Stroke is a medical emergency

Calling 911 improves outcomes

Toronto, June 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Stroke Network today released its report on delivery of stroke care in each of Ontario's 14 Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN).

Residents of the South West LHIN are slowly getting the message but aren't always dialing 911. The Ontario Stroke Evaluation Report demonstrates that in 2010-11, roughly half of all people in the SW LHIN who experienced the warning signs of stroke arrived at an emergency department within the recommended 3.5 hours of symptom onset.

"The South West LHIN is pleased that so many people in our area are recognizing the warning signs of stroke and taking action. This increases their chances of receiving a clot busting drug that can reduce the disability associated with stroke," said Michael Barrett, CEO South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). We need to continue to work with our communities to ensure more people are arriving within this window of opportunity."

It is critical to call 911 since not all hospitals have diagnostic and other necessary resources that enable them to provide the clot-buster, known as tPA. Ambulance paramedics are trained to assess a person's condition and may bypass the nearest hospital so the patient accesses a facility that has capacity to diagnose and give tPA.

"Time is Brain; for every second a stroke is actively occurring , a person loses about 30,000 brain cells", said Sharon Mytka, Director of the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network. "That means 2 million brain cells vanishing every minute." Mytka urges people to call 911 they experience or see someone experiencing these warning signs of stroke, even if temporary:

• Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg

• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding, or sudden confusion

• Sudden trouble with vision

• Sudden severe and unusual headache

• Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

The report card released today by the Ontario Stroke Network is a call to action. "We made steady gains in the majority of the report card indicators", says Mytka, "Yet there is still much work to be done so that we can deliver optimal care, prevent strokes through better risk management, improve access to secondary prevention clinics, establish more acute stroke units across the LHIN, and improve the access and appropriateness of rehabilitation after stroke."

To this end the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network and the Southwest LHIN are collaborating and developing strategies to facilitate the system transformation that is needed. Regional forums with hospital administrators and front line staff have started the dialogue for change.

The report card, both at the Provincial and South West LHIN levels, can be found on the South West LHIN website in the Stroke Network Backgrounder in the Newsroom section.

Click here for .pdf

Toronto Hospital is First to Recognize Symptoms from Wireless Radiation

Toronto, June 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Women's College Hospital says family doctors must learn to detect the symptoms of exposure to wireless radiation.

The hospital released a statement saying the symptoms include disrupted sleep, headaches, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, memory problems, and skin rashes. These symptoms are now labelled Electro-magnetic Hyper-sensitivity, or "EMS".

"Health-care practitioners need to better understand EMS so they can help their patients," said Dr. Riina Bray, medical director of the hospital's Environmental Health Clinic.

Dr. Bray says the world is becoming dominated by wireless internet, cell phones and cell towers, and there can be a broad range of health impacts.

The hospital's Environmental Health Clinic has begun holding educational workshops on the subject for doctors.

Last year the World Health Organization placed microwave radiation from wireless internet and cell phones on an official Cancer watch-list. Since then several schools have removed their wifi systems and the Catholic teacher's union in Ontario has called for a moratorium on wifi installations in classrooms.

For further information:
Background: www.womenscollegehospital.ca 

Ontarians and Family Physicians in Favour of More Team-Based Care to Help Manage Back Pain, New Study Shows

Recent Pilot project shows quicker access to treatment and faster diagnoses for low back pain patients when using chiropractors in teams with family physicians

Toronto, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Low back pain is a major health issue in Ontario. It affects 84 per cent of the working population at some point in their life and is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time. According to new research Ontarians and physicians are open to new ways to deal with back pain. Less than one in five Ontarians say their back pain is resolved quickly and easily, with a majority being in favour of including chiropractors in teams with family physicians for the management of their back pain - and family physicians agree.

New research from the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) conducted by Environics Research Group shows the vast majority (93 per cent) of family physicians frequently treat patients with low back pain and more than half (55 per cent) find it challenging to treat these patients on their own. Three-quarters (75 per cent) say they think their patients suffering from low back pain could benefit from treatment options offered by other healthcare professionals.

"Chronic low back pain patients are commonly referred to orthopedic surgeons, even though about 90 per cent are not surgical candidates. They are also often referred for unnecessary expensive diagnostic services such as MRIs," says Dr. Robert Haig, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Chiropractic Association. "We believe that by collaborating with family physicians to deliver evidence-informed low back pain care, we can provide patient-centred, positive results for Ontarians. This is why we pilot tested the Ministry of Health long Term Care funded 'Consulting Chiropractor' model of care."

The OCA pilot project evaluated the benefits of involving chiropractors in a primary care team-based setting, by assessing patients with low back pain, and discussing treatment options with the patient's family physician.

Results of the pilot project showed that a 30-minute assessment from a chiropractor resulted in a reduction in requests for MRIs and referrals to surgical specialists as reported by the participating family physicians. From the perspective of the participating family physicians a quick turnaround between them and the chiropractor resulted in increased patient confidence in diagnosis and treatment options.

Currently, Ontarians are seeking treatment from a variety of healthcare providers for their back pain, such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, specialist physicians and registered massage therapists. Three quarters (74 per cent) think it would be a better use of our healthcare dollars if professionals such as chiropractors were used more in teams with family physicians.

"Across the province, family doctors are starting to work in innovative and collaborative ways with other healthcare professionals. There is so much more that we can do when we work in teams", says Jan Kasperski, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. "Back pain is a common problem that causes significant disability. Better management of these patients by family doctors supported by the expertise of various healthcare professionals such as chiropractors and physiotherapists is a solution that will ensure Ontarians with back pain will receive the best care possible."

Collaboration is already happening in a number of ways across the province, with over 74% of family physicians referring to chiropractorsi , and that number is increasing.

"The Drummond Report and the Ministry's own Action Plan make it clear that patient-centred, collaborative care is the way of the future," says Dr. Robert Haig. "We are encouraged by this language, and the results of our recent studies demonstrate that this is what Ontarians, and family physicians, want too."

Back Pain is a major health issue for Ontario

• Low back is a major cause of healthcare expenditure with direct and indirect costs amounting to $1.2 billion a year in Ontario alone.ii

• At any given point in time, 15 per cent of the population suffers from chronic low back pain. iii

• Low back problems are second only to cardiovascular disease as a major cause of chronic health problems & long term disabilityiv

About the Studies: Methodology
The Ontario Chiropractic Association conducted two separate studies, one with Ontario residents and one with Ontario family physicians to gauge their attitudes towards using other healthcare providers, including chiropractors, as part of a multidisciplinary team to manage low back pain. The physician study was completed online from April 26, 2012 to May 7, 2012 using Environics Research Group's online physician panel. A total of 100 general practitioners / family physician from Ontario participated in the survey. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of ±9.76 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The Ontario resident survey was completed online from April 25, 2012 to May 7, 2012 using Environics Research Group's online panel. A total of 1,231 Ontario residents participated in the study. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of ±2.79 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

About The Ontario Chiropractic Association
Founded in 1929, the Ontario Chiropractic Association represents the professional interests of more than 3,200 Ontario chiropractors. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on treatment and preventative care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. Chiropractors are primary care practitioners, trained to develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. More than two million Ontarians rely on chiropractic care every year to help them get back to work and back to doing the things they love. For more information about chiropractic care or to find a chiropractor in your area, go to www.chiropractic.on.ca. 

Notes To Editors
According to Health Force Ontario, 'Team Based Care' is the provision of comprehensive health services to patients by multiple health caregivers who work collaboratively to deliver quality care within and across settings.

Fostering a safer generation of road users

Toronto, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Motorists and cyclists are both responsible for keeping each other safe on our roads. That's the message being conveyed to over 100 Grade 6 students today at a joint CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Share the Road, Toronto Police Traffic Services and Evergreen Brick Works bike safety expo.

"We can have an impact onreducing collisions between motorists and cyclists by helping educate the next generation," says Nick Parks, President and CEO, CAA SCO.

According to Toronto Police Services, so far this year there have been 208 cyclist-motorist incidents on Toronto streets, highlighting the need to remind both groups of how they can adopt safer habits on the roads.

"The easiest change you can make to be safer when in your car or on your bike, is to improve the knowledge and the skill of the operator," says Hugh Smith, Toronto Police Traffic Services, Safety Programs.

CAA SCO's must-have list for safer driving:

• Slow down when passing a cyclist and allow one metre clearance

• Always shoulder check when changing lanes

• Watch for bikes before exiting your vehicle

• Always yield to cyclists when you are making a turn

Share the Road alongside Evergreen Brick Works will run workshops at the event to help educate the students on proper bike safety.

"This event is a terrific initiative for young cyclists who will one day become motorists. We applaud CAA SCO and are so pleased to be involved," says Eleanor McMahon, CEO, Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

Make sure you cycle safe with these tips:

• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals

• Avoid hazards - stay about one metre from the curb or parked cars

• Wear a properly sized helmet

• Make sure your bike is in proper working order — check horn, brakes and reflectors

For more information on road safety, visit www.caasco.com/Auto/Driving-Safely 

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance. Visit www.caasco.com. 

Travel tips from the Canada Border Services Agency

MONTREAL, June 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The summer holiday season is upon us and many Canadians will likely be travelling abroad both by air and land over the coming weeks. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is making every effort to effectively manage the increased volumes of passengers during this peak period; travellers can facilitate their re-entry into Canada by keeping the following tips in mind.

Plan ahead to avoid delays at the border when you return to Canada. The CBSA suggests that you avoid travelling during peak periods such as afternoons and weekends, and use the Internet to keep track of wait times. You can consult border wait times on the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBSA_BWT, or on your cell phone at www.canada.ca. You may also plan an alternative route back (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/listing/indexpages/index-ed.html).

Bring appropriate identification for yourself and for all children travelling with you, regardless of their age. CBSA officers watch closely for missing children and may ask you detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you. If you have or share legal custody of the children, have copies of the relevant legal documents, such as custody rights, on hand. Appropriate identification includes:

• an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or an enhanced identification card (EID);

• a NEXUS card (used where the program is offered);

• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program card used in Fast lanes;

• a Canadian citizenship card;

• a Certificate of Indian Status;

• a birth certificate accompanied by a photo identification (such as a regular driver's licence) issued by a government; or

• a valid permanent resident card.

Declare all merchandise you have bought and have all your receipts on hand.

Officers may ask you to show receipts for the goods you have purchased and your hotel receipts to verify the length of your stay outside Canada. Keep all of your receipts together and on hand to avoid unnecessary delays.

The CBSA wishes to remind all travellers that changes were recently made to the limits of personal exemptions. Since June 1, 2012, the new limits of personal exemptions are:

Note that there are no personal exemptions for stays of less than 24 hours.