spreading across North America, with the newest "Doghouse" celebrating its Grand Opening on November 17th and 18th. Guelph resident Bobbi Hayes is opening the seventh franchise of Bulldog Interactive Fitness in GUELPH, Ontario -- a 10,000 square foot facility that focuses on getting kids in shape by combining exercise with their favourite activity: playing video games. Using interactive video games, personalized programs and equipment specifically designed for youth, Bulldog helps kids become active and fit.
With the drastic rise in childhood obesity and inactivity in youth, this
busy Foster Parent and mother of four chose to take action. Tired of reading
statistics of the growing epidemic of overweight and obese kids and worried
about the health of her own four children, she decided to open Bulldog's
seventh fitness facility designed exclusively for youth.
"As an active parent in the school system, and a Foster Parent, I am
keenly aware that there are no options for kids to take part in physical
activities -especially in an environment that focuses on self-esteem and
safety.", remarks Bobbi as she sits with Holly Bond, owner and creator of
Bulldog Interactive Fitness. This busy entrepreneur understands the concept of
convenience too. "Parents can just drop their kids off and go do their
errands. They can rest assured that when they leave their children at our
facility, we will cater to every child and make them feel special."
Members and guests can bust-a-move on video dance machines, cycle live
against other Bulldog members in other parts of the world, or climb to the top
of Mt. Everest on the rotating climbing wall. The state-of-the-art youth
circuit equipment is designed just for youth, and so are the certified youth
trainers that are on the floor supervising at all times. Bulldog has programs
designed to offer first-class programs for children aged 3 right on up to the
teens/tweens. Birthday parties are a huge hit - it's the newest and most fun
party spot in town! They even have programs to assist schools and groups with
their fundraising!
Bulldog Guelph is designed to unleash energy, creativity, fun, and
socialization skills while assisting in the development of self-esteem and
confidence. "We created Bulldog to help kids develop a healthy self-esteem and
the results have been amazing! We work on their self-esteem and a by-product
of this is that they lose weight if they need to, they develop muscle tone,
their school grades go up, they sleep better - the list of benefits is long! -
but self-esteem is really what Bulldog is all about. It is the key to
everything in life" says President and Founder Holly Bond.
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Canadian Health Measures Survey mobile clinic begins collection in Waterloo
Waterloo Region - The Regional Chair of Waterloo and representatives from local health agencies visited the mobile clinic in downtown Kitchener on November 15, 2007, to mark the opening of the new Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) conducted by Statistics Canada.
Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling was in attendance along with John Enns, Chair of the Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre, and Joanne Hader, Senior Performance and Contract Consultant with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network.
The CHMS mobile clinic is located at 44 Gaukel St. and will be there from Nov. 17 until late December. Clinic staff will collect physical measures from approximately 350 randomly-selected residents from around the Waterloo region. In addition to the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the clinic will receive participants from Woolwich Township, including the communities of Conestogo, Elmira, Maryhill and St. Jacobs.
The CHMS is the most extensive national survey on physical health measures ever conducted in the country. The results will capture a broad portrait of the health of Canadians aged 6 to 79 by gathering baseline data on a variety of concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular health, nutritional status, as well as exposure to chronic and infectious diseases and environmental contaminants.
After completing a household interview, participants will go to the CHMS mobile clinic where they will undergo a series of physical measures and tests (height, weight, blood pressure, lung function, cardiovascular fitness, oral health examination, etc.).
Blood and urine samples will also be collected to test for nutritional status, as well as exposure to infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. Access to the mobile clinic will be restricted to maintain confidentiality of survey participants.
“The physical measures will add important information that will allow us to develop national baseline data on Canadians’ health status,” said Jeanine Bustros, Director of Statistics Canada’s Physical Health Measures Division. “Statistics Canada relies on the cooperation and good will of selected residents to ensure that the information collected by the survey is as reliable and accurate as possible.”
Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling, who is also Chair of the Waterloo Board of Health, emphasized the survey’s potential to broaden general knowledge of the health status of Canadians. “We believe the CHMS will offer us a better understanding of the health of Canadians and lead to improved public health programs in Waterloo Region and across Ontario. This survey is collecting new data based on physical measures. These results will help strengthen and focus health care policy and delivery.”
John Enns also appreciated the survey’s focus on gathering physical data. “Using physical measures as a basis to paint a clearer picture of the health status of Canadians will also allow us to develop more efficient prevention programs along with our partners.”
Joanne Hader added that the survey’s results would provide a boost for local health agencies. “We look forward to receiving the results of the CHMS survey and using the information to continue to identify solutions that address our priorities and ultimately achieve our collective goal to ‘Live and Live Well in Waterloo Wellington.’ ”
Survey participants will receive their test results about 12 weeks after their clinic visit. Those with results outside of the normal range will also receive follow-up letters to bring to their health care provider.
The CHMS was launched earlier this year in Clarington, Ontario and later travelled to the Montérégie region in Québec near Montréal, followed by Moncton, N.B.,Toronto North in Ontario, and then central Montréal. Kitchener-Waterloo is the sixth site in the survey.
Over the next two years, the survey will help evaluate the health of a representative sample of 5,000 Canadians in 15 sites across the country. The CHMS data will be available on a national basis in early 2010.
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In The Mind's Eye 2007 presents "Understanding Crystal Meth" (2 sessions)
Waterloo Region - What is crystal meth ? What is the effect on persons who use it? Is it here in Waterloo Region?
How do service providers and community members respond to a drug that can create serious health and safety issues? This workshop will provide an overview of how crystal meth affects people and community, tips for recognizing the signs of crystal meth use, and methods for reducing or eliminating the harms associated with crystal meth.
1:30-4:30 pm @ K-W Counselling (Kitchener)
7:00-9:00 pm @ Cambridge Memorial Hospital (Cambridge)
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HEALTH CARE AT WORK: ACTIVE MEASURES CAN REDUCE INSURANCE CLAIMS BY 83 PER CENT AND INCREASE WORKPLACE MORALE
- MMTR Health Management Services takes on-site health care direct to the employee -
GUELPH – Today’s companies are facing issues in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and more Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims. In Ontario alone there were more than 260,000 WSIB claims in 2006, a challenge being taken on by a leading pain treatment and prevention clinic.
MMTR Health Inc. has found a simple and cost-effective way for businesses to effectively reduce the number of these claims. The clinic’s Health Management Services and its patent-pending approach has seen an 83 per cent average reduction in lost-time claims, and a 15 per cent decrease in overall recordable claims in a year over year comparison.
“For twenty years we’ve seen a large percentage of employees who are on the cusp with injuries that can potentially drive up the number of insurance claims, lost time and indirect costs to an employer,” said Terry Moore, founder of MMTR Health Inc. “On average, when an health Kinesiologist is on site almost eight out of 10 cases are avoided and health issues resolved. With this scenario the return on investment for companies can be very substantial (even in to the millions of dollars)..” According to the Ministry of Labour, between 1998 and 2004, muscle related injuries cost Ontario’s employers more than $12 billion in direct and indirect costs.
Most treatments focus on the symptom rather than the problem, which only temporarily relieves pain. MMTR’s unique approach combines deep relaxation with specific muscle exercises on-site so employees quickly learn how to identify the root of a problem with no travel or lost time from work. The company suggests the following healthy workplace tips to employers:
1) Invest in Ergonomic Education: Teach staff the correct way to use the ergonomic products and the proper biomechanics involved and understand the products limitations. Help staff understand exercises, postures and proper workplace ergonomics.
2) Proactively maintain muscular health: Learn job-specific exercise routines that prevent injury and mitigate the damages caused by seemingly harmless activities such as keyboard typing.
3) Use the water cooler as a destination. Incorporate stretch breaks into the workday. Regular trips to the water cooler result in more than just social activity, they stretch and relax the muscles so they don’t become tense and cause damage.
