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Author: Arvin Alvea

Cooking Demo Webinar: Roasted Veggie Cobbler

Greek yogurt is a great ingredient you can use in everyday cooking. Oikos Greek yogurt has calcium and protein and is delicious to eat on its own but can also be used in recipes like this one. Emily Richards, PHEc hosts a cooking demo where she will show you how you can use Oikos Greek yogurt in a Roasted Veggie Cobbler. This veggie filled casserole has 250mg calcium and 19g of protein per serving.

All, Nutrition

You are invited to participate in a Government of Canada Public Opinion Research Project on Accessibility

The Accessible Canada Directorate within Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has engaged Quorus Consulting Group to conduct the second cycle of public opinion research measuring Canadians’ awareness and experience(s) with accessibility and disability issues. The results of the survey will be used to help shape future federal accessibility policy.

Our organization has been asked to invite members of our network to participate in the portion of the study targeting Canadians with disabilities, with the understanding that everyone benefits when we are able to fully participate in our communities and workplaces because they are physically, socially and attitudinally accessible and inclusive.

This portion of the study is open to all Canadian citizens at least 18 years of age and who are currently living with a disability.

The survey should take about 15 minutes of your time, depending on how much feedback you want to provide. Your decision to participate is up to you and will not affect your relationship with the Government of Canada or the services they provide you in any way. The information you provide will be managed according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. The final report on the survey will be available to the public through Library and Archives Canada, and shared with the disability community.

Quorus will be accepting survey submissions from April 6th to 30th, 2022. There are many ways you can participate in the survey:

  • You can complete the fully accessible online version of the survey by clicking on the following link: https://ca1se.voxco.com/S2/85/W1530/?&lang=en/
  • You can schedule a telephone interview by calling the following toll-free number: 1-833-739-1983. You will be prompted to leave a message describing when you would like to be called by an interviewer.
  • You can use your VRS, IP relay or TTY service to call the toll-free number: 1-833-739-1983 to schedule a telephone interview. When you are prompted to leave a message, please include your VRS, IP relay or TTY contact number, preferred language and time you would like to be called by an interviewer.
  • You can also email discussions@quorusconsulting.com to request a VRS, IP relay or TTY interview. In your email please include the following information:
    • If requesting VRS, your preferred language (ASL or LSQ) and your VRS contact number.
    • If requesting IP relay or TTY, your preferred language and service contact number.
  • You can request or download a paper copy, braille paper copy, digital braille, large print, or PDF version of the questionnaire by visiting: www.quorusconsultations.com or by emailing discussions@quorusconsulting.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about this survey or need it in another format, please contact the team at Quorus at discussions@quorusconsulting.com .  If you would like to contact someone at ESDC regarding this study, please email ACCESSIBLE.CANADA.DIRECTORATE-DIRECTION.CANADA.ACCESSIBLE@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca   

The Accessible Canada Directorate and Quorus would like to thank you for your involvement in helping to shape the future of accessibility in Canada. Feel free to share information about this survey with other people who might be interested in participating.

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Diabetes and Osteoporosis

There are several risk factors for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures including age, sex, fragility fracture after the age of 40, use of glucocorticoid drugs, medications, medical conditions that inhibit absorption of nutrients, in addition to conditions that contribute to bone loss such as diabetes.

Osteoporosis that results from having another disease or condition or from the treatment of another condition is called secondary osteoporosis.

Download “Checklist for your doctor” here.

All, Information

Virtual Cooking Class: Spiced Lentil Shakshuka with Parmesan Baguette

Emily Richards, Professional Home Economist shows you how to make Spiced Lentil Shakshuka with Parmesan Baguette. This is a dish you can eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner made with everyday ingredients. Flavourful and filling, this vegetarian meal features poached eggs and lentils – a good source of protein. The crusty baguette is the perfect accompaniment to sop up the tasty sauce. Each serving has 300mg calcium and 38g protein.

All, Nutrition

Using the Internet for Health Information

Do you use the Internet to search for information, particularly medical and health related information? Are you ever tempted to self-diagnose or even self-medicate because of something you have read on the Internet? This can be a very dangerous practice. Self-diagnosis based on information from the Internet and self-medicating with medications purchased on the Internet can lead to dire consequences.

