Influenza is here!

In the past two weeks there have been confirmed cases of influenza in the Bancroft area. Influenza is not the common cold - it is a severe and potentially serious illness.

Typical symptoms include sudden onset of cough, sore throat, fever (temperature greater than 38 C/101 F), severe fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu will last for approximately 5-7 days for most people. Young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for complications.

It is not too late to get the flu shot- either see your family doctor or visit one of the Bancroft Family Health Team flu shot clinics. The shot gives immunity within one to two weeks.

If you think you have the flu, you do not need to see your doctor. For most people, lots of fluids, bed rest and something for the fevers (acetominophen or ibuprofen) will be all that is needed. If you have difficulty breathing, or have other chronic medical problems, or have other concerns, then you should see your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

For more information on influenza: The Centre for Disease Control and Ontario's Ministry of Health

CBC News : Exercising 10 minutes a day can boost life expectancy

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Regular physical activity that can include brisk walking may increase life expectancy by nearly two years, say U.S. researchers who found some benefits regardless of body weight.
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http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/11/07/physical-activity-life-expectancy.html

Who was that doctor? Was she a doctor?

Many of the doctors at the Bancroft Family Health Team take on student learners who are at different stages of their medical training.  Sometimes when you visit the office you might see someone other than your family doctor. Here are some definitions:

Medical student - a doctor in training who is in still in medical school. They have not graduated yet, and are not doctors, but soon will be. Medical students are closely supervised by your doctor while they work here.

Resident- a doctor who has finished medical school and is pursuing further training in their specialty. Residents are licensed physicians and can use the title of "Doctor." They have more independence than a medical student but are still supervised by your family doctor while they are here in Bancroft.

Most of our students and residents come from either Queen's University or the University of Ottawa.

When you are seen by a student or resident, you can be confident that your family doctor will be aware of the situation. If you see a student, your family doctor will almost always come in to see you. Residents have much more experience and knowledge and may do the entire visit by themselves without needing your doctor to come in the room. If you wish, you can always see your doctor that day as they are around!

We appreciate your patience and enthusiasm with our medical learners as we were all in their spot once upon a time. They are the doctors of tomorrow.

PS Last, some times you might see a locum doctor. This is a fully trained physician who is completely independent and licensed. Locum doctors fill in for your family physician on a temporary basis to cover for vacations or other absences. Some of the locum doctors who have been here in the last year have been Drs Singh, Corkum and Tsang.

Flu vaccine recall

You may have heard that Health Canada has recalled some of the flu vaccine that is available this year. There is a concern that these vaccines are contaminated with live virus that could make you sick.

The Bancroft Family Health Team is not affected by this recall. We have not received any of this vaccine. If you have received your vaccine through the Bancroft Family Health Team or any of its doctors- do not worry. Your vaccination was safe.

For more information on the recall, click here.

Eat Smart - Be Active

Bancroft Family Health Team is offering a four week healthy lifestyle program for care-givers and their children.

This program is free and open to everyone.

Do you ever wonder...

• How to pack a healthy lunch/snack for your children?
• If your children are getting enough physical activity?
• How to include the entire family in meal preparation?

Sessions to be held every Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School Gym starting November 7th, 2012.

Please call 613-332-6783 ext 233 to register.

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Bancroft Family Health Team will be having flu shot clinics from Tuesday, October 16th to Friday, December 14th, 2012.

Clinics will be held:

Every Tuesday 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Every Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm

Please call 613-332-6783 ext 233 to book your appointment.

Local rabies clinics

Protect yourself and your pet from rabies. The Public Health Unit is offering its annual rabies vaccination clinics with the support of local vets.

Cost is $25 (cash only). The Clinics are offered Saturday, September 29, 2012 only.


Bancroft Faraday Animal Hospital Hwy 28 South 9:00am to 2:00pm
Belleville Bay Regional Veterinary Hospital 437 Bleeker Ave.
Bell Animal Hospital 222 Bell Blvd., Unit 7B
Belleville Animal Hospital 109 Dundas St. East 9:30am – 1:30pm
Belleway Veterinary Hospital 6833 Hwy 62 – 2km North of 401
Coleman Veterinary Hospital 260 Coleman St.
Foster Park Animal Hospital 213 Dundas St. East 9:00am to 2:00pm
Loyalist Veterinary Clinic 360 Bell Blvd.
Rossmore Animal Hospital Prince Edward Square, 5503 Hwy. 62, Rossmore
Boulter Faraday Animal Hospital Carlow Twsp Garage 11:00am to 12:00pm
Brighton Hrushy Veterinary Housecall Services Codrington Fire Hall, Cty Rd 27 9:00am – 2:30pm
Campbellford English Line Veterinary Services 527 County Rd. 38
Coe Hill Faraday Animal Hospital Wollaston Twsp Garage 1:30 pm to 2:30pm
Deseronto Bay Regional Veterinary Hospital Firehall 316 Edmon St. 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Gilmour Faraday Animal Hospital Tudor-Cashel Twsp Garage 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Maynooth Faraday Animal Hospital Maynooth Firehall 9:30am to 10:30am
Picton Picton Animal Hospital 19 MacSteven Dr.
Prince Edward Animal Hospital 14011 Loyalist Pkwy, Hwy 33
Stirling Stirling Veterinary Services 36 Wilson Rd. 2nd Concession, Huntingdon Twsp
Trenton Quinte Animal Hospital 35 Ontario St.
Trenton Pet Hospital Riverview Plaza, 255 Glen Miller Rd.
Tweed Tweed Veterinary Service 13 Bridge St. East 9:00am – 2:00pm

For more information, check out the Hastings and Prince Edward County Public Health Unit or call 613-966-5513 ext. 677

Choose to Lose

Five week nutrition and exercise program facilitated by the Bancroft Family Health Team Dietitians and Fitness Instructor Specialist

Classes start Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 - 5:00 to 6:00 pm
 

• Weekly weigh-ins
• Nutrition education
• Low impact exercise classes
• Reliable health and nutrition advice

Contact the Bancroft Family Health Team at 613-332-6783 ext. 233 for more information and to reserve your spot

What does your Doctor do on holidays?

Follow Dr Cooper and his son Jordan on their epic bike trip! They are raising money to support the hospital Xray Equipment fund.

jordanandgregbiking.com

Dr Cooper will be out of the office until September 6 but Dr Tsang is covering his practice for the month of August.

HEALTHY EATING COOKING CLASS 
Date:  Tuesday, July 31st
Time:  5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location:  North Hastings Family Health Team, 1P Manor Lane, 2nd Floor Boardroom

Learn easy recipes for summer.  Explore how to make delicious summer salads and how to make healthy dishes taste great.
Hosted by the North Hastings Family Health Team and the Bancroft Family Health Team

Munch and Move Walking Club

Munch and Move Walking Club

Come join the Registered Dietitians for a 30 minute walk at a pace comfortable for you, followed by a short discussion on a hot nutrition topic. A healthy snack will be provided.

Place: 1P Manor Lane, Bancroft (North Hastings Family Health Team)

Meet on 2nd floor in the boardroom

Date: July 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th

Time: 1pm-2pm

Price: Free

Call: 613-332-6783 for more details

Support Ontario Doctors

Support Ontario Doctors

The Ontario government is cutting back payments to physicians that will greatly affect your ability to receive timely and efficient medical care. Check out the above link and send a message to your local MPP before your health is affected.

Community Nutrition Events

Everyone is welcome to join the following free nutrition events hosted by the Bancroft Family Health Team's Registered Dietitians:

Monday, June 4th, 2012 - Exotic Fruit Sampling - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 - Grocery Store Tour - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location:  Bancroft Foodland

Please call 613-332-6783 ext 233 for more information.

