Poor Health Among Men Costs Canada $36.9 Billion a Year

Canadian Men's Health Week aims for big improvements through small changes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia June 15, 2015 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian Men's Health Week is kicking off with an urgent message: Unhealthy lifestyle choices are running rampant, and they are costing this country an arm and a leg.

A ground-breaking study released today shows that smoking, excess weight, over-consumption of alcohol and physical inactivity are some of the leading causes of chronic disease among Canadian men. The annual economic burden attributable to these four factors is staggering: $36.9 billion. No wonder the second annual Canadian Men's Health Week is striving to raise awareness about this issue and is encouraging men to make small but essential changes to their lifestyles.

"The cost of men's poor health is a huge problem that more and more people are talking about," says Dr. Larry Goldenberg, the founder of the Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF). "Encouraging men to make some changes in their lifestyle is helping to prevent up to 70% of these problems without adding another doctor or hospital to the health care system."

The study, commissioned by CMHF, breaks down the economic burden: Direct health care accounts for $11.9 billion, with the remaining $25.1 billion caused by premature mortality ($14.0 billion), short-term disability ($2.4 billion) and long-term disability ($8.6 billion). Of this, $13.0 billion is attributable to smoking, $11.9 billion to excess weight, $7.6 billion to alcohol, and $4.4 billion to inactivity.*

These four risk factors contribute to approximately 40 different chronic conditions including 78% of chronic lung diseases, 73% of cancers of the head and neck, 72% of lung cancers, 67% of type 2 diabetes, 58% of heart diseases, 56% of strokes, 52% of colorectal cancers, and 30% of chronic back pain.

"This report reaffirms that healthy life choices by British Columbians are helping lower the strain on the health system," said Health Minister Terry Lake. "It's why our government places a high priority on supporting those healthy lifestyle choices. This report is a reminder for all men of how critically important it is for every one of us try to make better choices – to live tobacco free, eat well, participate in regular physical activities, and to do what we can to prevent chronic disease."

Scotiabank is a CMHF partner for Men's Health Week. Their Chief Economist Warren Jestin said,

"This report is a wake-up call for all of us about the huge personal and economic costs associated with excess weight, inactivity, smoking and drinking among Canadian men. The personal costs associated with family tragedy are incalculable. However, the study's estimate that men's poor lifestyle choices are costing Canadians $11 billion in short and long term disability is a very big deal to the business sector, and to provincial governments struggling to contain health care costs that already absorb more than 40 cents of every dollar spent on programs."

"Its not all or nothing, even small improvements in nutrition and activity add up to big benefits later," says Wayne Hartrick, President of CMHF. "Our dontchangemuch.ca website is devoted to helping men make small steps like ordering half, fries, half salad when eating out."

"While the economic costs are high, the effects on men's families and communities are even higher," adds Dr. Goldenberg. "Widows account for 45% of all women aged 65 and over. We men need to start making changes to take better care of ourselves, not just for us, but also for the people who count on us and for our communities."

*Numbers will not sum to 100 due to rounding.

About Canadian Men's Health Week 

The second annual Canadian Men's Health Week is an awareness campaign by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation.  The goal is to create an annual focal point for collaboration among people who care about men's health.  Visit CanadianMensHealthWeek.ca to participate.

About Canadian Men's Health Foundation

Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF) is a national, non-profit organization founded by Order of Canadarecipient Dr. Larry Goldenberg. The mission of CMHF is to inspire Canadian men to live healthier lives. 70% of men's health problems can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. CMHF will create a new social awareness and motivate men and their families using health information and lifestyle programs in ways they can hear, absorb, and act on.

SOURCE Canadian Men's Health Foundation

SOURCE Canadian Men's Health Foundation

Together we can prevent elder abuse

MONTRÉAL, Quebec June 15, 2015 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") is encouraging Quebeckers to be on the watch for financial exploitation and to report such cases.

