$27-Billion Lawsuit Against Tobacco Companies Launched

An important day for justice, truth and health of Quebecers, according to the Canadian Cancer Society

MONTREAL, March 12, 2012 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - Today, the largest lawsuit ever undertaken in Quebec and Canada was launched in Montreal. Two class actions are being brought before the Quebec Superior Court against tobacco companies in an effort to seek compensation for the victims of their harmful products. This is an important day for health and truth; unfortunately, however, Quebec remains one of the provinces where the proportion of young smokers is highest.

"We applaud the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, one of the plaintiffs, for its efforts and hard work over the past 13 years. The trial, which begins today, is historic. It will attempt to establish responsibility with regard to the damage caused to the health of people in Quebec," states Jean-Daniel Hamelin, Director of Public Affairs for the Canadian Cancer Society - Quebec Division. "Our objective is to ensure that the truth comes out and justice is done for the thousands of people who have suffered due to their addiction or who have died as a result of it."

In addition to seeking compensation for the victims of the tobacco industry, the trial provides an excellent opportunity to find out the truth about tobacco companies' knowledge and conduct. Internal and secret documents are expected to be presented as evidence by tobacco manufacturers, thus providing an opportunity to shed light on the many deceptive tactics employed by this unscrupulous industry.

"In Quebec, we've had a longstanding and major problem with tobacco, which has cost tens of thousands of lives. Until now, tobacco companies didn't recognize any responsibility for their products' devastating effects," points out Mélanie Champagne, a tobacco policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society - Quebec Division. "Tobacco manufacturers must be held accountable for their actions, and legal proceedings provide a key opportunity to bring about a fundamental change in this industry's business practices."

According to the CCS, tobacco control is a critical issue since an estimated 30% of cancer deaths and 85% of lung cancer cases are due to smoking. Also, as mentioned in the lawsuit, smoking is a recognized cause of throat and laryngeal cancer. In addition, smoking may also cause colorectal, pharyngeal, tongue, esophageal, stomach, kidney, bladder, cervical, lower urinary tract, and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, recent data suggest a link between smoking and breast cancer.

The harmful effects of smoking in our lives

...There are still over 1.5 million smokers in Quebec, and unfortunately 28% of youths in the province (aged 20 to 34) are addicted to smoking.

...90 youths in Quebec will take up smoking today - 33,000 this year. For each person who quits smoking or dies, another person takes it up.

...Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death. Every day, 28 people in Quebec die from causes directly linked to smoking - over 10,000 every year. One out of two regular smokers dies from tobacco-related disease.

...In 2011, a third of cancer-related deaths in Quebec were due to lung cancer: 8,500 people in Quebec received a diagnosis of lung cancer and 6,700 died as a result of the disease.

...In Quebec, lung cancer kills twice as many women as breast cancer and nearly four and a half times as many men as prostate cancer.

...Since the early 1990s, the mortality rate for lung cancer has dropped by 29% among men, but it has increased by 40% among women.

...Annual health spending in Quebec on tobacco-related diseases is estimated at over $1 billion; other related social costs - including loss of productivity, prevention programs, and fires - are estimated at approximately $3 billion.

...Smoking-related diseases are responsible for about a third (32.6%) of full-day hospital stays in Quebec's major hospital centres.


The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything it can to prevent cancer, save lives, and support people living with cancer. To find out more about cancer, please visit our web site at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Centre at 1 888 939-3333.

Nanoparticles Change Intestinal Absorption of Nutrients

photo credit: Wikimedia commons/Public Domain

from TreeHugger.com
by Christine Lepisto
Science / Natural Sciences

Humans consume 100 trillion nanoparticles a day, according to the press release for a new study on nanoparticle influence on nutrient absorption. As the uses for nanotechnology become more widespread, from sunscreens to socks, we are just starting to learn about the possible effects these miniscule under-regulated particles may have on our health.

