CMA Ends Annual Meeting with Call for a More Patient-Centred, Sustainable and Accountable Health Care System

OTTAWA, August 26. 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - As the 143rd Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Medical Association wrapped up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, yesterday physician delegates from across the country put forward important new ideas and directions to transform our health care system and give it a patient-centred approach.

"Delegates sent clear direction that we must, and will, work together across our profession and most importantly with our patients to confront the challenges facing the health care system," said outgoing Canadian Medical Association President, Dr. Anne Doig.

The meeting also included direction that reporting and accountability at all levels in the health care system must be improved. Specifically, delegates stated that accountability must be an important element in the negotiations to renew the soon-to-expire federal/provincial/territorial agreement on funding for health care.

"We need a heightened commitment to improve public reporting at a coordinated federal-provincial-territorial level," added Dr. Doig. "Our system also desperately needs improved accountability and reporting within the health care system." This message was echoed at the meeting by the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser.

In closing the meeting, incoming President Dr. Jeff Turnbull served notice that sustainability of the health care system would be a major focus for his term.

"Sustainability isn't just about money. It's about what that money gets us," said Dr. Turnbull. "It's about providing universal access to high quality health care, delivered in a cost-effective manner and with an emphasis on evidence and outcomes. There is no value in having financial sustainability if we don't use those resources to ensure and improve the overall quality of the system itself."

"I believe that a transformed health care system can foster innovation, be accountable and provide value for money."

CMA delegates also passed many motions aimed at improving the health of Canadians. One such motion calls for a ban on mixed-martial arts, or ultimate, fighting.

"These battles, with opponents punching and kicking each other into submission, can lead to serious injury and even death," said Dr. Doig. "One of my most important responsibilities as a physician is to advocate for good health and healthy Canadians and this activity is a serious threat to that."

The 144th Annual Meeting of General Council will take place in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador from Aug. 21-24, 2011.

Anne Frank's Tree Finally Falls

from TreeHugger.com
by Bonnie Alter, London

The chestnut tree outside Anne Frank's attic window was a source of hope and comfort to her whilst in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. She often mentioned it in her poignant diaries: "The two of us looked out at the blue sky, the bare chestnut tree glistening with dew...and we were so moved and entranced that we couldn't speak."

The 152 year old tree has been dying slowly for a few years and had been propped up by a supporting structure. Until Monday, when it finally collapsed in high winds and broke "like a match." It was a symbol of hope for Anne Frank and of continuing life for all mankind.

The tree had been afflicted with fungus and moths. However it had been expected to live another decade or so. It is not clear why the support structure which encased it did not work. No buildings around the densely packed urban area were harmed.

Its demise has long been expected. Six genetically identical specimens, grown from grafts from the original, have been nurtured in northern Holland and are already 7 feet high, in anticipation of the original being taken down at some point. Canada will get its own which will be planted outside the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre. A Holocaust survivor got a seed pod from the tree and donated it.

Saplings have already been planted in Europe and the USA. Amsterday planted 150 in a park. As a nauseating aside, bits of the tree are already being sold on Dutch websites.

The tree was dear to Frank's heart. In her diary, in February, 1944, she wrote "Nearly every morning I go to the attic to blow the stuffy air out of my lungs. From my favorite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind. As long as this exists, ... and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies - while this lasts I cannot be unhappy."... read more story at TreeHugger.com

It's Canadian National Exhibition time again!

from Wikipedia.org

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), aka The Ex, is an annual event held at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The CNE grew out of an annual late summer fair at a time when Toronto was the centre of a farming community. It is Canada's largest fair and the fifth largest in North America, with an average annual attendance of 1.3 million.

Prior to the CNE, a major agricultural fair was held in a different city every year in the province of Ontario. In 1878, Toronto hosted the fair, and it was a major success with over 100,000 visitors. Based on the success, local politicians and business groups lobbied for a permanent summer fair to be held yearly in Toronto. This was fought by other Ontario communities that feared the loss of business from having to compete with a major fair. The travelling fair allowed rural communities to get exposure that they would not normally have had.

The Toronto operators won and the first "permanent" fair was held in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition at what is now Exhibition Place. The current grounds from the Gardiner Expressway (north end), to Lake Shore Boulevard (south end), and from Strachan Avenue (east end), to the Dominion Gates (west end), Exhibition Place covers 196.6 acres (0.796 km2) of land. During the CNE, when all parking areas are included, such as the Gore Lot, Marilyn Bell Park, Coronation Park and Battery Park, the size of Exhibition Place swells to 260 acres (1.1 km2).

