Saturday 29 May 2010

Wendel Clark joins the fight against arthritis


Canadian hockey legend available to discuss his personal experience with the disease and his participation in the Walk to Fight Arthritis


TORONTO, May 29, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - This Sunday, May 30, the Arthritis Society brings the Walk to Fight Arthritis, presented by the makers of TYLENOL(R), to communities across Canada, including Toronto, to help raise funds and awareness for the leading cause of disability in Canada.

For more than four million Canadians, arthritis is a debilitating and life-changing disease. While many believe that arthritis affects primarily the elderly, most people currently living with the disease are under the age of 65.

Joining the thousands expected to show their support across the country is hockey legend, Wendel Clark, who will be participating in the Toronto Walk and proudly wearing a special Blue Badge to show his connection to the cause and the fight against arthritis. All walk participants will be given a Blue Badge to wear during the walk to demonstrate that there are multiple forms of arthritis and that it impacts Canadians of all ages and not just the elderly.

Wendel is walking for his mother-in-law, who has struggled with severe arthritis in her joints, hands and fingers for the past 20 years. He is also walking for the number of friends and former hockey teammates who have developed arthritis over the years. This is a cause that is very close to Wendel.


Wendel Clark will be available on-site to discuss how arthritis has affected his life and the importance of finding a cure for this disease, including:

- Why participating in the Walk to Fight Arthritis is so important to him;
- How Canadians can support cutting-edge research and essential programs that support those living with arthritis;
- Tips on how to manage certain types of arthritis; and,
- The best resources for patient, friends and family to find information and support.

The Toronto Walk will be held at Glendon College of York University (2275 Bayview Ave.) and will start at 11 a.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Participants can choose to walk 1 or 5 km. In addition to the Walk, lots of activities including lunch, entertainment, music and attendance prizes are planned for walkers and families.

For more information on tomorrow's Walk to Fight Arthritis, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca.


Thursday 20 May 2010

Spark the fun without the folly this summer with safety tips from CSA International



TORONTO, May 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Summer is a much anticipated time for many Canadians to enjoy the sun by spending more time outside, either at home or at the cottage. The warmer months can also be an opportune time to catch up on home and yard maintenance. Before cleaning out the garage, replacing the BBQ tank, or hitting the road for a camping trip, CSA International is reminding everyone to take a few moments to be proactive about safety.


CSA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS


CSA International, a global testing and certification organization, is sharing its summer safety tips with consumers to help them avoid accidents and injuries while they enjoy the summer season.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas Grills and Barbecues

- Before firing up the barbecue for the first time, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.

- Check for cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To check for leaks, apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water to hoses and fittings and turn on the main gas or propane valve while leaving burners off. Any leaks will show up as bubbles. Replace any damaged hoses or fittings.

- Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years in Canada. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.

- Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage!

- When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA International Certification Flame indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

Decorative Lighting

- When installing decorative lighting on patios or along walkways, inspect your lighting to make sure that it is certified and marked for use outdoors. Always turn off the electricity supply before working with outdoor lighting and unplug lights when possible.

- Carefully inspect lights and lamps to make sure there are no broken or cracked sockets or housings and that there are no bare or frayed wires.

- Use a timer to turn lights on and off. Turn lights off during peak summer hours to avoid strain on local electricity resources.

Yard work and Renovations: Before mowing the lawn, pruning the bushes, or building a backyard deck, keep these safety tips on hand:

Lawn Mowers

- Before mowing, take the time to walk the yard to remove objects that may cause an obstruction or be tossed by the rotating blades.

- Children under 12 years of age should never operate a power lawn mower.

- Never clear an obstruction on a running mower! If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it is gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine is not running and that all safety features have been activated.

Portable Power Tools

- Inspect all power tools and cords before each use. Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards have been put in place and are in proper working order.

- Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge - or wire size - to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock.

- Make sure the tool is turned off before it is plugged in or unplugged. Always turn off and unplug the tool before changing parts such as drill bits or cutting blades.

- Use an extension cord only as a temporary connection. Never link extension cords; instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool without stretching. When working outside, only use cords clearly labelled for outdoor use.

- Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

Camping: Whether you are at a camp site, cottage or by the lake, remember the following tips for a safer summer expedition:

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

- Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoor, in well-ventilated areas and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle! Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage

- Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org


Tuesday 18 May 2010

OPP ready to use all available resources for upcoming May long weekend





ORILLIA, Ontario, May 18, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will use all its available resources and personnel this Victoria Day weekend to ensure that Ontario's highways, trails and waterways remain amongst the safest in the world.

"This weekend traditionally kicks off the summer driving season and we expect to see an increase in traffic", said OPP Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Highway Safety Division. "Safety on the highways, waterways and trails is not only a concern for the OPP but for all citizens of Ontario and our visitors. The OPP aircraft will assist officers on the ground, watching for aggressive drivers and speeders".


As in previous years, the OPP will be working with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to ensure that vehicles are safe, loads are secure and towing attachments are properly installed.

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino supports the initiative.
"Enforcement is proven to reduce injuries and save lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways", said Fantino. "Our efforts are focused on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The increase in travel of the May long weekend gives our officers an excellent opportunity to remind everyone of safe driving practices".


This week is also the beginning of Safe Boating Awareness Week and the OPP Marine Unit will be out on the waterways to help prevent drowning and other incidents on Ontario waterways this long weekend. Remember to wear a certified personal flotation device and don't drink and boat.

Last year, over the Victoria Day weekend, 2 people were killed in 2 separate collisions on OPP patrolled roads and no watercraft or ATV fatalities reported.