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Fall/Winter
Fall/Winter 2014
2014
THE TADDLER
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
That is the Question.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
That is the Question.
By: Victoria Paulionis, TCFHT RN
Your nose is stuffed up, runny and you have a sore throat. All around, you’re feeling
crummy. People may ask you what’s wrong and you reply, “I have…a cold? Or maybe it’s
the flu?” but you really don’t know how to answer the question. We don’t blame you!
Symptoms for the common cold and influenza (the flu) are often very similar. Here is a chart
that may help to differentiate between the two viruses:
Symptom
Fever
Headache
Rare
Regular Columns:
4
Usual; high fever, sudden onset, lasts
3-4 days (39°C - 40°C)
Mental Health Corner
3
Did You Know?
6
Usual; can be severe
Counseling Resources
7
Usual; often severe
Tiredness and
weakness
Usual; severe, may last up to 2 - 3
weeks
Extreme tiredness Unusual
Usual; early onset, can be severe
Runny, stuffy nose Common
Common
Sneezing
Common
Sometimes
Sore throat
Common
Common
Chest discomfort, Sometimes, mild to
coughing
moderate
2
What’s Happening at
Taddle Creek FHT?
Muscle aches and Sometimes, generally
pains
mild
Sometimes, generally
mild
Avoid Cervical Cancer
Pg
1
Flu
Cold
Rare
In This Issue:
Usual; can become severe
Children with the flu may experience some symptoms that adults will not, such as croup, ear infections, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
In general, colds do not result in serious health problems; however the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and
respiratory failure, both of which can become life threatening - particularly in more vulnerable people such as pregnant women,
children and the elderly. The flu can also worsen existing chronic conditions.
Cont’d on page 2
1
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The Taddler
Fall/Winter 2014
Avoid Cervical Cancer!
Cont’d from page 1 (Flu or Cold)
Here are some ways to help protect yourself and others against
colds and the flu:
Frequent hand washing
Can use hand sanitizer or soap and water
If using soap and water, make sure to lather for 15 seconds.
Don’t forget to rub between fingers, the back of your hands,
fingertips and under your nails
Cover your cough and sneeze
If you don’t have a tissue available, cough or sneeze into your
sleeve
(Part 3 of a 3 part series on cancer screening)
By: Shazmah Hussein, TCFHT RN
In our three part cancer series, we have covered information
on colorectal cancer and breast cancer. We conclude the series
with information on cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer accounts for approximately 1.0% of all
female cancer deaths. It is estimated that 1,450 Canadian
women will develop cervical cancer by the end of 2014.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. These cells
have the ability to change and behave abnormally.
Sometimes these changes can lead to benign growths such as
polyps or fibroids. However, there is a high chance that these
abnormal changes can develop into cancer over time if not
detected early and treated promptly.
The main risk factor for developing cervical cancer is certain
types of the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus
(HPV) that persistently infects the cervix. Not all HPV
infections develop into cervical cancer. Other risk factors for
cervical cancer include: becoming sexually active at a young
age, having many sexual partners, smoking, a weakened
immune system, and long term use of birth control pills.
Keep your distance (more than 1 metre/3 feet) from people
who are coughing or sneezing
Stay home if you are sick
Get your flu shot (*protects against the flu only)
Available for those 6 months of age and up
Regular screening is essential in order to detect early cell
changes on the cervix. In Canada, the Papanicolaou (Pap)
test is used for cervical cancer screening. This is a simple
test that involves collecting a sample of cells by scraping the
cervix, which are then analyzed for any abnormalities. The
Pap test can be performed either by your Family Physician,
Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Registered Nurse.
Book an appointment with your primary care provider, nurse,
physician’s assistant or pharmacist
If you have already had it done elsewhere, let us know so we
can keep your records up to date
Reference:
In 2012, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) updated the cervical
cancer screening guidelines. Women with previously normal
pap tests no longer require annual screening. Currently,
screening is recommended every three years for all women
starting at age 21 who are or have ever been sexually active.
