Heart and Stroke Foundation Warns: Time Crunch is Stealing Healthy Years From Canadians

A mix of real and perceived barriers contribute to shortened lifespan

OTTAWA, November 29, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadians are so focused on the here and now that they are losing out on the opportunity to live a full and healthy life, warns the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF). Its new survey1 of more than 2,000 adults found that even though Canadians know how to protect their heart health, the majority can't or won't commit the time to do so.

"Eight out of 10 Canadians know that heart disease and stroke can be prevented, postponed or treated by making healthy lifestyle choices but they are focusing on the barriers rather than the opportunities," says David Sculthorpe, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

"Three-quarters said they would be more active and over half said they would eat healthier meals if they could. And one of the leading barriers that keeps them from following through? Time," Sculthorpe said.

Time Barriers to Physical Activity

...Almost half of Canadians (46%) cite long work days and lack of time as a reason for not getting active on a regular basis.

...Between work, family and other obligations, 44% say they have no time for regular physical activity.

...And, almost a third of respondents (31%) say the time they would like to spend being physically active, they instead spend commuting.

"The sad irony is that the 'time barrier' is getting in the way of steps that can help Canadians avoid heart disease and stroke, add years to their life, and ultimately, life to their years," says Dr. Beth Abramson, cardiologist and spokesperson with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "These results are not encouraging."

Time Barriers to Healthy Eating

...Forty-one per cent of respondents say healthy meals take too long to prepare.

...More than half (51%) say too many fast food outlets in their community lack healthy choices.

...Seven in 10 say restaurants don't have enough fruit and vegetable options.

Benefits of Finding Time

"The challenge of finding time is a reality for most working Canadians, or those with competing obligations," says Dr. Abramson. "But tackling the time dilemma is absolutely critical. The disturbing statistics tell the tale: One in three Canadian deaths is from heart disease and stroke, and it is the number one killer of women. We must make the effort to find time now to do the things that will give us the greatest health benefits."

The Heart and Stroke Foundation's new campaign, Make Death Wait, challenges Canadians to take charge of their heart health by encouraging them to make one million healthy actions by the end of February 2012.

Some simple steps make a difference when it comes to healthy years of life, and the benefits are huge. Here's a snapshot:

...Getting 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity per week reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes by30%. Canadians can achieve this in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Being inactive can shave almost four years off a person's expected lifespan.

...Eating 5+ servings of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by about 20%. Low vegetable and fruit consumption can shave 1.3 years off a person's expected lifespan.

...Controlling high blood pressure can cut the risk of stroke by 40% and of heart attack by up to 25%. High blood pressure can shave two and a half years off a person's expected lifespan.

The survey found that 82% of Canadians know they can prevent heart disease and stroke. But this knowledge isn't being translated into action when it comes to the most important modifiable risk factors that can reduce their risk of these diseases.

"If we don't make the effort to find time now to do the things that will give us the greatest health benefits, we're going to run out of time altogether," says Dr. Abramson. "I've seen the difference it makes in someone's health when they invest the time to incorporate physical activity and healthy eating into their lives."

Barriers to Healthier Living: Are They Real or Perceived?

...Lack of time: Almost half (46%) of survey respondents say they don't have enough time to squeeze exercise into a busy day, and that healthy meals take too long to prepare, with 31% of employed people blaming commute times.

Verdict: Perceived Barrier. Time is consistently cited as a barrier to healthy eating, especially the time it takes to plan, shop for and prepare healthy meals. It's true that Canadians are facing a number of time crunches. For example, results from the 2010 Canadian General Social Survey show that a third (36%) of employed Canadians have a one-way commute time of 30 or more minutes a day. Average commute times may be highest in Canada's six largest cities (30 minutes one way) but are lower in the suburbs (23 minutes) and towns (19 minutes). However, Statistics Canada also reports that almost a third (29%) of Canadians 20 years or older spend two or more hours a day (15 or more hours a week) watching television, with almost 16% reporting more than 20 or more hours per week. In addition, 15% of Canadians age 20 and over report spending at least 1.5 hours a day of their leisure time on their computers.

What HSFC says: Even small investments in active time can have a huge impact. "Some of the time spent in sedentary leisure activities could easily be devoted to more active and healthy pursuits," said Dr. Abramson. "Those who say they have no time should take comfort in the knowledge that stints of 10 minutes are beneficial." When it comes to food preparation, there are many ways to save time; these start with planning meals for a week, picking recipes, making a grocery list and sticking to it. Health Check is one way the Foundation helps Canadians make healthy choices by identifying them in grocery stores and restaurants.



...Lack of facilities: A quarter of respondents say lack of facilities is a barrier to being active.

Verdict: Perceived Barrier. Canadians don't need to go to a facility to be active. Previous research by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute found that 66% of Canadians reported there are safe places to walk in their community and almost half (45%) say there are many designated physical activity and sport facilities. This doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. In the HSFC poll, half (47%) of respondents thought their community could be made more activity-friendly.

What HSFC says: Active, healthy community design strategies - such as good public transit, well-maintained parks, and safe, efficient walking and cycling networks - make it easier to get the physical activity Canadians need to promote heart health, prevent stroke and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For Canadians who would like to see safer walking trails, bike paths, and more health-promoting environments in their neighborhoods -- the Heart and Stroke Foundation has developed a Community Design Tool Kit to help you champion healthy changes within your community.

...Cost: Income and geography play a big role in determining access to affordable healthy foods. Unfortunately, unhealthy options are often the cheap and accessible choice for many Canadians. A quarter (25%) state that there are not enough stores in their neighbourhood selling fresh produce, one half (51%) report there are too many fast food outlets that lack healthy options, and more than two thirds (71%) agree that food service outlets don't have enough fruit and vegetable options.

Verdict: Real Barrier. Access to healthy foods varies significantly across the country and income and geography can make critical differences. In the HSFC survey, almost half (47%) of respondents said the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables is a barrier to healthy eating, with the proportion being highest in Atlantic Canada (64%) and lowest in Quebec (39%). Not surprisingly, those with lower household incomes or in lower-income neighborhoods were more likely to see cost as a barrier to healthy eating.

What HSFC says: To increase access to healthy foods all sectors (government, industry and non-governmental organizations) need to implement a number of measures to make it easier for Canadians to make healthy choices, including:

...Initiatives that will assist low income Canadians to access healthy food choices.
...Agricultural policies and subsidies that can make fruits and vegetables more affordable and accessible.
...More access to stores with healthy food options.



...Lack of motivation: Half of Canadians say they lack the ability to get motivated, and - even more importantly - to sustain the motivation to make healthier choices.

Verdict: Real Barrier. Four out of 10 say that in the past they've tried to start exercising or become more active but weren't able to maintain it. In addition, a third of survey respondents say they've tried to improve their diets in the past but couldn't maintain it. Challenges included the fact that almost half (44%) use food to address emotional issues such as stress or depression, 41% think preparing healthy meals takes too long and 35% are convinced healthy foods aren't as tasty.

What HSFC says: Once again, small steps can lead to big results. You don't need to run a marathon - but you have to get off the couch. Being active with a partner, using a pedometer or tracking activity can help motivate and keep you active. Develop a list of quick and easy recipes and always keep the ingredients on hand. The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides tips and tools: download the Heart&Stroke Health Check Recipe Helper App™ for quick healthy tips, tools and recipes and to learn how to be physically active throughout your day.

Reality Check

"I'm one of the lucky ones," says real estate agent Arul Myles Mylvaganam. "My diagnosis of heart disease was the wake-up call I needed to make time for my health. I know how difficult it is to find time to be active, but I'm finding simple solutions that are making a difference. I believe that prevention is the best medicine."

Arul now takes time to walk every day, aiming for at least 30 minutes. "I want to make sure I am around for my children, nieces and nephews, and to be a positive role model for them," he says.

"Unfortunately, a health scare like Arul's is all too often the motivating factor that necessitates making health changes that would have prevented heart disease in the first place," says Dr. Abramson.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation emphasizes the importance of being healthy role models for youngsters. More Canadian children are overweight and for the first time, the country's younger generations are expected to live shorter lives than their parents because of obesity.

A Healthy Future

The Foundation has set an ambitious goal to reduce death from heart disease and stroke by 25 per cent by 2020.

"That's a big goal, and we're only going to get there by championing a movement to get Canadians to act and be their own health advocates," says David Sculthorpe, CEO of HSFC. "As we approach our 60th anniversary, we are taking stock. For six decades we have supported Canadians in living longer, healthier lives. But, with one in three Canadian deaths due to heart disease and stroke, our work is clearly not done. And we're committed to reducing the toll of these diseases on Canadians' lives."

The Foundation is challenging Canadians to take charge of their heart health, encouraging one million healthy actions by the end of February 2012. These range from simple lifestyle changes like going for a walk to quitting smoking.

"Our national multimedia Make Death Wait campaign is about giving Canadians longer, fuller lives," says Sculthorpe. "We want Canadians to take their heart health seriously."

Canadians can join the movement to make death wait by logging their healthy actions.

Since 1952, the Foundation has invested more than $1.3 billion in research into heart disease and stroke, worked with government to support health policies that reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke, and created educational tools and programs to help inform Canadians of their risk, and how they can take action.

"Sadly, far too many Canadians still don't know the alarming statistics, or aren't acting on them," says Sculthorpe.

The HSFC survey found that only 56% of Canadians are personally concerned about heart disease and stroke and slightly more than half know it is the major cause of death for Canadian women.

"We all need to carve out time to take the simple steps that can prevent the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke," adds Sculthorpe. "We know our goal can only be achieved through solutions found in partnership with the Foundation, governments and Canadians."

To learn more about the Foundation's new campaign to inspire Canadians, visit heartandstroke.ca/time.

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

Ontario 211 wins industry award for customer satisfaction

Callers love Ontario's groundbreaking helpline

TORONTO, November 24, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ontario 211, the information helpline for Ontario's community and social services, won a coveted award for highest customer satisfaction from SQM Group. With a 92% satisfaction level, 211 achieved the highest ranking for any call centre in the government industry. SQM benchmarks over 450 leading North American call centres.

"This award represents good news for 211 and our callers," said Bill Morris, Executive Director, Ontario 211 Services Corporation. "We're proud to have been able to maintain our high standards of quality even as we expanded the reach of 211 province-wide. And, we are very pleased 211 was able to help so many callers address their needs with one call."

211 is currently available to 94% of Ontarians. The goal of reaching all Ontario residents will be met in the coming weeks through launches in Cochrane, Temiskaming, Nipissing, Sudbury, Lambton, Elgin, Prescott and Russell.

"211 represents an exceptional partnership by Ontario's United Ways, municipalities, community data contributors, the Government of Ontario and Canada to work together," said Morris. "Recently an agency in London secretly tested 211 on behalf of the London Free Press. I really can't say it better than to quote the editorial headline, "In helping the public, 211 service hits a home run."

By connecting callers with the right community and social services, 211 prevents problems from spiralling into a crisis. 211's information and referral specialists answered more than 560,000 calls in 2010. They have access to information on more than 56,000 agencies, programs and services across Ontario. 211's free, anonymous and confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is available in more than 150 languages.

Ontario 211 Services Corporation is a non-profit supported by the Province of Ontario, individual municipalities, local Ontario United Ways, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Dial 211 or search www.211ontario.ca to find the right community and social services.

The survey for 211 and conducted by SQM is anonymous and confidential. Following are some typical comments from callers during the survey:

"Very, very friendly, got the information I needed, they gave me more than one resource."

"I'm legally blind so I find it very difficult to find numbers. They help me no matter what the number is."

"She had local knowledge, she was able to connect me immediately to two agencies I could speak with and she had detailed information on those agencies."

"I think it's a great service. I do a bit of paralegal work and it saves me doing a whole lot of running around to find these numbers."

"Because it wasn't a machine and she was very pleasant."

"She was receptive. She was willing to try and get information for me. She was understanding and did research as well."

"They asked me in depth questions making sure that they understood what my need was and what I was looking for. So I really appreciated that."

"Because I have something I wanted to donate to a women's shelter or unwed mothers. It was a gift that I didn't need and so they referred me to two places and the second place was quite happy to receive it."

"They got me the appropriate person and that person called me back right away."

Celebrate the coming of Christmas with the Guelph Chamber Choir

Announcing an Advent festival of music and poetry: Voices of Light

The Guelph Chamber Choir brings an Advent festival of music and poetry, Voices of Light to St. George’s Anglican Church on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 8 pm.

As our nights become longer, music and poetry bring light into a world of darkness. Enjoy the sound of voices, organ and brass heralding the time of Christmas along with seasonal readings that will bring smiles and evoke fond memories.

Come prepared to sing along with familiar carols, with an opportunity to perform the Hallelujah Chorus as part of an expanded chorus of volunteers amidst the choir!

A special feature of the evening will be the warm and enveloping sounds of Musica Viva Brass. Conductor Gerald Neufeld noted,

“Brass instruments have a special way of heralding the Christmas season with their clear, bright tones. We have created a concert that will present familiar Christmas favourites, but will also feature works of nuanced beauty, new to both audience and choir.”

The evening will feature Halley’s Voices of Light with virtuosic flute and piano accompaniment, Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata for choir, brass and organ, Whitacre’s charming Lux aurumque, and Silver’s humorous The Twelve Days After Christmas. Choir members will present poetry and readings throughout the evening.

Voices, brass and the exceptional talent of Christopher Dawes on St. George’s majestic pipe organ will join together to provide a wonderful evening of joyous music and good cheer.

Single tickets are now available for only $25 each or 4 or more for only $20. We encourage young adults to attend with $10 tickets for students and those 30 and under and only $5 for youth with the popular eyeGO programme.

Single tickets are available through choir or board members, through the River Run Centre by calling
519-763-3000 or online at www.riverrun.ca .

To discover more, please visit their website at www.guelphchamberchoir.ca or call 519-836-5103.

Special thanks to their community-engaged concert sponsors: Lawrence and Carol Jones along with soloist sponsors: Knar Jewellery and Macquarie Private Wealth.

Family Caregivers: A Vital Part of Caring for Vulnerable Populations

OTTAWA, November 17, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC), on behalf of the five (5) million family caregivers in this country, applauds the work of the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care. This non-partisan group released its final report, Not To Be Forgotten: Care Of Vulnerable Canadians, today with a comprehensive list of recommendations to improve care for vulnerable Canadians.

Throughout the report, family caregivers emerge as vital to the health care system as they support individuals to remain at home. The Canadian Caregivers Coalition is pleased with the Committee's recommendations that address the financial challenges facing families. "Financial measures for those who must take time off work is a critical component of effective strategy to support family caregivers", said Nadine Henningsen, CCC President.

The intensity and length of caregiving can be significant, with 60% of caregivers providing care for more than three years. Additionally, 41% of Canadians use personal savings to support themselves when caring for loved ones and 22% of these individuals miss one or more months of work.

The CCC believes that there are additional actions that can be taken by all levels of government and sectors of society to support family caregivers, which is expressed in the CCC's Caregiving Strategy. The Strategy describes how Canadians can collectively and individually take measures to support family caregivers, providing them the safety net they require in demanding circumstances. The CCC's Caregiving Strategy includes the following elements:

...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 CCC commits to working with all stakeholders to realizing the recommendations to support family caregivers envisioned in by the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care and will continue to champion the adoption of a Caregiving Strategy in Canada.



About the Canadian Caregiver Coalition

The 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. The vision of the Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a Canada that recognizes and respects the integral role of family caregivers in society, and supports this role with the understanding that it is not a substitute for public responsibility in health and social care.

University of Guelph Discovery May Help Fight Ovarian Cancer

GUELPH, Ontario November 16, 2011 - University of Guelph News Release

A potential breakthrough in treating late-stage ovarian cancer has come from University of Guelph researchers who have discovered a peptide that shrinks advanced tumours and improves survival rates for this deadly but often undetected disease.

“We’re extremely excited about this,” said Jim Petrik, a professor in U of G’s Department of Biomedical Sciences who conducted the research with PhD student Nicole Campbell. “It has the potential, particularly in ovarian cancer, to have a significant impact.”

Their findings will appear in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, published by the American Association for Cancer Research.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer. Its symptoms, which include nausea, bloating and abdominal pain, are vague and can be attributed to a number of ailments.

Often the disease remains undetected until it’s well advanced, when the odds of survival are poor. “It's called the silent killer because it really does sneak up on you,” Petrik said.

He and Campbell discovered that ABT-898, a peptide derived from the thrombospondin molecule, shrinks established late-stage tumours in mouse models of ovarian cancer. In addition to regressing tumours, ABT-898 essentially prunes dysfunctional blood vessels in the tumour while leaving healthy vessels intact.

Petrik explains that chemotherapy treatment relies on blood vessels to transport tumour-fighting drugs. But abnormal blood vessels inside tumours make drug delivery inefficient.

“This new treatment enhances the ability to deliver chemotherapy drugs inside of the tumour where they need to go. So in combination with chemotherapy, it has fantastic potential.”

Besides shrinking tumours, ABT-898 improves survival rates because cancer cells do not have time to adapt to the treatment.

“This is crucial. Women tend to succumb to ovarian cancer because the inefficient delivery of chemotherapy drugs allows the cells to build up resistance and they no longer respond to treatment,” Petrik said.

More efficient drug delivery also means doctors can administer lower amounts, alleviating many of the side effects of chemotherapy. As well, said Petrik, “this is a naturally occurring protein that we are exploiting; we are not making anything synthetic.”

He hopes the research will lead to human trials and, ultimately, to the development of targeted cancer therapies.

Petrik has studied ovarian cancer for more than a decade, especially regulation of growth factors and formation of blood vessels in the ovary. A U of G faculty member since 2001, he teaches physiology and anatomy at the Ontario Veterinary College.

This latest discovery was possible because Petrik’s laboratory had developed a model in which cancer cells are injected directly into healthy mouse ovaries. Ovarian cancer spontaneously occurs in about two months, allowing U of G researchers to follow tumour progression.

Most researchers rely on artificially cultured clumps of cells and immunocompromised mice that poorly mimic disease progression in normal animals.

“It provides us with a tool to ask questions like this and look at interventions such as this in a way that is far more relevant to the human disease,” Petrik said.

Facts Revealed: New Research on Canada's Major 100 Charities

Charity Intelligence provides Canadians with the answers they've asked for

TORONTO, November 16, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Charity Intelligence Canada today launches an independent online service for donors with research reports on Canada's Major 100 Charities. Each easy-to-read charity report answers the most frequently-asked questions donors have about Canada's largest "household" name charities; how a dollar donated is spent, the charity's wealth, the charity's openness in disclosing information and also basic information about charity staff and salaries. Canada's Major 100 Charities are selected by their sheer size, the 100 charities that receive the largest amount of donations from Canadian donors.

Canadian donors are increasingly asking questions about their giving and seek information to make better giving decisions. Since its beginning in 2006, thousands of donors have called on Charity Intelligence asking for information about the charity they support. The service is free and accessible - anyone can use this charity search engine at Charity Intelligence's website www.charityintelligence.ca.

"We recognize that each donor is unique, with personal passions and interests and that they should be confident and empowered to make giving decisions," says Kate Bahen, Managing Director of Charity Intelligence. "Our goal is simply to help donors by providing the facts and figures to help them make better-informed giving decisions."

When putting together this report, Ci uncovered a number of key findings. Highlights from these include:

...Lack of Transparency in 19 of Canada's Major 100 Charities. There is a startling lack of disclosure in Canada's vital charitable sector. Of Canada's Major 100 charities, 19 do not publically disclose audited financials, nor would they disclose this financial information when requested, forcing an official request for information from Canada Revenue Agency. These 19 "closed" charities received $800 million in donations in the most recent year.

