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Altima Dental is committed to informing our patients about current health issues. As your health care provider, we will keep you informed about the advisories of the Canadian Government Health Ministries and Agencies regarding the recent outbreak of influenza H1N1, (commonly referred to as “swine flu”).

Canadians are advised to:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve, not your hand
• Keep common surfaces clean and use a disinfectant on shared surfaces
• Do not share personal items or drinks with someone who is sick
• Keep doing what you normally do, but stay at home if sick
• Only visit others who are sick if necessary
• Wear facemasks only in crowded settings or where there is close contact with others that cannot be avoided, in areas where transmission of influenza A (H1N1) virus has been confirmed (as the effectiveness of facemasks is limited)
• Inform your health care professional(s) if you have flu-like symptoms (symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and lack of appetite)
• Note that it is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) – there is no vaccine for this particular strain of flu
• Get the yearly flu shot to protect against seasonal flu and other potential viruses
• Postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice
• Call the National Hotline for more info about H1N1 influenza at 1.800.454.8302

Contact us if you have any further questions or concerns. Bookmark this website and visit this News page for up-to-date health and dental information.

Health Canada News

• Canada Continues Strengthening Collaboration with China to Protect the Health and Safety of Canadians
  The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health, today concluded a visit to China that included several key meetings and the signing of a Letter of Intent re-affirming Canada’s commitment to cooperate with China on issues related to consumer product safety.
• Reminding Canadians of the Risks of Consuming Unpasteurized Fruit Juice and Cider
  With the fall harvest season approaching, Health Canada is reminding parents and caregivers that children should not be served unpasteurized apple juice or other unpasteurized products, such as unpasteurized cider, and other fruit juices.
• Second Canada-China Policy Dialogue on Health a Success
  The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the second Canada-China Policy Dialogue on Health, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Health, in Shanghai today.
• Government of Canada Accepts Recommendations on MS Research
  The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today accepted the recommendations on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research recently presented to her by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) President Dr. Alain Beaudet. These recommendations are based on a thorough review of the current state of science conducted at an August 26, 2010, meeting of leading North American MS experts.
• Reminding Parents of School Lunch Allergen Safety
  As children head back to the classroom, Health Canada is reminding parents of the importance of allergy awareness when packing lunches for their children. Severe allergic reactions can occur quickly and without warning, and some foods can be life-threatening to allergic children.
• Parents and Caregivers Warned About the Dangers of Baby Hammocks
  Health Canada is again warning parents and caregivers against using hammocks designed for infants and young children due to the potential suffocation hazard posed by these products. The product's inclined sleeping surface increases the risk of infants rolling and becoming wedged in a position where they can no longer breathe.
• Important Diabetes Information: GlucaGen Hypokit being Recalled in Canada
  Health Canada is informing Canadians that Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. has agreed to voluntarily recall two lots (YW60335 and YW60351) of their product, GlucaGen Hypokit (DIN 02333627) currently available on the Canadian market.

WHO

• Global forum to improve developing country access to medical devices
  9 September 2010 -- The benefits of medical devices - which range from high-cost, high-tech equipment such as linear accelerators to treat cancer to stethoscopes and wheelchairs, eyeglasses, pacemakers and prostheses - are unevenly and unfairly distributed globally. Health experts from over 100 countries are meeting to review new evidence and agree ways to improve developing country access to life-saving medical devices.
• WHO urges countries to take measures to combat antimicrobial resistance
  20 August 2010 -- WHO suggests that countries should be prepared to implement hospital infection control measures to limit the spread of multi-drug resistant strains and to reinforce national policy on prudent use of antibiotics, reducing the generation of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
• H1N1 in post-pandemic period
  10 August 2010 -- The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course and the world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert, but in the post-pandemic period.
• WHO responds to health needs in Pakistan floods
  3 August 2010 -- The worst floods on record in Pakistan are placing the health of hundreds of thousands of people at risk, with a high threat of water-borne disease outbreaks and immense damage to health facilities. WHO is coordinating the response of health partners and supporting Pakistani authorities by sending medicines and related health supplies capable of treating more than 200 000 people.
• Breastfeeding key to saving children’s lives
  30 July 2010 -- Malnutrition is responsible for one-third of the 8.8 million deaths annually among children under five. Breastfeeding is a key to improve infant and young child nutrition. The "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" ensure right start for every infant and the necessary support for mothers to breastfeed.
• WHO and the International Olympic Committee sign agreement to improve healthy lifestyles
  21 July 2010 -- In addition to promoting healthy lifestyle choices the agreement aims to support physical activity, sports for all, Tobacco Free Olympic Games, and the prevention of childhood obesity.
• WHO announces new approaches to HIV prevention and treatment among children
  20 July 2010 -- WHO has made new recommendations with the objective of reducing and eventually eliminating new HIV infections in children. To reduce the number of infants that are infected with HIV each year, WHO recommends that all women with HIV receive antiretroviral drugs to protect against transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.

Medical News Today

• ALLPRO Imaging Introduces ScanX Quantum™ Digital Imaging Body And Dental Digital Images In One Compact System
  ALLPRO Imaging, a leader in digital imaging systems, introduces the ScanX Quantum, the most compact and versatile system for community health centers interested in upgrading to digital. It is the only system capable of body images up to 14" wide by any practical length and dental images in sizes 0-4. Made in the U.S.A., the ScanX Quantum is compact and lightweight (only 43 lbs...
• States Continue To Wrestle With Federal Funding Issues, Budget Shortfalls
  The Fiscal Times: "Nationally, the number of Medicaid beneficiaries has risen by 8 percent a year since 2008, and 44 states have reported that they will exceed their enrollment and spending growth projections this year, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured reported...
• Managing BPA Exposure In Dental Sealants
  Dental sealants containing a variety of bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are effective in preventing the most common dental cavities in children and adolescents. The special article, "Bisphenol A and Related Compounds in Dental Materials: A Critical Review," in the October 2010 print issue of Pediatrics, published online Sept...
• What Can A New Zealand Reptile Tell Us About False Teeth?
  Using a moving 3D computer model based on the skull and teeth of a New Zealand reptile called tuatara, a BBSRC-funded team from the University of Hull, University College London and the Hull York Medical School has revealed how damage to dental implants and jaw joints may be prevented by sophisticated interplay between our jaws, muscles and brain...
• Dental Sealants Contain Bisphenol A (BPA) Derivatives Which May Seep Into Children's Mouths
  A study has revealed that sealants and fillings used on children's teeth may expose them to bisphenol A (BPA), says an article in the medical journal Pediatrics. The researchers say it is not yet clear whether this is hazardous to the long-term health of a child, as exposure does not generally last long...
• Gum Bacteria Escape Into Bloodstream And Increase Risk Of Clots And Heart Attack
  UK researchers have found another reason for us to keep brushing and flossing our teeth: the same gum bacteria that cause dental plaque can escape from the mouth into the bloodstream and trigger clots that increase risk of heart attack and heart disease...
• ADA 2010 Annual Session Features Latest Products, Technologies In Dentistry
  There's still time to register and gain firsthand knowledge of the latest products, technologies and techniques in dentistry at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 151st Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition. It takes place Oct. 9 - Oct. 12 at the Orlando (Fla.) Orange County Convention Center...

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