Eliminating Canada Post's monopoly would benefit consumers

MONTREAL, April 27, 2011 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - After several months of unsuccessful negotiations and conciliation talks, the employees of Canada Post voted by a margin of 94.5% in favour of going on strike at the end of May if they do not reach a negotiated settlement with their employer. Now is the perfect time to evaluate this public monopoly and to consider reforms that would improve its efficiency. In an Economic Note published today by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), economists Vincent Geloso and Youri Chassin show that opening up the postal sector to competition and privatizing Canada Post would allow for a more modern and affordable postal system, like the ones that exist in other countries.

Maintaining a monopoly on the distribution of letters, as Canada does, is a model that has increasingly been abandoned around the world. In the European Union's member countries, the sector is currently being liberalized, and postal monopolies will be a thing of the past as of January 1, 2013. Moreover, several countries, including Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, decided to go even further and privatize their public postal operator, a move which has resulted in significant rate decreases (up to 17% in Germany) ten years after the launch of reforms.

Here as elsewhere, the postal industry has been losing speed since the mid-1990s. While the number of pieces of mail delivered per person is falling, operating costs at Canada Post are rising rapidly. Labour costs, in particular, represent nearly two thirds of total expenses. "The management of Canada Post has made substantial efforts to improve the corporation's performance within its current framework. Unfortunately, in a monopoly situation, it is tempting to balance the budget by simply inflating the price of the product that no one else is allowed to sell. In 2009, for instance, Canada Post announced a 20% hike in the price of stamps over the next five years. Solutions for controlling costs are incompatible with a monopoly," explains Vincent Geloso.

For Youri Chassin, a first step toward privatizing Canada Post could take the form of an employee-share ownership program, so that workers could benefit directly from increases in productivity, both as shareholders and as employees. "A partial privatization to begin with, followed by an opening up of the postal service market to competition, would allow the sector to provide a better service at a lower cost," he says.

The Economic Note entitled Canada Post: Opening Up to Competition, prepared by Vincent Geloso and Youri Chassin, two economists with the Montreal Economic Institute, can be consulted free of charge at www.iedm.org.

The Montreal Economic Institute is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit research and educational organization. Through its publications, media appearances and conferences, the MEI stimulates debate on public policies in Quebec and across Canada by proposing wealth-creating reforms based on market mechanisms. It does not accept any government funding.

Healthy Aging® Magazine Hits Newstands - Debuts as Digital

By Healthy Aging

The time has never been better to launch Healthy Aging® Magazine

Healthy Aging® Magazine debuts with promises of inspirational articles, tips, techniques and information for positive aging. The full-color magazine banks on the stats that the majority of people over 50 are avid researchers of how to keep back the hands of time. They want positive, how-to information and would rather (or must) “re-invent” themselves than retire. The magazine is free.

According to publisher, Carolyn Worthington,

“The mission of Healthy Aging® Magazine is to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, who seek content, ideas, inspiration and critical information in the areas of physical, social, mental and financial health as a means to take greater responsibility for their own health.”

Designed by Barbara Chapman, one of America’s top designers, the magazine will initially be a free, digital magazine available by simply clicking on the magazine via Healthy Aging®, www.healthyaging.net. A print subscription version is slated for later in the year.

“Even if you are technologically challenged,” says Chapman, “you can easily just ‘turn the pages’ of our new magazine. We intend to make this not only an interesting magazine, but one you enjoy looking at, printing, sharing and saving.”

The digital magazine has been created to appeal to the magazine reader who wants the same experience as they have with a print publication. The table of contents allows for easy navigation. Just like one can tear out and save articles, the digital version offers save and share functions. All back issues will be saved online for future reference.

The ad sales team is targeting companies in the categories of physical, social, mental and financial fitness. “When people think of aging, they always think physical fitness,” Worthington notes, “But our research has shown that mental wellness, the importance of social support systems and financial fitness are just as important. That’s why we plan to attract upbeat companies in such categories as financial planning, continuing education, supermarkets, travel, food as well as the physical fitness.”

The advertising pages will offer dynamic possibilities, from embedded slideshows and video, to polls and Twitter feeds or links to Facebook. The digital publisher is Texterity, a leading provider of digital and mobile publishing solutions already with publications like Better Homes & Gardens, More, Advertising Age. In addition to being available via the Healthy Aging® website, issues may be obtained through Coverleaf. Like a traditional newsstand, Coverleaf displays and sells current issues of the public’s favorite periodicals.

The Healthy Aging® brand has developed over 15 years, from public television documentaries, educational materials, an award winning website, books, and tapes on the subject.

“When I started working on the concept, no one wanted to talk about growing older,” Worthington says. “Finally, the baby boomers are starting to see they need good information – and not just stuff about how decrepit they are or will be. They want to know, ‘how can I actively pursue my next 50 years,’ and we are here to help.”

