| Kathleen Trotter Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Life Coach Wants You to BecomeYOUR FITTEST FUTURE SELFAdopting a healthier lifestyle often feels overwhelming and draining — like a chore. The trick to sustaining a lifestyle change long term is reframing the creation of your health mixes.In YOUR FITTEST FUTURE SELF, author and fitness expert Kathleen Trotter advises readers to think of creating mixes like going on an adventure or figuring out a puzzle rather than as something overwhelming, exhausting, or “yet another obligation.” Kathleen encourages readers to stop thinking of “past health experiences” as something to be frustrated about. Past experiences are data — information to be learned from. Her advice is that if you know an element of a diet or a type of workout absolutely didn’t work for you, don’t add that element to your mix. If you loved a particular element of a diet or a past activity — playing a sport or dancing at clubs — consider joining a team or taking dance classes. Learn from your past experiences so you can create, now, a mix that suits you, leading to that fitter self. Have fun learning about yourself and if, at first, the pieces don’t fit together, try to figure out why and try again. You can do this! Drive the bus of your own life instead of letting the bus drive you. Lean-in to your health and start working for what you want. Your fittest future self is waiting — get excited! |
| Kathleen Trotteris a fitness expert, media personality, personal trainer, writer, life coach, certified Pilates and ELDOA instructor, and overall health enthusiast. Her passion is motivating others to “find their fit” and works with clients ranging from endurance athletes to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis. She also writes for the Globe and Mail and Huffington Post, blogs for Flaman Fitness, and makes regular TV appearances. Kathleen holds an M.Sc. from the University of Toronto and a nutrition diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She lives in Toronto where she owns a personal training studio. Find out more about Kathleen at www.KathleenTrotter.com. FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTERCLICK HERE FOR PRESS KIT |
| SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS:Your new book is “Your Fittest Future Self”. What does that mean?What is an “individualized health mix”?Can you tell us a little bit more about the “mix concept”?You believe that when it comes to fitness that there is not a one-sized solution that fits all. What does that mean for the reader?What would you say is the biggest setback people meet on their journey to a healthy lifestyle?Understanding that we are all different and that we need to create a unique plan for ourselves, where does one start?What is the most important tool for a person beginning their fitness journey?You mention the concept of the “NUTRITIONmix”. What are the foundations of a healthy “NUTRITIONmix”?What is the one thing people don’t get enough of on their journey to being their fittest future self?How important gut health and glycemic index on the path to “Your Fittest Future Self”?areWhat do you mean when you suggest “rethinking fit”?What are some strategies that someone would use if they wanted to “rethink fit”?Is daily exercise vital to our success or will a few times per week work just fine? |
Author: trainitright
| Is Underwear A Good Valentines Gift For Men? January 30, 2019 – Valentine’s Day! That made up ‘Hallmark’ holiday that sends men and women into a last-minute frenzy of gift selection every February fourteenth. With Valentine’s Day a couple of weeks away, SwampButt Underwear (www.swampbutt.com) askes the question; what if anything should a woman get for the man in their lives and which one of these credit cards is still good after December 25, 2018, 2017, 2016? A 69 Percent Solution for Valentine’s DayAssuming any of these women still have money, SwampButt Underwear recommends its Red and White pairing and is offering a special for Valentine’s Day with both pairs available for $34.69, a full $15.29 off the regular price. View the product pairing here: Valentine’s Day Red and White Sale.The company will also honor gift cards in the amount of $34.69 for the red and white pairing and issued a special card for the occasion. “The difference between the regular price for 2 pairs of SwampButt Underwear ‘Made In The USA’ variety and the sale price is really 30.5%,” said SwampButt Underwear spokesperson and serial divorcee, Nick Heraldson. “But $34.69 is 69% of the regular price and we really wanted to get the ‘69’ reference in there because it was more romantic sounding.” Here is a link to the gift card: Valentine’s Day Gift Card. Say No To Lace & Frills For DudesIs the gift of lingerie for men acceptable? In Heraldson’s opinion it is not. “Lingerie on men is a non-starter for me and for most of the women I know,” Heraldson said. “What guys do or wear or don’t wear in private is strictly none of my business.” But according to Heraldson and the people he asked in the break room, regular, really good underwear as a gift for men is perfectly okay. Acknowledging that he works for a company that only makes underwear for men gave Heraldson no pause or any time for self-reflection. “Hey, everyone likes a shill,” he said confidently. Not A Day for LosersOf course, Valentine’s day is a sad day for many as they think of all the stuff they did not get for Christmas, are between boyfriends/girlfriends, or for those who are emotionally incompatible with members of the opposite sex, the same sex, or other humans in general and dogs or cats. “It should be ‘gender’ and not ‘sex’,” Heraldson muttered before he went on. “You see a lot of singles at the movies on Valentine’s day. Sitting alone, hiding in the dark so no one from work will see me.” Take advantage of the Red and White Valentine’s Day special and pay $34.69 instead of $49.98 now through February 14, 2019 or before the owner changes his mind. Shipping is free anywhere in the lower 48 states. Losers like Nick are always welcome. About SwampButt UnderwearSwampButt Underwear is a real company that makes a product to help solve a problem; visible sweat on a man’s posterior. SwampButt Underwear™ is trademarked in the USA and foreign countries. We paid a lot for it so please do not use it without written permission. |
DeafBlind Ontario Services urges recognition of the universal rights of individuals who are deafblind
NEWMARKET, ON, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - As a new year begins, DeafBlind Ontario Services urges the removal of barriers that characterize the daily experience for individuals who are deafblind that leave them marginalized globally and nationally. In their paper, "DeafBlind Ontario Services: A Canadian Perspective to the World Federation of the Deafblind report, At Risk of Exclusion from CRPD and SDG's Implementation: Inequality and Persons with Deafblindness," the organization presses for a commitment to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for individuals who are deafblind.
DeafBlind Ontario Services believes that individuals who are deafblind deserve the opportunity to express their needs, communicate effectively and build the life skills needed to truly thrive in their communities in alignment with the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and recommendations from a World Federation of the Deafblind's report, At Risk of Exclusion from CRPD and SDG's Implementation: Inequality and Persons with Deafblindness.
According to the World Federation of the Deafblind's report, between 0.2% and 2% of the world's population is deafblind. Based on the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability Data, released on November 28, 2018, it is estimated that the prevalence rate is 1.66% of the total population in Canada (28,008,860) for those 15 years and over who have reported vision and hearing disabilities combined that restricts their activities of daily living.
While individuals who are deafblind represent a small segment of the global population, they are likely to face challenges finding and obtaining appropriate professional supports. As a result, they are often excluded from development and support programmes.
Founded in 1989, DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals who are deafblind increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services. With programs and services across the province, their services extend into a wide range of communities in Ontario.
To learn more, visit www.deafblindontario.com and to read the full report click here.
Website: www.deafblindontario.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafblindontarioservices
Twitter: @DeafBlindON
Instagram: @DeafBlindON
SOURCE DeafBlind Ontario Services
| For Immediate Release The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Members of the media may may sign up for embargoed news or to request a copy of any study please contact: Penny Smith +44 (0) 1243 770448 (UK)Josh Glickman +1 201-748-6572 (US) newsroom@wiley.com Follow us on Twitter @WileyNews Study Examines Long-Term Opioid Use in Patients with Severe Osteoarthritis New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology, reveals that prescription opioids are commonly used long-term to treat pain in older patients with severe osteoarthritis. The study also found substantial statewide variation in rates of treatment with long-term opioid therapy for osteoarthritis, which was not fully explained by differences in patient characteristics or access to healthcare providers. Long-term use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic pain carries the risk of dependence and other serious harms. Osteoarthritis in the hip or knee is a common source of chronic pain in the United States, as it affects nearly 30 million US adults and has a prevalence that is expected to rise with the aging of the population. To evaluate long-term opioid use in patients with severe osteoarthritis and to examine differences based on geography and healthcare access, Rishi J. Desai, MS, PhD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and his colleagues analyzed 2010–2014 Medicare data on osteoarthritis patients undergoing total joint replacement. The analysis included 358,121 patients with an average age of 74 years. One in six patients used long-term prescription opioids (≥90 days) for pain management in the year leading up to total joint replacement, with an average duration of approximately seven months. More strikingly, nearly 20 percent of the long-term users consumed an average daily dose of ≥50 morphine milligram equivalents, an amount that was identified by recent guidelines as potentially imparting a high risk of opioid-related harms. The average percent of long-term opioid users among advanced osteoarthritis patients varied widely across states, ranging from 8.9 percent in Minnesota to 26.4 percent in Alabama. Access to primary care providers was only modestly associated with rates of long-term opioid use (an average adjusted difference of 1.4 percent between areas with highest versus lowest concentration of primary care providers), while access to rheumatologists was not associated with long-term opioid use. “These findings suggest that regional prescribing practices are key determinants of prescription opioid use in chronic pain patients, and geographically targeted dissemination strategies for safe opioid prescribing guidelines may be required to address the high use observed in certain states,” said Dr. Desai.Additional information The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Members of the media may sign up for embargoed news or to request a copy of any study please contact: Penny Smith +44 (0) 1243 770448 (UK)Josh Glickman +1 201-748-6572 (US) newsroom@wiley.com Follow us on Twitter @WileyNews Full Citation: “Association of geography and access to healthcare providers with long term prescription opioid use in Medicare patients with severe osteoarthritis: A cohort study.” Rishi J. Desai, Yinzhu Jin, Patricia D. Franklin, Yvonne C. Lee, Brian T. Bateman, Joyce Lii, Daniel H. Solomon, Jeffrey N. Katz, and Seoyoung C. Kim. Arthritis & Rheumatology; Published Online: January 28, 2019 (DOI: 10.1002/art.40834).URL Upon Publication: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/art.40834 Author Contact: Marck Murphy, BWH Media relations manager, at mmurphy90@bwh.harvard.edu. About the Journal Arthritis & Rheumatology is an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and covers all aspects of inflammatory disease. The American College of Rheumatology (www.rheumatology.org) is the professional organization whose members share a dedication to healing, preventing disability, and curing the more than 100 types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. Members include practicing physicians, research scientists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. The journal is published by Wiley on behalf of the ACR. For more information, please visit http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/art. About Wiley Wiley is a global leader in research and education. Our online scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, and our digital learning, assessment, certification and student-lifecycle services and solutions help universities, academic societies, businesses, governments and individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at www.wiley.com. |
Dr. Levi Inspires Audiences To Adopt Fitness As A Lifestyle
Los Angeles, CA, January 29, 2019 ― Dr. Levi Harrison is hoping that people everywhere will resolve to make 2019 their healthiest year yet by incorporating fitness into their daily lives in a way that is both effective and sustainable. True fitness is about much more than a gym membership, Dr. Levi emphasizes. It's about adopting a lifestyle that balances mind, body, soul and spirit.
Dr. Levi is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and shoulder injuries. He is passionate about overall health and fitness and has developed a multi-faceted, multi-media approach to sharing his healthy lifestyle strategies.
His first book, The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement, is an encyclopedia of core-stabilizing and body-building exercises, with easy-to-follow instructions and photographs.
The DVD, The Art of Fitness Cardio Core Workout, is a great accompaniment to the book. The DVD demonstrates aerobic, core and abdominal exercises that can elevate and improve any fitness level, with a bonus workout, Perfect Abs, for those who want additional abdominal work.
Dr. Levi also provides ESPORTS coaching, motivational speaking and nutritional counseling.
Dr. Levi Harrison earned his medical degree at The University of California at Davis School of Medicine and completed his fellowship at the internationally renowned Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis. His practice in Los Angeles is a center of excellence for sports-related upper extremity and shoulder injuries as well as hand rehabilitation.
He has appeared as a medical authority on The Dr. Oz Show, CNN, Fox TV, Studio 11 LA and the KTLA Morning News. Dr. Levi has also been featured in multiple gaming communities, including Yahoo Games, Kotaku, Geek & Sundry, Vice's Motherboard, Machinima, IGN, XM Radio and countless others for his groundbreaking work in preventing repetitive stress injury in the competitive ESPORTS community.
For videos and more information about Dr. Levi, please visit http://drleviharrison.com/.
The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement
Publisher: Brio Press
ISBN-10: 1937061825
ISBN-13: 978-1937061821
Available from Amazon.com.
Available from http://drleviharrison.com/.
RCSI researchers develop new treatment for bone infection using copper-rich glass implant
DUBLIN 30 January 2019: A team of researchers led by RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), have developed a new treatment for the particularly difficult-to-treat bone infection, osteomyelitis.
Funded by Irish Research Council, European Research Council and AMBER, the SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) research centre for materials science, the study is published in Biomaterials, the No. 1 ranked scientific journal in the field.
The new treatment has developed a one-step solution that kills bacteria and promotes bone growth without using antibiotics. To do this, researchers combined copper particles with bioactive glass – a type of glass used for bone repair – and incorporated it into an implant designed specifically for bone repair.
The copper-doped bioactive glass in the porous scaffold implant attracts blood vessels and bone cells, which accelerates bone repair. The copper ions in the implant also prevent bacteria growth. The ability of a single implant to improve blood flow and enhance bone healing as well as inhibit infection without antibiotic treatment is a significant advancement over most existing treatments.
“Osteomyelitis is notoriously difficult to treat. Further work on the back of this research could lead to the complete development of a single-stage, off-the-shelf treatment. This in turn could reduce the need for antibiotics and bone grafting – thus also addressing issues with antibiotic resistance” said first author Emily Ryan, a recently qualified PhD student in the RCSI Department of Anatomy.
People can develop this bone infection from broken bones, severe tooth decay and deep puncture wounds, among other causes. In the worst cases, osteomyelitis can result in amputations or be fatal.
The current treatment for osteomyelitis:
- Usually involves weeks of high-dose antibiotic therapy,
- Often requires removing infected bone tissue through surgery,
- May require bone grafting,
- Has a failure rate of up to 30%.
“We are looking forward to developing and testing this treatment for osteomyelitis and for other infections too. This platform system could be further modified and used to deliver a variety of other non-antibiotic antimicrobial metal ion-doped minerals,” said Principal Investigator, Prof Fergal O’Brien, Professor of Bioengineering & Regenerative Medicine in the RCSI Department of Anatomy, Head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group and Deputy Director of the AMBER Research Centre.
An international, interdisciplinary collaboration carried out the research. Among the collaborators were Dr Cathal Kearney, also from the RCSI Department of Anatomy, Tissue Engineering Research Group and AMBER, and Prof Aldo R. Boccaccini, Professor of Biomaterials and Head of the Institute of Biomaterials at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. Prof Boccaccini is a world-leading innovator in the area of bio-glasses, ceramics and polymer/glass composites for biomedical, functional and/or structural applications.
RCSI is ranked among the top 250 (top 2%) of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2019) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. It is an international not-for-profit health sciences institution, with its headquarters in Dublin, focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
Citizen of Carbo-Nation? 4 Reasons to Quit Soda Today
Soda has become the beverage of choice in most households. Most people think it’s perfectly reasonable to drink soda or two per day. The only problem is that it’s highly addictive, has no nutritional value, and can lead to major health problems. The manufacturing companies know what they are doing when they market these products. Their catchy slogans help draw audiences into an addictive cycle they can’t break. But this article is intended to show you the adverse health consequences of consuming soda. Here are four reasons to quit soda today.
High Fructose Corn Syrup Is Toxic
Most manufacturing plants use high fructose court syrup to give their soda its sweetness. They prefer this over regular sugar because it’s very inexpensive to use and creates a similar taste. The only problem is that it’s toxic and dangerous. The body cannot properly get rid of this substance, and it builds up reserves in the liver. Due to its toxic profile, the liver cannot filter it properly, and it causes scarring. This syrup also causes high insulin levels, elevated cholesterol, and abnormal mercury levels in the body.
Soda Can Damage the Heart
Every organ in the body is important, but when the heart is bad, the quality of life is greatly diminished. Those who drink just one can of soda a day increase their chance of having a myocardial infarction by 20 percent. What about those people who drink way more than this amount? Soda also increases the chance of developing heart disease. Many people die daily from heart disease, and many never knew they had this condition.
Phosphoric Acid Causes Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions that occur in the body. Consequently, the phosphoric acid levels in soda are higher than what anyone should be consuming, and almost all soda companies include this ingredient. While most people pass a kidney stone without needing medical intervention, some are large enough that they require surgery.
Moderate Levels of Soda Can Is Linked to Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Ingesting large amounts of sugar causes inflammation to occur in the hippocampus areas of the brain, and this area controls memory. Dementia is a condition that mostly affects the elderly, but it can happen at any age. During a study, medical experts identified plaque buildups in the brain from heavy soda drinkers that mimicked those with Alzheimer’s disease.
The evidence is overwhelming that soda is terrible for the body. Furthermore, just ask any family dentistwhat it does to the teeth. So many parts of the body are adversely affected by this carbonated beverage, yet people spend hundreds of dollars each month on their soda habit. If you don’t think you can give soda up cold turkey, consider gradually decreasing your intake. Your body will thank you with improved health
Program to support nurses experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders launches today
TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Ontario's 175, 000 nurses have a new voluntary program that focuses on early identification and referral for treatment for mental health and/or substance use disorders.
The Nurses' Health Program (NHP) embraces the philosophy that nurses experiencing these disorders should have an opportunity for education, treatment, and recovery. It also recognizes their unique needs as health care professionals and the importance of protecting the public.
NHP offers a proven approach to the assessment and treatment of mental health and/or substance use disorders. It recognizes these disorders as illnesses and takes a non-punitive approach that reduces stigma and focuses on recovery. NHP is modelled on similar programs used by regulated health professions.
The new bilingual program offers nurses access to resources, a dedicated case manager, comprehensive assessment, an individualized support and treatment plan, and monitoring.
NHP was developed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), and Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO). It is an incorporated not-for-profit organization overseen by a board of directors with equal representation from the four nursing organizations and administered by Lifemark Health Group.
Quotes
- "There is significant research showing that voluntary and confidential professional health programs are highly effective both in supporting recovery and protecting the public.
—Anne Coghlan, RN
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- "ONA is proud to be a partner in the Nurses' Health Program. As health-care professionals, we're familiar with helping patients who suffer from mental health disorders and struggle with substance abuse. Nurses are just as vulnerable to these illnesses as everyone else. As nurses, we must treat each other with the same professionalism and compassion that we show to our patients. This program is a huge step forward. It will help nurses to get the specialized treatment and support they need, so they can work towards healthy recovery to be able to continue in their dedication to high-quality patient care. That's why ONA has been so committed to ensuring that this program comes to fruition."
—Vicki McKenna, RN
President, Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA)
- "RNAO is delighted to partner with CNO, ONA and RPNAO in developing this program. Nurses who are dealing with issues of mental health and addiction need support to overcome their challenges. NHP offers them a new avenue. We take great pride in being able to offer a program of this type for nurses."
—Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD, LLD(hon), Dr(hc), FAAN, O.ONT.
Chief Executive Officer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
- "Every day, in all practice settings, nurses across Ontario provide excellent care for patients and families experiencing mental illness and addictions. With increasing stressors in the work environment and in their daily lives, it's essential that nurses also have access to support and treatment. As caring professionals, nurses prioritize caring for others and run the risk of not taking care of ourselves. I'm proud that this evidence-based program will help tackle the stigma and support nurses to come forward and get the help they need."
– Dianne Martin, RPN
Chief Executive Officer, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO)
Fast facts
- Ontario's 175, 000 nurses have a new voluntary bilingual program available to them for the treatment of mental health and/or substance use disorders.
- Like the general public, nurses are not immune to substance use and/or mental health disorders.
- In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness or addiction problem.*
- People with substance use disorders are up to 3 times more likely to have a mental illness.*
*Mental illness and addictions: Facts and Statistics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Background information - Nurses' Health Program (NHP)
What is the Nurses' Health Program?
- The Nurses' Health Program (NHP) is a voluntary bilingual program for Ontario nurses. It is designed to encourage nurses to seek treatment for mental health and/or substance use disorders that may affect their ability to practice nursing safely.
- It is an evidence-based approach that focuses on early identification and referral for treatment.
- The program is modelled on similar ones used by other regulated health professions across the province.
- The program monitors the nurses' recovery so that they may be supported to practice safely or return to practice, which promotes professional accountability and protects the public.
- The new program does not replace the College of Nurses of Ontario's (CNO) regulatory process but provides an opportunity for nurses to self-refer and get the support and monitoring they need.
Who is NHP for?
- NHP is for Ontario nurses (RN, RPN and NP) with mental health and/or substance use disorders. It provides an opportunity for them to receive treatment and support to recover and practice safely.
Why have a Nurses' Health Program?
- No one is immune from mental health and/or substance use disorders. They can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or occupation – including nurses.
- Without appropriate treatment and monitoring, these disorders can impact a nurse's ability to practice safe nursing.
- Nurses benefit from specialized treatments that recognize their unique needs as health care professionals.
- There is significant research indicating that voluntary and confidential professional health programs are highly effective in supporting recovery while protecting the public.
How does it work?
- Nurses can enter the program voluntarily through self-referral or as an alternative to the current regulatory process of CNO.
- The program includes a dedicated case manager, a comprehensive assessment and an individualized treatment plan.
- NHP monitors the nurses' recovery, so that they may be supported to practice safely or return to practice.
- The program's focus reflects the balance between supporting nurses in recovery and protecting the public. With the right support nurses can continue or return to safe nursing practice benefiting both the nurse and the public.
Who runs the program?
- The Nurses' Health Program was developed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO).
- NHP is an incorporated not-for-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors with equal representation from each of the four nursing organizations. This governance model demonstrates a shared commitment to the goals of the program.
- The program operations are administered by Lifemark Health Group.
About the partners:
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory body for the province's 175,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. Its mission is to regulate nursing in the public interest.
The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is the union representing more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit our website at RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Founded in 1958, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) is the voice of registered practical nursing in Ontario. There are approximately 43,000 RPNs working in Ontario, playing a vital role in the province's health care system. To learn more about RPNAO and how RPNs contribute to Ontario's health care system, please visit www.rpnao.org
SOURCE College of Nurses of Ontario
CAMIMH is proud to continue working with Bell Let’s Talk to support those living with mental illness
OTTAWA (January 29, 2019) - The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) encourages all Canadians to talk, text, and join in on social media in support of Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 30.
As the national voice for 16 health associations, CAMIMH works to raise awareness about the everyday realities of mental illness, and to end the stigma surrounding it. By age 40, 50% of Canadians will have or have had a mental illness. The Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign highlights how mental illness has an impact on everyone.
“CAMIMH is delighted to work closely with Bell Let’s Talk. This year, we are especially proud to have a number of ambassadors from CAMIMH’s two flagship campaigns, the Champions of Mental Health and the Faces of Mental Illness as a larger part of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign to continue their important work as advocates for mental health,” said CAMIMH co-chair Chris Summerville.
The Bell Let’s Talk initiative has helped to support CAMIMH’s campaigns for the past seven years. Ensuring that all Canadians have access to affordable mental health services is one of the main missions of CAMIMH.
“Bell Let’s Talk has worked to create a national conversation about mental health and how we can best offer our support to those who may need it. Together we can continue to make a difference for Canadian mental health by engaging on Bell Let’s Talk Day,” said CAMIMH co-chair Florence Budden.
CAMIMH invites everyone to join the conversation on Bell Let’s Talk Day tomorrow when Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of the following interactions:
· Talk: Every mobile call and every long distance call made by Bell wireless and phone customers
· Text: Every text message sent by Bell wireless customers
· Twitter: Every tweet and retweet using #BellLetsTalk and Bell Let’s Talk Day video view at Twitter.com/Bell_LetsTalk
· Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and use of the Bell Let’s Talk frame
· Instagram: Every Bell Let’s Talk Day video view at Instagram.com/bell_letstalk
· Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let’s Talk filter and every Bell Let’s Talk video view
To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
For more information about CAMIMH and its campaigns, please visit: camimh.ca
| Stop Foodborne Illness advises: Eat healthy this year—but eat safely, too The arrival of a new year often includes a renewed commitment to health and fitness. Marketers know these New Year’s Resolutions are common so during the first quarter of the year, you’ll see ads and infomercials encouraging you to eat healthfully and be fit. Stop Foodborne Illness, a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens, believes eating with an eye to nutrition and health are great ideas, but only if you eat safely too! All foods, whether considered healthy or not, have the potential to contain disease-causing pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. In fact, during 2018, many of the foods recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are what many people would consider healthier choices. So, it behooves us to remind you that a food that is healthy is not necessarily safe. Learn more about foodborne illness. Whether health and fitness are on your agenda for 2019 or not, be sure to add a new awareness of food safety to your list, and resolve to make food safety an everyday habit. Is organic food safer?Many people eat organically produced, sustainably raised, and locally farmed foods because they believe it’s the healthier and more conscious choice. Stop Foodborne Illness thinks these kinds of foods can be great! But remember, just as with conventionally produced foods, organic and sustainably raised foods are grown in the ground, raised out in the open, are handled by people, or naturally contain pathogens. Chicken, which naturally contains salmonella, is a good example. It needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. Proper cooking kills the salmonella and eliminates the risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, the term “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. In other words, organic production has more to do with environmental considerations than with food safety. To be considered “organic,” foods must be produced in such a way as to enhance soil and water quality, reduce pollution, and provide safe and healthy environments for livestock which enable them to exhibit natural behaviors. Certain aspects of organic production are likely to have a positive impact on one’s health. For example, synthetic fertilizers are not permitted nor is using sewage sludge as fertilizer. Also, most synthetic pesticides, and antibiotics, and growth hormones are not allowed. But other aspects of organic farming may not make the food any safer. For example, organic farming encourages the use of plant waste (green manure), livestock manure or compost. These are potential sources of harmful pathogens when not handled properly. So how does organic food stack up to conventionally produced food when it comes to food safety? According to a 2012 Stanford University analysis of various research studies, and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there was not a statistically significant difference in the amount of pathogen contamination between organic and conventionally produced food. When it comes to meat products, the study found that both organic and conventionally produced varieties are widely contaminated with harmful pathogens. They found, however, that organic meat products may offer some food safety benefit in that antibiotics are not used in organic meat production so there is a lower risk the meat will contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Since any food can contain harmful pathogens, the essential key to food safety is using safe food practices at all stages of the food production cycle—including consumer habits. Food producers are being encouraged to use farming and livestock-raising practices that will reduce the incidence of harmful pathogens in the food consumers buy at the store. Are raw and vegan diets safer?In addition to those choosing organic foods, there is a sizeable number of people who have adopted a raw diet. Basically, a raw food diet means eating mostly or completely raw and unprocessed foods. While there are nutritional benefits to eating a raw food-only diet, there are definite risks regarding foodborne illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fruits and vegetables are commonly susceptible to contamination from salmonella and other pathogens, with the risk being higher during warm weather months and when these foods are not refrigerated. Salmonella-contaminated foods look and smell normal, so your senses won’t help you avoid them. People on raw diets tend to be primarily vegan, which means they don’t consume meat products, eggs or dairy. By eliminating meat, eggs, and dairy – foods which are often implicated in outbreaks – there is a somewhat lessened risk of foodborne illness. Please don’t get the impression that a raw or vegan diet eliminates the risk of foodborne illness. Clearly, the record on food recalls involving uncooked fruits and vegetables—produced organically or not—shows they can be contaminated. So, as far as foodborne illness is concerned, a raw or vegan diet does come with risks. It’s common sense: the food is not cooked, so harmful pathogens would not be killed before the food is eaten. People on a raw diet must consider the risks and benefits of this food lifestyle. In the last year alone there have been many cases of raw food recalls. You can find a list of these here. What about dietary supplements? Are they safe?It would seem that health-conscious people are more likely to use dietary supplements. Anyone considering using supplements, should do the research and decide for themselves if the benefits are worth the risk. Our main focus is the safety of dietary supplements. The primary concerns here are: Source (Who is making the supplements?) and Production Methods (How are they produced?). There’s a lot of information for the average person to have to sift through, so anyone considering using dietary supplements might be wise to get the advice of their health care professionals—a physician, pharmacist, acupuncturist, public/community health expert, or naturopath. These are the people most familiar with supplements and can help their clients make the best choice. Seeking professional advice and doing the homework, learning where a supplement comes from, whether the producer/distributor is reputable, and if there are any associated cases of contamination or illness are crucial, as dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness prior to being marketed. According to this article in Food Safety News, the FDA tends to be hands-off when it comes to supplements, unless a very serious health risk is discovered. So, if an item is marketed as a food supplement rather than food, it is possible that it has a higher safety risk. For example, the FDA noted an increase in the number of beverages that are marketed as supplements. Are these beverages foods or supplements? There is not an easy answer. More on what the FDA says. Be food safe Having good nutritional goals is a fabulous way to engage your life any time of year! However, Stop believes the value of awareness and being food safe cannot be overstated. Choose safely. Handle safely. Cook safely. Store safely. When in doubt throw it out. At home, the best way to avoid foodborne illness is using good food safety practices. Here are some tips:Always start by washing your hands with soap and water. Like this.Clean your counter top, cutting boards, and utensils before cutting and chopping produce. Use clean potable cold water to wash your produce. For fruit and vegetables with thick skin, scrub with a vegetable brush to remove dirt and microbes. Produce that needs a gentler touch (leafy greens, berries, broccoli, etc.) can be soaked for a few minutes in clean cold water and dried with a clean paper towel or salad spinner. Even produce to be peeled, like melon or avocado, needs to be washed. Once produce is cut or peeled, refrigerate as soon as possible.Keep your food out of the danger zone (40°F – 140°F). Bacteria grow fastest in the range of 40° – 140°F, the “Danger Zone.” A refrigerator set at 40°F or below will protect most foods. Your fridge is one of the very best weapons you’ve got in the fight against foodborne illness. When bacteria get nutrients, moisture, and warmer temperatures, rapid growth occurs and can reach levels that may cause illness. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth. More here. Cook your food to safe internal temperatures. Just because your food looks done doesn’t mean it is done. The only way to know if your meat, poultry, and egg dishes are safely cooked is to use a food thermometer. For instance, many people assume that when a hamburger is brown in the middle, it’s done. But, according to research by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 in 4 hamburgers turns brown before it reaches a safe internal temperature (SIT) of 160°F. The SIT for ground meat and meat mixtures (meatloaf, hamburgers, etc.) is 160°F; for chicken and poultry (including ground, like turkey burgers) it’s 165°F; for fresh, raw, whole cuts of red meat (beef, veal, chops, and lamb) as well as fish and shellfish, it’s 145°F. Not cooking your food to these safe internal temperatures means illness-causing bacteria may still be surviving inside.Reheat your food thoroughly. When reheating leftovers, cook them thoroughly to a minimum SIT of 165°F and use a food thermometer to check every single time! Your food should be steaming hot all the way through. Cover leftovers when reheating on the stove or in the microwave, which helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking. For sauces, stews, soups, and gravies, bring them to a rolling boil. When reheating frozen leftovers, it’s best to first thaw them in the fridge. Don’t let your leftovers linger. One common cause of foodborne illness is not cooling leftovers soon enough. After foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures, bacteria can reappear and reproduce. So, be sure to get those leftovers transferred into shallow containers (for quicker cooling) and into the fridge within two hours of being cooked. And remember that your leftovers in the fridge will last safely for four days max. After that, do one of two things: Freeze them or throw them away. Learn more kitchen best practices here. We hope you meet all your health and fitness goals for 2019! Stop Foodborne Illness Is Here to Help You Stop Foodborne Illness is a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens by promoting sound food safety policy and best practices, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness. For more food safety tips please visit www.stopfoodborneillness.org/awareness/. If you think you have been sickened from food, check this out and contact your local health professional. For questions and personal assistance, please contact Stop Foodborne Illness’ Community Coordinator, Stanley Rutledge, at srutledge@stopfoodborneillness.org or 773-269-6555 x7. To donate to Stop, visit here. Social Media:Facebook.com/stopfoodborneillness Twitter.com/stopfoodillnessLinkedIn.com/company/stop-foodborne-illnessInstagram.com/stopfoodborneillnessNewsroom:Newsline360.com/stopfoodborneillness |
