Health and Wellness Blog

Where to find reliable health information in other languages?

Living in an information explosion age like today, our challenge is not having limited access to information, but "separating the wheat from the chaff". For example, googling "diabetes", yields up 333 millions hits (as of May 3rd, 2012). So which ones can you trust?  If you are looking for a recipe for banana cake, it is ok to just take a look at the first couple of them. But if it's your health, you can't take it so lightly. Fortunately, there is help! Sites like MedlinePlus, and the Medical Library Association's website_ tell you how to find and evaluate health information on the web.

As for reliable free online health information in other languages than English, here are some useful sites:

• Canadian Cancer Society: Cancer information in other languages
• Heart and Stroke Foundation: Multilingual resources
• MedlinePlus: Health Information in Multiple Languages
• nnlm.gov: Consumer Health Information in Many Lanugages Resources
• NSW Multicultural Communication Services: Resources by language
• Stanford Health Library: Multilingual Health Information
• Tufts University: Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages (SPIRAL)
• University Health Network: Resources in Other Languages - Multilingual

Moreover, don't forget your Toronto Public Library! To find out which branches have your language collection, click here.

Or you can search our catalogue and order the materials you want before you go. Here is how to search the Toronto Public Library website for multilingual materials.

There are two different ways to search.

The easiest way is to search in your own language. For example, to find some Chinese diabetes materials, _ simply type Hanyu Pinyin Tang Niao Bing in the search box from our library home page, and click Search. 20 results turn up (as of May 3rd, 2012).

Another way is to search in English for materials in your language, here is how to:

1. click Advanced search (it's on top of our home page, right next to the Search button)
2. type keywords/subject in the search box (leave All fields unchanged),
3. select Type of material that you prefer (books, movies & video, audiobooks, etc.)
4. select Language 
5. select appropriate branch from At library branch (we have 98 branches) You can select any one from the list but since we have limited multilingual materials, it's better not to limit this at all. If an item is not available in your branch, _ it can be transferred to your local branch for pick-up. So it's best to select any branch
6. select Age level (children/Teen/Adult)
7. select Include [Reference Materials (in-library only)/Circulating Materials (take-home)/Fiction-Books/ Non-Fiction Books]
8. click Search

Here is an example: a customer wants to find some Chinese materials on diabetes in the Toronto Public Library that she/ he can borrow.

Go to Advanced search, type "diabetes" (leave All fields unchanged), choose "any type" from Type, choose "Chinese" from Language, choose "any branch" from At library branch,  choose "Adult+Teen+Children" from Age level, choose "Circulating Materials (take-home)+Non-Fiction Books", then click Search. Viola! 17 items (as of May 3rd, 2012) show up.

Look through the 17 items and choose the one you want to borrow. Then click the green button Place Hold under each item to reserve them (If you didn't log in to your account before the search, you will be asked for your library and PIN number), then choose the branch from which you want to pick up the materials, finally click Place Hold again.

Then just relax and wait for the Library's notification (phone/email). Normally it takes 4-5 business days for the material to be transferred from branch to branch (if the material is available in the branch). Upon the notification, you got 7 days to pick-up your items.

Never too early to take good care of yourself - teen health

According to Statistics Canada and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die from heart disease and cancer than any other disease and condition. What's more, these two share a common cause - smoking.

A bad habit like smoking which you pick up mindlessly when you are young might worsen your health and even cost you your life later on (seriously!!! ). The good news is - it is preventable if you start to take care of yourself early.

The key is to

• understand your body (you are its owner!), and know how it works
• foster good behaviour/habits
• adopt a healthy lifestyle suitable for you as early as possible
• talk to your parents or health care provider if you have any concerns

And check out some books from the Toronto Public Library to inform yourself:

    

More free online information for you:

• MedlinePlus: Puberty, Teen Development,  Teen Health, Teen Sexual Health
• HealthyChildren.org: Teen
• TeensHealth.org: For Teens

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and  blindness. It's the second most common cause of vision loss in seniors in Canada.

There are different types of glaucoma. The most common one is open-angle glaucoma (more than 250,000 Canadians have it). Most glaucomas involve the drainage system within the eye: the fluid drains too slowly out of the eye - when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises glaucoma occurs. If the pressure isn't controlled, it may cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, although some people are at higher risk than others. Glaucoma risk factors include:

• Elevated internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
• Age
• Ethnic background
• Family history of glaucoma
• Medical conditions
• Other eye conditions
• Nearsightedness
• Prolonged corticosteroid use

Glaucoma has no symptoms at first. People with open-angle glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision without treatment - they seem to be looking through a tunnel (tunnel vision). Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.