In 1937 Patty Conklin of Conklin Shows was awarded the contract for the CNE midway and his company continued to provide this service to the CNE until 2004, at which point it merged with other leading midway operators to form North American Midway Entertainment (NAME).

The CNE was not held between 1942 and 1946, when the land and its facilities were turned over to the Department of National Defence as a training ground. After World War II, it was used as a demobilization centre.

On August 22, 1952 at 2:30 PM local time, the CBC tested television broadcasting by airing the opening of the 73rd Canadian National Exhibition. This was the first ever (unofficial) broadcast in Canadian television history.

Over the years the CNE has changed extensively to meet the needs of the growing and changing demographics of Toronto and Southern Ontario...read more story at Wikipedia.org

GWSA Peer Learning

Peer Learning sessions are weekly, roundtable discussions of 2 hours each (including a coffee break). For 10 years and more, groups have met to explore important and topical issues, and to have some fun too. Enrolment is limited to 14 people per topic - this ensures everyone's voice is heard

Peer learning is a social, interactive experience. All participants are enthusiastic and eager to learn, and want to hear about your particular point of view. So do not be intimidated by the prospect of “giving a talk“. It is more like a friendly exchange of ideas at the village pump, or by the office water cooler.

Fall 2010 Topics

Life and Death Issues

In modern times, science has given us more power over life and death than our ancestors ever dreamed of. Are we playing God? Are there limits to the humane and ethical use of the technologies we now have? What guidance can religion give us on these issues?

In this session we will discuss topics such as how far the human lifespan can be extended. Why can't we live forever? What about the use of cryogenics to extend life? What implications are there for a world with a growing population of seniors?

At both the beginning and end of life there are also many controversial issues such as birth control and abortion, in vitro fertilization, surrogate motherhood, and the perils of multiple births, euthanasia and assisted suicide, funeral rites, and the issue of burial or cremation..

Join us to hear different views and add to the discussion! - Mondays 9:30-11:30 am - Moderator Barb McLeod

Religions in Crisis

The Roman Catholic Church is torn with revelations of sexual abuse of children by priests and its cover-up. Fewer men and women are becoming priests, monks, and nuns. Christian churches face falling attendance and less influence.

Many of those who practise religion are turning to fundamentalism. Islamic fundamentalists not only threaten western countries, but also attempt to impose extreme regimes on moderate Muslims. The religious right exerts a lot of influence in American politics.

Are Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and other religions also facing crises?
Will religion diminish in importance and societies become more secular, or will religion play a stronger role in many countries?

In these sessions we will discuss these and other issues, and how the followers of religions are coping with the crises. - Tuesdays 1:30- 3:30 pm - Moderator Geoff Richards

Who Ran The World in 2009? Who is running things anyway?

 Every year Forbes Magazine compiles a list of the most powerful people in the world. These are the men and women who keep the world spinning and set the stage that our lives are lived on.

No. 1 is Barack Obama - no surprise there. But the second most powerful man in the world is Hu Jintao. Ever heard of him?

Shouldn't we know something about those who call the shots in our lives? -Thursdays 9.30-11.30 am - Moderator Lois Finlay

How Peer Learning works

Each session consists of two twenty minute presentations, followed by group discussion and exploration of the issues and points of interest raised.

A moderator facilitates the smooth running of the program and encourages full group participation. Participants bring their own ideas and experience to the sessions, and all benefit from the exchanges. With the number of participants limited to 14, everyone's voice is heard, and the discussions are thoughtful and meaningful.

At the first meeting, participants select the aspect of the topic which interests them and determine the date of their presentation

Participants then research their chosen topic and prepare their presentation. The form of the presentation is quite open - it may be just a talk, or it may include handouts, or even a formal presentation - it is up to the individual

Sessions are held at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre,

683 Woolwich St Guelph Ontario

Cost $15 per course.

Participants must be members of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association(Membership Fee $20)

For more information

Email - gwsa.peerlearning@gmail.com

Tel - Ross Coulter, President GWSA Peer Learning 519-821-3993

Putting elderly poverty in context

from the ConferenceBoard.ca

By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older will more than triple, to 1.5 billion worldwide. Aging presents a significant challenge to the long-term sustainability of public finances through increases in demand for public pensions, health services, and long-term care in Canada and its peer countries. Together, rising life expectancy and low fertility create a demographic pincer movement, the impact of which is sharpened by increasingly early retirement. In Europe, there are about 35 people of pensionable age for every 100 people of working age. If present demographic trends continue, there will be 75 pensioners for every 100 workers in 2050.
Canada, like its peers, has a greying population. In 2030, an estimated 23 per cent of the Canadian population will be over age 65, double the share in 1990.

Elderly poverty is both a social and a fiscal problem that will be exacerbated as higher percentages of populations in developed countries move into the over-65 demographic. Poverty rates among the elderly tend to be highest among women, particularly widows over the age of 75. This is largely due to pension allowances that have traditionally been linked to employment history.

As Canada and its peers work to encourage the growth of private pensions as a means of decreasing reliance on public pension systems, the most vulnerable among the elderly are being put at greater risk of poverty. According to The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, “Systematic reforms have changed the nature of pension provision from defined benefit type provisions to defined contribution type provisions.” Defined contribution plans—in which people receive only what they put into the plan plus whatever that investment earns—can result in a greater risk of poverty in retirement for people who have earned less while working.

... read more story at the Conference Board

New Online Resource Helps CKD Patients Advocate for Better Care

ImPACKD and The Kidney Foundation of Canada Join Forces to Help Launch IMPACKD.ca


TORONTO, August 17, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Before today, millions of Canadians living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) did not have a strong online advocacy presence. Improving Patient Advocacy in Chronic Kidney Disease (ImPACKD) and The Kidney Foundation of Canada are now joining forces to provide an effective resource. Together, they are launching www.inpackd.ca, a microsite of www.kidney.ca that is specifically designed for Canadians affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).

"ImPACKD is dedicated to helping CKD patients and their families take an active role in bringing about positive change by using their first-hand knowledge of the daily challenges and frustrations caused by CKD," explains Carroll Thorowsky, an Executive member of ImPACKD and CKD caregiver. "With the web platform support and charitable sector expertise of The Kidney Foundation, we are providing a vehicle for the CKD community affected by kidney disease to communicate with each other as well as health care professionals and government. Our goal is to improve access to the care and services we - as CKD patients and caregivers - most need."

The Kidney Foundation of Canada supports ImPACKD's goal of empowering CKD patients and their caregivers. "We are pleased to be collaborating with ImPACKD to share resources, support and information that can help improve the lives of people affected by kidney disease," says Paul Shay, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

With a vast provincial disparity in the way CKD patients are treated, cared for and monitored, ImPACKD first came together in November 2009 with the initial goal of advocating for equal access to optimal care for Canadians affected by chronic kidney disease. Since that time, ImPACKD has expanded its areas of focus to include proactive screening for patients at risk of developing kidney disease and increased dietary assistance for CKD patients through additional listings on nutritional labels.

"There are issues surrounding kidney disease that are not currently being actively addressed, but the development of ImPACKD.ca hosted on The Kidney Foundation of Canada's website will provide the forum needed by the CKD community to voice its concerns and raise the much needed public awareness around these issues," says Marie-Eve Chainey, an Executive member of ImPACKD, a CKD patient, and volunteer with The Kidney Foundation's Peer Support Program.

ImPACKD encourages patients to take responsibility for their health by learning about health risks, treatment options, the right questions to ask and the importance of reporting any adverse events they experience.

To find out more about ImPACKD, please visit www.inpackd.ca or www.kidney.ca/advocacy.


About Chronic Kidney Disease(1)

CKD is the presence of kidney damage or a decreased level of kidney function for a period of three months or more. This disease affects an estimated 2 million Canadians. Diabetes, high blood pressure, anaemia and cardiovascular disease are the most common causes of CKD.

The disease is currently divided into five stages depending on the severity of the damage to the kidneys.

Stage I: Patients have more than 90 per cent kidney function Treatment - Identify and try to reverse the cause of decreased kidney function.

Stage II: Patients have 60 to 89 per cent kidney function Treatment - Try to stem the progression of the disease

Stage III: Patients have 30 to 59 per cent kidney function Treatment - Try to stem the progression of the disease

Stage IV: Patients have 15 to 29 per cent kidney function Treatment - Explore dialysis and transplant options

Stage V: Patients have less than 15 per cent kidney function Treatment - Dialysis or transplant required to sustain life

Not all CKD patients progress through all five stages of the disease. In patients with Stage IV kidney disease, death is a more common outcome (45.7 per cent) than dialysis (19.9 per cent)(2). In other cases, patients remain stable at Stage IV or benefit from a successful kidney transplant.