"Anyone can be the victim of fraud. Unfortunately, seniors who are isolated are particularly vulnerable to scams," said Louis Morisset, AMF President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're taking action on a number of fronts, including using cybersurveillance to identify illegal distributions and providing tools to help the elderly protect themselves against fraud."

Financial exploitation of the elderly comes in many forms. It includes fraudulent investments or unsuitable investments in terms of risk, the theft of money by persons in a position of trust and the use of aggressive sales tactics.

The AMF is collaborating with several organizations to prevent all forms of exploitation of the elderly in Québec, including financial fraud. The members of its financial education team regularly speak to seniors' groups and people who work with senior citizens to help them recognize scams and urge them to report abuse.

The AMF encourages consumers of all ages to talk about financial matters with people they trust and to take the time to gather information before buying a financial product or service or entrusting their savings to another individual. Before buying an insurance or investment product or service, consumers should check whether the person offering it is registered with the AMF and authorized to do so.

Visit the Prevent fraud section, which provides various tools to help people, including the elderly, identify and prevent fraud. See in particular the Red-flagging Financial Fraud and Trust Must Be Earned! guides.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched in 2006 at the initiative of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.

www.lautorite.qc.ca
Twitter: @lautorite

SOURCE Autorité des marchés financiers

New Ontario Veterinary College Dean Named

GUELPH,Ontario June 12, 2015 News Release -The University of Guelph has appointed a new dean of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Prof. Jeff Wichtel of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island, will begin a five-year term Oct. 1.

The announcement was made today by Prof. Serge Desmarais, interim provost and vice-president (academic), who chaired the search committee.

“Jeff has years of experience as an administrator, researcher and clinician, and understands the complexities of a veterinary college,” Desmarais said.
“He is passionate about veterinary medicine and has a vision for building on OVC’s reputation for excellence to help improve lives and health.”

In making the announcement, Desmarais thanked outgoing dean Elizabeth Stone for her contributions over the past 10 years, and acknowledged the participation and commitment of search committee members and the University community.

Wichtel will also hold a faculty appointment in OVC’s Department of Population Medicine.

“I am excited and humbled to be given this opportunity,” Wichtel said.“Teaching, research, and service at OVC are truly world-class.  I am looking forward to working alongside the outstanding students, staff and faculty at OVC – a new dean could not ask for a better base on which to build.”

A faculty member in the Department of Health Management at AVC, Wichtel has been the college’s associate dean, graduate studies and research, since 2009.

He also served at AVC as acting dean, director of animal resources, department chair and chair of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre.

Before joining AVC, Wichtel taught at Massey University in New Zealand and in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. Earlier, he was a resident at Iowa State University and a mixed animal practitioner.

He studies animal nutrition, disease, production and reproduction, and has specialized in trace element and vitamin nutrition in ruminants and horses.

As principal or collaborating investigator, he has attracted more than $2.5 million in grant and contract funding.

Wichtel has written more than 150 publications on animal nutrition, reproduction and disease, livestock production and veterinary education, and is an associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research.

He earned his B.V.Sc. and PhD from Massey University and is board-certified by the American College of Theriogenologists.

Government of Canada announces proposed new nutrition labels and tools to promote healthier food choices

Improved Nutrition Facts table format and clearer labelling of sugar and serving sizes

TORONTO, Ontario June 12, 2015 - News Release - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, took a major step forward in giving Canadians the information they need to make healthy food choices for themselves and their families by unveiling several initiatives including proposed changes to nutritional labelling regulations.

The proposed labelling changes aim to make it easier for Canadians to read labels and the Nutrition Facts table. Mandating consistent serving sizes will make it easier to compare nutrient contents of similar foods, and make more informed choices when selecting foods for themselves and their families. The ingredient list on the proposed new label would also be easier to read.

The labelling changes respond to comments made by parents, consumers and health organizations and the food industry in earlier consultations held throughout 2014. 

The Government of Canada is also breaking new ground in the labelling of sugars on foods. Proposed changes would give Canadians clear information about the sugars contained in the foods they eat. The proposed addition of a percentage daily value for sugar and changes to the way sugars are identified in the list of ingredients will make it easier to understand how much sugar is in a product, whether there is a little or a lot of sugar, and what the source of sugar is.

Minister Ambrose also announced new public education tools, including a My Food Guide mobile application and the Eat Well Plate, to help Canadians apply the dietary guidance of Canada’s Food Guide to build a healthy meal.

The Eat Well Plate will help Canadians visualize food proportions, and encourages them to make half their plate vegetables and fruit. The new My Food Guide mobile application will help Canadians access healthy eating information anytime, anywhere. The My Food Guide app allows individuals to create an easy-to-use customized Canada's Food Guide and will help them understand Food Guide servings and types of foods to choose for a healthy diet.

Canadians will be consulted on the proposed regulatory changes to the nutrition information on food labels for a 75-day comment period, ending on August 26.  These changes are being published in Canada Gazette, Part I on June 13, 2015.

Quick Facts

• This labelling proposal delivers on a commitment made by the Government of Canada during the 2013 Speech from the Throne to consult with Canadians parents and consumers on how to improve the way nutrition information is presented on food labels.
• Health Canada received feedback from over 10,000 Canadians.
• This proposal also requires that manufacturers list all food colouring agents by their common name within the ingredient list on the label. This will allow consumers who have sensitivities to specific food colours to avoid those ingredients when shopping for food.
• A new health claim would also be allowed on pre-packaged fruits and vegetables that would make it easier to let Canadians know about the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

Quotes

“Our Government is breaking new ground with our proposal on the labelling of sugars on foods sold in Canada. Nowhere else in the world will consumers have the kind of information Canadians will have about the sugars contained in the foods they eat. This information will help them understand how much sugar is in a product, whether it’s a little or a lot of sugar, and where the sugar comes from.”
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

“Parents told us they have difficulty comparing similar food products because the serving sizes displayed on labels were inconsistent and did not reflect the amount of food they typically eat. For this reason, our Government is mandating the standardization of serving sizes so Canadians can more easily compare products and make better decisions about healthy foods.” 
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

"The proposed changes will help dietitians​ ​better guide Canadian's food choices. Specifically, the grouping of sugars within the list of ingredients, as well as updated % Daily Values and the change to standardized serving sizes in the Nutrition Facts table, will make it easier for consumers to identify foods best suited to their health needs." 
Marsha Sharp
CEO, Dietitians of Canada

"The Heart and Stroke Foundation is pleased to see these proposed revisions to nutrition labelling, in particular, mandatory standardized serving sizes for similar products and more complete information about sugars in the ingredients list. We believe these to be steps in the right direction towards providing Canadians with better information to make healthy food choices.” 
Mary Lewis 
VP, Research and Knowledge Exchange, Heart and Stroke Foundation

Related Products

Canada Gazette, Part I consultation on proposed food label changes

Fact Sheet – Proposed food label changes to the nutrition facts table

Fact Sheet – Proposed food label changes to the list of ingredients

Fact Sheet – Proposed food label changes to serving size

Fact Sheet – Proposed food label changes to sugars information

Build a healthy meal: use the Eat Well Plate

Download the My Food Guide mobile application

Ontario Government Invests $10.6 Million in University of Guelph Research

GUELPH, Ontario June 11, 2015 - Campus News  ... The University of Guelph will receive more than $10.6 million to support research ranging from improved farming and species identification to subatomic physics and biomaterials to recycling of e-waste and fighting cancer.

The announcement was made on campus today by Liz Sandals, minister of education and MPP for Guelph.

The funding for 16 projects comes from the Ontario Research Fund’s Research Excellence and Research Infrastructure programs and the province’s Early Researcher Awards.

“This is an incredible investment from the provincial government,” said Malcolm Campbell, (vice-president (research).

