Tips for Living Well Tips for Living Well

Tips for Living Well Fall/Winter 2005 Volume 5, Number4/Volume 6, Number 1 AIDS & Disability Action Program/Wellness & Disability Initiative BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Nutrition Claims • Reading Between the Lines Nutrition claims such as “reduced in fat” or “very high source of fibre” are often seen in advertising and on food labels. They are a quick and easy way to get information on a food’s nutritional features. Their bold type and banner-formats make them hard to miss on the front or sides of food packages. Now you will start to see other types of nutrition claims. These claims highlight well-known relationships between diet and disease. For example, “a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease.” It’s important to know that nutrition claims have been and continue to be regulated by the federal government. In order for manufacturers to use a claim, the food must meet certain regulatory criteria. The regulations apply to all foods and specify the exact wording used in the claim to ensure that it is consistently used and not misleading. Nutrition claims are optional, so manufacturers can choose whether to use them or not. Two similar products may not have the same claims on their labels. This does not mean that the product with the claim is superior. While claims are a good starting point, you need to check the Nutrition Facts table to get the details. • “Low” is always associated with a very small amount. “Low in fat” means the food contains no more than 3g of fat in the amount of food specified in the Nutrition Facts. “Reduced in calories” means the food contains at least 25% less energy than the food to which it is compared. “Less” is used to compare one product with another. For example, a box of crackers claiming to contain “50% less salt” will have half the salt of the food to which it’s compared. It doesn’t necessarily mean the product is low in salt, so check the sodium content in the Nutrition Facts. “Cholesterol free” may lead you to think the product is also low in fat, but that’s not necessarily the case. Vegetable oils contain no cholesterol and may have this claim, but are still very high in total fat. • • You can get more information on nutrition labelling and claims by calling 1-800-622-6232, or by visiting: http://www.healthcanada.ca/nutritionlabelling. Reprinted courtesy of News Canada inside Nutrition claims ___________________ 1 A tribute to Lilly ___________________ 2 HIV/AIDS Reality Check ____________ 3 Pets and wellness __________________ 4 Just Me: Poem by Sherry Shortman ___ 5 Tips for Living Well_________________ 6 Art students create memory aids _____ 6 Questions to ask about surgery ______ 7 Input needed for WDI resources ______ 7 Carbon monoxide poisoning _________ 8 Tips for using nutrition claims • “Source of fibre” means the food contains at least 2g (grams) of dietary fibre in the amount of food listed under the Nutrition Facts. A food with the claim “High source of fibre” contains at least 4g in that amount of food. Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 1 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 Photo courtesy of JELD-WEN www.jeld-wen.com A Tribute to Lilly We first learned about Lilly last summer when a window and door manufacturing company in Oregon called JELD-WEN announced the winners of the “JELD-WEN Most Reliable Pet ContestSM.” The contest was designed to raise awareness of the company’s promise to their customers: “Reliability for real lifeR.” Lilly, an English Bulldog who used a wheelchair, and a mixed-breed seizure alert dog named Chiper, were the winners among hundreds of entries across Canada and the United States. Four-year-old Chiper is a German Shepherd/Coon Hound mix who can sense when her owner, Candice Hernandez of Oviedo, Florida, is about to have a seizure. Chiper alerts Candice so that she can prepare herself and avoid injury. Chiper and Candice received a “pet playhouse” worth $5,000 with pet-size JELD-WEN windows and doors. A local animal hospital also donated a Basic Wellness Plan and membership for the dog. A picture of Chiper and Candice is available at http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2005-0808/Building+Products/. The Humane Society of South Mississippi won a $5,000 donation from JELD-WEN for their contestant, Lilly. Lilly lived at the Humane Society for two years after her owners ran over her in the driveway and then did not provide medical care. Thanks to some human friends, Lilly was brought to the Humane Society where she received treatment for her injuries and a customized wheelchair to help her get around. She adapted well to wheels and spent her time visiting people with similar disabilities throughout the city of Gulfport, Florida. Sadly, we have learned through a recent update from JELD-WEN that Lilly died along with 22 other animals in the facility during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Humane Society of South Mississippi was able to save 120 animals in its care and has set up a temporary location in Jackson, Mississippi. We applaud JELD-WEN for their recognition of the importance of pets in our lives and for giving Lilly a tiny bit of the fame she so deserved before she left this world. You can read more about Lilly and the Humane Society of South Mississippi at the JELDWEN website: http://www.jeld-wen.com/pressroom/ index.cfm/idpress/123. T he Humane Society of South Mississippi, one of the largest shelters on the Mississippi coast, is currently housing 250 dogs and cats, including nearly 50 puppies. About 75 new animals arrive each day as they continue to be rescued by shelter staff from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Homeless and un-neutered animals are causing a major spike in the dog population. In November, the shelter had to euthanize 300 animals because they were too sick, injured or aggressive to be adopted. More than 375 have been adopted (Jay Reeves. “Big Boom in Puppy Births after Katrina.” Houston Chronicle. January 4, 2006. http:// www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/ nation/3564226.html) Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 2 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 HIV/AIDS Reality Check Get the Facts by Jane McCall What is HIV? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Like all viruses, HIV relies on a host cell in order to reproduce. What makes HIV particularly damaging is the host cell that it selects–the CD4 or T-helper cell. The CD4 cell is a human cell which helps mediate our immune response to infection. Its role is to trigger the production of antibodies by our immune system. When HIV infects CD4 cells, they are no longer able to do their job. Over time (approximately 8 to 10 years), so many CD4 cells are infected by HIV that there are not enough healthy cells left to support our immune system. People can have HIV, but not be diagnosed with AIDS. In general, an HIV-positive person will develop AIDS-related problems about 8 to 10 years after being initially infected, unless they receive treatment to control the growth of the virus. a few seconds outside its host environment which means that infection from surfaces, such as drinking glasses and toilet seats, is not possible. About the Author Jane McCall is the coordinator of professional education in the Department of Professional Education and Care Evaluation at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. She brings a nursing perspective to the care and treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS and provides education and support to health care professionals, undergrads and individuals who provide HIV/AIDS related services. Jane can be contacted at jmccall@hivnet.ubc.ca. Originally published in BCCPD’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Resources for Educators newsletter. How does HIV relate to AIDS? AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This describes the development of so-called opportunistic infections that begin to occur when the immune system is no longer strong enough to ward off disease. People can have HIV, but not be diagnosed with AIDS. In general, an HIV-positive person will develop AIDS-related problems about 8 to 10 years after being initially infected, unless they receive treatment to control the growth of the virus. How do people get infected with HIV? HIV is carried in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. People who engage in activities where transfer of these fluids occurs can become infected with HIV. Activities that put people at high risk for developing HIV infection include unprotected vaginal and anal sex (sex without a condom); sharing sex toys; sharing of needles and syringes; sharing of drug preparation equipment, such as cookers, shakers and cotton filters; and, sharing of tattoo needles and ink. People cannot get infected from exposure to saliva, emesis (vomit), urine or feces, unless there is blood present in the fluid. HIV is a very fragile virus that does not survive for more than HIV/AIDS Education Booklets The Wellness & Disability Initiative has now produced several booklets on HIV/AIDS prevention for people with disabilities. Know about....HIV & AIDS Know about...Condoms Know about...Safer Sex Know about...Seniors & HIIV For more information or to order copies, contact BCCPD’s WDI program. Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 3 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 Pets and Wellness Heather Morrison: Renaissance Woman You could say that Heather Morrison is a Renaissance woman–a woman with many interests–and a terrific sense of humour. The first thing she will tell you is that she is project leader at CARMA–the Community and Residents Mentor Association at George Pearson Centre in Vancouver. Pearson Centre is a residential care facility for adults with severe disabilities. CARMA is made up of former Pearson residents and others interested in supporting residents to plan and achieve life goals. Heather says that CARMA “listens and helps people follow their dreams. We help them with their transition into the community.” or more were soon tending an off-site vegetable and flower garden. After the garden was up and running, Rae and the folks at CARMA and Pearson built a cob house for the gardening equipment. Cob is a very old building technique using soil, clay, sand and straw. Pictures of the amazing CARMA cob house can be seen at the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities’ website at http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/s/ CARMA.asp#cob. About 13 years ago, Nikki, a toy Poodle, adopted Heather who says “Nikki jumped onto my lap and into my heart, and she’s been there ever since.” Until she recently lost her hearing, Nikki has been Heather’s respiratory dog, letting someone know whenever there was a problem with the ventilator. Even though she can no longer hear the ventilator alarm, Nikki continues to play an important role as a companion dog. Heather’s other companion animals are somewhat more unusual and live on an acreage in Ladner BC. But we’ll let Heather tell you about them. Now living in her own apartment with 24-hour attendant care, Heather’s optimism and energy have led to many unique and fascinating projects. Heather lived in Pearson herself in the early 1980s. She has Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair and is ventilator dependent. Now living in her own apartment with 24-hour attendant care, Heather’s optimism and energy have led to many unique and fascinating projects. In the spring of 2002, Heather contacted Rae Blewden, coordinator of Neighbourgardens (http:// www.cityfarmer.org/Neighbourgardens.html), a nonprofit organization that matches “landless gardeners with unused neighbourhood gardening space.” Heather proposed the idea of creating a garden with the residents at Pearson. With Heather’s enthusiasm and Rae’s passion for gardening, a group of 20 Our Girls By Heather Morrison We saw the ad in our local paper, “Llamas for sale.” It would be fun to just have a look. Llamas have such a regal feel about them. Just look, we reminded ourselves. We bought two! Couldn’t seem to help it … they wanted to follow us home. What to do with two llamas? My friend Laurie lives on three acres with five horses, chickens, cats, and a dog. So what are two more? Llamas, they told us, don’t eat grain or need to be in a barn. But they forgot to tell OUR llamas who settled happily in their own stall and demanded grain along with the horses. They soon figured out Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 4 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 We saw the ad in our local paper. “Llamas for sale.”... Just look, we reminded ourselves. We bought two! Couldn’t seem to help it … where the grain was stored and helped themselves. Most llamas like apples and carrots. Not our girls. They prefer bedding plants and, if the gate is open, escape into the back yard and devour all the flowers. Willow trees are on their list of favourites and they’ve eaten four newly planted trees. Our biggest job was to convince a few others that their lives wouldn’t be complete without a llama in it. After a little persuading Jeanette, Christine and Jane from the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities agreed to take on a share in ownership and contribute to our girls upkeep. Is your life complete? Each summer, the “shareholders” bring their friends out for llama parties. We sit around a bonfire and roast wieners (beef not llama!) and eat other delicious unhealthy stuff. Occasionally, a bald eagle swoops over low enough to send the chickens Heather Morrison and Sassy; Tilly on opposite page scurrying. While we watch the horses watching us from the field, the llamas nervously stay in the yard with us wishing they could be with the horses! It’s neat to be so close to them. Llamas have such a peaceful grace about them. Their huge watery brown eyes seem to swallow me up and for a moment I feel their peace too. I can understand why llamas are used for therapy animals; they give you a calm feeling. Llamas are known for their spitting, but our girls had never spit until a new horse strayed into their stall one day recently. They sure spit then! I guess they just didn’t have the need to before that. They live the good life–just like me! Just Me By Sherry Shortman I have sat here often in wonder … What would it be like to be normal. I have wondered if my life would be different than what it is. Would I still be me or would I be another person. I wonder if I would be rich or would I be in a good paying job or what? But all I can do is sit and wonder for I will never be normal like everyone else. For I am just me and that’s all I will ever be just wonderful me. Sherry Shortman is a local leader in the Kamloops Self Advocacy Group. Reprinted with permission. Originally published in The Voice (Volume 15, No. 1 June 2005). Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 5 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 Tips for Living Well Remember to laugh Rent your favourite comedy video. Tape a TV show that you know makes you laugh and keep it on hand for stress emergencies. Go to the library and borrow a book by an author who can make you laugh. Read the daily comics in the newspaper. Or, phone the funniest person you know! –Living with Stroke: Humour. Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. http://ww2. heartandstroke.ca. Write a poem The US-based National Association for Poetry Therapy (http://poetrytherapy.org) says that poetry therapy has existed for over 200 years. Although the organization trains and certifies “registered poetry therapists,” you can write poems without seeking a specialist. The website describes the success of poetry therapy for people with developmental disabilities and people with chronic health conditions. Yoga therapy for Parkinson’s disease Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that gentle yoga may help some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, especially depression, anxiety and fatigue. In the study, people with Parkinson’s participated in ten weekly sessions of gentle stretching, breathing control and meditation. Participants said they had more energy, less stress, better sleep, less stiffness and liked the ongoing social support from others in the class. Saving energy The following is a list of changes, with some estimated prices, that have made my life easier as a Post-Polio survivor: • Get a lightweight, easy to roll, 3-tier cart to carry things around the house or at work. Tie a rope or twine on the handle to pull it along so you don’t have to bend over. They are made of vinylcoated, basket style shelves that snap into place. No tools are required and they come in different colours. ($9) Carry liquid hand sanitizer to use if finding somewhere to wash your hands seems too much for you. ($1) Use a bigger comb to comb your hair. It’s easier on your arms. ($1) • • From Nancy Tuttle, wife, grandmother and middle school teacher. For more tips from Nancy and others, visit the Greater Boston Post-Polio Association at http://gbppa.org/pps.htm. Art Students Create Memory Aids for Seniors What does a memory look like? Does it look like a music box? A three-dimensional model of buildings? A map of places someone has visited throughout her life? Students in a class at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design developed memory aids for seniors beginning to experience memory loss. After interviewing the seniors for several weeks, students created life stories and memory devices, such as a music box with drawers that open to reveal descriptions of the places one woman has visited throughout her life. Some memory aids are photo albums, some are wearable, others are maps, and some are creations that are best understood by the person for whom they were made. An exhibit of the students’ creations was held in Ann Arbor, MI in May 2005. Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 6 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 Questions to Ask about Surgery A new publication called Having Surgery? What You Need to Know, has been released by the US-based Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The 16-page booklet was designed to help people make informed decisions when planning for surgery. Suggested questions to ask include: • • • • • • • • Why do I need the operation? Are there alternatives to surgery? What are the risks of the surgery? What happens if I don’t have the surgery? Where can I get a second opinion? What is your training and experience with this type of surgery? Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital? How long will it take me to recover? Also available in Spanish, the booklet is available at the AHRQ website: http:// www.ahrq.gov/consumer/ surgery/surgery.htm. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the Wellness & Disability Initiative for a copy of the booklet. Input Needed for WDI Resources BCCPD’s Wellness & Disability Initiative is developing new publications on sexual health information and we are looking for input from the community. You can help us make these resources accurate and effective by telling us: • • Where have you gone when you needed information on sexuality and sexual health? What were your experiences–good or bad–when talking to your doctor about sexuality and sexual health?  Do you have suggestions for coping with the following challenges? • • Not knowing where to go for accurate sexual health information Embarrassment about talking to a doctor or other information source about sensitive subjects Health care providers seeming embarrassed when you ask questions about sexual health Feeling afraid that your health care provider won’t respect your privacy Lack of time to ask your questions • • • Your comments can be anonymous if you prefer. We would welcome your input by email at wdi@bccpd.bc.ca or by mail to the Wellness and Disability Initiative. Please contact us by the end of March. Disclaimer The information contained in Tips for Living Well cannot replace your doctor or other healthcare provider. While we try to ensure that material is accurate and appropriate, we do not take responsibility for or endorse content produced by other individuals or organizations. Mailing address ADAP/WDI BC Coalition of People with Disabilities 204 - 456 West Broadway Vancouver, BC Canada V5Y 1R3 Phone 604-875-0188 in Vancouver Toll-free 1-877-232-7400 TTY 604-875-8835; Fax 604-875-9227 E-mail wdi@bccpd.bc.ca Web: www.bccpd.bc.ca/wdi Tips for Living Well is published four times per year by the AIDS & Disability Action Program (ADAP)/Wellness & Disability Initiative (WDI), programs of the British Columbia Coalition of People with Disabilities. Subscriptions are free. Comments and suggestions are welcome. If you or your organization would like to sponsor an issue, please contact Shelley Hourston. Tax receipts are available. ISSN: 1492-3947 Tips for Living Well is available in paper, disk and tape formats. It is also available on our website (www.bccpd.bc.ca/wdi). Editor: Shelley Hourston Layout: Ann Vrlak Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 7 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835 Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40051676 If undeliverable, please return to BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued a carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning alert. Seniors, pregnant women and people with heart and lung problems are especially at risk. “Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide,” says Derek Daws, Director for the BCCDC’s Drug and Poison Information Centre. “Each winter, tragic accidents occur when people are exposed to toxic levels of indoor CO from improperly vented or leaking furnaces, ovens and fireplaces. Many of these incidents are preventable, so a little knowledge can literally save your life.” Incomplete burning of fuel produces CO and extended exposure can have a deadly effect on humans. Exposure to even low levels may cause headaches, nausea, fatigue or chest pain. These symptoms may be mistaken for the flu. “Carbon monoxide interferes with the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues,” says Dr. Ray Copes, Medical Director for Environmental Health with the BCCDC. “Without enough oxygen, if someone is not removed from the area and treated immediately, unconsciousness occurs and eventually death. Those most at risk include infants, young children, the unborn, the elderly and people with heart or lung problems.” Because of concern over increased natural gas rates this winter, many people are considering alternate sources to heat their homes. “It’s important to remind the public that kerosene or propane space heaters can pose a health risk due to their high CO emissions,” adds Copes. “Fireplaces and wood stoves that have not been used or inspected “Each winter, tragic accidents occur when people are exposed to toxic levels of indoor CO from improperly vented or leaking furnaces, ovens and fireplaces.“ pose a similar risk because of the potential for blocked flues, leakage and other factors.” There are several things you can do to prevent CO poisoning: • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall If your CO detector sounds, evacuate your home immediately and telephone 911 Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage, or near a window Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented Do not heat your house with a gas oven. • • • • • • • You can get more information by contacting the BC Poison Control Centre at 1-800-567-8911. Tips for Living Well • fall/winter 2005 page 8 • 875-0188 in Vancouver; toll-free 1-877-232-7400; TTY 604-875-8835