H1N1 - fearmongering and false information

I cannot believe the websites out there. There are homeopaths recommending their products. What motivation do you think THEY have!  There are some denying the WHO facts, like the Holocaust deniers, with misinformation clouding their vision. The 1918 flu Epidemic cost at least 21 million lives. Statistics were not available from many places, India, for example. In Canada 50,000 died. In the US, 675,000.

We know so much more about prevention and curing such diseases. If only people will listen.

The facts remain: as of October 17, 2009, there were 414,000 laboratory confirmed cases in the world, with 5,000 deaths.
Mexico alone had 50,234 confirmed cases. And what we need to remember is that there are many more unconfirmed cases in which people survived and had limited symptoms.

In this, week 42, the most increases in cases were in children between the ages of 2 and 17 years in Ontario, W. Newfoundland and Labrador. There have been exponential increases, with graphs zooming upwards as people begin to contaminate each other in schools, and at work.

Long-Term Care facilities are sending home questionnaires determining if family members will help out with their loved ones, or other sick patients and asking if they have had an H1N1 vaccine.

This is not a pretty pandemic. But talk to your family physician. Read the facts from those who know what they are talking about. Remember, too, that those who are not dying from this will have increased immune protection and protect those around them.

Get the facts. FluWatch animated maps of flu activity, Public Health Agency of Canada


Not the false promises:

Greenearth Organics Simcoe-Muskoka: H1N1 Swine flu cure by Homeopathy By sblack  For all those interested in an alternative to vaccination for H1N1, or for natural, safe and effective treatment for the flu, here's info from the source, The British Institute of Homeopathy. From CBC:

About 200,000 people die in Canada every year from all causes combined, including about 4,000 from seasonal flu.

"By the time all the dust has settled on H1N1, somewhere between 200 and 300 people will have died in this country," Schabas said Thursday during a panel on media coverage of H1N1 on CBC-TV'sThe National.

H1N1 - how to protect yourself

As has been said before, wash your hands, and pay attention to those around you.

Staff and patients who might have been exposed to the virus in the intensive unit have been prescribed antiviral medications as a precaution. Patients with influenza are assigned to private rooms while caregivers must wear gowns, gloves and N95 masks to protect them from contracting the disease.

Breathe through your nose in public places. Your nose has cilia (little fingers) that filter out some pathogens.

If you are around people who are coughing, this is especially important. A sneeze can send the virus 100 miles an hour across a room. An H1N1 virus can live 8 - 10 hours on a soft surface, a couple of days on a hard one. You pick it up, it enters your body through an orifice, or cut, and you will be exposed.

It takes a few days to incubate the virus, and you may never know that the person beside you has been infected. Nurses are falling ill to the virus in one Toronto Hospital:

Meanwhile, Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Toronto's associate medical officer of health, confirmed an outbreak of H1N1 at Mount Sinai Hospital at a press conference this afternoon. Mount Sinai declared the outbreak after three cases in patients and staff were confirmed at its adult intensive care unit.

Do you think these nurses had the vaccines? Probably not.
Yet, we read:

Nurse faces dilemma over vaccine - Winnipeg Free Press

28 Oct 2009 ... A lot more people are choosing not to risk getting the shot, ... Far better that this nurse not be vaccinated and risk spreading the virus to all

Make sure, if you are making a decision, that you get Reliable information from across the Web (from a Globe & Mail site).

A fact sheet from the Public Health Agency of Canada on H1N1

The above link provides information on contagion, how it spreads, symptoms, prevention and how to be prepared.

H1N1 - what do we look for?

I have been listening, intrigued, by the news reports. The key to understanding what is going on is to listen to the experts. That does not mean your best friend, who is a nurse, or the local media. This does not mean listening to those in health care who poo-poo the idea of having a vaccine. We will not run out: Canada ordered 50.4 million doses of vaccine, enough to give 75% of the country two doses. The mad scrambling in lines for clinics is rather disconcerting. Local health officials are having problems meeting these demands across the continent. As people stand for hours in line, waiting for a flu shot, only to be told they have to come back tomorrow. It would be smart for these people to get priority in the morning. I hope this will be thought through. Very angry people are raising a fuss. And rightly so. Yet, our harried nurses cannot work 24/7 or they WILL burn out. We have limited numbers of nurses in Canada, they are being drawn from other work to provide these clinics. 


