Canadian Cancer Society encourages Ontarians to join the Ontario Health Study to fight back against cancer

TORONTO, September 29, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Cancer Society encourages Ontarians to join the Ontario Health Study and help lead to a better understanding of the various factors that cause cancer and other diseases.

Launched today, the Ontario Health Study is a large-scale, population-based study that will follow the lives of eligible Ontarians to determine how environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors affect the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

"As one of the leading causes of death in Ontario, cancer touches everyone," says Martin Kabat, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "We fully support the Ontario Health Study because this research will provide invaluable information that will lead to better prevention strategies and treatments for diseases such as cancer."

An estimated 65,100 Ontarians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and 28,200 will die of the disease.

As Ontario's population grows and ages, the number of new cancer cases and deaths are expected to rise, negatively affecting families and quality of life and placing an increasing burden on the province's health care system.

"The increasing cancer burden on our society illustrates why we need to enhance prevention, early detection and treatments," says Kabat. "The findings of the Ontario Health Study will help us do that now and for generations to come."

Ontarians aged 18 and older are invited to participate in the study. To enroll, visit www.ontariohealthstudy.ca.



The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

New report shows overuse of diagnostic imaging and inappropriate prescribing

Health Council of Canada releases report on how physicians' decisions affect health care services in Canada

TORONTO, September 27, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - A report released today by the Health Council of Canada, Decisions, Decisions: Family Doctors as Gatekeepers to Prescription Drugs and Diagnostic Imaging in Canada, calls for better management of prescription drugs and diagnostic imaging services in this country. The report examines the increasingly complex role of family physicians and the effects of their decisions on usage of Canada's health care services.

As the first point of contact with the health care system for many Canadians, family physicians make decisions that affect patients' treatments, and also impact the health system as a whole. The report finds that physicians, today, are faced with many challenges, that they are prescribing more medications and ordering more diagnostic imaging tests than ever before, and that they need support to avoid inappropriate and over-use of these costly services.

"Family physicians act as 'gatekeepers' and play a key role in ensuring that our health care services such as drugs, diagnostics, and specialist services are being used appropriately," says John G. Abbott, CEO, Health Council of Canada. "Given the host of factors that influence their decision-making, we can do more to assist family physicians in curbing the overuse of diagnostics and drugs, and make significant improvements in managing our health care system."

Over the past 10 years, the number of prescriptions filled at community pharmacies has almost doubled - from 272 million in 1999 to 483 million in 2009. This suggests that some Canadians are getting drugs they do not need, while others are not getting medications from which they could benefit - putting into question the appropriate use of prescription drugs in Canada. Furthermore, the report indicates that between 1990 and 2009, the number of CT scanners more than doubled from 198 to 465 and within that same period MRI scanners increased from 19 to 266 - resulting from federal investments over the past decade. Compared to 2003, there has been a 58% increase in CT scans and 100% increase in the number of MRIs conducted.

The report acknowledges the difficulty in tracking how physicians' decisions affect the use of health care services. For example, available data do not show conclusively whether the use of family physician services has increased or decreased over the past decade, despite an increase in the number of family physicians in practice.

The report further finds that use and adherence to clinical practice guidelines is too low. Clinical practice guidelines inform providers - family physicians - about appropriate care while helping to reduce the variation in care.

Similarly, improvements are needed in terms of use and access to electronic medical and health records across the country. Canada continues to lag behind many other countries in the use of health information technology. Few family physicians use electronic medical records. The use of computers is often confined to administrative duties such as electronic billing and scheduling appointments, but not clinical work. The increased adoption of better usage of electronic health systems will lead to more comprehensive data on how drugs are prescribed and used, linking them back to effects on health outcomes, while encouraging adherence to clinical practical guidelines.

"We can make up for this lack of information through additional research and the wider adoption of electronic health records by family physicians," stated Abbott. "It is a critical foundation for safe and appropriate prescribing and medication management. It is essential that an electronic system is in place to efficiently assist physicians in following clinical practice guidelines, making the best decisions for their patients and for the sustainability of our health-care system."

About the Health Council of Canada

Created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, the Health Council of Canada is an independent national agency that reports on the progress of health care renewal in Canada. The Council provides a system-wide perspective on health care reform in Canada, and disseminates information on best practices and innovation across the country. The Councillors are appointed by the participating provincial and territorial governments and the Government of Canada.

To download reports and other Health Council materials, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca.

Join the discussion visit www.canadavalueshealth.ca

Nova Scotia plan to lower prescription pricing a step in the right direction: Health Council of Canada

TORONTO, September 24, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Health Council of Canada applauds the Nova Scotia Department of Health for their steps towards ensuring low drug prices in their province. The plan includes meeting with groups, such as community pharmacies, doctors, medical staff at health authorities, senior groups and drug manufacturers for input on how to lower prices for prescription drugs and contain drug costs.

In a recent report, Generic Drug Pricing and Access in Canada: What are the Implications?, the Health Council of Canada stated that the goal of any drug-policy reform should be to create an environment that addresses the needs of patients at an affordable cost that can be sustained over the long term.