Women who are not sexually active by 21 years of age
should delay screening until sexually active. It was found
that screening women every three years made no significant
difference to the incidence and mortality rates from cervical
cancer when compared to annual screening. Pap tests can
stop at age 70 if you have had three or more normal tests in
the prior 10 years. If you are found to have abnormal
cervical cells, your cervical cancer screening plan will
change. Finally, talk to your healthcare provider if you have
had a hysterectomy.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/
about_flu.aspx
In the fall of 2013, CCO began a program where they send
letters to women to invite them for Pap testing, advise them
of their test results and remind them when it is time to return
for screening
Cont’d on page 5
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The Taddler
Fall/Winter 2014
Mental Health Corner
How to find Counseling,
Psychotherapy or
Mental Health Help in Toronto
By: Brenda Ponic,
TCFHT Lead Social Worker
Reaching out for help when you’re down, overwhelmed or
coping with personal troubles is hard. What is even harder is
finding out that mental health services are tough to find and
difficult to access. We are trying to help make it easier for you to
find mental health resources - see page 7 for a list of these
resources.
Taddle Creek Family Health Team (TCFHT) has three full-time
social workers and one consulting psychiatrist (who works at our
offices one day a week). These four individuals are here to serve
our 18,000+ patients. We receive far more requests for our
services than we can provide for. Therefore, we have waiting
lists.
There are many mental health services that are covered by OHIP
or paid for from an organizations’ general budget. Most “free”
mental health services are offered by social services or health
care agencies specializing in different issues or populations. For
example, if you or your family are struggling with cancer you
could receive counseling from a social worker in the hospital
where you receive treatment, or you could access a self-help
organization like Canadian Cancer Society, Wellspring or Willow
Cancer support network.
Doctors do not provide the majority of mental health services in
Ontario. Those who do specialize in mental health and who are
also OHIP funded are often hard to find.
• Psychiatrists typically clarify diagnosis and manage
medications for patients with major and complex mental
health problems. Few provide general psychotherapy
and tend to be difficult to access.
• GP Psychotherapists are family doctors specializing in
psychotherapy, which means that it is covered by OHIP.
These family doctors have a special interest and/or
training in psychotherapy.
Your current place of employment may have workplace benefits
that you can access. For example, Employee Assistance
Programs (EAP) are external companies hired by your employer
to provide crisis management, individual counseling, telephone
support, referrals, work/life balance services, wellness
services, etc. These services usually provide individuals
with 6 to 10 sessions, or a referral out for other services.
They do not report back to your employer the content of
what you talk about. The only information that can be
reported is your attendance, in the rare case where it is
mandated by a formal workplace discipline process.
Spouses or children of employees are often eligible for
EAP services as well. Your workplace may also offer
financial reimbursement plans, which often provide
coverage for psychological or social work psychotherapy
services. Your plan will specify the training of the therapist
you can access with this coverage. Reimbursement amount
varies greatly by company, ranging from $500-$3000+ per
year. Social work trained psychotherapists typically charge
approximately $100 per hour, psychologists typically
charge about $180 per hour.
Taddle Creek FHT wants you to access all available
services first, before you ask your primary care provider for
a referral to TCFHT’s mental health team.
Other options:
Single session drop-in clinics may be all you need to help
you talk through your problem and offer ideas about
resources.
If you are in College or University, there is usually a
student services counseling program that provides
psychotherapy.
Some schools that train psychotherapists offer
psychotherapy at reduced rates.
Your primary care provider may have some names to share
with you of therapists who can help. Ask around - approach
friends and family who are in therapy to see if they like
their therapist and find out what it is they like about them.
See if they can get a list of referrals for you from their own
Cont’d on page 4
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The Taddler
Fall/Winter 2014
Cont’d from page 3 (Mental Health Corner)
therapist. It is important that your therapist is a good match for
you and is someone with whom you feel comfortable.
Lastly, private psychotherapy is available almost immediately
and is generally offered by very experienced clinicians who
have high levels of expertise. Prices range from $100-$200 per
hour depending on the training of the therapist. There are very
few sliding scale spots offered by private psychotherapists.
Most people who access this therapy feel that it is money very
well spent as it can make a significant impact on your mental
and physical health.
Options at Taddle Creek:
TCFHT offers a variety of assistance to our patients:
• Individual psychotherapy – up to 12 sessions
• Case management – to help individuals connect and
access services
• A wide variety of group programs – anxiety,
depression, stress, emotional overeating, insomnia,
mental health self-management, and assertiveness.
• Friday morning single session drop-in clinics (no
referral required)
Individual psychotherapy is our most requested mental health
service. Because of the high demand, TCFHT tries to refer to
our in-house individual therapy services only if patients cannot
receive these services elsewhere. Our focus is on serving those
who cannot afford to pay for private psychotherapy. Your
primary care provider will have an open discussion with you
about your financial ability to pay privately for counseling,
even at a sliding scale rate. All TCFHT patients are able to
access all of our group services, Friday morning single session
drop-in clinics, and brief services if you are in a crisis.
