REVOLT WISELY!
HOUSING STRIKES TORONTO!!
Homeless in Toronto
The prime minister came and I evaded.
My tax monies!! Our tax monies!! We pay tax!?
What for?
For Homelessness. The jungle is disappeared now. Now a concrete Jungle.
JUDY DAN WOUND CLINIC IS TO REMAIN AT BRANSON CAMPUS
Since March 1st when North York General Hospital announced the closure of the Branson Campus of the hospital in March 2019 there has been much confusion about the fate of the services at the site. One of the facilities at the Branson site is the Judy Dan Research and Treatment Centre. The Centre is unique in that it is a registered charitable organization that offers free treatment for chronic non-healing wounds utilizing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and does ongoing research into wound healing. The clinic leases space in the Branson Building from Advent Health Care, the landlord and owner of the site. Although North York General Hospital has started to remove some services from the Branson site, other new private services are opening, including a new walk- in clinic.
Dr. Ron Linden, CEO and medical director said that the clinic is going to remain in the Branson site until the current building closes. As such the March 2019 closing date for North York General Hospital will have no effect on the operation of this clinic. The director is aware of the new medical building being planned for the site in 10 to 15 years and feels it would be a good site to relocate the facility when it becomes available. As far as the Branson building is concerned, Dr. Linden feels it will meet the needs of this clinic for the foreseeable future so no move is planned in the short or medium term.
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy involves a patient breathing 100% oxygen in a specially designed chamber under increased pressure for ninety minutes per day 5 days a week to increase the oxygen concentration in the patient’s blood. This increased oxygen assists the body’s defenses in fighting off infections and increases the capability of the body’s cells to heal wounds. As well, the increased oxygen concentration is also known to cause the release of STEM cells which migrate into wounds and develop into new blood vessels and skin cells, accelerating the healing process.
The Judy Dan Research & Treatment Centre provides treatment for hundreds of patients annually, using 9 ‘state-of-the-art’ Pan America Hyperbaric Chambers. The Centre also uses Laser Doppler to evaluate blood vessels around a chronic wound and transcutaneous oximetry to measure oxygen concentration in tissue around a wound to assist in developing the most effective treatment protocols for the patient. Most of the patients in this Centre are diabetics who suffer from poor healing and many of whom would be forced to amputate limbs without the free treatment provided. A long-time patient of the clinic has had his leg saved by this treatment twice in the last year after he was injured in a minor car accident and, in a separate incident, after his foot was run over by a grocery cart. This type of treatment was originally used for treating diving injuries, such as decompression illness. It is now internationally recognized and used for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning, bone infections, gangrene, failing skin grafts, flesh eating disease, crush injuries, burns, radiation burns following cancer radiation treatment, sudden hearing loss, sudden vision loss and brain abscess not responding to antibiotics.
The capital and operational costs of providing services at the Treatment Centre are derived entirely by charitable donations. As a charity, the centre does not charge patients for treatments. For further information or to make a donation, please contact the centre by telephone at 416-223-6600 or by email at drlinden@ontariowoundcare.com.
$15 and Fairness Town Hall at the Jane Street Hub
The room at the Jane Street Hub was crowded with people coming to hear about the Campaign for “$15 and Fairness”. $15? That’s the Ontario minimum wage the campaign is fighting for. Fairness? That’s all about the improved working conditions the Campaign wants to see brought in through changes to Ontario’s workplace legislation.It’s obvious that for millions of us the workplace has been changing for the worse. It’s become harder and harder to get jobs that pay a living wage, that provide dependable employment, benefits such as sick pay and decent schedules. This is a fundamental source of the struggle so many have to get by at the same time that we see those at the top of the scale becoming better and better off. The Campaign has been fighting to address these problems.Deena Ladd, Coordinator of the Worker’s Action Centre which played a central role in the Campaign, remarked on how awareness of and support for the Campaign’s demands had grown. Leaks in the press indicated that the government was likely to support a $15 minimum wage and some of the other demands of the Campaign. Deena emphasized the important role that strong organizing had played in helping to build the public pressure needed to bring this about.Patty Coates Secretary-Treasurer of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) spoke about “Make it Fair” the parallel campaign of organized labour. That campaign has emphasized the importance of making it easier for workers to unionize.Malka Paracha is a food service supervisor at York University and a member of UNITE HERE Local 75. She described a long, difficult, but inspiring struggle at the University that ultimately succeeded in obtaining a breakthrough contract.Fatima Mussa is a Project Coordinator at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services at Jane Street and Woolner . She described why Access Alliance became actively involved in the 15 and Fairness Campaign. It’s simple: low wages and stressful working conditions are a central cause of poor health.Laurie Simpson, is the chair of the Weston Chapter ACORN. She spoke of her organization’s strong support of the Campaign’s objectives and activities.The Ontario government is committed to making changes to workplace legislation. It established a Changing Workplaces Committee to make recommendations to it. The Committee had made its recommendations the day before the meeting.Deena Ladd summarized those recommendations. She pointed to some that were positive, some that were negative and some that were missing.Access Alliance and co-EMCEE and local activist Chiara Padovani had an appointment to see York South-Weston MPP Laura Albanese the next day. The attendees made suggestions about what they should tell her the government should do with the Committee’s recommendations.The attendees were treated to moving spoken word and musical performances by MC Mohammad Ali and local resident Zoey Amour. They also heard a closing deeply stirring performance of a piece composed by co-EMCEE Donna Michelle St. Bernard which you can find on Youtube.On May 30 the Ontario government announced Bill 148, a package of proposed reforms to workplace legislation. The Bill does not contain all of the changes the Campaign wanted. But if brought into law it means a huge step for workers in Downsview and right across Ontario. Here are some of the changes: a $15 minimum wage within 18 months, measures to make it easier to join a union, equal pay for part-time, casual, temporary and contract workers and fairer scheduling. Let’s work to make sure the Bill passed. The lesson? Organizing for change can succeed!
