Canadian Health Reference Guide

Friday, November 21, 2008

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		Bringing the Information Revolution to Cancer Control
Publish your news! Write to us at: news@chrgonline.com		Toronto, November 21, 2008 - Health system leaders from across the province are meeting at Cancer Care Ontario's (CCO) Cancer Leadership Forum to discuss how information technology is changing cancer control and the delivery of cancer services in Ontario. . . . [click here for more]

B.C. - Physician incentives support doctors, benefit patients		Toronto psychiatrist named Innovator of the Year for web-based mental health tool
Victoria, November 21, 2008 - British Columbia is making progress in its work to renew primary health care, according to the 2007-2008 annual report of the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC), a joint committee of the Province and the BC Medical Association, . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 21, 2008 - Toronto psychiatrist Dr. Sam Ozersky has been honoured with the 2008 Community Based Physician Innovation Award for development of a web-based mental health tool nationally endorsed by family physicians and now in use by 300,000 . . . [more]

Reducing suicide rates is a top priority for Ontario nurses		New Report Says Significant Improvements Have Been Made To Ontario's Public Health System Since 2004 Operation Health Protection Reviewed In The Chief Medical Officer Of Health's Report To The Ontario Legislature
Toronto, November 21, 2008 - Ontario nurses know there is a better way to help the approximately 4,000 people in Canada who die by suicide each year. That is why they've developed a best practice guideline to help all nurses identify and assist people who . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 21, 2008 - Operation Health Protection, the Ontario government's plan to revitalize the province's public health system has resulted in significant improvements but more work needs to be done to address the issue of leadership vacancies . . . [more]

Carestream Health Takes Home Innovation Award At China International Industry Fair Company�s Point-of-Care Computed Radiography System Achieving Rapid Success in Chinese Market		Ontario Lung Association Urges Smoking Parents to Give Kids a "Free Ride" New campaign asks parents to protect their children from the dangers of second-hand smoke in vehicles
Shanghai, November 21, 2008 - The KODAK Point-of-Care CR-ITX 550 System, from Carestream Health, Inc., has been awarded the prestigious �Technological Innovation Award� at the China International Industry Fair (CIIF). An expert panel of judges from the conference�which . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 21, 2008 - Are we there yet? With this launch of the Ontario Lung Association's Campaign for a Smoke-free Ride - a program that urges parents not to smoke in their car when children are passengers - the ride will be so much better. Launching . . . [more]

26 percent of sleepless children become overweight Universit� de Montr�al researchers have found that one quarter of children who sleep fewer than 10 hours a night become overweight by age six		Ontario's Doctors Discouraged by Provincial Health Care Spending Ontario Medical Association raises concerns over expansion of nurse practitioner clinics
Montreal, November 20, 2008 - Between the ages of six months and six years old, close to 90 percent of children have at least one sleep-related problem. Among the most common issues are night terrors, teeth-grinding and bed-wetting. For the majority, . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 20, 2008 - Ontario's doctors are concerned with recent action from the provincial government to expand nurse practitioner clinics after delaying funding for Family Health Teams (FHTs). The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) says that collaborative . . . [more]

OMA section on pediatrics to form new alliance; says �it�s all about the kids�		Family Doctors - Key to Quality Health Care for Canadians CFPC Celebrates 5th Annual Family Doctor Week in Canada, November 24-29, 2008
Toronto, November 20, 2008 - Dr. Hirotaka Yamashiro, Chair of the Ontario Medical Association Section on Pediatrics (SOP), held a media conference to announce the formation of the Pediatricians� Alliance of Ontario (PAO) � a new alliance between pediatricians, . . . . . . [more]		Mississauga, November 20, 2008 - The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) proudly announces the fifth annual Family Doctor Week in Canada to acknowledge and celebrate the special role family doctors play as valued providers of high quality, frontline . . . [more]

Recover your sight after nearly becoming blind with a new medication, Lucentis		CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center - Inauguration of a World-Leading Musculoskeletal Disorders Laboratory The Viscogliosi Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Dorval, November 20, 2008 - What�s it like to be able to drive a car again after you�ve been told you were almost blind? Some Quebecers are actually finding out. People suffering from the leading cause of age-related vision loss are able to get back much . . . . . . [more]		Montreal, November 19, 2008 - The CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center is proud to inaugurate its state-of-the art laboratory dedicated to the molecular genetics of musculoskeletal disorders. The laboratory with its global infrastructure is like no other in . . . [more]

