Ontario Developing Policy to Support Responsible Alcohol Use

Stay Safe this Holiday Season and Drink Responsibly

NEWS	December 18, 2015

As part of its commitment to supporting the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol, the Government of Ontario is developing a comprehensive, provincewide Alcohol Policy. Input from key stakeholders, including health stakeholders, addictions treatment service providers, industry and law enforcement, will be gathered and will help inform the policy’s development.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement today in Toronto at an event with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada. The draft policy’s four main pillars will focus on promotion and prevention, social responsibility, harm reduction and treatment. Once it is implemented, Ontario will join the ranks of other provinces, such as Alberta and Nova Scotia, that have alcohol policies in place.

This significant step will build on Ontario’s ongoing efforts to encourage healthy, informed choices and raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The province already supports a variety of harm-reduction initiatives, including a free and confidential Drug and Alcohol Helpline, addictions treatment services and programs to prevent impaired driving.

The government maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility and encourages Ontarians to understand the risks associated with drinking and responsible consumption, so everyone can have a safe and happy holiday season.

QUOTES

“This policy will be the next step in our government’s vital work to support the safe sale and responsible consumption of alcohol, and I look forward to hearing from our partners on its design. As we gather with friends and family during this special time of year, I encourage people to drink responsibly so we can all stay safe, enjoy the holidays and have a healthy and happy start to the New Year.” 

— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“I encourage all Ontarians to put safety first by drinking responsibly and making informed decisions about alcohol consumption. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders to ensure we keep social responsibility at the forefront of our work to support safe consumption and distribution of alcohol.”

–– Dipika Damerla, Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Ontario is committed to the safe and socially responsible sale of beverage alcohol. Strong controls are being implemented in the expansion of beer distribution to grocery stores. We also value LCBO’s engagement in maintaining Ontario's high level of social responsibility and their support to promote responsible consumption across Ontario.”

–– Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance

“Working with our government partners, MADD Canada has made incredible progress changing attitudes in Ontario and stopping drivers from getting behind the wheel after drinking. A comprehensive and provincewide Alcohol Policy is going to help us further coordinate our efforts with the government and other partners so that we can continue to save lives and stop impaired driving altogether. We look forward to actively participating in these consultations and want to thank Premier Wynne for making the safe and responsible sale and consumption of alcohol a priority of her plan to build Ontario up.”   
— Eva Ratnakumar, President, MADD Toronto

“Alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability in Canada. Reducing alcohol related harm requires careful balancing of consumer access and socially responsible sales and distribution. CAMH welcomes an alcohol strategy that will preserve that balance and promote the health of Ontarians.”

— Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

QUICK FACTS

§  In its 2015 Budget released in April, Ontario committed to continuing to develop initiatives to support the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol.

• Starting this month, the province introduced beer to select grocery stores while ensuring it is sold in a socially responsible way. Retailers will be required to follow strict rules including designated sales areas, restricted hours, limits to package sizes and rigorous training for staff.

LEARN MORE

Learn How Ontario is Supporting Responsible Alcohol Consumption

Understand Safe Drinking Guidelines and the Risks of Alcohol Misuse

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Three Reasons to Choose Chiropractic

Considering the percentage of patients who've either never seen a Doctor of Chiropractic (meaning they likely visit a medical doctor first / exclusively) or have seen a DC, but no longer do (suggesting they currently go to an MD first / exclusively), it's big news when you can compare the two provider types, particularly when it comes to managing musculoskeletal conditions. 

After all, what better way to influence patient perception, payer behavior and health care policy than by proving chiropractic is effective, reduces health care costs and leaves patients at least as, if not more satisfied than medical care? The latest conclusions, courtesy of the authors of a Swiss study published in JMPT:

"The findings of this study support first-contact care provided by DCs as an alternative to first-contact care provided by MDs for a select number of musculoskeletal conditions. Restrictive models of care in which patients are required to contact a medical provider before consulting a chiropractic provider may be counterproductive for patients experiencing the musculoskeletal conditions investigated and possibly others."

The study sample included 403 patients who saw medical doctors and 316 patients who saw doctors of chiropractic as the initial health care providers for their spinal, hip or shoulder pain complaint. Four months following care, all patients completed a questionnaire that evaluated pain on that day and four months earlier (11-point numeric rating scale); satisfaction with care received and the results of that care (5-point Likert scale from "very satisfied" to "very unsatisfied"); and other variables. The researchers evaluated related costs of care by reviewing an insurance claims database.

  

"Patients initially consulting MDs had significantly less reduction in their numerical pain rating score (difference of 0.32) and were significantly less likely to be satisfied with the care received (odds ratio = 1.79) and the outcome of care (odds ratio = 1.52)." Average per-patient costs over the four-month period were significantly lower in patients who initially consulted DCs ($368 difference compared to MD care).

Despite these findings, the authors noted: "Although the differences in pain relief scores between groups were statistically significant, they were likely not of clinical significance." That doesn't invalidate the similar results achieved between provider types, of course.

The study authors also speculated direct access to chiropractic care could help medical doctors and advance collaborative care: "In addition to potentially reducing health care costs, direct access to chiropractic care may ease the workload on MDs, particularly in areas with poor medical coverage and hence enabling them to focus on complex cases. The minority of patients with complex health problems initially consulting a chiropractic provider would be referred to, or comanaged with, a medical provider to provide optimal care."

JMPT Editor-in-Chief  Claire Johnson Dc,MEd, emphasized the importance of the latest findings: "Comparative studies – in other words, research that compares the outcomes between two different providers or modalities – are rare for chiropractic care," she said. "Thus, this study by Houweling, et al., is especially important if payers and policy-makers are to better understand the 'triple aim' as it relates to chiropractic. Specifically, this study helps us better understand what type of care provides better patient satisfaction, is more cost effective, and improves population health."

For more information on health and safety please visit www.toyourhealth.com and the Ontario Chiropractic Association web site atwww.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. Dr. George I. Traitses of Infinite Health practices traditional chiropractic, advanced nutrition and anti aging therapy and has been serving the Toronto and Markham communities since 1981. You can reach him at 416-499-5656 orwww.infinite-health.com
or the longer version
Doctors of chiropractic are specialists, who provide drug free, hands on treatment that targets the source of pain. Studies show that chiropractic treatment is increasingly recognized as one of the safest and most effective health care solutions. Chiropractic care can be used successfully to treat injuries resulting from automobile accidents and sports injuries. For more prevention and wellness, or to find a doctor of chiropractic near you, go to the Patient Information section of the Ontario Chiropractic Association Website at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call1-877-327-2273. More health information can be found at www.toyourhealth.com.
Dr. George I. Traitses of Infinite Health practices traditional chiropractic, advanced nutrition and anti aging therapy and has been serving the Toronto and Markham communities since 1981. You can reach him at 416-499-5656 or www.infinite-health.com
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Keep Your BP in the Safe Range

High blood pressure is as dangerous as it sounds – when pressure is high and stays high (a condition known as hypertension), your risk of suffering a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, increases dramatically.
Fortunately, there's good news: Research suggests a few easy steps can help keep your blood pressure in the safe range.

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are both known to increase hypertension risk, but a recent study goes a step further, not only verifying that both variables do increase risk, but also suggesting which to focus on managing based on gender. According to the study, "BMI played an important role in hypertension risk among males," while waist circumference proved to be the more important risk factor in females.

The take-away message here is straightforward: Guys, watch your BMI. Ladies, watch your waistline. And of course, keep in mind that multiple variables contribute to high blood pressure, so neither gender should ignore one variable over another. Get your spine checked by a doctor of chiropractic regularly to make sure you nervous system is functioning at its optimum level. Your doctor can tell you more about the dangers of high BP and suggest these and other strategies to keep your blood pumping – the way it should.

