KPL HealthLink

This Week's Health News in Brief

2012-01-30T09:37:00.006-05:00

NY Times: Caffeine Alters Estrogen Levels in Younger Women
NY Times: Oral HPV More Common in Men Than Women

CBC: Are we over-diagnosing autism? The psychiatric debate
CBC: Neilson recalls Trutaste milk over contamination
CBC: Excessive overtime doubles depression risk

KW Record: Doctor says new eardrum-perforation treatment will clear long waiting lists
KW Record: Video: Wedding prompts four women’s weighty decision to go on show

Globe & Mail: Nurse practitioners in Canada more than double in five years
Globe & Mail: Chemicals undermine childhood vaccines, study finds
Globe & Mail: Diet does matter when it comes to acne

CTV News: Measuring blood pressure on one arm not enough
CTV News: New treatments improving heart disease survival

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week: How Healthy Are You?

The problem with sitting

2012-01-26T20:20:00.014-05:00

Sitting is officially bad for you. The shocking truth is that people who sit for 6 or more hours per day are 40% more likely to die within 15 years compared to someone who sits less than 3 hours a day, even if they exercise. If you have an office job, you most likely spend 8-9 hours sitting on your rump a day. What’s the problem with sitting? New research shows that people who spend long periods sitting are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancers.

What can you do?

Take breaks every hour (get up, walk around, do some stretches or jumping jacks)

Be more active (make the most of your non-sitting time)

Get yourself an adjustable desk

Improve your posture while sitting

Helpful links:
Physical Activity Guidelines – Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Posture for a Healthy Back – Cleveland Clinic class
Sitting is Killing You Facts - Medical Billing and Coding
Sitting for Too Long Is Bad for Your Health - WebMD
Sitting Takes Toll on Body, Scientists Find - Canadian Obesity Network

This Week's Health News in Brief

2012-01-18T16:22:00.009-05:00

NY Times: Osteoporosis is slow; bone density tests can wait, study says
NY Times: How exercise may keep alzheimer’s at bay

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Protecting yourself from extreme cold

CBC: Ontario to help addiction patients quit smoking
CBC: Liver and thyroid cancer rates rise
CBC: Selective abortions prompt call for ultrasound rules

KW Record: Cystic fibrosis patients urged not to get together
KW Record: Whooping cough returns as vaccine modified to reduce side-effects
KW Record: Exercise program helps seniors cope at home

Globe & Mail: No clear evidence Tamiflu works, study finds
Globe & Mail: Mentally ill and ‘out' but not yet embraced
Globe & Mail: Bring back the pop? School junk food doesn’t cause obesity: study

Cambridge Times: Walk supports Alzheimer Society

CTV News: Aging population pushing cancer rates higher: StatsCan
CTV News: Skiing, snowboarding top list of winter sports injuries
CTV News: Study suggests caffeine may help premature babies

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?

Programs @ KPL: Achieving Your New Year's Resolution (Tues Jan 17 @ Grand River)

2012-01-12T11:58:00.004-05:00

Achieving Your New Year’s Resolution with Dr. Jeff Winchester, DC, Bridgeport Family Chiropractic

Have you joined a gym and then not gone? Have you tried to lose weight, and then gained it all back? Jeff went from couch potato to running the Boston Marathon in just 5 years. Learn how to maximize living every day.

Tuesday January 17 at 6:30 pm

Grand River Stanley Park

New Year, New YOU!

2012-01-04T15:56:00.011-05:00

It's the beginning of a New Year, and that means resolution season is upon us -- what have you resolved to do this year? Drop 10 pounds? Eat healthier? Quit smoking?

Instead of making a list of empty promises to yourself yet another year, stick with it by being specific and writing it down as well as regularly reviewing and holding yourself accountable to your resolution(s).

Need some motivation? Here are 10 easy resolutions you can feel good about!

1. Eat more fruits and veggies
2. Be more active (start with taking the stairs, going for a daily 10 minute walk, parking at the back, biking to work, etc.)
3. Read food labels (you'll be surprised at what you can learn about what's going into your body!)
4. Choose whole grains over white (multi-grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.)
5. Cut back on your alcohol consumption
6. Drink more water (which means less pop, coffee and sugary drinks)
7. Shop the 'outside' of the grocery store (hit up the produce, meat, and daily while avoiding the snack items and processed foods)
8. Consume less processed sugar (substitute with honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, etc.)
9. Prepare your weekday lunch and snacks in advance so you don't munch on junk food
10. Try a new activity or sport (like salsa dancing or snowshoeing)

Remember, all 5 KPL locations have plenty of materials on diet, exercise and healthy living. Check out the latest and greatest below, or search our new catalogue

Weird Health Story of the Week

2011-12-23T13:17:00.007-05:00

In Britian, a 76 year old woman had a felt-tip pen extracted from her stomach after swallowing it 25 years earlier.

In a case report recently published by the British Medical Journal, doctors explain that the woman was complaining of weight loss and diarrhea, and the results of a CT scan spotted the foreign object. Apparently years ago, she was investigating a spot in her throat when she slipped and swallowed it by mistake. Her husband and doctor dismissed her story as the x-ray done at the time was reported as normal.

Although the pen wasn't the cause of her symptoms, gastrointestinal specialists still decided that the pen should be surgically removed.

The most surprising part of the story? After swimming around in stomach acid for a quarter century, the pen still worked!

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-12-22T09:20:00.004-05:00

CBC - Jalapenos may have salmonella, food agency says
CBC - Top 10 health stories of 2011: food chemicals, vitamin D and brain waves
CBC - French breast implants may require removal
CBC - Lead in kids' jewelry prompts recall

Globe & Mail - Spread smackdown: butter versus margarine
Globe & Mail - Health-care efficiency seen as more critical than funds, survey finds
Globe & Mail - Canadian-developed HIV vaccine approved for human testing

Region of Waterloo - The 2011-2012 influenza season starts in Waterloo Region

KW Record - Breast cancer gene may also lead to heart problems, studies find
KW Record - Increase in measles fuels questions about vaccine schedule
KW Record - Common prostate condition is treatable, local urologist says

CTV News - Journals asked to censor controversial bird flu studies
CTV News - Teens who argue with mom might resist peer pressure: studyCTV News - Researchers find different cancers share same genetic flaw

Toronto Star - How to combat holiday stress
Toronto Star - Evaluate your parents’ health over the holidays
Toronto Star - Eating less may boost your brain power
Toronto Star - Scientists kick off barefoot running debate

Mind your heart this holiday season

2011-12-17T14:58:00.003-05:00

With Christmas just a week away, there's a lot on everyone's mind - from last minute shopping to hosting guests to decorating to holiday meal planning. One thing people probably aren't thinking about - a holiday heart attack. According to some U.S. based studies, cardiac problems spike during the holidays especially during Christmas and New Years. What's the cause? While the exact reason is not known, it could be a number of factors including overeating, reduced exercise, drinking too much alcohol, emotional stress and decisions to delay seeking medical advice or treatment if something is wrong.

Visit these links for more information and tips on how to have a healthy holiday:
Heart attack warning signs - Heart & Stroke Foundation
Tips for a heart healthy holiday - University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Risk assessment - Heart & Stroke Foundation
Truth behind more holiday heart attacks - WebMD
Holiday eating for a healthy waist - Eat Right Ontario
Holiday health and safety tips - Center for Disease Control & Prevention
High blood pressure information guide - KPL HealthLink

What's for breakfast?

2011-12-13T15:04:00.016-05:00

Everyone has heard the saying 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day,' but with busy modern lives it can be challenging to make time for it. So what are the benefits? Taking time to eat in the morning can help control weight, lower cholesterol, improve concentration, and increase your likelihood of having a nutritionally complete diet. Eating a healthy breakfast is even more important for children and adolescents. What constitutes a healthy breakfast? According to the Mayo Clinic - low-fat protein (peanut butter, lean meat, hard-boiled eggs), low-fat dairy (yogurt, cheese, skim milk) whole grains and fruits/veggies.

So what do you consume before heading out the door or on route to work/school? Here is a small list of some common breakfast foods and their surprising calorie counts (all values approximate):

Bagel with cream cheese - 410 calories
Coffee and a muffin - 465 calories
Bowl of cereal - 110 calories (Read related report about high sugar content in children's cereals)
Breakfast sandwich with egg and bacon - 330 calories
Yogurt with berries - 150 calories
Oatmeal - 100 calories

Want more information? Check out these helpful links:
Canada's Food Guide
Calorie Counter Quiz
My Food-A-Pedia
My Menu Planner
Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas (video)

Or check out these great KPL books:

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-12-13T12:20:00.005-05:00

CTV News - Fit vs. fat: which matters more for a long life?

CTV News - Many women still confused by contraceptive options
CTV News - ADHD drugs safe for adults' hearts, large study finds
CTV News - Serious reactions to MMR vaccine rare, study finds

CBC - Facebook suicide prevention chat service launched

CBC - Surgery wait times longest in 18 years

CBC - Money worries are driving an increase in sleep loss, stress

KW Record - Cure for the common cold could be a squirt away

Globe & Mail - Could a simple shot in the arm help treat Alzheimer's?
Globe & Mail - Cost a barrier for 'sicker' Canadians in need of health care: report

Toronto Star - Yoga may ease insomnia, menopause problems
Toronto Star - Do you suffer from Sunday night insomnia?
Toronto Star - Barefoot workouts gain ground

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
A Guided Tour of Your Body

Programs @ KPL: Thriving with Autism. TONIGHT, Grand River Stanley Park

2011-12-06T14:47:00.003-05:00

with Jackie McMillan, BES

Jackie is an autistic adult, who found her way “out of the fog” through dietary and environmental changes. She’ll discuss why autism is on the increase and the three easiest changes that will help families the most

Note: Please refrain from wearing scented products when attending this program

Too busy for getting & staying healthy?

2011-11-30T14:22:00.008-05:00

82% of Canadians know they can prevent heart disease and stroke, but aren't taking enough action to reduce their risk; this is just one of the findings recently published in a report based on a Heart and Stoke Foundation of Canada online survey taken last month. Interestingly, the poll uncovered some regional variations in how Canadians approach their activity levels and eating habits. So, what did people cite as obstacles to healthy living?

Lack of time
Lack of facilities
Cost
Lack of motivation

Regardless of the perceived and real barriers, here are 3 simple actions (as outlined by the report) you can take that will positively effect your chances for a longer, healthier life:

Getting 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week
Eating 5+ servings of fruit and veggies per day
Controlling high blood pressure

For the full survey report, click HERE

Check out the New Heart and Stroke Foundation campaign, Make Death Wait

Hereditary Cancer program - Thursday December 1st @ 6:30pm

2011-11-29T14:51:00.003-05:00

Join us Thursday December 1st at Public Health & Social Services (99 Regina St. S, Waterloo, Rm 508) for:

Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Cancer
w/Katy Eso, Certified Genetic Counsellor
6:30 - 7pm (displays)
7-8:45pm (presentation)

Free Admission / No Registration Required

Come and learn about sporadic vs. hereditary cancers, hereditary colon cancer, hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and the genetic counselling process.

Presented by the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Network of Waterloo Region

'Movember' is coming to an end...

2011-11-28T14:57:00.006-05:00

Only a few days left in the month-long, world-wide Movember campaign to raise funds as well as awareness about men's health, especially prostate cancer. According to Movember Canada, the campaign is making a difference in educating and encouraging men to be more active in their own health. It's not too late to show your support, pick up a healthy habit, research a health topic of interest or talk to your friends/family/colleagues about men's health issues.

Related News Stories:
Movember kid draws moustache to fight cancer
National institute for men's health proposed
Global summary of movember funds raised
Movember sports figures
The Aussie behind Movember's cancer stash

Helpful Sites:
Men's Health (HealthLink BC)
Men's Health: Preventing the Top 7 Threats (Mayo Clinic)
Men: Take Care of Your Health (National Health Information Center
Men's Health (Movember)
Prostate Cancer Canada

Check out KPL's online health databases or our catalogue for more great resources.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-11-25T09:41:00.005-05:00

CTV News - New guidelines call for less frequent mammograms
CTV News - Study questions sodium intake guidelines
CTV News - Bathroom surfaces full of germs, study finds
CTV News - Antidepressant combo raises crash risk for seniors

CBC - Acetaminophen overdoses over time risky for liver
CBC - Hypertension to hit 26% of adults by 2013

CBC - Home births safe for low-risk pregnancies

Globe & Mail - BPA being absorbed from canned food: study

Globe & Mail - Midafternoon slump? Sugar isn't the answer

Toronto Star - Put eye exams on your to-do list, say experts

Toronto Star - Overweight people eat less often. True or False?

Toronto Star - Why do we fall? Toronto lab mimics challenges of age, disability and disease

Cambridge Times - Hospital takes concrete steps

Health Tool of the Week:

Rate Your Dental IQ

Programs @ KPL: Osteopathy, Mon. Nov 28, Country Hills Library

2011-11-24T10:02:00.002-05:00

Osteopathy: A Comprehensive Approach to Health
with John Sanderson, DOMTP RMT and Bruce Crosby, DOMTP RMT

Osteopathy considers all systems in the body, including the bones, muscles and organs, and the circulatory and nervous systems. Learn how osteopathy can relieve headaches, TMJ and digestive disorders.

Please call the library at (519)743-3558 to register.

Monday November 28 at 7 pm - Country Hills

Sign Up for HealthLink eNews!

2011-11-22T15:25:00.007-05:00

Interested in learning something new about health? Looking for the newest health & wellness books available for borrowing at KPL? Want to know about free upcoming health & wellness programs in the Waterloo region?

Sign up for the HealthLink eNewsletter and you'll receive a monthly update sent directly to your email inbox packed full of great resources and information.

Check out the archive for past issues or CLICK HERE to subscribe! (check off "HealthLink E-News" then enter your name, email and create a password)

Oral Cancer program - Wednesday November 23rd @ 6:30pm

2011-11-21T14:57:00.002-05:00

Join us Wednesday November 23rd at Kitchener City Hall (Conestoga Room) for:

Oral Cancer: What You Can't See Can Hurt You
w/Dr. Kevin McCann, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
6:30 - 7pm (displays)
7-8:45pm (presentation)

Free Admission / No Registration Required

Come and learn about what can be detected from the dentist's chair and why early detection can lead to chances of a full recovery.

Presented by the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Network of Waterloo Region

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-11-19T11:05:00.006-05:00

CTV News: Study probes prostate cancer's link to birth-control pills.
CTV News: Some blood types might have higher stroke risk
CTV News: Simulation system brings the sun to seniors
CTV News: Baby shampoo maker removing toxic chemicals

CBC News: Avastin revoked for breast cancer in U.S.
CBC News: Video games link to brain pleasure centre
CBC News: Immigrants healthier than Canadian-born citizens
CBC News: Waiting to cut umbilical cord helps baby's iron
CBC News: Expert panel calls for legalization of assisted suicide

Globe & Mail: Delays on sodium cuts putting Canadians at risk: group
Globe & Mail: High booze intake linked to breast cancer, girls warned
Globe & Mail: Brown bread vs. white: Are darker foods always better?

New York Times: A Portable Glow to Help Melt Those Winter Blues
New York Times: A Watch-and-Wait Prostate Treatment
New York Times: So You Think You Can Be a Morning Person?

Have a teen in your life? Tell them to check out our Teen Health & Wellness database. Covering topics from school violence and depression to eating disorders and relationships, this is an award-winning resource containing articles, videos, personal stories and more. To access, click here. (Note: If you are accessing any of the health databases from home, click on the 'use outside library' link, then enter your name, library card number and pin number).

Health Tool of the Week:
CANRISK Diabetes Risk Questionnaire

New Children and Youth Mental Health Resource Guide

2011-11-14T17:55:00.006-05:00

Developed by Parents for Children's Mental Health (PCMH) of Waterloo Region, this online document was developed to help parents, caregivers and members of the community assist children with mental illness. The guide is full of information, valuable links/resources and local community support contacts.

PCMH is a voluntary group of parents who have used or are currently using the mental health services of Ontario. For more information about Parent Support Groups in Waterloo
Region visit their website at www.PCMHwaterloo.com or email them at parent.advocacy@hotmail.com

Click HERE to view and/or print the PDF.

Are you feeling SAD?

2011-11-11T16:24:00.008-05:00

With the end of day light savings time each fall comes a lost hour of afternoon sun and the promise of winter weather soon ahead. With darkness falling much earlier in the evening, many people find their mood changes. This mild form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is known as the 'winter blues' and while it causes discomfort, it isn't a debilitating condition. SAD on the other hand prevents sufferers from functioning normally and is classified as a type of clinical depression. For more information and to learn what you can do to beat the blahs, check out the links below:

SAD Factsheet - Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Seasonal Affective Disorder - Canadian Mental Health Association
What is Seasonal Depression? - Cleveland Clinic
Are the Winter Blues Real? U of T Research & Innovation
SAD Treatment: Choosing a Light Box - Mayo Clinic
Self Assessment Tools - Center for Environmental Therapeutics
SAD public lecture Part 1 and SAD public lecture Part 2 - Dr. Raymond Lam, Director Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, UBC Hospital

Click HERE to read various magazine articles about SAD from KPL's Psychology Collection database.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-11-06T13:26:00.010-05:00

KW Record: ADHD drugs don't raise heart risk, study finds
KW Record: Turn picky eaters from yuck to yum
KW Record: Arthritis forgotten disease that costs Canada billions a year, report suggests

Toronto Star: Kids sick again? Here’s what works and what doesn’t
Toronto Star: Johnson & Johnson under fire to pull “toxic” baby shampoo
Toronto Star: Special font helps dyslexic readers
Toronto Star: Anti-smoking drug Champix raises suicide risks: study

CTV News: Seniors, experts decry lack of help for false teeth
CTV News: Health-care costs doubled in last decade

CBC: Eating nuts may enhance mood
CBC: Sitting may boost cancer risk
CBC: Fitness 'flash mobs' connect exercise buffs
CBC: Tool may spot babies at risk of obesity

Globe & Mail: Evidence of blood-clot risk builds for newer oral contraceptives
Globe & Mail: Five ways to survive the end of daylight savings time
Globe & Mail: No pop in schools makes no difference: study

New York Times: Gloves are no guarantee your doctor's hands are clean
New York Times: Tired of feeling the burn? Low-acid diet may help

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Video of the Week:
Rethink Breast Cancer: Your Man Reminder (raising awareness a free app that reminds women to check their breasts regularly)

Child Health Fair - Friday November 4th @ 9am

2011-11-02T14:04:00.007-04:00

This Friday November 4th from 9am to 1pm, Region of Waterloo Public Health is offering a FREE community-based event supporting the growth and development of children in the early years (birth to six years old). Professionals will be available to provide information about services for families in the community and parents or caregivers can have their child's development progress checked (ie. learning, social skills, vision, language and nutrition). Open to all families.

Don't forget to drop by and visit the KPL information display!

Health Fair Location:

Our Place Family Resource & Ontario Early Years Centre

154 Gatewood Road, Kitchener

Call 519-571-1626 for an appointment (drop-ins welcome space permitting)

For more information, please visit: http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/clinicsClassesFairs/childhealthfairs.asp

Tips for a Healthy Halloween!

2011-10-26T17:21:00.008-04:00

All Hallows Eve is around the corner and soon little monsters, witches and vampires will be knocking on doors looking for a trick or a treat. Although it's a fun and exciting night for kids, here are a few guidelines to help ensure a safe evening for all!

Halloween Safety Tips:
- Don't let children under 8 years old trick-or-treat alone (walk in groups or with a trusted adult)
- Examine all treats for tampering or choking hazards (avoid anything homemade or unwrapped)
- Plan a trick-or-treat route beforehand and only visit homes that are lit
- Stay on the sidewalk and don't zigzag back and forth across the street
- Fasten some reflective tape on costumes or bags so drivers can spot trick-or-treaters
- Bring a flashlight for trick-or-treating
- Opt for face paint rather than a mask to avoid blocked vision
- Wear well-fitting costume, and shoes to avoid trips and falls
- Ensure that costume accessories such as swords and knifes are made of soft, flexible plastic
- Never leave a candle in a pumpkin unattended (consider using a small flashlight instead)
- If driving, drive slowly in residential areas, watch out for little goblins & ghouls and stay alert

New website on nutrition information

2011-10-24T17:34:00.005-04:00

A new nutritional information website has recently been launched: www.eatwise.ca. Dietitians of Canada and GS1 Canada have teamed up to make it easier for Canadians to get the ‘nutrition facts’ on the foods they eat. You can look up common foods sold in Canada (often provided directly by the manufacturer) and view the nutrients they contain (or don't!). You can search for food items within a brand or food category, and even highlight a particular nutrient you're interested in. Check it out!

For more information, visit: www.dietitians.ca

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-10-22T09:25:00.006-04:00

KW Record: Coming to grips with autism
KW Record: Increase in measles fuels questions about vaccine schedule
KW Record: Suicide risk reduced once troubled kids in foster care: Manitoba study

CBC: Cellphone study finds no cancer risk
CBC: High blood pressure ups birth defect risk
CBC: Depression ups women's risk of dementia
CBC: TV time discouraged for kids under 2

Toronto Star: Health Canada reviewing antidepressant Celexa for heart risks

Toronto Star: Excessive drinking costs society nearly $2 per beverage: U.S. study

Toronto Star: 10 tips for staying youthful

Globe & Mail: A workout program for your brain

Globe & Mail: Got a snacking problem? Try protein

Globe & Mail: U.S. guidelines lower age of ADHD diagnoses

Globe & Mail: 'Natural' deli meats may not be as healthy as you think

CTV News: Two new studies link bacteria to colon cancer
CTV News: First malaria vaccine showing promise in studies
CTV News: Experiment finds living in poor areas can hurt health

Cambridge Times: Flu season approaching

Interested in the scientific study of the human mind? KPL subscribes to the Psychology Collection database, which brings together information found in nearly 500 journals with plenty of full text access. To get started, click here.
(Note: If you are accessing any of the health databases from home, click on the 'use outside library' link, then enter your name, library card number and pin number).

Health Tool of the Week:
Stress-O-Meter

Celiac Disease Awareness

2011-10-17T15:23:00.006-04:00

Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Currently there is no cure, but celiac disease is usually treatable with following a gluten-free diet. Even if you don't have celiac disease, an increasing number of people are gluten intolerant and there is growing concern that wheat could be a contributing factor to ill-health and weight gain.

Check out some of these books from KPL's collection to help with understanding the disease and going G-free:

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-10-11T16:44:00.008-04:00

National Post: The danger of jumping to conclusions

KW Record: New MS drug shows modest effect on relapses

KW Record: Telestroke technology helps rural patients seek stroke treatment

KW Record: Is Alzheimer's disease contagious?

Toronto Star: Glaucoma damage on the rise

Toronto Star: CT scans show bilingualism delays Alzheimer's

Toronto Star: Doctors underestimate pain in patients they don't like: study

Toronto Star: The pros and cons of screening of PSA screening for prostate cancer

Globe & Mail: Bystanders morally obligated to perform CPR on cardiac arrest victims: Canadian physicians

Globe & Mail: Lots of fruits and vegetables can overcome predisposition for heart disease

Globe & Mail: Ottawa puts a lid on caffeine in energy drinks

CBC: Vitamin E may raise prostate cancer risk

CBC: New skin cancer genes uncovered

CBC: Children's ER concussion visits jump 60% in decade

CBC: Vitamin use not recommended for older women

Cambridge Times: CMH gets mental health grant

October is Autism Awareness Month

2011-10-05T14:26:00.008-04:00

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain's normal development of communication and social skills. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood and affects 1 in 110 children. While there is no single known cause, autism is treatable. Awareness and early identification can significantly improve outcomes for families impacted by this disorder.

In partnership with Waterloo Wellington Autism Services, KPL offers a special Autism Collection including books and audiovisual materials available for anyone to borrow. This unique collection includes resources for individuals and families who work and live with autism, researchers, as well as education and health care professionals. Currently the collection is housed at our Grand River Stanley Park branch. To browse the resources available, visit the library catalogue.

For more information, links to great autism websites and autism information guides, click here.

This Week Health News In Brief

2011-09-30T14:25:00.006-04:00

CTV: 'High-normal' blood pressure still poses risk: study
CTV: Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to cognitive problems
CTV: Health Canada mulling classifying energy drinks as drugs

Global News: Ottawa give tobacco manufacturers deadline for tough new cigarette packaging
Global News: Supreme Court rules Vancouver's safe injection site will remain open

CBC: Breast cancer researcher looks to Polish diet
CBC: Night owl teens at greater risk for obesity
CBC: Listeria warning for type of Strubs smoked salmon
CBC: Colon cancer may appear earlier in men

KW Record: Many grade 12 students report excessive drinking, study says
KW Record: Three-dimensional imaging advances among tools in fight against Alzheimer's

Toronto Star: More coffee, less depression, study shows
Toronto Star: Pig skin patch gives hope to hernia patients
Toronto Star: Flu shots now okay for those with egg allergies

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
http://sleepyti.me/ (Click here to read accompanying article)

Healthcare and politics: Comparing the party platforms

2011-09-28T10:56:00.010-04:00

With the Ontario provincial election taking place next Thursday October 6th, now is the time to educate yourself about the various party platforms. Not surprising, our healthcare system is a much talked about issue amongst the three major political parties. To help you make an informed vote, visit these links to learn more:

Ontario PC Party (Tim Hudak)-

www.ontariopc.com/issues/health-care

Ontario NDP Party (Andrea Horwath) -

http://ontariondp.ca/wp-content/uploads/Plan-for-affordable-change.pdf (go to page 28)

Ontario Liberal Party (Dalton McGuinty) -
www.ontarioliberal.ca/OurPlan/pdf/platform_english.pdf (go to page 32)

For a narrative comparison amongst all three party platforms, visit:

www.fasken.com/en/ontario-provincial-election-2011-comparison-of-party-platforms

Programs @ KPL: The Thyroid in Overdrive, Wed. Sept 28, Forest Heights Library

2011-09-27T20:13:00.003-04:00

with Dr. A.P.H. Prebtani, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Metabolism, McMaster University Learn more about Thyrotoxicosis, the clinical condition of increased thyroid hormones in the blood. Dr. Prebtani is an award-winning university professor. He will discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Wednesday September 28th
Displays 6:30 pm, Presentation 7 pm
Forest Heights Community Library

Register for this program by calling the library at 519-743-0644

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-09-24T09:15:00.003-04:00

CTV News: Not all brain aneurysms are alike, study finds
CTV News: Common cause of ALS and a form of dementia found
CTV News: Preemies may face higher risk of death as young adults
CTV News: White fruits and veggies might lower stroke risk
CTV News: BPA in canned foods marketed to kids, group warns

Toronto Star: Guidelines set for marijuana use
Toronto Star: Are you sitting comfortably? Even with exercise, a desk job can hurt you

KW Record: Benefits of breastfeeding celebrated at local events
KW Record: Bringing up baby diaperless
KW Record: Flu shots may reduce hospital visits for children

CBC: Adults with autism work as software testers
CBC: Drug resistant gonorrhea a concern in Ontario
CBC: Child whooping cough booster may falter
CBC: Caution on energy drinks (video)

Global News: Canadians have an appetite for information on food safety, report shows
Global News: CDC says scores of illness, 1 death tied to insecticides to kill bed bugs

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Second positive pool of mosquitoes for West Nile virus found in Waterloo Region

Cambridge Times: Breast cancer awareness in October

Globe & Mail: 12 ways to add legumes to your diet
Globe & Mail: Teen suicide: 'We're not going to sit in silence'
Globe & Mail: Hospital privacy curtains laden with germs: study
Globe & Mail: Yeast infections linked to chronic genital pain
Globe & Mail: Canadian MDs consider denying fertility treatments to obese women

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
Healthy Breakfast Planner

Sugar overload?

2011-09-22T14:36:00.008-04:00

According to a new report published by Statistics Canada, on average Canadians are consuming the equivalent of 26 teaspoons of sugar a day, which amounts to over 20% of their total daily calories. Surprisingly, sugar from beverages (soft drinks, fruit juice, milk, etc.) accounts for 35% of adults' total sugar intake and 44% for children and teens.

Foods high in added sugar have little nutritional value. Too much sugar in your diet (especially those which aren't naturally occurring) can potentially lead to weight gain, tooth decay and other health issues.

Check out some of these KPL books about the sweet stuff:

Programs @ KPL: Alzheimer's Disease: The 5 W's, Wed. Sept. 21, Forest Heights Library

2011-09-19T19:41:00.002-04:00

w/Charlotte Sider, Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo

More than 180,000 Ontarians have dementia. That number is expected to increase by 40% in ten years. Join us on World Alzheimer's Day to learn about warning signs, risk factors, treatment and community resources.

Wednesday September 21st @ 7pm

Forest Heights Community Library

Please call the host library to register at (519) 743-0644

Fall Flu Clinics

2011-09-14T17:02:00.003-04:00

The 2011 fall flu clinic schedule is now available from the Region of Waterloo Public Health. Get your free flu shot from your family doctor or visit one of the community clinic sites.

CLICK HERE for a full list of community clinic locations, dates and times.

For more information about the influenza vaccine, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

Programs @ KPL: Joint Health in the Workplace, Thurs. Sept. 15, Grand River Stanley Park Library

2011-09-13T14:48:00.003-04:00

with The Arthritis Society, Grand River/Bluewater

Region 60% of Canadians with arthritis are under age 65. Discover 5 simple steps to maintain joint health and manage arthritis while at work. September is Arthritis Awareness Month. Learn more at www.arthritis.ca

Thursday September 15 @ 7pm
Grand River Stanley Park Library

Please call the host library to register at (519) 896-1736

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-09-07T15:47:00.006-04:00

CBC: Walnut recall expands as E. coli probe continues
CBC: Ritalin abuse on campus akin to cheating
CBC: Miscarriage risk of anti-inflammatory drugs raised
CBC: Smoking rate falls to 17% in Canada

Globe and Mail: What your kids should eat to do well in school

Globe and Mail: Two shots now recommended to prevent chickenpox

Globe and Mail: Two U.S. children develop flu from pigs, U.S. government researchers say

Toronto Star: Researchers find possibel drug target for PTSD

Toronto Star: Women may get unneeded osteoporosis screening

Toronto Star: How to survive sleeping with a snorer

CTV News: Nearly 2 in 5 Europeans suffer from mental disorders

CTV News: Are bacteria growing in your kids' lunch bags?

CTV News: Spring flings may explain peak in teen pregnancies: study

KW Record: Study finds no benefit in longer CPR before shocking heart in cardiac arrest

KW Record: Measles virus may fight cancer cells: study

Health Tool of the Week:
Sex Myth Buster

Ontario expands breast cancer screening program

2011-09-01T11:36:00.015-04:00

Instead of just women aged 50 and older being eligble for regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, now women as young as 30 with higher risk of the disease will be offered the procedure under the Ontario Breast Screening Program administered by Cancer Care Ontario. Breast screening is important because it allows your health care provider to detect breast cancer early. This means that there is a better chance of successfully treating the disease and it is less likely to spread.

Women looking to access the new services can first go to their family doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss their breast cancer risk. If a woman has been identified as high risk, she will be referred to the OBSP program for a breast MRI and mammogram. For more information about the program and to find out if you might be considered high risk, click here.

For a list of local breast screening centres, click here.
To find out when you should start screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, use the Time to Screen Tool offered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-08-27T10:34:00.008-04:00

Toronto Star: Treadmill can act as second antidepressant, study finds
Toronto Star: Older Scrabble players' brains can outperform college kids, study finds
Toronto Star: West Nile still a risk, experts warn after woman's death linked to virus
Toronto Star: Coffee with your sunscreen? Research explains how caffeine protects against skin cancer

CBC: Chocolate could reduce heart risk by a thirdCBC: Cost of aging population on health care 'overblown'CBC: Vaccines largely safe, U.S. review saysCBC: Anti-cervical cancer vaccinations lag in U.S.
CTV News: Brain scan may pinpoint early signs of Alzheimer'sCTV News: Governments should tax junk food, scientists urgeCTV News: Keep kids out of the boxing ring, doctors urge
Globe & Mail: One-quarter of hospitalized psychiatric patients restrained
Globe & Mail: Many fail to renew prescriptions after a hospital stay
Globe & Mail: Sales halted after arsenic found in chicken drug
Globe & Mail: Proper diet best defence against bad cholesterol: study

Global News: Health Canada warns that donor semen from questionable sources might not be safeGlobal News: New recommendations to prevent blood clots during C sections with leg-compressing bootsGlobal News: Teens on Facebook, MySpace likelier to smoke, drink, use drugs: survey
Cambridge Times: Region won't add name to Lyme disease petition
KW Record: Patient demands, frustration with health system can lead to doctor burnout
Health Tool of the Week:Face the Fats Quiz

Ontario expands free vaccine program

2011-08-24T16:13:00.007-04:00

Effective this month, Ontario is expanding it's free vaccine program. Improvements to the program include:

A new oral vaccine to protect infants 6 to 24 weeks old against rotavirus, which causes severe intestinal infections

A second childhood dose of varicella vaccine to enhance protection against chickenpox (for children 1-11 years old)

A new combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine means children will get only one needle rather than two (for children 1-11 years old)

A lifetime dose of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine for adults 19 to 64 years old, who can pass this highly-contagious disease to infants and children

For more information about the changes to the Ontario vaccine program, download the brochure or view the publicly funded immunization schedule s document.

If you'd like to learn more about immunization and vaccinations in general, please see the following resources from the Public Health Agency of Canada: A Parent's Guide to Immunization and Canadian Immunization Guide.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-08-19T14:33:00.008-04:00

CBC: Miscarriage clue found in chromosomes
CBC: Lung cancer sniffer dogs proposed
CBC: TV viewing time compared to smoking
CBC: Just 15 minutes of exercise a day improves health

Globe & Mail: ALS finding may lead to future treatment
Globe & Mail: Medical society redefines addiction as brain disorder
Globe & Mail: Health Canada warns of worsening drug shortages
Globe & Mail: Trying to cut calories? Up the protein first

KW Record: The deadly danger of sitting
KW Record: Say no to germs: Simple measures can help youngsters off to school stay healthy, expert says

CTV News: Summer allergy relief may portend worse in fall, spring
CTV News: Good marriage ups likelihood of survival after bypass
CTV News: Canadians want health-care ombud, poll finds

Are you a student, health care professional or knowledgeable individual looking for health-related articles or medical research? KPL subscribes to Health Reference Center Academic database, which provides access to full-text content from a wide range of journals, magazines, newspapers and reference books. Browse though the issues of a particular publication or search the subject guide to find exactly what you're looking for. To get started, click here.
(Note: If you are accessing any of the health databases from home, click on the 'use outside library' link, then enter your name, library card number and pin number).

Health Tool of the Week:
Memory Test - Alzheimer Society

New Obesity Tool

2011-08-16T12:30:00.011-04:00

Since the 1980s, the Body Mass Index or BMI has been an international measurement for obesity, calculated using height and weight. However, as the North American problem with obesity grows, the BMI scale has been criticized for not taking into account the difference between fat and muscle mass as well as not calculating future health risk (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and stroke) as a result of being overweight.

An exciting new tool developed at the University of Alberta called the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) has been utilized in 2 new studies to determine its accuracy. The EOSS uses specific criteria to assess weight-related health problems, mental health and quality of life to determine the severity of risks an individual may face. Overweight/obese individuals can be classified as level 0, 1, 2, or 3. Those who are categorized as stage 0 or 1 have a lower risk of death than people in stage 2 or 3.

The results: Based on the research findings, the EOSS can in fact predict future health risks for those who are overweight/obese. What this means is that carrying extra weight doesn't necessarily mean increased health problems and not all overweight/obese individuals will benefit from weight loss. What it doesn't mean is that carrying extra weight is good for your health.

Want to know how you measure up? Click here to calculate your BMI. And click here to check out resources available in KPL's collection that can help you with achieving a healthy weight.

How Much is Too Much Alcohol?

2011-08-15T13:44:00.014-04:00

It's mid-August which means BBQ and patio season is in full swing. With that usually comes drinking beer, wine or mixed drinks, but have you ever wondered how much alcohol is too much?

What counts as a drink?

12 oz beer

5 oz wine

1.5 oz liquor (gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, etc.)
3 oz fortified wine (vermouth, sherry, port, etc.)
How much is reasonable?
Women should have no more than 9 drinks per week (up to 1 per day) and men no more than 14 (up to 2 per day). However, this does not mean that there is no risk involved with drinking that amount - it simply means that this level is considered low-risk.
What are some of the risks of drinking alcohol?
Over time, too much alcohol can result in cancer, sexual impotence, liver disease, heart problems, vitamin deficiencies and difficultly maintaining a healthy weight.
Is red wine good for you?
In recent years, a glass of red wine has been argued to be healthy for you. It is said that red wine contains antioxidants (from the grape skins) which are believed to help prevent chronic disease. The truth on the matter is that red wine may protect against heart disease, but there isn't enough research to say for sure. The bottom line - if you don't already drink, don't start because of the potential health benefits.

How many calories are there in a drink? (All numbers are approximates)

Light beer (12oz) - 100 to 145 calories

Regular beer (12oz) - 150 to 200 calories

Wine (red or white, 5oz) - 120 to 140 calories
Gin and tonic (7oz) - 200 calories
Margarita (8oz) - 280 calories
Rum and coke (8oz) - 185 calories
Cosmopolitan (4oz) - 200 calories

How can you cut back on the amount of alcohol in your diet?

- Don't drink everyday

- Space your drinks apart by 1 hour

- Try non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juice or water - Know what a standard drink is - Keep track of how much your drink
Who should NOT drink alcohol?
- Children and adolescents
- Women who may become or are pregnant
- Individuals who plan to drive or operate heavy machinery
- Individuals taking over-the-counter or prescription medication that may interact with alcohol
- Individuals with certain medical conditions

Sources: CDC, Eat Right Ontario & CAMH

More helpful links:

Evaluate Your Drinking (CAMH)
Alcohol-Free Mocktails (LCBO)
Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-08-13T10:21:00.009-04:00

CBC: Sex-based drug differences investigated
CBC: Wireless 'tattoo' created for vital sign checks
CBC: Stress and appetite link explained by Calgary research
CBC: Depression linked to women's stroke risk
CBC: Boy or Girl? Sex test deemed accurate

Global News: Researchers find new ADHD genes, some also seen in autism, schizophrenia
Global News: Bitterness really can make you sick
Global News: MS gene findings raise questions about Zamboni theory but trials still planned

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Pregnant? Planning? Make it a mocktail
Region of Waterloo Public Health: Laurel Creek beach - unsafe to swim

CTV News: Red meat linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes
CTV News: 'Serial killer' cells eradicate leukemia tumours

Toronto Star: Happiness = no debt + love (in your 60s)
Toronto Star: Spermless mosquitoes could help halt malaria spread
Toronto Star: Women smokers have more heart risk than men who smoke: study

Want to learn more about a particular health issue or disease from a reputable source? KPL subscribes to Consumer Health Complete database, the single-most comprehensive resource for consumer-oriented health content. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to look up drug information, read the latest health news on a particular topic, search a term in the medical dictionary, learn about alternative medical therapies and more. To explore this informative resource, click here. (Note: If you are accessing Consumer Health Complete from home, click on the 'use outside library' link, then enter your name, library card number and pin number).

Health Tool of the Week:
Virtual Allergist

Music: It's Good For You

2011-08-11T17:05:00.004-04:00

For most of us, music is a part of our everyday lives, but did you know that music is used to help improve the health and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities? Music therapy is used to reduce pain and anxiety, increase mobility, promote learning, as well as improve social skills and communication. It can benefit those with dementia, autism, addictions, brain injuries, learning disabilities and more.

Visit these links for more information:
Canadian Association of Music Therapy
Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund
Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research (CIMTR)
Society for the Arts in Health Care

Music therapy in the news:

Music therapy quells pain in people with cancer

Making music proves to be powerful antidepressant

Music therapy helps heal war veterans

Mobile recording studio provides music therapy for sick kids

Come alive to the sound of music

Check out some of these KPL resources on music therapy:

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-08-05T14:46:00.009-04:00

Toronto Star: Common vein problem raises clot risk for women who take the Pill: study
Toronto Star: Grandpa might not need a diet after allToronto Star: Depressed patients frequently readmitted to hospital
Toronto Star: Can exercise stall memory loss?
Toronto Star: Why quitting smoking can make you sad

KW Record: Yoga poses take stress out of summer
KW Record: Rare breast cancer reports added to label of drug for hair loss, enlarged prostate

Globe and Mail: Can chewing more help you eat less?
Globe and Mail: Can bran flakes protect you from breast cancer?
Globe and Mail: Kids' hospital uses mobile music studio as therapy
Globe and Mail: Antibiotics beat cranberry to prevent urinary-tract infections
Globe and Mail: Scientists discover why seniors get limited benefit from flu shot

CBC: Weight loss may improve sex lives of some obese men
CBC: New drugs restrict entry into cells
CBC: People too cocky about their memory, study finds
CBC: New HIV infections in U.S. hold steady
CBC: Prostate cancer urine test aims for better screen

CTV: New hepatitis C drug exciting, but expensive
CTV: Why did the U.S. turkey recall take so long?
CTV: Ont. encourages vaccine against mumps, measles

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Shades Mill and Laurel Creek beaches unsafe to swim

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
Sleep Calculator

This Week's News Health in Brief

2011-07-28T14:31:00.009-04:00

Toronto Star: Meth users at greater risk of Parkinson's: study

Toronto Star: Smoking cessation drugs approved for provincial coverage

Toronto Star: The best exercise for heart health

Globe and Mail: Canadian health officials create care guidelines for newcomers

Globe and Mail: Chicken pox deaths 'thing of the past' in North America

Globe and Mail: Will there be fruit with that? McDonald's adds apple slices in happy meals

Globe and Mail: Why do we cry when we're happy?