B.C. Premier opens world-leading spinal cord injury centre		The International Cancer Genome Consortium announces the launch of 8 Cancer Genome Projects
Vancouver, November 19, 2008 - The world�s largest, most advanced and most comprehensive facility devoted to spinal cord injury research and patient care was opened by Premier Gordon Campbell, Rick Hansen and members of the health care and spinal cord research . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 19, 2008 - The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) announced the commitments of 11 funding organizations in 8 countries to generate comprehensive, high-resolution analyses of genomic changes for 8 forms of cancer found across . . . [more]

Prince Edward Island release consultant�s report on the Island�s health care system		Construction begins on Kelowna Hospital expansion
Charlottetown, November 19, 2008 - On Nov. 18, the province released the consultant�s report of the comprehensive review of the Prince Edward Island health care system. The review was conducted by Corpus Sanchez International, leading consultants in improving . . . . . . [more]		Kelowna, November 19, 2008 - Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister George Abbott led the official groundbreaking for the new Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) expansion, which will modernize patient care, quadruple the size of the emergency room, . . . [more]

Four new genes for colorectal cancer identified Canadian researchers play key role in international study		Predicting the future for patients with severe traumatic brain injury A multidisciplinary team from the MUHC emphasizes better predictive tools and defines major trends in patient progress
Toronto, November 18, 2008 - Canadian researchers collaborating in a large, international study played a key role in identifying four new genes for colorectal cancer. This brings the total number of genes linked to the disease to 10. Together, these . . . . . . [more]		Montreal, November 18, 2008 - "How will our loved one come out of this?" After an accident that results in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), the answer to this simple question can change everything for a family. The latest study carried out by . . . [more]

Ontario researchers play key role in identifying new colorectal cancer genes		COPD sending more people to hospital - New research shows awareness remains low, prevalence high Lung Association national awareness campaign calls for earlier diagnosis for Canadians at risk
Ottawa, November 18, 2008 - Researchers from Ottawa and Toronto played a key role in an international team that identified four new genes for colorectal cancer. The discovery, published online in Nature Genetics on November 16, 2008, examined 38,710 genetic . . . . . . [more]		Ottawa, November 18, 2008 - COPD has a higher hospitalization rate and a higher hospital readmission rate than heart failure, angina, and other serious chronic diseases. Now, new survey results confirm that COPD affects many more Canadians than previously . . . [more]

B.C. - Construction begins on new patient care tower in Vernon		N.B. - Construction begins on nursing home in Fredericton
Vernon, November 18, 2008 - Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister George Abbott were joined by hospital officials, staff, community members and health care partners to celebrate the start of construction for the new Vernon Jubilee Hospital . . . . . . [more]		Fredericton, November 18, 2008 - Construction began on a 72-bed, $11-million nursing home that will open in 2010 in Fredericton. Construction was officially launched by Social Development Minister Mary Schryer; Minister of State for Seniors Brian Kenny; . . . [more]

Manitoba student fundraising for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation up 400 per cent as students and minister brave the shave		Carestream Health Introduces Efficient, Automated Long-Length Imaging System For Its DR 7500 Platform
Manitoba, November 18, 2008 - �The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation�s Brave the Shave event marks a bald new beginning for my winter season,� Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson said, after having his head shaved at Shaftesbury High . . . . . . [more]		Rochester, November 18, 2008 - A new long-length imaging system is now available for the KODAK DIRECTVIEW DR 7500 System, Carestream Health, Inc., announced. Equipping this versatile digital radiography system with fully automated positioning and automatic . . . [more]

Update on Bioniche Phase III Clinical Trial in Bladder Cancer 6th Data Safety Monitoring Committee meeting held this week		British Columbia to fund insulin pumps for children
Belleville, November 18, 2008 - Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced that its first Phase III clinical trial with a formulation of Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC), . . . . . . [more]		Vancouver, November 17, 2008 - Government will fund insulin pumps for eligible children with type 1 diabetes, announced Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister George Abbott. �Coping with type 1 diabetes can be stressful for young children . . . [more]

