Ontario pharmacists ready to provide safe, accessible services

Ontario pharmacists ready to provide additional safe, accessible services to patients in collaboration with other health professionals

TORONTO, Sept. 23 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ontario pharmacists are ready, willing and able
to provide expanded safe and accessible health services to patients, working as part
of the overall health team that Ontarians need to manage the many aspects of comprehensive health care.

This was the response today by the Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA) following
the Ontario Medical Association's launch of a media and advertising campaign claiming
patient safety would be endangered if pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
are given greater scope to help patients, as proposed by the Ontario government's
Bill 179.

"It's unfortunate the OMA has taken this approach in presenting its opposition to
Bill 179," said Dennis Darby, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Pharmacists'
Association. "Pharmacists know they can and should do more to provide much-needed
services to patients in this era of increasing health needs and scarce resources, and
that pharmacists, doctors and others need to work in partnership to maintain and
improve the health of Ontarians."

Like doctors, pharmacists are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals
with clear standards of practice designed to protect patient safety. While physicians
are the experts in diagnosis, pharmacists are experts in medication and medication
management. They have an in-depth knowledge of hundreds of prescription and non
prescription medications and are trained to assess, monitor, support and educate
patients on their medication therapy.

World Heart Day, 27 September 2009 - Work With Heart

Leading world bodies call for healthier workplaces to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Geneva, Switzerland (PRWeb UK/PRWEB ) September 24, 2009 -- In the lead up to World Heart Day on 27 September 2009, the World Heart Federation, the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum have joined forces to call on governments, employers and workers around the world to make workplaces healthier. Over 17.2 million people worldwide die annually from heart disease and stroke - the world's leading cause of death. Workplace wellness programmes that encourage healthy diets,
physical activity and restrictions on tobacco use have been shown to be a cost-effective way to save lives and improve productivity.

"There is still a widespread misconception that heart disease and stroke are "rich country" problems," said Dr Fiona Adshead, Director, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion at the World Health Organization. "In fact, over 80% of deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in low and middle income countries. We need a worldwide effort if we are to have a significant impact."

Harvest Home

September 22—Harvest Home

In Europe, the conclusion of the harvest each autumn was once marked by festivals of fun, feasting, and thanksgiving known as "Harvest Home." It was also a time to hold elections, pay workers, and collect rents. These festivals usually took place around the time of the autumnal equinox.

See more facts, folklore, and traditions about holidays.


Few things say summer like fresh berries, and the wide variety of colorful, delicious treats have the benefits of being antioxidant-rich and cancer-fighting, in addition to their sweet summertime flavors. Make this delicious vegan blueberry mousse to maximize the berries' tasty summertime goodness.

Harvest season: May - September

Putting Berries to Bed

Prune summer-bearing raspberries carefully, leaving six of the strongest brown canes for every 1 foot of your row.

Prune fall-bearing raspberries ruthlessly, mowing them to the ground after they have borne fruit. New canes will come up in the spring.

Plant blackberries now and mound up the soil around the canes to prevent hard frosts from heaving them out of the ground.

Health Council of Canada Health Innovation Award Launched

TORONTO, Sept. 10 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Health Council of Canada is turning to the leaders of tomorrow - Canadian college and university students - for their ideas on improving the health care system.

The Health Council of Canada Health Innovation Award will be given to the student or students who best answer the question: "What do you propose to help renew and sustain Canadian health care, and why?"

"The Health Council of Canada is committed to highlighting innovation in Canadian health care renewal. Who better to ask for their ideas than those who will shape the Canadian health care system in the future?" said John G. Abbott, CEO of the Health Council of Canada and member of the judging panel.

The Health Council of Canada is hoping the discussion will make its way into relevant courses across Canada, although health-related students are also encouraged to submit ideas independently.

"We're asking teachers and professors to take this discussion into their classrooms, to challenge their students, and to have their students generate well thought out and reasoned ideas. Who knows, the students may come up with something no one has thought of before," said Abbott.

The winners of the Health Council of Canada Innovation Award will have their submission featured on the CanadaValuesHealth.ca website, on the HealthCouncilCanada.ca corporate site and in a nationally-distributed Health
Council of Canada e-newsletter.

The Health Council of Canada, created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal is mandated to monitor and report on the progress of health care renewal in Canada. Councillors were appointed by the participating provinces, territories and the Government of Canada. For information on the Health Council of Canada and to view past reports, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca.

Pet Rules

from the Duffer's Rule Blog archives
Monday, July 2, 2007


To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.

Canadians to clear up health care myths for Americans

rabble.ca posts U.S. health care page debunking myths and posting health care testimonials

TORONTO, Sept. 11 /Canada NewsWire/ - In the wake of President Obama's health care
speech, rabble.ca is asking Canadians to weigh in on the American health care debate by providing testimonials on a new section of their website that can be found at:
"Health Care USA" section presents some simple facts about Canadian health care, links to resources on single-payer for Americans and testimonials from Canadians from all walks of life on the Canadian health system.

"Canadians are shocked and even angry that their health-care system, what we call 'Medicare', has been used to frighten Americans trying to make up their minds. Some of what has been said about our Medicare system are outright falsehoods, like the claim that we can't choose our own doctors or that government 'bureaucrats' can deny us needed treatment," said rabble Senior Contributing Editor Murray Dobbin. "These falsehoods would be laughable were it not for the fact that Americans might abandon the opportunity for excellent, less expensive health care because they believe these stories," Dobbin said.

rabble will be posting testimonials from ordinary Canadians who have used our system and from the professionals, doctors, nurses, and administrators who provide the service.

rabble.ca is Canada's most popular source of independent news and views, and features original news, opinion, book reviews, podcasts and live and pre-recorded video exploring issues facing Canadians. rabble.ca is in its 9th year of providing 100% free news content to Canadians. rabble is a non-profit, community supported organization.

Curing Colds

from the Duffer's Rule Blog archives
Wednesday, December 10, 2008

from the Farmer's Almanac

A common saying about a cold is that it “lasts for a week if you treat it, seven days if you don’t.” As amusing and true as that may be, it’s not fun to have a cold. What can we do to help our bodies through this seven-day healing process so that we can savor the joys of the season?

1. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated during times of dry indoor air.

2. Hot soups (chicken, of course) clear nasal passages. Try Granny’s Best Chicken Soup steaming hot and seasoned with garlic.

3. Herbal teas bring relief. Rose hip tea is full of vitamin C.

4. Eating foods heavy in garlic, onion, or horseradish may aide recovery as well.

5. To ward off spreading colds during the holidays, wash your hands frequently!

See more herbal cold remedies as well as ways to avoid colds and the flu before they start!

Simply stay warm, rested, and wait. In seven days, we all have the same amount of time!

Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings. –Publius Syrus (c. 42 B.C.)

 

Transit systems growth needed

Dramatic transit ridership growth requires action from governments and transit systems

OTTAWA, Sept. 4 /Canada NewsWire/ - National transit ridership and investment are both at all-time highs today, and transit is key to prosperous and livable communities. However, a detailed report from the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) says governments and transit systems must take proactive steps to ensure that transit lives up to its potential.

Transit Vision 2040 predicts that ridership levels will grow by 86% between now and 2040. Without a coordinated and strategic approach, transit systems across Canada will be unable to make their full contribution to our quality of life.

"By 2040, Canadian society will look very different than it does today. Canada's population is projected to grow to 40 million, and our population will be growing older as well," says John King, CUTA's Vice Chair of Small Transit Systems. "Transit Vision 2040 takes a proactive approach to enhancing our quality of life and ensuring that we make the right choices today to build a sustainable future for tomorrow."

CUTA consulted widely to produce Transit Vision 2040. It sought input from eminent Canadians including former provincial premiers, former federal cabinet ministers, economists, academics, journalists and scientists. Transit Vision 2040 has six major themes that call for action from governments and transit systems:

1. Put transit at the centre of communities
2. Revolutionize service
3. Focus on customers
4. Green transit
5. Ensure the financial health of transit
6. Strengthen knowledge and practice

"Together we recognize that sustainable development can't happen in isolation - a sentiment that is reflected in Transit Vision 2040," says Alex Cullen, Chair of the City of Ottawa's Transit Committee.

"In the image of Vision 2040, Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) has also adopted a Strategic Development Plan to ensure the mobility and vitality of the region's growing population now and for the years ahead. However, this work cannot be done in a vacuum. It involves actions and gestures by every level of government, because we are building the future together, right now! This is why the STO supports the CUTA initiative," declares STO President Patrice Martin

"We face mounting urban growth, roads are increasingly congested and it is a huge undertaking to revitalize and expand our existing infrastructure," concludes CUTA Chair Charles Stolte. "The decisions we make today will have significant implications for our future and for our children's future."

Eat Your Vegetables!

from the Duffer's Rule Blog archives
Friday, July 13, 2007

There is never a shortage of nutritional regimes, fad weight programs, and health crazes out there, most of which contradict one another. However, the one thing that every dietary messiah, eating planner, nutritionist, doctor, and culinary consultant agrees on is that vegetables are indeed very good for you.

FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.Org is a great resource for anyone who is trying to switch gears from brownies to broccoli, with a host of useful tips on how to select, prepare, cook and store fresh produce. Whether your motivation is to heal your body and promote longevity, or simply to lose weight, it is pretty much universally recognized that fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet. So eat your veggies!!!


Visit the website at Fruits and Vegetables More Matters