There is no cure for glaucoma. If it is detected early, glaucoma can be managed before irreversible vison loss occurs. For high risk people after age 35, it is recommended to have eye exam every year or two. Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these.

Check out some books and DVD from the Toronto Public Library on your topic:

 

More information on your topic:

• CNIB: Glaucoma
• MedlinePlus: Glaucoma
• National Eye Institute: Facts About Glaucoma
• Glaucoma Research Foundation: Diagnostic Tests, Alternative Medicine
• Glaucoma Foundation: Doctor I Have a Question about Glaucoma: A Guide for Patients and Their Families, How Glaucoma is Treated
  
  

World Water Day!

March 22 is World Water Day. The initiative to observe World Water Day internationally grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. This year's theme is Clean Water for a Healthy World. The overall goal of the 2010 campaign is to raise awareness of water quality worldwide.

In Canada, we are fortunate to have an abundance of clean potable water but in other parts of the world an estimated 1.1 billion people still rely on unsafe drinking-water sources. But even in our part of the world, we cannot take our water resources for granted. Issues of water privatization and pollution threaten this most precious resource.

On a more personal level, World Water Day is a good time to reflect why water is essential for good health. Our body is comprised of about 70 percent water. It needs water in almost every body process, including digestion, circulation, elimination and transportation of oxygen and nutrients. Water controls our body temperature and cushions our joints. We are constantly losing water in various ways including breathing, sweating, urine and bowel movements.  To ensure that our bodies function well, we need to replenish the water that is lost.

So how much water should you drink? That depends on many factors among them age, gender and body size; state of your health, what you eat, your level of activity and what climate you live in.

How do you know if you are drinking enough water? If you are reasonably healthy and eat a balanced diet including clear fluids, your body can maintain adequate water levels. Check with your health care provider if you are on medications or suffer from a chronic disease. One indicator that you are getting enough fluids is to look at the colour of your urine. It should be light yellow. Dark urine on an ongoing basis and fewer than 4 trips to the bathroom a day, may indicate that you need to increase your water intake. So raise a glass of water and toast to your health!

Eating al fresco: picnic safety tips

Want to catch the last rays of the sun? How about a picnic in the park, the beach or campground before the kids head back to school. But play it safe! Nothing spoils the fun more than getting sick from food eaten at a picnic.

The risk of foodborne illnesses increases during the summer when temperatures are warmer. Certain bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7, thrive under warm and moist conditions. The "danger zone" for the rapid growth of bacteria is from 4C to 60C (40F to 140F).

Picnic food safety rules include:

• keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• do not cross-contaminate food
• keep hazardous foods in well insulated coolers
• transport coolers in the passenger part of the car -- NOT in the hot trunk
• cover cooler at all times and keep in the shade
• if you barbeque, cook all meat thoroughly -- use a food thermometer to check for doneness
• serve food quickly and return unused part to cooler right away
• discard all hazardous food leftovers after picnic is finished

Don't forget, basic food handling rules still apply -- even outdoors! Keep utensils, plates, cups and trays clean and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Having said all that, don't worry, use common sense and enjoy your picnic. Bon Appetit!

Celebrating Earth Day...

Just in time for Earth Day (April 22nd), the Ontario Government is introducing a ban on  the sale and use of cosmetic and non-essential pesticides. All in all, more than 250 chemicals will be banned. According to Premier Dalton McGuinty, it will be the toughest ban of its kind in North America - going beyond ‘just lawns’, it will also include school yards and playgrounds and other public areas. (source) 

There is a growing body of evidence that exposure to pesticides may have ill effects on your health. (source)
The Canadian Cancer Society is particularly concerned that there might be cancer-causing substances in pesticides and has been advocating a ban on the sale and use of cosmetic and non-essential pesticides.(source) 

Pesticides are a group of chemicals that include:

•  Insecticides (for insect control)
•  Herbicides (for weed control)
•  Fungicides (for control of disease caused by fungi)
•  Rodenticides (for rodent control)
•  Fumigants (substances used in gaseous form to control insects)

The above listed chemicals can be used for a variety of reasons and in many settings ranging from controlling pests to improving the appearance of our lawns, commonly referred to as cosmetic use of pesticides. (source)

The Province of Quebec and communities in other parts of Canada have already banned the non-essential use of pesticides and according to public opinion polls, there is strong support to ban the use of pesticides all over Canada. (source)

While you may be supportive of the ban, you may still wonder what you can do to keep your lawn weed-free. For tips on how to wean your lawn off pesticides and go natural, check out the City of Toronto’s website. 

Last but not least, make peace with dandelions… revel in their beauty and maybe even discover some of their hidden health benefits.

Prepared by marietta forster-haberer -- Consumer Health Information Service -- Toronto Reference Library.

Further Reading

Canadian Cancer Society. Cosmetic use of pesticides. 25 March 2009.

Toronto Public Health. Lawn and garden pesticides: a review of human exposure & health effects research. April 2002

Toronto Public Health. Healthy people healthy environment.

CBC News. Pesticide timeline. May 21, 2004.

Health Canada. Healthy Lawn Tips.

Saskatechewan Environmental Society. Be pesticide free.

Dental Health

Oral health is essential to your overall health. When you have healthy teeth, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition.  You will also feel confident when you smile, talk and laugh.   

Lots of people assume they will lose their teeth as they age. That is false. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.

Good dental health starts in childhood. Otherwise you could have problems with your teeth and gums - like cavities or gum diseases (the most common dental problems).

Cativities/tooth decay/dental caries are caused by acid erosion of tooth enamel. Bacteria (germs) that naturally live in our mouths use sugar in food to make acids. Over time, the acids destroy the outside layer of your teeth, causing holes and other tooth damage.

Gum diseases are infections caused by bacteria, made worse by mucous and other particles that form a sticky plaque on your teeth. Plaque that is left on teeth hardens and forms tartar. Plaque buildup can cause gum diseases like gingivitis, which causes your gums to become red and swollen gums and to gums bleed easily. The longer plaque and tartar stay on teeth, the more harm they do. Most gingivitis can be treated with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings at the dentist’s office. This mild form of gum disease does not lead to loss of bone or tissue around the teeth but, if it is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Then the gums pull away from the teeth and form infected “pockets.” You may also lose supporting bone (source).

Now we know how important it is to take care of our teeth. Daily brushing and flossing is the first step, but there are other steps that you should take to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime (source),

• understand your own oral health needs
• commit to a daily oral health routine
• use fluoride products
• brush and floss to remove plaque
• limit snacks, particularly those high in simple sugars and eat a balanced diet
• quit smoking and other tobacco use
• examine your mouth regularly
• visit the dentist's office regularly (free dental care available for eligible children, high school students and seniors who live in the City of Toronto)

For baby’s oral health, there are special care needs (source):

• The same germs that cause tooth decay in your mouth can be passed to your baby.  Do not put your baby’s items, such as toys, spoons, bottles, or pacifiers in your mouth.
• Wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean gauze pad or baby toothbrush after each nursing and feeding.  This can help remove sugars found in milk that can cause tooth decay.
• If you bottle-feed your baby, try to finish bottle weaning by age 1. Avoid giving your baby bottles or pacifiers at naps and bedtime.  Sucking on a bottle filled with milk or juice when lying down can cause nursing caries. Do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle filled with anything but water
• All babies should visit a dentist by age 1. The dentist will screen for problems in your baby’s mouth, and show you how to care for your child’s teeth and mouth
• Talk with your doctor about the best water choices for infants. Fluoride is good for teeth, but too much fluoride can harm development of tooth enamel in infants

Sylvia Chen, for Consumer Health Information Service (CHIS) at Toronto Public Library.

Further reading

Children's Dental Care

1. Toronto Public Health: Free dental care for eligible children who live in the City of Toronto
2. FamilyDoctor.org: Dental hygiene: how to care for your child's teeth, How to care for your baby's teeth
3. MedlinePlus: Child dental health

Women's Dental Care

1. National Women's Health Information Center:  Oral health
2. NOAH (New York Online Access to Health):  Women and dental health 

Senior Dental Care

1. Toronto Public Health: Free dental care for seniors who live in the City of Toronto
2. Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery:  Seniors
3. National Institute on Aging: Taking care of your teeth and mouth 
4. WebMD: Dental Health: Frequently asked questions about senior dental care

Adult Dental Care

1. Toronto Public Health: Free dental care for eligible children, high school students and seniors
2. Canadian Dental Association: Caring for your teeth, Visiting the dentist, Dental procedures, Oral health complications
3. Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery:  Prevent problems, Understand conditions, Explore treatments
4. MedlinePlus: Dental health, Cosmetic dentistry,  Denture, Gum disease, Othodontia, Tooth disorders, Mouth and teeth, 

Nutrition for Your Dental Health

1. Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery:  Mouth-healthy eating 
2. Health Canada: Canada’s food guide