"This initiative is a step in the right direction to ensure that the people of Nova Scotia can afford the prescription drugs they need. It will also help to ensure that drugs programs are affordable and sustainable into the future," said John G. Abbott, CEO of the Health Council of Canada.

Nova Scotia's plan outlines five measures that are being considered to lower prescription drugs prices: Set generic drug prices, limit pharmacy rebates, tender for one or more drugs, establish rules around price increase, and define the price paid to pharmacies for drugs.

These measures are in line with the strategy recommended by the Health Council of Canada in their generics report, which included six critical success factors:

Effective pricing strategies;

...Appropriate and efficient use of generics;
...Alternative drug-distribution channels;
...Diverse offering of pharmacy services;
...High consumer involvement; and
...Optimal government involvement.

"Prescription drugs must be affordable and accessible to all Canadians," said Abbott. "It is possible, if governments take the steps we outlined in our report."

About the Health Council of Canada

Created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, the Health Council of Canada is an independent national agency that reports on the progress of health care renewal in Canada. The Council provides a system-wide perspective on health care reform in Canada, and disseminates information on best practices and innovation across the country. The Councillors are appointed by the participating provincial and territorial governments and the Government of Canada.

To download reports and other Health Council materials, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca.

"Natural Disasters Will Accelerate" With Climate Change: Bill Clinton

from TreeHugger.com
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York

The 2010 Clinton Global Initiative is in full swing, with business, heads of state, and nonprofit groups joining forces to forge philanthropic programs of every stripe. Last year's event, which I covered as well, focused largely on energy and female empowerment. This year's meeting has aptly skewed towards addressing disaster relief, especially natural disasters. Apt because this year has been chock full of tragic natural disasters -- from the floods in Pakistan to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, to the heatwaves in Russia. Thankfully, Bill Clinton took the opportunity to note the link between (non-earthquake) natural disasters and climate change:

Clinton noted how global warming is set to increase the frequency of natural disasters like floods, heatwaves, and hurricanes. He said that "the incidence of economically devastating natural disasters will accelerate around the world with the changing of the climate," which is right on the mark.

Noting the link between natural disasters and economic devastation is especially pertinent -- after all one of the (who am I kidding, the) primary hesitation that governments continually have in acting to mitigate climate change is the purported cost. Every piece of climate policy that has ever been drafted in the US has faced criticism from opponents that it's too expensive. We can't afford to pay slightly more in energy bills. Those slight additional costs would derail the economy.

This, along with mostly being nothing but talking points (climate legislation like that which passed the House of Reps last year would do little but raise energy costs very marginally -- as in a few more bucks a month -- for most households), ignores the fact that the impact of climate change will indeed be exceedingly expensive.

And disaster relief is just the tip of the iceberg -- considering the costs of relocating resources and communities as climes grow warmer, the impact on global agricultural operations (see how the heatwave in Russia decimated grain production for evidence), and the incoming need to cope with sea level rise on coastal cities (to name a few), it's not difficult to fathom how expensive bearing the full brunt of climate change will be....read more story at TreeHugger.com

Second wake-up call for Canada to address the issue of dementia today

New landmark report reveals massive global costs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, ranking them the equivalent of the world's 18th largest economy.

TORONTO, September 21, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The World Alzheimer Report 2010 was released today to mark World Alzheimer's Day and heighten awareness of the global economic impact of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Released by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), the Report paints a comprehensive picture of the ballooning personal, economic and social costs of dementia on world economies and draws a stark conclusion: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are poised to be the single most significant health and social crisis of the 21st century.

"This is the second wake-up call for Canada," says Debbie Benczkowski, CEO of the Alzheimer Society. "World governments, including Canada, are woefully unprepared for the impending crisis unless we start acting now."

The World Alzheimer Report 2010 comes on the heels of the Society's own report, Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, that was released last January.

"Today's release validates the findings of our Canadian study and is in line with recommendations we presented to the Federal Health Minister last January for a comprehensive National Dementia Strategy," explains Scott Dudgeon, Rising Tide's lead author. "We know from history that major diseases can be managed, even prevented, but this requires the political will to make greater investments in research and care options."

The Report also comes at a time when Canada and the Alzheimer Society prepare to host the 26th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International in Toronto in March.

"Canada does not currently have a National Dementia Strategy," adds Benczkowski. "This is an opportune time for all levels of Government to step up to the plate and position Canada as a world leader in dementia care and research. The Alzheimer Society is eager to work with the Federal Government and its Provincial and Territorial counterparts to make sure this happens."

World Alzheimer Report key findings:

...Worldwide costs of dementia will exceed 1% of global GDP in 2010 - at US$604 billion. About 70% of the costs occur in Western Europe and North America.

...If dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).

...The number of people with dementia will double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050

...The costs of caring for people with dementia will rise faster than the prevalence. Costs of informal care and the direct costs of social care generally contribute similar proportions of total costs, while the direct medical costs are much lower.

...Countries like the UK report Alzheimer's disease as one of the costliest illnesses, yet research and investment are at a significantly lower level compared to other major illnesses.

