Fibre art moves to higher ground at Guelph Civic Museum

GUELPH, Ontario - June 14, 2013 - Guelph Museums - See how fibre artists from across Canada and the UK are pushing the boundaries during Higher Ground, an exhibition at Guelph Civic Museum by Connections, a group of contemporary fibre artists who explore the many diverse styles of contemporary textile art.

Guest curator Helen Hughes, a Guelph textile artist, has gathered together 40 pieces representing the group’s 28 artists, including five Guelph area artists. The featured artworks are diverse in style and push traditional boundaries of both process and subject matter in textile art.

Started in 1999, Connections is a group of fibre artists who wish to combine their various experiences and knowledge of different techniques, styles and mediums to create unusual and challenging textile-based work as individuals and also in collaboration. Following their mandate, the group “hope to combine our experience with experimentation to continue to develop and widen the boundaries of stitchery and fibre art, expressing our individual ideas and feelings in the process.”

Higher Ground is on display until October 20. Civic Museum is located at 52 Norfolk Street.

The Museum is open daily from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Admission: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors & Students. Free for Guelph Museums members.

For more information, call 519-836-1221 or visit guelph.ca/museum

Posted by Val Harrison on June 14, 2013 in Guelph Museums News

Statement by Canada's Minister of State Wong on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

OTTAWA, June 15, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today issued the following statement in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

"Since 2006, June 15th has been recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, focusing attention on the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how it can be prevented.

"Elder abuse is a hidden crime that can take many forms, including physical, financial or emotional. It robs older people of dignity and peace at a time of life when they should feel secure. In Canada, it has been estimated that between four and ten percent of seniors experience some form of abuse and that only one in five cases of abuse is reported.

"Elder abuse is difficult to talk about, because it is such an emotional issue. However, breaking the silence and helping people understand the magnitude of this problem is essential.

"Our government is committed to standing up for victims of elder abuse. We are pleased to recognize and support the work being done to raise awareness of elder abuse and help seniors better protect themselves from its many forms.

"Our government also helps to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and legislation. The NHSP provides funding for projects that raise awareness about elder abuse and create resources to help seniors protect themselves.

"In January 2013, the Protecting Canada's Seniors Act was adopted, ensuring stronger penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people. Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

"We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse. I encourage everyone to visit seniors.gc.ca for information on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, as well as resources for preventative action."

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

...developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;

...providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada's public pension system;

...implementing a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to help Canada's most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;

...providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the age credit;

...providing $400 million over two years under Canada's Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;

...taking action to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)—which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse—and legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons;

...increasing funding to the NHSP by $5 million, bringing the Program's annual budget to $45 million. The NHSP helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada; and

...supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities initiative, physical activity tips for older adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

June, 2013 - The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat released a new edition of “A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario” on June 3, 2013.

The guide helps seniors find what they need, when and where they need it. It is smaller and easier to handle and features up-to-date information on provincial and federal services available to seniors.

The guide is now available in 16 languages - nine more than before - in recognition of Ontario's diverse communities. (Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese)

Ontario’s seniors’ guide provides practical information on issues that affect our quality of life as we age, including:

...Health, wellness and active living

...Safety, security, finances and transportation

...Housing, long-term care homes and caregiving

The seniors’ guide is available online at www.ontario.ca/seniorsguide and may be ordered free of charge through ServiceOntario Publications ( www.ontario.ca/publications) or by calling 1-888-910-1999 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).

Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat www.ontario.ca/seniors

June is Seniors' Month - Activities happening at the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association

In recognition of Seniors' Month this June, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association has added a number of special events to its list of ongoing activities and programs. While the GWSA focuses primarily on seniors 55 plus in years, most of the scheduled events will be open to the community at large.

The Heart and Stroke Society Big Bike Ride fund raiser takes place on June 12 commencing at Boston Pizza on Woodlawn Road at 1:00 pm. The GWSA will be participating with members pedalling one of the bikes. Participation requires either a $50.00 donation or $50.00 in pledges. For the information of GWSA members, there are still a few seats available on our 29 seat Big Bike.

Perhaps the busiest day of Seniors' Month at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre will be Thursday, June 13 with 3 concurrent activities. They start with an inclusive steak barbeque lunch to be held in the Evergreen dining room. There will be 2 sittings, 1:30 to 12:30 and 12:30 to 1:30. The cost is $15.00 per person and is open to all.

Following lunch, the GWSA will be hosting an Open House and New Members Reception in the gymnasium from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Representatives from the many activity groups will be present to answer any and all questions related to their ongoing programs. There will be a presentation for New Members, but all will be invited to sit in. The open house is open to the community at large and there is no cost. Refreshments will be available.

Also commencing at 1:00 pm as a part of the new GWSA Art in the Hall program, there will be a Pastel Class Art Show featuring works by the Pastel Class. Instructors and students will be available to discuss their artwork.

On Monday, June 17, from 10:00 - 11:30 am, Mr. Dale Mills will be presenting a North Pole Expedition Seminar speaking about his trek across the ice pack to the North Pole. The seminar is free, but registration is recommended.

There will be an opportunity on both Tuesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 27, for individuals to take advantage of Try-it Fitness classes. Strength training and Qi Gong will be featured respectively. The classes will be held at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre. Once tried, individuals may choose to register for the scheduled summer sessions. Call the Evergreen Centre at 519-823-1291 for class times and to register.

The month will be capped off with the GWSA Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 26. The AGM will be held in the gymnasium commencing at 1:00pm and is open to all GWSA members. Attendance is encouraged.

While all of the above events are taking place, the GWSA Community Support Services group continue through the month with their schedule of ongoing programs and events.

Ontario's doctors: Practice Sun Safety this summer

TORONTO, June 5, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - It's that time of year again: The lawnmowers are roaring, gardens are being planted, little league has begun and kids are out riding their bikes. All are signs that summer weather has arrived, and Ontario's doctors want to remind people to practice sun safety, especially when it comes to children.

"The fact is that UV exposure, whether it is from natural sun or tanning beds, is a proven carcinogen that contributes to the development of skin cancer including the deadliest form, melanoma. As dermatologists we recognize that it can be difficult to avoid the sun especially during the summer months but remembering to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with coverage for both UVA and UVB will certainly better protect the skin and reduce risk." Dr. Samir Gupta, Chair of the OMA's Dermatology Section

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and sunburns are major contributors to skin cancer. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers account for more diagnoses of cancer than lung, breast, and prostate combined. To ensure you and your family are protected follow these simple tips:

...Wear broad-brimmed hats or use sun umbrellas, and try to stay in the shade to avoid direct sun, especially in the middle of the day;

...Dress in light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts or long pants to protect skin;

...Remember to apply sunscreen liberally and often. In general, SPF 30 is a good all-purpose sunscreen for an active day outside.

"Whether you're playing a baseball game, having a family picnic or spending a day on the water, it's important to practice sun safety and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Ontario's doctors want to encourage people to get outside and get active, just remember to apply sunscreen regularly and don't stay in the sun for an extended period of time." Dr. Scott Wooder, President Ontario Medical Association

96 Canadian Cities Declare June 1 Intergenerational Day Canada

TO CELEBRATE: Say hello or extend a kindness to someone of a different generation today. Keep building the bridges all year round.

VICTORIA, British Columbia - May 31, 2013 - From the cliffs of St. John’s to the surf of Tofino, from Inuvik to Windsor, cities coast to coast to coast will be encouraging young and old to say hello and get to know each other better by recognizing today, June 1st as Intergenerational Day Canada .

For Sharon MacKenzie, Intergenerational Day Canada started 4 years go when the BC teacher was working on World Elder Abuse Awareness projects with teens. The success of one project led to an epiphany. “The kids realized that the best way to stop ageism and mistreatment of people of any age, was to prevent it. Perhaps a special national day that encouraged building relationships between younger and older people was the key.” June 1st was chosen because of its close proximity to UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15th. It was billed as a reminder that there is a solution for mistreatment of all ages.

With the late June Callwood as an early mentor, and thirty years of experience in the field, Sharon is a major force in intergenerational relations in Canada. In 2009, she won the B.C. Premier’s award for her work in Vernon, BC. She became the primary researcher and author of three core intergenerational government resources, linking health and education. Sharon continues to work closely with agencies and groups in the fight against ageism, always pushing for awareness of how bridging generations respectfully restores and strengthens community.

As a result of the hard work of Sharon, Executive Director of BC based i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (www.intergenerational.ca) and a small group of volunteers, this 4th annual IG Day Canada includes a record number of Canadian cities.

“We reached out to cities across Canada and everyone embraced the idea.” says MacKenzie. “The number of Canadian cities acknowledging this focus day has grown from seven to 96 in just one year with representation from every province and 2 territories. Four provincial governments have proclaimed the day as well.”

Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st provides an easy opportunity to raise awareness in classrooms and in daily life of the many benefits that simple and respectful connections between generations bring to education, health and community safety. Stereotypes of both young and older people are broken down when they learn about each other. Isolation is diminished and empathy grows in both directions. Intergenerational Day Canada makes a powerful statement about the value of generational connecting within each and everyone’s neighbourhood.

Sharon adds,

“The message is being heard across the nation. It’s time for younger and older persons to re-connect, stay connected and have fun doing so. As my friend June Callwood said of our work, ‘This has such a strong ethical base, and so much compassion. It will, it WILL spread everywhere. It is a great idea whose time has come.’”

Individuals and families are increasingly mobile in our country due to work and educational opportunities, making it difficult to maintain regular contact between generations. Immigration, high costs of travel and family breakdowns all contribute to shifting social circles which can lead to isolation and generational disconnect.

Workers often travel in age-related networks, young children are in primary schools, teens are in high schools, older adults are moving to retirement communities and seniors homes. We do all of this with an eye to efficiency of service, but what is our loss in breaking these generational connections?

Intergenerational activities are an untapped resource. They are rich in personal connections and provide opportunities to practice personal responsibility and empathy. We spend tax dollars attempting to help isolated teens, neglected children and disconnected older adults. In many cases these two generations would solve their own problems just being together, guided by a respectful and safe plan. Reaching out to one another is a priceless first step.

Celebration of Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st can be as simple as giving a smile or a kind word, making a phone call to your grandmother or saying hello to a skateboarder. Calgary is taking this one step further with two public events where they are expecting over 900 youth and seniors (info@link-ages.ca) to celebrate together.

Beyond a one-day event, an innovative intergenerational immersion project in Williams Lake, BC sees an elementary school class move into a temporary classroom at Williams Lake Seniors’ Village for two full months of the school year. They combine curriculum, volunteerism and one-on-one visitations. The project is a life-changer for all participants.

Communities across the nation are calling us to action on June 1st Intergenerational Day Canada. Keep it simple. Be respectful. Have fun.

For further information or to donate, go to i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada www.intergenerational.ca Please contact i2i@intergenerational.ca for assistance or to volunteer.

Alzheimer Society Research Program awards record $4.5 million in funding

Excellence in Canadian research could hold key to cure and better treatment

TORONTO, May 29, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian researchers pursuing answers to Alzheimer's disease have just been awarded $4.5 million in funding, including a record $4 million from the Alzheimer Society of Canada's Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP).

The money will be invested in 38 new research projects from across the country aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

"This is a significant boost for dementia research and further builds the capacity of Canadian researchers and research facilities," says Mimi Lowi-Young, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Canada is home to some of the world's best researchers and the Society is committed to supporting them. Their projects could fundamentally change the lives of people already impacted by this devastating disease and improve the outlook for those at risk."

Dr. Cheryl Wellington, a professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of British Columbia, is among the 38 awardees determined to change the course of dementia. Her work is delving deeper into the heart-brain connection. It is widely known that heart disease increases the risk of Alzheimer's, and that people with it have significant changes in the blood vessels in their brains. Less understood is whether these vascular changes contribute to dementia. Wellington will attempt to unravel this relationship by testing to see if changes in "good cholesterol," which is known to protect from heart disease, may also prevent Alzheimer's.

At the University of Toronto, Pooja Viswanathan is taking her computer science know-how out of the lab and into long-term care settings. Sixty to 80 per cent of residents who have dementia are often denied powered wheelchairs because of safety concerns and some are not strong enough to operate manual chairs. A postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Viswanathan intends to use artificial intelligence to build a 'smart' wheelchair equipped with a small camera and sensors to not only restore mobility and independence to residents but keep them safe as well.

"I never fail to be inspired by the exciting ideas that the researchers put forward and the possibilities for the outcomes of these studies to improve the quality of life," says Dr. Lynn Beattie, Chair of the Alzheimer Society's Research Policy Committee. "Great promise is shown by these doctoral and post-doctoral candidates; they're the foundation for building dementia research."

Breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia are desperately needed while also ensuring research can help people with dementia live well with the condition today. Alzheimer's disease remains incurable. Some drugs may temporarily improve symptoms, but none can slow, stop or reverse the disease. There are 747,000 Canadians living with dementia today. That number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2031.

This year's record ASRP funding was made possible by a generous million-dollar donation from Paul Higgins Jr. and Michael Higgins, co-CEOs of Mother Parkers. The money was, raised through the Mother Parkers Remembers fundraising campaign to honour their father Paul Sr. who had Alzheimer's disease.

Funding also includes $450,000 from the Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation (Vancouver) in support of researchers based in British Columbia, and $75,000 from the Firefly Foundation (Toronto) to support postdoctoral trainees in Ontario.

"We're tremendously grateful to our partners and to all Canadians who support our work each day," adds Lowi-Young. "Still, we need to invest more money into research. $4.5 million doesn't compare to the $33 billion dollars we're spending now on dementia care."

For a complete listing of this year's research recipients and to support the Alzheimer Society Research Program, visit: www.alzheimer.ca.

About the Alzheimer Society Research Program

The Alzheimer Society Research Program is an annual peer-reviewed research funding competition of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Program is supported by Alzheimer Societies across Canada and their generous donors to fund emerging and established investigators working in the biomedical and quality-of-life fields. The Program was launched in 1989 and has, to date, invested over $40 million in research.

About the Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimer Society is the leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in communities across Canada, the Society offers help for today through our programs and services and hope for tomorrow by funding research to find the cause and the cure.

Guelph Wellington Seniors Association Hosts MY Healthcare: Seniors in Control

GUELPH, Ontario May 23, 2013 - News Release - The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA), which offers various programs for local seniors and advocates on their behalf, announced today that all speakers are confirmed for MY Healthcare: Seniors in Control an educational event to be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 9:30 to noon.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Samir Sinha provincial lead investigator for the provincial government’s recently released healthcare strategy for seniors. The strategy is designed to help seniors with various healthcare needs to stay in their homes with assistance from agencies in the community. Dr. Sinha, who was featured on a three part TVO series in February, will discuss the new government program and its benefits. The youthful Dr. Sinha is an accomplished geriatrician who has brought exciting changes to senior healthcare at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto as Director of Geriatrics.

As advocates for all seniors in the Guelph Wellington community, and to compliment the health and well being programs offered at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, GWSA seized the opportunity to inform seniors about the initiative being undertaken by the province as it takes shape locally. The GWSA believes in “taking charge” and “making the most” of our seniority.

Following Dr. Sinha will be four local healthcare providers: Dr. George Heckman, geriatrician and Schlegel Research Chair in Geriatric Medicine, University of Waterloo; Ross Kirkconnell, Executive Director, Guelph Family Health Team; Cathy Sturdy-Smith, Manager, Specialized Geriatric Service, Canadian Mental Health Association; and Tricia Murray, Client Service Manager, WW Community Care Access Centre.

They will bring a combined wealth of knowledge on how, when and where to access healthcare in the Guelph Wellington area.

An important part of the forum is the round table feedback session which will take place after the speakers. The sessions will be led by graduate students and other leaders in the seniors’ community and the information will contribute to research at the Institute for Aging at the University of Waterloo.

With more than 2,500 members, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada. We have a straightforward mission..."To empower older adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully."

To learn more about the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association and this event visit our website at: gwsa-guelph.ca

Canadian government launches call for proposals for projects led and inspired by seniors

GATINEAU, Quebec, May 22, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian government is seeking applications for projects that will help seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched today by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

"Our government recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors," said Minister of State Wong. "Initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life."

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The application deadline will be July 5, 2013, in all provinces and territories except Quebec, which will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

Living well: An apple a day may keep health care costs away

OTTAWA, May 17, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - As Canadians head home for a holiday weekend, a new Conference Board of Canada report offers a reminder that healthy lifestyles have an impact on health care costs as well as on individual wellbeing.

The Conference Board of Canada's analysis of lifestyle factors among provincial populations finds that there is significant room for improvement in how Canadians take care of their own health. Its analysis is part of a major report, Paving the Road to Higher Performance: Benchmarking Provincial Health Systems, which will be released on Thursday, May 23.

"The provinces that rank higher in lifestyle factors also perform better in overall health status. These findings highlight the importance of health promotion and disease prevention programs to control demand for health care services," said Gabriela Prada, Director, Health Innovation, Policy and Evaluation.

"Our analysis is not meant to 'shame and blame' provinces that do relatively poorly on any given indicator," said Prada. "Our intention is to identify performance achievements and gaps so that all provinces are better equipped to make decisions that will improve health care systems and population health."

The findings released today are the second of four categories published by The Conference Board of Canada in its benchmarking of provincial health systems, produced under the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care. In all, 90 indicators are assessed in the categories of Lifestyle Factors, Health Status, Health Resources, and Health Care System Performance.

The Lifestyle Factors category considers indicators that measure rates of health-related behaviours, which include:

...Heavy drinking
...Overweight or obese adults
...Smoking
...Fruit and vegetable consumption
...Physical activity

Almost all provinces show an increase in the proportion of Canadian adults reported to be overweight or obese since 2003. The trend is reversed when looking at daily smoking over the last few years. Canada has been able to decrease its smoking rates, and it shows relatively low rates of smoking compared with other OECD countries.

The Health Status segment was released on Thursday, May 16. The remaining segments to be released are:

Health System Resources and Performance - Wednesday, May 22
Overall Grades - Thursday, May 23

The overall findings will be revealed at The Conference Board of Canada's Western Summit on Sustainable Health, to be held May 22-23 at The Westin, Edmonton. This forum will provide an opportunity for all health stakeholders from across the West to connect, share ideas, and discuss how to transform the health care system and improve the health of Canadians.

Launched in 2011, the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care is a five-year Conference Board program of research and dialogue. It will delve deeply into facets of Canada's health care challenge, including the financial, workplace, and institutional dimensions, in an effort to develop forward-looking qualitative and quantitative analysis and solutions to make the system more sustainable.