And fearmongering:

The so-called anti-vaccine movement – a loose collection of concerned parents and PhDs on the lecture circuit trying to educate the public about perceived dangers of immunization – has been around for decades but has gained strength with the rise of social networking and citizen journalism.
(Smith, 2009)

Doctor's offices are giving inaccurate advice:

'Scared' mom finds flu advice falls short

 with mild flu symptoms, do not go to emergency. Your Family Physician (FP) does not want these patients in their waiting rooms. Of course, they will send you to emergency. The Telehealth Ontario phone lines are jammed.

There are two types of vaccines:

"WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ADJUVANTED AND NON-ADJUVANTED VACCINE?"

Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer:

Both versions contain a killed virus, so they cannot cause infection. It trains our immune system to fight off infections. An adjuvant is an additive that boosts the immune system, especially if the virus mutates during the season. It's a natural product containing fish oil, water and vitamin E. Adjuvants have been used since the 1920s and can be found in a range of vaccines including tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and diphtheria.

This isn't new science. It is well-established and reliable. How many thousands have had these shots over the past decades? A great number. We know about allergies and there are those who cannot take them, but the key is to inoculate those around them to prevent the virus from entering a family home.

Part of the clues to H1N1, is the information gleaned from the 1918 Pandemic. Dr. David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer for Canada, spoke to CBC.  He explained that the vast majority of deaths in the 1918 Pandemic were due to issues such as: lack of ventilators, pneumonia, and subsequent bacterial infections (which accounted for one-third of the deaths). The mortality rate in 1918 was 2 %, but 99.5% of those who contracted the influenza survived.

The influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 was uniquely severe, causing an estimated 20–40 million deaths worldwide. Also unique was the age distribution of its victims: the death rate for young, previously healthy adults, who rarely suffer fatal complications from influenza, was exceptionally high. (NIH, 2001)

Does this sound familiar? What have we learned? In 2009, we have back-up ventilators, antivirals, and antibiotics. The key is recognizing when to get help, what kind of help you need, and when the H1N1 virus has gone bacterial. We know, now, that too often too many kids have antibacterial drugs and a bug becomes able to fight the drugs. We know the signs of bacterial infection: coughing up green gunk, for example. Inappropriate use of antibiotics has helped create strains of bacterial disease that are resistant to treatment with different types of antibiotic medications.(Steckelberg, 2009)

Other signs, says Dr. Butler-Jones: aches, fever, dry cough are 'normal' flu symptoms. There are those who say NOT to give kids medicine to lower their fever, since this is the means by which the body fights these viruses.

What a person must look out for is shortness of breath, chest constriction, as the virus becomes bacterial. The lungs in a normal person become flooded with mucous, as the body tries to drown the virus. This is a normal part of a cold. What is particularly virulent in H1N1 is the speed with which the virus progresses from flu to pneumonia. This is when one may need a ventilator, antivirals, and antibiotics. Again, what is worrisome is that a patient could go to an emergency ward, be thought to be fine, be sent home, and then they get worse very suddenly. Emergency wards are not the place for them. Sitting for 8 hours will make you tired and even worse. You want your body to be able to fight the disease.

The other issue to watch for: seemingly getting better, then a sudden downturn. This is a sign that your body is creating antibodies to fight the virus, but the virus is now bacterials, with infections in the lungs. Again, coughing up green chunks is the key to get immediate care.

Why not go to your FP and get an H1N1 shot?

MDs say rules deter them from providing H1N1 shots

There are barriers, since the powers-that-be packaged them up in 500-dose lots. Some FP may have the vaccines, others may not. But talk to your physician and determine if you should have the shot and if it is available in his/her office.

References

Bacterial infection vs. viral infection: What's the difference ...

Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine whether bacteria or a virus is causing your symptoms. Many ailments — such as pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhea — can be caused by either type of microbe. (Steckelberg, 2009)

Characterization of the 1918 influenza virus polymerase genes

Sequence of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus nonstructural gene (NS) segment and …

 - ►nih.gov (2001) doi: 10.1073/pnas.031575198PNAS February 27, 2001 vol. 98no. 5 2746-2751CF Basler, AH Reid, JK Dybing, TA … - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of …, 2001 - National Acad Sciences
The influenza A virus pandemic of 1918–1919 resulted in an estimated 20–40
million deaths worldwide.


