Omemee Pigeon eFlyer: Health News

Showing posts with label Health News. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

#KLVotes Voters Will You #ReThinkHealth?

Kawartha Lakes Voters Which Candidate Supports Your Health?

When you think of health are you thinking only of Health care, or is your view broader than that? The health of the citizens determines the economic well being of a community. People who are ill have less disposable income for purchasing goods and services. Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Pine Ridge Health Unit in their daily work throughout City of Kawartha Lakes, perhaps has the best overview of the needs of our community as a whole. In addition to their work throughout City of Kawartha Lakes, the Health Unit can also see how community policies compare between City of Kawartha Lakes and our neighbours. HKPR Health Unit challenges voters to elect candidates who will Re-Think Health and address the root causes behind poor health.

#ThanksDoc New Doctor Welcomed to Omemee!

Omemee Medical Centre Welcomes New Doctor!

Omemee Medical Centre welcomed a new doctor Monday. What could be more appropriate during Doctor Appreciation Week!

Promoting Oral Health Services Through Local Food Bank

ORAL HEALTH HKPR UNIT OUTREACH

Omemee and Dunsford Foodbank clients will receive toothbrushes, and oral health information during April - Oral Health month,

Manvers -Need Water? Visit Bethany Firestation!

Hydro Out? Need Water? Bethany Firestation Helps Fill Gap!

Manvers area residents still without power are advised that the Bethany Fire Station will be open today from noon– 6:00pm providing water that can be used for flushing toilets, etc.
Hydro One crews are working to restore power in the area.
For information on outages and estimated time for restoration visit the Hydro One Storm Center at http://www.hydroone.com/stormcenter/ or download the Hydro One app to your smartphone.

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Alert! Salmonella Nuts Recalled

Did You Purchase These Salmonella Carrying Nuts?

Canada Food Inspection Agency recalled certain packages of Trophy Nuts in the shell, expnding the recall to all Canada.

Rate My Hospital Reveals High Ross Memorial Death Rate?

Ross Memorial Versus Peterborough Regional Which Hospital Would You Choose?

Fifth Estate, CBC Investigative reporting team, recently unveiled a new online tool for patients to rate their hospital care. Omemee, midway between two neighbouring hositals - Ross Memorial, Lindsay, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre aka Civic Hospital, is in a unique position. Many area residents have their personal reasons for choosing one hospital over another. Will opinions change after reading feedback, and facts about the two hospitals? Will this be a useful tool?

Tide Pods Attractive Nuisance?

TOTS CONTINUE CHOMPING CANDY COLOURED CHEMICALS

Tide Pod Tubs Cheery Packaging Proves Headache

Since July 2012 over 2,000 children have been prying their way into Tide Pod tuns to steal what they think is candy, with disastrous results. Just yesterday February 21 another child was admitted for poisoning after ingesting a Tide pod. A quick glance at the packaging shows for the Tide Pods could easily be mistaken for candy by a non-reader. The Tide Pod tub closely resembles plastic candy display tubs found in variety stores.While parents are blaming the packaging for the problem, for years Department of Health officials have advised parents to keep home chemicals under lock and key.

Tide, to help increase the safety of its Tide Pod Tubs, is giving away Re-Sealable Stickers for their Tide Pod Tubs. Each order will contain 4 stickers. Will these stickers keep sticky fingers out of the Tide Pod Tubs? Remember -you are your child's best defense against household poisoning.

How To Receive FREE Your Tide Pod Tub Stickers

Snow Removal - Heart Safety EMS Call Prevention Tips!

City of Kawartha Lakes EMS responds to several calls each year for snow related emergences for both shoveling and snow blowing incidents. Be smart! Stay safe!

Snow Shovelling? Snow Blowing? Use Your Head- Protect Your Heart!

While moving snow either shovelling or blowing can be good exercise, it can also be hazardous for optimistic individuals who take on more than they can handle. City of Kawartha Lakes Emergency Medical Services offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling and snow blowing.

1. Shovelling:

Dress as you would for any outdoor activity. Dressing in layers is best. Take extra precautions to keep hands and feet warm as well as using colours that are highly visible (i.e. reflective clothing or safety vest).
Take it easy. Snow shoveling is a weight-lifting exercise that raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Warm up before starting the job and stretch both before and after shoveling.
If possible, shovel only fresh snow — it is easier to shovel than wet, packed-down snow.
Push the snow forward rather than lifting it out of the way; pick up only small amounts when needed. Your back will thank you.
As with any lifting activity, use your legs, not your back. Legs should be bent and back straight. Bend and "sit" into the movement, allowing large muscle groups to do most of the work.
Never work to the point of exhaustion. Take frequent breaks. If your chest feels tight, stop immediately. Individuals who are relatively inactive should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, check with your doctor before shoveling.

· The safest choice for those with risk factors is to hire a snow removal professional. But for those who insist on doing it themselves, follow this advice: shovel for five minutes or so, and rest for three. Maintain this pace to prevent fatigue and over exertion.

Let someone know that you're outdoors so they'll know if there's a problem.

2. Snow Blowing

· Use all the principles as above (especially ensuring you are highly visible).

· Make sure to keep hands and feet away from moving parts while the snow blower is in operation.

· Make sure small children and pets are safely away from the snow blowing activities.

· Pay attention for pedestrians and the motoring public when nearing a city sidewalk or road way.

· Remember to wear hearing protection when operating a snow blower.

· Be alert that your hearing will be impaired during operation of a snow blower.

Should you encounter problems, Call 911 immediately.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Inviting Influenza? Holiday Health Tips!

When celebrating with family and friends this holiday season, be sure you don’t invite influenza to the gathering.
There has been a high level of flu activity in the province already this season, and Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is urging residents to take precautions to be sure they don’t let the flu ruin their holiday season.

'This is the time of year when we come together with family and friends to celebrate the holiday,'she says. 'It would be a shame to miss out on the festivities because of the flu, or worse, to pass the illness on to others.'

Huge Increased Influenza Statistics

The province recently issued a notice that there are higher than usual numbers of confirmed influenza cases in the province. For the period September 1 to December 10, there have been 729 lab-confirmed cases of influenza and 49 outbreaks in long-term care homes. During the same time last year, there were 15 confirmed influenza cases and no outbreaks. In the area served by the HKPR District Health Unit, there have been 26 lab confirmed influenza cases and five influenza outbreaks since mid-November.

Influenza Increases Hospitalizations

People of any age can get the flu, and illness usually lasts five to 10 days, sometimes longer in older adults and in people with chronic diseases. Most people who get the flu are ill for only a few days. However, some people can become very ill, possibly developing complications and requiring hospitalization. Seasonal influenza annually results in up to 1,000 hospitalizations and up to 1,600 deaths each year in Ontario.

How Influenza Spreads

The influenza virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People can become infected by touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and extreme weakness and fatigue.

Influenza Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent becoming ill with the flu is to get the flu shot every year, Dr. Noseworthy says. While the Health Unit’s community clinics are now over, the flu shot may still be available through health care providers or community pharmacies. As well, people can call the Health Unit to book an appointment for vaccination early in the new year. This year’s vaccine is a good match for the strain of flu currently circulating in the province. The flu shot strengthens your immune system to build up antibodies against the virus but it can take up to two weeks for antibodies to build up after you get the flu shot.

As well, people can stop the spread of flu by

washing their hands thoroughly and often,
sneezing and coughing into their sleeves and
staying home from work and holiday parties if they are sick.

“Don’t spread the flu this holiday season,” Dr. Noseworthy says. “That is one gift your family and friends definitely do not want to receive.”

Loblaw Companies Responds [Editorial]

Loblaw Companies Beef Rccall Now Posted!

December 12, 2012 Canada Food Inspection Agency posted

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume certain Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers because this product may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

This Beef Burger recall was later expanded to include more products. However, we could not find any mention of the Beef Burger recall on Loblaw Companies websites. Therefore, we sent the following email to Loblaw Companies:

From: Suzanne Sholer
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 8:17 AM
To: Loblaw Public Relations (LCL)Cc: info4can@gmail.com
Subject: Beef Recall Not Found On Websites

To Whom This May Concern:

I cannot find the recently expanded Beef Burger Recall on any of the following Loblaw websites :

No Frills
Loblaw Companies
Your Independant Grocer
Loblaw.ca

Why has it not been posted?

Sincerely,
Suzanne Sholer Founder
Omemee Pigeon eFlyer
Kawartha Lakes Mums

Loblaw Companies Response - Too Little Too Late?

Following the receipt of our letter, Loblaw Companies responded by posting the recall on their corporate website December 20, then emailing the following response:

From: CR Email Agent 8
To: Suzanne Sholer
Date: 20 December 2012 15:36
Subject: RE: Beef Recall File # 1351435

Dear Ms Sholer,
Thank you for your email.
At Loblaw Companies, the health and safety of our customers is paramount to us and we are committed to providing our customers with a clean and safe store environment and offering products that are produced, sourced and handled responsibly. Loblaw Companies Limited and all of our corporate and franchise stores follow the federal regulations set and enforced by Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The Recall information is posted on http://www.loblaw.ca/

Please be assured that I will share your feedback with our Operations team.
Regards,

Johanne Edwards
Senior Customer Service Representative Loblaw Companies Limited
Représentante principale du service à la clientèle Les compagnies Loblaw Limitée

Loblaw Companies Beef Recall Posting : Our Response

Do you think posting an E.Coli recall alert on a corporate website,eight days after the recall is first issued, shows 'the health and safety of our customers is paramount' to Loblaw Companies? We do not. Consumers need to be notified of such important alerts in a timely manner.

On December 21, 2012 12:25:30 PM PST, Suzanne Sholer wrote:

To Whom This May Concern:

Thank you for posting the Butcher’s Choice Recall on your corporate website, December 20, 2012. Due to the severity of this health alert, E. Coli, we are suprised Loblaw Companies did not post this recall when it was first issued, nor post it on the flyer sites where more consumers would see it.

In future incidents, you may wish to also post a picture of the product as well as many companies do.

Communication needs to be received and understood in order to be effective.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Sholer
editor
Omemee Pigeon eFlyer
Founder
Kawartha Lakes Mums

What Do You Think?

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Beef Burger E.Coli Alert Expanded!

Loblaw Companies Expand Beef Burger Recall!

Surprisingly, Loblaw Companies latest beef burger recall still has not been posted on their main website, nor local flyer websites for Loblaws, No Frills, nor Your Independant Grocer. We have contacted PR@loblaw.ca to find out why the following recall is not posted.

Certain BUTCHER'S CHOICE Beef Burgers may contain E. coli O157:H7 bacteria

CFIA Investigation into Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. (E. coli O157:H7)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaw Companies Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the Butcher's Choice Beef Burgers described below, because these products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

Two Butchers Choice Burger Varieties Recalled As Testing Continues

Loblaw Companies Ltd., Brampton, Ontario is voluntarily recalling all product codes from the marketplace as a precautionary measure. The original recall for Butcher's Choice Hickory Barbecue Beef Burgers 1.13 KG UPC 0 60383 89364 4, has now been expanded to include Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers 1.13 KG UPC 0 60383 89363 7 These products have been distributed nationally. This recall is the result of E. coli O157:H7 product testing by the CFIA related to an ongoing outbreak investigation.

CFIA Advises Butchers Choice Caution Pending Further Test Results

The CFIA is currently testing additional products collected from across the country. The recall may be further updated to include other products as test results are received. In addition, the CFIA is conducting an investigation at the producing facility, which could lead to the recall of more products.

E.Coli Invisible Killer

Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: Loblaw Customer Relations at 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@loblaws.ca; Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited at (905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca; or CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
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Monday, September 3, 2012

Help Plug Adult Dental Health Holes! Complete Your Postcard Today!

FAR FROM PICTURE PERFECT
- Residents Sign onto Postcard Campaign to Fill Gap in Dental Support Programs -
Local residents are being asked to sign 'dental' postcards addressed to their MPPs asking them to plug a hole in Ontario's health care system.

Several health and social agencies in the City of Kawartha Lakes are circulating the dental postcards that ask the Ontario government to provide coverage for adults who cannot afford to pay for basic dental treatment. Each postcard features photos of five 'real' Ontarians with severe dental problems smiling through gritted, rotten teeth. A caption below the photos reads: Why am I living with pain and infection?

In recent years, while the Province has created or expanded programs to pay for dental care and emergency treatment for low-income children, local agencies say there has been no similar help for adults.

"Adults who cannot afford to pay for care have to suffer in silence with severe dental pain and infection," says Anna Rusak, a local organizer of the dental postcard campaign, and a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. "There is a gaping hole in our health care system when OHIP will pay for medical coverage for every other part of the body, except the mouth."

The Ontario Oral Health Alliance, which created the dental postcards, estimates one in three Ontarians cannot afford to get regular dental treatment. Costs and lack of dental insurance are the major barriers.

Rusak was joined by representatives from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes at a news conference held today (August 22) in Lindsay to promote the postcard campaign in this area. Local residents can fill out the dental postcards until the end of September at the following locations:

 the Health Unit office ,108 Angeline St. S., Lindsay
 Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes office ,108 Angeline St. S., Lindsay
 City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team office , 55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay
 Kawartha North Family Health Team offices 50 Colborne St.,Fenelon Falls and --85 Bolton St. Bobcaygeon
 Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes 107 Lindsay St. S. Lindsay

People can also sign the postcards online at www.oaphd.on.ca, or call the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 216, to find out more about the dental postcard campaign. Later this fall, all signed postcards from across Ontario will be presented to provincial politicians, including local MPP Laurie Scott.

Lindsay dentist, Dr. Indervir Mann, sees the need for improved access to dental care in Kawartha Lakes and encourages people to fill out the dental postcard.

'Why should getting dental care require a credit card instead of an OHIP health card?,'Dr. Mann asks. 'Access to dental care should be a right, not a privilege, especially when we know that good oral health is important for a person's overall health.'

Dr. Mann works at the Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes' dental clinic, which provides dental care to families whose children qualify for government financial assistance. The dental clinic also provides services at reduced fees for individuals on fixed or low incomes who do not have dental insurance.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Kawartha Lakes Reports No Human West Nile Cases!

How to Stop Mosquitos From Biting

Avoiding mosquito bites is important in fighting West Nike Virus. While No West Nike Cases have been reported in the Omemee area,it s better to be safe than sorry. Haliburton -Kawartha Pineridge District Health Unit recently issued the following press release with tips on avoiding mosquito bites:

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Summer

It’s the start of another summer long weekend, and the local Health Unit is urging area residents to continue to take precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus.
The reminder comes after Toronto Public Health this week announced two probable human cases of West Nile virus in their area.
At this time, there are have been no reports of any probable human cases or mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the area served by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, although positive mosquitoes have been reported in areas surrounding the Health Unit.

“With reports of positive mosquitoes around us, we have to assume that the virus may be in our area as well,” says Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Knowing that, it’s important that people protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes. We all look forward to enjoying the summer weather and long weekends and it would be a shame to let mosquitoes and West Nile virus ruin it for us.”

While most people who get West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms, a small number of individuals may develop flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness and stiff neck. In some cases, Jain says people may develop more serious symptoms including confusion, tremours, and a sudden sensitivity to light. People who experience serious symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
People can protect themselves by:

 Wearing long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants, hats and socks when outside, especially during the evening, night time
or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
 Using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. Be sure to follow Health Canada’s safety tips on using
personal insect repellent.
 Checking that window and door screens fit tightly and do not have holes through which mosquitoes can enter the
home.

Last year, 78 Ontario residents contracted West Nile virus and 278 'pools' or batches of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus across the province. There were no human cases or positive mosquito pools in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County or Northumberland County during the summer of 2011 and none so far in 2012.
For more information on West Nile virus, contact the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577 or visit www.hkpr.on.ca.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Calcitonin Cancer Risk? Health Canada Studying Long Term Effects!

Calcitonin used to treat osteoporosis (loss of calcium in bones) in postmenopausal women in nasal spray ; and also available as an 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.

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Enjoy Omemee Swimming - Is Your Beach Safe?

Omemee Beach Open - 3 Area Beaches May Pose Risks!

Omemee Beach is open,however some local beaches did not fare so well. Remember to walk your dog prior to them entering the beach area, and stoop and scoop. Please, please, please. dispose of food waste away from the Omemee Beach area. If geese are inadvertently feed on the beach the fowls foul the water. What goes in one end of a goose comes out the other. Let's keep all our area beaches open for swimming this summer!

MEDIA RELEASE Thursday, June 14, 2012
- Beach Testing Results For City of Kawartha Lakes -
(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reports the following beach testing results for the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The information is current for the week of June 11, 2012, and is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches. The Health Unit advises local residents to note:
• Beaches marked as ‘OPEN’ are considered within acceptable levels as set out in the Ontario government’s Beach Management Protocol.
• Beaches marked ‘POSTED’ indicate bacterial levels in the water are higher than those considered acceptable as set out in the Ontario government’s Beach Management Protocol, making them unsafe for bathing.
• Beaches listed as ‘Results Unavailable’ indicate test results are not yet available. People can call the Health Unit or visit www.hkpr.on.ca for the most up-to-date results on these beaches.
Bexley Township Area
Balsam Lake Road Beach OPEN
Coboconk Lions Park Beach OPEN
Bobcaygeon Area
Beach Park OPEN
Riverview Beach Park OPEN
Carden Township Area
Carden Township Beach OPEN
Foxe’s Beach OPEN

Dalton Township Area

Dalton Township Beach OPEN

Eldon Township Area

Centennial Park East POSTED
Centennial Park West POSTED
Emily/Omemee Area Omemee Beach OPEN
Fenelon Falls Area Birch Point OPEN
Bond Street OPEN
Ken Reid Conservation Area OPEN
Killarney Bay OPEN
Long Beach OPEN
Sturgeon Point Beach OPEN

Laxton Township Area

Elliott Falls Beach Results Unavailable
Head Lake Results Unavailable
Norland Bathing Area Results Unavailable
Mariposa Township Area Sandbar Beach OPEN
Somerville Township Area
Burnt River Beach – Somerville POSTED
Burnt River Four Mile Lake Four Mile Lake POSTED

Verulam Township Area

Centennial Beach – OPEN
Verulam Recreational Park Verulam POSTED

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Foreign Medication Warnings!

Foreign Medications Hold Health Risks

Internet access increases Foreign Medication availability, however many foreign medications carry hidden health risks.
Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use the following foreign health products as they may pose a health risk. These products have been found by regulators in other countries to contain prescription drugs, heavy metals, or unauthorized drugs that are not declared on the product labels. Prescription drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

The following products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found on the Canadian market, but they may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

1. CanSui; Lexscl Fat Rapid Loss Capsule; The Extreme-thin Fat Burning Bomb;
Xiu Zhi Su L-Carnitine Slimming Capsule
The Hong Kong Department of Health warned that these weight loss products contain unauthorized drugs (sibutramine, phenolphthalein).

2. Jin Yu Tang Tai Han Kang Pai Pu Ling Jiao Nang; TangBaoKouFuYiDaoSuJiaoNang; Tangren 365 Kangxunpai sangge huoyisu jiaonang; Tong Ren Xiu Fu Kou Fu Yi Dao Su
The Hong Kong Department of Health warned that these products, promoted to control high blood sugar, contain a combination of prescription drugs (metformin, glibenclamide [also known as glyburide], rosiglitazone, glimepiride, hydrochlorothiazide) and unauthorized drugs (phenolphthalein, phenformin).

3. [Chung Lien Kulin Brand] Anshen Bunai Pian
The Hong Kong Department of Health warned that this traditional Chinese health product, used for insomnia, contains excessive levels of the heavy metal mercury.

4. Lipro Diet Pills; Xiyouji Qingzhi weight loss capsules
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration warned that these weight loss products contain an unauthorized drug (sibutramine).

5. AdvanceMen capsules; Miraculous Evil Root tablets
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration warned that these sexual enhancement products contain either a prescription drug (sildenafil) or an unauthorized drug (sulfoaildenafil).

Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions Helps All

You can report any suspected adverse reactions to drugs and other health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by visiting the Reporting Adverse Reactions to Drugs and Other Health Products page.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Health Canada Issues Medicine Cancer Risk ALERT! -REVLIMID®

Health Canada Issued the Following Cancer Risk Warning concerning REVLIMID® aka lenalidomide capsules. REVLIMID® is used to treat some patients who require blood transfusions for anemia, as well as people with multiple myeloma - a cancer of plasma cells.

Subject: Association of REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) with risk of second cancers

Celgene Inc., in consultation with Health Canada, has informed Canadian healthcare providers of important information related to the safety of REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) capsules.

Health Canada has authorized REVLIMID® for the treatment of patients with a condition called deletion 5q myelodysplastic syndrome (del 5q MDS) who require blood transfusions for anemia (low red blood cell counts). REVLIMID® is also authorized when used with dexamethasone to treat patients with multiple myeloma who have already had another treatment. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.

Celgene Inc. has worked with Health Canada to update the REVLIMID® Product Monograph with the following safety information:

• Second cancers such as skin cancers or other invasive solid tumors have been reported in a small number of patients with multiple myeloma.
• These cases have been reported in patients while taking REVLIMID® or after treatment with REVLIMID® is completed.
• Patients should talk to their healthcare professionals if they have any concerns about their own increased risk of having other cancers.

Read full details on the Health Canada website at: Health Canada Medical Advisories

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Health Unit Highlights Baby Blues Coping Tips During Mental Health Week!

Postpartum Mood Disorder affects one in five new and expecting mothers. Sometimes termed'Baby Blues, PPMD is a serious form of depression.

“The birth of a baby is supposed to be a time of joy, but PPMD can make the experience a very sad and stressful time for new mothers,” says Jennifer Kurpjuweit, a Family Health Nurse with the HKPR District Health Unit “Untreated depression of any kind has devastating effects for the mother, baby and the entire family.”

The Health Unit is highlighting the risk of PPMD during Mental Health Week www.mentalhealthweek.ca, which runs May 7-13. PPMD can affect women at any stage of their pregnancy, and up to a year after their baby is born. Researchers are unsure of the cause, but believe PPMD is related to many factors, including stress, financial worries, hormonal changes, past depression, relationship problems and lack of support. While PPMD affects each woman differently, Kurpjuweit says the condition generally brings out feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, loneliness, panic and frustration. Mothers can also lose interest in their baby, and, in extreme cases, may hallucinate and suffer delusional thoughts, she adds.

“Mothers should not feel ashamed if they are experiencing PPMD or be blamed by others, since it can strike anyone without prior notice,” says Kurpjuweit, who helps local mothers to cope with their depression.

Family support for women with PPMD is very important, as is seeking medical care.

“Speaking to a physician or another health care professional in an open and honest way can help determine a course of treatment that is best for the mom and her loved ones, and that gets everyone on the road to recovery,” she adds.

Self-Care Key to Alleviating Baby Blues

‘Self-care,’ or the mother taking care of herself, is another key part of the recovery process, according to Kurpjuweit. For example, getting enough sleep is important to avoid depression, and new parents need to consistently get at least six hours or more per day. “Anything less is worrisome,” she notes.
Eating nutritious meals and snacks is another way for mothers to stay healthy since it helps them get the nutrients and energy their bodies need to feel their best. Following the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide is a good way to plan healthy meals and snacks, she says. Studies also show physical activity is helpful for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, including PPMD.

“Walking your baby in a stroller, taking part in a mom-tot fitness class, or doing tummy time exercises with babies by placing them on their bellies on the floor are great ways to be active and stay healthy,” Kurpjuweit says.

For more information on PPMD, call the local Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 and speak to a Family Health Nurse.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Food For Kids Celebrates the Work of its Volunteers!

Food For Kids Celebrates its Volunteers

Next week Food For Kids will celebrate the people who help ensure students have the food they need to succeed in school.

Food For Kids will recognize the more than 400 volunteers and community organizations that donate their time and talents to support the 46 student nutrition programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Volunteers include parents, students, school staff and community members.

'Our volunteers make a difference in the community by contributing to the success of local student nutrition programs,' says Jen Armitage, Community Coordinator of Food For Kids. 'Volunteers help to ensure that Kawartha Lakes students are well nourished and ready to learn at school.'

Food For Kids, which coordinates the student nutrition programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes, is organizing a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner later this month to recognize its supporters. The dinner takes place on Thursday, April 26, from 5-6:30 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School 260 Angeline St. S. in Lindsay.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

URGENT! College Hosts Bone Marrow OneMatch Registration! Help Kirk Survive!

Young Father Needs Your Help!

Fleming College, Sutherland Campus, will be holding a bone marrow drive and blood donor clinic - Monday, April 9, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in their main foyer in honour of Kirk Gaskell. Individuals are welcome to donate blood or register with the bone marrow clinic, or participate in both.

Kirk Gaskell - Young Father and Husband Needs Your Help!

Kirk Gaskell, lives with his wife Angela, 5 year-old daughter Madelyn, and 3 year-old son Michael in Peterborough. August of last year, Kirk began experiencing severe persistent headaches, then in November, the headaches were accompanied by extreme thirst and urination. Soon Kirk was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. In January,Kirk was told, a stem cell transplant will be his only chance of survival.

'I have learned many things in the last few months' writes Kirk,'but the most difficult and liberating was realizing that this js one thing I cannot control. Health and time are precious gifts.'

Almost 1,000 Canadians Need Your Help

Kirk, and more than 950 Canadians needs stem cells from an unrelated donor to survive. Fewer than 25% of Canadians find a match within their family.
Will you help save a life?

For the bone marrow clinic, there is a special need for registrants who are ethnically diverse males between the ages of 17 and 35. They are seeking registrants who are in good general health, and are willing to donate to any patient in need.
For more information please see