Vigilance and enhanced police presence vital to protect Jewish and all targeted institutions, says Councillor James Pasternak
*Media Release provided by Councillor James Pasternak's office.*In light of recent threats to Jewish institutions in Toronto and beyond, Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 10, York Centre, is calling for greater vigilance and resources from Toronto Police Service and enhanced investigative and preventative work by the RCMP and other security agencies.“Threats against our valued institutions such as community centres and schools are a gross violation of our ability to go about our daily lives in safety, freedom and live as Jews in Toronto. It is vital that all sectors of society condemn these cowardly harassments and threats. We are calling on Toronto Police Service and our federal and provincial law enforcement agencies to investigate the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” says Councillor James Pasternak.“Moreover, as a preventative measure, it is necessary to increase patrols, security and surveillance around targeted institutions to send a strong signal that we will take all measures necessary to protect freedom of religion, our personal safety and the social cohesion that Toronto is known for worldwide.”
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Councillor James Pasternak416-392-1371 | councillor_pasternak@toronto.cawww.jamespasternak.ca
Enter to Win Lunch for 2 to the Mandarin Restaurant!
Tips for Keeping Fit in the New Year
It isn’t always easy to be motivated to get fit. It takes a lot of will power, time and energy but it will pay off in the long run!It’s important to always start a fitness program that you enjoy. Always consult with a personal trainer or a physiotherapist if you have specific injuries. Professionals can show you exercises that are appropriate for you. A nutritionist or a doctor can help you hone in on your diet and exercise regime.Staying hydrated is key and you should always stretch. If you like swimming, running or cycling you can intensify you’re workout by incorporating these into your already set routine -depending on your exercise program.Fitness can be boring if you do not challenge specific muscle groups. Remember to monitor your fitness level. Keeping a journal to track your exercise and diet along the way helps you stay on track. A daily journal can help you see where you went wrong or what you’re doing right. It can help to motivate you and see where you need to improve.Ask yourself:How frequent are you exercising? How long are you exercises? What type of exercises are you doing?Always make sure you feel comfortable working out. Go at your own pace. Sometimes classes can motivate you and improve your fitness level. Working out in a group or with a partner can be fun and can provide that extra bit of motivation. Proper technique and breathing is important with any weight training. Foam rollers are excellent and are great for muscle tension release and tightness in the legs and hips and other muscle groups. Rolling also aids with muscle exercise recovery.If you are beginning an exercise program take it easy. Develop your program and you will see improvements to maintain optimal health and fitness.Tips for keeping fit:1. Always remember to have fun!2. Obtain a physician’s clearance if you want to begin an exercise program.3. Continuous training. A gentle walk or a vigorous workout. You set the pace.4. Work out with a buddy if you want to start a fitness regime and need extra motivation.5. Don’t get yourself in a fitness rut.6. Foam rolling is great before and after a workout.7. Set achievable and attainable goals.8. Start small and go big.Happy workout!