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Free Child Health Fair on November 21st
Waterloo Region - Families with children from birth to six years old are invited to have their children’s development checked at a free Child Health Fair on Wednesday November 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Pentecostal Assembly at 127 Hespeler Road in Cambridge.
Children’s teeth can be checked and children 4-6 years old may have their vision checked. Children up to and including Junior Kindergarten may have their speech checked by a speech-language therapist from KidsAbility.
Children can play while parents and caregivers look at displays. Displays will include information about car seats, child care, healthy eating, immunization, parenting, reading, safety, school board programs, and other supports for families with young children.
Beverages and snacks will be available.
Parents are asked to register their children by calling the Calvary Pentecostal Assembly at 519-621-6310. Interpreters may be provided for families where English is a second language, if requested when making an appointment.
Child Health Fairs are held across Waterloo Region through a partnership of local agencies and Region of Waterloo Public Health. Funding is provided through the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.
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Intelligent Asset Tracking - Dutch Hospital uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to track Infusion Pumps
Hilversum, Netherlands - Tergooi hospital, a 330 000 sq-ft medical center in northern Holland, has adopted a Wi-Fi based tracking infrastructure that is assisting them in locating infusion pumps. Installed and integrated by Ship2Save, an RFID solution provider, in collaboration with àcole Polytechnique, a Montreal based University; the system uses Aeroscout asset tags to monitor movement and usage of intravenous pumps across various locations in the hospital.
John Brakenhoff, Manager of the Technical Department at Tergooi Hospital, sees a considerable value in medical equipment tracking at the hospital. Mr. Brakenhoff says that: " Medical equipment such as infusion pumps, ECG (Electro Cardiogram) machines, and hospital beds, have to be efficiently allocated to departments so that patients can receive proper and prompt care. As medical personnel receive an influx of patients they need to have immediate access to these items. The asset tracking system we⠶e installed provides staff with the ability to dynamically locate assets that are not in use."
Tags that are attached to the infusion pumps transmit information to wireless access points throughout the hospital, this information is then forwarded to a location engine platform for analysis. The calculated location is then plotted to a graphical interface that nurses and hospital management use to find available pumps on the hospital floor plan. "Asset tracking using the 802.11 [wireless] platform allows organizations to enable asset visibility on their existing telecommunication networks. In a hospital setting, wireless networks are commonly used to provide mobility to doctors and nurses using laptops, personal digital assistances, or otherwise. Now this same infrastructure can be used to provide wireless smart asset management." adds Sam Falsafi, Director of Business Integration and RFID Strategy at Ship2Save. With wireless technologies such as RFID becoming more prevalent across the world today, mobile computing devices are uniting enterprise communication and enabling a level of inter-organization interaction previoulsy unseen.
Peter Wijntjes, Chairman of Facility Management Netherlands, a not-for-profit organization that drives process and technology adoption of maintenance and support activities for Dutch companies, sees this technology as "Enabling dynamic management of organizational processes". Working in cooperation with Linda Castro, PhD candidate at the Ecole Polytechnique, the two are studying this deployment to understand how intelligent products can help organizations to develop more efficient asset management activities. Their work will prove to be a important stepping stone for driving understanding of next-generation asset management systems in the workplace . The Tergooi deployment is seen as a "Exemplary example of a multi-organizational effort in deploying a smart asset tracking system within the Healthcare Industry, that will serve as a catalyst for future adoptions across North America and Europe", by Konrad Konarski, Director of Alliances at Ship2Save |
Free Child Health Fair on November 21st
Waterloo Region - Families with children from birth to six years old are invited to have their children’s development checked at a free Child Health Fair on Wednesday November 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Pentecostal Assembly at 127 Hespeler Road in Cambridge.
Children’s teeth can be checked and children 4-6 years old may have their vision checked. Children up to and including Junior Kindergarten may have their speech checked by a speech-language therapist from KidsAbility.
Children can play while parents and caregivers look at displays. Displays will include information about car seats, child care, healthy eating, immunization, parenting, reading, safety, school board programs, and other supports for families with young children.