A new study shines light on perhaps the scariest news yet: nanoparticles can change the rate at which nutrients are absorbed. If nutrient absorption is affected, it means that toxin absorption could also be affected. In even more disturbing findings, the study shows that nanoparticles caused "remodelling of the intestinal villi" -- changes in the intestinal linings which are critical for passing nutrients from ingested foods through to the bloodstream.

Nanoparticles as Popeye's Kryptonite

Although it has since been shown that Popeye's predilection for spinach is based on an error (spinach has no higher iron content than any other leafy, green vegetable), Popeye was the poster child for for the energy depletion caused by iron deficiency. When Popeye popped a can of spinach, he came roaring back to life.


The first thing researchers from Binghamton University and Cornell University noticed: brief exposure to low levels of 50nm carboxylated polystyrene, chosen because its fluorescent properties make it easy to track, caused iron absorption in the intestine to drop off by 50%.

Or Popeye's Superfriend?

But a strange thing happened when exposure to the nanoparticles continued for longer: "when we extended that period of time, absorption actually increased by about 200 percent. It was very clear -- nanoparticles definitely affects iron uptake and transport," explains Gretchen Mahler, assistant professor of bioengineering at Binghamton University, and lead author of the report in Nature Nanotechnology.


In fact, chronic exposure to the nanoparticle polystyrene caused physiological changes of the villi, small fingers in the intestinal wall that provide a large surface area through which nutrients can be absorbed. Villi became larger and broader, which allowed the iron to enter the bloodstream at a much faster rate.

Beyond Iron

The scientists behind this study plan to extend their research to other minerals such as calcium, copper, or zinc and to fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.


But this study raises perhaps equally important questions: first, how do nanoparticles affect the absorption of toxins? Faster absorption rates could mean that household products which are not fatal to children who accidentally consume them now to become deadly when nanoparticles enter the mix.

Also, if chronic exposure to nanoparticles changes our intestines so that more surface area is available for absorption, will toxins that are currently excreted cause more damage to organs after distribution through the blood, or faster accumulation in body fat? Will bioaccumulation of toxins in our food chain accelerate?

The research provides some breakthrough tools for studying these questions. Again from the press release: "With so many nanomaterials under development and with so much yet to be learned about nanoparticle toxicity and potential human tissue reactivity, Mahler and the team are hoping that their work, particularly the in vitro model, will provide an effective low-cost screening tool."

We hope so too.

Task Force on Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care Homes Wants to Hear from the Public

Long-Term Care Task Force on Resident Care and Safety Consultations Underway

TORONTO, March 8, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Long-Term Care Task Force on Resident Care and Safety is currently consulting so that it can develop a plan to address incidents of abuse and neglect in long-term care homes - as well as the potential underreporting of these incidents.

The task force is seeking responses to a key set of questions that can be accessed online and by phone. The questionnaire can also be printed, completed and submitted by mail or fax. Submissions will be accepted until March 19, 2012.

All long-term care homes in the province were provided with the consultation questionnaire and promotional materials to help them engage their residents, staff, volunteers and family members to provide their input.

"Abuse and neglect are serious issues," said Dr. Gail Donner, Chair of the Task Force on Resident Care and Safety, and Dean and Professor Emerita, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. "We want to hear from people so the task force can develop an action plan that truly helps prevent incidents of abuse or neglect in long-term care homes and advances a culture of openness and transparency to the benefit of all involved in the provision and receipt of long-term care services," Donner added.

Members of the public are invited to make a confidential submission to the Task Force by:

Visiting: longtermcaretaskforce.ca and clicking on 'Your Voice'

Mailing the completed questionnaire to: Long -Term Care Task Force, 1938 Bloor St West, P.O. Box 30026, Toronto, ON M6P 4J2

Calling: 1-866-399-6073 to record your responses

Faxing the questionnaire to (416) 766-8007 between the hours of 8:00am - 8:00pm.

