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