Breastfeeding Clinic update: Do I have enough milk?

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, as well as the Canadian Pediatric Society, and Health Canada recommendations that all healthy term infants be "exclusively" breastfed for 6 months, and breastfed for up to 2 years, this just isn't the case in Canada.
Canadian Hospitals indicate up to 87 % of mothers of term infants leaving hospital are breastfeeding their infants, but many stop within the first week. Even more stop within the first month, and less than 20 % are still exclusively breastfed at 6 months.
One of the reasons many mothers stop breastfeeding their babies is the belief, either perceived or actual, that they don't have enough milk. Another reason is pain or difficulty with latching, which I will blog about next month.
There are many ways to see if your baby is "getting enough milk", and moms should be aware of these indicators prior to having the baby.  Mom's should count the number of wet and BM diapers per day. The first week the baby should have the same number of wet / or BM diapers for the number of days old the baby is. One diaper day 1, two diapers day 2, and so on until day 6. After day 6, babies should have 6 (or more) wet diapers per 24 hour day. BM's can then be frequent & soft or can be infrequent but still soft, seedy and between yellow and brownish. Moms should see and hear baby swallowing at the breast. They should feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. Moms can sometimes feel their milk letting down when the baby nurses well. Term newborns are expected to regain their birth weight by 2 weeks of age.
Knowing what to expect, and having peer support, are two great influences on mothers continuing to breastfeed their infants with confidence.
The Bancroft Family Health Team runs a breastfeeding support group for pregnant women and for moms with babies, the last Wed. of each month at the North Hastings Children's Services (Day Care center/ Early Years Center) in the Family Resource Room from 6-7:30. Next meeting May 30/12. Call if you have question 613 332 6783 EX 232

CBC News : Calcium supplement use may raise heart attack risk

Taking calcium supplements doesn't seem as benign as thought, say doctors who've found the pills may increase the risk of heart attack.


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This story, forwarded to you, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/05/23/calcium-supplements-heart.html

Next Breastfeeding Clinic- Apr 25/12 from 6-7:30pm

Once again the Breastfeeding Clinic and Mothers support group will be held the last Wed eve of every month- Falling on Wed Apr 25/12 and again May 30/12 from 6- 7:30 pm at the NORTH HASTINGS CHILDREN'S SERVICES, Bancroft, 20 Hastings Heritage Way- in the Resource room.
Topics will include the benefits of "skin to skin" contact in the early days, and also the benefits to oral and facial development.
Did you know babies who are breastfed do work harder to nurse at the breast, than a baby at the bottle. This leads to stronger facial and jaw muscles, resulting in proper jaw growth and development. (The chubby cheek smile!) Tongue thrust problems found in babies who bottle feed are rare in breastfed babies. This results in less speech problems, and less chance of teeth being misaligned. (Less chance of needing braces when they are older! When the teeth come in straighter, there is no need to fix them later. See - Breastfeeding saves you thousands of dollars in the long run!). Breastfed babies have less cavities.
Call 613 332 6783 ex 232 if you have any questions.

An open letter to the community of Bancroft

March 26, 2012
 
To the community of North Hastings:

Ontario is suffering from a crisis of addiction to opioid and narcotic drugs. Bancroft has not been spared. We all know of a friend, or relative, or family who has been touched by this illness.

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help people who are addicted. Methadone and Suboxone are effective medications used to treat addiction to drugs such as heroin, morphine and oxycodone.

There are plans for an Opioid Dependence Treatment Clinic to open in Bancroft. It will provide a needed local resource for patients to receive the necessary treatment for their illness. We, the undersigned doctors and nurse practitioners, fully support and welcome this clinic. It will help our friends, our families and the community as a whole.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carolyn Brown

Dr. Douglas Calder

Dr. Henry Christiansen

Dr. Greg Cooper

Dr. Denis Doren

Dr. Steve Griffin

Kathy Hardill, RNEC

Cheryl Marks, RNEC

Dr. Peter McEnery

Dr. Michael Munoz

Clarissa Townsend, RNEC

Choose to Lose

Five week nutrition and exercise program facilitated by the Bancroft Family Health Team Dietitians and Fitness Instructor Specialist

Classes start Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 - 5:00 to 6:15 pm

Nutrition topics include:

• Goal setting
• Mindful eating
• Fueling your body
• Portion distortion
• Healthy cooking

Exercise classes include:

• Therabands
• Aerobics
• Pilates
• Gym tours

Contact the Bancroft Family Health Team at 613-332-6783 ext. 233 for more information and to reserve your spot

Breastfeeding Clinic

The next Breastfeeding Clinic will be held at North Hastings Children's Services, 20 Hastings Heritage Way in Bancroft, (the daycare center) in the Resource Room. Wed Mar 28/12 from6- 7:30. All mom's and babies, and pregnant women are invited to attend. Topics will include starting solid foods, when, why and how.
Call Meryl if you have any questions 613 332 6783 EX 232

An aspirin a day - maybe not a good idea

If you are taking an aspirin today because it seems like a good idea, it might not be. A recent study suggests that unless you have had a stroke or a heart attack in the past, you should not be taking aspirin. It won't do you any good and it may cause problems. Of course every individual is different but it is a good discussion to have with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

If you want to read the latest study:

Reference
Berger JS, Lala A, Krantz MJ, Baker GS, Hiatt WR. Aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients without clinical cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am Heart J 2011;162(1):115-124.e2.

Steve Griffin

Reducing salt by 20%, from the 2010 to the 2012 targets would remove 500 tonnes of salt from the diet per year – the equivalent of over 90 elephants!

 

World salt awareness week is March 26^th- April 1^st

During this week, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how they can reduce the amount of sodium they eat.

On average, Canadians eat more than double our recommended daily intake for sodium (Canadian adults are recommended to eat 1500mg of sodium per day, or 1 teaspoon). A diet high in sodium puts us at greater risk for many diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

For this reason it is important that we eat a healthy diet low in sodium. By eating the right quantities of the right types of foods, we will reduce our sodium intake.   Some simple changes you can make to reduce your sodium intake include:

-          Eat a healthy diet following Canada’s Food Guide

-          Read the food labels

-          Prepare food with little or no added salt

-          Eat more fresh foods prepared at home

-          Eat fewer processed foods and pre-packaged foods prepared outside the home

Drop by Bancroft Foodland between 1-4pm on Thursday, March 29^th and join a dietitian and registered nurse to get your blood pressure checked and to learn tips on lowering your sodium intake.  

March is Nutrition Month

Have you every wondered if eating late at night will cause weight gain? Or if organic foods are the healthiest for you? Every year Dietitians across Canada work together to help promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles. This year Dietitians of Canada have decided to bust some common myths about nutrition:

Myth # 1 : You will gain weight if you follow Canada’s Food Guide, it recommends too much food.

The Truth: The recommended number of servings in Canada’s Food Guide is an average amount of food that most people should try to eat every day. You might need to choose more or less food depending on your individual needs such as your physical activity level. The type of food you choose is just as important as how much you eat. The Food Guide recommends that you have a variety of foods and limit foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar and salt. Enjoy healthy choices from each food group in the amount that is right for you.

Myth # 2: Everyone should follow a gluten free diet.

The Truth: A gluten-free diet is the only healthy way of eating for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, but it’s not necessary for everyone else. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, and any foods made with these grains. Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, or you are allergic to one of these grains, you don’t need to avoid them.

Myth # 3: Multi-grain is the same as whole grain.

The Truth: Multi-grain isn’t always whole grain. Multi-grain products include different grains, but they may not be whole. You’ll get the greatest health benefits from eating whole grains. To make sure a food is made with whole grains, look on the food label’s ingredient list for the words “whole grain” in front of each grain name. If whole grains are the main ingredients in a food, they should appear first in the ingredient list. Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day.

Myth # 4: Honey, brown sugar, and agave syrup are better for you than white sugar.

The Truth: Nutritionally speaking, they are all pretty much the same. While some people consider brown sugar, honey or agave syrup to be more natural, they are still sugars. All are concentrated sources of calories with very few other nutrients. Your body can’t tell the difference between them and white sugar. In fact, your body handles naturally occurring sugar in food or processed sugars and syrups in the same way. Excess sugar in any form gives you extra calories. Whether you choose to use honey, brown sugar, agave syrup or white sugar, use small amounts.

If you have a common myth or nutrition question you were wondering about contact one of our Dietitians by email at msmith@bancroftfht.com or jzupan@bancroftfht.com

Introducing:  Choose to Lose

Five week nutrition and exercise program facilitated by the Bancroft Family Health Team Dietitians, Fitness Instructor Specialist, and Nurses

Classes start Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 - 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Nutrition topics include:

• Goal setting
• Mindful eating
• Fueling your body
• Portion distortion
• Healthy cooking

Exercise classes include:

• Therabands
• Aerobics
• Pilates
• Gym tours

Contact the Bancroft Family Health Team at 613-332-6783 ext. 233 for more information and to reserve your spot

February is Heart Month

It’s Time to Make Death Wait

Heart disease and stroke take 1 in 3 Canadians before their time.  And it is the #1 killer of women in Canada, taking more female lives than all cancers combined.

While those numbers are shocking, there is good news for Canadians.  It’s possible to change the odds against heart disease and stroke.  It’s possible to Make Death Wait.

How?  By taking action to reduce the risk factors that are within your control.  That means factors like high blood pressure, eating an unhealthy diet, being physically inactive, smoking or being overweight.  Nine out of ten people have at least one risk factor, and 40% have three or more.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation website, heartandstroke.ca , is full of information and tools to help Canadians understand their individual risk factors and start making changes.

Do you know if you’re at risk?  Take the Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment now

https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/hsra/?LID=1&pgSrc=risk_MDW_panel_Desjardins

The Bancroft Family Health Team offers many programs to assist with reducing risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke such as:

Chronic Disease Management Program – Hypertension

Smoking Cessation Program – Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available 

Choose to Lose – Five Week Nutrition and Exercise Program 

Please call us at 613-332-6783 Ext. 233 for more information.

Breastfeeding Clinic

Hi all-
I thought I would let you know about the monthly "Breastfeeding Clinic/ Nursing Mother Support Group" we hold.
All pregnant women, new moms and babies, and older babies are welcome to attend. Meetings are held the last Wednesday evening of the month from 6-7:30 pm, and are at the North Hastings Children's Services Building (Day Care Center) at 20 Hastings Heritage Way in Bancroft.
Many different topics about breastfeeding and parenting are discussed.  It is Free.
Guest speaker for this month (Wed. Jan 25/12) is Leslie Jenkins from "Families First", who will speak about Early Literacy. Babies will receive a new book.
I will let you know every month who the guest speaker will be, and the topics that will be covered. The group is informal and we can talk about whatever issues a mom is having at the time.
Call 613 332 6783 ex 232 if you need more info.

Understanding Pain in Less Than 5 Minutes

Here is a highly watchable short video on what happen to our brains when we have pain - enjoy! Here is the linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b8oB757DKc

Managing functional constipation in children

The Canadian Paediatric Society has published a comprehensive guideline to managing functional constipation in children at the following link: http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/CP/Constipation.htm

Meditation Group - Led by Dr. Alan McAllister, Psychologist

Bancroft Family Health Team is sponsoring a free meditation group suitable for beginners to veteran meditators.

Who:  Open to all residents of North Hastings.
When:  Every Tuesday - 4:30pm to 6:00pm - Starting Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Where:  16 Billa Street, Suite 110

Please call 613-332-6783 for more information.