...Canada's Major 100 Charities Receive 37 per cent of Total Canadian Donor Support. According to Ci's findings, Canada's Major 100 charities received a total of $4.5 billion in donations from Canadians in 2009. Ci estimates that the Major 100 received 37% of total individual and corporate tax-receipted donations. In other words, the Major 100 charities represent 0.12% of the 85,630 registered charities in Canada and receive more than 1/3 of total annual donations by Canadians.

...14 of Canada's Major 100 Charities exceed CRA fundraising guidelines. In 2010, the CRA increased its fundraising allowance from 20% to 35%, yet 14 of the Major 100 Charities exceed the 35% level.

...Canada has "rich" charities and "poor" charities. Some charities fundraise because they can, not because they can't meet an unforeseeable need. Some charities can run their programs for years without raising another dollar. 25 of Canada's Major 100 charities have enough cash and investments on hand to cover three or more years of their annual program costs. From a donor's perspective, this means that donations will likely be invested, rather than used for charity work in the next year. On the other hand, "poor" charities would grind to a halt without annual donations. Donors who give annually may wish to pick charities that need money for next year's programs.

...Charity Salaries. Executive compensation is a hot-button issue. Some donors prefer to give to professionally-run charities that may offer the promise of good management and greater results. Other donors feel very strongly otherwise.

"In some respects Charity Intelligence's online search engine is similar to the hugely popular US-based Charity Navigator", says Greg Thomson, Ci Director of Research. "Yet we believe this analysis is ground-breaking. We've used the "gold-standard" of disclosure and accountability, the charity's audited financial statements, rather than government filings. We believe Canadian donors deserve nothing less."

This is only the beginning. Canada's Major 100 Charities are now posted on Charity Intelligence's new website www.charityintelligence.ca . If donors do not find the charity they want information on, Ci asks them to submit a request. The 3-year goal is to have 1,000 charity reports posted and available for all Canadians.

About Charity Intelligence Canada

Charity Intelligence Canada (Ci) is a Canadian charity that seeks to help Canadians be empowered donors. Ci provides evidence-based research and standardized analysis on Canadian charities to help donors make intelligent, more strategic giving decisions. Ci helps donors to be social investors. Charity Intelligence's research is independent and solely-funded by donors.

Charity Intelligence's website www.charityintelligence.ca.

Canada, U.K. Partner Up to Protect Canadians

GUELPH, Ontario November 14, 2011 - University of Guelph News Release

Leading researchers from the United Kingdom and Canada — including a University of Guelph professor — will tackle the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance with funding from Ottawa and the United Kingdom Medical Research Council.

The funding was announced today in Waterloo, Ont., by Gary Goodyear, minister of state for science and technology.

“Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge facing Canadians and our health-care system,” Goodyear said. “Our government is pleased to support this important collaborative effort to develop new strategies and tools to protect Canadians from antibiotic-resistant infections.”

Two research teams have been funded through the Canada/U.K. Partnership on Antibiotic Resistance, a collaboration between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the U.K. Medical Research Council.

The Canadian scientists will receive $500,000 a year for four years from the CIHR. Their U.K. counterparts will receive the same amount from the U.K. Medical Research Council.

One research team is co-led by U of G Prof. Anthony Clarke, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Chris Dowson of the University of Warwick.

The team hopes to find new weapons against resistant bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The group will study pathogens that cause many hospital- and community-acquired infections, including organisms that are increasingly impervious to existing antibiotics.

“Millions of people die each year from bacterial infections, and tens of millions suffer from the consequences of these infections,” Clarke said. “Every 20 seconds, someone dies of tuberculosis alone.”

Bacteria have rigid, insoluble cell walls made of peptidoglycan, or linked sugars and amino acids, Clarke explained. By targeting proteins that cement those building blocks together, the researchers hope to stop cell walls from forming and kill the bacteria.

Many important pathogenic bacteria have evolved to resist antibiotics. “We need to fight back,” Clarke said.

His research team includes scientists from Guelph, the University of British Columbia, McMaster University and Laval University. Seven researchers from five universities in the United Kingdom are also involved.

The second team to receive funding today is led by Gary Dmitrienko of the University of Waterloo and Tim Walsh of the University of Cardiff. They hope to develp a new treatment for hospital-acquired infections caused by bacteria resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Guelph Transit buses will pause for two minutes on Remembrance Day

Transit operators will stop at safe points to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.

GUELPH, Ontario, November 9, 2011 – Guelph Transit will join City residents and other Canadians in honouring the nation’s veterans on Remembrance Day by bringing all of its vehicles to a safe stop at 11 a.m. Service will resume immediately following the observation of two minutes of silence.

Since November 1, electronic destination signs on all conventional Guelph Transit buses have featured the words, "Remembrance Day, Lest We Forget".

"In addition, we invited students from local schools to submit Remembrance Day posters," said Michael Anders, General Manager, Community Connectivity and Transit. "Students from June Avenue Public School and Isaac Brock Public School provided the hand drawn artwork that was included in the posters that riders will see on each of our buses."

"We'd like to thank Guelph Transit and the students for this outstanding participation in the Two Minute Wave of Silence" said Joanne Ware, Public Relations Officer of the Guelph Legion.

Guelph Transit has provided free shuttle service for veterans and their families from the Guelph Legion to the Remembrance Day Ceremony downtown for the last several years.

Survey reveals Canadian seniors at risk of becoming helpless in their own homes

TORONTO, November 8, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadians in their 70s and 80s today are capable, self-sufficient and want to continue living in their own homes. However, the vast majority have a mistaken understanding about how to access help in the case of a medical emergency and four in ten are unaware falls are the most common cause of injuries among seniors in Canada, reveals the Lifeline Report on Aging in Canada released today by Philips Lifeline.

The Lifeline Report on Aging in Canada is a survey of 1,000 Canadians aged 73 or older commissioned by Philips Lifeline, Canada's leading medical alert and response service. According to the survey, 95 per cent of those surveyed say continuing to live independently at home is either their top priority or very important to them. However, a staggering number are at risk of becoming helpless in their homes following a fall.

"All seniors living alone should have a failsafe plan about how they would get help if they fell as falls are a reality of aging. Each year more than 1.4 million Canadian seniors fall and 50 per cent are unable get up without help," says Jaclyn Mcleod, Clinical Nurse, Geriatric Emergency Management with Lakeridge Health in Oshawa. "Calling for help on a telephone is simply not possible if one cannot move, becomes disoriented or is knocked unconscious. It is unrealistic and dangerous, to assume a telephone will always be in reach or that someone will always hear your cry for help."

According to the survey:

...86 per cent of respondents are counting on always being able to reach and use a telephone following a fall.

...A further 10 per cent say they would try to get help on their own by trying to get up or yelling for help.

...26 per cent said they didn't know how long it would take for help to arrive if they needed it.

Seniors' lack of preparedness for falls is in stark contrast to other survey findings which show respondents are willing and ready to make whatever changes are required if the changes help them to continue living in their own homes.

...Although 62 per cent of respondents don't currently have any assistance at home, they said it is only because they have not reached the age when they feel they need the help (64 per cent), rather than a reluctance to engage it.

...Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of respondents said they would make some changes and engage seniors' services if it helped them to stay in their own home longer.

...Forty five per cent said they would even be willing to move into a smaller home if it enabled them to continue living independently.

...Only three per cent said they would never use senior services.

"Our survey reveals that today's Canadian seniors are practical, independent and open to change but also dangerously unaware that falls are one of the most serious health risks among their age group," says Erik Sande, General Manager, Philips Home Monitoring (Canada). "We recommend they subscribe to a medical alert device, such as Lifeline. This simple, unobtrusive device enables seniors to live active, independent lives yet provides instant access to help in case of a fall and peace of mind to the subscribers and their families."

Falls are one of the most serious health risks among seniors, with an estimated one in three Canadians over age 65 expected to fall each year. Fifty per cent of seniors who fall can't get up without help. The longer a senior lies helpless following a fall can have a dramatic impact on outcome. If a senior lies helpless for one hour or less the change of mortality is 12 per cent. However, seniors who lie helpless for 72 hours or more have a 67 per cent chance of mortality.

The Lifeline Report on Aging was an online survey conducted from September 6th to September 8th among a sample of the 1004 Canadians aged 73 or older who are Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error on the full base which measures sampling variability is is +/- 3.1%. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

Philips Lifeline is Canada's leading medical alarm and response service. Its commitment to providing quality and caring service has made it the industry leader for more than thirty five years. Lifeline is also the only medical alarm and response service integrated with the Canadian healthcare system. With hundreds of partnerships with hospitals, healthcare agencies and senior living residences across the country, the Lifeline service is readily accessible across the country. For more information on Lifeline medical alarm and response service please visit www.Lifeline.ca.











About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Back pain and a great gender divide?

Majority of sufferers have never received a pain management plan

TORONTO, November 7, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - While one-in-four Canadians live with chronic low back pain, a new survey commissioned by Eli Lilly Canada, reveals that men and women may differ when it comes to how the pain impacts their daily lives.

Of those Canadians who rated their back pain as five or higher (on a scale of one to 10), most day-to-day activities such as sleep, sex, concentration, and enjoyment of life appear to impact women slightly more than men when it comes to chronic low back pain.1 Most importantly, what is common to both genders is that the majority of patients (62 per cent) who have been diagnosed with chronic low back pain have never received a pain management plan to help them deal with the pain.

"It comes as no surprise that so many Canadians are suffering from chronic low back pain and that men and women are feeling the impact on their quality of life in various ways," says Dr. Gordon Ko, medical pain specialist and assistant professor, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "What is most concerning is the majority of people diagnosed with chronic low back pain state they have not received a pain management plan from their doctor. This tells me that many Canadians are not receiving appropriate direction and may be suffering unnecessarily."

What is chronic low back pain?