Beverages and snacks will be available.
Parents are asked to register their children by calling the Calvary Pentecostal Assembly at 519-621-6310. Interpreters may be provided for families where English is a second language, if requested when making an appointment.
Child Health Fairs are held across Waterloo Region through a partnership of local agencies and Region of Waterloo Public Health. Funding is provided through the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.
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Kitchener Author Exposes Realities of Gambling in Ontario
Publishes firsthand tale of personal experiences in Ontario casinos
Kitchener – A retired Kitchener teacher has published a book that reveals the gritty realities of gambling in Ontario. Exposing the Monster: Some Truths about Gambling in Ontario, independently published by first-time author Irene Hunt, is the real-life story of her experiences in Ontario casinos over a seven-year period. Hunt discovers the unfortunate side of gambling through the people she meets, and their compelling stories are revealed throughout the narrative.
The book addresses a myriad of issues, including gambling addiction and what the author describes as ‘government greed,’ and ultimately asks for greater government accountability to prevent the sometimes tragic consequences of gambling.
“It’s an important story that needs to be told,” says the author. “I ventured into my first casino with the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve, but what I discovered was the cold, harsh reality behind the slick advertisements. And I met many lovely people whose lives were turned upside down by gambling.”
Hunt relays these stories while describing a gambling continuum that began when betting was illegal and grew into the present-day gambling industry that offers any number of ways to make a legal bet. “We’ve allowed government to create an environment where we can bet on almost anything – from sports and lotteries to casinos and charity fundraisers,” says Hunt. “Gambling has become so prevalent in Ontario and generates a great deal of government revenue – but often on the backs of people who can least afford it.”
Hunt is embarking upon a Southwestern Ontario tour in support of the book, starting in Kitchener-Waterloo. |
Could BlackBerries be key to better health care?
New research looks at benefits of monitoring at-home patients with
wireless handhelds
HAMILTON - Wireless handhelds are revolutionizing almost every aspect of life these days. Now, a team of health scientists has launched a new study on how Blackberries might be used to improve the monitoring and treatment of patients suffering from chronic disease - and even to save lives.
Led by Neil Johnston of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at
St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, the study will use specially configured
Blackberries to help monitor 120 patients living at home and suffering from
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The study has two objectives:
first to establish that the Blackberry-based reporting system, or diary, will
work for this monitoring purpose, and secondly, to determine the factors that
cause exacerbations of COPD throughout yearly cycles of the disease.
Patients in the study will record their symptoms daily on their
Blackberry and transmit the information to study nurses for review. If a
patient experiences symptoms that suggest that an exacerbation is occurring a
team member will go to the patient's home to assess the situation.
Early detection is important because the symptoms associated with a
medical crisis often begin up to seven days prior to the peak. If treatment
can be administered early, there is potential to reduce the severity and
duration of the crisis, and as a result, reduce the need for emergency
treatment in hospital.
"We want to see whether this technology can be used to improve the early
detection of serious complications in COPD patients so that health
professionals can intervene in a more timely manner," said Johnston, who is an
epidemiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at McMaster University.
"We also are hoping to pinpoint with more precision the high-risk peak
periods of the year," he said. Johnston said there are signs that the period
between Christmas and New Year's is a particularly risky period for COPD
patients. Festive and family events, stress and different eating patterns may
all have an impact on the severity of symptoms, he said but little is
currently known about the causes of the Christmas epidemics of COPD.
COPD refers to two lung problems - chronic bronchitis and emphysema -
often present in the same patient. The diseases interfere with normal
breathing and are often associated with other medical problems such as heart
disease and diabetes. The American Lung Association ranks COPD as the fourth
leading cause of death in the US, claiming the lives of more than 120,000
people a year.
Johnston and his research colleague, Andy McIvor, a Professor of Medicine
at McMaster, have teamed up with scientists from Imperial College, London, and
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in the UK and Sweden to carry out the study.
AstraZeneca is funding the work through a research grant.
"Blackberries have the potential to revolutionize daily monitoring,"
Johnston said. The devices are wireless and can be used no matter where the
patient is. They can be configured to enter data using the track wheel only,
which is an advantage for some elderly patients and those suffering from
arthritis. Another advantage is that the data can be transmitted securely and
patient monitoring can be done on a daily basis without patients having to
leave their homes or disrupt their schedules and lives.
Effective monitoring of symptoms is an essential part of caring for
people with COPD. Symptoms such as worsening breathlessness, coughing and
chest tightness are associated with an increased risk of death.
Last winter, Johnston led a study of 70 COPD patients using faxed daily
diary sheets from subjects' homes to capture and review symptoms on a daily
basis. In this pilot study, compliance exceeded 90%. However, fax-based
diaries proved to be cumbersome, restricted the amount of information
collected and only worked when patients were at their homes. Furthermore, data
transmitted by fax was not easily made secure. The Blackberry approach offers
the opportunity to achieve high levels of patient commitment and optimise data
collection and security.
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Ontarians to Receive Free Medication to Help Them Quit Smoking
Region of Waterloo – Ontarians who want to quit smoking have one more way to do it thanks to a study that will distribute free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and monitor its effectiveness.
The STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) Study, the first of its kind in Canada, will be returning to Waterloo Region this month. In collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which is conducting the study, Region of Waterloo Public Health will host an educational session and distribute free nicotine replacement therapy to eligible participants on the evening of November 14.
“It is perfect timing for the STOP study to come back to Waterloo Region. Many smokers think about quitting at this time of year to avoid smoking outside in the cold weather,” said Mary Sehl, Manager of Tobacco Programs at Region of Waterloo Public Health. She said the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health Promotion and Johnson and Johnson to offer the study across Ontario.
While smoking rates in Ontario have declined over the past twenty years, 20 per cent of Ontarians continue to smoke. This means more than two million people may develop serious illness as a direct result of their dependence on tobacco. Smoking is the largest preventable cause of disease in Ontario and represents a significant burden on Ontario’s health care system, totaling $1.7 billion every year.
The good news is that it is not too late to quit.
“If people are able to quit sooner, they may be able to prevent the onset of serious illnesses brought on by smoking,” said Dr. Peter Selby, Clinical Director of Addiction Programs, CAMH and Principal Investigator of the STOP Study. “This study will allow us to help people along in the process and monitor which quitting methods are most effective. This way, we will be able to better treat people in the future,” he said.
It has been shown that attempts to quit smoking are more successful when done with the help of a nicotine cessation aid. Partly due to cost, many people do not use this resource.
“Smoking kills more than 16,000 Ontarians each year,” said Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson. “Research such as the STOP Study could prove important to smokers who want to quit smoking, improve their own health, and protect others from the dangers of second-hand smoke.”
"There is a need for more choices for smoking cessation" said Mary Sehl, manager of Tobacco Programs at Region of Waterloo Public Health. "We are happy to be partnering with CAMH to offer people living or working in Waterloo Region another way to quit smoking."
Participants will also be given information and resources to help in the quitting process. Those interested in participating in the STOP Study can call the Region of Waterloo Public Health Tobacco Program at 519-883-2008 ext. 3436 starting Monday November 5th, 2007 at 9 a.m. to find out if they are eligible to participate. Eligible participants must be available to attend the educational session on November 14.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s leading addiction and mental health teaching hospital. Integrating clinical care, scientific research, education, policy development and health promotion, CAMH works to transform the lives of people who face addiction and mental health challenges.
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Premiere Performance of “Something About Sex”
Waterloo Region - Using the power of live drama and the strength of peer education, Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region raises awareness about issues related to healthy sexuality and healthy relationships for youth. An energetic group of youth, supported by Director Tanya Williams, has created a Forum Theatre production based on the difficulties and excitement youth face regarding their sexuality.
Their Forum Theatre production presents a play or scene in which a sexual health situation is unresolved. The play is presented twice. The second time it is shown, audience members have the opportunity to stop the action when they see a character that is struggling and they have an idea of how they might deal with the situation differently. They can then come into the scene, replace this character, and try out their idea.
In this way everyone learns from each other about the many possible choices the character could make, and therefore they could make in their real life experience. This process is facilitated by a theatre director who serves as a bridge between the audience and the stage, and helps to deepen the understanding of what is happening. Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region believes that Forum Theatre offers an opportunity for youth to tell the truth about their daily lives and step outside of difficult situations.
The play is available to area Schools and Community Centres between now and June 2008. Please contact Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region if you are interested or have any questions. Their Premiere Presentation will be held at 2pm on Sunday November 4th, 2007 at The Registry Theatre (122 Frederick Street, Kitchener). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region would like to think the Musagetes Fund for providing funding for this project.
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Canadians not checking in for check-ups
Almost half would rather scrub the tub than go for a physical
TORONTO - Half (51 per cent) of all adult Canadians do not go for regular medical examinations but of those who do, women are by far more likely than men to check in for a check-up. This is according to an RBC Insurance/Ipsos-Reid survey that shows 59 per cent of women regularly go for complete physicals, compared to 39 per cent of men.
The RBC Insurance survey confirms 73 per cent of adult Canadian women and
59 per cent of Canadian men have had a physical in the last two years.
However, one in five men (22 per cent) have not been for a check-up in at
least five years and one in ten claims to have never had one at all.
"It is alarming that so many Canadians are neglecting their health by
foregoing general physicals," said John Young, president and CEO, RBC Life
Insurance Company. "Regular check-ups are essential for everyone. Maintaining
health and fitness also means screening for potential illnesses, particularly
the ones that can be treated successfully when caught early."
The RBC Insurance survey further indicates many Canadians would prefer to
avoid physicals altogether. In fact, almost half would rather tackle tedious
household chores such as cleaning their bathrooms (48 per cent) or closets (46
per cent) rather than going for a physical. Even preparing income tax returns
(32 per cent) or going without the Internet/e-mail (29 per cent) for a week is
preferable to a medical check-up.
Heeding the advice of one's doctor should make good sense, but even the
results of a physical may not be enough to make some Canadians take better
care of their health. The survey shows 42 per cent of Canadians who have been
for a check-up in the last five years were told to make lifestyle changes.
Although 77 per cent of those instructed to change their lifestyle did so,
almost one-quarter (23 per cent) chose to ignore doctor's orders regarding
eating, exercise, or smoking.
RBC Insurance is also encouraging Canadians to include medical check-ups,
along with healthy eating and exercise, as part of a regular health
maintenance plan. "Taking care of your health should be top of mind for
everyone although many don't consider regular check-ups until it's too late,"
added Young. "It's similar to insurance in that respect. By taking initial
action, you can help yourself and your family if something comes up in the
future."
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Canada's 'Real' Energy Crisis Starts in the Bedroom
New Better Sleep Council Canada research proves the afternoon crash
exists; 1 in 4 Canadians are clinically sleep deprived
TORONTO - Every day Canadians are on an energy roller coaster ride, according to new research released today by the Better Sleep Council Canada. It found that Canadians' energy levels fluctuate widely from morning peaks to afternoon crashes and evening recoveries. And one in four Canadians qualify as officially sleep deprived. They can make good use of the upcoming extra hour of sleep when clocks roll back one hour at 2 am on Sunday November 4.
Using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a tool used by sleep professionals
around the world to diagnose sleep disorders, the research found that nearly
one in four Canadians (23 per cent) are clinically sleep deprived, as judged
by their likeliness to doze off or fall asleep in situations like certain
situations like sitting and reading, in a theatre or a car.
"Our research shows that many Canadians are over-compensating for
something that is lacking in the bedroom," said David MacDonald, vice
president with Environics Research Group who conducted the Better Sleep
Council study. "If we're a nation that is nodding off, rising and crashing
throughout the day and week we're abusing, not managing, our energy patterns."