Please refer to page 7 for a list of many of the resources
discussed in this article.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TADDLE
CREEK
By: Sherry Kennedy, Executive Director
This column lets you know about TC FHT programs,
events and announcements.
Programs
Please refer to the table in this newsletter outlining
TC FHT’s Group/Clinic Offerings from Nov – Jan
2015. We have some great one-day workshops and
multi-week groups. For some, you need a physician
referral and for others, you simply need to contact
the number provided.
For those who wish to see a social worker on short
notice, our Mental Health Team continues to have
Friday morning drop-in sessions between the hours
of 9am to noon. These sessions are first come first
serve, in Suite 306 at the 790 Bay St. location.
If you want to learn more about groups, visit our
website www.taddlecreekfht.ca or contact
416-260-1315 (main Administration Office) or
416-204-1256 (Diabetes Education Program).
Events
Did you know that as a rostered patient of TC FHT,
you have access to a doctor or nurse 24 hours a day,
seven days a week? I want to take this opportunity to
explain alternatives to walk-in clinics and emergency
departments:
TC FHT offers After Hours Clinics from 5pm – 8pm
on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We
also have a Saturday clinic, although the time varies.
The location for these clinics changes daily, so check
out our website or call your physician’s office for
more information. At the After Hours Clinic, either
your own or another TC FHT doctor/nurse
practitioner (NP) will see you. Every doctor/NP will
have access to your electronic medical record. After
your visit, your own doctor/NP will be notified of
Cont’d on page 5
4
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Cont’d from page 2 (Lift your Skirt)
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TADDLE CREEK
The HPV vaccine is a preventative approach that is almost
100% effective in preventing infection with the four HPV
types responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases and 90%
of genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for males and
females 9 to 26 years age (the vaccine is most beneficial if
given before a person become sexually active), as well as
those with a history of Pap abnormalities, genital warts or a
known HPV infection. HPV vaccination is free to Grade 8
girls, offered through school-based clinics. Girls in Grades 9
– 12 who did not receive or complete the 3-dose
immunizations in Grade 8 are eligible to “catch-up” on
missed doses and receive the vaccine until the end of Grade
12. Call your local Public Health Department for information
on catch-up clinics. Individuals not eligible for the free
vaccination program should speak to their health care
provider about getting a prescription for the HPV vaccine.
This vaccine does not protect against all HPV types,
therefore, it is important to continue with regular Pap tests.
Cont’d from page 4
your visit and documentation will be available to
them. It is important to note that After Hour Clinic
appointments can only be booked on the day itself
(after 4:00pm) and should be used for medical needs
that cannot wait until the next business day.
If you are rostered with a TC FHT physician/NP,
another option is to contact THAS (Telephone
Health Advisory Service) at 1-866-553-7205. If your
primary care provider is one of our nurse
practitioners (NP) you too can call THAS, however
THAS will need to know which TC FHT physician
you are rostered with (the office’s medical
receptionist can give you this information). When
you call THAS, the nurse will assess your healthcare
needs and either recommend health advice specific
to your problem, contact TC FHT’s on-call doctor, or
refer you to an emergency department if necessary.
So the next time you need care that cannot wait until
the next business day, check www.taddlecreekfht.ca
for the location of TC FHT’s After Hour Clinic or
contact THAS 1-866-553-7205.
References:
Announcements
Over the summer, we had some staff changes at our
Bay site, Suite 522. Two new Medical Secretaries;
Candace Mitchell and Tina Boateng were hired and
Danielle Corturillo was promoted to Office Manager.
Dr. S. Shaw continues to be on maternity leave until
March 2015, with Dr. K. Armstrong covering. I’m
also excited to announce the birth of Elliott
Theodore Lubula born August 23, 2014, to Shauna
Sturgeon (Suite 522 NP). Shauna will be on
maternity leave until mid-March 2015 (and perhaps
longer). Her replacement, Colleen Tower, started
with us July 16, 2014 and we are very happy with
her enthusiasm and dedication to supporting
Shauna’s patients. Welcome Colleen.
Cancer Care Ontario (2014). Cervical Cancer Screening.
Retrieved from https://www.cancercare.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?
objectId=9528&contextId=1377
Canadian Cancer Society (2014). Cervical Cancer. Retrieved
from https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancertype/cervical/cervical-cancer/?region=on
Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). Human
Papillomavirus (HPV) Prevention and HPV vaccines:
Questions and Answers. Retrieved from http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/std-mts/hpv-vph/hpv-vph-vaccine-eng.php#a3
We hope you enjoyed reading our cancer series and
were able to gain valuable insight on colorectal, breast
and cervical cancers. Please talk to your primary care
provider or any member of your health care team to
assess your risk and determine the right screening plan
for you. Remember, prevention matters!
5
Did you know....
If your child is attending a Junior Kindergarten program in an
Eye See…Eye Learn region, they can receive 1 free pair of
glasses with their OHIP-covered eye exam! Offer available
July 1 2014 to June 30 2015.
Optometrists recommend that children have their eyes
examined at 6 months, 3 years and then annually after starting
school. Children up to 19 years of age are covered by OHIP
for annual eye exams when you show them your child’s
health card, plus any follow-up assessments that may be
required.
The following regions participate in the Eye See…Eye Learn
program:
Brant - Haldimand - Durham Region
Hamilton Norfolk
(New)
Wentworth
Simcoe - Muskoka Dufferin - Peel
Huron - Perth
Region
Thunder Bay
Kitchener - Waterloo Toronto (New)
Grey - Bruce
London - Middlesex Windsor Essex
Guelph Wellington
Niagara Region
Halton Region
Sarnia - Lambton Chatham - Kent
York Region
To learn more visit www.EyeSeeEyeLearn.ca
Solution found on page 9
The Taddler
A publication of
Taddle Creek Family Health Team
790 Bay Street, Suite 306
Toronto ON M5G 1N8
416-260-1315
www.taddlecreekfht.ca
Editor: Dora
Aislinn
Chan
Hemingway
Editorial Team: Cheryl Dranov, Sherry
Kennedy, Megan
Omstead
& Dr. Pauline
& Dr. Pauline
Pariser
Pariser
Reader contributions are welcome!
Please send any comments or
suggestions to the editor at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
DISCLAIMER
The information presented in The Taddler is for educational purposes only and should not be
used as a substitute for the professional advice, treatment or diagnosis from your health care
provider. Contact your physician, nurse practitioner or other qualified health care professional
if you have any questions or concerns about your health.
The purpose of the TC FHT Newsletter, “The Taddler” is to
provide:
Education on varied health-related topics
Regular communication about what is happening at TC FHT
Information on issues that impact TC FHT and its patients
A means for patients to get acquainted with TC FHT team members
An avenue for patient contribution
We hope you enjoy reading it!
6
Counseling Resources
Referral agencies
211 Toronto
Connex Ontario
Call 211
www.211Toronto.ca
www.connexontario.ca
Drug & Alcohol Helpline
1-800-565-8603
Mental Health Helpline
1-866-531-2600
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-230-3505
Community Care Resources (CCR)
416-506-9888
www.toronto.communitycareresources.ca
www.kidsmentalhealth.ca/parents/find_a_centre.php
Children’s Mental Health Ontario
OHIP-covered drop-in single session clinics
Taddle Creek FHT
790 Bay St., Suite 306
Friday mornings 9-12
416-260-1315
no referral needed
5 days per week, call for times
416-395-0660
Wednesday 4-8pm
416-595-9618
GP psychotherapy clinics
Oolagen Clinic- for youth
55 Wellesley St., Suite 500
Family Service Toronto walk-in clinic
355 Church St.
Parkdale Counseling Clinic
416-533-5554
Psychotherapy & Counseling Centre
416-516-6969
The Medical Centre for Person-Centered
Psychotherapy
Aberfoyle Health Centre Etobicoke
416-229-2399
www.medicalpsychclinic.org
416-231-7968
Finding a regulated psychotherapist
Ontario Association of Social Workers
www.findasocialworker.ca
Psychology Today
www.psychologytoday.com
Ontario Society of Psychotherapists
www.psychotherapyontario.com
Toronto Therapy Network
www.therapytoronto.ca
Psychotherapy Referral Service
www.prstoronto.com
Ontario Psychological Association
opa.knowledge4you.ca/referralsvcs.aspx
Supervised Student Psychotherapists
The Toronto Institute for Relational
Psychotherapy
The Gestalt Institute of Toronto
The Adler Graduate Professional School
www.tirp.ca/therapy.html
416-964-9464 x 63
www.gestalt.on.ca
416-923-4419 x 214
[email protected]
7
Taddle Creek Family Health Team
November 2014 – January 2015 - Group/Clinics Offerings
All Groups/Clinics are open to all TC FHT patients, Diabetes Programs are open to the public.
All programs are held at 790 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario.
For additional information go to www.taddlecreekfht.ca/events-calendar. Dates are subject to change.
Group/Clinic
Date(s)
Time
Learn About:
Assertiveness Workshop
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Note: MD referral needed
Nov 19 (Wed)
9:30am-4:30pm
CBT for Anxiety
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Note: MD referral needed
Jan 15 (Thurs for 2:30-4:30pm
10wks)
• This is a workshop for people who are either passive,
aggressive, or passive aggressive, or who bounce
back between these options, and who want to learn
some practical understanding of what it means to be
assertive and some assertiveness skills. This is not a
group for people who struggle with being violent or
abusive.
• To understand the physiology of anxiety
• To learn CBT strategies and skills
• To examine how our thoughts and beliefs are
connected to our mood, behaviors, physical
experiences and events in our lives
• To be able to identify, evaluate & balance distress
related thoughts
• To learn techniques for relapse prevention
• To learn about how cognitive behavioural therapy is
used when treating insomnia
• Learn techniques to help you get quality sleep that
will promote good physical and mental health
• Understand how our minds & thoughts contribute to
insomnia
• Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and help you
with getting to sleep
• The basics of diabetes self-management
• Healthy eating, getting active & setting achievable
goals
• Maintaining healthy changes
Jan 21 (Wed for
10wks)
5:30-7:30pm
CBT for Insomnia Workshop Dec 3 (Wed)
Suite 306
Feb 24 (Tues)
Call 416-260-1315
Note: MD referral needed
10am-4pm
Diabetes Do It Yourself
Suite 508
Call 416-204-1256
Nov 19 (Wed)
Dec 4 (Thurs)
Dec 17 (Wed)
5-7:30pm
9-11:30am
5-7:30pm
9-11:30am
Hypertension Clinic (Blood
Pressure Education)
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Nov 17 (Mon)
Dec 9 (Tues)
5-7:30pm
9:30am-noon
5-7:30pm
•
•
•
•
Let’s Get Moving – Diabetes
Exercise Workshop
Suite 508
Call 416-204-1256
Nov 26 (Wed)
9-11am
• Benefits of being physically active
• Tips to reduce sedentary time
• At home resistance band program (band provided)
Let’s Talk Diabetes
Suite 508
Call 416-204-1256
Nov 27 (Thurs)
Dec 10 (Wed)
5-7pm
9-11am
• Diabetes self-management skills by engaging in open
& meaningful discussions about living with diabetes
from others living with diabetes
• Common myths about diabetes
Jan 19 (Mon)
Making Sense of Blood Sugar To Be Determined To Be Determined
Monitoring Pattern
Management
Suite 508
Call 416-204-1256
8
Blood Pressure (BP), hypertension & risk factors
Antihypertensive medications
Physical exercise & weight reduction
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension
• What can checking your blood sugar tell you?
• Recommend blood sugar targets for most people
with diabetes
• Overcoming barriers to checking your blood sugars
• When to check & why
Group/Clinic
Date(s)
Mindfulness Skills
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Note: MD referral needed
To Be Determined To Be Determined • Learn specific techniques to work with the mind and
body
• Raising awareness on the present moment, while
acknowledging feelings, thoughts, and bodily
sensations
• Developing resources to help your feel more alive in
everyday life
• Accessing free nicotine replacement therapy
Nov 19, 26, Dec 3, 4-5pm
• Benefits of quitting smoking
10, 17, Jan 7, 14, 4-5pm
• How to making a quit or reduction plan
21, 28 (Wed)
4-5pm
• About quitting smoking medications
Quit Happens
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Supermarket Safari – Diabetes Dec 18 (Thurs)
Suite 508
Call 416-204-1256
WRAP
Suite 306
Call 416-260-1315
Note: MD referral needed
Time
Learn About:
5:30-7:30pm
• Reading food labels and packaging
• Best food choices for diabetes management
• 60 min grocery store tour
To Be Determined To Be Determined • To develop an individualized "Wellness Toolbox" that
includes for example, a daily maintenance plan, a list
of your triggers, crisis planning, etc.
•To create positive change in your life
• To decrease occurrence rates of acute episodes of
mental health challenges
• To become empowered by building your own network
of supports
• To begin to develop the necessary skills to become a
WRAP Facilitator yourself!
Solution to crossword puzzle on page 6
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