CFPNA - Blog: News

Let's Talk Day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:25:06 AM

On the evening of Nov 13 2010 I received a heart stopping email from our childrens’ school. Daron Richardson a classmate of our daughter was in critical condition at the children’s hospital having being found by her mother in an attempted suicide. As we all know Daron passed away later that weekend, a beautiful, intelligent, athletic hugely popular girl, just weeks away from her 15th birthday. It was all very surreal as we attended services, vigils, and a huge celebration of a young life at Scotia Bank Place. Keeping our own daughter close, I woke up at odd hours of the night checking in on her as she slept just watching her. As the days and weeks past I wondered how could a parent miss something like this, I was now on high alert of any signs of depression, the usual noises coming from her bedroom took on new significance small cries of despair when my daughter tried to finish an assignment, the disappointment at the loss of a game all this took on new meaning. Fifteen months have passed our daughter is now 16, and February 8th what would have been Darons 16th birthday has be designated Let’s Talk Day “ a day to promote mental health awareness. As family practice nurses, we likely see and are aware of mental illness more than most but let look out for the care givers of our patients. We should take note of the husbands, wives, children who drive patients to their appointments, push the wheelchairs and dispense medication as often they are the one less likely to Talk about it”. These caregivers try to be strong as they hold it all together often sandwiched between their senior parents and their teenaged children. The DIFD (Do It For Daron) campaign has put mental illness out there and in our face so to speak and for some it has made it easier to talk about it to coworkers, buddies, siblings, health care professionals, family practice nurses etc. Let us be there for our patients and take a minute to talk to the caregivers and make sure they are coping too. February 8th is Lets Talk Day share your smile and let’s spread the word.

Immunization Awareness Week

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:35:57 AM

National Immunization Awareness Week takes place from April 21-28, 2012.This year, CCIAP offers a variety of free resources for National Immunization Awareness Week: one 11x17" poster; three 8.5x11" posters; "A Parent's Guide to Immunization"; "Adult Immunization Record"; "Immunize Your Kids!", and the popular pamphlet "Immunization: Get the Facts". You can view the resources here: http://immunize.ca/en/events/niaw.aspxUse the attached order form to make your order. Fax it to 613.725.9826 or e-mail it to immunize@cpha.ca by February 12, 2012 to receive your free printed copies of NIAW2012 resources. Please note that orders received after the 12 February deadline cannot be processed!* * * * * * *La Semaine nationale de promotion de la vaccination aura lieu du 21 au 28 avril 2012.Nous vous offrons beaucoup de ressources gratuites pour la Semaine nationale de promotion de la vaccination, y compris : une affiche 11po x 117po, trois affiches 8,5po x 11po; la publication "Guide des parents sur la vaccination", et les livrets "Fiche de vaccination de l'adulte", "Faites vacciner vos enfants!" et "La vaccination : informez-vous".Nous vous invitons à remplir le bon de commande ci-joint, et à l'envoyer par télécopieur au numéro 613.725.9826 ou par courriel à l'adresse immunize@cpha.ca, d'ici le 12 février 2012 pour recevoir vos ressources imprimées gratuites. A noter que les commandes reçues après le 12 février ne seront pas traitées!

February is Heart Health Month

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:34:13 AM

February is Heart Health Month, click here to find out about events in your province. Let us know whay you or your workplace is doing to promote Heart Health this month. Click here to submit your photos or stories for the website.

WHO Growth Charts Training Package

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:26:51 AM

A new self-instructional, web-based learning package on the use and interpretation of the WHO Growth Charts adapted for Canada is now available to support your professional development. Seven leading health professional associations and agencies, including Dietitians of Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Community Health Nurses of Canada, Canadian Obesity Network, National Aboriginal Health Organization and NutriSTEP®, have worked collaboratively to produce this training package based on the most current evidence. The package is endorsed by Dietitians of Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, the CFPC, Community Health Nurses of Canada, National Aboriginal Health Organization and NutriSTEP®. Each module in the training package provides 45-60 minutes of study using a self-pacing narrated PowerPoint video, case scenarios and reflective practice questions, self-scoring pop quizzes, pre/post knowledge evaluation, references and resources for further study and a personal certificate of completion. Topics addressed in the modules include: Introduction to the WHO Growth Charts Monitoring Growth: Measurements and Calculations Interpreting the WHO Growth Charts Childhood Obesity Counselling to support Healthy Growth and Development For more details and to access this free 5-module training package visit www.dietitians.ca/growthcharttraining

Young and Aboriginal: Labour & Birth Experiences of Teen Mothers in Winnipeg

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:54:44 PM

Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence is pleased to announce the publication of "Young and Aboriginal: Labour and Birth Experiences of Teen Mothers in Winnipeg". Click here to read the full report. The exploratory project involved talking with nineteen young Aboriginal mothers in Winnipeg with the following goals: • To draw attention to the labour and birth experiences of young Aboriginal mothers in Winnipeg; • To discuss young Aboriginal mothers’ perceptions of treatment, services and supports received from medical professionals in hospital settings during labour and birth; and • To outline young Aboriginal mothers’ labour and birthing needs and their suggestions for positive birthing experiences and outcomes. Findings in the report echo that of other Aboriginal teen advocates who are calling for more research specifically focused on this population group and the need for an increased awareness regarding their maternal health needs. For more information, or if you would like a hard copy of the report please contact: Roberta Stout Researcher - Aboriginal Women's Health Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence 56 The Promenade Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H9 Ph: (204) 982-6632 Fax: (204) 982-6637 www.pwhce.ca

Chronic Pain Behaviors

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:29:19 PM

Click here to view a five minute youtube video sponsored in part by the GP Access in australia which gives an interesting look at understanding chronic pain for the patient. This video was shared at an FMF session on chronic pain behaviors and perspectives (patient & clinician).

Abstract Reviewers Needed for CNA

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:09:00 PM

CNA is still looking for external abstract reviewers. Each abstract reviewer will be given a complimentary convention registration for the Biennium that will be held in Vancouver next year. Contact Elizabeth by Friday, December 9. Elizabeth MorinAdministrative Assistant/Adjointe administrative, Professional Practice & Regulation division / Division de la pratique professionnelle et de la réglementationThe Canadian Nurses Association/L'Association des infirmières et des infirmiers du Canada50 Driveway Ottawa ON K2P 1E2Tel: 613-237-2159, ext 234Fax: 613-237-3520E-mail: emorin@cna-aiic.ca

Yasmin and Yaz: Update from Health Canada

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:07:51 PM

Information UpdateDecember 5, 2011For immediate release OTTAWA - Health Canada has completed a safety review of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives (marketed under the brand names Yasmin and Yaz) with respect to the risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism, or VTE). The review determined that drospirenone-containing birth control pills may be associated with a risk of blood clots that is 1.5 to 3 times higher than other birth control pills. Blood clots are a rare but well known side effect associated with all birth control pills. The risks of blood clots are higher with pregnancy and childbirth than with oral contraceptives. As part of its review, Health Canada considered several recent observational studies evaluating the risk of blood clots with drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives versus other oral contraceptives. Overall, the body of current evidence suggests that the risk of blood clots is 1.5 to 3 times higher with oral contraceptives that contain drospirenone relative to those that contain levonorgestrel, a different hormone. Overall the risk of blood clots with any oral contraceptive (including Yasmin and Yaz) is very small. To put this into perspective, if the estimated risk of developing a blood clot among women taking a levonorgestrel-containing birth control pill is 1 in 10,000 women per year, as some studies have estimated, then the risk in women taking a drospirenone birth control pill is about 1.5 to 3 women in 10,000 per year. The drug labels for Yasmin and Yaz have been updated to include information on the studies and the recommendation that, when prescribing an oral contraceptive, health professionals consider the risks and benefits of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives for a specific patient in light of her risk for developing blood clots, and relative to the risks and benefits of other birth control pills on the market. Women with questions or concerns about their birth control pill should talk to their healthcare professional. When choosing an oral contraceptive, women should talk to their health professional about their risk for blood clots. Known factors that increase the risk of blood clots include smoking, being overweight (obesity), and a family history of blood clots. Canadians are reminded that birth control pills of any type should not be used by women who have had a blood clot or who have certain risk factors. This includes women over the age of 35 who smoke heavily (more than 15 cigarettes/day), as they are at an increased risk. Patients who think they are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot should seek immediate medical attention and mention any medications they may be taking, including birth control pills. Symptoms of a blood clot may include persistent leg swelling, leg pain or tenderness, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Drug labels, or "Product Monographs," contain important prescribing and safety information for health professionals and patients, and are available by search of Health Canada's Drug Product Database. How to report side effects to health products To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and send to us using one of these methods: Fax: 1-866-678-6789 Internet: MedEffect™ Canada Mail (Get a postage-paid label):Canada Vigilance ProgramMarketed Health Products DirectorateOttawa, ON, Address Locator 0701EK1A 0K9

Call for Abstracts: Ontario Family Practice Nurses Group

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:39:41 AM

This year's Family Practice Nurses Conference will be on May 4 and 5, 2012 at the Hilton Toronto Airport hotel. The theme of the Conference, ‘Womb to Tomb’; is intended to create a forum for Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners (RNEC), Registered Practical Nurses and students in Ontario to present their research and ideas, participate in continuing education, present innovative programs they are involved with in their workplace and to network and dialogue for the future. The call for abstracts due date has been extended to Friday December, 9th 2011. We encourage you to send your presentation ideas in ASAP. Contact Meaghan Kehl for more infomation. Event Coordinator KCI Management Inc. 410 Queens Ave 2nd Floor London, ONT N6B 1X9 P: 519.518.2315 F: 519.433.0529 mkehl@kcimanagement.com www.kcimanagement.com

Stressed about Money?

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:06:48 PM

If you or someone you knows is stressed about money, be reassured that you are not alone. About 45 per cent of Canadians report that money is a major source of stress in their life. Click here to read an interesting article on money and stress.

Fitting Exercise into your Day

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:02:33 PM

Life’s busy. Finding an hour a day to work out can seem daunting in the midst of a hectic schedule. Click here for a sample schedule of how to incorporate 150 minutes of aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises into your work week so you’re getting active.

RNs Specialize in Family Care

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:01:53 AM

The Family Practice Nursing certificate program at George Brown College prepares the RN to provide comprehensive care to individuals and families across the lifespan within family health team/primary care contexts and settings. Click here to read an article about some of the participants in the programs that was featured in the Toronto Sun recently.

Survey to assess our educational needs for immunizations

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:26:27 AM

The Canadian Association for Immunization Research and Evaluation (CAIRE) believes that it is very timely to evaluate the educational needs of health care professionals who provide vaccines. Such individuals are identified in survey after survey as the most trusted source of information and advice by the general public. That being the case, how well prepared are current vaccine providers/advisors to educate patients about new vaccines? How do physicians and other healthcare professionals learn about new vaccines and immunization programs? The attached survey can be completed on line https://survey.cfri.ca/index.php?survey_code=7851a6fc&login=1 It takes about 5 minutes to complete. CAIRE will compile responses and request that these responses be sent back by November 25, 2011. Many thx in advance for your help in this important survey.

CFPNA Photo Gallery

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:27:42 PM

The photo gallery on this website is now up and running. Click here or on the photo gallery tab to access photos and stories about nurses who are members of the CFPNA. We encourage every member to submit a photos or a story to add to the gallery. Submissions can be sent to the CFPNA webmaster.

Best Practice Guideline Development Program

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:06:12 PM

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is requesting proposals from interested and eligaible health care organizations located in Ontario to work in collaboration with RNAO as part of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative. Funding for this initiative has been porvided by the Government of Ontario. RNAO is recognized for its regorous Best Practice Guidelne Development Program and its successful guideline implementation intitatives. Full proposals are to be sent to the RNAO by noon on December 8, 2011. For more information visit their website at www.rnao.org/bestpractices or contact Nicoda Foster at nfoster@rnao.org.

Chief Public Health Officer's Report 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:20:58 AM

Clilck here to read the Chief Public Health Officer’s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2011: Youth and Young Adults - Life in Transition, tabled in Parliament on October 24, 2011. The report focuses on the state of health and well-being of Canada’s youth (aged 12 to 19 years) and young adults (aged 20 to 29 years). The report highlights this period of the life course, since it is a time of significant transition where many lifelong attitudes and behaviours are established, setting the stage for future health and well-being. The report also considers many health issues affecting this population, such as physical and mental health, injury, sexual and reproductive health, and substance use and abuse. While a printed copy of the report is forthcoming, you may wish to visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-respcacsp/index-eng.php to read the report. To request additional printed copies, please send an e-mail to CPHO_Report-Rapport_ACSP@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Smokers Could Use More Nursing Interventions

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:29:33 PM

Exerpt taken from: TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2011 /CNW/ - Now more than ever nurses are needed to help smokers quit. The latest numbers from Health Canada show that 17 per cent of Canadians or about five million people age 15 years or older are still smokers. Research shows that health professionals who spark a conversation with smokers about their tobacco use and dependence can influence healthy decisions. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) National Smoking Cessation (SC) Initiative is making a difference by expanding its network of 1,568 SC Champions who are equipped to use firm and effective quit-smoking strategies with their clients and families. This fall and winter, the RNAO is offering a series of free workshops across the country that will provide nurses and other health-care professionals with evidence-based strategies and tools to intervene and support smokers in their decision to butt out.The goal is to educate a total of 2,500 nurses and other health-care professionals in smoking cessation strategies by the end of 2012. Media are invited to attend the workshops and glean best practice knowledge around effective quitting strategies. Statistics show that smoking rates are down one per cent in 2010 compared to the year before, and are at their lowest amount recorded according to data from Health Canada. "We know 37,000 people die each year from tobacco smoke so we can't run the risk of becoming complacent in our efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking even though the numbers are down slightly. One in five Canadians is still smoking and our goal is to get that number even lower," says Irmajean Bajnok, a registered nurse with RNAO in Toronto. "We need to build on the success of key intervention strategies, including the critical role nurses play." Amanda Reid, a community health nurse with Central Health in Gander, Nfld., and a member of the National SC Initiative says, "nurses are in an excellent position to address tobacco use with clients. We're often the first point of contact with clients accessing health-care services. We work in community centres, hospitals, and even clients' homes. We are experienced in teaching, and we are in excellent, trusted positions to get the message across." She adds that just a few words, tailored for the right person in the right situation, by a nurse can get smokers thinking about quitting. "We can be a source of information and support. And, at the very least, nurses ensure smokers are informed about the health choices they need to make." National Smoking Cessation Initiative Workshop Dates: • •Tuesday, Oct 25: Gander, Newfoundland - Albatross Hotel, 114 Trans Canada Highway. ROOM: Salon A • •Thursday, Oct 27: Gander, Newfoundland - Albatross Hotel, 114 Trans Canada Highway. ROOM: Salon A • •Monday, Nov 14: Campbellton, New Brunswick - Howard Johnson, 157 Water Street • •Wednesday, Nov 16: Moncton, New Brunswick - Delta Beauséjour, 750 Main Street • •Friday, Nov 18: Fredericton, New Brunswick - Crowne Plaza Fredericton, 659 Queen Street. ROOM: Petitcodiac • •Saturday, Nov 19: Fredericton, New Brunswick - Crowne Plaza Fredericton, 659 Queen Street. ROOM: Petitcodiac • •Tuesday, Nov 22: Winnipeg, Manitoba - Hilton Suites Winnipeg Airport, 1800 Wellington Avenue. ROOM: Stevenson Ballroom C • •Wednesday, Nov 23: Winnipeg, Manitoba - Hilton Suites Winnipeg Airport, 1800 Wellington Avenue. ROOM: Stevenson Ballroom C • •Monday, Dec 5: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, 24 Fairford St. E. ROOM: Salon A • •Tuesday, Dec 6: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, 24 Fairford St. E. ROOM: Mezzanine E & F • •Monday, Dec 12: Montreal, Quebec - Intercontinental Montreal, 360 Saint-Antoine Ouest. ROOM: Salon St-Jacques • •Tuesday, Dec 13: Montreal, Quebec - Intercontinental Montreal, 360 Saint-Antoine Ouest. ROOM: Salon St-Jacques RNAO's National Smoking Cessation Initiative is a program funded by Health Canada's Federal Tobacco Control Strategy. The goal of the program is to build and strengthen the capacity of nurses by helping them integrate evidence-based smoking cessation strategies into their daily practice. The initiative is based on RNAO's successful Ontario-based Smoking Cessation Best Practice Initiative, which is funded by the province's Ministry of Health Promotion & Sport. Visit www.TobaccofreeRNAO.ca for more information. RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For further information: For more information or to arrange an interview with a nurse, please contact: Marion ZychDirector of CommunicationsRegistered Nurses' Association of Ontario416-408-5605 (office)647-406-5605 (cellular) Justine NavarroRegistered Nurse and Manager of RNAO's National Smoking Cessation Initiative647-456-5393 (cellular)justinen@rnao.org Verity WhiteAdministrative Assistant, RNAO's National Smoking Cessation Initiative647-241-0901 (cellular)vwhite@rnao.org

CFPNA Discussion Forum

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:19:24 PM

The discussion forum on our website is now up and running. Click on the login tab and then create your own username and password. The forum will be a great place to ask questions or share resources/information with other nurses in family practice/primary care. Click here to contact the website administrator if you have questions about how to use the forum.

Eat Wise!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:36:19 AM

A new online resource was just launced to gain access to nutrient facts on the foods you eat. It includes accurate information direct from the manufacturers, along with foods that don't require a Nutrition Facts label. EatWise is brought to you by the Dietitions of Canada and GS1 Canada. They will have an EatWise app soon. Click here to access the site.

Quick Reference Guide: Choosing a Birth Control Method

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:25:05 PM

Attached is an updated version of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) widely used "Choosing a Birth Control Method Quick Reference Guide". This new publication details contraceptive options. Click here to access other resources on the ARHP website.