Governor General of Canada becomes Patron of Community Foundations of Canada

OTTAWA, April 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Community Foundations of Canada is proud to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will serve as the organization's Patron for the duration of his viceregal term.

Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is the national membership association for the country's 178 community foundations. Community foundations have connected donors to community needs and opportunities since 1921 and are one of the country's largest supporters of local charities.

"Encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism are one of the three pillars of the Governor's General's mandate and we are honoured to have him as a Patron of Canada's community foundation movement," said Monica Patten, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. "His Excellency is a well-known champion of the power of philanthropy to drive local change."

The Governor General is also the opening speaker at CFC 2011 Conference - A World of Opportunity, an international gathering for the philanthropic sector taking place in Vancouver May 12-14. He will be joined by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, African human-rights advocate Naomi Tutu, and Next-Gen pioneer Michael Furdyk of TakingITGlobal.org.

The conference - which will attract nearly 600 guests from across Canada and around the world - marks the 90th anniversary of the Community Foundation movement, which began in Winnipeg in 1921.

For more information about CFC 2011 Conference, visit www.cfc-conference.ca.

New poll shows more than three quarters of Ontarians have suffered from foot problems

TORONTO, April 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - According to a recent poll conducted by Vision Critical for the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA), 77 per cent of Ontarians have experienced at least one foot problem. The poll was launched to help spread awareness to Ontarians about the importance of taking care of your feet.

Close to half (46%) of Ontarians with foot problems said that it affected their normal activities.

...12 per cent said that it caused them to reduce their work

...30 per cent said that it caused them to reduce their daily activities

....36 per cent said that it caused them to reduce their daily exercises

Alarmingly, only 28 per cent of Ontarians with foot problems have visited a foot specialist for treatment. "This is an unfortunate statistic because it tells us that there are many people suffering with foot pain when they don't have to," says Bruce Ramsden, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and President of the OPMA. "It is important that people see a foot specialist to determine the cause of the problem and obtain the best treatment."

Although the OPMA advises those with foot problems to seek out a foot specialist, a large concern falls under prevention. The poll shows that only 7 per cent of Ontarians visited a foot specialist before they turned 20, with only 2 per cent visiting a foot specialist before the age of 10.

"It is very important for children to have their feet examined by a foot specialist," says Ramsden. "Many children walk with a foot imbalance. Although they are not in pain, they may be damaging their feet which can lead to painful problems as they get older."

The month of May is recognized internationally as Foot Health Awareness Month. Ontarians can find the closest Podiatrist to them by visiting the OPMA website. For more information on the poll and additional foot health tips, please visit www.opma.ca.

About the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association

First established in 1965, the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA) represents podiatrists across Ontario. The OPMA strives to raise awareness to Ontarians on podiatry and the importance of foot care. For more information, please visit our website.

About the Poll

From March 15, 2011 to March 16, 2011, Vision Critical conducted an online survey among 808 randomly selected Ontarian adults who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.5%. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Ontario. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

New study shows majority of Canadians aren't aware of changes that will affect real estate transactions

Considering buying or selling a home without an agent? What you need to know before taking on the real estate market

TORONTO, April 25, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Although most Canadians (97 per cent) who have bought or sold a home are aware of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), only one-in-ten (11 per cent) understand how recent changes to the MLS will affect when they buy or sell a home privately, according to a new poll commissioned by the TitlePLUS program.

MLS provides Canadians with access to listings for thousands of homes from coast-to-coast which, until recently, was only available with the full suite of services traditionally provided by a real estate agent. Recent changes allow people who are selling their homes privately to use a real estate agent only to get their property listed on the MLS system, while they handle all other details of the transactions directly.

The TitlePLUS poll showed that while three quarters (72 per cent) of Canadians were not aware of the changes made to the MLS, almost half (45 per cent) of Canadians say they would now consider using a real estate lawyer and selling privately rather than using a real estate agent.

"What these findings show us is that there is an appetite among Canadians to conduct the sale of their home privately," says Ray Leclair, vice-president, TitlePLUS. "But buyers and sellers alike need to recognize the limitations of going it completely alone because of the intricacies of the often perceived common transaction. Consulting with a real estate lawyer early on in the process can ensure that consumers' interests are protected and that they are armed with the most up-to-date information available."

Overall, Canadians recognize the value of advice and the importance of using a real estate lawyer with seven-in-10 Canadians seeing value in working with a lawyer. The lawyer's role will now become even more critical in consumer protection as Canadians consider going it alone when buying or selling.

Take for example the agreement of purchase and sale. Consumers who choose to go it alone privately need to ensure this document is drafted to protect their interests and reflects their views of what was agreed to between the buyer and seller - i.e., was that antique hutch included in the sale price or not? Lawyers can prepare or vet this agreement to protect their clients - either the buyer or seller -- and offer objective, expert advice and identify potential issues early in the process that may need to be addressed to prevent the sale of the home from falling through. Consulting a lawyer upfront also helps the parties understand the legal implications of the transaction and the role of the various players.

About LawPRO and TitlePLUS title Insurance
TitlePLUS title insurance is provided by Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO), an insurance company that is licensed to provide professional liability insurance and title insurance in most jurisdictions across Canada.

TitlePLUS title insurance is the only all-Canadian title insurance product on the market today. It protects home buyers and mortgage lenders under the same policy (and for the same premium) from title-related and other problems that could affect ownership or the marketability of the property, and covers the legal services provided by the lawyer closing the purchase.

Federal Commitment to Fund Defibrillators and Related Training in Communities Across Canada will Save Lives

Defibulator at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre - Guelph, Ontario

CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, NL, April 21, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a $10 million plan to fund life-saving automated external defibrillators and related training in hockey arenas and community recreation centres across Canada.

"Defibrillator placement and training are essential steps in helping Canadians save lives," says Bobbe Wood, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "This is an important policy recommendation which was identified in the Canadian Heart Health Action Plan."

Also at the Prime Minister's announcement was a cardiac arrest survivor who spoke about how CPR and a defibrillator saved his life after he collapsed during a hockey game.

Defibrillators are electronic devices used to restart a person's heart that has stopped beating. They are safe, easy to use, and can be operated effectively by the lay public.

Up to 85 per cent of all cardiac arrests occur in public settings or homes. Less than five per cent of victims who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive. The early use of a defibrillator along with CPR before the arrival of emergency services can increase the individual's chance of survival by up to 75 per cent. This is critical, given that the survival rate decreases seven to 10 per cent with every passing minute.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has been advocating for an increased number of defibrillators and training in communities to give Canadians the tools and knowledge they need to respond in the event of a cardiac arrest.

"The time between the onset of a cardiac arrest and the use of CPR and a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death," says Wood. "These machines should be as readily available in Canadian communities as fire extinguishers - they are lifesavers."

As many as 45,000 cardiac arrests occur each year. That is about one every 12 minutes.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy. (heartandstroke.ca)

Seniors may not know the outcome of the Federal election but they can count on the Farley Foundation

Registered charity expands funding to include pets owned by senior care facilities

MILTON, Ontario, April 19, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - While seniors may not know the outcome of the impending Federal election, they can definitely count on the Farley Foundation as the Ontario charity expands its funding to include emergency veterinary care for pets owned by long-term care facilities, retirement homes and supportive housing facilities for seniors.

"In January, we surpassed our first $1 million in disbursements to assist nearly 3,000 low-income pet owners with the non-elective veterinary care for the pets that mean the world to them," says Dr. Mark Gemmill, President of the Farley Foundation. "By assisting senior facility pets, the Farley Foundation will help large numbers of seniors, many who count on their daily interactions with these pets as a source of entertainment, companionship, affection and exercise."

Six-year-old Golden Retriever Bella has medical issues that nearly forced residents at Extendicare in Mississauga to give her away.

"Soon after Bella came to us she started having health issues," says Melanie Niece, Activation Aide at Extendicare in Mississauga. "She was diagnosed with chronic recurring ecoli in the bladder, requiring medication for the rest of her life. We were devastated. Bella's care comes from Resident Council money which is used for trips and events for our residents. The more we take from it the less the residents have. We thought we were going to have to give her up. This would really crush the residents.

"Dr. Joy Courey from the Animal Care Clinic offered to apply for funding through the Farley Foundation. The clinic does all the work and the Foundation pays for Bella's medical expenses."

"We all love Bella," says long-time resident Margaret. "Everybody smiles when she comes in the TV lounge. She is a very friendly, kind and gentle dog. Bella leads me to my room for one of the treats that I have for her. It's a wonderful part of my day and I would miss her if I didn't have her in my life. Whenever we have group programs she always takes part with us."

"We are eternally grateful for all that the Farley Foundation has done for Bella and Extendicare Mississauga," says Ms. Niece. "Without them, the seniors we care for would not have the wonderful dog that warms everyone's hearts."

Today's announcement expands the Ontario program which already assists low-income seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement, disabled individuals receiving either ODSP or CPP Disability, and women at risk of abuse (participants of the OVMA SafePet Program*) by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary care of their pets.

Pet owners who are concerned about their pet's health should consult with their regular veterinarian. Visit www.farleyfoundation.org for full details or to make a donation.

Established in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation assists low-income seniors, disabled persons, and women at risk of abuse (participants of the OVMA SafePet Program*) by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary medical care of the pets that mean the world to them. Veterinary clinics apply for funding on behalf of pet owners. www.farleyfoundation.org

*The OVMA SafePet Program assists women at risk of abuse entering a registered Ontario women's shelter by providing temporary shelter and veterinary care for their pets. www.ovma.org

East Coast Company Launches Video on Canadian Healthcare

HALIFAX, April 18, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - STI, the pioneer and leader in transactional marketing solutions for the Canadian healthcare market has launched a thought provoking video that raises some very real issues for Canadian healthcare. The video went live early Monday morning, after a soft launch to the company’s internal audiences on Friday, April 15.

