MyhealthVideo

Canadians headed towards cancer crisis

2006-02-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Canadians headed towards cancer crisis
Canada’s aging baby boomers and the country’s growing population is propelling Canada into a cancer crisis, according to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2005 released by the Canadian Cancer Society. “The number of new cancer cases in Canada is growing twice as fast as the population is growing,” says Heather Logan, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. “Cancer is already straining our healthcare system and it’s going to get worse as the number of new cancer cases increases as the baby boom generation ages”. From 2000 to 2004, the population grew about one per cent annually while the number of cancer cases grew by about two per cent per year. Logan adds that if current trends continue with the growing and aging population, it is expected that 5.7 million Canadians will develop cancer and 2.7 million people will die of the disease over the next 30 years. From www.cancer.ca

A new approach to Drug Education for Teens
Dr. Ron Clavier is a Toronto-based clinical psychologist with a background in neuroscience research. He is the author of the book, Teen Brain, Teen Mind: What Parents Need to Know to Survive the Adolescent Years, which was published by Key Porter Books (2005).
Dr. Clavier thinks that the research showing us how the teen brain grows is fascinating, but he’s concerned that it might be misused or misinterpreted. The teen brain is not abnormal or dysfunctional, even though it is changing and maturing. As distressing as these changes seem, they are a natural process that probably shouldn’t be interfered with.
He advises keeping teens informed about the sorts of things they’re likely to experience as they grow and mature, and what they can expect from their developing brain.
Clavier cautions that drug education is not about condemning a newer version of a drug (crystal meth is a very potent drug but it just a newer version of speed) but rather exploring drugs from a teen’s perspective and inspiring a well of feeling in the teen that will prompt educated and well-informed decisions.

Secondhand Smoke and Your Pet
According to AADAC (the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission), pets are at increased risk for second-hand smoke-related cancers. Recent studies show an increased risk for lung cancer in short-nosed dogs and nasal cancer in long-nosed dogs.
From AADAC.com
Health Spending
According to World Health Organization 2001 statistics, Canada’s total expenditure on health as an expenditure of GDP is 9.5%. This can be compared with 13.9% in the US and 7.6% in the UK. Canada ranks 30th on the WHO’s year 2000 report on the cost effectiveness of global healthcare.
From MedHunters.com, a website for new medical professionals

Drunk Driving
Young Albertans are not responding to the campaigns against not drunk driving, a recent University of Alberta study would suggest. The study found that 16 percent of the province’s young people say their communities think drinking and driving is okay. The study found that 20 percent of people aged 18 to 29 never used designated drivers.
From Jodie Sinnema’s article entitled Young Albertans not listening to drinking and driving message in the Edmonton Journal entitled December 2, 2005

Tobacco addiction
33% to 50% of people who experiment with cigarettes become regular users.
70% to 90% of people who are regular users are addicted to nicotine.
Relapse rates for quitters are high: about 60% relapse in three months, and 75% in six months.
Relapse is the rule, not the exception, and must be viewed as part of the quitting process.
Withdrawal symptoms include depression, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, decreased heart rate, increased appetite, weight gain and craving for nicotine.
From AADAC.com

The Future of Nursing in Alberta's Capital Region
“Staffing has been a challenge and will continue to be a challenge for Capital Health and all health systems in the country, but tremendous efforts have been made in recent years and we continue to stay focused on recruitment for our future needs and retention,” says Capital Health President and CEO Sheila Weatherhill.
The nursing workforce in Capital Health is growing by more than six percent a year, supported by increases in local training programs that were planned in recent years with the Alberta government and post-secondary institutions. Recruitment is focused on local graduates, in keeping with Capital Health’s long term strategy of “training our own”.
Although retirements will gradually increase in the next few years, this will continue to be more than offset by new graduates and new recruits—currently over 31 percent of Capital Health nurses are under the age of 35 compared to the national average of 19 percent.
From Capital Health’s Report to the Community—Creating Healthier Communities (Edmonton Journal Sat. Jan. 14 2006)

MRI and CT scanners
“Nearly 817,000 MRI exams and close to 2.8 million CT scans were done in Canada in 2004-05. About 60 percent of them in Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces”.
There were 176 MRI machines in Canada as of Jan. 1, 2005, an increase of 35 percent from five years earlier. There were 361 scanners in the same period.
Internationally, Canada ranks near the bottom of the list of OECD member countries for its number of MRI and CT scanners.
From an article by Carly Weeks that was in the Edmonton Journal and that was featured in the Ottawa Citizen entitled Canadians Tax MRI facilities to the limit (Thurs. Feb. 9, 2006)

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Study find pollutants in Canadian blood samples

2005-11-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Canadians are walking around with a cocktail of harmful toxic chemicals in their bodies, says a new report from an environmental watchdog group.
The report, entitled Toxic Nation: A Report on Pollution in Canadians finds that, no matter where Canadians live, how old they are or what they do for a living, they are contaminated with measurable levels of chemicals that can cause cancer, disrupt hormones, affect reproduction, cause respiratory problems or impair neurological development.
The study was commissioned by Environmental Defence. It examined blood and urine samples taken from 11 people from across the country to examine the range of pollutants found in Canadians' bodies.
Researchers looked for the presence of 88 chemicals, including heavy metals, PCBs, PBDEs (which are used as flame retardants), organochlorine pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The tests found 60 of the 88 chemicals in the 11 volunteers, including 18 heavy metals, five PBDEs, 14 PCBs, one perfluorinated chemical, 10 organochlorine pesticides, five organophosphate insecticide metabolites and seven VOCs.
On average, 44 chemicals were detected in each volunteer.
"The message to Canadians is: it doesn't matter where you live, how old you are, it doesn't matter how clean living you are or if you eat organic food, or if you get a lot of exercise. MORE...

Fall and Winter Health Tips

2005-10-13T15:51:00.000-06:00

Getting anxious to hit the slopes, grab those snowshoes or find the biggest tobogganing hill in the neighborhood? Outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for a great winter season full of activity. The first snowfall doesn’t happen soon enough for these winter fans. In fact, some of you may even have been working out to ensure you’re in tip top shape for these winter sports activities.
According to chiropractor Dr. Roger Jones, ”If you’re looking forward to getting the most out of your winter activities, you may want to take note of some basics and advice that can ensure you make the most out of winter.” The combination of stiff muscles and cold weather can be a recipe for soreness or injury. Preparation for an outdoor winter activity, including conditioning the
areas of the body that are most vulnerable, will help avoid this potential for negative response.
Start with some light aerobic activity (jogging, biking, fast walking) for about 7-10 minutes. Then followthese tips to help you get into shape for the winter season:
• Skiing - do 10 to 15 squats. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart, knees aligned over your
feet. Slowly lower your buttocks as you bend your knees over your feet. Stand up straight again.
Ensure that you do not completely straighten your legs during squats and only squat down to a
comfortable distance.
• Skating - do several lunges. Take a moderately advanced step with one foot. Make sure your
knee is just over your toes. Let your back knee come down to the floor while keeping your
shoulders in position over your hips. Repeat the process with your other foot.
• Sledding/tobogganing - Do standing back bends to relieve strain in your lower back caused by
repetitive bouncing over the snow. Place your hands in the small of your back and slowly arch
backwards. Repeat five times.
“Don't forget to do cool-down stretching after winter sports to prevent stiffness in your muscles”, states
Dr. Jones. “If after any of these activities, you are sore, apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20
minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or
two.”
Winter sports not your thing? Even if all the warming up and cooling down you’re doing this year is
walking back and forth from the mall to your car, or snow shoveling, it’s equally important to be aware of
how your body adapts to the winter climate and holiday activity.
Did you know that holiday shopping can be just as big a strain on your back and neck as some outdoor
winter activities? The load you carry each time you head out to the mall in search of gifts can amount to
15 pounds or more each shopping trip. The combination of a handbag and shopping bags can
significantly impact the curvature of your spine. After a day of carting around a huge load, it’s no wonder
your back aches!
How about that handbag? Have you noticed that no matter how big or small your handbag or briefcase
is it seems to always be at maximum capacity? Day after day that stylish accessory or carry case for
work is putting a significant strain on your back, neck and shoulders which can lead to some pretty
serious pain and even disability.
Is Your Body Tuned Up for the Winter Season?
Here are some tips to avoid back and neck strain during your holiday shopping:
• Avoid slinging large bags or a backpack over one shoulder. Evenly balance the weight you
carry in each arm or place your smaller bags in a backpack and carry with both shoulder
straps on your back.
• Once you feel you have too heavy a load of bags, drop them off at your car (ensure they are
out of sight) and return for more shopping. Most malls have a parcel drop off that you can
use to unload heavy parcels as well. This gives your back, hands, neck and shoulders – not
to mention your feet – a well deserved break.
• Put all your gift bags into a cart and push them around to avoid the strain altogether. If you’re
shopping with your wee ones – use the bottom basket of the stroller to load bags into.
• Remember to take frequent breaks and put your bags down on a regular basis.
• Wear good walking shoes with lots of support – your feet and back will thank you.
• After a long day of shopping, remember to stretch your back, neck and shoulders. After all –
you’ve just done a workout!
To assess your risk for neck, back or shoulder strain, take the “What’s Your Risk for Back Pain” quiz on
our website at www.albertachiro.com. Or, consult a chiropractor about your general health and preparing
your body for winter activities. Chiropractors are specialists in back and neck disorders and are
specifically trained to diagnose and correct improper functioning of the spine.
For more winter health tips or to find a chiropractor in your area, visit

Watch your back this winter

2005-10-06T15:58:00.000-06:00

Snow shoveling, along with slips and falls are the top causes of winter back pain say back specialists. Heavy snowfalls and frigid temperatures bring about a number of winter hazards. Slips, falls, strained and sore muscles could be on the rise this winter as the snow piles up and ice coats our drive and walkways.
"Every winter, Alberta chiropractors see an increase in back injuries due to improper lifting when shoveling snow,” said Dr. Les Shaw, President of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta. Improper shoveling techniques can be anything from bending at the waist instead of at the knees, to throwing snow instead of pushing it. When you combine improper lifting with the weight of one shovelful of snow (three to five kilograms) the result can be a serious problem for both adults and children who help them.
Back problems often surface in patients during the winter, especially those who are unaccustomed to participating in challenging physical activity on a regular basis," said Dr. Shaw. "Activities requiring exertion, such as winter sports or pushing a stranded car, can lead to back injuries. However, snow shoveling, slips and falls are still the top reasons patients present with back and muscle pain in the winter."

Chiropractors are experts in the area of back, muscle and joint disorders. As education and preparedness are the keys to avoiding or correcting these and other health problems, the College of Chiropractors of Alberta offers the following preventative tips:

1. Warm up. Before beginning any snow removal or strenuous winter activity, warm-up for five to ten minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation. A good warm-up should include stretches for the back, shoulders, arms and legs. This will ensure that your body is ready for action.
2. Don’t let the snow pile up. Removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.
3. Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight push-style shovel. If you use a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon first so snow won’t stick.
4. Push - don’t throw. Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it as much as possible. If you have to throw, avoid twisting and turning – position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.
5. Bend your knees. Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.
6. Watch the ice. Course sand, ice salt, ice melter, or even kitty litter can help to give your walk and drive ways more traction, reducing the chance of a slip or fall.
7. Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
8. Take a break. If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.

Remember to “lift right, shovel light.” If you experience back pain related to winter activities, consult a chiropractor. For more information about chiropractic or to find a chiropractor near you, visit the College’s website at www.albertachiro.com More health videos and health information are available at MyHealthVideo.com

Ageing in our communties. "Who can we depend on?"

2005-09-05T12:46:00.000-06:00

The CLC Society announced today the launching of its next Public Forum Ageing in our communities. "Who can we depend on?" The trend toward community vs. institutional care is well estabished. More and more people are opting to stay at home, maintain an active life-style, denying retirement and the ailments of ageing. They expect their families and their community to be prepared...and to help them live out their years with dignity. But is the support there? Is it dependable?

The Seniors Forum on September 29th at the Arden Theatre in St. Albert in "free for all" and will feature a dynamic moderator, response panel and audience participation for revealing the reality of ageing in Alberta. The Forum will engage the audience in a lively exchange of views in the search for issues and RESOLUTIONS.

The evening will feature - the good, bad and the ugly...who is listenning?
MORE...

About the Interactive Menu Planner

2005-09-05T12:44:00.000-06:00

The interactive menu planner is designed to guide daily food and meal choices based on one day's calorie allowance. It may be used in advance to plan a meal, or at the end of a day to add up total calories, as well as fat, and carbohydrates consumed.
To Use the Menu Planner
Choose your total number of calories for the day, and then choose a meal. For each meal you are provided options of food choices according to the foods groups included in the American Dietetic Association (ADA) exchange list. Once you select a specific food item, you will also need to choose the number of servings consumed. The servings are based on the ADA exchange list. For example, if you consumed 3 oz. lean beef, you would enter 3 servings.
MORE...

Exercise and Diet - Body-wide benefits

2005-08-30T10:17:00.000-06:00

Studies that have followed the health of large groups of people for many years, as well as short-term studies of the physiologic effects of exercise, all point in the same direction: A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle increases the chances of becoming overweight and developing a number of chronic diseases. Exercise or regular physical activity helps many of the body's systems function better and keeps a host of diseases at bay. According to the US Surgeon General's report, Physical Activity and Health (1), regular physical activity:
improves your chances of living longer and living healthier
helps protect you from developing heart disease or its precursors, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
helps protect you from developing certain cancers, including colon and breast cancer
helps prevent or control type 2 diabetes (what was once called adult-onset diabetes) MORE...

"Gerontechnology": the cutting edge of eldercare

2005-08-25T11:13:00.000-06:00

Imagine:
• You have a chronic, life-threatening condition. The undershirt you wear monitors your heart rate, EKG, respiration and temperature, then alerts your doctor if there's a problem. This means you're able to continue living independently at home.
• An assisted-living facility combines pets, plants and live-in caregivers with residents who have advanced Alzheimer's. Rather than lock the doors to prevent residents from wandering away, the facility allows them to move around freely, thanks to tiny sensors that track each resident's movements. Residents' families monitor what's happening via their home computers, even from thousands of miles away.
• An 89-year-old woman with Alzheimer's lives at home for years beyond the norm because of a friendly voice that reminds her to brush her teeth (and how, if necessary), put her slip on before her dress, and take the frying pan off the stove if she forgets. Thus her 93-year-old husband is spared much of the exhaustion and health problems that are common when caring for a demented spouse.
Sound far-fetched? The reality is that these ideas — and many others — already exist or are on the drawing boards, spinning out of the laboratories and imaginations of a new kind of inventor — what one source calls "gerontechnologists" — whose purpose is to unleash the power of ubiquitous computing and turn high-tech research into new ways to care for frail older adults.
It comes in the nick of time. MORE…

Nationwide wireless messaging for kids with diabetes.

2005-08-02T21:16:00.000-06:00

Diabetech® launches GlucoMESSENGER™ nationwide wireless messaging for kids with diabetes.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) August 2, 2005 –- Kids involved in various clinical studies around the world have been using wireless technology for managing their diabetes. They already enjoy the ease of use that comes from wireless connectivity between glucose sensors and insulin pumps as well as real-time wireless transmission of glucose meter data for more accurate and efficient management. Their parents have peace of mind knowing that their child remembered to check their blood, injected the correct amount of insulin and ate the appropriate amount of carbohydrates.Since symptoms of abnormal blood sugars are not always obvious and crisis may occur rapidly, keeping everyone on the team on the same page requires a new emphasis on real-time communication. MORE...

What IS encephalitis, anyways?

2005-08-01T21:36:00.000-06:00

Back in 1999, West Nile hit North America. Most people got nothing but the flu, but some of them got West Nile encephalitis. Makes ‘em a bit woozy for a while, I guessed.Then, disaster struck in April 1999, when encephalitis hit in my own backyard. Hit me, actually. My encephalitis was not vector-borne (not from an insect), but it certainly did drag my family through heaven and earth, as they tried to understand. After 4 weeks in hospital, I was returned home to be babysat by my parents. At that point, I couldn’t figure out how to find a spoon in my own kitchen! I went searching through a pile of newspapers, asked the dog, and then looked in the freezer. No spoon. As I was heading outdoors in the rain to search the backyard for a spoon, my mother had to show me where the spoons were kept… in my own kitchen drawer. Another time, I found a plastic box on the coffee table. It had flexible buttons with words and numbers, and a tiny red light. I was fascinated… I’d never SEEN such a toy! I asked my Dad, “What IS this thing?” He responded, “That’s your television’s remote control, sweetie.” These were each just pieces of knowledge that I had to re-learn.
MORE…

3000 children under five years old die of malaria every day

2005-07-28T22:27:00.000-06:00

Globally, around 40% of the population is at risk of malaria. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the problem is greatest, 3000 children under five years old die of malaria every day.Malaria fact file: Senegal- Total population (2003): 10 095 000*- Reported malaria cases (2000): 1 120 094- Reported malaria deaths (2000): 1337- Malaria parasite species: mainly Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly- Malaria transmission: country-wide. A major concern is the number of malaria deaths in young children. Source: Malaria country profile [pdf 484kb]*Source: The world health report 2005. MORE...

Obesity rates lower in schools with comprehensive healthy living program

2005-07-26T20:57:00.000-06:00

Study shows fifth-graders in Nova Scotia schools following CDC guidelines eat more fruits, vegetables.
A new study funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s Canadian Population Health Initiative shows that Nova Scotia schools with a comprehensive healthy living program had significantly lower rates of overweight and obese students than schools without such a program. The study, published today in the American Journal of Public Health, reports that only 4% of fifth-grade students enrolled in schools following a comprehensive healthy living program were obese—versus 10% of fifth-grade students in schools with a less comprehensive program or with no program at all. MORE...

Is a Shift to E-Medical Records Imminent?

2005-07-25T09:49:00.000-06:00

Published: July 25, 2005. Although privacy concerns are still an issue, a new survey finds that many consumers are coming around to the idea of electronic medical records.

In January, President Bush called on doctors and hospitals to move their medical records from paper to electronic files, a change he said would improve medical care while significantly reducing the nation's spiraling health care bill. Quoting health experts, he said that shifting to e-medical records could reduce medical costs as much as 20% and save lives.

In fact, in his 2004 State of the Union address, President Bush challenged the nation to completely eliminate paper medical records within 10 years.Political rhetoric notwithstanding, it has long been held by many authorities in the medical industry that migrating to e-medical records — essentially making patients' medical histories available online — would be impossible due the overwhelming privacy concerns of health care consumers. But a Medical Internet, which would allow the confidential transmission of patient records instantly between health care facilities and doctors' offices, may not be as fantastical as once thought.Consumers seem to be changing their minds.

In a survey of more than 500 US health care consumers, conducted by Accenture, a majority of consumers now believe that e-medical records can provide valuable benefits — especially during medical emergencies — and improve overall medical care."Our research indicates that consumers have become aware of the potential benefits of electronic medical records, and we believe this shift creates opportunities for health providers and health plans to take steps toward implementing electronic medical record systems," said Lewis Redd, a partner in Accenture's Health & Life Sciences practice. "This awareness is relatively new, and we see the potential for an environment where consumers will begin to exert more influence over the speed at which these systems are adopted across the health care arena."

In a reversal of prior attitudes, the survey found that privacy and cost issues related to electronic medical records are not as great of a concern to consumers as previously thought.

Surprisingly, while 54% of the respondents said they were concerned about the privacy and security of their paper records, about the same number (55%) said they believe that electronic records are more secure than paper. In addition, more than half (52%) of survey respondents said they would be willing to pay at least $5 per month to have their medical records stored in an electronic format.

In addition, the survey found that:93% believe e-medical records would improve the quality of care92% believe e-medical records would reduce the number of treatment errors in hospitals75% believe e-medical records would lower health care costs overall78% believe e-medical records would reduce the amount of time patients spend waiting in doctors' offices and emergency roomsIf corroborated, these figures represent a significant shift in attitudes, and they may signal the beginning of a nationwide move toward e-medical recordkeeping.For more information on this subject, read eMarketer's report, US Physicians: Technology and Trends.

Study Finds Wired Hospitals Are Safer

2005-07-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

Hospitals that have invested significantly in health information technology have lower mortality rates than other hospitals.
"There are three key differences in how hospitals apply and use information technology to improve care," said Alden Solovy, executive editor of Hospitals & Health Networks, the journal of the American Hospital Association. "The 'Most Wired' use a wider array of IT tools to address quality and safety, they have a significantly larger percentage of physicians who enter orders themselves and they conduct a larger percentage of clinical activities via information technology."
And they are safer environments for patients. According to Hospitals & Health Networks' annual "100 Most Wired" survey, the top wired hospitals have, on average, risk-adjusted mortality rates that are 7.2% lower than other hospitals.
The relationship between improved outcomes and information technology has been previously documented in both academic and practitioner research, but those studies usually dealt with specific projects and targeted safety improvements. According to H&HN, this is the first analysis showing that hospitals with broad use of information technology across a variety of projects also have better outcomes.
H&HN called the differences between "Most Wired" and "Least Wired" hospitals "staggering." The analysis does not establish an explicit causal relationship between IT and outcomes. But it points hospitals and health care organizations in a positive direction.
"The association is strongly suggestive, not causal, but it's an important piece of the research," said Carolyn Clancy, M.D., the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, according to the article. MORE... or US Physicians: Technology and Trends

Supreme Court In Canada Rules Private Health Care a Basic Human Right

2005-07-12T11:15:00.000-06:00

In a victory for consumers north of the border, the Supreme Court in Canada recently struck down a Quebec law that prohibited the sale of private health insurance and medical services. This decision is expected to have nationwide implications for Canada, which has long held to a publicly financed national health care system.Under the national system, doctors' services are free to citizens, who pay their salaries in tax dollars. While this has been popular with the general public, the country's growth has left those requiring non-critical procedures waiting weeks or even months for something as simple as a lab test. As a result, those who could afford to do often headed south, to seek care in the U.S. Those who could not were left to sit and wait. MORE…

DIABETES

2005-07-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

DIABETES - Alberta Diabetes Research Institute receives national award The Canadian Centre of Health Research Excellence Award is the first to be awarded to an institution.
EDMONTON – The Alberta Diabetes Research Institute this month received a new national award based on its outstanding achievements and the international recognition and accomplishments of its diabetes research team.
The Canadian Centre of Health Research Excellence Award was created by the Federal Government to recognize a Canadian institution whose seminal scientific research:
Constitutes tangible achievement towards improving our knowledge and its application, Generates momentum in the field, and Increases dissemination of knowledge to the public. The criteria for this award, developed through a survey of national and international institutions, includes: discovery of new leading edge scientific knowledge in health research; proven impact and importance of research findings; proven track record and ability; development of scientific human resources in Canada; established linkages and networks; and demonstrated knowledge translation ability and expertise.
The award was granted by the Minister of Health in consultation with the President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Health Canada.
The Alberta Diabetes Research Institute (ADRI) is an award-winning, internationally recognized research team. The team’s work has been applied to the benefit of patients with diabetes in Canada and internationally. Over 60 patients from across Canada have been treated with the innovative procedure.

Bush, a Friend of Africa

2005-07-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Bush, a Friend of Africa
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: July 5, 2005
Those who care about Africa tend to think that the appropriate attitude toward President Bush is a medley of fury and contempt. But the fact is that Mr. Bush has done much more for Africa than Bill Clinton ever did, increasing the money actually spent for aid there by two-thirds so far, and setting in motion an eventual tripling of aid for Africa. Mr. Bush's crowning achievement was ending one war in Sudan, between north and south. And while Mr. Bush has done shamefully little to stop Sudan's other conflict - the genocide in Darfur - that's more than Mr. Clinton's response to genocide in Rwanda (which was to issue a magnificent apology afterward).
So as the G-8 summit meeting convenes this week, focusing on Africa, it's worth acknowledging that Mr. Bush, and conservatives generally, have in many ways been great for the developing world. At their best, they bring a healthy dose of hands-on practicality to their efforts.
The liberal approach to helping the poor is sometimes to sponsor a U.N. conference and give ringing speeches calling for changed laws and more international assistance.
In contrast, a standard conservative approach is to sponsor a missionary hospital or school. One magnificent example is the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, where missionary doctors repair obstetric injuries that have left Ethiopian women incontinent. MORE…

Medical devices are no longer just medical devices

2005-07-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

Medical Devices Designers
by Aaron Oppenheimer, principal product behaviorist, Design Continuum (West Newton, MA, U.S.)
Medical devices are no longer just medical devices—they are consumer products. In the past, medical product manufacturers stressed the medical efficacy of their devices over all other considerations. However, today they are borrowing a page from the consumer product designers’ playbook.
Manufacturers are realizing a key insight; one that is changing the entire medical appliance field: users of medical products are consumers, who bring the same interests and biases when shopping for medical devices as they do when shopping for housewares and other goods.
This is quite a revelation for an industry that hasn’t put much emphasis on the emotional needs and aspirations of its consumers. Everyone knows what a home medical appliance looks like—it’s beige, it’s squared-off, maybe it beeps unpleasantly. The aesthetic philosophy seems to have been, “don’t bother—people need the products, regardless of how they look.” And while it may be true that people need the devices, it doesn’t mean they don’t care about aesthetic friendliness. MORE…
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One of the world’s foremost heart institutes is being built on the success of the heart transplant program.

2005-06-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

In this video interview, Dr. Dennis Modry, a leading cardiologist and heart transplant specialist, discusses the unique concept of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
Edmonton, Canada - In 1985, Dr. Modry implemented Western Canada's first heart and lung transplantation program. Today, the Capital Health Authority’s Heart and Lung Transplantation Program is the largest and most successful in Canada, and one of the largest in North America. The success of the Heart and Lung Transplant Program set the stage for the implementation of the very successful Liver Transplantation Program, which facilitated the subsequent development of the renowned Islet Cell Transplant Program known as the Edmonton Protocol.

The longest survivors of the cardiac transplant program have received their new heart almost 20 years ago. “We’ve transplanted individuals from 12 hours of age to 79 years of age, including the oldest person in the world to have had a transplant. So, I think we have a record at both ends of the age spectrum … the youngest and the oldest” says Modry. He expects that as the Alberta Heart Institute’s reputation grows and its outcomes become better known, even more people will come to the Institute.

The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute is a new centre of cardiac excellence dedicated to cardiology, cardiac surgery, transplants, diagnostic testing, research and education. The Alberta Heart Institute’s location is uniquely positioned to draw upon the interdisciplinary specialities of the Stollery Children Hospital, the University of Alberta Hospital, and a the new Alberta Cardiovascular Stroke Research Centre (ABACUS). The ABACUS will open later this year, leading to the opening of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in 2007. The Alberta Heart Institute will serve the Edmonton region, Alberta, Western Canada, the Canadian North and many other regions as it is being built with an excess capacity in mind.

With $156 million from the Alberta government and more than $35 million in private donations raised through a capital campaign, the Institute will cut waiting lists for heart treatment and ensure access to leading edge technology. Dr. Modry emphasizes that this will eventually lead to new research discoveries and will take us into the tomorrow.

The Institute has a major focus on prevention of heart diseases and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. “We believe that this concept will make the most dynamic heart institute in the world because we will be able to transfer our research in prevention, in diagnostic and in therapeutic immediately to clinical care” says Dr. Modry. “This will benefit patients as they will be exposed not only to leading edge and state of the art technologies, but will receive high degree of interdisciplinary clinical care.”

Dr. Modry suggests that pretty much everything can be transplanted, except “we’re not there with respect to brain, teeth, whole eyes… but specifically, skin, bones, joints and limbs could be and have been transplanted, even faces. Organs such as lungs, hearts, kidneys, liver, intestine, heart valves and many other organs can be transplanted. We’re pretty much recyclable.”

The mapping of the human genome has engendered a whole new field of research focused toward gene therapy and rebuilding hearts. Dr. Modry believes that at some point, we won’t need to place mechanical devices in the heart as or even doing heart transplant in the future … “maybe it’s just going to be a matter of gene therapy”.

It’s exciting to contemplate how this institute will no just foster research, education and clinical care, but will also be an economic engine for the region. It will attract a high degree of skills and employment, and as it has been build for excess capacity, the institute will be able to provide care for patients from Canada and other areas of the world.

"It's a team work building on the success of the Capital Health and the University of Alberta's cardiac programs” says Dr. Modry.

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MyHealthVideo.com
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Report on gambling in Canada

2005-06-21T14:26:00.000-06:00

Canada West Foundation to release report on gambling in Canada
CALGARY, June 20, 2005 - Gambling has exploded in Canada. There are now 87,000 gambling machines, 33,000 lottery ticket centres, 60 permanent casinos, 250 race tracks and teletheatres and 25,000 licenses to run various bingo, temporary casinos, raffles, pull tickets and and other activities.
Gambling in Canada: Statistics and Context, to be released on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 9 a.m. MST, represents the Canada West Foundation's third significant effort to introduce some clarity and understanding of the issues which the growth of gambling are having on our society.
While the role of gambling in filling provincial coffers is well-documented, the societal costs of raising revenue from gambling remains largely unknown. Gambling's human impact on family stress, financial well-being, lost work productivity and addiction are only just starting to be measured and tracked.
It is against this backdrop that Gambling in Canada is being released. Using statistics for the 2003-2004 fiscal year and historical trend analysis, the main gambling policy issues are given a numerical context.
The report will be available for download at http://rd.bcentral.com/?ID=2976914&s=72776066 at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2005.
MORE... http://www.myhealthvideo.com
Gary SlywchukCommunications OfficerEmail: slywchuk@cwf.ca
Canada West Foundation

The Alberta Heart Institute brings the most advanced prevention and therapeutic options available in health care today.

2005-06-21T14:06:00.000-06:00

This centre of excellence will become one of North America's leading heart institutes, and will play a prominent role in the prevention and treatment of heart. The institute, developed by Capital Health and the University of Alberta, will bring together world-class cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiac care professionals, researchers, educators and the most advanced therapeutic options available in health care today. MORE at http://www.myhealthvideo.com/

Breathtaking Color Power!

2005-05-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

Breathtaking Color Power! by Maricon WilliamsColors convey character, emotion and intention. You are what colors you choose. Thus, your choice of colors should reflect the message or feeling you to hope to convey to the viewer. More... http://www.myhealthvideo.com