Canada's Energy Roller Coaster
According to the Better Sleep Council research we're a nation of morning
people, with nearly 4 in 10 (37 per cent) of Canadians reporting they are most
energetic between 6 and 9 am. After that, most people's energy levels take a
nose-dive, crashing in the late afternoon between 3 and 6 pm, before getting a
boost after the dinner hour.
Many Canadians also suffer from a severe case of the "Mondays" with 31
per cent saying Mondays are their sleepiest days, with Fridays and Sundays
following at 17 and 13 per cent.
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Early to bed, early to rise: Canada's national wake up and bed times
- On average, Canadians wake up at 6:50 am.; Atlantic Canadians are the
earliest risers (6:43 a.m.); while residents of Manitoba and
Saskatchewan rise latest (7:00 a.m.)
- Canadians' average bedtime is 10:06 pm.; BC residents are the night
owls (10:53 p.m.) while Atlantic Canadians hit the sack at an early
9:11 pm.
- 20 per cent of Canadians are very early risers, waking between 3 am
and 6 am.
- 15 per cent are true night owls - their bedtime is between midnight
and 3 am.
- On weekends, Canadians typically sleep in an extra hour, waking up at
8:02 am.
- One-quarter of Canadians however sleep in to between 9 am and noon,
compared to only 4 per cent of Canadians who wake up at that time
during the week.
Planes, trains and automobiles:
- When asked about the oddest places they have fallen asleep, 19 per
cent referenced some kind of transit system like a bus, boat or
plane, and 13 per cent cited an outdoor or public location like a
park or stadium.
- Ontarians (24 per cent) and BC residents (22 per cent) are the most
likely transit sleepers.
"Consistency in the bedroom is a key to better sleep," said Gary
Baskerville, Better Sleep Council Canada. "Good quality sleep is critically
important to be able to function well during the day and smooth out those
energy peaks and valleys."
"Fall-back" checklist for better sleep this week and all year:
- Don't stay up extra late on Saturday knowing you have an extra hour
of sleep ahead of you. Maintain your natural body rhythm by going to
bed and waking up around the same time every day - even on the
weekends.
- Recognize when you're at your best and when you need a break during
the day. If you crash in the afternoon take a short walk - late day
naps can interfere with nightly sleep.
- Avoid too much caffeine to artificially boost your energy levels
during the day and night. For a restful sleep avoid heavy meals and
finish eating at least two hours before bedtime.
- A good sleep in your own bed at night is the best solution. Check
your mattress regularly to make sure it's providing you with the
comforting support you need every night. The average mattress
provides comfort and support for eight to ten years of nightly use.
>>
For a better education on the value of good sleep and tips on how to shop
for a new mattress, visit www.bettersleep.ca
Established in 2002, The Better Sleep Council Canada is committed to
educating Canadians about the importance of sleep to good health and quality
of life and to promote the value that a better quality mattress and foundation
can bring when regularly replaced within the sleep environment. The BSCC is
comprised of over 450 manufacturers, retailers and component suppliers from
the mattress industry.
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Expert on child brain development to speak at Laurier Brantford
BRANTFORD – Dr. Fraser Mustard, a world-renowned researcher in health sciences and the co-chair of the Ontario Early Years Study will deliver a lecture entitled Infant Brain Development & Determinants (Social and Physiological) of Child Health at Laurier Brantford on Monday, Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
A Companion of the Order of Canada and a member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Dr. Mustard is a leader in the field of health sciences. In 1982, he established the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, with programs focusing on science, technology, innovation and economic growth. Currently, Dr. Mustard heads the Founders’ Network, involving more than 1,000 individuals from the public and private sectors working to implement the Institute’s findings in their communities.
“This is a rare opportunity to hear a legend in neuroscience,” says Dr. Jamie LeClair, associate professor, health studies and health administration. “His work on children’s health and development is inspiring, on both the community and the academic level.”
In 1999, Dr. Mustard co-authored the Early Years Study on early learning and made specific recommendations to the Ontario government. He later established the Council for Early Child Development and Parenting, advocating the importance of early brain development for health, behaviour, learning, and quality of life.