"We strongly encourage people interested in contributing their views on these issues to participate - it is important for us to consider wide ranging input if we are to develop an action plan that is truly responsive to the needs of residents and care providers," said Dr. Donner.

Gaps in care remain for Canadians with chronic disease

What: Disparities in Primary Health Care Experiences Among Canadians With Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions

OTTAWA, March 6, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Despite a tendency to report overall satisfaction with their primary health care, Canadians living with chronic diseases may not be receiving all the care they need. A new report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals that while most people with selected chronic conditions—including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease—reported having a primary health care provider, one in five had not seen a care provider in the past 12 months. One in eight reported visiting emergency departments for a condition they perceived as being treatable by their primary health care provider.

Disparities in Primary Health Care Experiences Among Canadians With Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions uncovers barriers and challenges that exist for two groups in particular.

...Lower-income individuals were less likely to report that their primary health care physician involved them in clinical decisions (47% versus 66% of those with higher incomes).

...Women were less likely than men to report receiving all four recommended tests for chronic disease monitoring (46% versus 56%) or to have medication side effects explained (56% versus 65%).

An estimated 6.8 million Canadians age 20 to 74 are affected by these chronic conditions, which result in an estimated 95,000 hospitalizations and almost 13,000 deaths annually. Addressing the gaps in care highlighted in this report could lead to more appropriate care and to a more efficient health care system.

About CIHI

Established in 1994, CIHI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides essential information on Canada’s health system and the health of Canadians. Funded by federal, provincial and territorial governments, CIHI is guided by a Board of Directors made up of health leaders across the country. Our vision is to improve Canada’s health system and the well-being of Canadians by being a leading source of unbiased, credible and comparable information that will enable health leaders to make better-informed decisions.

Incredible Lion Photos Taken With High-Tech Remote Control Camera

© William Burrard-Lucas

from TreeHugger.com
by Jaymi Heimbuch Technology / Gadgets


Photography is a high-tech industry, especially when photographers try to figure out ways to get closer to dangerous animals without putting themselves in harm's way. Conservation photographer Will Burrard-Lucas has created a high-tech solution that has helped get him amazing images that would otherwise be impossible -- such as lions feasting or Komodo dragons flicking their tongues at the lens. Most recently Burrard-Lucas has made modifications to their "BeetleCam" that provide photographers with even more flexibility for getting images, and these incredible photos of lions show off what is possible.

Brothers Will and Matt devised the BeetleCam in 2009 in order to get close-up photos of African wildlife. It is essentially a remote-controlled car with a DSLR mounted to the top. But after an unfortunate encounter with a lion, it was clear the BeetleCam needed to be armored up. After a few design tweaks, this new version of the BeetleCam is just what the brothers had hoped for, and they took it back out to try it with lions -- and this time they were able to capture winning images.

Will Burrard-Lucas states,

"I have now created a 3rd generation of BeetleCam which has evolved to take into account our experiences from previous trips."

The newest iteration of the BeetleCam can be equipped with flashes, the top can adjust remotely to move the angle of the camera, and you can even zoom or use liveview from a distance.

As for the lions, they provide a bit of adventure as they're modeling for photos. Burrard-Lucas states of a run-in with four cubs,

"They intuitively recognised the front of BeetleCam and would try to circle around to attack it from behind. They also grew bolder whenever BeetleCam retreated, swiping at it with their oversized paws. We were just getting the hang of this new game when disaster struck; BeetleCam’s front left wheel hadn’t been tightened properly and it worked its way off! The cubs instantly seemed to recognise that the buggy was in distress and they closed in...The cubs ran off with it and proceeded to have a highly raucous game as they tried to steal it off each other. We had to wait for over an hour and a half before we were finally able to retrieve the saliva-sodden tire! To our amazement, it had a few punctures but was otherwise undamaged. We slotted it back onto BeetleCam and we were ready to go again!"

That's quite a testament to how much abuse the BeetleCam can take and still be ready to roll for more images.

"Over the course of the next few days, we were able to gain new understanding and respect for the lions we were photographing. We were always mindful that we didn’t want to harass them or intrude on their lives. However, we came to appreciate that lions are incredibly curious cats and full of the bravado that comes from being the Masai Mara’s top predator. This resulted in plenty more raucous games with the youngsters and some wonderful encounters with older individuals, who treated BeetleCam with nonchalant disdain, deliberately ignoring it as it manoeuvred around them," says Burrard-Lucas.

It's a great way to show how a little high-tech tool can be a win-win situation for humans and animals -- we can see some of the most incredible images of wild animals from ground-level angles, and we can do so without disturbing the animals (or just giving them a temporary toy...). It's a fantastic tool for conservation photographers who want to keep space between themselves and their subjects.

Here is a video from the BeetleCam's adventure with the lions:



... view more amazing photos at TreeHugger.com

Most Ontarians would go to their pharmacist for immunizations, survey shows

Data backs Drummond report recommendations for expanded scope of pharmacy practice

TORONTO, March 2, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Almost two-thirds of Ontarians (61 per cent) say they would go to their pharmacist for administration of drugs by injection and inhalation, including immunization, if they knew pharmacists had the appropriate training and were authorized by the government to do so, according to findings from a new Ipsos-Reid survey commissioned by the Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA).

During Pharmacist Awareness Week, March 4-11, OPA is urging the province to act on recommendations made in the recently-released Drummond Report, including implementing "changes to the Pharmacy Act to enable an expanded scope of pharmacy practice" and "regulations to permit pharmacists to administer routine injections and inhalations, including immunization."

"Permitting pharmacists to administer routine immunizations is an excellent opportunity to improve Ontario's low vaccination rates while increasing vaccine access," said Darryl Moore, chair of OPA. "Pharmacists in other provinces already have this added responsibility, and have stepped up to help public health authorities to administer vaccines for annual influenza protection. We believe this is a key contribution we can also make in Ontario."

Currently, all 50 U.S. states as well as the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick have authorized trained pharmacists to administer injections, and the result has been increased vaccination rates. In Ontario, hundreds of pharmacists have already completed OPA's Injection and Immunization Certificate Program since its launch last June, in anticipation of the authority to provide these new services.

"By expanding the role of pharmacists and making better use of their expertise, skills and accessibility, we can help improve patient care; take pressure off family physicians, emergency departments and walk in clinics; reduce wait times and hospital stays; and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Ontario's health care system," said Moore. "The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is committed to working with other health care providers and the government to provide the best possible care in the most cost-effective ways."

Ontarians also support allowing pharmacists to treat minor ailments

In addition to immunizations, almost nine in 10 Ontarians (88 per cent) say they would go to their pharmacist for appropriate medications or advice for minor ailments such as dermatitis, psoriasis, cold sores and athlete's foot, if they knew that their pharmacist had appropriate training and was authorized by the government to do so.

"Pharmacists are already capable of assessing and treating many minor ailments. If they are authorized to do so through an expanded scope of practice, patients would receive the care they need, faster; and physicians would have more time to deal with more serious medical conditions," says Moore. "As health care needs increase and become more complex, these services will become even more critical, especially for patients who don't have a physician, such as those in rural or remote areas where the pharmacist may be the only health care provider they see."

According to the survey data, the biggest motivation driving Ontarians to be "more likely" to go to their pharmacist rather than a walk-in clinic or doctor's office for support on minor ailments is convenience: they wouldn't have to make an appointment (77 per cent); wouldn't have to wait in a doctor's waiting room (76 per cent); could visit a pharmacy on evenings and weekends (76 per cent); and their pharmacist would communicate his or her activities to the doctor (75 per cent).

