WestJet's Christmas Flash mob takes centre stage at Calgary airport

Airline's employees spread the love with impromptu holiday celebration

CALGARY, December 11, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - WestJet today unveiled the company's first ever flashmob video on its YouTube channel. The three-minute WestJet Christmas Flashmob captures WestJet employees singing a variety of holiday favourites and spreading Christmas cheer throughout the D-wing boarding area of Calgary International Airport.

The celebration took place moments before the departure of WestJet flight 652, December 4 sold-out flight travelling to Toronto at 11:30 p.m. Prior to pre-boarding, guests were welcomed by elves, carolers, snowmen breaking into song and and even ballerinas exiting the bridge. There was a visit from Santa, all dressed in - well - WestJet's signature blue. After the songs and dances had finished, guests were treated to a photo with Santa and a stocking filled with gifts from WestJet, including a new iPod.

"We can't think of a better way to wish our guests the very best this holiday season than with the WestJet Christmas Flashmob," said Corey Evans, WestJet Manager, Sponsorship and Community Investment. "Events like these directly align with WestJet's fun and friendly image and our commitment to deliver a remarkable guest experience."

"I want to thank all WestJetters who volunteered their time and took part in planning this wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. We believe we are the first airline to implement something to this level of planning and co-ordination at a secure area of an airport and we're thankful for all the support from the Calgary Airport Authority for making this possible," concluded Corey Evans.

To celebrate the success of the flashmob, WestJet's community investment program, WestJet Cares for Kids, will donate flights to reunite a family in need through one of the airline's partner charities, should the video generate 25,000 views on YouTube.

The airline hopes the video will mirror the viral success of Kargo Kids, it's April Fool's Day video from earlier this year.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 35 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

Patient Care Not a Numbers Game

National health human resources plan badly needed, physician groups say

OTTAWA, December 6, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian associations representing doctors, residents and medical students agree that Canada needs a better way to anticipate the future supply of physicians. A new national health human resources plan is critical to ensuring that the health care system is able to meet the future needs of Canadians.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA), the Canadian Association of Internes and Residents (CAIR) and the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) see a number of contradictory trends, all of which underscore the need for better planning so that Canada has the right number, mix and distribution of health professionals.

New data indicates that the number of physicians in Canada has increased faster than the size of the population. Yet many communities across the country, particularly those in rural and remote areas, face shortages of family doctors and specialists. In another apparent paradox, many new specialists complete years of training only to face a lack of job opportunities.

"Total numbers of physicians don't tell the whole story," says Dr. Anna Reid, President of the Canadian Medical Association. "Whether we have an adequate supply of doctors depends completely on the demand for their services. We need better plans and strategies to meet changing and growing patient demands."

Fiscal constraints are also inhibiting the hiring of physicians to the point that the prospects for employment are a real concern in some specialties. A recent survey by the CAIR found close to one-third of resident physicians to be less than confident about their job prospects.

"We are seeing that residents in some specialties are having employment challenges," said CAIR President Dr. Simon Moore. "Job prospects are a growing concern for residents, but they should also be a concern for policy makers. If we want the right health care providers to match our future needs, we need a national response to health human resources now. Patients depend on access to specialists in their communities."

One of the problems faced by medical students and residents is a lack of information on the job prospects for the various specialties, said Canadian Federation of Medical Students President Robin Clouston.

"This is not only about finding ways to match how we train physicians and where they practise to meet the needs of patients," Clouston said. "It also makes good economic sense to not waste the extensive investment of time and money that go into physician training."

The CMA, CAIR and CFMS are working together to gather and share the most up-to-date data on employment prospects and other information on medical and surgical specialties to ensure that future physicians are able to find work where patients need them most.

Reid noted that getting the right number and mix of doctors, as well as of other health professionals such as nurses and physician assistants, is a complex issue that requires all levels of government, medical schools and national physician organizations to work together. The goal would be to develop a framework that would ensure Canadians have adequate health care services where they need them and that costly, high quality medical training isn't squandered.

"There's no question that the planning work being undertaken by associations representing doctors, residents and medical students must be matched by a commitment from the federal, provincial and territorial governments," Reid said.

Downloading disability support to municipalities "a disaster" for vulnerable Ontarians

TORONTO, October 24, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today's recommendations by the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance to download the Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP) and integrate it into Ontario Works will leave thousands of vulnerable Ontarians without long-term income support and force people with disabilities into precarious, low-wage jobs says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that these recommendations are a disaster for people with disabilities and are a giant step backwards in improving services.

"When you look at these recommendations, it is plain that the only goal here is to take money out of the pockets of those who are the most vulnerable and can least afford it," Thomas said.

The Commission's recommendations include that ODSP services be individually controlled by municipalities who could set their own client asset limits, and puts an emphasis on forcing persons with disabilities into what will likely be minimum-wage, part-time jobs.

"What we are going to wind up with is a mishmash of services and rates across Ontario with no central oversight and a system that cares less about the individual and more about budgets," Thomas said. "It will also become another bureaucrat job-hiring program as each municipality puts in their own management structure. This is Local Health Integration Networks all over again."

Thomas is asking the government to set aside these recommendations and continue the current overhaul of ODSP that was designed to end delays and provide long-term seamless support to clients.

"The Ontario government must retain provincial control of a program that cares for our most at-risk people," Thomas said. "Duplicating services and bureaucracies across the province will only result in the loss of these services for those who desperately need them."

Ontario's Doctors Urge Partners to Join the Fight Against Obesity

TORONTO, September 12, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Speaking on a panel of health care experts today in Toronto, Ontario Medical Association President Dr. Doug Weir called on the government and the food service industry to partner with Ontario's doctors in fighting the province's growing obesity epidemic. Specifically, Dr. Weir renewed Ontario's doctors' call for restaurants and school cafeterias to post caloric and sodium content on their menus to equip consumers with the information they need to make healthier choices for themselves and especially for their children.

Ontario's doctors know firsthand about childhood obesity and the negative impact it has on their quality of life. In Ontario, 75 per cent of obese children become obese adults, and there is evidence linking type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, certain types of sleep apnea, and the development of chronic kidney disease later in life to children who are overweight or obese. Overall, the health impacts of overweight and obesity are estimated to cost Ontario $2.2 to $2.5 billion per year.

However, Ontario's doctors believe the trend towards increased obesity is one that can be reversed. Menu labelling is an essential first step toward healthy eating, and will greatly help efforts to prevent the increase in obesity rates, by educating consumers about calories, and with efforts to control hypertension associated with excess sodium consumption.

"If you want to manage your weight, you have to watch your calorie intake. Calorie labelling is the only way to get us there. It is essential that people have the information that they need to make healthy food choices for themselves and their kids. Calorie counts and information about high-salt foods will help those trying to avoid obesity and high blood pressure.

We're not telling people to what to eat, but if you're watching your salt or your calories, this information may help you balance your food choices." - Dr. Doug Weir, President, Ontario Medical Association

Quick Facts:

...A quarter of children in Ontario are overweight or obese;
...There is evidence linking type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, certain types of sleep apnea and the development of chronic kidney disease later in life to children who are overweight or obese;
...Over 75 percent of obese children become obese adults;
...Overall, the health impacts of overweight and obesity are estimated to cost Ontario $2.2 to $2.5 billion per year.

National Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is this Sunday, September 9. We honour our grandparents every day!

In 1970, a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents. In 1978, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. (September was chosen to signify the "autumn years" of life.)

The statute cites the day's purpose as:

"...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer".

McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the important contributions seniors have made throughout history. She also urged the youth to "adopt" a grandparent, not just for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime.

National Grandparents Day began in Canada in 1995. Motion Number 273 submitted in the House of Commons by Mr. Sarkis Assadourian read:

That, in the opinion of this House, the government should consider designating the second Sunday in September of each year as grandparents day in order to acknowledge their importance to the structure of the family in the nurturing, upbringing and education of children.

Heart-to-Heart: Canadian Adults Wary of Having "The Talk" with their Parent(s)

New program helps to break the ice and get Canadian adults and their parent(s) talking about a serious heart condition that can lead to stroke

TORONTO, August 7, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Many parents feels anxious about the inevitable talk about the "birds and bees" with their children - sitting their kids down and explaining the facts. However, when the tables are turned and the "kids" become adults, having "The Talk" with their parent(s) about sensitive health issues can be really uncomfortable. A recent survey shows about 60 per cent of Canadian adults with living parent(s) regularly do not have "The Talk" about health issues with their parent(s) and almost a third (30 per cent) say they don't quite know how to start conversations with them about sensitive health topics.

Breaking the Ice

Having "The Talk" about health issues is very important - especially when it comes to a condition like atrial fibrillation (AF) and its link to stroke. If you have AF, a serious heart condition, your risk of stroke is considered three to five times higher than those without AF. Fortunately - with a physician's help and by taking some practical steps - you can take action to lower this risk.

"The survey makes it clear that Canadians understand how debilitating strokes can be, but for whatever reason it seems that they aren't talking about AF and stroke with their parents," says Dr. Frank Silver, Professor of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto. "We need to open the lines of communication to encourage Canadians 55 years and older to proactively raise the topic during their next doctor's visit to get checked and if needed, start treatment to reduce their risk."

To help break the ice, new tools are available at www.StrokeAndAF.ca - an educational resource available to Canadians with information about AF and stroke. For Canadians who can't find the words themselves to have "The Talk" with their parent(s), they can send a customizable video featuring a barbershop quartet as a gentle door opener to start "The Talk". After all, everything sounds better set to music. Once sent, they can refer to the "The Talk" Tip Sheet which provides helpful advice on how to approach this tricky conversation.

Tongue Tied

When asked which common illnesses they believe would cause the greatest strain if their parent(s) were diagnosed, strokes (47 per cent) were the second most common behind cancer (74 per cent). However, strokes (15 per cent) were last on a list of conditions Canadians said they've talked about with their parents, behind high blood pressure (41 per cent), cancer (31 per cent) and diabetes (25 per cent). What's even more telling is that more than half of Canadians with living parents (54 per cent) admit they have never heard of AF and after receiving a definition of AF, most (77 per cent) admitted they didn't know that AF leads to an increased risk of stroke.

"Strokes, including those related to AF, can be devastating for the individual and for their family and friends," says Ian Joiner, Director, Stroke, Heart and Stroke Foundation. "It's important to get Canadians talking about AF. The more people know about AF and its link to stroke, the greater chance there is of people taking action and lowering their risk."

Tips for Starting "The Talk"

To help Canadian adults initiate "The Talk" with their parent(s) about AF and its link to stroke, they can follow the steps below:

...Start early. Knowing that a person's risk of developing AF increases with each decade of life beginning at age 55, it may be best to start the conversation right around that time. Better to have "The Talk" than risk them having a stroke and wishing they had raised the topic sooner.

...Be supportive and understanding. The parent may not know how to initiate a discussion about their health for fear of causing alarm among their adult children. What's more, health concerns can become more frightening as one ages. Add to that the concept of growing more dependent on your children, and it could tongue-tie even the most talkative person. One way to break the ice is to start by the adult child letting their parent know how much they care for them - this will help set the tone for the conversation and will put them at ease.

...Use everyday opportunities to initiate "The Talk." Parents may resist a formal talk, so it's good to use everyday opportunities as an occasion to start a discussion. For example, while in the car together, adult children can bring up a recent website they visited (www.StrokeAndAF.ca), or television ad they saw about AF, and ask if they've heard about it and how it is linked to stroke. It's also important to gently suggest they raise it with their physician the next time they are in, as not everyone will experience symptoms of AF.

For more tips or to send a customized video to a loved one, Canadians can visit www.StrokeAndAF.ca.

About AF and Stroke in Canada

Approximately 350,000 Canadians are currently living with AF. People with AF are three to five times more at risk of having a stroke than those without AF, and twice as likely to die from one. After the age of 55, the incidence of AF doubles with each decade of life, and if left untreated, it can lead to stroke. After age 60, one-third of all strokes are caused by AF.

The irregular heartbeat caused by AF, which can be asymptomatic, leads to the heart pumping less efficiently. Sometimes it can pool and get stuck in the heart, which may result in the formation of a blood clot. A clot formed this way can be transported in the blood stream to the brain where it can cause a stroke. For those who survive a stroke, the disabilities can be significant, including: paralysis; loss of speech and understanding; effects on the memory, thought and emotional processes.

According to the Stroke Network, in Canada, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death with up to 15 per cent of strokes being caused by AF. Stroke costs the Canadian economy approximately $3.6 billion a year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages, and decreased productivity. In the six-month period following a stroke, the direct and indirect health care cost for each patient is about $50,000. People with non-disabling strokes spend up to $24,000 during the first six months. The acute period after a stroke accounts for 80 per cent of the overall six month costs. Families also take on a greater proportion of stroke related expenses including those associated with care giving, transportation, and lost income.

About the Survey

The survey was completed online from June 18 - 21, 2012, with a sample size of 896 Canadians aged 18+ with at least one living parent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.0%, 19 times out of 20.

About Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees.

Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavours.

In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of 13.2 billion euro while spending almost 24% of net sales in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on research and development.

The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 and the Research and Development Centre located in Laval, Québec, Canada. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. is home to more than 750 employees including 170 scientists across the country.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada has launched its video series Something you ate?

OTTAWA, July 30, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Public Health Agency of Canada has launched its video series Something you ate? The four-part series explains how the Agency detects and investigates outbreaks of foodborne illness, also commonly known as food poisoning.

The first two episodes are now available.

Episode 1: Outbreak Response - The Big Picture (response summary)

Episode 2: Tracking the Source (epidemiological investigation)

The videos were developed to help Canadians understand how an investigation into outbreaks of foodborne illness unfolds. They can be viewed individually, but together they tell the full story of our outbreak response and explain how people can protect themselves against illness.

The videos will be released on the PHAC website and YouTube channel on a weekly basis. We invite you to watch and share them with your audiences through your social media networks as well as through traditional streams.

Each video will be supported by extra web material, including links to our new fact sheets on pathogens, interactive material and the Government of Canada food safety web portal.

Watch for new episodes on these dates:

August 3: Episode 3: Tales from the Lab (lab investigation)

August 10: Episode 4: Protecting Yourself (food safety tips)