“It provides critical funding for some of the University’s most reputable research initiatives, supports promising young faculty who will be tomorrow’s research leaders, and speaks to our reputation and ability to translate knowledge into innovations that benefit society and the economy.”

Nearly $3.2 million will go to the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), which makes bio-based materials for use in auto parts, packaging and consumer products.

BDDC members are among eight researchers from four Ontario universities who will work with government and industries in Canada and globally.

“My colleagues and I applaud the government for investing in innovative bio-based technologies being developed in Ontario,” said Prof. Amar Mohanty, BDDC director and holder of the Ontario Premier’s Research Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation.

BDDC has become an innovation hub for sustainable materials manufacturing that is essential to Canada’s future, he said. “With our new project, we are not only committed to addressing issues of environmental sustainability but also to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.”

Integrative biology professor Paul Hebert will receive more than $3.5 million to further the use of DNA barcoding to survey, manage and protect biodiversity.

Past provincial support has allowed the U of G-based Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO) to gain global recognition and attract worldwide partners, said Hebert, BIO director and scientific director of the International Barcode of Life Project.

This latest grant “will allow us to demonstrate the power of DNA barcoding to advance bio-surveillance — progress that will aid agriculture, fisheries and forestry while also helping to protect the species which share our planet. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful.”

Prof. Claudia Wagner-Riddle, School of Environmental Sciences, received a $1-million Research Infrastructure grant to improve agro-ecosystems under climate change. She will build a new controlled environment facility — the first of its kind in North America — to study soils year-round.

Physics professor Carl Svensson received $925,000 to complete construction of the GRIFFIN instrument (Gamma-Ray Infrastructure for Fundamental Investigations of Nuclei) at TRIUMF, a world-leading subatomic physics laboratory in Vancouver. Svensson heads a national team that will use the new spectrometer to explore everything from subatomic particles to the origins of the universe.

Chemistry professor Kathryn Preuss will use a grant worth almost $400,000 to support the advanced materials research consortium. That group is creating molecule-based materials with novel functions to handle waste such as e-waste, nanoparticle waste, and materials from mining and metallurgy.

Molecular and Cellular Biology professor Jim Uniacke received two grants to support his work on protein synthesis in human cancer cells: a $140,000 Early Researcher Award and $124,470 for infrastructure.

Six other U of G professors also received Research Infrastructure grants, as follows:

• Tariq Akhtar, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, $117,687, plant metabolic biochemistry laboratory;
• Anthony Mutsaers, Department of Clinical Studies, $125,256, translational oncology research laboratory;
• Jonathan Newman, School of Environmental Sciences, $124,671, biology, ecological invasions and climate change;
• Linda Parker, Department of Psychology,  $124,908, neurochemical basis of behaviour;
• Scott Ryan, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, $251,717, neurodevelopment and degeneration laboratory; and
• Tina Widowski, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, $115,916, animal welfare assessment.

Other professors receiving $140,000 Early Researcher Awards, intended to advance the careers and research programs of promising young faculty, are, as follows:

• Shohel Mahmud, Engineering, energy harvesting from low potential sources;
• David Mutch, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, nutrigenomics and metabolic syndrome; and
• Kieran O’Doherty, Psychology, science policy and public values.

Dairy Farmers of Canada announces the 2015 Dairy Farm Sustainability Award Finalists

Dwayne and Becky Perry, Perryhill Farm

OTTAWA, Ontario June 11, 2015 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to announce Perryhill Farm's Dwayne and Becky Perry (New Brunswick), Ferme Bois Mou's Mario Lefebvre and Denise Joyal (Quebec), as well as UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre's management (British Colombia) as finalists of this year's edition of the Dairy Farm Sustainability Award. Sponsored by DeLaval Canada, this prize recognizes Canadian dairy farmers who proactively adopt on-farm management practices that are environmentally sustainable, financially viable, socially beneficial, and can be replicated on other farms.

"Dairy farmers are leading the way in continuously seeking means in which to reduce their impact on the environment and improve the sustainability and viability of their farms, for their families, neighbouring communities and future generations," said DFC president Wally Smith.

A committee comprised of eight dairy and sustainability experts from across the country has selected three farms as finalists:

• Perryhill Farm Inc. (Perry Settlement, New Brunswick): Dwayne and Becky Perry's installations are impressive on many fronts, from record-keeping to cropping and forages. Their profound community involvement particularly caught the judges' attention.
• Ferme Bois Mou 2001 Inc. (St-Félix-de-Kingsey, Quebec): Mario Lefebvre and Denise Joyal's farm stands out for its outstanding recycling, the impressive number of on-farm trials conducted and their commitment to continually improving cropping practices.
• UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre (Agassiz, British Columbia): This farm's management markedly impressed judges in the areas of animal welfare, innovative practices implemented on the farm and community involvement in matters pertaining to dairy farming awareness.

In their own way, the finalists have elevated sustainability practices to new heights by constantly searching for new, more efficient ways to reach for the goals outlined by DFC. For example, all three farms are involved in continuing research on some aspect related to dairy sustainability, such as Greenhouse Gas Emission accounting at Perryhill Farm, cropping practices at Ferme Bois Mou and animal welfare at UBC. Sharing these practices with neighbouring farms and opening their doors to the public also come naturally to these farmers.

"DeLaval is proud to team up with the Dairy Farm Sustainability Award to support our customers and help them meet their challenges," added Andrew Ritchie, managing director, DeLaval Canada. "We are committed to improving the environmental and social performance of operations and also supporting our customers to be more sustainable."

DeLaval will join DFC in announcing the winning farm during DFC's Annual General Meeting on July 15 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The winner will be awarded a trophy and a $2,000 cash prize on this occasion. The runners-up will each be granted $1,000 during the annual meetings of their respective provinces, next fall.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

DFC is the national organization representing Canada's dairy farmers, striving to create stable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. Among other activities, DFC invests in research that will continue to reduce farming's impact on the environment and promotes practices that improve sustainability and viability of dairy farms, as well as save money and energy. To learn more, visit dairyfarmers.ca.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada (Corporate)

The Co-operators and the Canadian Mental Health Association get ready to "Ride Don't Hide" for mental health in Halton

GUELPH, Ontario, June 11, 2015 /Canada NewsWire/ - On June 21, The Co-operators will be joining the Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch, along with thousands of Canadians from all walks of life, for the fourth annual Ride Don't Hide community bike ride in support of mental health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) annual cycling fundraiser brings together Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life to help break the stigma and raise funds to improve mental health in their community. Ride Don't Hide began as one man's journey around the world and has grown to a national movement to raise awareness and decrease stigma around mental illness. This year, the CMHA aims to raise $1 million by engaging more than 6,000 participants in 28 events in cities in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

"We are happy to be working with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch to raise much needed awareness and funds for mental health through the Ride Don't Hide event," said Kathy Bardswick, CEO and president of The Co-operators. "We want to play a part in reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems, and be part of a constructive dialogue around the issue."

Kathy Bardswick will be a speaker at the event, along with The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

"Ride Don't Hide is an opportunity to come together as a community and say mental health is important to me, and it's ok to talk about," says Radhika Subramanyan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch. "We are so thankful for the support from the community and are looking forward to an inspiring day on June 21."

Cyclists of all ages and abilities - novice to advanced – are invited to join the fun, family-friendly event. Funds raised through this event go directly towards improving mental health in communities across Canada and supporting CMHA mental health programs. To register and donate online please visit http://ridedonthide.com/on/ride/halton/.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch The Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch provides support, including case management, crisis support and free walk-in counselling, to people who have mental health and/or addiction concerns. They also offer education about mental health, wellness, and addictions as well as information about community services. More information is available at www.halton.cmha.ca.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations inCanada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch