Grocery shopping isn’t always easy. It is common to get lost amongst the fancy processed foods, refined sugars and tempting baked goods. To learn how to grocery shop for your health it takes practice. Just like learning to ride a bike takes time so does healthy grocery shopping. You need to choose items you like to eat and not force yourself to buy things that will just end up rotting in your fridge. Also choosing a variety of foods from all four food groups can help you achieve a balanced, healthy eating plan. Here are some healthy grocery shopping tips to help you keep it healthy at the grocery store and choose foods that are good for you.
Make a plan
When you go to the store arrive with a list of what you want to buy that way you are less likely to act on impulse. If you plan the night before what you want to cook for the next few days you can prepare a list of all the food and ingredients that you need to pick up. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. And don’t add on any new items that you haven’t planned for. Stay on track and don't get distracted by fancy displays or temptations.
Shop on the outside Aisles
Stay on the outside of the aisles. Most processed food is on the shelves in the middle and the fresh and healthy ingredients are on the perimeters. Try to buy a variety of greens and fruits. The brighter the colours in the produce the more packed full of nutrients that there are. If you can stay free of processed foods the more healthy you will be.
Always read the label
Be Smart and If you do venture into the aisle try to avoid foods that contain more than five ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce. According to Eat Right Ontario “Use the Nutrition Facts table on food labels to choose nutritious products with less fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium. The % Daily Value tells you if the food has a little or a lot of a particular nutrient. 5% DV means a food has a little of a nutrient. 15% DV means a food has a lot of a nutrient. Remember that the calorie and nutrient content that is listed is based on the amount of food specified at the top of the table.” Also remember to try buy food that is low in sodium, artificial flavours and preservatives.
Be careful with dairy
Dairy can be good but in moderation. A good way to stay healthy with cheese or dairy products is to choose lower fat milk and alternatives. Buy skim, 1% or 2% milk or a milk alternative such as almond, rice or coconut. You can always take your time to compare the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods to help you select lower fat milk alternatives like low fat yogurt and cheeses.
Shop with your children
Bring your kids with you to help teach them the importance of healthy eating. Children may forget what you say but they will always remember what you did. If you have older kids you can give them each part of the list and create a scavenger hunt. This make shopping fun for the whole family.
Say no to commercial marketing
By commercial marketing we mean cartoons and characters that are targeting your children. If you don't want you or your kids eating junk food, definitely don't have them in the house. These include cereals, bars and bags that have cute writing, sponsored marketing or have an animal that is depicted by a cartoon. Most of the time this food is packed with additives, preservatives, excess sodium and processed sugars.
Use Coupons
Don’t be afraid to cut up some coupons to save money. Yes sometimes eating healthy and/or organic can be a bit expensive, but if you look for deals and use coupons it doesn't have to be. You can find lots of great deals online or in your local flyers. This will help cut the costs and help you organize your shopping trip before you even leave your house.
Shop local
Healthy food that is grown locally can often times be much more affordable from farms and markets than your giant chain supermarket. Google a list of local markets and farms and don’t be afraid to try and make a deal if you plan on using them a lot. And nothing is better than supporting local businesses.
If you're on a budget
If you are on a budget or cant get to a local market or farm and have to go to the big chain grocery and the money in your pocket doesn’t agree with the cost of fresh food and produce it is ok to choose frozen or canned vegetables and fruits in water. Just make sure that there are no added sugars, saturated and trans fat, or salt.
Use your own self motivation
Go shopping after workout but only if you have had a post workout shake or meal. After a good sweat and have training on your mind, you're less likely to buy junk that will reject everything you just did. Plus you don’t want all that hard work in the gym to just be reversed by making a bad impulsive choice.
You can learn how to make healthy grocery shopping a habit and you can even involve your children. Plan ahead thinking about all of the food groups, try to stick to foods that you and your family enjoy, and don’t be scared to ask questions when you go to the grocery store, farm or market and remember if it's not fresh always check the label and the ingredients that go into the food that you are consuming. Happy healthy grocery shopping!
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Travelling symposium hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada explores important aspects related to nutrition and women’s health
The presenters are as follows:
Angela Alberga, PhD, Concordia University, will speak about her research and efforts to reduce weight discrimination in society, as weight-based stigma is extremely harmful and prevalent, even in our health system. She received a Canadian Diabetes Association Doctoral Research Award for her research on improving the cardiometabolic health of children and adolescents with obesity through exercise.
Stéphanie Chevalier, PhD, RD, McGill University, will speak about protein metabolism and the role of dietary protein and amino acids in preventing loss of muscle mass and strength in aging, which can lead to functional decline and loss of autonomy. Her research goal is to better understand the metabolic alterations leading to loss of muscle and functions, and develop nutritional strategies to counteract them.
Kelsey Mangano, PhD, RD, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will present her research exploring the relation between nutrition and bone health through the lifespan. She will highlight the public health burden of osteoporosis and fractures and provide scientific updates on the roles of dairy products and their nutrients on bone mass and the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults.
Elizabeth Mansfield, PhD, MSc, RD, CSEP-CEP, CSSD, is an Exercise Physiologist and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics and Peak Performance.She will speak on nutrition considerations for physically active women including women who may have specific attitudes and behaviours related to food and exercise which may compromise their health and their performance.
Monday, October 2
8:45 a.m. until noon
The Royal Glenora Club
11160 River Valley Road, Edmonton
Tuesday, October 3
9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
English webcast available
The Carlu
Concert Hall
444 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto
Wednesday, October 4
9:00 a.m. until noon
French webcast available
Centre Mont-Royal
Auditorium
2200 Mansfield Street, Montreal
Thursday, October 5
9:00 a.m. until noon
Wesleyan Celebration Centre
Life Centre Auditorium
945 St. George Blvd, Moncton
YMCA of Greater Toronto celebrates our city’s youth
Teen Night at Mississauga Burnhamthorpe Rd. YMCA Centre
TORONTO – September 20, 2017 – This summer, the YMCA of Greater Toronto marked Canada 150 by providing one-year health and fitness memberships to 150 youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. The YMCA of Greater Toronto launched the Teen Fitness Celebration on July 31, 2017 inviting community partners, local organizations, YMCA volunteers and YMCA program participants to take part through an online public contest and nomination process.
“I am delighted with the response to our YMCA Teen Fitness Celebration, which aimed to help more youth reach their full potential,” explains Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “The goal of this initiative is to support more teens by giving them access to safe social and physical environments, where they can feel connected to their community and experience personal growth. I look forward to welcoming our new members this fall.”
The YMCA Teen Fitness Celebration ended August 31, 2017 and winners of the 150 one-year health and fitness memberships were contacted earlier this September. To allow for a broad and fair representation of youth applicants, this online contest included nominations from organizations within the community and YMCA of Greater Toronto program leads, as well as from YMCA Teen Council members.
Youth that regularly attend YMCA Teen Night® were also given the chance to win, with 50 of the 150 memberships allocated to those participants. From playing sports to taking a music, arts or dance class, Teen Night programs are run by youth and supported by adult mentors.
“By giving away these 150 year-long health and fitness memberships to our youth, we’re investing in Canada’s future,” states Mahdy. “We’re continuing the YMCA’s legacy of over 160 years of working with young people in the GTA to help build health, confidence and leadership skills through effective and holistic programming.”
For well over a century, we’ve provided leadership and worked with partners solving complex social problems to create real, measurable outcomes that have strengthened the social health and fabric of communities. As a charity, the YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including education and training, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, health and fitness programs, child care and camps. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Region and Dufferin County, last year the YMCA connected with more than 546,000 people across 409 locations. www.ymcagta.org
Developed in response to the needs of our growing and diverse communities, YMCA Teen Nights are addressing issues such as belonging, sedentary behaviour, obesity, and disengagement. YMCA Teen Nights are designed to support youth who want to get active, build new connections, hone their leadership skills, and become engaged members of their communities. Each and every weekend, Teen Nights give between 9,000 and 12,000 youth free access to safe spaces where they can build confidence and meet positive role models.
5 Life Triggers that Inspire Bold Beauty Transformations
It is common for women to alter their appearance when faced with a significant life challenge. When we are tested we transform. When we shift our mindset, and transform on the inside, it’s only natural that we want the outside to change as well. It’s as if we shed old skin like a butterfly ready to take new flight soaring to new heights. Below are some common life challenges and the typical beauty treatments sought for each.
A milestone birthday.
You don’t have to be turning 50 to freak out about a birthday. Women as young as 25 are having quarter life crisis.’ Women who turn 30 or 35 often feel blah about it. Even if women feel great about a milestone birthday they still may desire a change. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, “when we have birthday’s, we focus on aging. We look at our faces in the mirror and may think a refresher is in order. It’s common for women to book appointments for Botox around their birthdays. However, when aging becomes an obsession causing anxiety or depression, it’s important to speak to a professional.”
Surviving an illness.
“After recovering from illness, especially if the road to recovery was long and hard, it is normal to want a new look,” explains Hafeez. When people feel healthier and happier they may desire a new wardrobe; especially if there was weight loss. Dr. Margarita Lolis a Board-Certified Dermatologist in northern New Jersey who specializes in anti-aging and longevity adds, “they may also want to explore fillers to the face to replace volume lost while ill. It’s important to make a full recovery before doing any invasive procedures. You really must speak to your doctor to clear you for any elective surgeries.” “There’s a lot of empowerment that comes from battling back from illness. It makes sense that someone would want to celebrate their good health with a ‘new me’ approach to their appearance,” says Hafeez.
Going back to work after a stretch of unemployment.
You got laid off and for months your job has been finding a new job. After months of sitting at the computer in sweats only showering to go on interviews you finally get hired! Elated you decide to treat yourself to a spa day, get a pro to cut and color your hair and splurge on new eyeglass frames. “Being unemployed crushes the spirit. The longer someone is unemployed the greater their chances are of sinking into depression. When a new job is secured there’s a feeling that the weight of the world is off the shoulders. Of course, you want to treat yourself” says Dr. Hafeez.
Divorce or a breakup.
One of the most profound triggers motivating a significant change to a woman’s appearance is divorce. Breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, face lifts, weight loss, new hair, new clothes and total transformation is common. Divorce is such a significant severing that most women feel that the person they were before must change. The fastest way is to change their appearance. The challenge here is that they are often hurting inside as they grieve the loss of their marriage. Even if they are happy for the divorce and ended it amicably the stress over dating again is a motivator. Dr. Lolis says many new clients come to her by referral because they recently divorced and want their “cry lines” removed and a fresh look to their faces.
Moving to a new city.
“Uprooting to a new city can be very scary. There are a lot of unknowns which makes people feel as if they are out of control,” says Dr. Hafeez. The one thing they can take control over is their appearance. It’s common for people who relocate to assume a whole new identity that blends in with the other people of that city. If you’re moving from New York City to a beach town in Miami, your attire is going to change.
About the Doctors
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty. Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.
Avoid a Foodborne Illness Nightmare this Halloween with Helpful Tips from Stop Foodborne Illness
Halloween is right around the corner. Pick up those finishing touch decorations, plan parties, finalize costumes and most importantly, brush up on proper food safety practices to prevent foodborne illness this year.
Stop Foodborne Illness , a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens, wants people to be aware of the dangers that can arise from food during the Halloween season. Educating yourself and your children is the easiest way to reduce the risk this holiday season. Whether you are going trick-or-treating or hosting a Halloween party, make sure you leave the scares to the dressed-up ghouls and goblins.
Trick-or-treating is a fun activity, but it can potentially be a serious health hazard. Before heading out with the kids or sending them off on their own, remind them how important it is to be aware of the treats they are receiving. Check out Stop’s quick tips for practicing easy food safety while trick-or-treating:
Avoid homemade goodies from people you don’t know. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding eating homemade treats made by strangers since there is no way to ensure the person preparing them followed proper food safety procedure. Although everyone loves a good brownie or caramel apple, the best way to stay safe is to stay away.
Fight the snacking urge. Make sure everyone’s had a light meal or snack before hitting the neighborhood streets. It is always tempting to enjoy a piece—or two— of the sweet haul while walking to the next house, but Stop urges trick-or-treaters to wait until they return home and can check that all treats are properly wrapped before eating.
Wash your hands. Proper handwashing is always important in preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens but is even more important during this holiday. Between trick-or-treating and school Halloween parties, a lot of packaged candy passes from different hands, increasing the chances of contracting foodborne illness. Make sure kids are washing their hands before digging into their Halloween candy.
Hosting a Halloween party for friends and family? Let the ghosts in but say boo to bacteria. Stop Foodborne Illness has a few guidelines for entertaining your guests for a fun and safe night.
Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella . To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties. Any dish or drink with fresh fruit—or veggies—must be thoroughly washed before being served.
Prevent the spread of bacteria by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. Bacteria creeps up when foods sit out too long. Don’t leave goodies—like finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit, salads, cold pasta dishes, Jell-O treats, store bought deli trays and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings—out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F).
Plan safe entertainment. Bobbing for apples is a classic Halloween game but having multiple people touching the same apples over and over again can present significant food safety risks. Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present by thoroughly rinsing apples under cool running water and using a produce brush to remove surface dirt. Or, give the traditional game a modern update : Cut out “apples” from red construction paper and write activities for kid—or funny dares for an older crowd—on each one. Place a paper clip on each apple and put them in a large basket. Tie a magnet to a string and let guests take turns “bobbing” with their magnet.
About Stop Foodborne Illness
Stop Foodborne Illness is a national nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens by advocating for sound public policies, 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 , contact your local health professional. You may subscribe to receive Stop Foodborne Illness e-Alerts and eNews here: www.Stopfoodborneillness.org/take-action/sign-up-for-e-alerts/.
Male Plastic Surgery Expert Shares Why Millennial Men Are Shooting Up Their Testicles with Botox.
Men undergoing surgery requestsfor David Beckhman Abs and Henry Cavill Jawline are now the norm for his busy bi-coastal practices. However, the latest trend among Millennial Men is SCROTOX, yes SCROTOX. Why are Millennial Men shooting up their balls?
What Exactly is SCROTOX?
Scrotox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment of the scrotum with Neurotoxin or Botox injections. Botox is used to inject directly into the testicles to decrease sweating, reduce wrinkles, make the scrotum appear larger due to the relaxation of the muscles to enhance their, uh hum, aesthetic appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Scrotox?
According to Dr. Steinbrech, some of the benefits may include:
Reduces wrinkles
Allows testicles to hang down further
Makes testicles appear larger
Decreases sweating
Relieves testicular pain
Relaxes the muscles
Enhance sexual activity
The Runner's Workout Handbook Run Your Way to Fitness and Health
September 20, 2017 (New York, NY): Running is the easiest and most affordable way to build and maintain fitness, targeting both muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. However running can be monotonous with plateaus easily reached. Until now...
Let expert and multi-sport coach Terri Schneider fire up your runs with a combination of skill training with variations in speed, distance, and technique as she presents 100 of the best running workouts designed for all experience levels.
These expert-designed plans guide you to get the most out of your running program and helps you break through training barriers. Clearly, The Runner's Workout Handbook for an effective and easy-to-follow series of running workouts designed to make for stronger, faster, and more proficient runners.
Whether you run competitively, to get fit or to stay fit, The Runner’s Workout Handbook is your complete guide to finding innovative and engaging running plans to make the most of your training time, providing a wide variety of workouts to keep you challenged and motivated, all while improving your performance.
About the Author
Terri Schneider is an ultra-endurance athlete, speaker, author, coach, and sport psychology consultant. A former 10-year professional triathlete focusing on the IRONMAN® distance, she expanded her challenges to include adventure racing with the inception of the Eco Challenge in 1995, as well as ultrarunning and mountaineering. Terri earned a degree in exercise physiology as well as a master’s degree in sport psychology with a research emphasis on risk taking and team dynamics. She is co-author of Triathlete’s Guide to Mental Training and author of Dirty Inspirations and Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration.
# # #
THE RUNNER'S WORKOUT HANDBOOK
Written by Terri Schneider
978-1-57826-697-5, $15.00 paperback
978-1-57826-698-2, $9.99 eBook
New from Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold. www.hatherleighpress.com
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Honoring A True Health Food Visionary
Family-Owned Karen’s Naturals (Formerly Just Tomatoes) Expands Range of Deliciously Healthy, Farm-Fresh Freeze-Dried Fruits & Veggies To Realize Dream Late Founder Began 30 Years Ago
A Pioneer In Freeze-Dried Category, Karen’s Offers Wide Range Of Purely Natural Products All Picked At The Peak of Flavor
WESTLEY, CA. The first Whole Foods Market had only opened five years earlier and the chain was just beginning to expand out of its native Texas. The first Sprouts wouldn’t open in Arizona for another 17 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”
The year was 1985 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But on a picture-perfect farm in Northern California that wouldn’t be out of place in a mid-century Norman Rockwell painting, a young woman named Karen Cox saw the future. And it was delicious.
Married to fourth generation family farmer Bill Cox and mother to their two young children Matt and Megan, Karen envisioned a brand that would utilize dehydration and freeze-drying technology to bring farm fresh fruits and vegetables to the public year-round in the most nutritious, convenient, cost-conscious and flavor-packed manner possible.
And so Karen and Bill created Just Tomatoes - initially selling dehydrated tomatoes from their farm, then quickly outgrowing their name by adding apples, persimmons, berries, corn and mix to their family of naturally-fresh, chemical-free products. As farmers devoted to growing not only crops but relationships, the couple built partnerships with other farmers and Just Tomatoes began an ascent that continues to this day.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
When the family lost Karen a couple of years ago, they found the perfect way to honor her memory – re-branding Just Tomatoes as Karen’s Naturals. Commented Matt Cox recently, “My Mom lived to nurture others, and I can’t imagine a more fitting way to continue sharing that nurturing spirit than having her name on every package. Thanks to her, countless people can now enjoy nature’s most wholesome fruits and vegetables anywhere, anytime and I look forward to continuing to grow the brand she and my Dad created for at least the next 30 years.”
Currently experiencing a significant expansion of both its product line and retail distribution reach, Karen’s Naturals today offers 37 distinct fruit and vegetable variations, along with a new line of 100% natural fruit powders. Available online at www.karensnaturals.com, through Amazon.com and other online retailers and at such health food stores as Whole Foods, Karen’s Naturals offers individual “on-the-go” snack bag versions of its freeze-dried and dehydrated fruit and veggie products (all under two dollars each), as well as bulk packages and Variety Packs.
Available in all-natural and Organic versions, Karen’s Naturals fruit products include: Just Apples, Just Bananas, Just Strawberries, Just Blueberries, Just Grapes, Just Peaches, Just Mango, Cherries, Just Raspberries, Just Fruit Munchies, Just Persimmons, Just Fruit Salad and several combo packs. Likewise offered in all-natural and Organic versions, vegetable products include: Just Tomatoes, Just Corn, Just Peas, Just Hot Veggies, and a Veggie Variety Pack. As mentioned, the company also recently introduced a line of 100% natural Fruit Powders – ideal for flavoring a wide range of dishes and desserts.
Like Having Your Very Own Farm
Ideally suited to consumers of virtually all ages looking for affordable snacks that seamlessly blend great taste with important nutrition, Karen’s Naturals products are manufactured with natural purity and freshness uppermost in mind.
All fruit and vegetables offered by Karen’s Naturals are grown on farms, ranches and orchards where they’re allowed to ripen naturally before being picked at the peak of flavor. The produce is handled with great care, washed gently, and cut into bite-size pieces before being flash frozen. All water is then extracted by vacuum. Because the temperature never exceeds 90ºF, freeze-dried foods are considered a raw food (the company’s dehydrated products are dried at 125ºF). Whether freeze-dried or dehydrated, Karen’s Naturals’ fruits and veggies always maintain their color, nutrients and mouth-watering natural flavors.
All Karen’s Naturals products are naturally free of gluten, dairy, wheat and nuts.
Comments Bill Cox, “We produce everything in small batches the old fashioned way with absolutely nothing added—no salt, sulfur, fat, artificial flavorings, sweeteners, or preservatives. Nothing but what Mother Nature intended. It’s the next best thing to eating straight from your garden! Although we’ve grown, we’re still a small, family-run business at heart. We care deeply about what we do and are committed to offering the highest quality farm-grown products possible.”
For more information and to purchase Karen’s Naturals products, please visit www.karensnaturals.com.
New Web-Based Resource Launched to Help Prevent Drug-Impaired Driving
OTTAWA, Sept. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), in partnership with State Farm® Canada, has launched a Drug-Impaired Driving Learning Centre (DIDLC). The Centre is a web-based resource that was designed to share the latest research about the problem, increase awareness, and inform the development of effective strategies to tackle it.
Drug-impaired driving has become a top priority among governments, law enforcement, and other road safety stakeholders in the past few years. Increases in the proportion of drivers who self-report driving within two hours of consuming drugs, combined with increases in the proportion of drivers killed in road crashes who tested positive for drugs, warrant attention and concern. Public awareness of the impairing effects of many drugs is quite low, and strategies to reduce the prevalence of this problem are much needed.
The effects of alcohol consumption on driving are widely acknowledged; however, much less is known about the effects of different drugs on driving. This, in combination with the permissive attitudes among young drivers towards marijuana and driving, suggests that work is needed to increase awareness about the risks.
"More public awareness and education about the impacts of drug-impaired driving are essential to combatting its consequences," said John Bordignon, Media Relations State Farm Canada. "Recent State Farm surveys reveal about half of cannabis users that drive feel the drug does not negatively affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle. With impending legalization of recreational marijuana and the opioid crisis in parts of Canada, a factual, publicly available resource like the DIDLC is a valuable tool that can help prevent injury and save lives."
"The science of drug impairment is much more complex as compared to alcohol impairment," said Robyn Robertson, President & CEO of TIRF. "The multitude and diversity of legal and illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications that can impair driving is substantial. Moreover, the impairing effects of some drugs may vary based on user characteristics and the conditions under which drugs are consumed."
The good news is that research investigating drug-impaired driving has grown exponentially in the past few years. Studies exploring this topic have been conducted across many disciplines including road safety, justice, health, and neuroscience to name a few. The bad news is that this rapid proliferation of research can make it challenging for decision-makers, governments, law enforcement and health practitioners to keep pace with the latest knowledge.
"Drug-impaired driving is a source of concern for many stakeholders because this cross-cutting issue affects drivers of all ages," said Dr. Ward Vanlaar, Chief Operating Officer at TIRF. "According to TIRF's National Fatality Database, 44.5% of drivers killed in road crashes tested positive for drugs in 2013; a larger proportion than those drivers testing positive for alcohol (31.6%). Whereas young drivers were more likely to test positive for marijuana, older drivers were more likely to test positive for prescription drugs."
TIRF created the DIDLC to support the efforts of governments and road safety stakeholders to prevent and reduce drug-impaired driving. This comprehensive resource contains several modules and is structured in a user-friendly, accessible, question and answer format. It also includes a variety of fact sheets that can be used by health professionals, teachers, parents and teens to increase knowledge and awareness about drug-impaired driving. The resource can be accessed at: www.druggeddriving.tirf.ca.
Fast Facts
According to TIRF's 2016 Road Safety Monitor on Drugs & Driving:
Approximately 2.2% of drivers self-reported driving within two hours of using marijuana in 2016 compared to 1.6% in 2013.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Crash Problem in Canada 2013 Report:
In 2013 fatally injured young drivers (26-35 years old) were more likely to test positive for drugs (50.3%) than any other age group.
Male drivers accounted for 76.2% of all fatally injured drivers who tested positive for drugs.
Fatally injured drivers who tested positive for drugs were more likely to be involved in a single vehicle collision (48.2%).
Among those who tested positive for drugs, cannabis was the most frequently detected drug among fatally injured drivers.
About TIRF
Established in 1964, TIRF's mission is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. As a national, independent, charitable road safety institute, TIRF designs, promotes, and implements effective programs and policies, based on sound research. TIRF is a registered charity and depends on grants, contracts, and donations to provide services for the public. Visit us online at www.tirf.ca.
About the State Farm brand in Canada.
In January 2015, State Farm Canada operations were purchased by the Desjardins Group, the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and among the three largest P&C insurance providers in Canada. With its 500 dedicated agents and 1700 employees, the State Farm division provides insurance and financial services products including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.statefarm.ca, join us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/statefarmcanada – or follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/StateFarmCanada.
® State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, used under licence by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates.
SOURCE Traffic Injury Research Foundation
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Hosting a Halloween party for friends and family? Let the ghosts in but say boo to bacteria. Stop Foodborne Illness has a few guidelines for entertaining your guests for a fun and safe night.
