Health Education 101
- Mid-April May 2004
As part of our of strategic direction to "Focus on those we serve," the Niagara Health System (NHS) and its partners are hosting events in May, to help bring important health information to our communities and to celebrate Nursing Week and Canada Health Day. Read on to learn about two key health care events happening in Niagara in May.
Community Health Forum: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Evening - May 3
Colorectal cancer is not often discussed among family members, although it is one of the top ten killers in Canada and overall, is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Early detection is the key to reducing and preventing this disease.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, this year an estimated 19,100 Canadians (9,800 men, 8,300 women) will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. From this, 8,300 will die of it. On average, 367 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer every week.
There is no single cause of colorectal cancer. Some signs and symptoms include family history, diet, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and people over 50 are at higher risk. Risk of this disease can be decreased by the lifestyle choices people make as well as by the environment in which they live.
General Surgeons at Welland Hospital Site, along with Chief of Surgery, Dr. Tom Song and a Canadian Cancer Society speaker, will be facilitating a Community Health Forum on Monday, May 3 at Faith Tabernacle, South Pelham Rd., Welland, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The purpose of this health forum is to make the public aware of colorectal cancer procedures available to them in Niagara. Advancements in current technology and new diagnostic techniques, now make it possible for Niagara residents to be screened and treated for certain types of cancer locally.
"We have some excellent high-tech equipment that makes testing and treatment options less-invasive," says Dr. Song. "Our education evening will raise awareness of the need for testing and also inform the public about procedures available to them." The event will provide different areas of focus, such as disease prevention, new detection techniques and less-invasive treatment options available.
Speakers for the evening include General Surgeons Dr. Peter Willard, Dr. Piotr Koziarz, Canadian Cancer Society Advocate Charmaine Grace, to be introduced by Dr. Song. Assisting in the development of the program are Drs. Fady Moustarah and Lowesha Kapijimpanga. The event is sponsored by the Niagara Health System, Welland Hospital Foundation, Pfizer and Novartis.
Niagara Health Fair - May 6
The NHS is hosting its annual Niagara Health Fair at the Pen Centre in St Catharines on Thursday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
"The 2004 Niagara Health Fair is one way that the Niagara Health System is able to work with community partners to bring important health information to residents from across the Niagara Region," says Christine Clark, Chief Communications Officer for the NHS. "There is a wealth of health information available locally and we're proud to be a part of bringing together our hospital providers with community health agencies and services at this great event ." Based on last year's success, the NHS is optimistic that the health fair will again offer one-stop shopping for the public to learn about different services that are available.
The Niagara Health Fair will include over 35 display tables from several partners including such agencies as CCAC Niagara, Public Health and Lupus Foundation, as well as a range of hospital programs and services.
The Niagara Health Fair would not have been possible without the sponsorship support of The Pen Centre and The Loyalist Retirement Resident in St. Catharines.