CERVICAL CANCER

Did you know that each week 10 women in Ontario are diagnosed with cervical cancer?

• If you are a female who has ever had sex, you should have a pap test and pelvic examination every 1 to 3 years depending on the guidelines in your province.
• Reduce your risk by limiting your number of sexual partners, always using condoms, avoiding tobacco use, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and by getting plenty of rest.
• Cervical cancer is 90% preventable through regular Pap tests.
• Speak to your health care professional about cervical cancer screen.

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COLORECTAL CANCER

Do you know colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in Canada? There is a 90% chance of cure if it is detected early. High risk individuals include those with:

• a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer (parent, sibling or child)
• a previous history of colorectal cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease
• benign polyps of the colon and rectum

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends:

• Men and women age 50 and over start screening for colorectal cancer.
• Speak to your health care provider about your risk factors and the screening tests.

One effective method of preventing colorectal cancer is believed to be a healthy diet that is high in fiber, calcium, fruits and vegetables. There is some evidence that regular exercise and a healthy body weight can also help reduce the risk.

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LUNG CANCER

The most frequently diagnosed cancer in Ontario is lung cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ontario.

• Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to prevent lung cancer. As soon as you quit smoking, your risk of lung cancer goes down. The sooner you quit, the lower your risk. It is never too late to quit smoking.
• Avoid second-hand smoke. There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke.

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PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. Canadian Cancer Society recommends:

• All men over the age of 50 years should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks of the tests for early detection of prostate cancer.
• Men at higher risk because of family history or those of African ancestry should discuss the need for testing at an earlier age.

Presentations:

• Windsor's Lunch & Learn Prostate Cancer presentation

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SKIN CANCER

Did you know that about 1 in every 7 Canadians will get some form of skin cancer in their lifetime?

• Always wear sunscreen and at the very least an SPF 15. Reapply at least every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating, exercising, or toweling off.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun. To protect your skin from the strongest UV rays that damage your skin the most, avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take full precautions by seeking shade, covering up, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Contact your health care professional if you notice any skin changes or have questions about skin cancer.

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DIABETES

Diabetes is a serious problem; it affects more than two million Canadians and by 2010 that number is expected to reach three million.

About 90% of all diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not show any symptoms and if left untreated or improperly managed, it can result in a variety of complications such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney disease, reduced blood supply to the limbs, resulting in amputation and erectile dysfunction. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Being age 40 or over
• Being overweight (especially with abdominal obesity)
• Being physically inactive
• Having a family member who has diabetes
• Having high blood pressure
• Having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
• Being of high-risk ancestry (Aboriginal, African, Hispanic, Asian)
• Having a history of gestational diabetes or a birth of a baby over 4kg

If you have any of the above risk factors, talk to a health professional about being tested for diabetes and about ways of reducing your risk.

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, being physically active and eating healthy.

Diabetes Video - Motoring to Wellness is pleased to provide you and your family important information about diabetes. Enjoy this video presentation, featuring Lisa Higgins, Public Programs and Services Coordinator with the Canadian Diabetes Association and Jim Beaudry, CAW National Wellness Coordinator for GMCL.

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Canadian Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE

"The Heart and Stroke Foundation stresses that prevention (of heart disease and stroke) has never been more important." "It's never too late. No matter what your age, increasing activity, quitting smoking and losing weight - even modest weight loss - can reduce your blood pressure, blood glucose and blood cholesterol," says Dr. Abramson (Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson and cardiologist). "This can go a long way to reducing your risk of developing heart disease and stroke, and give you many more years of healthy active life."

Take charge of your health! It's never too late, and even small changes in your lifestyle can add years to your life!"

(Reproduced with permission from The Queen's Printer for Ontario)

For more information and tips contact your local Health Department / Unit or visit Health Canada - Heart & Stroke.

HYGIENE

Cover Your Cough

• Cover Your Cough Pamphlet
• Cover Your Cough Poster

Handwashing & the Flu

• Windsor's Lunch & Learn - Handwashing & the Flu presentation
  

H1N1 FLU VIRUS

The H1N1 Flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu. People have no natural immunity to protect against this virus. The H1N1 flu virus – also known as human swine influenza – is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs.

The H1N1 flu virus has caused primarily mild illness in Canada , but Canadians need to be prepared to respond to a potentially more severe form of the virus that may emerge this fall.

The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza.  This happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person.  The germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, and can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada , 2009

Protect yourself from the H1N1 Flu Virus, view this short video clip

Learn more:

Ontario Ministry of Labor http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ua_h1n1flu.html

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/businesses_entreprise-eng.php

ADULT IMMUNIZATION

Mumps is back!

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is implementing a mumps catch-up immunization program for individuals born between 1970 and 1991.

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The Top 10 reasons to ask about adult immunization*:

	10.		You haven’t checked your immunization record for years
	9.		Your occupation or lifestyle exposes you to infection
	8.		You’re a health care provider or caregiver
	7.		You have a medical condition
	6.		You’re a student living in residence
	5.		You’re a parent or grandparent
	4.		You’re a gardener or work with soil
	3.		You plan to travel to another country
	2.		You’re pregnant or plan to be
	1.		You want the best protection against vaccine preventable diseases

*Adapted from the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion

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CHILD IMMUNIZATION

Canadian children are immunized routinely for: Polio, Pertussis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenza type B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal Conjugate, Varicella (Chicken Pox), and Meningococcal C-Conjugate.

Maintaining a record of immunization is important. It is needed when:

• starting day nursery or kindergarten
• transferring to a school in another region
• going to camp
• starting university, college or a job
• presenting yourself for emergency health care
• getting your booster shot

Contact your health care professional or local public health unit/department if you have any questions or concerns.

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