National Cancer Awareness Month 

Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, grouped together to form tissues or organs such as muscles and bones, the lungs, or the liver. Genes inside each cell order it to grow, work, reproduce and die.
 
Normally, our cells obey these orders and we remain healthy. Sometimes a cell’s instructions get mixed up and it behaves abnormally.  After a while, groups of abnormal cells can form lumps or tumours, or can spread to through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening.
 
Malignant tumour cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases. The first sign that a malignant tumour has spread is often swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the body. It is important to find malignant tumours early and treat them. Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start. For example, cancer that starts in the colon but spreads to the liver is called colon cancer with liver metastases.

Daffodil Day is typicall held in late March or early April - this year, it is April 27th. Daffodils save lives. Buy a bunch and help fund life-saving cancer research.

To help you and your family learn more about how to prevent, treat and manage cancer, we invite you to check out these helpful websites:

Canadian Cancer Society
A community-based organization aimed at the eradication of cancer and enhancement of the quality of life for people living with the condition.

Wellspring
A network of centres that provide emotional and psychological support, free of charge, to individuals and families living with cancer.

Dental Health Month

Maintaining good oral health includes keeping teeth free from cavities and preventing gum disease. Poor oral health can affect your appearance and self-esteem, and has been linked to sleeping problems, as well as behavioural and developmental problems in children. Poor oral health can also affect your ability to chew and digest food properly. Good nutrition is important to helping build strong teeth and gums that can resist disease and promote healing.

Smoking is a major risk factor for oral and dental disease, including oral cancer. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums therefore, the gums do not get the oxygen and nutrients needed to stay healthy and prevent bacterial infection.

Oral health needs to be a priority throughout all stages of life, especially since older adults and seniors are keeping their teeth longer than ever before. However, older adults may have less access to oral care services and dentists because of lower incomes and/or a lack of dental insurance.

Seniors living in long-term care facilities are at particular risk of complications from poor oral health because of frailty, poor health and increased dependence on others for personal care. In many cases, oral health problems in residents go undetected until there are acute symptoms, such as pain or infection.

Besides pain and discomfort, poor oral health can also contribute to a number of serious health issues such as heart disease, gum disease and low birth weight babies for pregnant mothers with gum disease. Learn more at:

Health Canada – The effects of oral heath on overall health

The Canadian Dental Association
The CDA is a non-profit organization representing Canada’s dentists and coordinates dental health awareness programs across the nation.

National Volunteer Week - April 15-21

As people search for ways to enrich their lives, many are giving their personal time and skills to the community. Others are looking for new routes to personal and professional development. Individuals with special needs are becoming empowered to take charge of their lives and want a chance to contribute their energies to helping others. In short, more and more people are considering volunteering.
One week each year is set aside to pay tribute to those who give of themselves to make their communities better and to help the lives of others. This website provides free information and tools to help you promote volunteerism and celebrate your volunteers.