If you enter the word “osteoporosis” into Google, you will get about 34,600,000 results in a minute. These sites may be hosted by national osteoporosis organizations, government agencies, allied health professional associations, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and clinics, special interest groups or companies trying to sell you a product under the guise of providing information. Sometimes it is not clear who is hosting the site.

In addition to these organizational websites, we now have personal blogs, “chat” rooms, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, YouTube and other sites where individuals can post their questions, responses to questions, their experiences, comments and opinions.  The amount of electronic information available is overwhelming, frequently contradictory and very often wrong. How does one navigate through this jungle of information and filter out items that are not credible, up to date, scientifically accurate and appropriate? 

To help determine the reliability of information you find on the web, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Who runs the website? Are they concerned about health and wellbeing; are they reputable? You can usually find this under the “About Us” section on the site (the heading may be different, so look for the section whose purpose is to tell you about the host organization).
  2. What is the purpose of the website? Is it to provide information or to sell products and/or raise funds? Remember that anything that seems too good to be true probably is.
  3. What are the suffixes (endings) of the website names? For instance, websites that are sponsored by the U.S. government end with “.gov”; universities end with “.edu”; not-for-profit organizations end with “.org”; and Canadian sites end with “.ca” As an example, Health Canada’s website is www.hc-sc.gc.ca; Osteoporosis Canada’s website is www.osteoporosis.ca
  4. Is the information current and evidence based? Reliable websites are frequently reviewed and updated. Check the copyright date on the bottom of the home page and the publication date of the articles posted. 
  5. Are the links to other websites also reputable? If the answer is “yes”, the information being shared is usually accurate and your privacy is being protected.

While the Internet can often be a valuable tool to gather information, no resource is better than your doctor. Because everyone is different and unique, personalized health care from your doctor who knows you best cannot compare with general information you get off the Internet.

The Internet cannot have a confidential discussion with you and formulate an individual approach to your healthcare plan that is personally tailored to your unique needs – but your doctor can.  

Even after gathering reliable information from the Internet, ALWAYS discuss your health issues with your healthcare professional. It is important for you to receive up-to-date and scientifically sound information and advice from a professional who is trained to assess your individual needs, who knows your medical history, any other medical conditions you may have, and what medications you are taking. All of these factors are very important as each can have an impact on the other.;

While information gathering is often encouraged, self-diagnosis and self-medication are NOT recommended. The scientific and health related information available on the Osteoporosis Canada website in e-communications is checked for medical accuracy by Osteoporosis Canada staff and our Scientific Advisory Council.

Credit: COPN, the Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network is the patient arm of Osteoporosis Canada, a national network of people living with osteoporosis.

Virtual Cooking Class: Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi with Bruschetta Sauce

Emily Richards, Professional Home Economist shows you how to make Spinach Ri-cotta Gnocchi with Bruschetta Sauce. Putting aside some time to make homemade gnocchi and freezing them is a great way to have ingredients on hand to whip up meals in a matter of minutes and making homemade gnocchi is easier than you think, affordable and doesn’t require any special equipment. This delicious dish, which is vegetarian, is an Italian favourite with a simple sauce that becomes creamy with the addition of cheese and cooking water – a cooking secret every cook should know! Each serving has 250mg calcium and 20g protein.

All, Nutrition

Apply Today: CIHR Seeking Members for New Standing Committee on Science

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is seeking members for its new Standing Committee on Science. The committee will have a diverse membership made up of nationally and internationally recognized health research leaders who provide strategic science advice to CIHR’s Governing Council, particularly on international best practices and emerging trends in health research and funding.

The committee will be composed of 9 to 12 members who will serve three-year terms. CIHR is looking for at least three international representatives and three national representatives preferably with experience with international health organizations. The committee will also include two Scientific Directors from CIHR’s Institutes and one member of Governing Council.

This is a chance for you to help shape CIHR’s strategic policy and ensure that Canada remains a global leader in health research.

Members from all communities are encouraged to apply, especially those from groups historically underrepresented in research, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; Francophone communities; and persons with disabilities.

Interested applicants can find more information, including how to apply, on the CIHR website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to CIHR at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca .

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Winter Activities & You

During the snowy months there are many ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. If you have osteoporosis – you may need to make modifications to some winter activities or choose a different way to stay active entirely depending on your condition. Our keynote speakers address outdoor activities like skiing, skating, walking and even shovelling snow for people with osteoporosis.

Before undertaking any physical activity, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

All, Exercise, Living Well

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