Living well: An apple a day may keep health care costs away

OTTAWA, May 17, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - As Canadians head home for a holiday weekend, a new Conference Board of Canada report offers a reminder that healthy lifestyles have an impact on health care costs as well as on individual wellbeing.

The Conference Board of Canada's analysis of lifestyle factors among provincial populations finds that there is significant room for improvement in how Canadians take care of their own health. Its analysis is part of a major report, Paving the Road to Higher Performance: Benchmarking Provincial Health Systems, which will be released on Thursday, May 23.

"The provinces that rank higher in lifestyle factors also perform better in overall health status. These findings highlight the importance of health promotion and disease prevention programs to control demand for health care services," said Gabriela Prada, Director, Health Innovation, Policy and Evaluation.

"Our analysis is not meant to 'shame and blame' provinces that do relatively poorly on any given indicator," said Prada. "Our intention is to identify performance achievements and gaps so that all provinces are better equipped to make decisions that will improve health care systems and population health."

The findings released today are the second of four categories published by The Conference Board of Canada in its benchmarking of provincial health systems, produced under the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care. In all, 90 indicators are assessed in the categories of Lifestyle Factors, Health Status, Health Resources, and Health Care System Performance.

The Lifestyle Factors category considers indicators that measure rates of health-related behaviours, which include:

...Heavy drinking
...Overweight or obese adults
...Smoking
...Fruit and vegetable consumption
...Physical activity

Almost all provinces show an increase in the proportion of Canadian adults reported to be overweight or obese since 2003. The trend is reversed when looking at daily smoking over the last few years. Canada has been able to decrease its smoking rates, and it shows relatively low rates of smoking compared with other OECD countries.

The Health Status segment was released on Thursday, May 16. The remaining segments to be released are:

Health System Resources and Performance - Wednesday, May 22
Overall Grades - Thursday, May 23

The overall findings will be revealed at The Conference Board of Canada's Western Summit on Sustainable Health, to be held May 22-23 at The Westin, Edmonton. This forum will provide an opportunity for all health stakeholders from across the West to connect, share ideas, and discuss how to transform the health care system and improve the health of Canadians.

Launched in 2011, the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care is a five-year Conference Board program of research and dialogue. It will delve deeply into facets of Canada's health care challenge, including the financial, workplace, and institutional dimensions, in an effort to develop forward-looking qualitative and quantitative analysis and solutions to make the system more sustainable.

Keeping on the go: Driving safely as you age

OTTAWA, May 17, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - In celebration of National Road Safety Week, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is proud to have developed a new resource for older drivers, their families and healthcare professionals that include an Older Driver's Safety website and a new series of brochures entitled "Keeping on the go: Driving safely as you age."

Valuable information on safe driving strategies and planning for driving retirement can be found in translated brochures in English, French, Italian, Punjabi, and Chinese (simplified and traditional).

CAOT is dedicated to keeping seniors behind the wheel for as long as possible. Driving increases the opportunity to be involved within the community and is a contributor to quality-of-life giving seniors a sense of wellbeing. For example, Statistic Canada reported that seniors with a driver's license were twice as likely to volunteer as those without a driver's license. Older driver safety is an important issue and Canadian seniors from diverse cultures deserve to have tailored information that might encourage them to continue driving.

Occupational therapists can evaluate driving abilities, help find alternative transportation and develop driving rehabilitation programs. These professionals have taken a leadership position in regard to driving rehabilitation services because of their expertise in assessing the interaction between the person, the environment and the occupation. Occupational therapists are highly trained professionals who work with anyone who is having difficulty doing the activities that are important to them.

Production of these brochures had been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Keeping Pace with Pacemakers

GUELPH, Ontario - May 15, 2013 - Guelph Wellington Seniors Association - With the proposed closure of the local pacemaker clinic at Guelph General Hospital and transfer of servicing to St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) has great concerns about the inconvenience and difficulty this will create for its members and other seniors in the community who have need of the local clinics services.

“On behalf of the entire community, and particularly on behalf of family caregivers and their parents and relatives who are most likely to suffer the fallout from the loss of a local pacemaker clinic, I implore that you abandon the closure of the clinic at the Guelph General Hospital,” Guelph MP John Valeriote said in a letter sent to Guelph General board chair John Core. - Guelph Tribune May 2, 2013

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"St. Mary’s could establish a satellite pacemaker clinic at Guelph," said Guelph MPP Liz Sandals in an open letter. in the Guelph Tribune on May 9, 2013

"As a group of concerned seniors and citizens, we need to stand behind our MP and our MPP with their recommendations to maintain the status quo, or at the very least, to continue the clinic as a satellite operation of St. Mary’s, thus preserving a local presence which is so important in this case." said Pierre Desmarais, President of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association.

About the GWSA

With more than 2,500 members, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada. We have a straightforward mission...

”To empower older adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully.”

For further information contact:

Pierre Desmarais, President.
Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
683 Woolwich St. Guelph ON N1H 3Y8

519-823-1291

Ontario Seniors: How to Be Prepared for an Emergency - Are You Prepared?

Emergencies can strike anywhere, at any time. That’s why everyone in Ontario is encouraged to be prepared — by having a plan, assembling a survival kit, and by staying informed.

If you are a senior or are helping an older Ontarian prepare for an emergency, consider the extras that may be needed. These new resources will get you started.

Be Prepared...In Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Make A Plan

Learn what situations you need to plan for, such as where to go in an evacuation or how to reach family members.

Your Plan Should Include

...Two safe locations in case you have to leave your home. One should be nearby, such as a local library or community centre. The other one should be farther away in case the emergency affects a large area.

...A family communications plan. During an emergency, local telephone lines and networks may not work. Identify one or two out-of-town contacts you and loved-ones can call to connect and share information.

...A list of the people in your personal support network. This includes all the people who will be able to help when you need it. Consider including family members, neighbours, and health-care and personal support workers.

Step 2: Build A Kit

Everyone should have a survival kit, with the supplies needed to be safe and take care of yourself and your family for at least three days.

Step 3: Be Informed

Knowing about emergencies as soon as possible, as well as learning more about the types of emergencies you might face is critical.

Seniors’ guide PDF version

Emergency form PDF version

Discovery May Lead to New Antibiotic

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
at the University of Guelph

GUELPH, Ontario - May 08, 2013 - University of Guelph News Release - Novel ways of treating bacterial diseases such as meningitis and some bloodstream infections may one day result from a new discovery by University of Guelph microbiologists.

"Uncovering a key piece of bacterial machinery that helps pathogens don a surface coat to outwit the body’s natural immunity might give physicians a new way to treat microbes causing serious illness and even death, said Lisa Willis, a PhD student in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB).

“It would be a new kind of antibiotic,” said Willis, lead author of a new paper published online last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Her co-authors are her adviser -- MCB chair Prof. Chris Whitfield -- and scientists at the National Research Council of Canada and the University of Alberta.

Willis said the team’s discovery promises a way to disrupt the protective surface coat of virulent bacteria. That would allow the body’s immune system to remove the pathogen normally.

“The bacteria can survive fine without this virulence factor in the lab – they just can’t cause disease,” she said.

The researchers cautioned that it may take years to develop treatments.

Said Whitfield,

“This identifies a good target for therapeutics, but drug discovery is a long process, followed by clinical trials of any new antibiotic.”

Using viruses that attack bacteria, Willis isolated and identified a critical component on the surface of many bacterial cells. Those microbes include pathogens causing meningitis and infections of the bloodstream and urinary tract in people, as well as bacteria that cause various livestock diseases.

Because the molecule is found in bacteria but not in humans, drug companies might target treatments without harming human cells, said Willis.

The researchers looked at enzymes needed to make the cell surface component, which is part of a larger sugar molecule.

“Without these enzymes, the cell can’t make these complex sugars and can’t assemble the surface coat,” said Whitfield. “If you’re able to target the initial enzyme, you turn the entire process off.”

Finding such a crucial target may help combat drug-resistant bacteria, he said. “This step is essential for these bacteria to cause disease. There is no secondary route that we know of that might fill the gap.”

This research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and by Whitfield’s Canada Research Chair in Molecular Microbiology.

MY Healthcare : Seniors in Control

Dr. Samir Sinha - Provincial Lead,
Ontario's Seniors Strategy

GUELPH Ontario - May 3, 2013 - Guelph Wellington Seniors Association - Seniors' healthcare is a hot topic. So hot that the provincial government hired a geriatic doctor to consult with doctors, hospitals, and the Local Health Integration Network, which oversee the funding of local healthcare, and report on his findings.

Dr. Samir Sinha is the doctor and the report which was released early in 2013 is "Living Longer, Living Well," the basis for the province's Independence, Activity and Good Health: Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors.

Further to the report is a new organizational structure called Health Links which is just coming into practice in our community.

For many of us and our families, the healthcare delivery system is a maze which is difficult to navigate. In order to understand how it all fits together, the Advocacy Committee of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association Board has organized an educational forum with a series of speakers from different areas of the healthcare world in Guelph Wellington which will take place in June, Seniors' Month.

Seniors, caregivers for seniors, and healthcare providers (nurses, doctors, social workers, personal care workers) are invited to register to attend this free event Registration opened on April 15. You may register by telephoning the Evergreen Centre at 519-823-1291 or at www.regexpress.guelph.ca use the code 155902.

On Tuesday, June 4th., starting promptly at 9:30am and ending at noon, in the auditorium at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, we will hear a keynote address from Dr. Samir Sinha about the provinces' "Action Plan", followed by four panelists who will talk about:

"Care for the Frail Elderly" - Dr. George Heckman who is a practicing geriactic physician and Schlegel Research Chair in Geriactic Medicine, University of Waterloo

"The Network of Family Healthcare Practices" - Ross Kirkconnell who is the Executive Director, Guelph Family Health Team

"Deciding when Specialists are needed for Mental Healthcare" - Cathy Sturdy-Smith who is the Manager of Specialized Geriactic Service at the Canadian Canadian Mental Health Association (Trellis).

"When and How to get Services" - Tricia Murray who is Client Service Manager for Waterloo-Wellington Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)

Once we hear from these healtcare representatives, there will be a refreshment break followed by roundtable feedback sessions for the seniors and caregivers attending the forum. These will involve facilitators asking a discussion question about seniors' healthcare at each table and the discussion that follows will be recorded.

Eventually, the facilitators, who are associated with the School of Public and Health Systems, Aging Health and Wellbeing at the University of Waterloo, will report back and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association will post their findings on our website.

It is hoped that the forum on senior's healthcare will promote further study, discussion, and research into better healthcare for seniors in Guelph-Wellington.

The event is made possible by grants from Co-operators and the School of Public and Health Systems, Aging and Health and Wellbeing at the University of Waterloo.

Canada's community pharmacies are committed to working with the Government of Ontario to enhance access to affordable care

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada's community pharmacies look forward to working with government to implement strategic solutions that manage healthcare costs and improve access to patient care.

Healthcare savings contained in the budget tabled by Minister Sousa, reflect collaborative efforts between Canada's broader pharmacy community and the Government of Ontario. Together, community pharmacy and the government can ensure patients have access to the right care, at the right time, and in the right place, while balancing the need to contain healthcare costs.

"Leaders from across the broader pharmacy community are committed to working with the Government of Ontario to ensure that we are making the best use of Canada's most accessible healthcare centres and Canada's most trusted health care professionals - the pharmacy and the pharmacist" said Denise Carpenter, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS).

"Savings announced by Minister Sousa in today's budget, achieved through drug reimbursement strategies, were developed in partnership with industry. We look forward to a continued role in helping Minister Matthews and health officials design new approaches to the delivery of patient care in the pharmacy. This approach will ensure significant healthcare savings; help Ontarians manage chronic conditions; prevent costly and life threatening adverse drug reactions; and help make sure that patients have access to the right medication, at the right time, at the right price" continued Carpenter.

Earlier this month Canada's community pharmacies launched a collaborative initiative that outlines innovative strategies to improve access to affordable care. The plan identifies five creative initiatives that, based on estimates independently validated by the Conference Board of Canada, could save governments between $8.5 billion and $11 billion over three years.

These strategies include:

...Treating minor ailments and administering certain vaccines

...Ensuring affordable access to key medications

...Managing chronic conditions

...Leveraging the pharmaceutical distribution model

...Further preventing adverse drug reactions

"We look forward to ongoing collaboration with Premier Wynne, Minister Sousa, and Minister Matthews as we do our part to enhance patient care and manage cherished health care dollars" concluded Carpenter.

Canadians with 20/20 vision may still have serious eye disease

Eye exams the most critical step to prevent blindness, say CNIB and Doctors of Optometry Canada

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Think perfect eyesight means healthy eyes? Not necessarily, say CNIB and Doctors of Optometry Canada.

As Vision Health Month begins, the two organizations are reminding Canadians that vision health is about more than just seeing well, and urging them to do one simple thing to save their sight: get an eye examination from a Doctor of Optometry.

"20/20 vision and eye disease are not mutually exclusive," says Dr. Keith Gordon, vice president of research at CNIB. "Although a staggering one in seven Canadians will be diagnosed with an eye disease in their lifetime, it's not always as obvious as you'd think. Many eye diseases have no symptoms in the early stages, so it's possible to have one and still see perfectly well."

Vision loss can happen to anyone, at any age, but many people don't realize that 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated if detected early," says Dr. Gordon. "Getting an eye exam is the single most important thing you can do to stay on the right side of that statistic.

That's where a comprehensive eye examination from a Doctor of Optometry comes in. In addition to assessing a person's vision, the doctor conducts a series of specialized tests designed to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

"The earlier an eye disease is detected, the greater the chance of preventing or minimizing associated vision loss through treatment," says Dr. Lil Linton, president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and a spokesperson for Doctors of Optometry Canada "That's why it's so critical to get your eyes examined regularly. By the time you notice a problem, it could be too late to save your sight."

But how often should you get your eyes examined? While these guidelines are not appropriate for all clinical situations, Doctors of Optometry Canada recommends that:

...infants should have their first eye exam between six and nine months of age;

...children should undergo at least one eye examination between the ages of two and five, and then yearly once they enter school;

...adults between the ages of 19 and 64 should have an eye exam every two years; and seniors should have an eye exam annually.

"Vision loss can happen to anyone, at any age, but many people don't realize that 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated if detected early," says Dr. Gordon. "Getting an eye exam is the single most important thing you can do to stay on the right side of that statistic."

About Vision Health Month

Vision Health Month is a nationwide awareness campaign designed to educate Canadians about their vision health and help eliminate avoidable sight loss across the country. Throughout the month of May, CNIB and Doctors of Optometry Canada are partnering to call on all Canadians to do one simple thing that could save their sight: get an eye exam from a Doctor of Optometry. For more information, visit eyesareforlife.ca.

About CNIB

CNIB is a registered charity that strives to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To do so, we provide personalized rehabilitation support to help people of all ages see beyond vision loss, build their independence and lead the lives they want. Additionally, we work hand-in-hand with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted to advocate for a barrier-free society, and we strive to eliminate avoidable sight loss with world-class research and by promoting the importance of vision health through public education. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.

About Doctors of Optometry Canada

Doctors of Optometry Canada (DOC) is the national public education campaign of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and the provincial optometric associations. The goal of the campaign is to educate the public on the value of regular eye examinations performed by a Doctor of Optometry, a single source for all eye health and eyewear needs. For more information, visit DoctorsofOptometry.ca.

New film invites us into the world of our pets to rediscover moments of pure joy

NEW YORK, April 29, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Savour Every Moment, a new short film by renowned filmmaker, Keith Hopkin, was an instant hit with pet lovers and pets alike when it debuted on Saturday during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

Shot on location in sand, snow and underwater with some help from famed photographer Seth Casteel, Savour Every Moment invites us into the world of our pets — even offering a pet's eye view — to rediscover and appreciate the simple joys of life.

Using slow motion and GoPro cameras, Hopkin helps us appreciate our pets in a way that's unlike anything captured on video before. It is brought to life with the help of a musical score by Carly Comando, whose work has been featured as part of an advertising campaign by the National Basketball Association and in an Emmy Award winning episode of The Simpsons.

The film features the big screen debut of Bonkers the Boston Terrier, Beans the Chihuahua and Jupiter the cat, as well as a special guest appearance by Mia, the White German Shepherd star of Hopkin's viral video sensation, "Dogs in Cars."

"I wanted to capture, in a simple and pure way, the almost magical effect our pets can have on us by helping us see even small things from an entirely new perspective," says Hopkin. "It's a fascinating subject to explore."

Savouring every moment

The Savour Every Moment film was created with the help of an artistic grant provided to Keith Hopkin from Petcurean, a Canadian-based, family-owned pet food company, known for its unique epicurean inspired recipes.

"Dogs and cats seem to possess some inner secret to enjoying life," says Jessica Holtz, Petcurean Marketing Manager. "The film celebrates how they are able to savour every moment, every day — the fun, the loving, the silly and the playful."

"Video: Savour Every Moment, a new short film by famed filmmaker Keith Hopkin, with an artistic grant from Petcurean, debuted on Saturday during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City."

Unfazed by celebrity

Savour Every Moment was an instant hit with pet lovers and pets alike at screenings during the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival.

Thousands of people, along with countless pets, viewed the film for free and had their photos taken with the pet stars of the film, who were unfazed by the attention that came with their newfound celebrity.

"This film was absolutely breathtaking and anyone who has ever loved a dog or cat will relate to all of the beautiful moments represented. I can't wait to share it with my friends." - Amanda Shore, New York Resident

"Savour Every Moment captures all of those special times I've spent with my pet. It made me tear up at certain points!" - Chloe Tennyson, New York Resident

Share your own story

Pet lovers everywhere can now enjoy Savour Every Moment at home or on the go — perhaps side-by-side with their pet — at www.petcurean.com/savoureverymoment. Pet owners can also share the film and upload their best, silliest, or sweetest photos of their pets along with stories, poems or other words that express how they savour every moment with their pets.

About Petcurean

Petcurean pet food is made with the same love and care that is put into preparing dinner for their own families; they're epicureans.

Petcurean recipe inspiration starts by thinking about real food. Every recipe is created with passion and purpose. They are recipes that nobody has thought of making and when it comes to ingredients, only the best of the best will do. Petcurean works with a trusted network of farmers and rangers that produce healthy, premium quality market-fresh meats, veggies, fruits and berries. They are cooked with creativity, energy and an overarching love for cats and dogs. Finally, with the Petcurean seal of approval, Petcurean recipes are enjoyed by pets everywhere.

Petcurean pet food is sold exclusively through pet specialty retailers throughout Canada and the United States. Visit www.petcurean.com/retailers for more information.

What kind of postal service will you need in the future?

Canada Post poses question to Canadians in a public online forum

OTTAWA, April 24, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada Post has launched a public online forum for Canadians to join a national conversation that will help shape future postal services.

The launch of the public forum follows the April 23 release of a Conference Board of Canada report entitled "The future of postal services in Canada." The report projects Canada Post may lose almost $1 billion a year by 2020 as a result of relentless declines in Lettermail volumes.

As Canadians have changed how they use the postal system, Canada Post is seeking their views on how to transform the business in order to meet their current and future needs. The Corporation is aware of the important role it plays in connecting Canadians, in urban and rural Canada, in the North and as an enabler for small businesses.

Canadians will be able to share their thoughts in two ways. They can submit their comments on the Canada Post website (canadapost.ca) and click on The Future of Canada Post or they can write to the address below:

THE FUTURE OF CANADA POST
2701 RIVERSIDE DR SUITE N0800
OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1

Canada Post has stayed relevant to generations of Canadians by understanding their changing needs and evolving to serve them. The options put forward by the Conference Board are the starting point for this important conversation with Canadians about what they value, what they expect from us going forward and what needs to change to get there.