There is no cure for CKD, but it is possible to prevent or delay disease progression(3) through early detection, access to therapeutic intervention and lifestyle changes.

About ImPACKD

Improving Patient Advocacy in Chronic Kidney Disease (ImPACKD) is a group of CKD patients, caregivers, specialists and professional advocates committed to raising awareness of issues that greatly impact persons affected by kidney disease.

ImPACKD's goal is to empower patients and caregivers to be informed of all possible treatment alternatives, to have the right to access to all treatment options and to have all information regarding risks and benefits of these treatments fully explained to them(4). ImPACKD seeks to bridge the gap between CKD patients, their caregivers, families, doctors and key opinion leaders(4).

About The Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. Since its creation in 1964, The Kidney Foundation of Canada has contributed millions of dollars to research, and to providing services to individuals living with chronic kidney disease and related conditions.

As older people grow in numbers, experts seek ways to handle the coming boom

Telemedicine improves elder care at home
With the number of elderly people in the United States rising, more medical technology has been created to help them manage their health from home.



from the Washington Post
By Patrick Egan August 10, 2010

The tsunami looms: By 2050, nearly 90 million Americans will have passed age 65, and every corner of society will feel the impact. With our inadequate health-care workforce, outmoded retirement ideas and rigid housing policies, how can our country prepare? Beyond rethinking ways to ensure retirement savings (mandatory government savings plans?) and redefining retirement (phased retirements? working longer?), researchers and professionals are trying out, and in some cases reviving, some ideas... more story at the Washington Post

Acclaimed community energy initiative brings billion dollar solar company to Guelph, Ontario

Guelph shows the world what’s good for the environment is good for the economy

GUELPH, Ontario August 11, 2010 Canada News Wire - Canadian Solar Inc., the world's eighth largest solar module company, announced today it will establish a $24 million solar module manufacturing facility in Guelph. The facility will be one of the largest on the continent.

City and Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure officials, along with Canadian Solar executives, are attributing the location choice in large part to Guelph's Community Energy Initiative—Guelph's ambitious and internationally recognized plan to use less energy in 25 years than it does today, consume less energy per capita than comparable Canadian cities, and produce less greenhouse gas per capita than the current global average.

Businesses have traditionally been drawn to Guelph for its highly educated work force, established economic base and high quality of life. The Community Energy Initiative is another powerful draw for companies in the environmental technologies sector. Indeed, it’s part of what’s drawn Canadian Solar Inc.

“We chose Ontario and Guelph because of the province’s and city’s strong research and development, and the local and provincial governments’ commitment to investing in a low carbon economy,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman, President and CEO of Canadian Solar Inc. “The site selection for the new facility spread across Ontario, but in the end Guelph was chosen over several major cities as a result of its commitment to making sustainability the hallmark of the community through the Community Energy Initiative.”

With cities around the world watching Guelph’s innovative model, today’s announcement is an example of the Community Energy Initiative in action; government, business, investors, and citizens working together to build sustainable communities as a way to address the most serious ecological challenge of our time: climate change.

"Guelph has been named one of the safest, smartest and most caring communities in Canada with a quality of life amongst the best in the country,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge at this morning's announcement. “Quality of life is important in the new economy. By making sustainability a hallmark of our community, we’re attracting jobs and investment that will allow us to thrive while managing our energy use in our own community.”

Acclaimed community energy initiative brings billion dollar solar company to Guelph, Ontario

Since the adoption of the Plan on which Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative was based, the Province of Ontario has implemented the Green Energy Act, helping to spawn a very active solar energy market.

“Guelph is another example of Ontario’s success in attracting clean energy investment and jobs,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “Canadian Solar’s decision to locate its first North American manufacturing plant in Guelph is a great vote of confidence in the city, the province, and the Green Energy Act.”

Canadian Solar Inc.’s Guelph facility will bring up to 500 jobs to Guelph, and the first phase of operations is expected to begin later this year. At full capacity the facility’s total output will generate solar-based power that exceeds the entire current electrical demand of the Guelph community. The Guelph facility will be Canadian Solar Inc.’s first outside of China.

About the City of Guelph

Located in one of the strongest economic regions in Canada, Guelph is the ideal destination for companies to access major markets and customers. Guelph is a vibrant, growing, historic community of over 118,000 residents offering an educated work force, established economic base and an outstanding quality of life.