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association
Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. Dr. George I. Traitses of Infinite Health practices traditional chiropractic, advanced nutrition and anti aging therapy and has been serving the Toronto and Markham communities since 1981. You can reach him at 416-499-5656 or www.infinite-health.comStarBuzzOnline

Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing key steroid hormones in beneficial amounts. This can happen anytime but, on average, it occurs around the age of 51. Estrogen (specifically estradiol) and progesterone are no longer produced. At the same time, the ovaries continue to secrete only very small amounts of testosterone. Important receptors for all three of these steroid substances are abundant throughout the body.   When they’re missing or deficient, it creates a disruptive state of internal imbalance that impacts both health and well-being. It sets the stage for many aging-related illnesses. Fortunately, hormone deficiency can be successfully corrected with proper hormone stimulant (not necessarily replacement) therapy.

Perimenopause

It is of note that what women often refer to as “going through menopause” is actually perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional stage that begins 2-8 years prior to menopause.  It lasts through the first 12 months after the final menstrual period and most often occurs in the late thirties to mid-forties. This is a stage when estradiol production can vary wildly, creating “the roller coaster effect” and a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of perimenopause may include:

• wild fluctuations in estrogen levels
• irregular periods
• unusually heavy periods
• diminished libido
• mood swings
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• depression
• fuzzy or impaired thinking
• headaches
• weight gain
• and other unpleasant symptoms

This phase in a woman’s life is often unsettling, disruptive and stressful, to say the least. Relationships become strained; marriages broken; health diminished. Though hormones continue to be manufactured in other ways­in the adrenals and fat cells­they never again reach beneficial levels.  Most women find their quality of life plummeting dramatically.  Many lose hope of ever feeling normal again. 

Music: A Positive Way to Impact Learning and Social Behavior in Children

Children love music; just do a keyword search of children and dancing on YouTube and you'll find a lot of smiling faces. But beyond enjoyment, music also positively impacts learning and social behavior in children, according to the International Journal of Music Education. 
The recent study indicates that language development, literacy, numeracy, creativity, fine motor coordination, concentration, self-confidence, emotional sensitivity, social skills, teamwork, self-discipline, and relaxation are all tied to playing and listening to music.

Music Training = Brain Training 

According to a study performed at the Boston Children's Hospital, early musical training enhances the areas of the brain responsible for executive functioning, which enables information processing and retention, regulates behavior, and is responsible for problem solving and planning, as well as other cognitive processes.

The study took musically trained children, ages nine to 12, who received at least two years of private lessons, and compared them with children in the same age range that had no musical training, concluding that children with musical training had enhanced activity levels in the prefrontal cortex. Long-term results include heightened IQs, stronger SAT scores and an overall better academic performance.

Music Therapy and Behavior

Stroke: Know What to Do

What Is Stroke?

Stroke is caused by a lack of blood supply to a portion of the brain, which causes that portion to die within just a few minutes. This lack of blood supply, also known as ischemia, results in long-term neurological effects because the cells in the brain do not regenerate.
The outcome of stroke depends on the person’s age, general health, the region of the brain affected by the stroke, the type of stroke, and the extent of the brain damage. Common long-term effects include difficulty speaking, poor memory, altered emotions, poor recognition of previously familiar objects and people, amnesia, deformities of the extremities, and difficulty with movement, including weakness and paralysis. The weakness and paralysis often affect one side of the body ­usually opposite the stroke location. Some of the effects can be permanent, while others may resolve with time and treatment.

Break Bad Eating Habits by Retraining Your Brain

Just as junk food can become an addiction, researchers at Tufts University and at Massachusetts General Hospital showed that the brain can be retrained to prefer the. People aren't born loving cheeseburgers and creamy pasta dishes; they're conditioned over time by repeatedly eating such foods, creating addiction circuits in the brain. The study followed 13 overweight or obese men and women over six months using MRI imaging of their brains. "The brain scans showed changes in areas of the brain reward center which are associated with learning and addiction," writes Harold Mandel for the Syracuse Natural Health Examiner. "At the end of six months this area of the brain had increased sensitivity to healthy, lower-calorie foods. This served as an indication of increased reward and enjoyment of healthier food cues. There was also decreased sensitivity to the unhealthy foods."  This is great news for those trying to lose weight or break even lifetime-long habits of unhealthy eating. You can read the full study, published September 1 in The Journal of Nutrition and Diabetes.

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association 
Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. 
Dr. George Traitses, 416-499-5656, www.infinite-health.com 

Source: "Your Brain Can be Trained to Prefer Healthy Foods" by Harold Mandel, Examiner.com, September 2, 2014. 

Five things that will zap your energy

You don’t need us to tell you that living off Pop Tarts and three hours of sleep drains you of energy. But those are not the only factors that can lead to a big dip. If you’re about an hour away from crawling under your office desk to take a nap, keep reading for sneaky, subtle ways you’re sabotaging your energy.

Did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer?

Health Canada would appreciate your help in encouraging Canadians to become aware of this potential health risk and to take steps (if necessary) to mitigate it. Please consider using one of the attached articles in your publication, or refer to our website to find out more, including reference guides, videos, links, and frequently asked questions. 

Quick facts:

• Radon is a radioactive gas that is found naturally in the environment and is undetectable by smell, sight, or taste.
• It can seep into a home through cracks in the foundation, pipe openings, and other places where a house is open to the ground.
• The only way to know if it is there is through a simple and inexpensive test. You may purchase a "do it yourself" kit, or hire a professional (consult the National Radon Proficiency Program to find out more).
• Health Canada recommends that homes be tested for a minimum of three months, ideally between September and April when windows and doors are kept closed.
• If your home tests above the Canadian Radon Guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m³ ), it is recommended that you take action to reduce your exposure.
• The risk from radon is long-term (over decades). The higher the level and the longer a person is exposed, the higher the risk of lung cancer, especially if they smoke.  

Thank you for helping us in making Canadian homes safe and healthy.   
Health Canada, Ontario Region 
www.healthcanada.gc.ca 

How Cookies and Drinks Stack Up Sugar-wise

Tempted to reach for a "healthy" bottle of 100% fruit juice when thirst calls? How about a refreshing green tea or bottled fruit smoothie found in many health food stores? Beware of obscene sugar content.  With dietary sugar now considered a major public health concern, it's instructive to take a closer look at where sugar can "hide." 

Healthy Lifestyles and Women

After being followed an average of 10 years, women who ate a healthy diet, drank alcohol moderately, never smoked, remained physically active and had a healthy body weight were 54 percent less likely to have a stroke than women with none of these factors, said study author Susanna Larsson, a researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

While other studies have looked at single risk factors, "only a few studies have examined the combined effects of a healthy lifestyle on stroke risk," Larsson said. 

Will You Live to See 85? Researchers Say Their New Tool Can Tell You

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Swiss researchers have developed a calculator that claims to predict the likelihood of a 75-year-old living an extra decade. The main factors considered: alcohol and fruit consumption, exercise, and smoking habits. According to its predictions, a 75-year-old man whose health habits scored the worst according to the chart had a 35% chance of earning that extra decade, while a 75-year-old man with the best possible habits was 67% more likely to do so. In women, those who enjoy the healthiest habits boosted their odds to 74% while women who smoke, drink, eat little fruit and exercise rarely had only a 45% chance of living another 10 years.  

Shedding pounds natural way.

A friend  by the name of Bethea who is an astrologer and a writer  passed on a very simple spring tonic recipe for loosing weight.

• Apple cider vinegar is said to help shed winter pounds, increase our metabolism and suppress our appetite. It has also been proven to stabilize sugar levels, decrease the body's acidity and increase energy levels. I find this a helpful tonic when the seasons change. Try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to an eight-ounce glass of water. You can combine ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup warm water for an effective gargle against a sore throat. If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, one or two capfuls in a warm bath should help to support and balance the emotional body while calming the mind. At the same time, it will flush out toxins through your skin. Now, doesn't that sound like a quick and easy way to detoxify, Meena? Who needs chemicals and slick packaging when all you need is 20 minutes to relax in a hot bath? And yes, it is a good idea to rinse quickly afterwards unless you're not concerned about smelling like a salad.
• Lemons are also another great addition to any cleansing and maintenance program. From stimulating digestive enzymes to cleaning the bile ducts in your liver, this simple citrus adds Vitamin C as well as other minerals to support your immune system. Actually, you can add a bit of lemon to your apple cider vinegar for a double whammy! If you find it hard to swallow, perhaps adding a bit of honey will help. Real maple syrup is also a wonderful sweetener and adds lots of iron and minerals to the mix.

