Fall 2008

ACTION ITEMS

Generic does not equal Original

When a patent expires on a brand name medication, other companies may manufacture the active medicine but generally will not have access to the complete formula that makes the original brand name product. Generic drugs don't always deliver what the original drugs deliver. read more | comments

Patient Safety R Us

Patients want to feel safe in the health care system. More than that, we need to be safe. We've heard the horror stories: Medication errors, a sponge left in the patient, the wrong leg amputated, and so on but how common is it that something goes wrong? read more | comments

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Federal election:  Who will vote for you?

September typically heralds a change of seasons but this year it could be more than the leaves that change colour as Canadians are asked to mark their ballot in yet another federal election. read more | comments

COMMENT AND PERSPECTIVE

Telemarketers face ‘do-not-call’ axe on September 30th

How many times have you run, walked or hobbled to answer the telephone only to discover it was another telemarketer? It happens to me at least five times a day. But now there’s good news on the horizon. As of September 30th, Canadians will be able to give telemarketers the slip when the national do-not-call-list officially begins operating. Read article on cbc.ca

To stretch or not to stretch

That is the question the University of Sydney in conjunction with the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services is trying to answer. A clinical trial is currently underway to investigate the value of stretching before and after exercise and CAPA members are involved. read more | comments

What health care philosophy is best? You decide

Generations of patients have heard the old saying, “the doctor knows best”. We swallowed it like cough syrup and castor oil. But times are changing. Patient needs, preferences and values are becoming increasingly important for achieving good health outcomes. read more | comments

Inside the briefcase: Take a look

• Cochrane review recommends that beta-blockers should not be used as the first-line of defense in treating patients with high blood pressure. Cochrane Relay - Volume #5.

• Students Recognized for Overcoming Health Adversity

  What does it take to go above and beyond? That question was worth up to $5,000 in scholarship funding for students living with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and epilepsy. read more | comments

• Mark October 12th on your calendar for World arthritis Day

  All Canadians with arthritis know that September is Arthritis Awareness Month, but did you know there is also a designated World Arthritis Day? read more | comments

• The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Conference: Crossing the Bridge to Knowledge and Sharing is coming to Charlottetown, PEI on October 26-29, 2008. For program and registration information click here.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

We will miss you Andy Chabot

Persons living with arthritis in Quebec received sad news this August. Mr. Andy Chabot, Executive Director of the Quebec Division of The Arthritis Society submitted his letter of resignation. read more | comments