Vaccine myths frustrate doctorsJoanna Smith  (2009)

Public health officials worry that detractors will prevent people from getting H1N1 shots.

H1N1 Vaccines in Canada

Vaccines are out in Canada. We have ordered twice as much as we need, since at the time the Ministry thought we would need two shots for it to be effective. There are maps about, showing Confirmed swine flu cases around the globe. (<= This one is excellent!)  


Protocols

Our Minister of Health has outlined the protocol for shots. But, rest assured, if you want a vaccine, check your local health network [ Find your local public health unit. ] to find out when it is available. Ontario Will Offer H1N1 Vaccine On October 26


In Muskoka, where I live, they have created clinics over the next month. For example, click here for the info and schedule, for North Simcoe Muskoka's LHIN. There is a priority as the protocol targets those most vulnerable.

• People 65 and under with chronic conditions;
• Pregnant women;
• Healthy children 6 months to under five years of age;
• People living in remote or isolated communities;
• Health care workers; and
• Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccine.

Flu shot plans vary across Canada (<= click on the link)

 but I think we are in better shape than the US, which doesn't have enough vaccine. 

• Toronto flu clinics map

• Ontario swine flu map (Oct. 23)

• Children may not need second shot
• 7 things you should know about swine flu
• Ontario swine flu map (Oct. 23)

Treatment

Once you have a flu of any kind, keeping liquids in is important. Your body is trying to drown the virus, hence the mucous. The issue with H1N1 is the incredible damage to your lungs as liquids fill them up. Most do not have extreme symptoms, and practicing safety precautions for loved ones is important. You are wise to follow the safe practices every is talking about: sneezing into your elbow, staying home if you are ill, avoid emergency rooms is you can manage at home. 

I remember my late mother recommending the BRAT diet. Once you are able to eat again: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.

Statistics in Canada

There have been 3,636 cases of swine flu and 14 related deaths reported in Ontario, with a population of  12.9 million people they say it is growing. 

As of Thursday, there were 78 deaths in Canada among people with confirmed H1N1, up by two since Sept. 12. There were also 15 people in hospital and three admissions to intensive-care units in that time, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq told reporters. Canada's population is about 31 million (2006).

Bioethics & H1N1

The secondary way of H1N1 has hit. Three more deaths last week, total number of Canadian fatalities = 86.
"As of 17 October 2009, worldwide there have been more than 414,000 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 and nearly 5000 deaths reported to WHO."
WHO has excellent maps indicating its progress as a pandemic.

Geographic spread of influenza activity

Map timeline

Trend of respiratory diseases activity compared to the previous week

Map timeline

Intensity of acute respiratory diseases in the population

Map timeline

Impact on health care services

Map timeline

Laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the IHR (2005) as of 18 October 2009

Map of affected countries and deaths

Now that we (Canada) have the vaccines, they are targeting those under age 65. But the bioethics intrigue me.

The supplementary criteria the triage teams may use to prioritize patients were defined after extensive review of the ethical framework embedded in Ontario's provincial plan, the bioethics literature, and feedback from stakeholders. These criteria include: (1) Does the patient belong to a profession that could help save/care for others? (2) Is it likely the patient became exposed to influenza through their professional duties? (3) Is the patient pregnant or a caregiver for dependents (children under 18, disabled adults or elders)? (4) Is there any evidence the patient is significantly more likely to survive than others? and (5) Is the patient significantly younger than others, thus at risk of losing more years of life?

Here's how the Hamilton Health Sciences protocol will work. The first step will be to triage patients according to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's clinical guidelines: Does the patient need critical care? Does the patient have underlying illnesses that predict a poor outcome? Is more than one organ system affected? Does the patient improve with critical care? The goal of this triage process is to ensure that everyone who receives critical care survives.

Triage - Globe & Mail
Essential service workers, people exposed to influenza through professional duties, caregivers of dependents, and younger patients will be given priority access.

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  Working to keep the flu out of the pews Thursday, Sep. 24, 2009 07:16PM EDT

  
  
• 
  

  H1N1 pandemic: Ontario delays fall flu shots over H1N1 threat Thursday, Sep. 24, 2009 10:34AM EDT

  
  
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  Kids will require two H1N1 shots Monday, Sep. 21, 2009 08:01PM EDT

  
  

As of today, Oct. 23, 2009, CBC reports in the  Greater Toronto Area (GTA) 439 hospitalizations to date. As of Oct. 21, 38. Deaths to date: 28, Average age of death: 57, average age of illness: 18.

"In Canada, the median age of those who have become ill with laboratory-confirmed swine flu is 21, and the median age of those who died is 51, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer  said. Last week, about half of the people who died of the flu in the U.S. were teenagers."

Health secrets vs. support and solutions

One of the biggest difficulties of caring for aging parents is trying to deal with the myths and "old wive's tales" of earlier generations. In the past health issues, especially mental health issues were simply not shared. In my situation, I developed depression and was incapable of dealing with my reality. No one around me at work could understand. I had pressure from my boss to perform, with little sympathy for me as I cared for a palliative father and mother.

In my case, I wanted information. All the time. My mother did not. Nor did she care for sharing information, or in seeking it from her doctors. In this day and age, you are wise to ask your doctor questions in order to make the best decision at the time. Even dad did not know how ill mom was when she was having chemotherapy. This seemed profoundly unfair to me and to him. When she signed dad up for radiation treatment shortly thereafter, none of us knew what to expect. Dad was incapable of getting or retaining info from his oncologists. No one went with him to appointments, since mom was so ill.

You can read, in this excerpt, that Mom had it in her mind that she wanted chemo, despite not talking to any of us, nor getting information on treatement goals, options, complications and expected outcomes based on her age, health at the time, and physical condition.

There are questions to ask your oncologist. The impact of chemo on the entire family is incredible. All must be prepared.

It was grossly unfair to mom's friends, too, who would have liked to understand her health situation. They wanted to help her, they wanted to understand what she was going through, and yet her best friends were not told. I have found that many people feel this difficult. Patients seem to resent pity, but friends and family want truth and reality.

Get help, but reach out, too. Be available to friends and family. Offer solace. Concrete things you can do for them.

Pain Management in Palliative Care Patients

I read an interesting item
Communication issues can greatly complicate caregiving.

I know. My late father's ears were clogged, his hearing aids were not working, then he lost them, and we were unable to convince the powers-that-be that he was in pain. He suffered for weeks, with predictable headaches, I am sure, from his brain tumour progression. I was unable, until the final days, to get him on any pain killer strong enough to assuage his pain.

Quality End-of-Life Care: The Right of Every Canadian. This subcommittee made recommendations regarding palliative care, made in the 1995 report, Of Life and Death.

The report says, in part:

"Many witnesses repeatedly indicated that pain control techniques are not being adequately used and, often, sufficient medication to control pain is not being provided. Several witnesses suggested this is due to a lack of training and education of medical professionals in the area."
There are so many myths around pain relief, and some front line Primary Care staff do not understand this issue. The Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada (QELCCC) believes that all Canadians have a right to die with dignity, free of pain, surrounded by their loved ones, in the setting of their choice.

Advance Care Planning is a vital part of preparing for end-of-lie and quality of life on the part of family and friends.  All of the Hospice organizations have trained volunteers who will help thos who want family to have a 'good death'. As a Hospice volunteer and caregiver for cancer-ridden parents, I have seen many instances in which Primary Staff do NOT understand death and dying.

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians and the Alzheimer Society of Canada have strong beliefs around quality of palliative care, including respect for palliative patients and their families. Many who suffer pain have complained that physicians do not understand their pain and cannot ameliorate it properly. This is wrong. It is up toe caregiver to advocate for family members.


As I have written previously, they confirm what I say,

We also believe that every health care provider should have basic competency in providing end-of-life care and that every health care institution should ensure quality at the end of life for all of those who will die in institutions. We believe that the option of staying at home as long as is possible, and perhaps dying at home as most Canadians wish, needs to be supported with increased resources and specialized hospice palliative care resources.

Each year, more that 259,000 Canadians die[2] and, with our aging population, that number will grow. By 2026, 330,000 will die each year.

Be Aware
Be vigilant and take note of new symptoms: confusion, falls, loss of independence, incontinence, depression.

If patients have a history of delirium, then prolonged sedation, mechanical ventilation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, they are at risk psychologically: comorbidities may include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, and depression. Families and caregivers may also have depression and anxiety, as I well know.

There are two different categories of pain: acute and chronic. Chronic pain, from chronic diseases, last a long time (3 - 6 months or more) and results in sleep disturbances, anorexia, personality changes or work inhibition.

Causes of chronic pain: arthritis, stress fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, muscle spasms, constipation, oral pain, bruises or skin tears (common in ailing seniors), lymphedema (swelling of limbs), shingles.

Acute pain has a definite pattern of onset, it last for a limited amount of time, e.g., during palliative care. It results in the fight or flight response, pupil dilation, increased sweating, respiratory rate, heart rate, as blood shifts from viscera (organs) to muscle.

Treatment needs to be addressed rapidly with a comprehensive management approach.
There are other types of pain:

• anticipatory pain - fear of the unknown, expected experience, causes fear and anxiety
  
• incident pain - when a patient is shifted in bed
  
• remembered pain - triggered at certain times of day by particular past events
  

Pain Thresholds
These can be lowered in a previously pain-tolerant person. When you have discomfort, insomnia, stress, fatigue, anxiety, sadness, depression, boredom, or social isolation. We can increase pain thresholds by dealing with and managing pain, and symptoms early and swiftly.

Symptoms of pain
Loss of appetite, anxiety, bleeding, constipation, cough, confusion, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, dysphagia, dyspnea, hiccoughing, intolerance of sheets on their legs, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pruritis, insomnia, mouth pain, skin problems, seizures, urinary frequency, weakness.
Watch for changes in expression, a change in behaviour, physical, intellectual, emotional spiritual pain:

• being very quiet or moaning, rocking
• being friendly to now being combative
• from being cheerful to being sad
• eating well then refusing food
• sleeping well to insomnia
• gestures: wringing of the hands, fidgeting with clothes, "pleating", clenching fists, flinging arms about, reflexive jerking, rubbing a body part, rhythmic body movements (banging on a table)
  
• holding onto a chair for security
• tossing and turning in bed
• changes in body posture: slouching, slow shuffling, tense posture, rapid gait, tense sitting or lying positions

Barriers to treating pain:

• personal, preconceived prejudices on the part of the patient, health care professionals (PSW, nurse, physician, institution), caregivers, family members
• myths around pain management - that it is 'normal'
• myths around dosages
• myths around delivery of pain relief - oral vs. shots
• myths around addictions, dependence, tolerance

 Myths around pain

• personal, preconceived prejudices on the part of the patient, health care professionals (PSW, nurse, physician, institution), caregivers, family members
• pain is 'normal'
• dosages depend upon the individual "Pain is whatever the person says and occurs whenever the person says it does" (McCaffery, 1999)
  
• delivery of pain relief - oral vs. shots are best
  
• myths around addictions, dependence, tolerance of pain
  

Busting myths around pain

• We feel pain when asleep
• A palliative care patient will not become addicted and deserves pain management
  
• All seniors do not have pain
• There is no ceiling dose for pain -we need not wait exactly 4 hrs. for another dose, or remain at a particular dosage over time
• Anxiety is a sign of unmanaged pain
  