Guelph offers competitive land and building development and business operating costs partnered with a variety of employment lands and buildings available to meet most business needs as well as fully interconnected and scalable telecommunication network and services.

About Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)

Canadian Solar Inc. is a leading vertically integrated provider of ingot, wafer, solar cell, solar module and other solar applications. Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar systems for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar module producers by manufacturing capacity. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global sustainable development. For more information on Canadian Solar Inc., visit www.canadiansolar.com. Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. For more information on Canadian Solar Solutions, visit www,canadian-solar.ca.

About the Community Energy Initiative

The Community Energy Initiative (formerly Community Energy Plan)is Guelph's commitment to use and manage energy differently, and better, than it has in the past. The initiative is also intended to attract quality investment to the city. After all, experts agree that a reliable, sustainable energy supply is and will continue to be a key ingredient in the long-term competitiveness and prosperity of cities.

Guelph leaders formed a Consortium to proactively develop a community energy plan in 2004. In 2006 the Consortium formalized a long-term Community Energy Plan (CEP) which would guide the city’s energy future for years to come. The CEP team had a mix of local and global expertise ensuring the plan incorporated the best elements of urban energy management from around the world. Today, Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative is regarded as a model for cities seeking an integrated, community-based approach to energy use and greenhouse gas reduction.

Revealing The Truth of It: Powerful Video Series Shares Canadians’ Stories About Living With Cancer

TORONTO, Ontario August 10, 2010 – Every person’s cancer experience is unique – but common themes along the way provide insights that can help to improve care. This is the idea behind the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s new online video series, The Truth of It. Developed in collaboration with the Health Design Lab, part of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, The Truth of It features interviews with Canadians diagnosed with cancer who were asked to share their story so others could learn from their experience. By providing candid accounts of the personal impact of cancer, the video series will serve as an educational resource for health care professionals as well as patients, survivors and others with a personal connection to cancer.

Reflecting that there is no one common experience in coping with a cancer diagnosis, the people interviewed for The Truth of It range in age from 20 to 73 and have been diagnosed with different types of cancer including breast, colorectal, lung, testicular, and ovarian. Viewers can choose to watch individual stories or compilations of multiple interview clips that deal with challenges common to the cancer journey such as receiving the diagnosis, telling friends and family, talking to kids, body image, and practical advice. Currently 30 videos are available, with more to be added over time.

“The Partnership has created this series as part of our work to better understand and improve people’s cancer experience,” said Dr. Margaret Fitch, a psychosocial expert who is Chair of the Partnership's Cancer Journey Advisory Group and co-lead of the Patient and Family Support Program at Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre. “By helping health care professionals to tune into the patient’s perspective, The Truth of It will help to enhance patient care – while also serving as a unique resource for people with a personal connection to cancer who can benefit from insight and information from others who have walked the cancer journey.”

Jennifer Smith is one of the people who shares her story in the videos. In 2003 at the age of 38, she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia and has since undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. She is married and has two children.

“If this resource were available when I was diagnosed, it would have helped me navigate the many uncertainties and range of emotions that I experienced,” said Jennifer. “Because hearing from others in similar situations can be such a helpful way of coping, I’m hoping that other people can learn from my story.”

Revealing The Truth of It: Powerful Video Series Shares Canadians’ Stories About Living With Cancer

The Truth of It video series was created in collaboration with accomplished filmmaker Wendy Rowland and Dr. Michael Evans, Director of the Health Design Lab of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

“Technology is radically changing the way people seek answers to their health questions, but hearing about someone’s actual experience -- their 'story' -- is still the most powerful tool,” said Dr. Michael Evans, family physician and Director of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. “In marrying technology with stories, The Truth of It enables people to engage with other Canadians whose experiences resonate with their own. These firsthand accounts offer a range of perspectives that make this series useful to both patients and professionals.”

The Truth of It is part of the growing collection of cancer control resources, information and services available at Cancer View Canada, the online portal launched by the Partnership with and for the cancer control community. For more information and to view the series please visit www.cancerview.ca/thetruthofit.

Contract awarded for the provincial diabetes registry project

TORONTO, August 9, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - eHealth Ontario and Infrastructure Ontario announced today that with the awarding of a contract to CGI Information Systems and Management Consultants Inc., a subsidiary of CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.A), work can begin on a chronic disease management system (CDMS) that will be used initially as a Diabetes Registry to manage diabetes care.