Moving with Pets and Plants
Pets:Our pets often face the same anxiety and stress that we do when moving. Making them feel comfortable with their new environment can be tough and/or tricky. Here are some tips to help make the entire family’s experience a good one -including your pets.Our pets are expected to quickly get used to a new home, neighbourhood, unfamiliar sounds and strange people. Often times moving can mean new climate, food or water -this also takes some getting used to.A good idea, although it may seem cruel, is to keep your pets confined for a few days -even a few weeks. This will help them get familiar with the new home and gets them used to the fact that this is where everyone will be living now. This tip is especially true to cats as they should be supervised for several weeks to ensure they know their home -specifically if they are outdoor cats.To ensure that your pets feel safe and secure use familiar food and water dishes, your pet’s bed and blanket and toys. Another great tip is to put your pets things in similar spots as they were in the old home. For example: put the water dish next to the fridge in the kitchen (if that’s where it was in your old home).Birds can be kept in a quiet room until they are comfortable and where they will be undisturbed until they become used to their surroundings. Other small pets like hamsters, rabbits and fish usually have few to no adjustment problems.Plants:Moving with your houseplants can be tricky and hazardous to their health.If you have plants and are planning to move, you have three options: give them away (or leave them at the old house), compost them or take them with youIf you can’t part with your plants not to worry, The National Gardening Association has some great advice:Flying?: If you’re shipping your belongings by plane, your first step should be to contact the airline. Most airlines have strict regulations on transporting plant life. The airline will tell you what can and can’t fly, and how they should be packaged. Another important phone call to consider is to the Department of Agriculture, in the area that you are moving to. Some provinces and states forbid the importation of plants. This is to prevent the spread of pests (harmful insects) and agricultural diseases.Driving?: Make sure your plants are in non breakable pots. When transporting from one pot to the other ensure you do not damage the roots. Place the plants in a secure vehicle and drive carefully to ensure plants do not fall over. Always remember to keep your plants watered (especially if it’s a long trip). You can loosely wrap leaves and stems in burlap to help protect them on their journeyWith a little special attention, your pets and plants will soon continue to grow, flourish and thrive in their new home.
Parents rally against changes to Ontario autism services
A mother holds back tears while speaking to the large crowd at a rally outside of Queen’s Park.“We are mourning the loss of the life we thought our child would have. We had a plan,” said Brianne Brown, whose son Chase was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.Like so many other families of children with autism, her plan was cut short by the Liberal government’s changes to autism services.Children over the age of five no longer qualify for Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI), even though many of them have been on the waiting list, to access the service, for years. Instead, the government is offering a one-time payment of $8,000 to families (this will not even come close to covering the cost of private treatment).“$8,000 for what? A couple months of service? It’s nothing.” Said Brown.Families and those who work with children who have autism agree that this one-time payment just isn’t enough.“I've worked with kids on the autistic spectrum and I've seen the progress they can make with IBI therapy,” said Erica Shiner, candidate in the upcoming TDSB Ward 5 by-election.“Offering parents a lump sum that is one sixth of the cost of a year's worth of IBI leaves children and their families high and dry. It's not right to take this crucial therapy away. We can all empathize with the challenges of having a child with special needs, even if that's not our experience. We need to stand together as parents, as educators, and as public servants to make sure that the government does the right thing and reverses these cuts,” she added.Experts have weighed in on the issue to say that there is no evidence to suggest children over the age of five won’t benefit from IBI. It’s the personal stories, like Brianne’s, that are fuelling the movement to stop cuts to these life changing services.Parents, David and Linda Galvao, held signs at the rally with pictures of their two children that read, “Started at 6 and began to speak” and “2nd child waited 3 years for IBI, now what?”With plans to return to Queens Park for a fourth time, the movement by parents’ groups and coalitions shows no signs of stopping.For information on upcoming rallies and events visit www.ontarioautismcoalition.com
Recipe of the Month: Perfect for Father’s Day!
Ingredients:One 8-ounce top Sirloin steak For marinade 1 tablespoon ketchup1 tablespoon olive or canola oil1 tsp red wine vinegar1 tsp Worcestershire sauce2 pinches salt1 pinch garlic powder1 pinch thyme1 pinch Rosemary
- pinch pepper
Step 1. Mix in a small mixing bowl for 30 secondsStep 2. Add steak and allow to marinade on one side for 30 minutes then flip over and let the other side marinate for 30 minutesStep 3. Cook on the grill at medium heat to desired doneness Tips: For nice grill marks, cook on a cross diagonal. If you picture it like a clock, the bottom of the steak is at four o clock the top of steak is at 10 o clock. Make sure when you first put the steak on the grill that you have it on high heat for one minute to get your grill marks, then turn the heat down to medium heat so it doesn't burn or dry out the steak. Asparagus salad This can be made in 5-8 minutes4 asparagus stems5 cherry tomatoes1 Tsp sea salt2 pinches basil1 tablespoon olive oil0.5 teaspoon of lemon juice Step 1. Take 4 asparagus stems remove the bottom unusable parts of asparagus (approximately the bottom 3cm)Step 2. Take the good part of the asparagus and cut each one in halfStep 3. Place each piece of asparagus on grill and cook on medium low heat for 3-4 minutesStep 4. Remove from grill and place in mixing bowlStep 5. Cut each tomato in half and place in bowl with asparagusStep 6. Season with sea salt, basil, lemon juice and olive oil mix for 30 seconds and your salad is ready
Maple Syrup Day @ Black Creek Community Farms
Leticia Boahen hands out pancakes with lots of fresh maple syrup (above)
Photo Credits: Tahoy James