“Dr. Mustard’s vision exemplifies the goals of both the Children’s Education and Development option and Health Studies,” says Dr. Lisa Wood, assistant professor, children’s education and development option. “He reminds us of the importance of making our research relevant to the community, as well as to our colleagues.”
Dr. Mustard’s lecture is being held in conjunction with Kids Can Fly, an independent community initiative that supports early child development and parenting.
His lecture will be in Room 107 of the Odeon Building at Laurier Brantford. The event is free and open to the public.
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| Statistics Canada’s mobile health clinic to be deployed in Waterloo region
Hundreds of residents from the Waterloo region will soon begin visiting the mobile clinic in downtown Kitchener to participate in Statistics Canada’s brand new Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).
The CHMS is the most extensive national survey on physical health measures ever conducted in the country. The results will capture a broad portrait of the health of Canadians by gathering baseline data on a variety of concerns, including cardiovascular health, nutritional status, as well as exposure to infectious disease and environmental contaminants.
The CHMS mobile clinic will be located at 44 Gaukel St., on the site of the CDI College in Kitchener, from November until late December. The CHMS will collect information from about 350 pre-selected residents from around the Waterloo region. In addition to the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the clinic will receive participants from Woolwich Township, including the communities of Conestogo, Elmira, Maryhill and St. Jacobs.
The CHMS will help evaluate the health of a representative sample of 5,000 Canadians in 15 sites across the country over the next two years. It was launched earlier this year in Clarington, Ont. and later travelled to the Montérégie region in Québec, to Moncton, N.B., the North York and Etobicoke areas of Toronto, Ont. and then Montréal, Que. The Kitchener-Waterloo area is the survey’s sixth stop; the CHMS will visit three more sites in Ontario over the next two years, including Northumberland County, the Don Valley area of Toronto and St. Catharines-Niagara.
Representatives from Waterloo Public Health were invited to attend an information meeting about the survey.
Waterloo Regional Chair, and Waterloo Board of Health Chair, Ken Seiling said he was delighted with the CHMS’s appearance in the area and encouraged members of all selected households to participate. "By gathering important new information, it will be possible to develop new policies and programs which will improve public health and engage people in public health issues. We will all better understand the health of Canadians as this data is collected across Canada with interviews and health measurements. In Waterloo Region, we believe that improved public health programs will be the result of this survey.”
The purpose of the CHMS is to address longstanding gaps within Canada’s health surveillance system. Policy makers, provincial health departments, researchers and health professionals from many fields have expressed a need for a national, comprehensive source of accurate health measures to assist them in addressing the health needs of Canadians.
Conducting the survey
The survey will be conducted in two stages: a household interview and a visit to the mobile clinic. In Waterloo region, household interviews begin November 1. The clinic itself will begin operation November 17 for a period of about six weeks.
During household interviews, Statistics Canada staff will ask general questions on health (diet, medical history, health status) and lifestyle. Then, at the mobile clinic, qualified health professionals will take direct physical measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure and pulmonary capacity. Participants will also receive an oral health examination and take certain tests assessing their physical condition. Finally, blood and urine samples will be collected to test for cardiovascular health, nutritional status as well as exposure to infectious diseases and environmental contaminants.
Only the pre-selected residents can participate in the survey. Those who choose to do so will receive a report on their physical measurements and tests upon leaving the clinic and the results of their laboratory tests 8 to 12 weeks later.
“The combination of interviews and physical measurements will produce more accurate statistics about the general health of Canadians than have ever been available before,” said Jeanine Bustros, Director of Statistics Canada’s Physical Health Measures Division. She also stated that “the data will help in establishing maximum permissible levels for various substances, such as environmental contaminants, that for now are often established based on American studies.”
The CHMS is a partnership between Statistics Canada, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Over the four years of the survey’s development, Statistics Canada has consulted with a wide range of health professionals to ensure that the information collected during the survey meets the needs of researchers and decision-makers in Canada. www.statcan.ca/chms.
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