Archive for November 20th, 2009
MS Research
Posted by admin in Alexander, MS research on November 20th, 2009
Posted by Moishe Alexander
MS Research Accomplishments During Past 10 Years
MS research continues to advance knowledge of the disease and treatment for people with MS. There is much greater understanding of this unpredictable, often disabling disease. Many of those accomplishments have taken place in the past 10 years thanks to the support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and its sister national MS societies around the world, many governments and private industry. Here are some key advances:
* There are treatments for some types of multiple sclerosis.
o They are useful in relapsing MS
o Their impact on development of disability still not clear
* Researchers have developed “windows” into the disease through technology.
o MRI scanning assists doctors in diagnosing MS more quickly
o Canadians are leaders in MRI and other magnetic resonance technology to measure disease activity within the central nervous system
* We have evidence myelin can and does regrow spontaneously which indicates repair is possible.
o Myelin repair and regrowth takes place in the early stages of MS
o Studies are underway using the body’s own cells to repair myelin
* Investigators have a better understanding of the nature of MS which means some types of MS can be more effectively managed. This is because of :
o Studies of MS tissue (pathology)
o Studies of the immune system (immunology)
o Studies of the way MS naturally progresses without treatment (natural history studies)
* Scientists have identified key molecules responsible for initiating the abnormal immune system response in MS.
o Identifying the “culprits” will lead to better therapies
* There is understanding that both genetic and environmental factors are important in the cause of MS.
o More than one gene is involved
o The excess of MS in some families is due to genetic factors
o A major genetic study is taking place in Canada
* Studies have found that MS is a costly disease.
o The cost of MS is higher than many other diseases because it lasts a lifetime
o Most of the cost of MS is borne by people with MS and their families
o The cost of the disease is greater the more disabled a person becomes
Circle of Care
Posted by admin in Alexander, Health, Health Services, Toronto on November 20th, 2009
Posted by Moishe Alexander
Circle of Care is dedicated to supporting independence and of the quality of life of individuals in their homes. Circle of Care is a community based non-profit registered charity that has been serving Toronto and area residents since 1974. Over 450 staff and more than 300 volunteers are available to provide assistance in your home.
Offering a wide range of home and community programs, including homemaking and personal support, social work and volunteer supported services, we strive to help clients live as comfortably as possible in their own home environments, and reduce the challenges they face due to physical, emotional, cognitive or mental health issues.
Circle of Care’s outstanding staff and volunteers care about our clients. We strive to enhance quality of life and ensure safety and dignity. We respect privacy, cultural diversity and the unique needs of each client.
Circle of Care is an accredited agency of Accreditation Canada, a member agency of the United Way Toronto and an affiliate of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Circle of Care provides service on behalf of four Community Care Access Centres (Central, Central East, Central West and Toronto Central) and the City of Toronto’s Homemakers and Nurses Services Program. Circle of Care receives grant funding from the Central Local Health Intregration Network (Ministry of Health and Long Term Care), Community Services Grants Program of the City of Toronto, United Way Toronto, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto