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