Health Canada Warning about Reed Diffusers

Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers to keep reed diffusers out of reach of children and to teach them about the potential hazards posed by these products.
Reed diffusers are home fragrance products that consist of a bottle, scented oils and reeds (thin wooden sticks used to diffuse the oil). These products can come in various colours and sizes. There are several different types of oils used in reed diffuser products, some of which may be harmful if ingested. Once the diffuser container is filled with the scented oil, the reeds are placed into the filled bottle with one end submerged in the oil, making it readily accessible to toddlers or young children exploring their environment. The colourful, fragrant oils and decorative material are likely to attract a child's attention.

Health Canada has received reports of children becoming ill after ingesting the liquid contents of reed diffuser products. Depending on the product formulation, some liquids used in reed diffusers can pose serious health risks to children if unintentional exposure occurs.
Consumer chemical products and containers, including reed diffuser oils and the containers used to store the oils, are subject to the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001. Therefore, a reed diffuser that contains a liquid classified as toxic or flammable must have the appropriate labelling and packaging. Health Canada regularly monitors the marketplace, and takes appropriate action when non-compliant products are identified. However, there are steps parents and caregivers can take at home to help prevent injury.

What You Can Do

• Keep reed diffusers and any product containing oils out of reach of young children and locked out of sight when not in use.
• Consumers should read the labels on the bottles to be aware of the hazards posed by the product.
• Make sure children understand the hazard symbols on household chemical products, so they do not unintentionally harm themselves or others.
• Read more about Poison Prevention.

If a child does access the contents of a reed diffuser, parents should contact the nearest poison control centre or call 911. The contact number is generally on the first page of your telephone book under Emergency Numbers.

For Further Information

For further information contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office by phone at 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free) or email at cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca (please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).

** Please visit Okanagan Woman's main website at www.okanaganwoman.com to see the current and back issues, plus exclusive web content.

Benefit Concert for Westside Families in Need

Making Music Matter - It is quite shocking how many students arrive at school every day that haven’t eaten breakfast nor have appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Approximately 1 in 6 children are hungry which means that without breakfast, students cannot be at their best for learning and can be less attentive and disruptive in class.  To address this, three schools in West Kelowna are banding together, Chief Tomat, Hudson Road and George Pringle Elementary schools, to hold a fundraising concert called “Making Music Matter – A Benefit Concert for Westside Families in Need”.  The event page can be found at  www.facebook.com/MakingMusicMatter.

 This benefit is for families who have students attending one of the three schools. Funds raised from the sale of tickets will go towards purchasing food, clothing and basic necessities for families in need within our school community. The benefit concert will be headlined by Shamma Sabir, who is one of Canada's top fiddlers along with Norm Strauss, Andrew Smith and Graham Ord.  There will be some surprise additions yet to come. The performers are donating their time to support the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the offices of George Pringle, Hudson Road and Chief Tomat Elementary schools during regular office hours. They will also be available at Points West Audio Visual 8-1905 Evergreen Court in Kelowna from 8am-5pm Monday - Friday. Tickets are $15 each for adults and $5 for children under 18. Call any of the schools: Hudson Road (250) 769-4666, Chief Tomat (250) 768-6628, George Pringle (250) 870-5103 or Tracey at Points West Audio Visual at 250-861-5424 for more information.  The event will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 7pm in the George Pringle Elementary Gymnasium at 3770 Elliot Road in West Kelowna.

EVENT - Nov 22 - Local Artists and Activists Share Their Compassion for Exploited Women

This press release just in from the Okanagan Institute Express ...a worthwhile event!

The sad news is that millions of women and girls around the world suffer sexual exploitation, acid attacks, rape, forced marriages and other unimaginable forms of violence and disenfranchisement. One out of every three women worldwide is physically, sexually or otherwise abused during her lifetime. The good news is that there are thousands of organizations around the world that reach out to those women and offer help, support, training, and education so that women can be self-sufficient. They also fight to change cultural attitudes and push for legal reform. Despite the odds women face, there are countless examples of women supporting each other to overcome the bleakest of circumstances. Helping them become economically empowered and providing protection and access to justice will enable these women to create societies that are more tolerant, less violent, less extremist, and more human and socially just.

On Thursday, November 22nd at 5 pm the ongoing Okanagan Institute Express series at the Bohemian Café, 524 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna presents Compassion: The Agency of Gender Justice. Join us as artists and activists Julie Oakes and Linda Edgecomb share their insights into the continuing tragedy of the global exploitation of women.

In her recently released novel, Hooks, visual artist and author Julie Oakes tells the stories of pain and struggle that are the reality of life for women young and old forced into sexual trafficking in India. In 2004, Oakes acquired a MA in Social and Political Science from The New School for Social Research in New York, a school known for its progressive philosophy. It was in preparation for her thesis - with the late Christopher Hitchens and Dr. Terry Williams as her expository writing advisors - that Oakes went to India. The notes compiled during two months of travelling from Mumbai to Karalla to Pondicherry to Rajisthan were the basis for the novel, published by Dundurn Press. With the help of fellow New School alumna Thoraya Mohammed and Action Aid in Hyderabad, Oakes was able to access case studies of prostitutes that formed the basis for the characters in Hooks. Oakes' writing of Hooks is informed by compassionate creative intelligence for eastern culture and looks at its universality. In describing her work Oakes writes, "Hooks is a novel about women who gain agency over their lives - both the prostitutes and the female journalist from New York. Being able to exert power over destiny means that there is no longer someone else who has control over the self. Agency in Hooks is gained through reciprocity, a righting of wrong action. Unfortunately, sometimes in the fight for agency, bearings are lost. Achieving the balance needed to walk independently, people grow and whether western or eastern, prostitute or journalist, change comes with a price."

A more assertive role in helping women gaining agency over their lives has directed Linda Edgecomb locally and internationally. Linda is a renowned speaker, writer and motivational coach. Her footprint has made an impact around the world. The Wall Street Journal has quoted her as being an expert in Shifting Peoples Perspectives on their work, their lives and their effect on their communities. More specifically Linda has been involved with a project in Nepal rescuing girls out of child labour and getting them into school. In November 2010, Linda co-ordinated students from Kelowna to take up their teacher's challenge to reach out to the young women of Kathmandu's United School. From her position on the board of IWEN, Inter-Culture Educational Network, Linda is raising funds to support women's rights to freedom, education and the courage to change their destinies. She is well known across North America as "The Scarf lady". She will be selling scarves to fundraise for IWEN's work in Nepal.

As Albert Einstein stated: "A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'Universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security."

Compassion: The Agency of Gender Justice takes place at the Bohemian Cafe, 524 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna. This marks the 241st event the Okanagan Institute has held since the Express series got underway in 2007. Advance registration is required at www.okanaganinstitute.com

IMPORTANT INFO FOR SHAW TELEPHONE CUSTOMERS IN ARMSTRONG

ATT:  Shaw Telephone Residential Customers

MAKE SURE YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER ARE INCLUDED in the annual Armstrong/Spallumcheen Telephone Directory.  We have learned that many Shaw Customers have been excluded from the list of phone numbers we purchase each year.  We are attempting to obtain the excluded numbers but cannot guarantee they will arrive by press time.  Call 250.546.8910 or 250.546.6064 to be included in the local directory.  This is a FREE service.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. WE DON'T WANT TO MISS ANYONE

Share The Spirit Christmas Hamper Campaign Launched at SOWINS

So soon. So soon? So soon! Though Christmas comes but once a year, for the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS), it comes early. Its’ fall, which means its’ “Share the Spirit” time! As the autumn harvest is ending, the gathering of gifts and goods for Christmas for our clients begins.   

Share the Spirit Hampers provide gifts and food for women and children clients to ensure they have a merry Christmas. Businesses, organizations, schools, workplace staff and individuals are invited to take the hamper challenge. The way it works is a needy woman facing domestic abuse - with or without children – submits an anonymous wish list. The list is matched with an anonymous donor and the filled hamper is delivered to a drop off point and then delivered to the woman or family by our volunteers.  

For a full hamper we suggest $60 worth of groceries for a single woman and $125 for a mother with two children. We welcome new unwrapped gifts, nonperishable food items, personal care products, local retail gift certificates, as well as monetary donations. Gift certificates for teens are especially appreciated. Last year, approximately 100 women and their children benefitted from the generosity of our community through the campaign. To sponsor a hamper for a family or single woman please contact Liz at (250)493-4366 ext 102, or e-mail sharethespirit@sowins.com Instructions are also available online at www.sowins.com Those wanting to sponsor hampers are asked to contact us by December 7^th.  

 Individual donations are also encouraged. These will be combined into hampers or may also be used as gifts for the SOWINS’ kids Christmas party, or as gifts for women and their children staying at the emergency Transition House over the holidays. Individual donations and monetary contributions can be dropped off from Nov 5^th through Dec 7^th in Penticton at SOWINS offices 218 -246 Martin St. (M – F, 10-4 pm) or at WINGS Thrift Store 456 Main St. (M – Sat, 10-4 pm) 

There are many ways to help out with Share The Spirit, please contact Bethany at 250-493-4366 (ext 105) or volcoord@sowins.com to find out how.

Only two chances to catch the Ghost Tours of Vernon

The Ghost Tours of Vernon are back for only two evenings this Halloween season. Catch host/storyteller/ paranormal scholar, Gabriel David Sumegi Newman, on October 29^th and 30^th at 7:00 PM if you want your season’s fill of local ghost stories and macabre historical oddities.

“The rustle of leaves, the dark shadows, and the smell of fall makes the Halloween tours especially enjoyable,” says Newman, who has been conducting this storytelling walking tour for nine years. 

Tours leave at 7:00pm from the steps of the Vernon Museum. It is an outdoor walking tour and runs rain or shine or snow so dress appropriately. Ticket price is $10 for those over the age of 12 and $5 for those 12 and under (cash only).

No reservations are necessary unless you want to book a private tour for 20 or more.

Contact

Mr. Gabriel David Sumegi Newman the 2^nd,

Paranormal Expert, Entrepreneur, and Purveyor of Medicinal Remedies

250-260-8757

ghosttours@shaw.ca

Summer babies less likely to be CEOs: UBC research

Sauder School of Business researchers at the University of British Columbia have found that a person’s date of birth can affect their climb up the corporate ladder.

 

The Sauder study shows that only 6.13 per cent of an S&P 500 CEO sample was born in June and only 5.87 per cent of the sample was born in July. By comparison, people born in March and April represented 12.53 per cent and 10.67 per cent of the sample of CEOs.

“Our findings indicate that summer babies underperform in the ranks of CEOs as a result of the ‘birth-date effect,’ a phenomenon resulting from the way children are grouped by age in school,” says Sauder Finance Prof. Maurice Levi, co-author of the study to appear in the December issue of the journal Economics Letters.

In the United States, cut-off dates for school admission fall between September and January. The researchers determined that those CEOs in the sample born between June and July were the youngest in their class during school, and those in March and April were the oldest. This takes into account children born in months close to the cut offs who were held back or accelerated.

“Older children within the same grade tend to do better than the youngest, who are less intellectually developed,” explains Levi. “Early success is often rewarded with leadership roles and enriched learning opportunities, leading to future advantages that are magnified throughout life.”

Levi and his co-authors, former Sauder PhD students Qianqian Du and Huasheng Gao, investigated the birth-date effect in a sample of 375 CEOs from S&P 500 companies between 1992 and 2009.
“Our study adds to the growing evidence that the way our education system groups students by age impacts their lifelong success,” says Prof. Levi. “We could be excluding some of the business world’s best talent simply by enrolling them in school too early.”

Source:  UBC Public Affairs
http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/2012/10/23/summer-babies-less-likely-to-be-ceos-ubc-research/

The Kid Co Peapod poses Suffocation Hazard

The Kid Co Peapod is marketed as an indoor/outdoor travel bed for infants.  Health Canada has received two reports of infants rolling over and getting their faces trapped between the mattress and the side of the product, posing a suffocation hazard.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_152-eng.php

Health Warning: Antimircrobial Foaming Hand Soap recalled

Avmor Ltd. is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Soap (Triclosan 0.3%) due to microbial contamination. Product testing undertaken by Health Canada detected bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that may pose serious health risks to people, especially those with weakened immune systems.
For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_151-eng.php

Help the BC Cancer Agency find an outstanding cancer caregiver

The BC Cancer Agency will be awarding its annual Community Care Award to someone who is making a difference in the lives of those living with cancer.

Nominations are being accepted for anyone who provides exemplary cancer care and support in the province, including: pharmacists, nutritionists, physicians, counselors, educators, and volunteers. Nominees must work in one or more of the following areas:

1. Direct cancer patient care
2. Research
3. Education
4. Supportive services

The recipient will receive a plaque, public recognition and a $300 cash award, which will be presented at the BC Cancer Agency’s Annual Cancer Conference banquet on Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. 

Nomination forms can be found on www.bccancer.bc.ca/communitycareaward and can be submitted until midnight October 12, 2012.

 

Interior Health Breast Feeding Events

The road to life-long health begins with breastfeeding

 Did you know that breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and child? October 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week in Canada, a time to draw attention to the benefits of early and continued breastfeeding and to build community acceptance of breastfeeding.  The International Lactation Consultant Association has selected the theme “The road to life-long health begins with breastfeeding” as a reminder of the long-term benefits of breastfeeding.  

 Breastfeeding has many well-documented benefits for both mothers and babies including: bonding and attachment; protecting mom against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis; and protecting babe against ear infections, respiratory infection and diarrhea. Breastfeeding also promotes babies’ tooth, jaw and brain development and provides optimal nutrition while saving money. 

The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, for two years or beyond. Yet even with all of the benefits to mothers and babies, in B.C. less than 50 per cent of moms are nursing at six months, despite a nursing rate that’s over 90 per cent when moms and babies leave the hospital after birth.

Lactation consultants and public health nurses are available at public health units across Interior Health to assist mothers and infants during the breastfeeding years to ensure families have all the help they need to give babies the best start in life. Contact your local public health unit for more information. 

Successfully meeting the World Health Organization’s guidelines requires much more than a mother’s knowledge and commitment.  Social acceptance and community support are also needed. 

“One of the biggest hurdles for mothers is a lack of support for breastfeeding in their community,” said Lea Geiger, Lactation Consultant with Interior Health. “Support and acceptance of breastfeeding from family members, health-care providers, employers and communities can make a big difference in the health of moms and babies.”     

A number of Interior Health sites are holding events to mark World Breastfeeding Week. All breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to come out and participate and to bring their supporters with them.

Community Breastfeeding Events: 

Media, breastfeeding mothers and their supporters are invited to attend events in their area.

 Kelowna: Breastfeeding Challenge 2012

• Date: Saturday, September 29^th
• Time: Registration 10:30 a.m. (latch-on 11:00 a.m.)
• Location: The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
• For more information: www.facebook.com/KelownaBreastfeedingCafe  or e-mail breastfeedingiscool@gmail.com

Penticton:  Thanksgiving for Breastfeeding

• Date: Saturday, October 6^th 
• Time: 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
• Location: Penticton Farmers’ Market -100 block Main St.  (look for the breastfeeding tent)
• Contact: Suzanne Lobb, 250 460-1172, scooziew@yahoo.com 

Arthrisits Awareness Month - Debunking the Myths about Arthritis

This year, The Arthritis Society is debunking the myths surrounding arthritis and urging all Canadians to take notice of this disease, which is a leading cause of disability in Canada.

Myths About Arthritis:

Myth #1 - “Arthritis is one disease.”

 

Truth is…

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Some types of arthritis are caused by joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), which progresses when cartilage, the material covering and protecting the ends of bones, begins to wear away and results in joint dysfunction.

Myth #2 – “Arthritis is just aches and pains.”

Truth is…

Among all causes of disability in Canada, arthritis ranks first among women and second among men. Severe joint pain and inflammation, as well as fatigue, are common symptoms of arthritis. Arthritis can inhibit daily activities most take for granted, such as getting dressed, opening a door or holding a fork.

Myth #3 – “Arthritis is a disease of the elderly.”

Truth is…

Arthritis can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background. Of the 4.6 million Canadians with arthritis, about 60 per cent are of working age. Approximately 61,500 Canadian babies, toddlers, children and young adults live with the intense pain and disability of arthritis. Children’s arthritis is nearly as common, or more common than, other well-known chronic childhood illnesses, such as leukemia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis.

Myth # 4 – “Arthritis is not costly.”

Truth is…

Reports estimate that arthritis may cost the Canadian economy more than $33 billion annually in health-care expenses and lost work days. Over a quarter of men and women with arthritis, between the ages of 25 and 44 years, are not in the workforce. The problem is expected to get worse. In fact, within 30 years it is projected that a new diagnosis of OA will occur every minute, meaning that 30 per cent of the labour force will have difficulty working.

Submitted by
Janet Yale
President and CEO
The Arthritis Society 

 

Health Canada Warning re use of Calcitonin (a drug used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's Disease)

Health Canada is informing Canadians that it is assessing the possibility of an increased risk of cancer with long-term use of the drug calcitonin.
Calcitonin is a prescription drug available in Canada as a nasal spray used to treat osteoporosis (loss of calcium in bones) in postmenopausal women. It is also available as a solution for injection used to treat Paget's disease as well as severe hypercalcemia (high blood calcium). Paget's disease is a chronic condition that causes abnormal bone growth, while severe hypercalcemia is a medical emergency that can lead to, for example, kidney failure, heart problems and coma. A list of calcitonin products in Canada is provided below.
Health Canada is aware of new recommendations from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to restrict calcitonin use due to evidence suggesting an increased risk of cancer. Specifically, the EMA has recommended that:

• calcitonin nasal sprays should no longer be prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis
• injectable calcitonin should be used to treat patients with Paget's disease only when other treatments have not worked or are not appropriate, and treatment should normally be limited to three months
• injectable calcitonin should only be used only for hypercalcemia caused by cancer.

Health Canada is currently reviewing all available information to determine appropriate action in Canada. No conclusions or recommendations have been made at this time with respect to calcitonin use in Canada. Health Canada will take the EMA's recommendations into consideration as part of its review. New safety information will be communicated to Canadian prescribers and patients as soon as possible, once the review is complete.
No reports of cancer associated with calcitonin use have been reported to Health Canada since the drug was first authorized in Canada nearly 30 years ago, in 1983.
Patients who are taking a calcitonin medicine who have questions should speak to their health care professional before they consider stopping their calcitonin treatment. There are other medications authorized in Canada for the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease and hypercalcemia.

How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada

To report suspected side effects to these or other health products, please contact Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or visit MedEffect Canada for more information on how to report.

Calcitonin products currently available in Canada

Format	Product Name	Manufacturer	Drug Identification Number (DIN)
Nasal Spray	MIACALCIN NASAL SPRAY 200 IU	Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.	02240775
Nasal Spray	APO-CALCITONIN NASAL SPRAY	Apotex Inc.	02247585
Nasal Spray	SANDOZ-CALCITONIN NS	Sandoz Canada Inc.	02261766
Solution for Injection	APO-CALCITONIN INJECTABLE	Apotex Inc.	02246058
Solution for Injection	CALCIMAR SOLUTION INJ 200UNIT/ML	Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc.	01926691
Solution for Injection	CALTINE INJ 100 UNIT/ML (1ML AMP)	Ferring Inc.	02007134

Kelowna paddlers to compete at World Outrigger Champions in Calgary, Aug 9-15

  While many locals may be familiar with dragon boat races on Okanagan Lake, many may not be aware that Kelowna is also home to world championship contenders for outrigger canoe racing.

The Outrigger Worlds Sprint Championships, known by the Polynesian word Va’a will be held in Calgary, Alberta, from August 11 to 15, 2012. Team Canada will be well represented by the Kelowna Outrigger Racing Canoe Club that train out of Lakeshore Inn and Rotary Park. Kelowna Outrigger will have a competitor in both the men’s and women’s individual races as well as 3 men on various teams along with a team of six women in the V6 – V stands for Va’a, which is the outrigger canoe used. Outriggers are rudderless canoes, easily recognizable by the supporting arm that extends from one side.  Outrigger canoes trace their history on the Pacific Ocean as far back as 4000 years ago.

“We are extremely honoured to represent our community as well as our country with such a strong contingent from such a small club,” says head coach Leanne Stanley. “Of the 250 paddlers across all age classes on Team Canada, Kelowna will have 11 racers. We’re excited about our prospects. Our Women’s V6 team has only been training together since January and has clocked some competitive times so we look forward to showing that they can be one of the best teams in Canada.”

Kelowna’s coach Leanne Stanley is no stranger to the world competition. In 2010 she paddled as part of a double gold medal team in V6 and also won bronze in the individual sprint. This year, she’s got her sights set higher. Her crew is comprised of the fastest 6 women from all across Canada.

“My crew has been training hard, mostly on our own and together when we can.” adds Stanley. “As a team, we’ll be competing in three different categories including the V12 – that consists of racing in two outrigger hulls lashed together. As an individual, I’ve had to compete in time trials to make it the Worlds and will be competing in the V1 500 metre sprint.”

The World Championships are held every two years and are organized by the International Va’a Federation (IVF). For more information visit www.vaaworldsprints2012.com .

Toning Shoes a fitness letdown - Skechers to pay $40 million

Consumers spent millions of dollars snatching up toning sneakers as soon as they hit store shelves. Manufacturers of these specially designed shoes claimed the shoes could make workouts more efficient, promote weight loss and strengthen muscles. Many manufacturers released their own toning shoe, which generally featured a "rocker-type" bottom that changed foot stride and stability. Although the public was intrigued, few if any people noticed any changes from wearing the toning shoes. In 2011, Reebok International Ltd. agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it made unsupported claims that its "toning shoes" provide extra muscle strength, discovered by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In May of 2012, the FTC announced that Skechers USA, Inc. would pay $40 million to settle charges that the footwear company made unfounded claims that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their buttocks, leg and stomach muscles. The FTC said Skechers falsely claimed that clinical studies backed up the company's assertions about its toning shoes. Individuals who purchased these types of shoes are eligible for a refund under the consumer fraud class-action lawsuit. What's more, toning shoes have been under fire since they arrived on the scene a few years ago. In May 2011, a Consumer Reports article stated that toning shoes had produced more injury reports than any other product in its database. The reported injuries included tendinitis and foot, leg and hip pain.

The more severe reported injuries included broken bones. For those who purchased the Skechers athletic shoes in question, visit

http://www.skecherssettlement.com for more information

http://www.canada.com/health/Skechers+settle+government+charges+over+claim+shoes+toned+muscles/6637643/story.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/05/16/skechers-to-pay-40-million_n_1521204.html

Recipe for a rainy day!

It's a blueberry bonanza! Check out this recipe and others in the print edition, or online at www.okanaganwoman.com

Press Release - BC Women aged 19 - 21 eligible for one-time HPV vaccine

BC women aged 19 to 21 eligible for one-time HPV vaccine

VANCOUVER, BC – A one-time human papillomavirus vaccine program will be offered to women in British Columbia who were born in 1991, 1992 and 1993 to protect them from cervical cancer.
“We have been offering the school-based HPV vaccination program since 2008, which has helped to protect thousands of British Columbian girls from cervical cancer,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. “I am pleased that with this program we can expand that to ensure that all young British Columbian women aged 21 and under will have had an opportunity to protect themselves.”
HPV infections are the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. It’s estimated the vaccine can prevent up to 70 per cent of these cancers, as well as a number of pre-cancerous changes to the cervix that require treatment.

The vaccine will be available for the women starting in mid-April 2012 and will be provided in a series of three doses over a six month period. These young women will be able to receive the vaccine from pharmacists, physicians, sexual health and youth clinics, post secondary institution student health services and public health units.

B.C. began offering the HPV vaccine to grade six and nine girls in 2008. Girls born in 1994 and later have been offered the vaccine in the school based program. Until now, those born in previous years have been ineligible for the publicly funded vaccine. After studying the data on the vaccine and its cost-effectiveness, the BC Communicable Disease Policy Advisory Committee recommended that B.C. offer a one-time program for young women.

“The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Monika Naus, medical director of immunization programs, BC Centre for Disease Control. “We recommended this one-time program so that we could protect more young women from cancer and provide coverage for those who missed the school program.”

The cost of the program will be about $3.5 million, plus the cost of physician and pharmacist immunizations through the Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare.

Women who want to receive the vaccine but do not fall into the eligible age range have the option of consulting with their physician or pharmacist about purchasing the vaccine. All women, even those who have received the HPV vaccine are encouraged to continue to get regular Pap tests, as the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing strains of the virus.

For more information about the HPV vaccine visit www.immunizebc.ca or www.healthlinkbc.ca

One in 88 American kids has autism ... this just in from CNN

The estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One in 88 American kids has autism, according to the new figures. Among boys, it's one in 54.
Why? One expert says: "Better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, better awareness, and roughly 50% of 'We don't know.'"
One advocate says: "we have an epidemic of autism in the United States."

Are the stats similar here in Canada? We better be trying to figure out why.