Such publications as The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care (2007) speak of pain as a "complex biological event that affects the person, the family, the community, and society." When a loved one suffers, we all suffer. It is up to a family member to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Sometimes deep pain, as affected by psychological, biological, sociological, spiritual or practical factors, can increase without interventions. We need to be assertive and advocate for loved one. Record pain symptoms in a medical diary and do not stop until you are satisfied that the pain is being managed. You cannot overmedicate and Tylenol will not do it for many folks.
~~~~~~~
[1] A Guide to Advance Care Planning
The government of Ontario has produced the Guide to Advance Care Planning as part of Ontario 's Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias. ...

[2] Ferris FD, Balfour HM, Bowen K, Farley J, Hardwick M, Lamontagne C, Lundy M, Syme A, West P. A Model to Guide Hospice Palliative Care. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, 2002.

Dementia and health care

A new study has come out about dementia patients and end of life care. As the authors say,

"The clinical course of nursing home residents with advanced dementia has not been well described."

The Clinical Course of Advanced Dementia
 This study followed 323 nursing home residents with advanced dementia in 22 nursing homes. 

• Data was collected on clinical complications, symptoms, and treatments.
• The mean age of the group was 85
• Patients had been in nursing home care for a median of three years.
  Dementia was related to
  
  • vascular insufficiency in 17% of the patients (e.g., my Dad had a brain tumour that caused his dementia, but inadequate blood supply to the brain)
    
  • to Alzheimer's disease in 72% of these cases. 
  • Symptoms in the remainder had other causes.
   

Over a period of 18 months, 54.8% of the residents died.  

• Probability of pneumonia was 41.1%; 
• A febrile episode: 52.6%;  (A febrile episode is a seizure due to a fever.)
• Eating problems, 85.8%. 

After adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration,

• the 6-month mortality rate pneumonia was 46.7%; 
• a febrile episode, 44.5%;
  
• an eating problem, 38.6%. 

• Distressing symptoms, including dyspnea, or shortness of breath (46.0%) and pain (39.1%), were common. 
• In the last 3 months of life, 40.7% of residents underwent at least one: hospitalization, emergency room visit, parenteral therapy (intravenous or intramuscular injection), or tube feeding. 

Much has been written about quality of life, palliative, and end-of-life care. Little filters down to caregiver, front line staff except those in specialty units, and big hospitals. It is important that caregivers, those with power of attorney, remain vigilant in determining that their loved ones are not facing extreme interventions, when it prolongs a difficult life.

In this article, Infections, Eating Problems Signal The End in Advanced Dementia, they say,
"although earlier studies had suggested that pneumonia and other infections, fractures, eating problems, and agitation are common in advanced dementia, they were not as rigorous as the current study."
 
They point out that caregivers must be vigilant. Extreme interventions are disabling, rather than enabling. And I agree. Those with dementia are practically force fed. They are forced, in many institutions, to get out of bed, to have physiotherapy, or their diets consist of bland, low cholesterol foods that they may never have liked, all with the mindset of prolonging life. They experience polypharmacy, in which they receive medications that determine their quality of life.

It is up to caregivers and Alternate Decision Makers, to advocate. My Dad, who loved his eggs, was refused an egg on a daily basis. What were they thinking? He was declared palliative at that point. He wanted an egg.

My Dad, whose brain tumour caused balance issues, and who had fatigue, would beg us to put him back into bed. It took time to find two staff members to do this. We could not lift him, and it was dangerous to do so. He was better served by being allowed to rest, and sleep. We avoided falls by having him in a reclining wheel chair, but they needed to be rented. They wanted to give him physiotherapy, to better help him get in and out of bed and his wheelchair, but we said we didn't think his care staff were best to be fighting with a man who was immobile and angry. He hit staff once, that I heard of. He was angry, a symptom not well-broadcast about dementia. He was frustrated, and did not know why his body was failing him.  None of the theatre, movies, and few books,  present this aspect of dementia. The studies available only to medical practitioners, and not to caregivers.

We need more dialogue, and better advocacy for caregivers, as much as for patients. Be aware. Ask questions. Demand the truth.

Be Kind to Your Eyes

It is funny that people send me important articles...

Dear Jennifer,

Did you know that the Canadian ‘baby boomer’ population spends at least 7.5 hours a day on various digital screens including computers, televisions, and Blackberries? October is Eye Health Month and the Canadian Association of Optometrists has important eye and vision health information for your readers. For more information on eye health, visit www.opto.ca.
High screen time has led to the rise of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition used by Canadian optometrists to describe eye and vision ailments associated with high screen time, including dry, blurred and irritated eyes, double vision, sensitivity to light and headaches.
Compared to five years ago, female ‘baby boomers’, aged 45-54 are reporting higher usage of eye-straining devices versus male boomers and as a result are reporting more eye and vision ailments than other age groups.
Be Kind to Your Eyes – Tips for Minimizing Computer Vision Syndrome
The 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20 second break to blink and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away.

Screen Smarts
Take a few seconds to adjust the brightness and contrast of your digital screen. The brightness and contrast should be set at comfortable intensity so that the letters are easily read.

Press “OFF”
If you experience any CVS symptoms, turn off your digital screen and visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Ask your optometrist if your glasses are up to date and describe any symptoms you may be experiencing. Your eyes will thank you.

Working on computers, watching television and using other digital screens is a part of everyday life so make sure your readers have the right information to maintain eye and vision health and minimize any symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome.
More information on eye health month and tips for minimizing CVS is on-line.
Please contact, for tips on minimizing CVS or images related to Eye Health Month:

Stephanie Fitch
Fleishman-Hillard Toronto
stephanie.fitch@fleishman.ca