Pharmacists in Ontario are highly regarded and increasingly recognized as the medication management experts of the health care team. They have an in-depth knowledge of hundreds of medications, and are one of the most accessible health care providers, working closely with other health care professionals, patients, and caregivers to advise on potential side effects, interactions, and any necessary adjustments to medications.

"We urge the government to adopt the recommendations in the Drummond report and allow expanded responsibilities for Ontario's pharmacists," said Moore. "Given the increasing numbers of medications, the aging population and the growing list of pharmaceuticals, pharmacists are key to ensuring safe, cost-effective drug therapy for Ontarians."

About the survey

The survey results were based on an Ipsos-Reid poll conducted between December 20 and 21, 2011, on behalf of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association. For this survey, a sample of 803 adults from Ipsos' online panel was interviewed online. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100 per cent response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Ontario Pharmacists' Association

The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is the professional association that represents the views and interests of more than 13,600 pharmacists and pharmacists-in-training across the province. The Association works to inspire excellence in the profession and practice of pharmacy, and to promote wellness for patients. For more information, visit www.opatoday.com.

The Value of Electronic Health Records Extends Far Beyond Patient Care

Embedding Privacy, by Design, Not by Chance

TORONTO, March 2, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Embedding and implementing Privacy by Design (PbD) into electronic health record (EHR) systems being built across Canada will enable us to benefit from the wealth of health information stored on these systems, while protecting patient privacy, according to a new paper released today at the Toronto Board of Trade.

"By incorporating the principles of Privacy by Design into the EHR environment, you can accommodate both individual privacy and access to health information for purposes that benefit society as a whole, such as research purposes — a win-win scenario," said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

The paper, entitled Embedding Privacy Into the Design of Electronic Health Records to Enable Multiple Functionalities - Win/Win is co-authored by Dr. Ann Cavoukian, and Richard C. Alvarez, President & CEO, Canada Health Infoway. It argues that the current practice of using health information for a range of authorized purposes should continue in the EHR environment, but that this must be done in a way that respects individual rights to privacy while benefitting the health system for all Canadians.

"In addition to their value in direct patient care, information from electronic health records can be used to strengthen public health and other health care decisions," said Alvarez. "When privacy is considered and built in at the outset, it is possible to imagine having accurate population-based information to help predict and prevent waves of infectious disease, to evaluate the safety of different medicines, or to proactively manage diabetes and other chronic conditions."

The paper emphasizes that the use of health information for purposes that go beyond the direct care of a person, such as research and health system planning, is not a new undertaking. It has long been used for such purposes with safeguards in place to protect the privacy of Canadians, including privacy legislation and policies, as well as privacy oversight bodies to monitor compliance.

The paper describes how EHRs will make it easier, faster and less expensive to leverage health information for a range of these types of enormously beneficial purposes. While privacy challenges may arise, the paper describes some tools and guidance available to help resolve those challenges, such as the principles of Privacy by Design, the Infoway-sponsored paper Privacy and EHR Information Flows in Canada: Common Understandings of the Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy Group, and the practice of routine de-identification of information as a key first step in reducing any associated privacy risks.

"The default approach should be that information is strongly de-identified when used for purposes that extend beyond the delivery of healthcare," said Commissioner Cavoukian.

Research indicates that Canadians have a degree of comfort with using EHR information for such purposes, as long as privacy and security protections are in place. The paper underscores the need for transparency in the way EHR information is managed and safeguarded.

"While key elements are already in place to allow for privacy-protective use of EHR information for public health and other purposes beyond direct patient care," added Alvarez, "there are still issues that need to be considered as we move forward. Identifying these issues was one of the purposes of producing this paper."

About the IPC

The Information and Privacy Commissioner is appointed by and reports to the Ontario Legislative Assembly, and is independent of the government of the day. The Commissioner's mandate includes overseeing the access and privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as well as the Personal Health Information Protection Act, which applies to both public and private sector health information custodians. The Commissioner's mandate includes educating the public about access and privacy issues.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.