Heart Institute President Awarded Royal Society of Canada's Highest Medal of Honour		New birth certificate protects islanders against identity theft
Ottawa, November 17, 2008 - The Royal Society of Canada (RSC), representing Canada's highest level of learning and research, is honouring Dr. Robert Roberts, President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), for his outstanding achievements . . . . . . [more]		Charlottetown, November 17, 2008 - A new, more secure birth certificate is now available on Prince Edward Island. The new document, which is being adopted across the country, incorporates the most up-to-date security features and is designed to protect Canadians . . . [more]

PEI - Test strips now covered for people with diabetes who use insulin		Cancer treatment may result in bone loss New cross-Canada study in American Society of Clinical Oncology outlines risks
Charlottetown, November 17, 2008 - Islanders who use insulin to manage their diabetes will have assistance in covering the cost of their test strips beginning Nov. 14, on World Diabetes Day. Premier Robert Ghiz and Social Services and Seniors Minister . . . . . . [more]		Montreal, November 14, 2008 - A new cross-Canada study has found that breast and prostate cancer treatment can foster bone loss. In the online edition of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the scientists explain how loss of bone mass might affect . . . [more]

Spending on health care to reach $5,170 per Canadian in 2008 Health expenditure as a proportion of GDP grows to an estimated 10.7%		Indigenous leaders call for action to reduce illness and death from tuberculosis
Ottawa, November 14, 2008 - Canada's health care spending is expected to reach $171.9 billion in 2008, or $5,170 per person, according to new figures released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This represents an increase of $10.3 . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 14, 2008 - During the 5 year period 2002-2006, the First Nations tuberculosis rate (on and off reserve) was 29 times higher than among the non-aboriginal population born in Canada. For the Inuit, it was 90 times higher. Pacific Islanders . . . [more]

Palliative care unit renovations complete in Nanaimo		Health, the No.1 issue in Quebec: the Coalition against morbid obesity urges Quebec's Health and Social Services to submit its action plan on bariatric surgery promised in 2008
Nanaimo, November 14, 2008 - Health Services Minister George Abbott and Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon were joined by representatives from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation and the Nanaimo Regional Hospital . . . . . . [more]		Montreal, November 14, 2008 - The results of a poll conducted by L�ger Marketing, published in the November 12 issue of Journal de Montr�al indicate that health remains the No.1 concern of Quebecers, mainly regarding care accessibility and quality. "We take . . . [more]

Canadian Cancer Society applauds pesticides ban		New study on males shows GARDASIL� reduced HPV-related diseases First study on effectiveness of HPV vaccine in males
Calgary, November 14, 2008 - The Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division, is applauding the Alberta government's ban on commonly used herbicide-fertilizer pesticide products announced. This action will ban the sale and use of such cosmetic . . . . . . [more]		Nice, November 14, 2008 - GARDASIL� (Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant), "the HPV vaccine", prevented 90 per cent of external genital lesions, including genital warts caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 . . . [more]

Avastin(R) Gives an Additional 4 Months of Life to Patients With one of the Most Common Types of Lung Cancer Phase III Trial Shows Patients With Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the LungHave a 45% Better Chance of Survival With Avastin		Nova Scotia - Wait Time Strategies Paying Off
Basel, November 14, 2008 - Roche announced that an exploratory analysis of the pivotal phase III E4599 study demonstrated that Avastin (bevacizumab) in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy led to an increase in overall survival of 4 . . . . . . [more]		Nova Scotia, November 13, 2008 - The province is making progress to ensure Nova Scotians get faster access to health care. "We are approaching a turning point and starting to see important wait time reductions," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Health. . . . [more]

Infoway to offer new certification service to developers of consumer health solutions		Canadian Doctors Connect to Help Patients with Marfan Syndrome National Marfan Awareness Week (Nov 9 - 15) highlights the Need for Increased Education about this possibly fatal syndrome
Toronto, November 13, 2008 - Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) unveiled plans for a new certification service to help emerging consumer health solutions complement and leverage Canada's investments in e-health solutions. "As Canada's health informatics . . . . . . [more]		Toronto, November 13, 2008 - The medical advisory board of the Canadian Marfan Association is doing what they can to raise awareness and provide the best treatment possible for their patients who have a unique, connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome . . . [more]

ActNow BC health tour to visit aboriginal communities		Good news for eligible manitobans living with debilitating skin condition Province of Manitoba grants special coverage of Enbrel� (etanercept) for the treatment of severe psoriasis
Port Alberni, November 13, 2008 - A health program to reach some of B.C.�s more remote communities will provide valuable testing, screening services and tools for healthy living for Aboriginal people, announced Mary Polak, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. �We�re . . . . . . [more]	Winnipeg, November 13, 2008 - For those who qualify for reimbursement, Manitoba Health has expanded the criteria for special authorization coverage of ENBREL to patients with severe, debilitating plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent skin disorder . . . [more]

Canadian women are in the dark when it comes to their health The Women's College Hospital X-Effects Health Index finds women don't understand their own unique health needs and aren't getting enough information specific to them	Survey Results Indicate Focus on Earlier Treatment Will Help to Address the Growing Medical and Economic Burden of Type 2 Diabetes
Toronto, November 13, 2008 - Physiology. Biology. Sociology. It may sound like midterms all over again, but these are the very things that make men and women different. Although Canadians may think they know all about it, the results of the 2008 Women's . . . . . . [more]	Montreal, November 13, 2008 - Findings from the Diabetes Impact Survey(X) indicate that healthcare practitioners (HCPs) thought they and their peers were more likely in recent years to prescribe additional therapies at an earlier stage in a patient's treatment . . . [more]

*Long-term study evaluates boosted PREZISTA vs. lopinavir/ritonavir as part of HIV combination therapy in treatment-naive adults** Ninety-six week efficacy and safety data presented at ICAAC	Toronto Rehab introduces Heart Health for Life - A new support program for cardiac rehabilitation graduates will help save more lives
Toronto, November 13, 2008 - Ninety-six week results presented from a Phase 3, randomized, open-label, ongoing clinical trial showed that 79 per cent of treatment-naive HIV-1 infected adults taking PREZISTA(*) 800 mg (two 400 mg tablets) with 100 mg ritonavir . . . . . . [more]	Toronto, November 12, 2008 - Eva Bell survived the quadruple bypass. She endured the challenges and successes of cardiac rehabilitation where she received support and motivation while learning all of the tools needed to live a heart-healthier lifestyle. . . . [more]

The Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation invests $ 3 million in the construction of the new Montreal Children's Hospital	Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. Announces Positive Phase IIa Clinical Study Results for Convivia� Program Reduction in Tachycardia and Blood Acetaldehyde Levels in Subset of Subjects with Inborn Error of Alcohol Metabolism
Montreal, November 12, 2008 - The Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation recently confirmed its support for the construction of the new Montreal Children's Hospital with a generous donation of $3 million to The Best Care for Children campaign. This amount will . . . . . . [more]	Novato, November 12, 2008 - Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. ("Raptor" or the "Company") (OTC Bulletin Board: RPTP), announced positive results in its Phase IIa study of oral 4-methylpyrazole ("4-MP") in subjects with ALDH2 deficiency, or ethanol intolerance, . . . [more]

Babies placed in incubators decrease risk of depression as adults New study in Psychiatry Research journal correlates medical care, parental attention	The results from a clinical trial led by the Montreal Heart Institute demonstrate that drug reduces inflammation in patients with serious cardiovascular disease
Montreal, November 11, 2008 - Babies who receive incubator care after birth are two to three times less likely to suffer depression as adults according to a new study published in the journal Pyschiatry Research. The surprising discovery was made by scientists . . . . . . [more]	Montreal, November 11, 2008 - Montreal Heart Institute Research Centre Director Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif presented results from a clinical trial demonstrating that VIA-2291, an investigational drug being developed by VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., significantly . . . [more]

Researchers discover new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and a way to control it MUHC serves as Canadian centre for international study that could revolutionize treatment options	Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada offers free memory screenings Inaugural Initiative Addresses Aging Canadians' Concerns about Memory Loss
Montreal, November 11, 2008 - A team of international researchers - including scientists from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University - have discovered that having high levels of particular protein puts patients at increased risk . . . . . . [more]	Richmond Hill, November 11, 2008 - Responding to Canadians' alarming concerns about memory loss, the Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada (AFCC) will offer free memory screenings at local sites throughout Canada as part of its inaugural National Memory . . . [more]

Dual Diagnosis: The most common and devastating disorder you've never heard of New National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis calls for government support at launch on November 13, 2008	National Diabetes Management Strategy Receives Contribution to Advance the Prevention and Treatment of this Epidemic Condition Canadian Research Project Involving The University of Western Ontario and the Canadian Diabetes Association Receives $500,000 from Pfizer Canada
Toronto, November 11, 2008 - Approximately 380,000 Canadians live with a lifelong disorder called Dual Diagnosis, but chances are you've never heard of this condition before. This lack of awareness has led a group of individuals, families, and service providers . . . . . . [more]	London, November 11, 2008 - A half-million dollar contribution from Pfizer Canada has been earmarked to support a national partnership aimed at fighting diabetes. The contribution will support the National Diabetes Management Strategy, a research partnership . . . [more]

Brilliance and tenacity earn five individuals induction into the medical hall of fame	City of Hamilton Public Health expands study of blood lead levels
London, November 11, 2008 - The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2009 Inductees. These individuals will join the ranks of the 71 laureates who have gone before them in bringing distinction to Canada through their outstanding contributions . . . . . . [more]	Hamilton, November 11, 2008 - Beginning next week City of Hamilton Public Health Services is expanding its study into the level of lead in the blood of children. Families with children ages 6 years and younger within the study area are urged to attend one . . . [more]

New Survey Indicates "Highest-Value" Physicians Most Likely to Participate in Aptilon's Live Video Detailing Service New Data Outline Key Factors Related to Online Detailing's Significant Impact on Prescribing Behavior	Gene Signal Enters Phase III Clinical Tests for the Prevention of Corneal Graft Rejection
Montr�al, November 11, 2008 - According to an analysis of physician prescribing data released today by Aptilon Corporation (TSX.V: APZ), a leading provider of physician access through its innovative sales and marketing channel, physicians deemed to be of . . . . . . [more]	Lausanne, November 11, 2008 - Gene Signal, a biotech company registered in Switzerland, is currently starting the Phase III study of GS-101, its most advanced therapeutic ophthalmic solution, for the prevention of corneal graft rejection. Every year, . . . [more]

Raptor Pharmaceuticals to Collaborate with Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers for Phase II Clinical Trial in Huntington's Disease	Atrial Fibrillation Found to be Common in Patients With Atherothrombosis, Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Death, Heart Attack and Stroke Large, International REACH Registry Also Shows Many Patients With Atrial Fibrillation are Undertreated With Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapies
Novato, November 11, 2008 - Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. ("Raptor" or the "Company") (OTC Bulletin Board: RPTP), announced that the Company has entered into an agreement with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers ("CHU d'Angers") of France to evaluate . . . . . . [more]	Tokyo, November 10, 2008 - A significant portion of patients with atherothrombosis also have atrial fibrillation (AF), greatly increasing their risk for cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke, according to new findings from the large, international . . . [more]

New Brunswick doubles number of dialysis stations in Miramichi	New Brunswick donates to digital mammography campaign in Miramichi
Miramichi, November 10, 2008 - The number of dialysis treatment stations in Miramichi has now doubled to 12. The expanded and renovated dialysis unit in Miramichi was officially opened on Nov. 7. Among those taking part were Health Minister Michael . . . . . . [more]	Miramichi, November 10, 2008 - A donation of $170,000 will be made by the Department of Health to the Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation's fundraising campaign to purchase a digital mammography unit, Health Minister Michael Murphy announced. "As . . . [more]

Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care launches new educational DVD to help improve osteoporosis and fracture prevention care	B.C. - Island seniors benefit from outpatient clinic
Toronto, November 10, 2008 - Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care (OOSLTC), jointly with Osteoporosis Canada, is pleased to report the upcoming debut launch of a new educational tool for osteoporosis and fracture prevention. This first-in-its . . . . . . [more]	Victoria, November 10, 2008 - Seniors in the South Island now have better access to outpatient care and services, announced Health Services Minister George Abbott at an event to formally open the newly renovated Geriatric Outpatient Clinic at the Royal Jubilee . . . [more]

iCo Therapeutics Oral Amphotericin B Effective Against Visceral Leishmaniasis	New Acticoat� Silver Coated Anti-microbial Barrier Dressing Receives Regulatory Approval from Health Canada
Vancouver, November 10, 2008 - iCo Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: ICO) is pleased to report that oral administration of iCo-009, iCo's oral formulation of Amphotericin B, displays a dramatic knock-down of a parasitic infection that causes Visceral Leishmaniasis . . . . . . [more]	Wakefield, Novembre 10, 2008 - NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals, a developer and manufacturer of medical products that fight infection and inflammation, and the Advanced Wound Management division of Smith & Nephew plc announced that Health Canada granted marketing . . . [more]