Recommended actions:

The World Alzheimer Report urges the global community to take the following immediate actions:

...World governments must act urgently to make Alzheimer's a top priority and develop national plans to tackle its social and health consequences. Several countries have already moved in this direction, including France, Australia and England.

...Governments and other major research funders must increase research funding to a level more proportionate to the economic burden of the disease. Recent UK data suggests that a 15-fold increase is required to reach parity with research into heart disease, and a 30-fold increase to achieve parity with cancer research.

...Global governments must develop policies and plans for long-term care that anticipate and address social and demographic trends; these plans should focus on the needs of family caregivers and provide social protection for the most vulnerably affected.

....The scale of the disease requires worldwide actions. It must be addressed as a top World Health Organization (WHO) priority and find its way onto the G-20 and G-8 Agendas.

About Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by a number of progressive disorders that impair memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is irreversible and is the most common form of dementia. It accounts for 64% of all dementia cases in Canada.

The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years after age 65. At 85, the odds of developing the disease increase 50%. According to the World Alzheimer Report released in 2009, approximately 35.6 million people worldwide are affected - that's more than the total population of Canada. This figure will increase to 65.7 million by 2030 and 115.4 million by 2050.

About the World Alzheimer Report

The report combines the most current prevalence data from the World Alzheimer Report 2009 with enhanced data on low and middle-income countries from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group studies in Latin America, India and China. The report uses representative population-based samples from developing countries to quantify the cost of informal care systems previously excluded from impact estimates. The report was jointly authored by Professor Anders Wimo, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Professor Martin Prince, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK. To download the report: www.alz.co.uk/worldreport

About the Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimer Society is Canada's leading nationwide health organization dedicated to people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer's research and training and provides enhanced care and support to those affected, including their families and caregivers. The Society is a prominent voice within all levels of government. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society is also a founding member of ADI. Visit: www.alzheimer.ca.

About Alzheimer's Disease International

Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) is an international federation of 73 non-profit Alzheimer associations around the world in official relations with the World Health Organization. Each member provides support for people with dementia and their families. Learn more: www.alz.co.uk/adi

All Aboard the Dream Catcher Express Fall Colour Train!

NORTH BAY, Ontario September 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Dream Catcher Express, an exciting fall colour train excursion traveling between North Bay and Temagami, will be returning for a limited six day engagement in 2010:

September 24, 25, 26 and October 1, 2 and 3.

In partnership with local hospitality operators, the Dream Catcher Express will offer passengers a variety of unique experiences including the romance of rail travel, vibrant fall colours and a sampling of Aboriginal culture.

"The Dream Catcher Express offers visitors and residents the perfect opportunity to take in the scenic fall colours of the area while at the same time, enjoying a great train ride," commented Paul Goulet, President and CEO of Ontario Northland. "We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from passengers who have travelled on the Dream Catcher Express since it was introduced in 2005 and we are very proud to once again partner with local tourism stakeholders to promote rail travel and the region."

The Dream Catcher Express will leave Ontario Northland's North Bay Station at 9:30 a.m. each morning, for a captivating 100 km journey northward to Temagami. Passengers will have an opportunity to delight in the explosion of red, orange and yellow covering the forest from the large viewing windows and in the comfort of spacious passenger cars. The Dream Catcher Express also features live entertainment by Relik, a quartet performing music of the 50's, 60's and 70's, and a licensed snack coach.

Once in Temagami, passengers will have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of lunch options, and either tour the area on their own, or take advantage of a number of fascinating activities, including:
Learning through a story teller about the Aboriginal culture, while enjoying a traditional Aboriginal lunch;

...Cruising beautiful Lake Temagami on a houseboat;
...Walking or hiking through the old growth White Bear Forest;
...Enjoying a scenic bush plane flight over the Temagami region;
...Touring the historic Temagami Station; and
...Visiting Caribou Mountain and the Fire Tower for an unbelievable panoramic view of the area.

Depart Temagami at 3:45 p.m. and arrive back in North Bay at 5:45 p.m.

Pricing

Day Trip - Train Only - $80.00 + taxes per person (adult fare)
Day Trip - Aboriginal Culture or Cruise Lake Temagami Packages $160.00 + taxes per person (adult fare)

Senior, student, children and group rates are also available!

Information and Reservations
For more information or to make a reservation, customers are encouraged to contact:
1.800.268.9281
TTY/ATS: 1.866.472.3865
Or to visit our web site at www.OntarioNorthland.ca

New Vote Smart Campaign Helps Ontarians Make Good Choices in Municipal Election

TORONTO, September 17, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Less than six weeks to go before Ontario's municipal elections, a new non-partisan election campaign was launched today by Environmental Defence and the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance. The Vote Smart campaign is polling candidates on environmental positions, going door to door to talk to voters, running advertisements, and organizing a get-out-the-vote push.

"Municipal councils make key decisions that have a direct impact on Ontarians' quality of life," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. "The outcome of upcoming municipal elections will be critical to preserving Ontario's Greenbelt and what is left of the farmland and green spaces across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. We hope to help voters make good choices."

The non-partisan campaign includes one of the largest municipal candidate surveys ever conducted in Ontario, with about 1,000 municipal candidates surveyed across the Greenbelt region, as well as in Waterloo, Guelph, Mississauga and the Lake Simcoe region. In all, Vote Smart covers 53 municipalities and 9 regional councils across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Survey results are already available to voters at www.votesmart2010.ca.

Campaign workers have already been at festivals and farmers' markets, and going door to door talking to voters. A report on municipal campaign financing is being produced, and ads encouraging voters to make good choices will be run. The campaign push will end with get-out-the-vote activities encouraging voters to go to the polls.

Over 320 candidates from regions across the Greater Golden Horseshoe have already responded to the survey. Of those that have responded:

94% indicated that they support growing or strengthening the Greenbelt in their community.
65% indicated that they would support a province-wide ban on election contributions from corporations and unions
94% indicated that they would support the creation of a policy that would favour purchasing locally-grown foods for their municipal facilities.

"Every year we are losing farmland and our access to local food is dwindling at an alarming rate," said Amber Cowie, Greenway Program Manager for Ontario Nature, and member of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance. "It is important that voters know that their representatives will work to protect the remaining agricultural land and the natural heritage systems within them, otherwise the economy and ecology of Ontario will be even further compromised than it is now."

Environmental Defence and The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance do not support or endorse any individual candidates running for elected office.

Visit the Vote Smart website at: www.votesmart2010.ca

About Environmental Defence (www.evironmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence protects the environment and human health. We research solutions. We educate. We go to court when we have to. All in order to ensure clean air, clean water and thriving ecosystems nationwide, and to bring a halt to Canada's contribution to climate change.

About the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance (www.greenbeltalliance.ca): The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance is a diverse multi-stakeholder coalition of close to 100 organizations who share a common vision for protecting and expanding the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt. Environmental Defence is the coordinator of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance.


VoteSmart2010 Municipal Candidate Survey Questions

There are 9 standard questions for all candidates in the Greenbelt area. In some areas there is an additional question related to a local issue, these are listed in Regional Questions, below.


1) Currently, only municipalities can make a request to the Province to grow the Greenbelt, and they are responsible for implementing the Greenbelt Plan. Do you support growing the Greenbelt within your municipality and/or strengthening support for Greenbelt protection in your municipality?

2) In order for the Greenbelt to remain protected, municipalities must adhere to the Province's Places to Grow strategy, specifically, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, while respecting the protections under the Greenbelt Plan. Do you support concentrating development within your municipality's existing urban boundary, with no further urban expansion into farmlands or greenfields?

3) New roads and other infrastructure fragment the natural areas of the Greenbelt, threatening its ecological integrity by destroying connections between natural heritage features. Do you support urban planning that would facilitate enhanced infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, an efficient public transit system, increased funding for public transit and/or improving links to regional public transit systems?

4) Strong market demand in urban areas near the Greenbelt for locally-grown foods supports a viable agricultural sector in the Greenbelt. Do you support the creation of a policy in your municipality that favours purchasing locally-grown foods for municipal facilities like nursing homes, day care centres and City cafeterias?

5) Do you support stronger recycling and green-bin programs to reduce waste in your municipality?

6) Water is a precious resource, yet Canadians continue to be one of the biggest per capita water consumers in the world, using almost double the amount of other developed countries. Do you support creating the water conservation policies necessary to offset new residential water demand for your municipality?

7) Given the need to reduce Ontario's contribution to climate change and foster the creation green jobs through investment in the green energy economy, will you support the removal of local barriers to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects in your community?

8) Although aggregate (gravel) extraction is a permitted land use in the Greenbelt Plan, it continues to have huge negative impacts on the natural environment. Would you pursue a procurement policy that requires the highest level of recycled content allowable in municipal works projects, and situates aggregate extraction in areas away from sensitive natural heritage and source water features?

9) Do you support changes to the Ontario Municipal Elections Act to require that donations to candidates come only from electors in the municipality where the candidate is running, and that union and corporate contributions are banned?

10) Regional Questions

Candidates for Aurora, Barrie, Bradford-West Gwillimbury, Brock, Innisfil, King, Newmarket, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, and Ramara: If elected, will you take measures in your municipality to help achieve the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan's target of "a minimum 40% high quality natural vegetative cover in the watershed" while protecting prime agricultural lands?

Candidates for Burlington and Oakville:
Do you support the Region of Halton's Natural Heritage System and will you oppose any attempts to locate new highways through it?

Candidates for Collingwood, Essa, New Tecumseth and Tiny:
If elected will you push Simcoe County to set a waste diversion rate of more than 76% by 2030 and increase public oversight of the program?

Candidates for East Gwillimbury and Georgina:
If elected, will you take measures to ensure a stronger municipal role in limiting new infrastructure in the Greenbelt, such as highways and sewer lines, proposed for your municipality?

Candidates for Hamilton:
The Province issued a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) in April 2010, at the request of the City of Hamilton and the Region of Halton, to stop the first Greenfield quarry in the Natural Heritage System of the Greenbelt and the Carlisle drinking water protection area, proposed by St Mary's Cement. Will you defend the governments' decision to protect the Greenbelt before the relevant tribunals, such as the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)?

Candidates for Mississauga:
Valley lands and other natural infrastructure are irreplaceable air and water purifiers. They are a major factor in fighting the effects of climate change in our municipality. If elected, will you support the highest level of protection possible for these valuable natural features?

Candidates for Vaughan:
If elected, will you support the protection of the remaining non-urban, or "whitebelt", lands in Vaughan, to help preserve farm land and greenspace and to control urban sprawl and traffic?

Health Canada is reminding Canadians of the importance of food safety for older adults.

OTTAWA - September 16, 2010

As you age, it becomes harder for your immune system to fight off harmful bacteria. This means that older adults can come down with a serious illness if they eat contaminated food. For this reason, it is very important to choose, handle and cook food properly before eating. It is very important for older adults or their caregivers to follow food safety steps to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million cases of foodborne illnesses in Canada every year. Many of these illnesses could be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques.

To minimize the risks of foodborne illness, older adults or caregivers of older adults should follow these steps when handling and preparing food.

Separate

- At the grocery store, separate raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood from other grocery items.
- Place these raw foods in separate plastic bags that you can get in the produce or meat sections.
- In your home refrigerator, store raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood on the bottom shelf to prevent any juices from the meat dripping down onto other foods.

Clean

- Wash all plates, utensils, and cutting boards that touch or hold raw meat, poultry or seafood with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher before using them again for foods that you do not cook before eating, like fresh fruit and raw vegetables or ready-to-eat foods. You may also use the following solution to help you sanitize your surfaces and utensils:

Combine 5 mL (1 tsp) of bleach with 750 mL (3 cups) of water in a labelled spray bottle.
Spray the bleach solution on the surface/utensil and let stand briefly.
Rinse with lots of clean water and air dry (or use clean towels).

- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meats, poultry or seafood and after using the bathroom, touching pets or changing diapers.
- Always wash raw fruits and vegetables gently in cool, running water. You can also use a vegetable brush to scrub hard skin produce such as carrots, potatoes, melons and squashes.
Remember, you can't always tell whether foods carry surface bacteria by the way they look, smell or taste.

After using reusable bags for grocery shopping, make sure that you clean them after use, especially if they contained raw meat, poultry or seafood. It is a good practice to have grocery bags specifically for raw meats, poultry, fish and seafood; make sure they are clearly labeled as such.

Chill

- Make sure you store your raw meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator at 4ºC (40ºF) and below.
- After grocery shopping, make sure your raw meat, poultry and seafood are refrigerated as soon as possible; this is especially important on hot days.
- Put leftovers back in the refrigerator as soon as you are finished eating. Never leave food out on the counter for over two hours.

The simple rule is: When in doubt, throw it out.

Cook

- Make sure that your food is thoroughly cooked before eating it. You can reduce your risk of foodborne illness by avoiding high-risk foods

Remember, visual cues like colour are not a guarantee that food is safe. Don=t guess! Use a digital instant-read food thermometer to check when meat and poultry are safe to eat. Cooked foods are safe to eat when internal temperatures are:

71ºC (160ºF) for ground meat
74ºC (165ºF) for leftover food and boned and deboned poultry parts
85ºC (185ºF) for whole poultry

Caution

- Older adults should also pay close attention to what they are eating. Some foods are at a higher risk for foodborne bacteria than others.
- Make sure to cook hot dogs and deli meats until they are steaming hot before eating them
- Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood
- Avoid refrigerated smoked fish or seafood
- Avoid unpasteurized juice, cider and milk
- Avoid soft and semi-soft cheeses made from raw or unpasteurized milk
- Avoid refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads.
- Avoid uncooked foods made from raw or unpasteurized eggs.

For more information on food safety tips for older adults, please visit:

Government of Canada's Food Safety Tips for Older Adults

It's Your Health on Food Safety for Older Adults

Government of Canada's Food Safety website

Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education's Be Food Safe Canada Campaign

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Food Safety for Older Adults Guide (PDF Version - 1570 K)

Fitness for Seniors Has a Whole New Meaning Today

Posted in HealthBlog Fitness | September 16th, 2010

In generations past, exercise was believed to be mostly for the younger set. It was even believed that seniors couldn’t increase muscle mass or strength if they wanted to. Studies at Harvard and elsewhere have now firmly put that myth to rest.

Exercise for us 50+ folks is decidedly healthy. As people age, several changes occur that exercise can help slow or reverse. Metabolism slows, leading to increased fat accumulation. Artery passageways often narrow, leading to higher blood pressure and lowered flow. Bones become thinner and more porous, a condition known as osteoporosis. Muscles and skin lose tone.

Those effects can be retarded or even turned back to a degree with regular, age-appropriate exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests 15-60 minutes of aerobic (oxygen-enhancing) exercise a few days per week.

One goal among others is to raise the heart rate to 60-90% of the safe maximum (220 beats per minute, minus your present age). A good cardiovascular workout - a 30-minute brisk walk or three 10-minute walks per day, mild jumping jacks, gentle jogging in place, swimming, a dance routine or any other method - helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.

Strength-building exercises help keep the muscles toned and keep weight and blood sugar levels at appropriate levels. Balance exercises can help build good leg muscles, leading to better support for joints and less likelihood of a fall. (The National Institutes of Health report 300,000 hospital admissions per year for broken hips, many of them from seniors falling.)

Gentle static and dynamic stretching exercises help keep muscles flexible and joints lubricated. That helps out with balance, but it also maximizes range of movement. That means better coordination and less pain during both exercise and everyday activities.

Endurance exercises help keep the heart and lungs healthy as well as keeping muscles toned, joints moving freely and other body systems functioning well. A slightly higher metabolic rate stimulates a variety of organs to produce needed biochemicals. The human body functions better, longer when it is subject to mild activity than when sedentary for long periods.

All these activities help raise the onset age of osteoporosis and to minimize its effects after it begins. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is less likely for the physically active. Certain forms of heart disease are less likely for those who exercise moderately later in life.

There is ample evidence that moderate, regular exercise helps the psychology as well. It can decrease the severity of depression and heighten mood. The social aspects can help with the isolation that seniors sometimes feel, especially as friends and loved ones are no longer part of their lives.

Seniors should consult a physician or trainer (preferably both) before starting any new exercise program. Begin slowly, especially if exercise has not been part of your lifestyle. Build up flexibility, strength and endurance gradually.

If you have a medical condition, be sure to discuss your plans with a physician and fitness expert to develop an exercise routine appropriate to you.

Fatigue, aging and disease have been linked to free radical damage. Free radicals damage your cells of essential electrons, leaving them damaged, mutated or dead-while they go on to destroy neighboring cells. Only a broad-spectrum antioxidant supplement can provide your body with all the anti-aging, disease-fighting nutrients your body needs.

Article Source: Fitness for Seniors Has a Whole New Meaning Today

Health Ministers Must Engage Now in National Dialogue on Health Care

OTTAWA, September 14, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pressing Canada's federal, provincial and territorial health ministers to sharpen their focus and engage with Canadians in a dialogue to develop a strategic plan to ensure the future sustainability of Canada's health care system.

"Canada's health care system is facing serious challenges to its sustainability due to increasing demand and costs," said Dr. Jeff Turnbull, President of the CMA. "The health care system belongs to Canadians and they should have a say in how to make it sustainable."

Last month, the CMA released a new policy document, entitled "Health Care Transformation in Canada: Change That Works. Care That Lasts." The document notes that Canada's health care system faces the dual challenge of meeting the health care needs of Canadians while being affordable and not crowding out all other public spending. In a report released earlier this week, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development echoed the CMA's sustainability concerns.

"Canadians want and deserve to be engaged in a more strategic approach that will help to keep them healthy, improve patients' experience of health care and improve the results we get for the money we spend as a nation on health care," said Dr. Turnbull. "That is how we can address the sustainability challenges facing Canada's health care system."

Canada's doctors believe that the time is now for Canada's federal health minister to step up and engage her provincial/territorial counterparts in strategic discussions on health care. Canadians agree, as a poll done by Ipsos Reid for the CMA last month found seven out of 10 (71%) Canadians said the federal government should focus equally on health care and the economy. The poll also showed that (86%) of respondents say they have seen no real action from government to address the challenges of our health care system.

"Canada's doctors and the patients we serve expect their elected representatives to join in discussions about how to transform our system and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and accountability," said Dr. Turnbull. "The time to start the dialogue is now."

Overweight and Obese Make up Majority in Ontario

Heart Institute Study Finds Strong Link to High Blood Pressure, Diabetes

OTTAWA, September 9, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - New analysis of a landmark health survey by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) shows that 70% of Ontario adults are either overweight or obese, and have a strong prevalence of high blood pressure that could lead to heart attack or stroke.

The research, led by Dr. Frans Leenen of the Heart Institute's Hypertension Unit, adds new information to a limited amount of Canadian data on obesity and high blood pressure. The analysis further strengthens the link between high blood pressure and above normal Body Mass Index (BMI), a formula for body composition calculated by height and weight.

"Obesity is rapidly increasing in Canada because we are eating far more than our bodies require. We know better than ever that even being overweight creates other problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels and thereby endangers cardiovascular health," said Dr. Leenen. "Public health strategies to reduce the growing epidemic of obesity would also reduce the burden of high blood pressure and other negative effects leading to heart disease."

Study results were published this week in the American Journal of Hypertension (AM J Hypertens 2010; 23: 1000-1006). They represent the latest analysis from the Ontario Survey on the Prevalence and Control of Hypertension, the first comprehensive assessment of high blood pressure in Canada since 1992.

The survey, conducted by the Heart Institute with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, examined 2,552 Ontarians aged 20 to 79 years old in 16 communities from Sudbury to Windsor. Results showed 52% of people aged 60 and over had high blood pressure but that the majority was receiving treatment. As well, high blood pressure was more common among people from ethnic groups such as South Asians and Blacks.

The latest analysis shows that 48% of adults were overweight (with a BMI of 25 to 29.9) and 22% were obese (with a BMI of 30 and over). Normal BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Obesity levels tended to increase with age from 10% in younger people to 33% in older subjects. High blood pressure was twice as common among obese people. Diabetes and high cholesterol was three fold higher.

"Being obese is followed by several serious heath problems. If we reduce weight, then we can help reduce high blood pressure - these facts are becoming more apparent as a way to live healthier," says Dr. George Fodor, head of UOHI Prevention and Rehabilitation Research, and an investigator who helped lead the research.

About UOHI

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national and international community, and are pioneering a new era in heart health. For more information, visit www.ottawaheart.ca

The Greater Challenge To Retirement Planning: Maya Prophecy, Climate Catastrophe, Or Living Big?

from TreeHugger.com
by John Laumer, Philadelphia

For many the idea of Retirement Planning has been derailed by a global economic slump and increasing health care expenses. Those who take seriously the December 21, 2012, Maya Prophecy about astronomical alignment obviously won't bother at all. (This latter force is hooey though: thrown in get your attention to the risk posed by weather extremes that prospective retirees must now consider.) Meanwhile, most of The English feel it will "not be feasible for people to stop work then live on a pension for up to 30 years." (According to this BBC story.)

What then is doable for the elderly person hoping to switch to a green lifestyle that may include some work for pay? How will climate change shape a thoughtful person's retirement choices?

In a sort of an homage to the book "Blink," here's my short-list of retirement planning trends we are likely to read about in the news soon. The idea is to go beyond the usual live-next-to-mass-transit and have bedroom-on-first-floor thinking.

The Reverse Snowbird - hoards of former snow birds move north to US states that line the Canadian border, were water is plentiful, hurricanes few, and 90+ degree days infrequent.

The "Jerry Brown" move- Legions of retirement age boomers decide to run for local elected office. They are focused on controlling local destiny to make their communities livable and green.

Merry Pranksters Revisited - A group trip around the nation, looking for a place to settle that is relatively stable in the face of so much freaky weather. Dust off those RV's while you can.

Retirement Kibbutz A short step past living next to the CSA. Kids will be welcome to visit. Might even take over some of those near-abandoned ghost towns in middle America. (ohhh wait...this already happened?)... read more story at TreeHugger.com

A Pesky Pest Makes a Dramatic Comeback in the United States

From The Scout Report

Perhaps some of you remember the admonition "Don't let the bedbugs bite"; if recent reports are any indication, it would appear that bed bugs are biting quite a few people in the United States.

These tiny creatures (whose Latin name means "bug of the bed") are confounding pest control experts, hotel owners, and even sage entomologists. Bed bugs have sought out humans for
thousands of years, and they are also the rare insect that doesn't seem to transmit any disease as they move from host to host. Not much was heard about bed bugs in the United States from the late 1950s to the late 1990s, and some have attributed this to the successful use of DDT, though this explanation is quite problematic.

Some scientists are now suggesting that the resurgence of these tiny creatures may be due to their importation from overseas visitors. Once a bed bug infestation starts, it can be very expensive to rid any dwelling or property of their presence, as such a treatment requires everything from ripping up carpets to dismantling furniture.

Bedbugs Crawl, They Bite, They Baffle Scientists [Free registration may be required] - an article from this Monday's New York Times about the curious bed bug and its dramatic return to cities big and small.

Bedbug Disclosure Law, Signed by Gov. Paterson, Forces Landlords to Reveal Apartment Infestations - leads to a post from the Wall Street Journal's "Metropolis" blog, which talks about New York's efforts to compel landlords to reveal their apartments past bedbug infestations.


New York, Darwin, and Cimex Lectularious - leads to a piece from New York magazine about the recent increase in bedbug infestations around the city.

Bedbugs: MayoClinic.com
- a useful fact sheet from the Mayo Clinic about bed bugs.

Bed Bugs: University of Kentucky Entomology - leads to another helpful fact sheet from the University of Kentucky's
entomology department.

The Bed Bug Registry is a public database of user-submitted bed bug reports from across the United States and Canada. Users can search for bed bug reports by hotel name, street address, or city, and they also have a Twitter feed as well.

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2010.
http://scout.wisc.edu

Making Physical Activity a Part of an Older Adult's Life

from Healthcare Information
Recent Health and Fitness Articles
September 4th, 2010

When it comes to getting the physical activity you need each week, it’s important to pick activities you enjoy and that match your abilities. This will help ensure that you stick with them.

Things to Keep in Mind

...Regular physical activity is still safe and beneficial even if you have problems doing normal daily activities, such as climbing stairs or walking.

...If you have to take a break from your regular workout routine due to an illness such as the flu, be sure to start again at a lower level and slowly work back up to your usual level of activity.

...To get to and stay at a healthy weight, start by doing the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week. Keep in mind that you may need to do more activity or reduce the number of calories you eat to get to your desired weight.

Improving Your Balance

Balance training
Check with your local senior center to see if they offer balance training or tai chi classes.

Are you at risk for falling because you’ve fallen in the past or have trouble walking? Older adults who are at risk for falling should do exercises that help them with balance. Try to do balance training on at least 3 days a week and do standardized exercises from a program that’s been proven to reduce falls. These exercises might include backward walking, sideways walking, heel walking, toe walking, and practicing standing from a sitting position. Tai chi, a form of martial arts developed in China, may also help with balance.

What if you have a chronic condition?

If you have a health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease it doesn’t mean you can’t be active. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Regular physical activity can improve your quality of life and even reduce your risk of developing other conditions.

Talk with your doctor to find out if your health condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum guidelines, try to do as much as you can. What’s important is that you avoid being inactive. Even 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is good for you.

What if you have a disability?

If you are an older adult with a disability, regular physical activity can provide you with important health benefits, like a stronger heart, lungs and muscles, improved mental health and a better ability to do everyday tasks. It’s best to talk with your health care provider before you begin a physical activity routine. Try to get advice from a professional with experience in physical activity and disability. They can tell you more about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for you and your abilities.

When to Check With Your Doctor

Doing activity that requires moderate effort is safe for most people, but if you have a health condition such as heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes be sure to talk with your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.

Dead birds test positive for West Nile Virus

Guelph Residents are being urged to take precautions

September 02, 2010 - Guelph, Ontario - Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health - With West Nile Virus detected for the first time in these areas this summer, local residents are being urged to take precautions against the disease.

A dead blue jay found in Guelph tested positive for the virus. The positive result means some mosquitoes in the area carry West Nile Virus.

"There has been an increase over last year in West Nile Virus activity reported in Southern Ontario," says Fatih Sekercioglu, WDG Public Health's West Nile Virus program coordinator. "Testing dead birds is just one way we monitor and control West Nile Virus in our community. We regularly trap and test mosquito pools and larvicide standing water and catch basins in high risk areas. But we depend on the community to be diligent in dumping and draining standing water to reduce the mosquito population."

West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird. The disease can sicken people, horses, many types of birds and other animals. It is not spread from birds to other animals or people.

Recommended Actions:

To reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, local residents are encouraged to:

•Cover up when outside by wearing light-coloured clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats and socks, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

•Applying federally-registered insect repellent on exposed skin (such as products containing DEET) is also recommended to limit exposure to mosquitoes.

•Clean up standing water around their properties that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. Cleaning up dense shrubbery where mosquitoes can rest is recommended as well.

•People are also advised to make sure homes are ‘bug tight’ by ensuring windows and door screens fit tight and do not have holes.

Help choose Robert Munsch's 30th book with Scholastic Canada

VISIT www.scholastic.ca AND VOTE NOW!

TORONTO, September 1, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - To celebrate Robert Munsch's 30th book with Scholastic Canada, fans of Canada's bestselling author can decide which story will be published in May 2011.

Three story ideas have been posted on www.scholastic.ca and readers can vote online from September 1 to October 31, 2010. The story that receives the most votes will be turned into a book, illustrated by long-time Munsch collaborator Michael Martchenko.

"Scholastic Canada has proudly published Robert Munsch's books since 1997," says Scholastic Canada Co-President Iole Lucchese. "We thought this would be a fun way to celebrate his 30th book with us. Robert is always gathering story ideas when he's meeting children. Now fans can have a say in what story they would like to see become a book."

Each of the three stories is set in a different location in Canada: Rigolet, Labrador; Fort McMurray, Alberta; and Brussels, Ontario, and each was inspired by children Munsch met while visiting those communities. Munsch will visit the locale of the winning story when the book is published in May.

Munsch and Martchenko have two books coming out this September: Mad About Munsch!, a collection of five favourite stories, and Too Much Stuff!, a new picture book about a young girl who is determined to take all her toys on a trip with her.

Scholastic Canada is the country's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining works for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, and teacher materials. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.ca.

Insurance Bureau of Canada encourages Ontarians to learn about today's auto insurance changes

TORONTO, September 1, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Reforms to Ontario's auto insurance system are taking effect today, and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is encouraging Ontarians to take the time to learn about their auto insurance.

Under the new rules, a standard auto insurance package will be available, providing up to $50,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits and up to $36,000 in attendant care benefits. No-fault benefits remain unchanged at up to $1.1 million in medical rehabilitation benefits and $1 million in attendant care benefits for injuries that are determined to be catastrophic. Consumers will have the choice to increase these and other benefits according to their needs.

"Because consumers now have more choice, it is important that they speak with their insurance representatives before making any decisions concerning their auto insurance," advised Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "This is also a good time for all of us to learn more about auto insurance in general."

Consumers can visit IBC's website at www.ibc.ca and click on Ontario Auto Insurance Reform for more information.

All Ontario drivers will be receiving explanatory documents with their auto insurance renewal notices. For more information about the reforms or to view these documents, consumers can also visit www.fsco.gov.on.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 110,000

Canadians, pay more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion