Reduce your chances of getting flu

25. January 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: Science Scribe, Victoria Times Colonist · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Flu vaccination. Photo © U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, via flickr & Creative Commons

Flu vaccination. Photo © U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, via flickr & Creative Commons

With the annual flu season underway, the annual influenza-related controversies are also making the rounds.

They started last summer, with problems at Canada’s main flu-vaccine production facility in Quebec. A shortfall of vaccine doses resulted, forcing the Canada’s Public Health Agency to place orders with other suppliers.

By the start of flu season in November, it became known that this year’s flu-vaccine missed the virus bull’s eye. The World Health Organization decides each spring which strains of influenza to target in the year’s vaccine. It selected one strain of Influenza B and two strains of Influenza A in 2014. However, the A virus that has since come to dominate the season mutated, leaving the vaccine less effective….

Read the rest of this editorial at the Victoria Times Colonist…. 

Healthy employees and healthy organizations

03. August 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: 14 Column Inches, Science Scribe, Victoria Times Colonist · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

B.C. Ferries vessel. Photo by Kam Abbot

When B.C. Ferries’ announced its employee health and fitness incentive last month, consumer organizations quickly condemned the initiative.

B.C. Ferries is offering each of its 3,000 unionized employees $300 to help pay for gym memberships or fitness equipment. The benefit, officials say, is part of an injury-reduction and employee-wellness program at the corporation….

 

Read the rest of this column in the Victoria Times Colonist…

Walking away from Alzheimer’s disease

26. January 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: 14 Column Inches, Science Scribe, Victoria Times Colonist · Tags: , , , , ,
Walking, by Elliot Margolies, www.emargolies.blogspot.com

Walking, by Elliot Margolies, www.emargolies.blogspot.com

Thousands of British Columbians will wake up tomorrow, put on their shoes, and walk.

They’re raising money through the Alzheimer’s Society of BC’s Walk for Memories. Funds raised support the society’s community programs.

The event’s signature activity and timing create an intriguing, synergistic combination.

Scheduled for the last Sunday in January, Walk for Memories comes on the heels of the week containing “the most depressing day of the year.” According to calculations first done in 2005 as a publicity stunt for a British travel agency, we’ve survived 2013’s nadir.

Continue reading….

 

 

Sources include:

Alzheimer’s Society of Canada’s report, Alzheimer’s Disease: What’s it all about? Where do we stand in search of a cure?

Alzheimer’s Society of BC

Minds in Motion