(Alliston, Ontario – April 5, 2010) For any new mother, learning how to breastfeed their new baby can be a challenging and emotional experience. Overtired and adapting to their new babies, moms are faced with a new challenge of learning, along with their baby, how to properly breastfeed; an experience that, without proper support, can leave many moms frustrated and force them to give up breastfeeding in the early stage.
A recent report by Toronto Public Health that surveyed 1,500 new moms revealed that 39 per cent of first-time mothers left the Hospital with free infant formula. This, despite strong support from the World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the Canadian Paediatric Society promoting exclusive breastfeeding up to six-months of age as a way to ensure long-term health benefits for both mom and baby. The report also identified moms who were given formula stopped breastfeeding sooner than those women who were not given formula, and those who do not receive formula samples were three times more likely to remain exclusively breastfeeding after two weeks.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital has taken a proactive approach to support breastfeeding mothers since re-opening its Birthing Unit in April, 2008. New moms are encouraged and assisted to breastfeed by the Birthing Unit staff within the first hour of giving birth as early support and education can contribute to a successful breastfeeding experience. Babies are not fed with formula while in the Hospital unless a mother cannot nurse or has expressed a desire not to nurse.
“As a clinician, I recognize first-hand the positive health benefits breastfeeding provides to both mom and baby,” said Sherry Guchardi, Clinical Coordinator, Maternal Child Program. “At Stevenson, we feel passionately that proper support is a key ingredient to ensuring new moms feel comfortable when breastfeeding, and as long as they are able, can continue to do so after they leave the hospital.”
Since the birthing unit re-opened, the Hospital has delivered 500 new babies. Statistics on new moms who delivered at Stevenson between April 2009 and March 2010 revealed that upon discharge, almost 80 per cent were exclusively breastfeeding, while seven per cent were breastfeeding in combination with formula supplement. Thirteen per cent of mothers chose to formula feed immediately following birth.
Proper support and education is important to successful breastfeeding long-term. Upon discharge, moms are encouraged to return within 48 hours to the Maternal Child Program at SMH for a follow up to obtain additional support and education on how to properly breastfeed. In addition, the nursing staff can assist moms in identifying issues that may be leading to a poor breastfeeding experience, including babies who won’t latch, blocked milk ducts, thrush and cracked, painful nipples.
The benefits of breastfeeding include more robust immune system, less chance of asthma, gastrointestinal and ear infections, and less prone to childhood diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome.
“New moms are inundated with information about how breastfeeding is the best nutrition for their babies,” said Lorrie Reynolds, Director, Maternal Child Program at Stevenson. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring new moms and their partners feel confident while breastfeeding and are armed with the proper tools and support for a successful breastfeeding experience”.
The Maternal Child Program has identified breastfeeding education as a top focus over the next year. The Hospital is hopeful that, with increased breastfeeding support and education, the rate of mothers who exclusively breastfeed while at Stevenson will continue to increase.
For more information about Stevenson Memorial Hospital, please visit www.smhosp.on.ca.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Springwater Reduces Energy Use 24/7
SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP / March 22, 2010 – Once again, the Township of Springwater will be joining municipalities across Canada in participating in Earth Hour.
In an attempt to fight global warming and promote environmental awareness, the Township of Springwater will be joining other municipalities across Canada in participating in Earth Hour 2009.
In addition to participating in Earth Hour, the Township of Springwater Council contributed to environmental awareness through the design and building of their 21,000 square foot Administration Centre in 2009.
The Administration Centre helps to serve as an example for responsible, sustainable buildings. During the day, sensors detect when sufficient natural light exists, and overhead lighting is shut off. Existing trees were preserved, where possible, to provide natural cooling and protection of the building. The facility is heated and cooled by an in-floor heating system. This system is very energy efficient as it delivers heat where it is most effective and useable.
Built to accommodate growth until 2040, the Administration Centre is expected to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Silver.
Policies such as the Reduced Use of Bottled Water policy, the Green Purchasing Policy and the Carpool Policy demonstrate Council’s commitment to protecting the environment, and setting a green standard to future growth within the Township.
The overall objective of Earth Hour is to fight global warming and promote environmental awareness takes place on Saturday March 27, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when more than two million Sydney businesses and households turned off their lights for one hour. That hour sent a powerful worldwide message that it is possible to take action.
Between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 27th, the Township of Springwater is encouraging residents and businesses to turn off (or reduce) their lights as a symbolic recognition of the fight against climate change. Businesses that are not in a position to turn their lights off completely due to operational requirements are encouraged to reduce and conserve power between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The Township of Springwater supports those municipalities that have already committed to participating, and would like to encourage participation by all municipalities.
For further information or to register as a participating organization or as an individual visit the Earth Hour website at: www.earthhour.org.
Springwater is a municipality of approximately 18,000 residents located in the heart of Simcoe County. The Township is governed by a seven-member council with a complement of 60 full and part-time staff. In 2009, the Township celebrated its 15th anniversary of the amalgamated Township of Springwater, and the opening of their first Administration Centre.
In an attempt to fight global warming and promote environmental awareness, the Township of Springwater will be joining other municipalities across Canada in participating in Earth Hour 2009.
In addition to participating in Earth Hour, the Township of Springwater Council contributed to environmental awareness through the design and building of their 21,000 square foot Administration Centre in 2009.
The Administration Centre helps to serve as an example for responsible, sustainable buildings. During the day, sensors detect when sufficient natural light exists, and overhead lighting is shut off. Existing trees were preserved, where possible, to provide natural cooling and protection of the building. The facility is heated and cooled by an in-floor heating system. This system is very energy efficient as it delivers heat where it is most effective and useable.
Built to accommodate growth until 2040, the Administration Centre is expected to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Silver.
Policies such as the Reduced Use of Bottled Water policy, the Green Purchasing Policy and the Carpool Policy demonstrate Council’s commitment to protecting the environment, and setting a green standard to future growth within the Township.
The overall objective of Earth Hour is to fight global warming and promote environmental awareness takes place on Saturday March 27, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when more than two million Sydney businesses and households turned off their lights for one hour. That hour sent a powerful worldwide message that it is possible to take action.
Between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 27th, the Township of Springwater is encouraging residents and businesses to turn off (or reduce) their lights as a symbolic recognition of the fight against climate change. Businesses that are not in a position to turn their lights off completely due to operational requirements are encouraged to reduce and conserve power between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The Township of Springwater supports those municipalities that have already committed to participating, and would like to encourage participation by all municipalities.
For further information or to register as a participating organization or as an individual visit the Earth Hour website at: www.earthhour.org.
Springwater is a municipality of approximately 18,000 residents located in the heart of Simcoe County. The Township is governed by a seven-member council with a complement of 60 full and part-time staff. In 2009, the Township celebrated its 15th anniversary of the amalgamated Township of Springwater, and the opening of their first Administration Centre.
First Ever Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference Highlights Advancements, Education and Hope
Kidney Cancer Canada Brings Together Our Country’s Leading Medical Experts
Kidney Cancer Canada (KCC) is hosting the first Canadian Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference on April 10, 2010 in Toronto. At a time when there is more hope for the disease than ever before, KCC is bringing Canada’s leading kidney cancer experts together with patients and caregivers to share the latest in clinical trial research, treatment advances and self-care and support services.
“As few as five years ago, a diagnosis of advanced kidney cancer left few options for patients or physicians. Little was known about the disease and patients found themselves with nowhere to turn for support,” says Deb Maskens, co-founder of KCC. “But Canada has made remarkable progress in the area of kidney cancer and hope for the disease is growing. The conference will bring patients and medical professionals together for the first time, to recognize and explore these achievements.”
The KCC Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference will also create a forum for patients and caregivers to meet others facing similar challenges, share their experiences and build their individual support networks.
WHAT: KCC Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference
A one-day conference for patients, family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals:
- Learn about new advancements in kidney cancer research and treatment
- Hear the inspirational stories of patients and their advice for battling the disease
- Ask questions and get answers from Canada’s leading kidney cancer experts
WHERE: CNIB Centre
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON
WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
RSVP REQUIRED: 1-866-598-7166 / info@kidneycancercanada.ca
Kidney Cancer Canada
Kidney Cancer Canada is the first Canadian-based, patient-led registered charity established to improve the quality of life for patients and their families living with kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Canada advocates for access to new treatments, provides support and information to patients, and works to increase awareness of kidney cancer as a significant health issue. For more information please visit: www.kidneycancercanada.ca.
Kidney Cancer Canada (KCC) is hosting the first Canadian Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference on April 10, 2010 in Toronto. At a time when there is more hope for the disease than ever before, KCC is bringing Canada’s leading kidney cancer experts together with patients and caregivers to share the latest in clinical trial research, treatment advances and self-care and support services.
“As few as five years ago, a diagnosis of advanced kidney cancer left few options for patients or physicians. Little was known about the disease and patients found themselves with nowhere to turn for support,” says Deb Maskens, co-founder of KCC. “But Canada has made remarkable progress in the area of kidney cancer and hope for the disease is growing. The conference will bring patients and medical professionals together for the first time, to recognize and explore these achievements.”
The KCC Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference will also create a forum for patients and caregivers to meet others facing similar challenges, share their experiences and build their individual support networks.
WHAT: KCC Kidney Cancer Patient Education Conference
A one-day conference for patients, family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals:
- Learn about new advancements in kidney cancer research and treatment
- Hear the inspirational stories of patients and their advice for battling the disease
- Ask questions and get answers from Canada’s leading kidney cancer experts
WHERE: CNIB Centre
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON
WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
RSVP REQUIRED: 1-866-598-7166 / info@kidneycancercanada.ca
Kidney Cancer Canada
Kidney Cancer Canada is the first Canadian-based, patient-led registered charity established to improve the quality of life for patients and their families living with kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Canada advocates for access to new treatments, provides support and information to patients, and works to increase awareness of kidney cancer as a significant health issue. For more information please visit: www.kidneycancercanada.ca.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Beware of Online Scammers
The development of the Internet has been among the most important technological innovations of the past twenty years. Millions of Canadians use the Web daily to get their news and to connect with their communities. At the same time, the Web has provided fraudsters with new ways to defraud us with new online scams and online versions of schemes that have been around for decades.
Online fraud costs the economy millions of dollars each year and puts everyone at risk regardless of age, education, income or where they live.
Every year in March, over 100 private and public sector members of the Fraud Prevention Forum support Fraud Prevention Month to remind Canadians to be on the alert for fraud and to report incidents to the proper authorities.
Scammers routinely use online services to make offers to prospective victims or to draw individuals and businesses into fraudulent transactions. Here are a few tips to help you avoid scams and better protect yourself online:
• Never provide details about your bank accounts or credit cards by e-mail before doing background checks.
• Always seek independent advice if an offer involves time pressure, providing personal information, or sending money, particularly if it is for a job or an investment opportunity. If the offer is legitimate, they can wait a day or two for a response.
• If you receive a letter with a cheque after you posted your resume online, saying you are hired as a secret shopper to test the services of a money transfer company…Beware! The cheque might be counterfeit.
For more tips, or to report a scam, contact the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or call 1-800-348-5358, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
Catching these criminals is critical. That is why Fraud Prevention Forum members urge you to recognize it, report it, and help stop it.
Online fraud costs the economy millions of dollars each year and puts everyone at risk regardless of age, education, income or where they live.
Every year in March, over 100 private and public sector members of the Fraud Prevention Forum support Fraud Prevention Month to remind Canadians to be on the alert for fraud and to report incidents to the proper authorities.
Scammers routinely use online services to make offers to prospective victims or to draw individuals and businesses into fraudulent transactions. Here are a few tips to help you avoid scams and better protect yourself online:
• Never provide details about your bank accounts or credit cards by e-mail before doing background checks.
• Always seek independent advice if an offer involves time pressure, providing personal information, or sending money, particularly if it is for a job or an investment opportunity. If the offer is legitimate, they can wait a day or two for a response.
• If you receive a letter with a cheque after you posted your resume online, saying you are hired as a secret shopper to test the services of a money transfer company…Beware! The cheque might be counterfeit.
For more tips, or to report a scam, contact the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or call 1-800-348-5358, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
Catching these criminals is critical. That is why Fraud Prevention Forum members urge you to recognize it, report it, and help stop it.
Online scammers- Recognize it, report it, and help stop it.
By Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition
The development of the Internet has been among the most important technological innovations of the past twenty years. Millions of Canadians use the Web daily to get their news and to connect with their communities. But it has also provided fraudsters with new ways to defraud us with new online scams and online versions of schemes that have been around in other forms for decades.
Every year in March, over 100 private and public sector organizations support Fraud Prevention Month to remind Canadians to be on the alert and report incidents of fraud. The members of the Fraud Prevention Forum carry out this important work because, despite the diligent efforts of law enforcement, scammers continue to prey on Canadian citizens, robbing individuals and companies of their hard-earned dollars.
This year, the organization I head, the Competition Bureau, and its Fraud Prevention Forum partners, are raising awareness of Internet fraud because it has become a primary vehicle for fraudsters. Online fraud now costs the economy millions of dollars each year and puts everyone at risk regardless of age, education, income or where we live. Indeed, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly PhoneBusters) has detected a dramatic rise in online scams in recent years – a 77 per cent leap since 2005.
While Internet fraud is fairly new and provides us with certain novel challenges, our fight remains the same and we need your help. It is important that we all learn how to recognize the signs of fraud, protect ourselves, and know how and where to report it. With your assistance, law enforcement agencies and my colleagues at the Competition Bureau will be able to crackdown on fraud even more effectively.
Scammers routinely use online services to make offers to prospective victims or to draw individuals and businesses into fraudulent transactions. Online scams are designed to appear that they come from familiar and trusted places. The following scams are among those we are highlighting this year:
• Job scams that often promise high income for little effort, or ask you to send a cheque in order to pay for materials or information that allow you to work from home.
• Health claim scams often involve bogus products that make “breakthrough” health claims on the Internet or promise to cure illnesses, such as cancer or the H1N1 virus.
• Business or investment opportunities can appear to be lucrative but may, in reality, be illegal pyramid schemes.
• Supply and merchandise scams may involve buying products over the Internet–for business or consumer use–that are never sent, or receiving a bill for merchandise that was never ordered or received. For businesses, toner cartridge, paper and business directory scams are particularly common.
• Identity theft happens when someone tricks you into providing personal information to commit fraud.
Some of the following tips can help you avoid scams and better protect yourself online:
• Never provide details about your bank accounts or credit cards by e-mail, over the phone or by fax, before doing background checks.
• Always seek independent advice if an offer involves time pressure, providing personal information, or sending money, particularly if it is for a job or an investment opportunity. If the offer is legitimate, they can wait a day or two for a response.
• If you receive a cheque and are asked to return an “overpayment” portion using a money transfer company…Beware! The cheque might be counterfeit.
Catching these criminals is critical, and that’s why Fraud Prevention Forum members urge you to recognize it, report it, and help stop it.
For more tips, or to report a scam, contact the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or call 1-800-348-5358, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
The development of the Internet has been among the most important technological innovations of the past twenty years. Millions of Canadians use the Web daily to get their news and to connect with their communities. But it has also provided fraudsters with new ways to defraud us with new online scams and online versions of schemes that have been around in other forms for decades.
Every year in March, over 100 private and public sector organizations support Fraud Prevention Month to remind Canadians to be on the alert and report incidents of fraud. The members of the Fraud Prevention Forum carry out this important work because, despite the diligent efforts of law enforcement, scammers continue to prey on Canadian citizens, robbing individuals and companies of their hard-earned dollars.
This year, the organization I head, the Competition Bureau, and its Fraud Prevention Forum partners, are raising awareness of Internet fraud because it has become a primary vehicle for fraudsters. Online fraud now costs the economy millions of dollars each year and puts everyone at risk regardless of age, education, income or where we live. Indeed, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly PhoneBusters) has detected a dramatic rise in online scams in recent years – a 77 per cent leap since 2005.
While Internet fraud is fairly new and provides us with certain novel challenges, our fight remains the same and we need your help. It is important that we all learn how to recognize the signs of fraud, protect ourselves, and know how and where to report it. With your assistance, law enforcement agencies and my colleagues at the Competition Bureau will be able to crackdown on fraud even more effectively.
Scammers routinely use online services to make offers to prospective victims or to draw individuals and businesses into fraudulent transactions. Online scams are designed to appear that they come from familiar and trusted places. The following scams are among those we are highlighting this year:
• Job scams that often promise high income for little effort, or ask you to send a cheque in order to pay for materials or information that allow you to work from home.
• Health claim scams often involve bogus products that make “breakthrough” health claims on the Internet or promise to cure illnesses, such as cancer or the H1N1 virus.
• Business or investment opportunities can appear to be lucrative but may, in reality, be illegal pyramid schemes.
• Supply and merchandise scams may involve buying products over the Internet–for business or consumer use–that are never sent, or receiving a bill for merchandise that was never ordered or received. For businesses, toner cartridge, paper and business directory scams are particularly common.
• Identity theft happens when someone tricks you into providing personal information to commit fraud.
Some of the following tips can help you avoid scams and better protect yourself online:
• Never provide details about your bank accounts or credit cards by e-mail, over the phone or by fax, before doing background checks.
• Always seek independent advice if an offer involves time pressure, providing personal information, or sending money, particularly if it is for a job or an investment opportunity. If the offer is legitimate, they can wait a day or two for a response.
• If you receive a cheque and are asked to return an “overpayment” portion using a money transfer company…Beware! The cheque might be counterfeit.
Catching these criminals is critical, and that’s why Fraud Prevention Forum members urge you to recognize it, report it, and help stop it.
For more tips, or to report a scam, contact the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud or call 1-800-348-5358, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
Monday, March 8, 2010
This Thursday, March 11, is World Kidney Day
This Thursday, March 11, is World Kidney Day and Alliston's Baxter Corporation is encouraging area residents with diabetes to talk to their doctor about kidney disease and treatment options.
As a key partner in kidney health and managing chronic kidney disease, Baxter Corporation encourages people to learn about their risk factors, to get screened and to learn about prevention and treatment options.
Why is World Kidney Day important?
Chronic kidney disease is growing in Canada, fuelled largely by diseases associated with an aging population, hypertension and increasing rates of diabetes
More than 240 million people worldwide have diabetes, including more than three million Canadians, and this global figure is projected to rise to 380 million by 2025
About 40 percent of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease
The Kidney Foundation of Canada estimates that approximately two million Canadians have kidney disease or are at risk
As the incidence of diabetes continues to grow – and increasing numbers of
patients progressing to kidney disease and kidney failure require healthcare resources – the need for early patient education about kidney disease and treatment options, including home-based treatments, has become critical.
As well-respected nephrologist Dr. Jeffrey Perl (St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON) states in Baxter’s release, early detection can dramatically affect options that people have, how long they can preserve their kidney function and the quality of life they will experience while living with the disease.
As a key partner in kidney health and managing chronic kidney disease, Baxter Corporation encourages people to learn about their risk factors, to get screened and to learn about prevention and treatment options.
Why is World Kidney Day important?
Chronic kidney disease is growing in Canada, fuelled largely by diseases associated with an aging population, hypertension and increasing rates of diabetes
More than 240 million people worldwide have diabetes, including more than three million Canadians, and this global figure is projected to rise to 380 million by 2025
About 40 percent of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease
The Kidney Foundation of Canada estimates that approximately two million Canadians have kidney disease or are at risk
As the incidence of diabetes continues to grow – and increasing numbers of
patients progressing to kidney disease and kidney failure require healthcare resources – the need for early patient education about kidney disease and treatment options, including home-based treatments, has become critical.
As well-respected nephrologist Dr. Jeffrey Perl (St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON) states in Baxter’s release, early detection can dramatically affect options that people have, how long they can preserve their kidney function and the quality of life they will experience while living with the disease.
Peter Van Loan Celebrates Canada’s First Gold at the Vancouver Olympic Games
On February 23, 2010 Peter Van Loan, MP for York Simcoe and Canada’s Minister of International Trade joined Alexandre Bilodeau to celebrate Canada’s first Olympic Gold medal won on Canadian soil.
Minister Van Loan congratulated Bilodeau on his historic win as the Canadian gold medalist in men’s moguls. Bilodeau accepted a commemorative gold coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.
“Alex Bilodeau is an inspiration for Canadian athletes and young people in communities across our country,” said Minister Van Loan. "His is a remarkable story of hard work, determination and achievement. It is a story of a special family, supporting one another, to do great things. It is fitting that it was someone like Alex, who was the first Canadian to win Gold on our soil."
“As Canadians we can be proud of our athletes and their accomplishments throughout these games. I am honoured to be here to celebrate our athletes on behalf of the people of my riding of York Simcoe and all Canadians enjoying these winter games.”
Minister Van Loan joined athletes, sports fans and representatives of the Royal Canadian Mint at a special event to celebrate Bilodeau’s gold winning performance at the Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion in Vancouver.
Minister Van Loan congratulated Bilodeau on his historic win as the Canadian gold medalist in men’s moguls. Bilodeau accepted a commemorative gold coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.
“Alex Bilodeau is an inspiration for Canadian athletes and young people in communities across our country,” said Minister Van Loan. "His is a remarkable story of hard work, determination and achievement. It is a story of a special family, supporting one another, to do great things. It is fitting that it was someone like Alex, who was the first Canadian to win Gold on our soil."
“As Canadians we can be proud of our athletes and their accomplishments throughout these games. I am honoured to be here to celebrate our athletes on behalf of the people of my riding of York Simcoe and all Canadians enjoying these winter games.”
Minister Van Loan joined athletes, sports fans and representatives of the Royal Canadian Mint at a special event to celebrate Bilodeau’s gold winning performance at the Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion in Vancouver.
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