The number of Ontarians with diabetes has doubled over the last 10 years - and has grown to more than one million people in 2010. A CDMS to manage diabetes treatment and prevent the onset of related conditions such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, will save lives, improve the quality of life for Ontarians, and will contribute to more sustainable health care by reducing a significant burden on the healthcare system in Ontario. It will also form an essential part of electronic health records.

A system for health care providers to manage diabetes care is one of the key deliverables of the province's Ontario Diabetes Strategy and a top clinical priority for eHealth Ontario. The CDMS-Diabetes Registry will be an interactive, real-time information tool to help providers develop care plans and monitor clinical results to improve care. The CDMS-Diabetes Registry will build on the foundation of eHealth Ontario's provincial identification and access systems infrastructure to ensure the secure identification of patients, providers and relevant diabetes health care services, based on common informatics standards and access technology.

Providers will be able to:

...Manage the care of patients with diabetes according to recommended guidelines;
...Securely receive data from sources such as OHIP claims and lab test results;
...Access important tests and lab results to provide better care;
...Produce reminders, alerts and reports to improve patient care.

The selection of CGI is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that began with a request for expressions of interest in February 2009. A third-party fairness monitor oversaw the procurement process to ensure fairness, equity, objectivity, transparency and adequate documentation of the process.

The contract with CGI spans a six year period. Payments to CGI will begin following substantial completion of the CDMS-Diabetes Registry. CGI will be paid by the province over a five-year operations and maintenance period. The total cost of the contract with CGI is $46.2 million.

eHealth Ontario is working with Infrastructure Ontario to deliver the project under the province's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) delivery model. AFP transfers risks to the private sector vendor, including those related to providing the chronic disease management system, its financing and maintenance for a fixed period. This ensures the system is delivered on time, on budget and is well-maintained and operational.

eHealth Ontario plays the leading role in harnessing technology and innovation to improve patient care, safety and access in support of the government's health strategy.

Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.ehealthontario.on.ca for more information.

NYT Spotlights Yoga for Seniors, Not Just the Svelte

from TreeHugger.com
by Jessica Root - Brooklyn, NY

People think to do yoga you have to be flexible. But the flexibility is not in the body. It's in the mind. That's why anyone can do it.

Amen! As an expert stepping ever more deeply into the often misrepresented world of yoga (what? you can't wrap your ankle around your head?), it's always nice hearing such sagely words like those above from Ricardo Sisco. Sisco is an instructor who guides weekly chair yoga classes to seniors at New York's RAIN Inwood Senior Center. So too is it refreshing that Sisco is just one of several yoga instructors championing gentle yoga for elders, that the New York Times recently highlighted in their Health blog.

Anyone following yoga in the media knows that the ancient practice is often positioned as a trend that only the affluent, limber, sexy, svelte, and hip are a part of. Long overdue, this new blog post increases the NYT's yoga street cred, helping to uproot the the idea of Hatha yoga as fad and brings it back to its true purpose. Among other things, it's a way to increase health and longevity.

After all, yoga for seniors offers a chock full of benefits: aiding with sounder sleep, increasing energy and muscular strength, reducing (if not preventing) arthritis, serving as therapy for old injuries, and helping aid respiration, to just name a few.

Recent science is also backing up the benefits:

...Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University found that after six months of yoga, people ages 65 to 85 could stand longer on one leg and gained flexibility...

A study led by Dr. Gail Greendale, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that six months of yoga helped reduce excessively rounded backs in people ages 65 to 90...read more story at TreeHugger.com

Seniors Support Services EXPO

Presented by the Make Yourself At Home Program at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, the home of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association.

Everything you ever wanted to know about non-profit agencies to help you stay at home, healthy aging, lifestyle and more. Speak with agency representatives and have your questions answered.

Refreshments available

Wednesday, September 15, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
683 Woolwich St., Guelph, Ontario

Call Pat Gage 519.837.5696 for more information

There are many non-profit programs that seniors can access in our community and we have a great variety of such programs attending.