CBC: Pregnant women at increasing risk of stroke
CBC: Maximum Tylenol dose decreased in the U.S.
CBC: Cancer pose no added cancer risk for kids
CBC: Calorie counts modify some menu choices

Global News: Mouthwashing moms less likely to have a preemie
Global News: Flu 'super anti-body' may bring universal shot closer
Global News: Third of world's people infected with hepatitis: WHO
Global News: Fed effectively ban cadmium in kid's jewelry

Cambridge Times: CMH plans get green light

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
Check Up On Your Bones

Mobile Health: There's an App For That

2011-07-26T10:34:00.016-04:00

Nowadays there are hundreds of thousands of mobile web applications (apps) available for smart phones and other communication devices on every topic imaginable. It is no surprise then, that there is a plethora of health, fitness and medical related apps available for download. These apps are designed to help the general public manage their own health and wellness, as well as assist medical professionals in the care of their patients. For the consumer, they range in a wide variety of topics including pregnancy trackers, symptom checkers, calorie or exercise counters, prescription reminders, blood pressure monitors, BMI (body mass index) calculators, menstrual cycle trackers and much more.

Mobile health apps are an example of how technology is being used in new ways to improve our health care. They can give valuable health information in seconds and generally help make our lives easier. However, keep in mind that they are not always reliable and accurate. Do not take the advice of a mobile app in lieu of a medical professional. Attempt to determine who has created the app as that can sometimes be an indicator of authoritativeness on the subject area. Also note that some apps are free to download, while others will cost you money.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US is currently proposing health app guidelines that outline the small number of mobile apps the agency plans to oversee. These are apps that could pose medical risk to patients if the apps don't work as intended. For more information, click here.

Recent news stories on mobile health apps:
Smartphone apps to help treat PTSD

Free app for Crohn's, colitis patients

Introducing high-school students to ehealth

Getting fit? There's an app for that

For a more in depth look at mobile health apps, read this 4 part series from TechNewsWorld:

Part 1: Taking your own life into your own handhelds

Part 2: Making life safer and sweeter

Part 3: On the cutting edge

Part 4: Life, death and lawsuits

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-07-22T11:02:00.006-04:00

KW Record: Falls in elderly, experimental eye test are studied as possible clues to Alzheimer's Disease

KW Record: Breath test could help spot those hit with flu virus: study

CBC: Hospital overcrowding affecting Ont. patient care: report

CBC: Sperm 'cloak' mutation may explain infertility

CBC: Cancer risk may grow with height
CBC: Early-stage Alzheimer's blood test created

CBC: Grandparents may be safer drivers than parents

CBC: Hospital infections kill thousands worldwide

Toronto Star: Mom was right - good posture matters
Toronto Star: Top 3 outdoor workouts
Toronto Star: Fear of flying? Better fear a trip to the hospital, says WHO

Globe & Mail: Why many MS sufferers resist taking drugs to slow the disease
Globe & Mail: One reason why married men tend to be healthier
Globe & Mail: Osteoporosis rates holding steady, StatsCan finds
Globe & Mail: How to eat your way to lower blood pressure
Globe & Mail: Gene splicing breakthrough gives hope to cystic fibrosis sufferers
Globe & Mail: Risk of dementia higher for victims of brain injury, U.S. study finds

Global News: Childhood pets linked to lower allergy risk
Global News: Return to smoking after heart attack ups death risk
Global News: Here are the dangers of being sedentary

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:

Are you eating too much salt? Want to track your daily intake? Check out the FREE Sodium 101 iphone app from the Canadian Stroke Network.

Beat the Heat!

2011-07-20T14:07:00.010-04:00

With an extreme heat, humidex and smog advisory in effect for Southern Ontario this week, public health officials are urging people to limit their time outdoors and to take precautions to avoid any heat-related issues such as heat and sun stroke.

Certain groups and/or individuals may be at greater risk from exposure to extreme heat, humidity and smog, including:

Adults over 65 years of age
Infants and young children
People with chronic heart or lung disease and/or conditions like asthma or angina
People with chronic physical or mental disabilities
People taking certain medications (consult your doctor or pharmacist)
People who exercise vigorously outdoors
Outside workers
People who are marginally housed or homeless
Pets (dogs should only be left outdoors for short periods, should have plenty of water and a cool, sheltered place to rest that is out of direct sunlight)

Tips to stay hydrated & cool during a heat wave:

drink plenty of fluids (water or natural fruit juices)
wear loose-fitting clothes & a wide brimmed hat
use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
take refuge in the shade or an air conditioned area when possible
exercise or play sports in shaded areas and preferrably during the early morning or late evening
reduce activity level if you begin to cough, wheeze, feel chest tightness and/or have trouble breathing
try not to spend long periods of time outdoors between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information, please the Region of Waterloo Public Health extreme heat/humidex advisory fact sheet. Also see this Globe and Mail article about how extreme heat affects the body.

Please note that several facilities (including all KPL locations) within the city are designated as cooling centres. For more information, click here.

2 consumer product recalls

2011-07-16T14:12:00.008-04:00

This week two products have been voluntarily recalled:

Sol Cuisine - Spicy Bean Burgers (may be contaminated with salmonella). If you may be affected by this recall, click here for full details

Proctor & Gamble - Oral B Anti-Cavity Dental Rinse - Alcohol Free and Oral B Anti-Bacterial with Fluoride - Alcohol Free Daily Use Mouthrinse (due to possible microbial contamination). If you may be affected by this recall, click here for full details

World Health Story of the Week

2011-07-14T15:07:00.002-04:00

The first double leg transplant in the world has been carried out by a team of doctors in Valencia, Spain. No information is known about the donor, but the recipient is a man in his 20s who lost both of his lower limbs due to an accident.

The surgical team was lead by Dr. Pedro Cavadas - the same physician who in 2009 carried out the Spain's first ever face transplant (the first anywhere to include a tongue and jaw). The operation began Sunday night and lasted 13 or 14 hours. The young man could possibly be walking in 6 months with the assistance of crutches.

This Week's News Health in Brief

2011-07-14T14:33:00.009-04:00

CTV: New drug approved for Canadians with lupus
CTV: Scientists uncover antibiotic - resistant gonorrhea strain
CTV: Researchers closing in on causes of autism
CTV: Should parents lose custody of severely obese kids?

CBC: Asthma symptom changes reflect placebo effect
CBC: New AIDS drug could prevent infection
CBC: Smoking on screen reduced in youth films

KW Record: To fight obesity, U.K. says all children, even those who can't walk yet, should exercise
KW Record: Breath test could help stop those hit with flu virus: study

Global News: Cigarette taxes reduce smoking , but not with everyone: study
Global News: Parkinson's-causing gene discovered at UBC
Global News: Taking the bite out of bug spray
Global News: Theory doesn't hold water - British journal exposes myth of '8 glasses a day'
Global News: No link seen between cellphones, brain tumour

Toronto Star: Nuts can help control diabetes: Toronto study

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
Bright Futures: A Young Woman's Guide to Emotional Wellness

C. difficile superbug outbreak in Ontario

2011-07-07T09:02:00.007-04:00

The common superbug C. difficile has hit southern Ontario and has claimed the lives of at least 17 people alone in the Niagara region (mostly elderly) since the outbreak was declared less than a month and a half ago. Several hospitals have declared outbreaks including those in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, Mississauga, St. Catharines, Napanee, Welland and Orangeville.

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) is a type of bacteria that is found in feces and causes diarrhea as well as other serious intestinal conditions. It is spread via bodily fluids and is one of the most common infections in hospitals and long term care facilities. Who is most at risk? Older adults and those with other illnesses or conditions being treated with antibiotics and certain stomach medications. What can you do? As with preventing any infectious disease, wash your hands often in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. What's the good news? For the most part, healthy people don't get C. difficile and it can be treated with antibiotics (Source: Health Canada).

Related news stories:
Deadly and spreading, superbug on the loose in Ontario hospitals
Anger over C. difficile outbreak in Ontario hospitals

C. difficile superbug tied to 17th Niagara death
Opportunistic superbug present in most hospitals
Ontario calls in federal experts to help with superbug outbreak

More information about C. difficile:
Outbreak notice - Niagara Health System
C. difficile fact sheet - Toronto Public Health
Clostridium difficile infection - American Academy of Family Physicians
FAQs about clostridium difficile - Center for Disease Controls and Prevention

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-07-05T16:57:00.008-04:00

CBC: Windpipe transplanted from man's own stem cells
CBC: Screen-time battle alone won't cut child obesity
CBC: Autism risk turns to womb in fraternal twin study
CBC: Motivational text messages help smokers quit
CBC: Inactivity increases risk of blood clots in lungs

Global News: Unhealthy lifestyles linked to sexual problems: study

Global News: Green tea lowers cholesterol risk, but only a little
Global News: How much exercise is enough?
Global News: Cutting salt intake in half not enough to curb health risks, study says

Toronto Star: Screening for mental illness should be mandatory, study says
Toronto Star: Heart disease can sneak up on women: report
Toronto Star: Scientists figure out why a sunburn hurts
Toronto Star: Opinion divided on heart risks of smoking cessation drug

KW Record: Want to lose weight? Skip the diet pop, new study suggests

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
http://www.healthmap.org/
See related CMAJ article

ConsumerReports.org now available at KPL

2011-07-04T16:11:00.006-04:00

Need recommendations on the best sunscreen to use this summer? Want information about how to curb low back pain? Looking for more information about the best drugs to take in order to lower cholesterol?
Check out KPL's newest database - ConsumerReports.org.

Providing expert ratings and recommendations on thousands of products and services, it's an online, fully-searchable version of the popular Consumer Reports magazine. There is an entire health section featuring expert, unbiased and fact-based information on products from elliptical trainers to yogurt, as well as conditions & treatments including a prescription drug guide.

To access this resource, click here (choose the 'use outside library' link if searching from home).

Obesity rate in Canada has nearly doubled in almost 30 years

2011-06-28T17:02:00.013-04:00

How do you prevent weight gain? Eat healthy and get active. Sounds simple enough, but the evidence suggests that it's easier said than done. According to a new report from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the waistlines of Canadians are expanding: more than 1 in 4 adults are considered obese, and almost 1 in 11 children and youth are obese. The lowest obesity rate was found in Richmond, B.C. at 5.3% and the highest was found in the Mamawetan/Keewatin/Athabasca region of Saskatchewan at 35.9%.

The obesity issue is a complex one and as such, there isn't a single cause. Some of the factors associated with obesity include physical activity, diet, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, immigration and environmental factors.

Obesity increases the risk of a number of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancers. It is also associated with reduced psychological well-being as a result of social stigma.

To read the full report, click here.

Recent & related news stories:

Just moving around can help combat obesity: study

Snacking behind expanding waistline in the US

Saskatchewan, PEI report highest obesity rates

Drop that chip: it's the biggest demon in slow weight gain
Toronto Star series on obesity

Why french fries are even worse than you thought
Obesity costs economy up to $7-billion a year
Fidgeting pays off with fitness benefits
15 minutes of exercise could eliminate obesity in one million adults: report

Programs @ KPL: Thyroid Cancer, Tues. June 28th, Country Hills Library

2011-06-27T15:45:00.006-04:00

with Dr. Terri Paul

Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Western Ontario; Medical Director of St. Joseph's London Regional Osteoporosis & Bone Disease Program; Chair of Thyroid Cancer London

June is Thyroid Month. Educate yourself about this rapidly growing disease and join us for an informative evening with a leader in the field.

Tuesday June 28th - 6:30pm

Country Hills Community Library

Please register for the event by calling the library at 519-743-3558

Supported by the Thyroid Foundation of Canada and Genzyme Canada.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-06-24T16:28:00.008-04:00

CBC: Potato chips worst culprit for slow weight gain
CBC: Silicone breast implant risks understood, FDA says
CBC: Do online daters take more risks, sex survey asks
CBC: Wait time to see Canadian doctors grows
CBC: TV at night tied to poor preschoolers' sleep

Globe and Mail: Cancer Society pushes for ban on indoor tanning by teens
Globe and Mail: Blood pressure, stress rates rising among greater number of Canadians: StatsCan
Globe and Mail: 'Peanut patch' aims to desensitize those with severe allergy
Globe and Mail: A yogurt a day may keep heart disease away

Global News: Canadian research shows promise in Type 1 diabetes fight
Global News: Benefit of mammograms even greater than thought

Toronto Star: The 3 things that could turn your health around

National Post: Bodychecking in youth hockey: when is it safe to allow?

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages, or search for a topic in the Canadian Newsstand database which gives you full text access to 41 different news sources from across Canada.

Health Tool of the Week:
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool

Water Safety for Summer

2011-06-23T14:59:00.012-04:00

With this week officially marking the beginning of summer and with the long weekend around the corner, there are sure to be many people enjoying water activities such as swimming and boating. However, these fun summer pastimes can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. According to the Lifesaving Society, drownings in Canada have shown resurgence in recent years (Source: National Drowning Report).

To protect yourself and your family, follow these water safety tips:

Wear and fasten a life jacket while boating, waterskiing/wakeboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.

Don't consume alcohol before or during swimming/boating activities or while fishing

Get trained through swimming and water safety lessons

Ensure children are supervised around water and during water activities

Be cautious about swimming in currents and know the forecast before getting in the water

Keep a first aid kit close at hand and learn CPR

Drain all wading pools after use (for related article, click here)

Install 4 sided isolation fence around swimming pools with self-closing and self-latching gates

For more water safety information, please see these resources:
Safe Boating Guide - Transport Canada
Lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices guide - Canadian Red Cross
Swimming Pool Safety - Health Canada
Unintentional Drowning Fact Sheet - Center for Disease Control and Prevention

New Canadian Stoke Care Report

2011-06-20T19:37:00.006-04:00

Late last week, the Canadian Stroke Network released a new report on the quality of stroke care in Canada with recommendations for the public, care providers and policy makers. The study found that major improvements are needed. One important finding is that Canadians are not recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and are therefore not seeking medical assistance quickly enough.

Stroke is the result of either an interruption in blood supply to the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding into or around the brain due to a ruptured artery (intracerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage).

Key recommendations for the public (as stated directly in the report):

Lower your stroke risk by reducing the amount of sodium in your diet, regularly eating fruits and vegetables, reducing the amount of fat in your diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining an active lifestyle
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke: sudden weakness, sudden trouble speaking, sudden vision problems, sudden and severe headache, and sudden dizziness especially when associated with other symptoms. If you suspect a stroke CALL 9-1-1 and have an ambulance bring you immediately to the hospital
Learn what to expect and what questions to ask while you are in the hospital and afterwards. The Patient’s Guide to the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care is a good place to start

For the full report, click here.

For more information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

A sample of books on stroke and stroke prevention available at KPL:

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-06-18T15:04:00.009-04:00

CBC: Sex ed on web more useful than parents, teens say
CBC: Cancer death rate 2 1/2 times greater for least-educated
CBC: TV time tied to death, diabetes risk
CBC: Apples worst for pesticides on produce list
CBC: Suncreen rules toughened in the US
CBC: Health Canada's asbestos advice rejected by government

Globe and Mail: Young children only need two cups of milk a day
Globe and Mail: Social media give authorities a new network for tracking diseases
Globe and Mail: More adults drinking daily, smoking pot, study finds
Globe and Mail: Early autism screening puts children at risk: researchers
Globe and Mail: Cut saturated fat, refined sugar to boost your brain

Toronto Star: Antipsychotic drug can affect newborns if taken in pregnancy

Toronto Star: Three migrane genes found, including one only in women
Toronto Star: Ontario creates online donor registry

Cambridge Times: Cancer fight brings school together

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, or access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages.

Health Tool of the Week:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov

New Cambridge clinic to help ease doctor shortage in the Region

2011-06-16T12:48:00.007-04:00

If you are one of the unfortunate 4.1 million Canadians that does not have access to a family doctor (Source: Statistics Canada) you could be in luck! A new clinic is set to open mid-July on Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge and is in the process of accepting thousands of new patients. In addition to 3 new doctors (3 more will be coming in November), there will also be pharmacy and physiotherapy services. The clinic will also be open Saturdays 9-6 for walk-in patients.

For more information, read the full story in the KW Record

To register for a doctor at the new clinic, call: 519.653.4490

World Blood Donor Day

2011-06-14T15:30:00.009-04:00

The need for safe and secure supplies of blood and blood products is universal. Worldwide, at least 90 million units of blood are donated each year to save lives and improve health (Source: WHO). However, demand for blood transfusion continues to increase, and many countries cannot meet existing needs. World Blood Donor Day is an opportunity to celebrate and thank donors and volunteers, but also to raise awareness of the importance of blood and blood product donations, and to encourage Canadians to donate or become a volunteer – especially during the summer months when there is usually a decrease in donations.

There are several components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Blood and blood products are critical for everyday medical care. Some of the uses of blood include:

organ transplants
heart surgery
treating anemia
replacing blood lost as a result of traffic accidents
treating congenital blood disorders
replacing blood lost during childbirth
treating leukemia and other cancers
enhancing quality of life for terminally ill patients

For more information, please visit the following links:
American Red Cross - Blood Facts and Statistics
World Health Organization - Blood Safety Factsheet 2011
PBS - Red Gold: The Epic Story of Blood
Canadian Blood Services - How Donation Works

Bed bugs on the rise in KW

2011-06-07T14:07:00.007-04:00

According to a news article from the KW Record published today, the incidence of bed bugs in the region is on the rise. The good news is that regional councillors are expected to approve spending of almost $175,000 for local efforts to help eradicate these pests. Bed bugs are small brown-coloured biting wingless insects that multiply quickly and travel easily, but there is no evidence of them transmitting infectious diseases to humans.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

www.bedbugregistry.com (user submitted hotel and apartment bed bug reports from around North America)

www.bedbugsinfo.ca (everything you need to know: prevention, identification, and what to do if you find bed bugs in your home)

Bed Bug Fact Sheet - Toronto Public Health

Bed Bug FAQ - Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Avoiding Bed Bug 'Hitchhikers' - Manitoba Government

Bed Bugs: Consumer Product Safety - Health Canada

The Bed Bug Book (Ralph Maestre)

Bedbugs - Consumer Health Complete (database search results)

Bedbugs - Health & Wellness Resource Center (database search results)

June is Thyroid Awareness Month

2011-06-04T10:51:00.009-04:00

Roughly 200 million people world-wide have some type of thyroid disease (Source: Thyroid Foundation of Canada). The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones and helps to regulate the body's metabolism. In recognition of National Thyroid Awareness month, here is a break down of the different types of thyroid disorders:

Hyperthyroidism - thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs
Hypothyroidism - thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs (more common)
Grave's Disease - autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
Thyroid Nodules - growth of the thyroid issue or fluid-filled cyst forming a lump in the thyroid gland (most are non-cancerous)
Cancer of the Thyroid - cancerous growth of the thyroid gland
Thyroiditis - inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's Disease or Subaccute Thyroiditis)
Hyperparathyroidism - parathyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormone

Web Resources:
Thyroid Cancer Canada - About Thyroid Cancer
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service - Hyperthyroidism
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service - Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Foundation of Canada - Health Guides on Thyroid Disease
National Cancer Institute - What You Need to Know About Thyroid Cancer
Consumer Health Complete Database - Disorders of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland

Check out KPL's catalogue listing for materials on thyroid diseases.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-05-31T10:19:00.007-04:00

CBC: Peanut allergy patch investigated
CBC: Drug selectively dampens bad memories
CBC: Cellphone use may be linked to cancer: scientists

CTV: Treating chronic pain can reverse brain changes
CTV: Brisk walking may help slow prostate cancer: study
CTV: Many women unaware of stroke warning signs
CTV: Kids don't need energy or sports drinks, docs say
CTV: 26 percent of abnormal Pap results, don't get followup

Globe and Mail: Exercise, diet, precautions are key in preventing seniors from falling
Globe and Mail: Structure and gene behaviour of autistic brains dramatically different: study
Globe and Mail: Study adds to concerns about folic acid supplements
Globe and Mail: More calcium isn't necessarily better
Globe and Mail: Is fruit sabotaging your weight loss?
Globe and Mail: Omega-3s can prevent type 2 diabetes: study

National Post: Beware the bulge of buying in bulk (and other portion-control tactics)
National Post: Pass the spinach? Hardly if it's lean muscle you're after

Toronto Star: 2 jabs or 3? Doctors explore extra vaccine shot to stop mumps
Toronto Star: Heavy metals found in cosmetics
Toronto Star: Study offers hope to those at risk of depression relapse

Region of Waterloo Public Health: This barbeque season fight BAC

KW Record: Drug that boosts good cholesterol does not prevent heart attacks: study
KW Record: Soy consumption has no impact on men's semen quality, Guelph study finds
KW Record: World-renowned Parkinson's researchers coming to Waterloo

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, or access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages.

Health Tool of the Week:
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Quiz

Programs @ KPL: Multicultural Prenatal Health Fair, Thurs. May 19, Kitchener City Hall

2011-05-10T15:14:00.004-04:00

Multicultural Prenatal Health Fair

with Region of Waterloo Public Health

This prenatal health fair is designed for parents planning a pregnancy or in early pregnancy, offering fifty displays, mini workshops, videos, pamphlets to take home, and access to care providers who will answer any questions. Future parents will learn how a healthy pregnancy helps build a healthy baby. Workshops will be offered in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic and more. Enjoy a snack and a chance to win door prizes.

For more information, call 519-883-2308 or visit the Region of Waterloo Public Health website

Thursday, May 19 from 5 – 8 pm

Kitchener City Hall Rotunda

200 King St. West

No registration required.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-05-07T13:39:00.011-04:00

CBC: Aboriginal teen smoking prevalence 'high'
CBC: Autism cases in school often missed: study
CBC: Test for early Alzheimer's diagnosis shows promise
CBC: Aggressive breast cancer needs better screening
CBC: Belly fat key for heart patient risk: study
CBC: Glaucoma genes point to increased risk
CBC: High thyroid drug dose ups seniors' fracture risk

CTV: Short term use of painkillers could be risky to some
CTV: Pediatricians want newborns screened for hearing problems
CTV: Simple urine test might spot early colorectal cancer

Globe and Mail: Younger men with early prostate cancer benefit from timely surgery
Globe and Mail: Coffee, sex and anger among top aneurysm triggers
Globe and Mail: Why you should read nutrition labels between the lines

National Post: Hot flashes can last up to 10 years, new study claims
National Post: Reining in health claims about the goji berry

Toronto Star: Daily tasks can pose a threat to people with Alzheimer's
Toronto Star: New moms pop placenta pills
Toronto Star: Gay men may be more at risk for cancer

Cambridge Times: CMH gets $1M boost

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Health in Action: Spring/Summer 2011

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers and magazines we subscribe to, or access our Press Display database featuring 1,700 newspapers from around the globe in 48 different languages.

Health Tool of the Week:
WebMD Symptom Checker

Programs @ KPL: Homeopathy & Allergies, Tuesday May 3, Forest Heights Library

2011-04-29T16:30:00.014-04:00

Homeopathy and Allergies

with Andrea Hauser, ND, Hauser Homeopathy

Tuesday, May 3 at 7pm
Forest Heights Library

Tired of the sniffles during allergy season? Indigestion when you indulge in certain foods? Homeopathic medicine can help you eliminate allergies. Learn how to identify, prevent and treat the symptoms of seasonal and/or food allergies using natural medicine.

Please call the library at 519-743-0644 to register.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-04-29T13:58:00.003-04:00

CBC: Child obesity risk points to pregnancy
CBC: Autism checklist spots warning signs in infants
CBC: Popular birth control pills may boost clot risk
CBC: Painkillers may block antidepressants: study

CTV: Morning heart attacks cause more damage
CTV: Cheaper eye drug proves as good as pricier one

Globe and Mail: Omega-3s are good for the heart, but not the prostate
Globe and Mail: Cut sugar to lower triglycerides

K-W Record: Hospital to pioneer new diabetes treatment
K-W Record: Sleep apnea, sleepless nights

National Post: Low levels of 'sunshine vitamin' linked to increased diabetes risk

Toronto Star: Researchers call for tax on junk food, ban on trans fats
Toronto Star: New risks for diabetes: fat and lack of exercise
Toronto Star: Surprise! You're brushing your teeth wrong

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here.

Also available at KPL: the Press Display newspaper database. Featuring 1,700 newspapers from 92 countries in 48 languages, you can login from home using your KPL card and PIN code (click here to log in). You can also access it using the Press Display computer station available free of charge at the Main Library on 85 Queen St. N. For more information, read our News Release announcing this resource.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
MedicineNet: Superfoods Quiz

Programs @ KPL: Thyroid Nodules, Tuesday, April 19, Forest Heights Library

2011-04-11T10:24:00.005-04:00

Thyroid Nodules with Dr. Deric Morrison, MD, FRCPC, Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario

Do you have lumps on your thyroid? Thyroid cancer is on the rise by more than 6%. Find out whether you should be concerned. Please call the library at 519-743-0644 to register. Tuesday, April 19 AGM & Displays at 6:30 pm; Presentation at 7 pm Forest Heights Library Brought to you by the K-W Chapter of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-04-11T09:24:00.011-04:00

CBC: Shopping therapy helps seniors: study

CBC: Many cancers avoidable with less drinking: study

CTV: Ontario gives nurse practitioners expanded powers

Globe and Mail: Stroke risks fade after quitting estrogen pills: study

Globe and Mail: Eat your broccoli – and ward off cancer

K-W Record: Coffee makes fast-food meal twice as bad for you, Guelph study finds

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

Also available at KPL: the Press Display newspaper database. Featuring 1,700 newspapers from 92 countries in 48 languages, you can login from home using your KPL card and PIN code (click here to log in). You can also access it using the Press Display computer station available free of charge at the Main Library on 85 Queen St. N. For more information, read our News Release announcing this resource. You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week:

Discovey Health Saturated Fat Quiz

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-04-01T11:33:00.016-04:00

CBC: Prostate cancer test barely alters death risk

CBC: Ont. pharmacists get prescribing power

CTV: Vaccine could offer relief to cat allergies

CTV: Fresh food diet cuts exposure to BPA, study finds

Globe and Mail: Experts weigh link between food dyes, hyperactivity in kids

Globe and Mail: How do I avoid bacteria in a public washroom?

K-W Record: Ginseng gets you going, but wine stalls performance

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to. A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here. Also available at KPL: the Press Display newspaper database. Featuring 1,700 newspapers from 92 countries in 48 languages, you can login from home using your KPL card and PIN code (click here to log in). You can also access it using the Press Display computer station available free of charge at the Main Library on 85 Queen St. N. For more information, read our News Release announcing this resource. You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week: Colon Cancer Risk Assessment from the National Cancer Institute

Programs @ KPL: Nutrition & Osteoporosis, Wednesday, March 23 2:30-4 pm, Forest Heights

2011-03-17T14:58:00.002-04:00

Virtual Education Forum: Nutrition & Osteoporosis
with Dr. Susan J. Whiting, Nutrition & Dietetics, University of Saskatchewan

Join us for a community forum via the internet. This is an opportunity for people from across Canada to gather and exchange information. Following Dr. Whiting’s presentation, we will be submitting questions from our audience using email. For more information, please contact Kate Harvey at kharvey@osteoporosis.ca.

Please call the library at 519-743-0644 to register.

Wednesday, March 23 from 2:30 – 4 pm
Forest Heights Library

Presented by Osteoporosis Canada & the Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network Sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Canada

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-03-09T14:51:00.009-05:00

CBC: Parkinson's symptoms better with gene therapy

CBC: FAQs: Radiation's health effects

CTV: 'Base tans' don't prevent sunburn, cancer group warns

CTV: Canada's MD shortage to worsen: Fraser report

Globe and Mail: Most Canadians go to work when sick: survey

Globe and Mail: Suffering from PMS? Chow down on B vitamins

K-W Record: Expanded child health website aimed at global audience

K-W Record: Soy consumption has no impact on men’s semen quality, Guelph study finds

National Post: Processed foods linked with lower IQ in children: study

National Post: Health study no-brainer: Be happy, smile and you'll live longer

Toronto Star: Study helps unlock key to long life

Toronto Star: Kill the lights to keep melatonin flowing

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to. A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here.

Health Tool of the Week:

Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada: Myths & Facts

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-02-26T17:42:00.001-05:00

CBC: Menopausal hot flashes lower heart risk

CBC: PSA spike poor predictor of prostate cancer

CBC: Too many Canadians studying medicine overseas

CTV: Many don't understand when not to call 911: study

CTV: Movie popcorn has more than a day's worth of fat

CTV: Reviews confirm it: Alcohol really is good for the heart

Globe and Mail: Americans have twice as much BPA in their bodies as Canadians

Globe and Mail: Check out your latest vital sign: waist size

Globe and Mail: Sometimes you need some stress in your life

K-W Record: Cambridge hospital expects $1.4-million surplus

K-W Record: Families share experiences with mental illness at conference

K-W Record: New support for aging adults with developmental disabilities

K-W Record: Parents reminded to update secondary student immunization records

K-W Record: Secure mental-health ward to open by fall

National Post: Beating the bulge and metabolic syndrome by any means necessary

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act for Secondary School Grades

Toronto Star: Ontario Hydro sprayed Agent Orange

Toronto Star: Scientists cure baldness in mice

Toronto Star: Unlocking Carly: Using one finger, autistic teen uses iPad, laptop to communicate

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here.

Also available at KPL: the Press Display newspaper database. Featuring 1,700 newspapers from 92 countries in 48 languages, you can login from home using your KPL card and PIN code (click here to log in). You can also access it using the Press Display computer station available free of charge at the Main Library on 85 Queen St. N. For more information, read our News Release announcing this resource.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
American Academy of Periodontology: Assess Your Risk of Gum Disease
Use this assessment tool to figure out if you are at a low, medium or high risk for developing gum disease.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is Coming

2011-02-25T10:02:00.001-05:00

March is coming up quickly, and with it comes National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In 2010, an roughly 8,300 new colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in Ontario (4,500 men – 3,800 women). And an estimated 3,400 people died as a result of colorectal cancer (1,850 men – 1,550 women) (Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2010)

Early detection through screening are important in surviving this disease. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care offers information about ways you can help prevent colorectal cancer, as well as your options for screening, including the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).

For more information, see these online resources:

Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada: Screening and Treatment Map

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care: Colon Cancer Check Program

MedlinePlus: Colorectal Cancer Resources

Here are a few resources available at KPL about colorectal cancer:

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-02-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

CBC: Chronic fatigue may be reversed with exercise

CBC: Dangerous bacteria found on mall food trays

CBC: Stricter food label rules target allergens

CTV: Artificial retina helps some blind people

CTV: Scientists test if hockey helmets can block concussions

CTV: Study: Eating more fibre could mean longer life

Globe and Mail: Energy drinks should be regulated like tobacco and alcohol, report argues

Globe and Mail: No-fault compensation urged for those injured by vaccines

K-W Record: Heart health doesn’t just depend on age

K-W Record: Minutes count when getting treatment after a heart attack

K-W Record: Rare neuromuscular disease affects Waterloo woman

K-W Record: Teaching youth that health isn’t just about what you eat

K-W Record: Tobacco control essential to protecting health: Harvard experts

Toronto Star: How to wean your child off junk food

Toronto Star: ‘Love hormone’ oxytocin can boost mistrust, study finds

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
NIHSeniorHealth (U.S. National Institutes of Health): Low Vision Resources
This website features a collection of information about low vision, including risk factors, signs of low vision, and related videos and frequently asked questions. This website features text modification that allows you to increase the size and contrast of the text to help you read it better if you have low vision.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-02-12T05:46:00.002-05:00

Cambridge Times: $2 can save a life

Cambridge Times: Langs centre on target

CBC: Alarming rise in strokes among younger people

CBC: Beverage calorie labels to be front and centre

CBC: Multiple heart scans linked with cancer risk

CBC: Obesity at 3 tied to early start of solids: study

CTV: Should teenage boys get the HPV vaccine?

CTV: Some breast cancer patients can skip node surgery

CTV: WHO says alcohol abuse causing 2.5M deaths a year

Globe and Mail: Diet pop can be hard on your heart

Globe and Mail: Early introduction of solid foods in formula-fed babies linked to obesity

Globe and Mail: WHO probing reported link between H1N1 vaccine, narcolepsy

K-W Record: Concert to raise funds for kidney transplant patient

K-W Record: Hamilton hospital will have ICU for new moms

K-W Record: New options for colonoscopies in the region

K-W Record: Pulmonary disease growing among women

National Post: Do we need soccer goggles, helmets, padded posts?

National Post: Processed foods linked with lower IQ in children: study

Toronto Star: Drunk fish may hold secrets to alcoholism in humans

Toronto Star: How staying in love benefits staying alive

Toronto Star: Say ‘goodbye’ to the seasonal flu shot

Waterloo Chronicle: Not just for kids: Adult Recreation League helps players stay active as long as they want

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
National Eating Disorders Association: 10 Things Parents Can Do to Help Prevent Eating Disorders (PDF)
This list offers tips to parents for ways they can interact with their son or daughter, and manage their own behaviour, to help lower the chance that their child will develop an eating disorder.

In the News: Phalates in Children's Products

2011-02-10T02:05:00.000-05:00

In January, Health Canada posted a news release announcing new regulations to control the use of phalates in children's toys and child care products. Phalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and soft, these chemicals can leach from the plastic and be absorbed into the body. Children are vulnerable to absorbing these chemicals, since they often chew and suck on their plastic toys.
To learn more about phalates and other potential toxins, please see Health Canada's Fact Sheet on Phalates Regulations

If you'd like to learn more about the environmental toxins, KPL has several books in our collection on this topic. Just click on the cover image to go to the catalogue record.

The body toxic : how the hazardous chemistry of everyday things threatens our health and well-being
by Nena Baker
(2008)

Dodging the toxic bullet : how to protect yourself from everyday environmental health hazards
by David R. Boyd
(2010)

Ecoholic home : the greenest, cleanest and most energy-efficient information under one (Canadian) roof
by Adria Vasil
(2009)

How everyday products make people sick : toxins at home and in the workplace
by Paul D. Blanc
(2007)

Slow death by rubber duck : how the toxic chemistry of everyday life affects our health
by Rick Smith, Bruce Lourie with Sarah Dopp
(2009)

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-02-04T02:16:00.013-05:00

Cambridge Times: City rallies around girl - Seven year old battling leukemia

Cambridge Times: Researchers studying children with ADHD

CBC: 5 new genes identified linked to Parkinson's

CBC: Antibiotic cuts C. difficile relapse: study

CBC: Veins engineered for heart, kidney patients

CTV: Canadians know heart risks, but in denial: report

CTV: New test may help guide prostate cancer treatment

CTV: Stroke history of moms can predict risk for daughters

Globe and Mail: Dogs can accurately sniff out bowel cancer

Globe and Mail: Super Bowl can be a literal heartbreaker

Globe and Mail: Universal health care scores well, but don't be deluded

K-W Record: Cambridge Memorial gets funding to run long-term-care ward

K-W Record: Canadians underestimate unhealthy habits leading to heart disease

K-W Record: New Langs Farm building on schedule and budget

National Post: Avoid excess of folic acid, researchers say

Region of Waterloo Public Health: Cold Weather Health Protection

Toronto Star: How not to break your back shovelling snow

Toronto Star: Do 8-year-old girls need anti-aging makeup?

Waterloo Chronicle: Paying attention to ADHD

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
Canadian Cancer Society: Eat Well, Be Active
February 4 is World Cancer Day. The overall theme of World Cancer Day is "Cancer Can be Prevented." An important part of cancer prevention is eating well and maintaining an active lifestyle. Read this booklet written by the Canadian Cancer Society for practical tips on how to do this. Available in English, French, Chinese and Punjabi, it uses Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and Canada’s Physical Activity Guide as sources to advise adults about nutrition and physical fitness changes you can make to help lower your cancer risk.

For more great information on preventing cancer, see the Prevention section of the Canadian Cancer Society's website.

New KPL Database: Consumer Health Complete

2011-02-02T14:20:00.008-05:00

New to KPL's list of health databases for 2011 is Consumer Health Complete. This database offers reliable health and wellness information that reflects traditional western medicine as well as complementary, holistic and integrated medicine.

This database features a user-friendly interface which allows you to:

- browse alphabetically by disease, condition, injury or procedure

- view evidence-based reports, reference books, fact sheets, images and videos
- look up monograph information about many kinds of drugs, include prescription drugs, herbs, over-the-counter products and more

- browse popular health reference books
- search by topic

You can access this database both inside the library or by logging in from home with your KPL card number and PIN. Just visit the Database section of our eBranch, click on Databases by Name, and scroll down to Consumer Health Complete.

Need more help navigating health information? Contact KPL's staff with your health question by calling our Infolink telephone reference service at (519) 743-7502, sending us an email at askus@kpl.org, or visiting the information desk at any of our locations.

This Week's Health News in Brief

2011-01-29T17:33:00.000-05:00

CBC: Canada's blood supply 'very safe': report card

CBC: New Canadian exercise guidelines say move more

CBC: Online health records popular with patients

CTV: Cardiac arrest survival odds better in public

CTV: Many depressed students getting missed: study

CTV: Ontarians will overwhelm health system by 2020: MDs

Globe and Mail: Being old doesn’t mean being sick, research shows

Globe and Mail: Do the sexes experience pain differently?

Globe and Mail: How the foods you eat - and don't - keep your arteries young

K-W Record: Cambridge Memorial gets funding to run long-term-care ward

K-W Record: Cambridge Memorial Hospital seeing record numbers in emergency department

K-W Record: Dying man gets drug aid

K-W Record: Support group helps grandparents cope with death of grandchild

National Post: Doctors are failing the empathy test: study

National Post: Even the fish are on Prozac

National Post: Fatty food increases risk of depression: study

Toronto Star: Blood donor agency wants lifetime ban lifted for gay men

Toronto Star: Quality gap found in long-term care facilities

Toronto Star: The real reason the elderly have trouble driving

For more news, visit the library to see the many newspapers we subscribe to.

A special part of the collection is our Newspaper Direct newspapers. These are same day editions of internationally recognized newspapers in their originating language. For a list of what's available, please click here.

You can also use your library card to log into one of our many databases with archived newspapers.

Health Tool of the Week
Life Literacy Canada: Play for Literacy Activity Ideas (PDF file - need Adobe Reader to view)
Thursday, Jan. 27 was Family Literacy Day. This year's theme, Play for Literacy, focuses on how play-centred learning through activities such as board games, card games, and self-created games can encourage numeracy skills, reading and writing comprehension and more. Take a look at the Play for Literacy Activity Ideas pamphlet for ideas of games you can play to improve literacy.

KPL HealthLink

This Week's Health News in Brief

The problem with sitting

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Achieving Your New Year's Resolution (Tues Jan 17 @ Grand River)

New Year, New YOU!

Top Health Stories 2011

Weird Health Story of the Week

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Mind your heart this holiday season

What's for breakfast?

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Thriving with Autism. TONIGHT, Grand River Stanley Park

Too busy for getting & staying healthy?

Hereditary Cancer program - Thursday December 1st @ 6:30pm

'Movember' is coming to an end...

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Osteopathy, Mon. Nov 28, Country Hills Library

Sign Up for HealthLink eNews!

Oral Cancer program - Wednesday November 23rd @ 6:30pm

This Week's Health News in Brief

New Children and Youth Mental Health Resource Guide

Are you feeling SAD?

This Week's Health News in Brief

Child Health Fair - Friday November 4th @ 9am

Tips for a Healthy Halloween!

New website on nutrition information

This Week's Health News in Brief

Celiac Disease Awareness

This Week's Health News in Brief

October is Autism Awareness Month

This Week Health News In Brief

Healthcare and politics: Comparing the party platforms

Programs @ KPL: The Thyroid in Overdrive, Wed. Sept 28, Forest Heights Library

This Week's Health News in Brief

Sugar overload?

Programs @ KPL: Alzheimer's Disease: The 5 W's, Wed. Sept. 21, Forest Heights Library

Fall Flu Clinics

Programs @ KPL: Joint Health in the Workplace, Thurs. Sept. 15, Grand River Stanley Park Library

This Week's Health News in Brief

Ontario expands breast cancer screening program

This Week's Health News in Brief

Ontario expands free vaccine program

This Week's Health News in Brief

New Obesity Tool

How Much is Too Much Alcohol?

This Week's Health News in Brief

Music: It's Good For You

This Week's Health News in Brief

This Week's News Health in Brief

Mobile Health: There's an App For That

This Week's Health News in Brief

Beat the Heat!

2 consumer product recalls

World Health Story of the Week

This Week's News Health in Brief

C. difficile superbug outbreak in Ontario

This Week's Health News in Brief

ConsumerReports.org now available at KPL

Obesity rate in Canada has nearly doubled in almost 30 years

Programs @ KPL: Thyroid Cancer, Tues. June 28th, Country Hills Library

This Week's Health News in Brief

Water Safety for Summer

New Canadian Stoke Care Report

This Week's Health News in Brief

New Cambridge clinic to help ease doctor shortage in the Region

World Blood Donor Day

Bed bugs on the rise in KW

June is Thyroid Awareness Month

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Multicultural Prenatal Health Fair, Thurs. May 19, Kitchener City Hall

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Homeopathy & Allergies, Tuesday May 3, Forest Heights Library

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Thyroid Nodules, Tuesday, April 19, Forest Heights Library

This Week's Health News in Brief

This Week's Health News in Brief

Programs @ KPL: Nutrition & Osteoporosis, Wednesday, March 23 2:30-4 pm, Forest Heights

This Week's Health News in Brief

This Week's Health News in Brief