The marketing/IT company launched the video to create awareness of the astounding facts surrounding the Canadian health care industry, topics which have been heavily debated in the past few weeks due to the upcoming election. The video highlights many of the significant challenges facing healthcare in Canada and what the future impact will be on Canadians.

About STI:

STI (www.smartsti.com) is a Halifax, N.S. based company that provides innovative healthcare marketing solutions across the lifecycle of pharmaceutical and device brands, using its SmartTechnology™ platform as the source of real-time transactional intelligence to allow all stakeholders – manufacturer, pharmacy, prescriber, and payer - to optimize their patient relationships. STI has contracted with over 60 customers for a total of over 300 programs in the market to give patients and healthcare providers greater convenience by providing an enhanced pharmacy medication and device reimbursement process that is built on the safe delivery of healthcare through retail pharmacies acrossCanada.

What Your Garden's Weeds are Trying to Tell You

Photo Credit: Nanagyei, Flickr Creative Commons.


from TreeHugger.com
by Colleen Vanderlinden

The best way to learn about your soil's health is to get a soil test through your local cooperative extension service or at a local nursery. However, there are a few simple things you can do to get a general idea about your soil's health. One of the best ways to find out more about your soil is to observe what's growing well in it.

Different weeds thrive in different conditions. Note that we're not talking about one or two weeds here. If you're seeing several of the same weed in an area, that can give you a good general idea of what type of conditions you have in that spot. Here are some common weeds to look for, and what their presence means. Where possible, I've linked to a photo of the weed so you can identify them more easily.

Weeds, and What They Mean

Bindweed: This morning glory relative, a vining plant with white and pink blossoms, thrives in compacted soil.

Chickweed: This low, spreading annual weed is a sign of high fertility.

Chicory: Chicory is most easily identifiable by its bright blue flowers. You'll often find this plant growing along roadsides, where it is a sign of compacted soil.

Dandelion: Probably the most easily identified weed on this list, the dandelion is common just about everywhere but will absolutely thrive in acidic soil.

Henbane: Henbane, also called "black henbane," is common in the northwestern U.S. as well as southern Canada. It is a sign of alkaline soil.

Horsetail: This perennial weed, which spreads both by spores and rhizomes, thrives in damp, poorly-drained soils.

Lamb's Quarters: Lamb's quarters are very common annual garden weeds. Their presence in your garden is a sign of high fertility. Of course, you could just go ahead and harvest it; lamb's quarters are edible and very high in nutrition.

Plantain: There are several different types of plantains, from round-leaved varieties to lanceleaf plantains that have foliage that resembles thick grass. In either case, if they're flourishing in your garden, that's a sign that you have low soil fertility.

Purslane: Purslane's thick, fleshy leaves are actually edible and a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and calcium. If it's thriving in your garden, you likely have soil that is high in fertility.

Quackgrass: This grassy weed, which is a perennial that spreads via rhizomes and suppresses the growth of other plants with its chemical secretions, is a sign of compacted soil.

Red Clover: I have a hard time calling this a "weed," since clover is so beneficial to pollinators, but I know plenty of people who consider it to be one. If it's thriving in your garden, it's a sign that your soil is high in fertility.

Fixing Soil Problems

If the type of weeds you have in your garden are a sign of high fertility, consider putting a flower or vegetable garden in that area -- the plants will likely grow well in that spot.
For other areas, have your soil tested to get a complete prescription for improving the fertility, texture, or pH in that area.

I'm always stressing the importance of observation in the garden. This is one of those ways just observing what's growing and thriving can help you learn more about the health of your garden.

High Food Prices Trigger Changes to Fair Trade Coffee

Photo: John Pavelka

from TreeHugger.com
by Sara Novak, Columbia, SC

Food prices are no doubt sky rocketing and the impact is being felt around the globe. And foods like coffee, more specifically Fair Trade certified, are feeling the pains as well, according to Food Navigator. Read on to see how Fairtrade International (FLO) is reacting to high food prices.

FLO has increased required price gaps for Fair Trade coffees as the cost of coffee commodities sees its highest prices since 1977. This reduces the sting of high food prices for Fair Trade certified farmers that have had trouble making ends meet as a result of poor harvests and farmers that had signed price contracts before food prices hit their record highs earlier this year.

According to Food Navigator:

FLO has decided to amend its coffee standards to bring greater stability to Fairtrade coffee supply chains, ensure greater fairness in market gains and protect farmers when prices fall. The changes come into effect for contracts signed on or after 1 April this year.

The cost of coffee has gone up in response to both poor harvests and the fear of poor harvests because a decrease in the amount of the commodity means an increase in the price on the market. Increasing the set price paid to farmers is crucial to ensuring that farmers continue to be willing to sign fair trade contracts which ensure better wages as well as stricter environmental standards.

More on Fair Trade Coffee

Starbucks Challenge: Fair Trade Coffee
Fair Trade Coffee In Bloom
Starbucks' Farmers Discuss the Impact of Fairtrade

Treating sleep disorder improves stroke recovery, study finds

TORONTO, April 5, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - A new study shows that patients in stroke rehabilitation treated for their co-existing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) recovered better from stroke than those whose OSA was not treated.

The study, published in the April edition of the journal Stroke, found "significant improvements" in functional and motor outcomes as well as mood of stroke rehabilitation patients who received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a small mask placed over the patient's nose during sleep that alleviates OSA.

"These new findings are important because functional and motor impairments are often the most disabling features of stroke, limiting people's mobility and participation in daily activities," says Dr. Clodagh Ryan, lead author of the Toronto Rehab study. Dr. Ryan is assistant director of Toronto Rehab's Sleep Research Laboratory and an adjunct scientist.

"If stroke patients get greater improvement in motor and functional outcomes, such as the ability to walk, dress and bathe themselves without assistance, they are going to be more independent and will function better at home."

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Canada. Only 10 per cent of people who have a stroke recover completely. The rest are left with permanent or long-lasting disability. The impact for stroke survivors, and for their families, can be enormous.

OSA is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep because of recurrent collapse of the throat. About five to 10 per cent of otherwise healthy people are believed to have OSA―but as many as 70 per cent of stroke patients have the disorder. Stroke patients with OSA have greater functional impairment and higher death rates than stroke survivors without OSA.

The new study involved 44 inpatients in Toronto Rehab's stroke rehabilitation service. All were diagnosed with OSA. Half of the patients were treated with CPAP, while the other half did not receive CPAP.

"The impact on patients' mobility, which is the major problem for most of our stroke patients, was quite dramatic," says study co-author Dr. Douglas Bradley, a Toronto Rehab senior investigator who heads the hospital's Sleep Research Laboratory.

During the four-week trial, he says, patients treated with CPAP showed "a markedly greater improvement in walking distance within six minutes, a test used to determine walking ability, compared to those not treated for sleep apnea."

Impaired motor function of the leg is a major limitation to stroke recovery because it limits functional independence, the authors note. CPAP usage "could improve functional independence and hasten return to community living."

How CPAP treatment produced these benefits is not clear. It could be due to increased brain blood flow and oxygen delivery, which alleviates adverse cardiovascular effects of sleep apnea, and possibly through enhanced 'neuroplasticity,' the authors suggest. Notably, CPAP treatment had marginal, if any, effects on cognitive outcomes in the new study.

The new study builds on previous research by Dr. Bradley that showed OSA plays a role in inhibiting recovery from stroke. His earlier studies found that stroke patients who have OSA spend much longer in rehabilitation and do not recover as well physically compared to stroke patients without the sleep disorder.

"With this study, we've moved forward to actually treat obstructive sleep apnea in these patients, and the results are exciting," says Dr. Bradley. "These findings have implications for people's independence and quality of life, and for reducing the burden on caregivers and the healthcare system."

Although the findings are encouraging, several study limitations, including the small sample size, make it difficult to know whether the results apply to the general stroke population, the authors say. Also, larger, longer-term trials are needed to determine whether such improvements persist over longer periods.

The study's other authors are Drs. Mark Bayley and Robin Green of Toronto Rehab, and Dr. Brian Murray of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The authors all hold appointments at the University of Toronto, and Drs. Ryan and Bradley also work at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network.

The study was supported by an operating grant from the Physicians' Service Incorporated Foundation.

About Toronto Rehab

One of North America's leading rehabilitation sciences centres, Toronto Rehab is revolutionizing rehabilitation by helping people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness or age related health conditions to live active, healthier more independent lives. Affiliated with the University of Toronto as a teaching and research hospital, Toronto Rehab integrates innovative patient care, groundbreaking research and diverse education to build healthier communities and advance the role of rehabilitation in the health system. Find out how at www.torontorehab.com.

One-third of physicians 65 and older still working full time

Older family physicians more likely to narrow scope of practice than retire

OTTAWA, April 7, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - More than 1 in 10 Canadian physicians is age 65 and older, but many doctors remain active in clinical practice after reaching the traditional retirement age, according to a study released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In 2009, 12% of the active physician population was at least 65, up from 9% five years earlier. However, one-third of doctors in their senior years were still working full time.

CIHI data also shows that older physicians no longer classified as full time still carried, on average, 40% of a full workload.

"One in five active physicians in Canada is over the age of 60. With so many doctors about to reach their so-called retirement years, some Canadians have expressed concern about whether they will continue to have access to the medical services they need in the coming years," says Michael Hunt, Director of Pharmaceuticals and Health Workforce Information Services at CIHI. "However, our study shows that physicians do not tend to retire, in the conventional sense, when they reach age 65. Instead, they slowly wind down their practice over the years. In addition, thanks to an influx of new medical school graduates, the number of active physicians working in Canada is on the rise, and the average age of physicians is stabilizing."

Older family physicians lessen workload, narrow practice

The report, Putting Away the Stethoscope for Good? Toward a New Perspective on Physician Retirement, found that rather than leave the workforce completely, many older physicians lessen the intensity of their clinical practice. In 2007, 7% of physicians age 55 and older, and close to 12% of physicians age 65 and older, became minimally active; that is, they worked 33% or less of their previous workload.

Although there were no major differences between family physicians in different age groups with respect to clinical activities, such as office assessment and mental health care, the older general practitioners became, the less likely they were to provide certain services. For example, fewer than 35% of female family physicians age 65 to 69 provided hospital inpatient care, compared with 59% of those younger than 40. Similarly, 56% of male family physicians age 65 to 69 provided services requiring advanced procedural skills, compared with 77% of those age 40 to 44. This shift in scope of practice was also evident in family physicians providing obstetrical and anesthetic services and happened faster among female physicians than among their male counterparts.

More physicians intend to retire than actually leave the workforce

According to the 2007 National Physician Survey, just more than 3% of all physicians reported that they planned to retire in each of the two years following the survey. However, CIHI's study found that estimates of actual retirement rates were significantly lower, with less than 1% of doctors (between 0.54% and 0.79%) retiring annually from the workforce in this period.

"In the physician workforce, retirement is not a sudden event," says Dr. Raymond Pong, a researcher at the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Laurentian University and author of the study. "Instead, we see a transition to retirement, with doctors progressively taking on less work and carefully choosing the work that they do take on. It's a process that can extend over months and, in some cases, years. As the proportion of older physicians increases, understanding what they do, how much they do and how long they stay active is going to become very important for workforce planning."

Quick facts on physician retirement

...In 2009, one-third of physicians age 65 and older were still working full time.

...In 2009, there were approximately 68,100 active physicians working in Canada, one-tenth (12%) of whom were 65 and older, up from 9% in 2004.

...In 2007, more than 7% of physicians age 55 and older, and close to 12% of those age 65 and older, became minimally active; that is, they worked 33% or less of their previous workload.

...The older general practitioners became, the less likely they were to engage in such activities as hospital inpatient care, obstetrics, anesthesia and services requiring advanced procedural skills.

...In 2007, while just more than 3% of surveyed physicians reported that they planned to retire in each of the two years following the survey, the estimated average annual retirement rate was actually well under 1% annually.

The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI's website, at www.cihi.ca

April 5 is Family Caregiver Day

Canadian Health Charities urge Federal Political Parties to Recognize and Support Family Caregivers

OTTAWA, April 4, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Health charities and coalitions from across Canada have come together to pay tribute to family caregivers - the often invisible workforce that can be called to duty on a moment's notice.

"On behalf of all who are, have been, or will be, involved in caregiving responsibilities, we ask our political leaders to use their influence to give voice and recognition to this important social issue," says Deirdre Freiheit, Executive Director, Health Charities Coalition of Canada.

"Governments have a vital role to play in raising awareness about the importance of caregiving and in establishing measures to better support this crucial group of people who contribute so much to our society," says Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA). "Family caregivers face very real challenges in accessing services, balancing responsibilities, supporting loved ones and maintaining their own wellbeing."

According to a February 2011 survey conducted by the Canadian Cancer Society, 84 percent of Canadians say increased financial support for family caregivers should be a priority healthcare issue in the federal election. "Many caregivers suffer financial difficulties as they deplete personal savings and take unpaid time off from work to care for a family member," says Dan Demers, Director, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society. "Canadians are greatly concerned about this issue and are looking to our federal political parties for solutions."

"Financial support for those who must take time off work is a critical component of effective policy for family caregivers," says Nadine Henningsen, Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) President. "It is an important element of a Family Caregiver Strategy that the CCC believes is essential to engage all levels of government and sectors of society to support family caregivers."

The intensity and length of caregiving can be significant, with 60% of caregivers providing care for more than three years.

The CCC's Caregiving Strategy includes:

...Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of family caregivers and increasing the flexibility and availability of respite care

...Minimizing excessive financial burden placed on family caregivers

...Enabling access to user friendly information and education

...Creating flexible workplace environments that respect caregiving obligations

...Investing in research on family caregiving as a foundation for evidence-informed decision making.

The health charities and coalitions commit to working with all parties to shed light on the important work of family caregivers and to taking action to ensure that their contribution is noticed.

Facts about caregivers:

...According to Statistics Canada, between 2002 and 2007, the number of family caregivers in Canada aged 45 years and older increased by 30 per cent (over 670,000 people). In 2007, the number of family caregivers aged 45 years and older was 2.7 million

...In 2009, the cost to replace family caregivers with members of the paid workforce at market rates (entitled to benefits, vacation, supervisory support, education etc.) in Canada was estimated to be between $25-26 billion (based on adults aged 45 and greater caring for those 65 years and older with long term health or physical limitations). (Hollander M, et al (2009) Who Cares and How Much? The imputed economic contribution to the Canadian healthcare system of middle-aged and older unpaid caregivers providing care to the elderly)

...According to the CHPCA, more than 259,000 Canadians die each year, and most die in old age. With the aging of our population, by 2026, the number of Canadians dying each year will increase by 40% to 330,000. Each of those deaths affects, on average, five other people - family and loved ones who care for others.

...A 2007 survey of health care in Canada (Health Care in Canada Survey 2007) suggests that 41% of Canadians use personal savings to support themselves when caring for loved ones at the end of life and 22% of these individuals miss one or more months of work.

...A 2009 study published in Palliative Medicine (Costs associated with resource utilization during the palliative phase of care: a Canadian perspective) indicates that Canadian families frequently shoulder 25% of the total cost of palliative care due to costs associated with home-based services such as nursing and personal care services.

...An Ipsos Reid study in 2004 showed that Canadians age 55+ estimated caring for a dying loved one at home was approximately 60 hours a week and approximately two thirds of Canadians said they could not devote the estimated number of hours per week to take care of a dying loved one given their current schedule.

...In its August 2010 study, CIHI reported that nearly 20,000 family caregivers (16%) of seniors receiving home care reported distress related to their role. The rates of distress were significantly higher among those - Providing more than 21 hours of care per week (28%) and - Caring for seniors with symptoms of depression (32%).

About the Compassionate Care Benefit

The Compassionate Care Benefit (CCB) is part of Canada's Employment Insurance program. Successful CCB applicants can receive up to 55% of their average insured earnings, to a maximum of $413/week, over a six-week period to care for a family member at risk of death within 6 months. The six weeks of income assistance can be taken at once, broken down into one-week periods spread over six months or shared between family members. Applicants must meet the designation of "family member" (or a significant person who is considered to be 'like family') and provide a medical certificate from the doctor of the gravely ill family member indicating that death is imminent (i.e., within 6 months).

Facts related to the CCB:

...In order to qualify, applicants must have worked a minimum of 600 EI-insurable hours over the preceding 52 weeks and be able to demonstrate that regular weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40 percent.

...The CCB only covers six weeks, with a two-week waiting period, with no extensions for illnesses with a longer trajectory to death. The two-week waiting period can be challenging for low-income Canadians or those who are already experiencing financial difficulty due to the loss of income from a dying spouse.

...The application process can be quite complicated for caregivers with a limited education or language barriers. As well, having the medical certificate filled out properly has been recognized as a barrier to a complete and successful application.

...In a 2007 study, respondents who had applied for the benefit (whether successful or not) repeatedly cited difficulty accessing reliable and accurate information from a variety of sources, including websites and government offices. It also does not appear to be well-known to Canadians, particularly at the point of care, where this information would be most useful. (The Information Transfer and Knowledge Acquisition Geographies of Family Caregivers: An Analysis of Canada's Compassionate Care Benefit (Valorie A. Crooks, Allison Williams, Kelli I. Stajduhar, Diane E. Allan, and S. Robin Cohen)

...Canadians may believe that health care is 'free' (or at the very least covered by taxes), however the cost of care for drugs, home-based services and other expenses can be staggering. Canadian families frequently shoulder 25% of the total cost of palliative care due to costs associated with home-based services such as nursing and personal care services (Costs associated with resource utilization during the palliative phase of care: a Canadian perspective, Palliative Medicine, Dec 2009).

...The CCB can be particularly difficult for caregivers who are caring for patients with an uncertain trajectory of death, such as a child with a life-limiting illness. PedPalNet, a consortium of researchers working in pediatric end of life care, is currently studying parents who are caring for a child with a life-limiting illness to better understand their stress over time and the factors that help them survive through this experience (see: http://www.pallpedsnet.ca/index.htm for more information).

Canadian Cancer Society

Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to www.ifightcancer.ca to find out how you can help. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Canadian Caregiver Coalition

Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a diverse group of national and provincial organizations from across Canada that works collaboratively to represent and promote the needs and interests of family caregivers with all levels of government, and the community. www.ccc-ccan.ca.

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. It is a bilingual, national charitable non-profit association whose mission is the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are lessened.

Health Charities Coalition of Canada

HCCC, a member based organization, is dedicated to advocating for sound public policy on health issues and promoting the highest quality health research. HCCC strives for excellence in health policy and seeks to ensure that the federal government and policy makers look to the Coalition and its members for timely advice and leadership on major health issues of concern to Canadians; and that they recognize the competence, commitment and contributions of health charities in improving the health and well-being of Canadians.

Homewood Health Centre executives announce retirements

GUELPH, Ontario, March 30, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - James Schlegel, CEO and President, Schlegel Health Care, today announced the upcoming retirements of Edgardo Pérez, MD, CEO and President, and David Sands, Chief Operating Officer, Homewood Health Centre. Edgardo Pérez will complete his duties as CEO and President of Homewood Health Centre on May 31, 2011; David Sands will remain as Chief Operating Officer until September 30, 2011. Both plan to formally retire from their current positions, but remain connected to Homewood post-retirement.

Dr. Pérez came to Homewood in 1993 as Executive Vice-President and Chief of Staff. Over the past 18 years, he has served as CEO and President, of Homewood Health Centre and Homewood Corporation; CEO, Homewood Employee Health; Director, Centre for Health at Homewood; and Director General of the Homewood Research Institute. Under his leadership, Homewood has achieved national recognition, winning a number of awards, including the National Quality Institute's Canada Awards for Excellence Order of Excellence Award in the Quality and Healthy Workplace categories, the Institute's highest award. Homewood has also been honoured by the Ontario Hospital Association with the Healthy Hospital Innovators Award and recognized by Your Workplace as one of the Top Ten Places Where Employees Thrive Award.

He is also Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University, and a Clinical Professor of both Psychiatry and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Co-author of Mindsets, a book dealing with the inter-relationship of emotional well-being and productivity, he has had more than 40 articles published in peer review journals. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his long-term involvement as a director and surveyor for Accreditation Canada. One of his priorities as CEO and President has been the development of international linkages with the Pan American Health Organization and health care providers in Latin American countries and China.

"I have admired Edgardo from afar for years and more closely in the last few months," said Mr. Schlegel. "He is passionate about the clinical excellence of our programs and is deeply committed to the quality of the workplace at Homewood. The challenge for all of us is to celebrate, reflect on and to move forward together."

Dr. Pérez will continue to maintain his medical appointment at Homewood and provide leadership to a revitalized Homewood Research Institute as it builds research capacity and gains increased emphasis within Homewood.

"Although it is difficult to go after such a long time, I am confident that Homewood is in good hands with the Schlegel family," said Dr. Pérez. "I am pleased that I will continue to be involved in Homewood, working directly with patients. I have a passion to help people; that is my purpose in life. A new owner will bring in new ideas, but what is, and what will continue to be critical to the success of Homewood is the day-to-day contributions of individual employees and volunteers. The work they do each day will have the greatest impact on our patients and these day-to-day contacts are what patients will remember about Homewood."

David Sands began working at Homewood in 1972 as an Accountant, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. Over his 38-year career, he has served as Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Homewood Health Centre and Homewood Corporation.

"David has been an extraordinarily committed, deeply loyal and effective leader in his various roles and his efforts have been key in achieving and maintaining financial stability and sustainability," said Mr. Schlegel.

"The decision to retire was a difficult one, but having made the decision, it feels right for me," said Mr. Sands. "Homewood has been a big part of my life and an enjoyable part of my life. This is not just a job. Whatever we do at Homewood has an impact on someone's life and I have a good feeling about what we have accomplished. Homewood is in good hands with Jamie and his family. The leadership under the Schlegel family will be excellent."

The Homewood Board of Directors has begun a process of identifying the next generation of leadership at Homewood. No decision has been made at this time.

Schlegel Health Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of RBJ Schlegel Holdings Inc., a three-generation family company, which owns and operates long-term care and seniors retirement home facilities. The company was founded in 1967 and is based in Kitchener, Ontario. Schlegel and Homewood have been partners in Oakwood Retirement Communities for about 14 years, and have enjoyed a positive and productive working relationship. In December 2010, Schlegel Health Care announced that it has successfully acquired 96.2 per cent of the shares of Homewood Corporation.

Homewood Health Centre is a leader in mental health and addiction treatment, providing specialized psychiatric services to all Canadians. Located in Guelph, Ontario, in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Speed River, Homewood has been improving lives since 1883. Unique in Canadian health care, Homewood is a highly specialized provincial and national resource. A fully accredited facility, Homewood has always achieved the highest standards in quality care. It is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Award.

Programs and services include:

...Addiction treatment - drug and alcohol (in-patient and out-patient)
...Integrated Mood and Anxiety Program - depression and anxiety
...Eating Disorders Program - anorexia and bulimia
...Program for Traumatic Stress Recovery - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
...Substance Abuse and Trauma Safety Program - concurrent treatment of PTSD and addiction
...Program for Older Adults - mood disorders and dementias
...Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Program - persistent mental illness
...Crisis, Assessment and Stabilization Program
...Homewood Outreach and Support Program - case co-ordination, transitional care