Alzheimer’s Society, VON, Canadian Hearing Society, CCAC, Guelph Independent Living,

Home At Last, Wellington & Guelph Housing Services, IGSW’s,

Immigrant Services of Guelph/Wellington,

Meals on Wheels, Victim Services, Women in Crisis,

Trellis Mental Health & Developmental Services, Guelph Wellington Seniors Association

Mark Your Calendar for these Make Yourself at Home upcoming activities:

Mon. Aug. 16 “Making Recipes Healthier” presented by Holly Reimer, RD, 2:30 – 3:30 Free

Thurs. Aug. 26 Sensational Salads Food Tasting, 10:30 – noon Front Foyer ESCC Free

Wed. Sept. 15 Senior Support Services Expo 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Room 4 ESCC Free

Mon. Sept.20 “Chronic Pain Management Workshop” presented by the Arthritis Society, 2 – 4 p.m. Free

...all are held at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, 683 Woolwich St. Guelph, Ontario

Veterans group says now is not the time to downsize Veterans Affairs

OTTAWA, August 5, 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - The National Council of Veteran Associations (NCVA) stated today that now is not the time to downsize Veterans Affairs Canada.

This comes in response to a July 14th article in the Globe and Mail that reports the Government is considering downsizing the Department as a cost-saving measure. A subsequent article in the July 24th Ottawa Citizen suggests the Government and senior public servants have failed Canada's veterans insofar as the financial support and benefits available to these returning disabled soldiers.

Brian Forbes, Secretary General of the 58 member-group NCVA, points out that, although Canada's traditional veterans are unfortunately aging, VAC continues to have significant responsibilities to the more than 155,000 veterans who served Canada during the Second World War and Korea.

"Many are presently suffering from their service-related disabilities together with other medical concerns brought on by the ravages of age. The Government, through the various programs administered by VAC, provides appropriate health care benefits, long term care funding and related services such as the Veterans Independence Program to alleviate the needs of these unique and special Canadians," Mr. Forbes said.

NCVA points out that there also are tens of thousands of widows in our traditional veterans' community, and VAC has an ongoing obligation under veterans' legislation to take care of not only our veterans, but their dependants in recognition of their incredible service and sacrifice.

"These remarkable women need our financial support and the benefits available under the Veterans Pension Act, the War Veterans Allowance Act and the health care programs that are applicable to their current circumstances," Mr. Forbes said. "In a great number of cases, the widows of our most seriously disabled veterans have acted as caregivers for many, many years, and now require our attention to ensure that their financial and personal well being is looked after."

"The job of VAC is far from over and indeed is entering a significant phase."

As pointed out in the Globe and Mail article, Mr. Keith Coulter, a former Deputy Minister, has recently submitted a report to VAC. It was NCVA's understanding, having held a number of meetings with Mr. Coulter, that he was appointed to evaluate the future of VAC and specifically how it was to accommodate veterans and families of all demographics.

VAC administers two major pieces of legislation - the original Pension Act for the traditional veteran and the New Veterans Charter for the modern-day veteran. At the same time, Health Care Benefits, VIP Programs and all other related policies are administered by the Department for all veterans and their families.

"It is quite clear that extensive financial and human resources are required of the Department due to the influx of disabled veterans returning from Afghanistan and earlier Canadian military missions," said Mr. Forbes. "Once again, given the physical, mental and psychological concerns confronting these returning veterans, the job of VAC will become more complex and intensive in order to address these multi-faceted problems."

Of significance is that the New Veterans Charter remains a work in progress. NCVA sits on a Committee established by VAC known as the New Veterans Charter Advisory Group together with other stakeholders, leading academics and governmental officials. Regulatory and policy consultation have been pursued to ensure that the substantive provisions in the new legislation satisfy the objectives of the reform. It has been NCVA's focus to support the policy that priority is attached to Seriously Disabled Veterans emanating from regular force experience.

Over the last two and a half years, the Advisory Group has carried out a study of the New Veterans Charter and completed a report last summer which has been delivered to the VAC Minister. It concludes that, although the New Charter has been reasonably effective in meeting the needs of the Regular Force members medically discharged with specific disabilities, there remain a number of substantial gaps and voids which require further legislative and regulatory amendments. A commitment was made by the Government, and particularly VAC, that the Charter would be considered a living document and that such revisions would be given appropriate consideration so as to fully satisfy the objectives of the new legislation.

"This basic principle was fundamental to our support for the Charter, and NCVA has recently written to the VAC Minister, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, indicating that we would call on the Government in furtherance of its commitment to address the substantial recommendations made by the Advisory Group through this recently released report. A failure to do so would reflect, in our respectful submission, a serious betrayal of this commitment," Mr. Forbes said.

As a major representative of many of the traditional veterans' organizations, with members suffering from serious disabilities, NCVA has taken the position that the New Veterans Charter should be augmented to consider the plight of the Regular Force member who is medically disabled with a "catastrophic injury."

Although it is recognized that the combined effects of the Disability Award, the Earnings Loss Benefit and the Permanent Impairment Allowance will be potentially of financial assistance to such an individual member, NCVA strongly believes that a further form of compensation is required in order to fully recognize the significant incapacity suffered in these circumstances, and has been recently working actively with senior officials of VAC with the intent of structuring such an award which, in NCVA's view, can be modeled on the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance provisions contained in the original Pension Act.

It remains NCVA's high priority as part and parcel of its involvement with the New Veterans Charter Advisory Group to ensure that VAC also fulfills the Government's commitment to traditional veterans and that the new Program's development does not lead to any reduction in future benefits and services provided to traditional veterans and their dependants.

"It is rather self-evident that VAC has a significant and complex mandate to carry out for all Canadian veterans, both traditional and modern-day. This is no time to be suggesting any diminishment in the role and responsibility of the Department," Mr. Forbes concludes. "Canada's obligation to our Armed Forces, of whom we have asked so much, requires that VAC be retained as a substantive Government presence for the foreseeable future. The idea that it would be viewed as a target in the overall evaluation of the Government deficit is totally unacceptable and a fundamental breach of our legal and moral commitment to these valiant and courageous members of the Canadian Forces."

The Benefits of Meditation

Daily stresses and distractions can frazzle your brain. With meditation, you shut the world out and concentrate on calm.

from EveryDayHealth.com
By Eric Metcalf
Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

This is how Kimberly Montgomery, 52, a clinical psychologist from Indianapolis, describes the experience of meditation:

Picture yourself in a room in a huge castle. You find the door that allows you to walk out of the castle, and you do so. As you cross to the other side of the moat and keep walking, the massive castle dwindles in size behind you, and you can now see the forest around it, and then a distant village.

Your “castle” could be a rut or something oppressive you're trapped in, and the meditation gives you a sense of space, says Montgomery.

Like Montgomery, a growing number of Americans are seeking the benefits of this popular form of alternative medicine. In 2007, a national survey found that nearly 10 percent of adults — more than 20 million people — had meditated in the previous year. That number had grown by nearly 24 percent since 2002.

Meditation: The Types

During meditation, people typically rest in a quiet location and focus their mind on a particular thought or activity. There are two common forms of meditation: transcendental meditation and mindfulness meditation.

In transcendental meditation, or TM, the practitioner sits in a comfortable position and silently repeats a sound, or mantra. Eventually, the individual reaches a state in which the mind is free of thoughts, and is silent, peaceful, but conscious.

Types of mindfulness meditation include:

Zen Buddhist meditation. With this type of meditation, you breathe in a precise manner while counting your breaths or focusing on a particular thought. As you do this, you become aware of being in the present moment.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). This program has been used to address chronic pain and illnesses. Again, it requires you to focus on your breath as it enters and exits your body, and when distracting thoughts intrude, you return your attention to the breathing and let the thoughts pass by. Another aspect involves "scanning" different parts of your body with your mind to assess the sensations in the parts... more story at EveryDayHealth.com

The United Senior Citizens of Ontario Inc. holds 52nd annual convention

TORONTO, August 2, 2010 /Canada NewWire/ - The United Senior Citizens of Ontario Inc., (U.S.C.O.) is holding its 52nd annual convention at the Holiday Inn & Conference Centre, 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph Ontario on August 16, 17, and 18, 2010 with approximately 200 delegates in attendance.

Representing some 300,000 seniors across the province, the U.S.C.O. is dedicated to promoting the quality of life of older adults through educating, counselling and advising seniors, service providers, and policy makers about issues of importance to seniors.

The delegates discuss resolutions that have been submitted by many of our 900 clubs.

These resolutions will be debated and voted on. Those passed will be forwarded in a brief to the various government ministries involved.

There will be speakers representing provincial and local government as well as presentations on other timely topics of interest to seniors.

This year the U.S.C.O. convention is dedicated to "Senior Awareness, Continuing to Care"

There will be booths available for people to peruse and workshops on Monday evening.

We look forward to a very exciting and challenging convention as we debate issues such as health, pension, transportation, etc.

We invite all persons over the age of 50 to become active in the seniors movement by joining the largest volunteer, grass-roots senior association in Ontario.

Give yourself a voice in your future - call U.S.C.O office at 1-888-320-2222 Or e-mail us at office@uscont.ca