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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-09-03, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. Letter to the editor It’s Ovarian Cancer Month THE EDITOR, September is Ovarian Cancer Month and the National Ovarian Cancer Association (NOCA) is working hard to raise awareness about the disease that is the fifth leading cancer cause of death for women in Canada. With no single early detection test available for ovarian cancer, and contusing symptoms, too frequently the disease is diagnosed in its later stages, often with poor outcomes. NOCA’s goal is to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms and to be the source on ovarian cancer in Canada. Increasing knowledge is the best weapon we have to fight this horrible disease. Over 2.600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer ever year - that is one in 70 women in Canada. Over 1.500 Canadian women die each year of this disease because as the symptoms are often vague, because late diagnosis makes a cure less likely. However if ovarian cancer is found early and treated, the survival rate is as high as 90 per cent. NOCA supports research into prevention, finding an early detection test, improved treatment and is dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer and in raising awareness about the seriousness of this women's disease. Ovarian cancer symptoms may include: change in bowel habits, weight gain or loss, loss of appetite, nausea, feelings of bloatedness, frequent urination, or backache. Individuals at risk include those who have a family history of breast, ovarian cancer or colon cancer and women who have experienced infertility. Ovarian cancer is most common in women over 50 years of age. If you 2nd Huron erow tested for WNv A crow from the Seaforth area is undergoing further tests after initial testing has shown signs of West Nile virus. Further tests by the federal laboratory in Winnipeg are needed to confirm the findings. If confirmed this will the second positive bird in Huron County, This year 36 of 37 Ontario health units have reported positive crows and 11 health units have reported positive pools of mosquitoes including Middlesex-London, Oxford and Windsor in south western Ontario. The virus has been confirmed in one Renfrew County resident and confirmation of human cases is pending in Ottawa. Toronto and York Region. The next two to three weeks are the high risk time for contracting West Nile virus from mosquito bites. In 2002 the majority of human cases of West Nile virus in Ontario were reported in late August and September. Ii is important that people continue to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites from now until the first frost. Adult mosquito trapping and mosquito larval (.lipping conducted by the health unit and municipalities have found the types ol mosquitoes known <o carry the virus however none Have tested positive to dale have any combination of these symptoms and they persist longer than three weeks, contact your family doctor. The National Ovarian Cancer Association is making strides to overcome this disease by funding research, providing support to women with the disease and their families, and by raising awareness but we need your help to make a difference. Beyond Limitations Stooping to my level I have been a full-time wheelchair user for 14 years now. In the past decade, our society has been making changes - ramps are being built, automated doors are being set in doorways, and larger washrooms equipped with grab-bars and heightened toilets are becoming an important architectural develop­ ment. These changes are coming from growing attitudes of thoughtful people whose brainstorming is making our world what it was intended to be: a vast society where we are all able to learn and teach. Looking back, going into a wheelchair was a very difficult transition to make; however, it was very important for me to maintain my independence, and ultimately, my wheelchair is my mode of transportation. Even though 1 have been in some uncomfortable situations involving some members of our public, I try to understand that circumstances are awkward because having to use a wheelchair contrasts with the ability to walk. We all encounter a fear of the different - I have had. and still am dealing with this myself! I also have met many people whose kindness and concern follows me everywhere. Our society is slowly becoming wheelchair accessible, but there is still much work to be done. Even if you do not use a wheelchair, it is very important to make your voice heard, so that structural changes can be made on a universal level. In order to do this, it is important to fully understand the etiquette of meeting someone who uses a wheelchair. Ask Permission: Always ask the To find out more about the disease, NOCA programs, or to pledge your support for this important campaign against ovarian cancer, visit our website at: www.ovariancanada.org or call 1-877-413-7970 toll free in Canada. Yours truly, Elisabeth Ross Executive Director National Ovarian Cancer Association. wheelchair user if he/she needs assistance before you help. It may be necessary for the person to give instructions. Be Respectful: A person’s wheelchair is part of his or her body space and should be treated with respect. Don’t hang or lean on it unless you have the person's permission. Speak Directly: Be careful not to exclude the wheelchair user from conversations. Speak directly to the person and if the conversation lasts more than a few minutes, sit down or kneel to get yourself on the sane plane as the wheelchair. This concept means a great deal to me - it makes me feel confident and that what I say is interesting too! Give Clear Directions: When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, be sure to include distance, weather conditions, and physical obstacles which may hinder a wheelchair user’s travel. Act Naturally: It is okay to use expressions like “running along” when speaking to a person in a wheelchair. I express things the same way! Children are OK: Most wheelchair users are not offended by questions children ask them about their disabilities or wheelchairs. Children have a natural curiosity that needs to be satisfied so they do not develop fearful or misleading attitudes. My wheelchair provides freedom - many users feel the same way, and it must be realized that using a wheelchair is in itself, not a tragedy. Yes, structural barriers in public places create some inconveniences, but this is positively changing, as well as the minds of people. Preparations underway Bill Andrews and Gordon Daer, both of Auburn, take a break from fencing duties at the Thresher grounds. Volunteers will be busy all week getting everything ready for thousands of visitors. (Sandra Johnstone photo) The Great Canadian Beef Barbeque PLATINUM SPONSORS Box Foxton Fuels Ltd.McCall Livestock Boyd's Elevators Ltd.McGavin Farm Equipment Brussels Agromart Ltd.& McGavin Farm Supply Brussels Agri-Services Ltd. - Tim Prior McKillop Mutual Insurance Co. Brussels Livestock Merial Cardiff BBQ Catering Ltd.Molesworth Farm Supply Cargill Ag Horizons New Holland Chapman's Ice Cream Norpac - Norwich Packers Express Vaccines Ontario Farmer Furst - McNess Rathwell National Realty Great Lakes Nutrition Reavie Farm Equipment Hensail District Co-Operative Schering Plough Huron Business Development Corp.Sparling's Propane Huron County Beef Producers Wescast industries Community Huron Tractor Involvement Team Wyeth GOLD SPONSORS Bio-Ag Consultants & Distributors Inc.H- Creates - Heather Somers Bi-Pro Marketing Huron Produce Blyth Festival InterVet Bruce Tile K & L Bray Farms Ltd. CKNX Kongskilde Ltd. David Carson Farms Metzger Veterinary Services P.C. & Auction Services M & L Trucking - M & L Coultes Dorothy Dilworth New Life Mills Elanco Norcan Farm Equipment Elma Mutual Insurance Co.North Huron Gardens Garfield & Ruby Hughes Ont. Cattle Feeders Association Germania Mutual Insurance Ont. Cattlemen's Association Great Plains - Ron Pearn Pfizer Green's Meat Market Ralston Purina Hardi - Bob Trimbel S & S Trucking Liquid Disposal Ltd. Harkness Equipment Salford Farm Machinery Heather Durnin Shur-Gain Helm Welding Snow White Mushroom Co. Ltd. Horst Wagons Sunflower - Steve Hoskings Horton's Dairy Suntastic Hothouse Co. Howatt Brothers Transport Vincent Farm Equipment Howick Mutual Insurance Co.West Wawanosh Insurance Huron Bay Co-Operative Wil-rich - Bill Mackins Huron County Holstein Club Zahnd Real Estate Huron Feeding Systems Zurich Bean Festival Committee The organizing committee, along with the Brussels Agricultural Society, OCA, OCFA and the Huron County Beef Producers would like to thank all consumers for supporting the cattle industry and its partners through these stressful times. A special thank you to all related agri-businesses for your overwhelming financial support. Thank you, also, to the many volunteers that demonstrated rural Ontario community enthusiasm at the Great Canadian Beef BBQ on August 20th in Brussels.