A project in north-west

The giant Ontario nuclear power, Bruce Power, proposing to build a power plant in north-western Saskatchewan.

The Wall government supports the feasibility study of the company, because the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant is presented as a source of clean energy. The majority of electricity produced in Saskatchewan now comes from coal-fired.

The feasibility study conducted by Bruce Power, said that Saskatchewan could launch a first nuclear reactor in five years. The Ontario company believes that the north-west of the province, ie Lloydminster, Prince Albert and the Battlefords, would be a strategic region.

By 2020, the proposed Central could fill the anticipated demand thousand megawatts and meet the needs of oil sands and potash, two major consumers of energy.

Bruce Power also wants to export energy to Alberta, which would require the construction of a second Central and transmission lines.

Bruce Power must undertake discussions with Aboriginal leaders and consultations among the population. The project must also be submitted to the environmental assessment process, a step that could take at least three years.

Old problem

"The reduction of waiting lists in emergencies is a thorny problem if the three leaders now refuse to make firm commitments on this issue ..."

Ah, well, suddenly, there is less boastful, we pète least the straps, it showed humility!

Bad change, right?

It must be said that in 2003, Jean Charest has promised that the waiting time in emergency rooms not exceed more than 12 hours ... and has planted royally!

"Yes, but more and more people are in emergency because of the aging population," Charest said to justify its failure to fulfill its promise ...

What? We did not anticipate the aging of the population in 2003? Five years ago?

Me inanely you?

Coudon, there is no demographer in the government?

No one had foreseen the impact of aging on health care?

The Liberals and the NDP want Ontario outlaws cigarillos

The little cigars flavored candy packaged so as to attract children should be banned because they are the new trick of the industry to encourage young people to become addicted to tobacco, said the Liberals and NDP Ontario thursday.

Liberal MP Dave Levac and the NDP member France Gélinas joined forces to try to change the law to force manufacturers to abandon flavored cigarillos and sell them pack of 20 rather than unity, as it is currently the case.

Ms. Gélinas stressed that cigarillos are currently offered in 21 different flavors, including chocolate, cherry and vanilla, and even sweet-scented.

Already, lawyers for non-smokers have given their support for the proposal to ban flavored cigarillos. The Canadian Cancer Society and Lung Association of Ontario have also expressed their approval Thursday, indicating that cigarillos are "specially made to attract young people."

Cigarillos are now spared the anti-tobacco Canadian because they are wrapped in tobacco leaf rather than paper. They are therefore not considered cigarettes in the eyes of the law.

About 80 million of these small cigars were sold in 2006, up 50 000 compared to 2001.

Charles Pieri suffered a brain haemorrhage

The former Corsican nationalist leader Charles Pieri was extracted from his prison in Toulon, and admitted to hospital prison in Marseille following a cerebral hemorrhage, said to AFP Wednesday his lawyer, Eric Barbolosi. "We do not go very far from the disaster; Charles Pieri complained for several days of headaches and we have warned the prison director and the magistrate who decided last Thursday of his hospitalization" said his lawyer contacted by telephone in Paris. According Barbolosi Me, the nationalist leader could have been the victim of a cerebral vascular accident (stroke). "I will request a medical examination to see if his condition is compatible with the prison and, if not, I will request a suspension of sentence for medical reasons," he said. Charles Pieri, 58, was sentenced to eight years in prison for various abuses of corporate assets used to fund his lifestyle and his underground movement. "It still has a dozen months to be served," said his lawyer.

Cosmetics better monitored

Which cosmetics would be really at risk during pregnancy?

In order to identify potentially dangerous for pregnant women and young children, Roselyne Bachelot, the Health Minister announced on 25 November, a series of new provisions.

A study to measure the potentially negative impact of some cosmetics during pregnancy, will be conducted by the AFSSAPS, the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products. Thereafter, a logo indicating that these products are not recommended for pregnant women and young children, could emerge.

It is also planned to insert the book maternity information on the potential risk of using these products.

Meanwhile, manufacturers of cosmetics were slow to react by, wanting to be reassuring. The Federation of Enterprises of beauty (FEBEA) said that no malformation could not be attributed to a cosmetic product. Moreover, the federation regretted not having been consulted on the measures announced, but claims to be "ready to lend its full cooperation with health authorities."

A premium of 5 to 7 euros per patient for doctors virtuous

The insurance will propose next year to GPs to receive a premium of 5 to 7 euros per patient, they are the doctor, if they reach targets to tackle the requirements and improve prevention. The annual premium for doctors who sign this contract improvement practices individual could reach an average of 5,000 euros (this calculation is based on the average number of patients registered with each doctor). The insurance would target about 5,000 to sign such contracts in 2009. These announcements were made yesterday in negotiations between health insurance and doctors, which must be completed before the end of the year. The director of the National Health Insurance, Frédéric Van Roekeghem, also said trade unions of doctors objectives "control medical expenditures for 2009. The insurance wishes to 220 million euros in savings on medicines, including 62 million on statins against cholesterol and 33 million of the antibiotics. It would also save 60 million on costs related to long-term illness and nearly 70 million of the daily allowances.

Switzerland / Health: uneven growth and psychic

The National Report on Health 2008 "Health in Switzerland" published Thursday by the Swiss Center of Health cites the unequal distribution of health and increases es troubels as psychological challenges .

According to the report, the unequal distribution of health in the population is mainly due to different levels of training and economic situation more or less favorable.

The increase in mental disorders and chronic diseases among others explained by population aging, the living conditions and individual behavior.

The report also indicates that the individual was the primary cause of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. But research shows more clearly that the health of an individual is also determined by external factors. The social situation and living conditions are described as social determinants.

The report shows that migrants, the elderly living in precarious financial conditions or single parents and they are particularly concerned by health problems.

In Switzerland, people with low educational level often suffer more than others to obesity, cardiovascular disease or lung cancer.

A Frenchman in four fears infectious diseases

One in four French fears of infectious diseases after a study on knowledge, perceptions, perceptions, attitudes and practices of the French population and medical practitioners vis-à-vis the risks and prevention.
INPE and InVS have pooled their expertise to conduct this investigation with the aim of "responding to a growing demand for protection against risks and develop appropriate actions."

26% of the population fear the chronic infectious diseases. They come in fourth position classification of diseases most feared after cancers (86%), neurological (47%) and cardiovascular disease (47%).

"Women fear more infections that could affect young children and men infections winter as seasonal influenza and gastro-enteritis," says the study.

To prevent infectious diseases, hygiene practices are the most cited by respondents to 61%. Nearly half of respondents (45%) say washing hands regularly, one third (30%) gives particular attention to their personal hygiene. And 15% is a good general hygiene, including the house, the laundry ... In cases of influenza, only a third of French people still at home.

The study was conducted in the first quarter of 2006, by telephone at 4112 people aged 18 to 79 years and from 1285 GPs and 782 pediatricians Liberals. It also includes food and zoonotic infections acquired during treatment and during travel.

Useful, fluoride?

"The interest of the systematic prescription fluoride in preventing tooth decay in infants and pregnant women is the subject of much debate" already warned the French Sanitary Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) in 2002 .

Today, Afssaps insists it cease recommended intake of fluoride in bottles of children under 6 years.

"In the early 80s, recalled Doctissimo, health professionals thought should be given fluoride by General (tablets, drops) during the mineralization of teeth to prevent the formation of cavities. Today, scientific studies show that fluoride is most effective when administered through local form of toothpaste on the teeth. "

The Afssaps recalls in its press release that preventing tooth decay is through education to oral hygiene adapted a healthy diet, proper use of fluoride and consultation early and regular dental surgeon. Whatever the level of risk of cavities in children, the most effective measure to prevent tooth decay is brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. The brush must be performed or witnessed by an adult child before 6 years or less autonomous.

The mass media could eradicate AIDS in ten years, according to a model

It would be theoretically possible, by screening systematic and universal voluntary AIDS, coupled with an immediate treatment to eradicate the disease in less than ten years, according to a mathematical analysis of researchers from the World Health Organization ( WHO) published this week in The Lancet medical journal. The researchers simulated by computer the spread of the disease situation in South Africa where 20% of the population is infected. If we tested annually in a country, any person over 15 years and if we immediately put on antiretroviral any HIV-positive person, this would reduce by 95% in the number of new cases in 10 years. In people treated, the risk of contamination is low, as has been shown at the conference in Mexico last August. "While there are other possibilities, our model suggests that only voluntary testing and the immediate treatment can reduce transmission to the elimination of the epidemic. In countries such as Africa South, it would be possible to the 2020s, "say the researchers. The transmission could be reduced to levels limited and the epidemic could fall substantially to disposal. The authors stress that their model is theoretical and wonder about its feasibility, particularly with regard to the protection of individual rights, drug resistance, toxicity and funding problems. The WHO will convene early next year a meeting of experts in ethics, defenders of human rights, clinicians, experts in prevention and administrators of programs against AIDS, to discuss its guidelines fight against AIDS. In late 2007, there were in the world around 3 million people who received treatment while 6.7 million in need. There was in 2007, nearly 2.7 million new cases of infection.

Pierre Lavoie great challenge: pedal to promote health

The cheeks reddened by the effort, Emmanuelle Fortin, nine and a half years sentence in his stationary bike in the Grand Caravan challenge Pierre Lavoie. "I rest when I coast down," she says, suddenly.

Nearly pedal it known people: the health minister, Yves Bolduc, Dr. Alain Poirier, National Director of Public Health, Dr. Paul Poirier, of Laval Hospital, Dr. Martin Juneau, the Institute of Montreal Heart. And even the chef Jean Soulard. They are there to support the Grand Challenge Pierre Lavoie.

The major challenge of prevention in health aims to make young Quebecers to counter obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The project has the support of the Ministry of Health, cardiologists, physical educators.

"If the trend continues, our children will have a lower life expectancy than their parents. This is a first in the history of mankind, "says Dr. Paul Poirier, fervent advocate of prevention.

In May, the physical educators distribute books "15 minutes active" in 4000 "ti-pits" of 2157 primary schools in Quebec. Each "15 minutes assets" worth one point. Parents, big brothers, big sisters, grandparents can also participate and put items in their book "ti-pit". Children of school winner will be invited to the big 14 and June 15 at Olympic Stadium. "The camp beds will be installed in the stadium, and the next day, the children will be invited to La Ronde," says Pierre Lavoie.

To give young people a taste of bouger, Pierre Lavoie made the tour with his caravan in some primary schools in 17 regions of Quebec.

It was school-des-Coeurs-Vaillants yesterday. During the day, all schoolchildren were given the chance to get on the stationary bike with a video screen on which cyclist paraded experienced rising coasts, bypassing obstacles, rides over bumps. Kids love.

The challenge Pierre Lavoie part adult pedal 1000 km in 40 hours. The Minister Yves Bolduc has promised to participate ... at least in part.

Who is Pierre Lavoie?

Pierre Lavoie lived in Saguenay? Lac-Saint-Jean. Two of his daughters died, with lactic acidosis. This hereditary genetic disease, found much in Saguenay, kills children before age five.

After the death of his daughters, Pierre Lavoie made marathons and cycling to raise money for research on lactic acidosis. The gene for the disease has been localized in 2003 at the Montreal Heart Institute. Pierre Lavoie is now devotes full time to his challenge of May.

Find a Doctor

Gaspé now has a seventh of Family Medicine Group (FMG). Thursday, a new grouping was launched in Matane. Nearly 20 doctors working together to provide better access to health care and medical monitoring improved.

Around Matane, nearly 600 people have no family doctor. The Director General of Health and Social Services in the Lower St. Lawrence, Claude Levesque, said that the new service will reduce that number.

The head of GMF, Diane Pinel, said that the situation at the hospital Matane should improve. "It is hoped that by giving an additional service that will relieve the urgency," she said, and that the real patients, who should be the emergency will be able to see a doctor. "

Already, nearly 7,000 patients are enrolled in the Group of Family Medicine Matane. The direction of reunification hopes to double that number in the coming months

According to Gaudreault, the Liberals are trying to hide their failure in health

Candidates PQ in the region intend to work actively towards realizing the regional aspects of the national party's health and social services they consider that the Charest government has failed in this area.

The member of Chicoutimi, Stéphane Bédard, has resumed attacks against the Liberal government and its choice of theme for this campaign. According Stéphane Bédard, Jean Charest wants to talk economics because he failed miserably health.


According to the member Bédard, the health care system today is no better than it was in 2003 when Jean Charest was elected promising to solve everything in a few months. Waiting in emergencies, access to a family physician and home care are still, according to PQ members, the realities faced daily by the citizens of Quebec.

Thus, candidates PQ advocate amending the criteria for the creation of family medicine groups to achieve a family doctor. At the moment, "said Denis Trottier, eight doctors must join together to form the units of care that can relieve emergencies. It would be advisable to reduce the number to five physicians to meet the reality of small communities

Artists and artisans de Beauce Salon artists and craftsmen 2008

The 24th edition of artists and artisans Beauce currently stands at the Cultural Center Fitzbach Marie-Saint-Georges until Sunday, 17 hours. This year the event is held under the honorary presidency of Chantal Nadeau, who specializes in embossed metal. There is a quarantine of artists and artisans grouped into four rooms on the third floor and in the chapel, store and the corridor is named Gallery of the Good Shepherd. Even if the organization is named after artists and artisans de Beauce, found among the exhibitors, creators of Berthier-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome, Red, St. Edgar, Gaspé, Sainte-Foy , Baie-Saint-Paul, Thetford Mines, Drummondville, Quebec and Levis. Among the artists that we know well, region, we find, in addition to the Honorary Chair, Chantal Nadeau, Gisèle Bolduc Saint-Georges, Gilberte Roy of Sainte-Marguerite, Gaétane Beauceville Bolduc, Michelle Arcand, Marie-Stella Morin, Stephane Fortin de Saint-Georges, Paul Audet of Sainte-Justine, Helen Hope, Saint-Simon-les-Mines, Lise Bernard, Lac-Poulin, Serge Nadeau Disraéli and Claude Pomerleau Saint Felix Benedict. It was probably wanted to innovate this year by hiring players jigs, but it did not appear to be a good idea to what some exhibitors had to endure this cacophony by raising our voices to speak with visitors. Of course, we could still enjoy the tunes of folklore as "the bacaisse swing in the bottom of the wooden box," the Reel to Simone "or" Devil's Reel "Ti-Jean Carignan.

Santa Claus made his entrance

Thousands of young and old were given appointments along Main Street in the Aylmer to attend the arrival of Santa Claus. The man from the North Pole made his entrance after a thirty groups and floats that participated in colors and music to its parade, a tradition now with the approach of Christmas. Santa now move at the Galeries Aylmer at least December to meet with young people and see if they were wise.

The CHUS inaugurates its new units mental health care

"Investment in mental health do not by high-tech devices, but by an environment adequate care and security and a team that made the journey towards restoring customer."

The Director General and Director of Professional Services Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Dr. Maurice Roy, said that the rearrangement of units mental health is part of extensive redevelopment project and expansion of the Hotel -God $ 112 million.

The four units of the 7th to the 10th floor of the Hotel-Dieu CHUS have undergone major renovations from the inside at the height of investments of $ 4.5 million, either in full budgetary targets.

From Monday, the latest mental health patients will be transferred to the care for affective disorders on the 10th floor to complete this vast redevelopment. Psychotic disorders (9th), the intensive rehabilitation (8th) as well as forensic psychiatry and intensive approaches (7th) had been renovations in recent months.

"The living units have been refurbished in order to promote interventions to prepare the customer to return to their living environment. The premises were not adapted to accommodate units therapeutic mental health. We needed places suitable methods of treatment. (...) The physical adjustments in connection with the reorganization of services in partnership with stakeholders, "said chief medical customer care program in mental health, psychiatrist Dr. Pierre Beauséjour, who recalls that these units represent 30 per cent of care activities at CHUS Hotel-Dieu.

"These units mental health provide a more adequate and better working environment. There is more space and privacy for customers and more security for staff and doctors, "said Chairman of the Board of CHUS, Jacques Fortier.

Fewer beds per room

A major redevelopment is that the rooms three or four beds have been replaced by private rooms and semi-private.

"We have created a conducive environment by offering more privacy for patients. The breakdown has been repaired and safety aspects have been improved. Each room now allows seats or stretchers to enter or leave. It will be easier to respond in emergencies physics, "says Dr Beauséjour.

"These are places that will offer one more chance. The human factor is very important, "said chief clinical and administrative Alain Dumais.

The number of beds floors of the four doomed to mental health care remains the same at 105. The average stay of those clients is about 20 to 22 days.

Units of mental health care in 1300 represent hospitalizations per year and more than 4,000 outpatients. Some 200 staff and 23 psychiatrists working with this clientele.

The consultation offices and outpatient clinics in mental health are also the subject of major renovations which continue until 2010.

Childbirth tragic

Justice
Quebec Superior Court has cleared the last week, adding two respondents in the pursuit for damages brought by the family of a woman died after childbirth in 1969 at Amqui. Marie-Marthe Arsenault died at the age of 44 years following a haemorrhage when she gave birth to her 17th child.

Several years ago, her family filed a lawsuit against the hospital Amqui, the family of Dr. Ange-Aimé Paquet, who conducted the delivery, and the insurance company Lombard. The request is now the College of Physicians and its former president and registrar Augustine Roy.

According to the prosecution, the College of Physicians and Roy made pressures on the hospital Amqui in order to restore its functions Dr. Paquet who had been accused of misjudgements. It had been referred to a hospital in the Beauce before being hired six months later at Amqui.

The Superior Court wondered whether the mother died without the great tolerance and pressures of the College of Physicians and the former registrar Roy.

"These people may be, notwithstanding the passage of time, sought responsibilities, even as far as 41 years later, and that is what the Superior Court gave us the answer," said counsel for the prosecution Gervais Turbide.

The College of Physicians analyzes the decision of the Superior Court. The body is not known yet whether to appeal the decision.

A sad story

Marie-Marthe-Arseneau Landry, 44 years old, and her baby born and the 17th child died in 1969 after childbirth conducted by Dr. Ange-Aimé Paquet. The baby was in the seat and the doctor used forceps, which had caused severe bleeding.

The story, which had made much noise at the time, was also being investigated by the coroner, J. Armand Drouin. The court refused to consider the document in the past.

The cause has not yet been heard on the merits.

The family Aseneau requires a little more than $ 1 million. To claim additional interest of 5% per year over 38 years.
Extract audio explanations of Nicole Blackburn

Blackville on the alert

Water
The citizens of the village of Blackville, New Brunswick, can freely test their drinking water. The Ministry of Health announced this precautionary measure following the discovery of high levels of arsenic in the blood of four.

The rate of arsenic in their blood is seven times higher than normal. These four people live in three different houses located about fifteen meters from each other.

The authorities have released no other details about them for reasons of confidentiality. They confirm that the arsenic contamination has not caused the water wells that these individuals have consumed.

Dr. Denis Allard, medical health officer, said that conducting a full investigation to discover the source of contamination. The survey will include food consumed by the four persons and their hobbies. So far, all tests are negative.

Dr. Allard states that asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to send a specialist who could help the investigation.

The fast-food promote Alzheimer's

The fast-dood, which is rich in sugar, fat and cholesterol, promotes the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a doctoral thesis at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

Mice that received for nine months a diet rich in fat, sugar and cholesterol have developed brain abnormalities similar to those found in people with Alzheimer's disease.

The researcher is Susanne Akterin his colleagues found in mice modified génétiquememt, an increase of phosphate attached to the tau proteins that accumulate inside the nerve cells and prevents them from functioning normally. Cholesterol also reduced levels of another substance, the Arc protein involved in the encoding of memory.

These mice had first been genetically modified to mimic the effect of a variant of a human gene called apoE4, which is a risk factor for the disease and one of whose functions is to transport cholesterol.

A high intake in fat and cholesterol, combined with genetic factors, may affect several substances in the brain and be one of the causes of developing Alzheimer's disease, summarized the researcher.

Previous research has shown that a relatively low dietary antioxidants may also increase the risk of Alzheimer's. This research has shown that two antioxidants are dysfunctional in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, which can lead to the death of nerve cells.

A suspected case of bird flu spreads panic in Mauritius

The hospital Dr Jeetoo Port-Louis has witnessed a scene of panic Friday afternoon and early evening, because of the presence in the emergency department of a Mauritian, back from a trip to Indonesia and Malaysia, which presented the symptoms of bird flu.


Aged 67 years, this woman had a high fever on arrival at hospital. It is not clear so far which started the rumor that she had been infected by bird flu.

A patient who was examine by a doctor said he had heard all of a sudden the words from a nurse that a serious infection has arrived and that you have to wear masks.

"Everybody ran, doctors, nurses and other staff of the hospital, and masks were distributed to all those who were present, even police officers who were providing the service order," she recounted. Other patients waiting their turn, have been locked in a room.

In the meantime, the woman was isolated pending the outcome of the tests. The director of this hospital, Dr. Somnath Maharahaje said thereafter was not a case of avian flu.

"We have seen a disproportionate hysteria. There is no suspected case of bird flu. We have a person who returned from a trip to Indonesia and suffering from fever and hypothiroïde. We samples for further analysis. There is no fear of contamination, "he assured.

The health minister, Rajesh JEETAH, is also descended to the hospital to reassure patients.

France specializes in cancer tests

The place occupied by France in the world organization of clinical trials of medications is apparently stable. The investigation made public Friday, 21 November, The Business of the drug (LEEM), the fourth of its kind, was conducted among 19 pharmaceutical companies (including eight found in the top ten global). It shows that in 2008 France was - as in 2006 -, 8% of patients recruited, or more than 24 000 patients for almost 400 clinical studies.
A 9 hours by e-mail, receive the titles of the newspaper to be published in the afternoon.
Subscribe to Monde.fr: € 6 per month + 30 days offered
On the same subject
The Medical Research made a concentrated effort in North
Viewpoint Cancer: the words to say, by Jacqueline Hénard

Compared to the 2006 survey, this stability is in fact an erosion relative to the East who earn "market share" from 15% in 2006 to 18% in 2008. The weight of the United States is reduced by 17% in 2006 to 13% in 2008.

More than half of studies conducted by international laboratories are not proposed to France (30% in 2006), but France says, however, a growing specialization in oncology, hematology and infectious diseases (vaccines). These three therapeutic areas totaled 77% of the total number of patients recruited in France, 20 321 people.

Clinical trials are a key funding for hospitals and doctors are an essential tool to upgrade their knowledge. For emerging countries, they are a tool for modernizing the hospital and a means to provide patients the most innovative molecules sick they have no access.

Bell Canada will eliminate 250 jobs in Canada office by February

Bell Canada will cut 250 jobs at several locations across Canada, including Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, but wanted to relocate some of the workers inside the company, in addition to rely on a number Voluntary departure.

The process should be completed on February 10, said Friday the public relations of the company, Jacques Bouchard.

"We will work with a number of them to help them find a job at Bell," he stated. Bouchard said "hope" to relocate all workers, but said that it "will depend on the number of voluntary departures."

The Canadian Union of Communications, Energy and Paperworkers deplored Friday, in a press release that "250 employees of the office staff of Bell Canada (lose) their jobs at the expense of a company overseas", a assertion that Jacques Bouchard has categorically denied.

"Like many other companies, Bell effectively outsourcing ( 'outsourcing'), but this relocation has absolutely nothing to do with it," he said.

Ontario prisoners have been affected by listeria

prisoners of Ontario prison seven institutions could be affected by the bacterium Listeria to cause listeriosis, have informed health authorities in that province.

In a press release Saturday, the Ministry of Health of Ontario has indicated a supplier of food products from Milton informed the Regional Health Halton, Friday, that take samples of food have shown Traces of Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis.

The tests were carried out on products that could be consumed between 13 and 16 November. Following the positive tests, the regional department of the health of Halton Region ordered the provider Eurest Dining Services to cease production and distribution of its products and immediately set in motion a system for disinfecting and sterilizing plant and equipment.

No cases of listeriosis have been reported. The institutions involved are the Vanier Center for Women in Milton, the Correctional Center North Central Penetanguishene, the Center Correctional Center East in Lindsay, the detention center of Ottawa-Carleton, the Correctional Center and processing Valley St. Lawrence Correctional Center and the treatment of Brockville and the prison of Brockville.

The correctional officers monitor prisoners and staff in order to detect possible signs of the disease. Some of the prisoners who could be affected since returned in the population.

An appeal was made by Dr. David Williams of the Ontario Department of Health, asking people who might be exposed to the bacteria between 13 and 16 November to pass tests to determine if they were not suffering from listeriosis .

Health Agency of Montreal The light at the end of the tunnel?

The Agency for Health of Montreal calls on all hospitals on the island of Montreal to reduce overtime of their nurses by half within two years. This recommendation, contained in the Action Plan on the workforce of the Agency, is an attempt to attract and retain employees in the health system.

The Agency urges hospitals to transform overtime worked by nurses in permanent posts. The overtime worked by nurses in hospitals in Montreal are currently 700 posts full-time nurses.

The agency hopes to be able to cope with labor shortages and retirements on the horizon in this sector.

Trade unions, calling such a measure for years, do not ask better than to applaud, but they express some reservations. "If the Agency said that, we are very happy," says president of the Alliance of inter Montreal, Régine Lawrence. "The problem is that the guidelines are fine on paper, but locally, in institutions, this is not what is being done. "

Ms. Lawrence said that such measures have already been adopted, without results. She still hopes that this time will be good for employee health network.

Arrhythmia An innovative technology CHUS

Patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, the shape of the most common arrhythmia in adults, can now be treated with a new technology at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS). The property is the first in Quebec to use this method reduces both the stress of patients and doctors. Method to treat arrhythmia in CHUS The technique involves inserting a catheter into the heart to burn the nerve tissue causing the irregular heartbeat. The new method used to CHUS usually combines two independent systems. One takes pictures of the anatomy of the heart in real time and the other produces three-dimensional images from inside the body. The method reduces the time for intervention and risks that may be involved. "It burns the places that need veins Removal and then avoids places that should not be affected," said Dr Jean-François Roux, who is cardiologist-electrophysiology. This intervention, which lasts four to five hours, thereafter allows patients to stop taking drugs to treat arrhythmia. About 2% of adults who are aged over 60 suffer from atrial fibrillation.

Sudbury Regional Hospital 24 beds to alleviate crisis

Sudbury Regional Hospital (Laurentian) The Ministry of Health grant funding to finally allow the opening of 24 temporary beds at the Sudbury Regional Hospital (HRSRH) to address the shortage. The fact that 25 to 30% of hospital beds is occupied by patients who should be in care centers long-term force the cancellation of surgeries daily for several months. Surgeons unhappy threatened to increase the pressure if solutions were not found by 1 December, some even threatened to leave the region. The president of LAN integration of health care (LHIN) North East, the body which the hospital gets its funding, went to Toronto Thursday to get faster funds from a provincial program whose establishment has not yet been officially announced. This program will help hospitals grappling with the problem of availability of beds. The president and CEO of the HRSRH, Vickie Kaminski, estimated that four weeks to open all 24 new beds for the establishment Laurentien, but it is possible that six to eight beds welcome their first patients early next week. She contends that once the beds open, the establishment cancel more surgeries. Ms. Kaminski noted that the hospital and the province are still working to find a long-term solution to the crisis, a solution that will improve home care.

The "deficit" has the broad back!

Jean Charest is wrong to blame the PQ responsibility for everything that goes wrong in the health system, while he is in command for nearly six years. His government has not even been able to steer the construction project CHUM!

It remains the responsibility of the PQ - and Pauline Marois itself - is indisputable in the crucial area of medical and nursing staff.



The decision to retire thousands of professionals in the healthcare network was taken when his predecessor Jean Rochon was in office, but Ms. Marois then took over. However, contrary to what she says today, this devastating operation was not necessary to eliminate the deficit.

Refer us at the time. Premier Lucien Bouchard has launched the fight against the deficit. To do so, he needs the support of unions. Which, of course, will negotiate their support. Like elsewhere federations of doctors, who prefer to be offered up to the golden retirement rather than agree to cut back on their remuneration.

Initially, there was no question of providing health care professionals these "golden handshakes". The minister Rochon was opposed and wanted the "downsizing" of the public offering the health sector. This was without counting Gerald Larose, then president of the CSN, which had its entries with Mr. Bouchard. Mr. Larose held Mordicus that unionized health can rely on the same tender. And Bouchard failed, causing the terrible blow haemorrhage which we suffer today.

This is the story of a glorious little decision that Ms. Marois trying to pretend it was an inevitable surgery.

* * *

His personal responsibility was mixed as it has qu'hériter this case. In fact, she did not even need to exclaim "if it were to start again, I referring (and then contradict the next day) because it did not initiate this decision.

But it has diligently participated in the operation, judging by the revelations of Jacques-A. Plamondon, the former rector of the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres who told Wednesday's La Presse meeting occurred on November 21 1997 between the rectors and Ms. Marois, then Minister of Education.

"To the astonishment of Rectors, he writes, the Minister opened the meeting by saying there are too many nurses in Quebec, and that therefore it calls on universities that offer training programs in nursing d 'close admissions. The President of the Conference of Rectors he pointed out that this measure would have a high cost for universities, and recalls that under their autonomy, they remain responsible for the quota. "

The minister reply by saying that it will not hesitate to use its right to intervene to block access to the labor market for new Bachelor in nursing. "Universities have no choice," says Plamondon, they should comply, even if they felt that there was abuse of power. "

Students who at the time could have been admitted to one of four university nursing programs, rather than 70 years as Marois says about prematurely retired nurse, would be in their thirties today ! That would equal more nurses.

Mr. Plamondon says that once passed to the Ministry of Health, Ms. Marois had "launched a cry of alarm about the shortage of nurses, demonstrating that the dangers that the system was run health policy unfortunate dry basin resources was known to the ministry. " However, some time later, while she was Minister of Finance, Ms. Marois would deny universities the funds necessary to reactivate the training in nursing.

To this charge, Ms. Marois said she had only to comply with a recommendation of the Order of Nurses, who felt that there was a surplus of nurses. The explanation wrong, because the Order, in its opinion at the time, stated that the nurses were trained in college who were in surplus, not those with a university education.

The effectiveness of ginkgo in doubt

The extract of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) could not be effective in preventing or slowing dementia associated with aging, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The clinical trial was conducted in the United States to 3 069 people aged on average 79 years.

Participants were initially sound mind (2 587 subjects) or distressed slight cognitive deficits associated with age (482 subjects). During six to seven years, they had to take two tablets a day of a standardized extract of ginkgo (120 mg per tablet extract - EGB 761 ®) or a placebo equivalent. At the end of the test, about 3% of the participants had received a medical diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease and the proportion of people living in the same was assigned to the ginkgo group and the control group.

The study noted that it is possible that ginkgo may be beneficial in the long term in people aged less, but they do not hide their disappointment at the results.

In this test, the researchers did not compare the effects of ginkgo to a drug, since there is still no evidence that has any effectiveness in this regard. They were looking at whether ginkgo could fill this vacuum therapy.

"The time between the initial changes in the brain and the onset of clinical signs of dementia is very long, so it is always possible that ginkgo has effects, positive or negative, over a period of time long, "write the authors of the study concluded.

Only 60% of the participants had taken their tablets accurately, both in the placebo group than in the active group, also reported the researchers. It is unclear if this protocol glitch could affect the results.

Researchers have however found no adverse effects related to ginkgo, including the risks of bleeding that often associated with the use of this plant. Further tests on the scale of ginkgo are underway.

Disease indebtedness

Almost eight in ten people in debt have physical or psychological problems. This was the first survey revealed flash conducted by the Coalition of Consumer Associations of Quebec (CACQ) on the impact of debt on Health, whose results were announced today.

According to the survey of consumer associations from 96 people, 77% of them said to feel discouraged, have constantly want to cry and want to leave everything because of their debt situation.

In addition, 73% of respondents said they had trouble sleeping because of their financial situation and 67% suffer isolation and seclusion.
"Several advisers consumer associations had noticed that the number of people who arrived discouraged, depressed or burn-out had increased in recent years," said Clemence Gagnon, spokesman for the campaign in the margin up neck and budget consultant for over 15 years in a consumer association. We wanted to verify this information. The investigation flash enabled us to conclude that more and more people are indebted weakened on the psychological and physical. "

Debt galloping
In Quebec, in 1990, an average consumer spends 110% of its disposable income. The debt ratio rose to 131% in 2007.

"The credit is made trite. It has become a solution to everything, said Ms. Gagnon. People have the impression that since the credit is very accessible, they no longer need to save. The credit has become their safety net. "

The savings rate has dropped in Quebec between 1990 and today, from 13% to 1%. Since 1990, debt increased seven times faster than revenues.

With this in mind, the CACQ asked the government to intervene to better regulate advertising on credit, especially for young people.
The CACQ proposes to prohibit solicitation on credit to young people under 18 years, including in schools, and prohibit credit solicitations custom made by mail, telephone and Internet.

"The debt cache of real social problems, said Ms. Gagnon. We believe that the state has a major role to play. "

The Office of Consumer Protection said it would review the issue of credit this winter, as part of the discussion related to the updating process of law.

Health Care in Canada Shortage of doctors

The shortage of pediatricians currently raging in Quebec wreaked havoc in children's hospitals. In emergencies, we must resort to all sorts of stratagems to arrive to treat patients, many of whom left before seeing a doctor. According to the Federation of Medical Specialists, Pediatricians lacks 59 out of 446 in the province. "The shortage affects everyone," warned the director of the urgency of the Montreal Children's Hospital, Harley Eisman. If untreated "The rubber band is at the end and it is cracked," said his counterpart at Sainte-Justine, Michael Arsenault. Its establishment has held a press conference yesterday to review the serious lack of staff. One in five children leave the urgency of this hospital before seeing the doctor because her parents can no longer wait. In 10 years, Sainte-Justine rose from 58 to less than 25 emergency. Pediatricians other units come lend hand to their colleagues in overtime, but with maternity leave and retirement on the horizon, it is difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel. "For minor problems, be prepared to wait a very long time," warns Dr. Arsenault, who refuses to quantify this expectation. Although that also problematic, the situation is less difficult on the other side of Mount Royal, the Montreal Children's Hospital. Only one patient in 20 starts prior to the urgency of having met the doctor. Mutual The facility employs about twenty emergency but on the contribution of almost 60 pediatricians clinics and other departments, which regularly shifts to the urgency for several years. "They go after their day or when it's quiet in their department." Last year, fearing the impact of the shortage, it has introduced a new triage system in emergency: a fast track for minor cases. "These children see a single nurse triage and are referred to a doctor who deals only with such cases, says Dr. Eisman. So, they monopolize fewer resources. " Ideally, according to two hospitals, is that parents bring their children to clinics or CLSC for minor cases. "An ear infection does not need to be addressed in a university hospital," Dr. Eisman installment.

Health headlines Destination Memory: Ginkgo biloba failed!

The benefits loaned to Ginkgo biloba in the fight against disorders of memory would be ... in fact almost zero.

According to an American work, its extracts have shown no effect, nor in the prevention of dementia than Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Steven Dekosky, University of Pittsburgh conducted a very serious study on the subject. During 6 years, he has 3 069 people over 75 years free of major cognitive disorders. To evaluate the effectiveness of Ginkg biloba, Dekosky deferred to a randomized double-blind against placebo. Work in the rules, half the participants receiving 120 mg of extracts of Ginkgo twice a day, the others formed a control group treated with placebo.

The results are unequivocal. In the Ginkgo group, 277 patients developed dementia, against 246. For the author, the conclusion: "we do not recommend taking Ginkgo biloba in prevention of dementia."

New markers discovered

The diagnosis of breast cancer could get easier in the coming years thanks to the work at the University of Sherbrooke. Approximately twenty researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences found 41 molecular markers involved in the occurrence of this cancer, most prevalent among Canadians. At present, oncologists establish the diagnosis of breast cancer by evaluating the observation tissues. According to Professor Sheriff Abou Elela, this breakthrough paves the way for a better evaluation of treatment of this disease. Thanks to 41 new molecular markers associated specifically in breast tissue could determine more precisely whether a biopsy sample is composed of normal or cancerous cells. - Dr. Sheriff Abou Elela These markers create a pattern associated with breast cancer, which will establish the diagnosis with a simple molecular test automated. Moreover, this test will give more information on the type of tumor, its degree of aggressiveness and its biology. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a diagnosis as soon as possible, then the appropriate treatment. - Dr. Sheriff Abou Elela Now we must expand research and study a larger number of samples to offer the test in clinical settings.

Papineau would be a boost for Liberal government

If the Liberal government was re-elected, the health minister, Yves Bolduc, has pledged to adjust upward the Center's budget for health and social services Papineau (CSSSP) a year to better meet the needs growing population which increases each year.

"It (the CSSSP) I will submit a plan of the resources needed to meet the real needs of the population, and within a year, we will be able to rebalance services. Regarding the development of services, we will adjust the budget as they develop over the next four years, "said Bolduc Minister, during his visit to CLSC de la Petite-Nation.



The CSSSP has often criticized the underfunding. Its budget per capita for services is $ 813 while the average for the region is $ 959. It calculates a shortfall of $ 8.8 million.

The minister also authorized the funding needed to recruit a second new doctor who wants to join the medical team of Petite-Nation, in September 2009. "We must foster rural areas because it is more difficult to recruit. That is what I call positive discrimination, "said Bolduc.

These additions will allow medical staff to have enough doctors to open the emergency stabilization of Saint-Andre-Avellin seven days a week (instead of six), from next autumn, and extend its hours 'opening.

Bolduc The minister pledged to add 11 new beds for long-term care to the 55 already in the proposed expansion of the reception center of Buckingham sector, starting in 2010. The new wing will repatriate bed long-term care, which are currently in hospital in Papineau.

The president of CSSSP, Lucie Lalonde, welcomes the commitments of the minister. "Our requests were listened to, heard and understood. Work is now in our camp and attitude is very positive, "she said.

The debt, a threat to mental health

The personal debts can have serious consequences on mental health. This is an investigation by the Coalition of Consumer Associations of Quebec. The results of the survey a hundred people are without appeal. Some 77 percent of respondents feel discouraged and want to leave everything. In addition, 30 percent of those surveyed are a link between suicidal thoughts and debt. "They no longer have the ability to repay, said Clemence Gagnon of the Coalition of Consumer Associations of Quebec. Or, if they have the ability to repay, they have to deprive of essential goods, so it creates conflicts. " The Coalition requests the Government of Quebec prohibit the solicitation and advertising for credit cards, especially among young people under 18.

"The climate of chicane that has been delayed for five years" - Yves Bolduc

"The climate of chicane that has been delayed for five years" - Yves Bolduc According to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Yves Bolduc, the Outaouais is one of the most advantageous to work. But recruitment is difficult because of internal conflicts at the time of the merger of two hospitals. "The climate of chicane that has been delayed for five years," he said when asked about the difficulties of recruiting despite the special status and beauty of the region. A folder that the minister knows well since he was involved in the case as trustee. He recalled that he worked one year in hospital in Hull and one year in hospital in Gatineau. The working climate is now very high income, he says, and the work being done to attract health professionals, but the previous situation of conflict has always an impact. And this is not the only reason, he adds. "The special status that the region has health should allow you to recruit more staff. But we can not recruit there not. There is a shortage of personnel in Quebec and is more pronounced in the region, particularly in specialty. " The latter believes that several steps must be taken to ensure more personal, starting with bonuses to convince retirees to continue their practice a few years. Measures are planned specifically for nurses. "The government will give incentives to young nurses who will start, $ 3,000 per year for the first three years. Those who are in place we will try to ensure a permanent position. " "But what is more favorable for you, the local training. We want to develop strategies for recruitment and retention in the long run, among other campus health. Because people who are trained locally are more likely to stay. " In terms of recruitment strategy, Yves Bolduc stressed the importance of immediately begin to approach young people who come in two or three years to successfully attract in Ottawa. Other measures in the region, Mr. Bolduc spoke of the establishment in the coming months a clinic appointment for the taking of blood, as it exists elsewhere

Claudia relives through the first trachea graft without immunosuppressive

A young mother Colombian 30 years, Claudia Castillo, suffering from breathing problems, has received the first trachea transplant without the need to take immunosuppressive drugs and thus able to regain a normal life, according to a European team . This transplant on 12 June 2008 in Barcelona (Spain), based on the use of a donor trachea and adult stem cells from the young woman, is described online Wednesday in the British medical journal The Lancet by Barcelona teams, Padua and Milan (Italy) and the University of Bristol (Great Britain). After four years of wandering in consultation consultation, Claudia Castillo, a victim of tuberculosis diagnosed too late, has found a solution to its problems breathing. In March she became unable to care for her two children or perform simple household chores. The damage on its left main bronchus are such it would have the option of conventional removal of the left lung. To avoid this risky operation mutilating, Professor Paolo Macchiarini, a specialist in thoracic surgery in Barcelona (Hospital Clinico de Barcelona) and his colleagues decided, with the approval of the ethics committees concerned, this attempt to graft a new genre. Seven centimeters of trachea of a woman 51 years, died of a brain haemorrhage, are previously cleared of all its cells, in order not to provoke rejection once transplanted. It then takes on the patient Colombian stem cells from bone marrow: mesenchymal cells, capable of cartilage cells (chondrocytes). Other cells (of epithelial cells) are also taken on a healthy part of his trachea. Then, the donor trachea is a device placed in a "bioreactor" specially designed for this purpose, which made the turn with the cells of the patient. Thus the body is colonized by cells of the future recipient. What has prevented the lifelong treatment against the rejection of the transplanted organ. Ten days after the transplant, Claudia out of the hospital. Since then she goes and is now able to mount two floors or walk 500 meters without stopping and, perhaps most importantly, to care for her children, according to his doctors. She welcomed "to take advantage of new life" and was "pleased to be cured." This innovation in medicine could benefit other diseases of upper respiratory tract (congenital deformity, some tumors, etc.). Can not benefit from conventional surgery, according to the university Barcelona. However, for a better evaluation of these results, medical monitoring over longer periods are necessary, consider two Japanese, doctors Toshihiko Sato and Tatsuo Nakamura of Kyoto University in Lancet. The first transplant with the donor trachea was described in the same magazine in 1979.

New markers discovered

The diagnosis of breast cancer could get easier in the coming years thanks to the work at the University of Sherbrooke. Approximately twenty researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences found 41 molecular markers involved in the occurrence of this cancer, most prevalent among Canadians. At present, oncologists establish the diagnosis of breast cancer by evaluating the observation tissues. According to Professor Sheriff Abou Elela, this breakthrough paves the way for a better evaluation of treatment of this disease. Thanks to 41 new molecular markers associated specifically in breast tissue could determine more precisely whether a biopsy sample is composed of normal or cancerous cells. - Dr. Sheriff Abou Elela These markers create a pattern associated with breast cancer, which will establish the diagnosis with a simple molecular test automated. Moreover, this test will give more information on the type of tumor, its degree of aggressiveness and its biology. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a diagnosis as soon as possible, then the appropriate treatment. - Dr. Sheriff Abou Elela Now we must expand research and study a larger number of samples to offer the test in clinical settings. Details of this research is published in the journal Cancer Research.

Asthma often misdiagnosed, according to a Canadian study

A third of people with asthma who was diagnosed in Canada may not suffer from this disease, according to a study by Canadian researchers suggest that asthma is "surdiagnostiqué" in developed countries. The work published Tuesday in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) indicate that many patients suffer from asthma thinking take unnecessary and expensive drugs that may also have adverse side effects. The study particularly by Dr. Shawn Aaron, head of respiratory medicine of the Ottawa Hospital, said that about 496 patients studied by the researchers, about one-third actually do not suffer from asthma. In some cases patients suffered from flu or other respiratory disorders. Dr. Aaron and his staff show that "almost one third of patients with diagnosed the presence of asthma did in fact show no signs of illness after undergoing rigorous testing and ceased to take medication against asthma, CMAJ stressed in an editorial. "This indicates that in countries like Canada, asthma is surdiagnostiqué", researchers believe. Between 1980 and 1995 the incidence of asthma has increased by 75% in Canada and the USA. According to figures from the Institute of Statistics, 8.3% of the population, some 2.3 million people suffering from asthma in 2005. Recent epidemiological data indicate that 300 million people suffer from asthma in the world and the global burden likely to increase to 100 million cases by 2025, says the editorial in the CMAJ, noting that "overestimates Perhaps the magnitude of the problem. " For Canadian researchers, the increase of cases and diagnoses of asthma could be due to greater awareness of the disease, particularly stimulated by the pharmaceutical industry has developed new products against this disease and is advertising. Dr. Aaron and his colleagues believe that Misdiagnosis due in large part by the lack of much use spirometer, a device that can measure the speed and volume of the lungs breathing. It is "unacceptable" not to diagnose asthma "objectively" with such a device, find the authors of the editorial. "We consider that a doctor who tries to treat hypertension without measuring blood pressure (...) does not comply to an adequate standard of care. Treating asthma without having at least one spirometry, it ' is the same thing, "they write.

Bolduc The minister appealed to clinics

The next week, especially those of January 2009, will be extremely critical for the Sainte-Justine Hospital for Children, Montreal, recalled management, which explains its difficulties by a decrease of pediatricians to the urgency and too busy Case tried minors. Before the crisis, the health minister, Yves Bolduc, Tuesday launched an appeal to "professionalism" of doctors in the Montreal area to accept longer to open the doors of their clinics to treat peripheral and more less urgent cases, which would help to relieve the urgency of the Sainte-Justine Hospital. The head of emergencies, Dr. Michael Arsenault took advantage of a press briefing Tuesday, again to sound the alarm by calling to better organization of the healthcare network. "The rubber band is stretched to its maximum," he acknowledged. For various reasons, it will remain a score of 58 doctors who were stationed in the pediatric emergency ten years ago. At the moment, three young doctors would be on maternity leave and other sick leave. It expects two more departures in January 2009. The minister said Bolduc sympathize with the doctors at the emergency hospital of Sainte-Justine. According to him, most of the problem would be resolved if doctors in Montreal, like those engaged in the region, agreed to open their clinics at certain times during evenings and weekends to treat cases of influenza Of ear infections and other infections less urgent.

Your mouth is the mirror of your health "

The College of Dental Hygienists of Quebec (OHDQ) has been involved this week in the awareness campaign "Your mouth is the mirror of your health", which aims to raise awareness of the critical role oral health in the general health of the individual. The campaign also stresses the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist.

"We often ignore the link between oral disease and many health problems including diabetes and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Oral health is a determinant of quality of life as mentioned the World Health Organization, "said the president of the College of Dental Hygienists of Quebec, Johanne Côté, HD.

Agency for Health and Social Services in the Lower St. Lawrence

This campaign is the work of the Health and Social Services Bas Saint-Laurent, in collaboration with other agencies on the North Shore, Chaudière-Appalaches and Gaspésie - Iles-de - la-Madeleine. This campaign is directly linked to the work of dental hygienists who play a leading role in education and prevention among primary school children. Dental hygienists spend more than 70% of their time on individualized interventions for children at risk.

As part of this campaign, dental hygienists will distribute leaflets to raise awareness among the population of the regions concerned. "This will be an additional opportunity to share with young people. Dental hygienists benefit for remind all preventive measures available to keep oral health of more optimal, "said Ms. Côté.


The College of Dental Hygienists of Quebec, with its more than 4 700 members, protects the public by monitoring the exercise of the profession. The College promotes the professional development of dental hygienists in prevention and education and supports the achievement of excellence in practice. The Order ensures high standards of practice and professional ethics for its members, contributing continuously to improve the oral health of Quebecers.

A gift for Christmas

From left to right, Nancy Lacroix (Family mono and reconstituted), Tania Poulin (birthplace), Isabelle Fecteau (thinning), Marie-Josée Gagné (Maison de la famille) and Anne-Marie Lessard (Beaubois and Pomerleau)

Not all children receiving toys as gifts for Christmas. The forgotten are becoming more and there are ways to help less affluent families to enjoy at least some little more.

This year, four agencies, with the help of Para-Graph Design, organize promotion "A gift for Christmas. These organizations are the Association of single parent families and reconstituted the boiler, Havre thinning, La Maison de la famille-Beauce Etchemin and Resource The Cradle.

Together ask people to do something concrete for dependent children of those organizations that are 300. Thus, from 27 to 30 November, from 4 to 7 and December 11 to December 14, a booth will be located in the mall (near escalators) of mall Carrefour Saint-Georges. It will choose a box identifying the child, his age and his desire to gift. These are gifts with a value of approximately $ 20. Those who do not wish to make a gift, however, can make a monetary contribution will be used to supplement purchases. The bodies of the packaging and delivery of gifts

It is important to emphasize that the Zellers store offers a 10% discount on the purchase of these gifts, with presentation of the label. In addition, the harvest is already started because companies Beaubois and Pomerleau have already contributed to the purchase of 50 gifts each.

The booth will be open to dates at the following hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 17h to 21h, Saturdays from 10am to 17h and Sundays from 11h to 17h.

Asthma often misdiagnosed

One third of people with asthma who was diagnosed in Canada may not suffer from this disease, according to a study by Canadian researchers suggest that asthma is "surdiagnostiqué" in developed countries.

The work published today in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) indicate that many patients suffer from asthma thinking take unnecessary and expensive drugs that may also have adverse side effects.

The study particularly by Dr. Shawn Aaron, head of respiratory medicine of the Ottawa Hospital, said that about 496 patients studied by the researchers, about one-third actually do not suffer from asthma.
In some cases patients suffered from flu or other respiratory disorders.

Bolduc The minister appealed to clinics

The next week, especially those of January 2009, will be extremely critical for the Sainte-Justine Hospital for Children, Montreal, recalled management, which explains its difficulties by a decrease of pediatricians to the urgency and too busy Case tried minors.

Before the crisis, the health minister, Yves Bolduc, Tuesday launched an appeal to "professionalism" of doctors in the Montreal area to accept longer to open the doors of their clinics to treat peripheral and more less urgent cases, which would help to relieve the urgency of the Sainte-Justine Hospital.

The head of emergencies, Dr. Michael Arsenault took advantage of a press briefing Tuesday, again to sound the alarm by calling

to better organization of the healthcare network. "The rubber band is stretched to its maximum," he acknowledged.

For various reasons, it will remain a score of 58 doctors who were stationed in the pediatric emergency ten years ago. At the moment, three young doctors would be on maternity leave and other sick leave. It expects two more departures in January 2009.

The minister said Bolduc sympathize with the doctors at the emergency hospital of Sainte-Justine.

According to him, most of the problem would be resolved if doctors in Montreal, like those engaged in the region, agreed to open their clinics at certain times during evenings and weekends to treat cases of influenza Of ear infections and other infections less urgent.

1000 promises Marois doctors

Pauline Marois promises up to 1 000 family physicians in Quebec and more committed to it, to "enhance" with this specialization of medical students. But no question of paying more, she says.

A govern ment head Marois $ 135 million over three years to the development of family medicine groups (GMF) to add 150 new GMF to 178 existing in Quebec, served as PQ leader, yesterday. "Each Quebecers will have access to a family doctor within five years," she summary, regretting that 26.5% do not currently have.

Even relaxing the rules to allow clinics or doctors already existing practice family medicine, will still employ between 700 and 1,000 new doctors, Ms. Marois admitted. It aims to persuade more students to choose family medicine, a specialty that has a bad reputation.

"There is great value to keep people healthy throughout their lives, called the PQ leader. It takes most interesting courses that doctors in training are made more frequent contact with family medicine. It is a question of attitude, support and support. "


But no question of paying a salary more attractive to family doctors. "It is not planned", submitted Ms. Marois, who hopes instead that the introduction of electronic patient records and support of nutritionists, and therapists to social workers make family medicine more attractive.

In addition, a PQ government would add $ 100 million of new money to $ 400 million over five years already announced by the Charest government in the care and support at home for seniors.

"This will reduce the pressure on resources in long-term accommodation and costs of emergency room visits and hospitalizations unnecessary," said Dr. Rejean Hebert, PQ candidate in the constituency of St. Francis.

These are used, among other things, pay for home care provided by health centers and social services (CSSS), to finance small businesses that provide services at home (in aid to housekeeping, by example) and offer the services of nutritionists.

The streets of Ottawa flooded with pink for breast cancer

The phrase "walk" every year. Once again this weekend, no fewer than 10 000 people were pink in the streets of Ottawa to show solidarity with these women - and men - affected by breast cancer.

Rarely achieved by this type of cancer, men still account for 1% of the victims. Like women, men have breast tissue and can develop this cancer.



Men aged 60 and over are most often diagnosed, but a new trend is emerging with the times changing. Transsexuals are also at risk of contracting breast cancer when they receive excessive doses of hormones such as estrogen.

The CIBC Run for the Cure took place under cloudy skies in chilly Saturday morning instead.

Martin Chénier decided to get involved in the cause eight years ago. It is now co-director of the event.

"I did not know anyone affected by breast cancer when I started to get involved in 2000. Then one day, the wife of a friend discovered a lump on one breast. She was diagnosed with cancer at age 29. It's very young. In general, this cancer affects women aged 50 and over, "he says.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 5300 women and 50 men will die of cancer in 2008.

"The good news is that research, paid partly with our events, now enables us to display the lowest rate of deaths related to cancer for 50 years," says Chenier.

Pharmacists in hospitals Continuation of pressure

Pharmacists working in hospitals will continue this week to their pressure.

Internships for students of Bachelor of Pharmacy will be canceled during the day.

Students in pharmacy from the University of Montreal will be deprived of their training Tuesday. This will affect various health and social services (CSSS) of the province, including Montreal, Saguenay, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and St. Jerome.

Students of Bachelor of Pharmacy from Quebec will be deprived of the next stage in hospitals CHUQ, Robert-Giffard, in hospital or at Laval University Institute in mental health. Other students will also be affected Thursday, including those of CSSS de Rimouski.

Hospital pharmacists asking the government to improve the conditions of pay of their profession to alleviate the shortage of manpower.

A meeting is scheduled Thursday between the Association of Hospital Pharmacists and the Ministry of Health.

The future of IQUAF is assured

The long-term viability of the Institut québécois development of deciduous forest (IQUAF), in Ripon, is ensured through an investment of $ 2.5 million from the Quebec government.

The outgoing Liberal MP in the riding of Papineau, Norm MacMillan, must make the announcement this week.

Established in 1989, the IQUAF is the only Canadian Forest applied research, development and technology transfer dedicated to the sustainable development of deciduous forest.

The IQUAF now employs a dozen people. His research affect the ecology, forestry and forest management.

Its partnership with the University of Quebec in Ottawa to create a center of excellence in management and forestry Hardwoods to encourage both the development of cutting-edge research and transfer without delay of innovations to the industry.

The collaboration between the two organizations aims to eventually create an institute of sciences temperate deciduous forest.

Even if the forest in the Outaouais is composed of 70% of hardwood, research the IQUAF not limited to our region. His expertise is recognized throughout the country.


Among current projects include among others work on the short-and long-term pruning maintenance of household electric lines, designed by Hydro-Quebec, on the productivity of sap of maple sugar.

In Témiscamingue, his research focused on the role of windfalls on forest dynamics. In Alberta, its expertise was used to assess the impacts of climate change, cutting, fire and oil on the Alberta forest landscape.

Recently, IQUAF completed a study on the regeneration of yellow birch, a forest species most prized by industry. The presence of this species in parts of Quebec is problematic because of its requirements.

Asthma is a disease misdiagnosed according to a new study

hopital2.jpgUn researcher at the Ottawa Hospital contends that a third of Canadians who have been diagnosed with asthma are not met.


Shawn Aaron, head of respiratory medicine at the Ottawa Hospital, and his staff come to this conclusion after a study of 496 people supposedly asthmatics.

The research focused on 242 people obese and 254 non-obese eight Canadian cities diagnosed by doctors as suffering from asthma. Of these patients, 31.8% in the obese group and 28.7% in the non-obese does not ultimately suffered from asthma, suggesting that there would be a wrong diagnosis of the disease in the country.

In some cases, patients suffering from other respiratory ailments, such as influenza. Dr. Aaron in this study supports that these errors are sometimes due to the fact that doctors do not have a spirometer or do not offer patients suspected of suffering from asthma to go pass this test.

The findings of this study are published in detail on the website of the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association.

The whole is accompanied by an editorial, also available on the Internet. It signed Alan Kaplan and Dr. Matthew B. Stanbrook, argues that "instead of simply surdiagnostiqué, asthma is misdiagnosed. They specify that almost half of patients with asthma diagnosed by a doctor have never undergone spirometry. "The misdiagnosis of asthma patients with persistent symptoms or repetitive has important implications which can be serious for both patients and the health system also say the two columnists. They recall that these findings do not mean that we underestimate the problem that asthma in Canada

Charest made eye nurses

(Montreal) Jean Charest made the nurses court yesterday with a promise of bonuses for those who choose this career and those who agree to extend it.

Visiting flag of Nursing at the University of Montreal yesterday, Liberal leader said he was sensitive to the plight of nurses, often overcrowded and forced to work overtime. "We want to lighten their burden by attracting more nurses, to improve the daily lives and we want to encourage those at the end of their careers to stay and practice, "said Charest, often criticized for its stock of government in health.

The Liberal leader wants to attract more nurses into the network, and ensure that those who are still a little longer.

He promised an annual premium of $ 3,000 for nurses and technicians and Bachelor of $ 2,000 for nursing assistants during the first three years of their careers. No grandfather clause, ie those that are currently taking their first steps in the profession will not benefit.

For the more experienced -35 years of service and over - the Liberals do shine a check for $ 8,000 for each additional year of work, to a maximum of two years.

The Liberal leader is also to ensure that the proportion of posts full-time nurses in the public network from 45 to 60%, with the benefits that entails.

In total, these incentives for nurses are estimated at $ 66 million annually.

Charest government would also increase the number of family medicine groups (GMF) from 178 to 300. An investment of $ 61 million. When a group of general practitioners is formed, it provides Quebec nurses and computer resources. Doctors can offload some tasks, and see more patients.

The Liberals also want the proportion of GPs increases, and intends to impose a mandatory course in family medicine in the first year. "If it brings them into contact earlier with family medicine, if they offer the experience of being a general practitioner, it was more likely to make this choice there," said Jean Charest.