Chronic low back pain is usually described as persistent, deep, aching, dull or burning pain in the area of the lower back or nagging discomfort that may travel down the legs, and lasts longer than three months. Pain is often worse while sitting in one position or when bending over, lifting, or doing physically demanding work.2 Low back pain can also be caused in part by the aging process, and also as a result of sedentary life styles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise.

Of those survey respondents who suffer from chronic low back pain, 30 per cent rate the intensity of their pain as moderate to severe,1 (based on survey respondents who rated their back pain between seven and 10, on a scale from one to 10) and the pain may impact the quality of life of female respondents to a greater degree than male sufferers.

Chronic low back pain by the sexes?

Sixty-four per cent of women report that their chronic low back pain affects their ability to enjoy life, versus 56 per cent of men, with chronic low back pain having a similar impact on sleeping patterns (65 per cent of women vs. 57 per cent of men), and sex lives (39 per cent women vs. 33 per cent men).1 While these numbers do not significantly indicate a gender difference in terms of back pain impact, they may suggest a trend towards women perceiving pain differently. What is significant is that 71 per cent of female respondents say their back pain impacts their ability to do household chores, compared to only 50 per cent of men.1

According to Dr. Gordon Ko, "women often report more frequent and intense pain, which may have a biological basis."

Amelia Usher, a married mother of three, knows this reality quite well. Since injuring her back years ago, her life has been turned upside down and according to her, even more so than the men she has encountered who have experienced the same injury. "When I am at the clinic, I often have conversations with others who have chronic low back pain and have the impression that my quality of life has been impacted more negatively than men when it comes to some of the most important things in life - sleep, taking care of the household and just day to day activities."

Telling employers

While most Canadians experience chronic low back pain as a result of injury (31 per cent) or their work (25 per cent), only 50 per cent of respondents tell their employer about their back pain.

Plan to manage the pain

According to the survey, 62 per cent of people with chronic low back pain who consulted a doctor, report that their physician has not provided them with a pain management plan to help them deal with the impact their chronic low back pain is having on their life, including concerns and issues about treatment, yet among this group, 61 per cent state that they would find this type of discussion helpful.

Lynn Cooper from The Canadian Pain Coalition, a partnership of pain consumer groups, health professionals and scientists studying better ways of treating pain, says this finding is not surprising.

"Chronic pain continues to be a challenging phenomenon for people with pain and clinicians to address," says Lynn Cooper, President of the Canadian Pain Coalition. "That's why we need to work towards a model of improved patient-physician decision making and encourage conversations that are mindful of a patient's concerns and beliefs. Developing a pain management plan that involves multidisciplinary pain management and lifestyle changes is a step in the right direction that should produce better outcomes for all people with pain."

Treatment options

"With many Canadians concerned about the potential addictive nature of pain medications (60 per cent of those surveyed), it's important to know that there are a variety of treatment options available to manage chronic low back pain, so there's no need to just grin and bear it," says Dr. Ko.

"We now have a number of treatment options to manage chronic low back pain, including over-the-counter analgesics, opioids and new prescription non-opioid medications, as well as complementary options like acupuncture, platelet injections, meditation and biofeedback," says Dr. Ko. "Your doctor can work with you to determine which treatment options are most appropriate for you."

Sufferers who suspect they may have chronic low back pain should speak to a doctor to obtain a formal diagnosis and obtain a comprehensive pain management plan. It is possible to live a better life despite chronic low back pain.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Eli Lilly Canada, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, employs close to 500 people across the country. Additional information about Eli Lilly Canada can be found at www.lilly.ca.

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend ~ Check medical devices and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

from Health & Safety Watch.com

As we prepare to turn our clocks back this Sunday, its a good time to check medical devices, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Medical Devices

Canadians who rely on medical devices or systems with internal clocks should check these devices to ensure they switch from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2:00 a.m.

The start and end dates of Daylight Saving Time were changed in 2007. Medical equipment manufactured prior to 2007 may not function optimally if the equipment has not been updated by manufacturers to compensate for the new dates.

To date, Health Canada has not reported any device malfunctions because of the revised time change that began in 2007. However, examples of medical devices that could be affected by the change include (but are not limited to): implanted pacemakers/defibrillators with sleep modes that can only be adjusted by physicians; Holter monitors, used to continuously record heartbeat; and glucose monitors that store data on glucose levels.

If a medical device displays the incorrect time after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011, users should contact the manufacturer to bring the problem to their attention and consult a health care professional.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

When you change your clocks this weekend, remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

"Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives by alerting you to a fire or CO buildup. They can't do their job if the batteries aren't working," said Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Protect your family by replacing smoke and CO alarm batteries at least once each year."

In addition to changing batteries every year, CPSC recommends consumers test their alarms monthly. Place smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don't work.

Fire departments responded to more than 386,000 residential fires in the U.S. that resulted in nearly 2,400 deaths, more than 12,500 injuries, and $6.92 billion in property losses annually, on average, from 2006 through 2008.

In addition to changing batteries in smoke alarms, CPSC urges consumers to stay in the kitchen while cooking to help prevent fires. Cooking fires accounted for the largest percentage of home fires, an annual average of nearly 150,000 or 38.7 percent, from 2006 through 2008.

CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. CO alarms should not be installed in attics or basements unless they include a sleeping area. Combination smoke and CO alarms are available to consumers.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that consumers cannot see or smell. An average of 184 unintentional non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products, including portable generators, occurred annually from 2005 through 2007.

To protect against CO poisoning, schedule an annual professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces and chimneys. Home heating systems were associated with 70 deaths, or 38 percent of CO poisoning deaths, in 2007, the largest percentage of non-fire CO poisoning deaths.

Read the full story at Health & Safety Watch

Happy 3rd Birthday GWSA Website! and congratulations on your 30,000th visitor today

from the GWSA Sentinel

GUELPH, Ontario November 4, 2011 - Guelph Wellington Seniors Association - This month is the third anniversary of the GWSA website in its current inception.

Webmaster, Ken Russell, set up the new site in November/December 2008 as an introduction to potential new members seeking information and as an enticement to people considering a move to Guelph. However, the site also has links to active GWSA clubs and services, and a complete copy of each monthly Sentinel newsletter as a .pdf file.

For people who want to be interactive, they can post comments on six Blogs which are:

Take Advantage of Your Senority
Duffer's Rule
Feeling Better - Eat Well
Boomers Info Kiosk
Go Evergreen
Cyber Security for Seniors

All this plus a Facebook connection and information on Twitter and GWSA members are leaping into the 21st. century.

Ken is a self-taught computer techno-whiz and just recenty upgraded from playing around on his eldery Windows 98 system with dial-up internet.

"If I make it simple, I can train someone else to take over," says Ken, refering to the many websites he's set up for churches, friends, and other organizations.

Joining Wellington Freespace in the mid 1990's encouraged Ken to experiment and he's now been making web pages since 1996. He programs on a word processor and describes himself as "graphically challenged." However, new members viewing the web page agree that it looks very professional.

Ken is quick to comment his page is a new version of the original website programmed by Jim Langedijk. In the early days, the page was aimed at member news. When Jim retired, Ken took over the web address and changed the page to a more corporate website with a brochure look.

Ken says

"it's designed to attract new members and to encourage current members to click on information links for news, events, and updates on services."

Check it out at: www.gwsa-guelph.ca

Fast Facts:

Visitors to the website Nov 4, 2008 - Nov 4, 2011 30,010
Average visitors per day 20,
Average visitors per week 143
Average visitors per month 597
Total visitors to the six blogs 60,175

Ontario's Doctors Improving Access to Care for Patients

2.1 Million More Patients Now Have a Family Doctor in Ontario

TORONTO, November 3, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - New figures from the Ontario Medical Association reveal that since 2003 over 2 million more patients now have a family doctor in the province. Ontario's doctors released the new information in conjunction with the launch of the latest phase of the "Your life is our life's work" public awareness campaign. Featuring patients from around the province, this multi-layered campaign highlights that Ontario's doctors are working hard to strengthen the health care system by improving access and finding innovative ways to save the system money that can be re-invested into patient care.

"The fact that over 2 million more patients now have access to a doctor is a result of physicians working harder and more efficiently so that patients not only get the care they need, but when they need it. Ontario's doctors are very proud of this accomplishment and we are committed to continuing to work with government to strengthen the health care system." - Stewart Kennedy, MD President, Ontario Medical Association

The campaign launches as a newly elected government and MPPs return to Queen's Park following the provincial election. Ontario's doctors look forward to working with the government and all MPPs to discuss the challenges facing the health care system and to offer recommendations to improve care for patients. Some of the key priorities for Ontario's doctors include increasing patient access to physicians, expanding Electronic Medical Records, investing in children's mental health and implementing a strategy to fight childhood obesity.

Ontario's doctors are aware of the fiscal challenges facing the province and of the rising costs of health care in Ontario. This is why Ontario's doctors have been working with the government to find savings that do not negatively impact patient care. In just a short time, some $240 million in savings have been identified which can be re-invested into the health services that need it the most. Ontario's doctors are committed to continuing these discussions bilaterally with government.

"Ontario's doctors see 400,000 patients every day which gives us a unique perspective from which to offer solutions on how to improve our health care system. While we've come a long way over the last number of years, there is more work to do. Ontario's doctors will continue to offer practical solutions that will have a positive impact on patients and foster a more sustainable health care system." - Stewart Kennedy, MD President, Ontario Medical Association

Quick Facts:

Since 2003, Ontario's doctors have been working with the government on a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to care. Specifically, physicians have:

...Treated over 38 million patients in emergency rooms;

...Performed more than 975,000 cataract surgeries;

...Performed nearly 141,000 knee replacement surgeries; and

...Performed more than 90,000 hip replacement surgeries.

In addition, the latest statistics reveal that in 2009/2010, 5,800 physicians performed house calls for almost 90-thousand patients and after hours service provided by general practitioners has increased by more than 40 per cent across all practice settings.