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Tips for safe shoveling

February brings lots of snow for most of the country and with it comes the dreaded task of snow removal. Shoveling your driveway is already a hassle; don’t let it be a pain in the neck and back, too. The Ontario Chiropractic Association suggests the following tips to help you avoid muscle strain and other injuries when shoveling:

• Use a lightweight, ergonomically-designed shovel.
• If possible, push the snow aside instead of lifting. If you need to lift, bend your knees, allowing the muscles of your legs and arms to do the work instead of your back.
• Do not throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires twisting or turning motions that can cause injury.
• Take frequent breaks – a fatigued body asks for injury.
• Stop immediately and seek medical attention if you feel faint, dizzy or have chest pain.

If after a few days you continue to feel soreness or muscle strain, it may be time to visit your local chiropractic office. 

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association 
Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273.  Dr. George Traitses, 416-499-5656, www.infinite-health.com 

StarBuzzOnline.com

Healthy Eating for Kids

In many families, planning and preparing meals can help children buy into weight management. Involve children in shopping and food preparation. Have the child start thinking, "I am doing this to be strong and healthy; I am accepting responsibility for my own health and growth." 

Fight Off Colds This Winter, Naturally

As we enter the heart of cold and flu season, consider boosting your immunity naturally. There are many foods and simple techniques that will help you and your family fight off "superbugs." Follow these tips for a healthy, happy winter season.

• Eat a quality diet including vitamin C and zinc supplements. 
• Exercise regularly - take the dog for a walk, try out show shoeing or skiing, go sledding with your kids or hit up a local gym. 
• Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom or touching potentially contaminated items. 
• Keep wounds clean and covered. When wounds don't heal properly, seek medical attention.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as clothes, towels, soap and razors. 
• Promptly change wet and sweaty clothes. 
• At the gym, use your own yoga mat, shower with flip-flops and sanitize fitness equipment.

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association 
Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. 
Dr. George Traitses, 416-499-5656, www.infinite-health.com 

Dr. George I. Traitses D.C., B.Sc.(Hon.), M.Sc., C.H.N., C.N.M., A.C.R.B. 3, C.R.A.
2914 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 206, Scarborough, Ont., Canada, M1T 3J4
+1 (416) 499-5656 Fax: +1 (416) 499-5797 http://www.infinite-health.com
http://www.secretropin.cahttp://www.fastdna.cahttp://www.buyme.myzija.com

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Stress, Emotional Eating and Weight

Keeping a healthy weight—and especially losing weight—is not easy for many reasons says Dr. George Traitses. For one, easy access to extremely tasty high-calorie foods pushes many to overeat. Living with stress—a common source of negative emotions—also makes it difficult to keep healthy habits. In fact, according to www.webmd.com, up to 75 percent of overeating is driven by emotions. Stress in particular has the power to push people toward overeating and other unhealthy behaviors. Research shows that stress forces people—particularly those who usually restrain their eating—to eat more and to choose high-fat foods over healthier ones. The high calorie foods serve as self-medication, producing a relief from negative emotions. Of course, the relief is only temporary—the effect of chocolate, for example, disappears after only three minutes, according to studies.

Health Tips for You

Health Tips...Drink Responsibly....Eat Fruits Liberally... (Photo credit: Sunciti _ Sundaram's Images + Messages)

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Powerful Mind Success Strategies

Building a business is a fantastic and challenging experience.  You can wake up exhilarated to begin your day and go to bed feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.  The key to success is to maintain a positive, yes you can do it, mindset.  Easier said than done, right?  Here are 5 keys to help you create and sustain a positive mindset so you attain the success you desire.

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute

3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily..

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks:

· Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
· Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
· You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
· Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
· 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
· Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

PLEASE DON'T IGNORE SHARE IT. THIS MIGHT SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE.
Visit www.way2usefulinfo.blogspot.com

StarBuzz, Toronto