CMAinvolved in bok oncare oed The CMA has participated in another book launch, this one to marrk the March release of a book on the care of Canada's elderly. Two months ago it participated in the release of a prescription drug guide, which has already sold well over 100 000 copies. The new effort, Guidance and Support in Caring for the Elderly, was published by Grosvenor House Press Inc. in association with the CMA, and was made possible in part by an education grant from ParkeDavis Canada Inc. The author, Ann Rhodes, was supported by a five-member advisory board that included four physicians. One was Dr. Dorothy Ley,
who chaired the CMA committee that prepared a major report on care of the elderly that was released in 1987. The 108-page book contains advice on subjects ranging from exercise and diet to nursing homes and "easy-on" clothing. In the foreword CMA president Dr. Marcien Fournier praises Rhodes for providing "down-to-earth advice on how to ensure that elderly people are being given good care while still preserving as much as possible of their independence, confidence and competence". The book is available at leading bookstores for $9.95.
Elementary schools receive new AIDteaching kit The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) recently released Canada's first AIDS teaching kit aimed at younger children. The association says Learning about AIDS, which is for Grade 5 and 6 students, was designed to dispel fears and eliminate children's misconceptions about the disease. In an attempt to gain children's interest, the kit includes crossword puzzles, word games and quizzes. It "is desiged to reach children aged 9 to 11 and foster healthy knowledge and attitudes while laying a foundation for later learning they may need for decisions for reducing potentially risky behaviour",
said Dr. David Walters, director of the CPHA's AIDS Education and Awareness Program. Current statistics reveal that more than 3500 Canadians have contracted AIDS, and it is estimated that 50 000 Canadians are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Learning about AIDS was produced by the CPHA in cooperation with Canadian insurance companies. Funding was provided by the Federal Centre for AIDS. More information is available from Robert Burr, CPHA, 1565 Carling Ave., Suite 400, Ottawa, Ont. K1Z 8R1; (613) 725-3769.
Early detection of acoustic neuromas essential, neurosurgeon says The chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada says two accurate and noninvasive tests have made detection of the relatively rare tumours much easier. Dr. Charles Tator says branstem auditory evoked response and magnetic resonance imaging "can detect even the smallest tumours, including those confined to the internal auditory canal. Patients complaining of one-sided heari loss, often accompanied by tinnitus and loss of balance, should be referred for these tests". Tator says the developments are important be854
CAN MED ASSOC J 1990; 142 (8)
cause the tumours must be diagnosed at an early stage. "When acoustic neuromas exceed 2 cm in diameter they become very adherent to several cranal nerves, which can be damaged during surgical removal." He says surgical advances have made tumour removal less damging, but early diagnosis is still essential. "All too often patients are referred to the neurosurgeon only when their tumour has become large and has already involved the delicate surrounding nerve fibres. In these cases, removal can cause devastating complications for the patient."
who chaired the CMA committee that prepared a major report on care of the elderly that was released in 1987. The 108-page book contains advice on subjects ranging from exercise and diet to nursing homes and "easy-on" clothing. In the foreword CMA president Dr. Marcien Fournier praises Rhodes for providing "down-to-earth advice on how to ensure that elderly people are being given good care while still preserving as much as possible of their independence, confidence and competence". The book is available at leading bookstores for $9.95.
Elementary schools receive new AIDteaching kit The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) recently released Canada's first AIDS teaching kit aimed at younger children. The association says Learning about AIDS, which is for Grade 5 and 6 students, was designed to dispel fears and eliminate children's misconceptions about the disease. In an attempt to gain children's interest, the kit includes crossword puzzles, word games and quizzes. It "is desiged to reach children aged 9 to 11 and foster healthy knowledge and attitudes while laying a foundation for later learning they may need for decisions for reducing potentially risky behaviour",
said Dr. David Walters, director of the CPHA's AIDS Education and Awareness Program. Current statistics reveal that more than 3500 Canadians have contracted AIDS, and it is estimated that 50 000 Canadians are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Learning about AIDS was produced by the CPHA in cooperation with Canadian insurance companies. Funding was provided by the Federal Centre for AIDS. More information is available from Robert Burr, CPHA, 1565 Carling Ave., Suite 400, Ottawa, Ont. K1Z 8R1; (613) 725-3769.
Early detection of acoustic neuromas essential, neurosurgeon says The chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada says two accurate and noninvasive tests have made detection of the relatively rare tumours much easier. Dr. Charles Tator says branstem auditory evoked response and magnetic resonance imaging "can detect even the smallest tumours, including those confined to the internal auditory canal. Patients complaining of one-sided heari loss, often accompanied by tinnitus and loss of balance, should be referred for these tests". Tator says the developments are important be854
CAN MED ASSOC J 1990; 142 (8)
cause the tumours must be diagnosed at an early stage. "When acoustic neuromas exceed 2 cm in diameter they become very adherent to several cranal nerves, which can be damaged during surgical removal." He says surgical advances have made tumour removal less damging, but early diagnosis is still essential. "All too often patients are referred to the neurosurgeon only when their tumour has become large and has already involved the delicate surrounding nerve fibres. In these cases, removal can cause devastating complications for the patient."
