Our archived segments:
(listed alphabetically by subject name)

Accident Prevention
In this edition of Healthwatch, we're talking about accident prevention, something the Peterborough County City Health Unit strongly believes in.
The PCCHU says most accidents are predictable and preventable.
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For more information on preventing accidents, Heather says to give her a call at the Peterborough County City Health Unit. Their number is: (705) 743-1000.


Active Seniors Health
In this edition of Healthwatch, John looks at how seniors are improving their overall health by keeping active. The importance of exercise, doing whatever you're able to, cannot be overstated, and the benefits are obvious. Seniors maintaining a level of physical activity can experience a better quality of life, high morale, and have the ability to maintain their own independence.
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ALS Support Group
In this segment, we visit a regular meeting of an als support group. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is also known as lou gehrig's disease. It's a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. People with ALS, become progressively paralyzed due to degeneration of motor neurons. They are an important link to the nervous system. The brain uses them to control voluntary muscles throughout the body.
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For more information you can telephone Murray Street Baptist Church at: (705) 745-4376.


Alzheimer Coffee Break
Coffee drinkers in Peterborough can show their support for the local Alzheimer Society by dropping in to a "coffee break" - an annual fundraiser that anyone can host.
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Amber
In this segment of Healthwatch, we examine the belief that Amber has medicinal properties. John Blake speaks with a former biochemistry professor at Trent University.
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Aquafit
We take you to the Peterborough YMCA, and into the pool. A volunteer there believes in, and wants to promote a healthy lifestyle, all on her own time.
It's a very active 45 minute session, but this "aquafit" class does get results. Terry Lynn Johnston has been a member of the "Y" for 20 years, and used to teach land fitness, but then she decided to make a change.
Terri Lynn comes here during her lunch hour, because she believes in what she's doing. It's the best of both worlds. She calls it a great way to interact with people and have fun at the same time. Over the years Terri Lynn has formed lasting bonds with many people in her classes, and finds great satisfaction in knowing she's been able to help them improve their lifestyles.
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That's what volunteering is all about. so if you haven't been to Peterborough's new YMCA yet, drop in, it's a beautiful modern building. When it comes to fitness, the "Y" has a lot to offer. Check it out.


Audiologist
Part 1
It's never too soon to have your hearing assessed by a trained audiologist. The fact is, regardless of your age, you may not even realize the extent of your hearing loss.
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Audiologist
Part 2
In our last segment, we showed you how a person's hearing is tested by a trained audiologist. When hearing loss is detected, a hearing aid "may" be the answer. That turned out to be the case for Ken Laton, and with today's technology, ken was able to try out his new hearing right away.
Not everyone's hearing loss will be similar to Ken's, so there are many kinds of hearing aids on the market of various shapes and sizes, and there are even different ways of fitting them. Choices are primarily made based on a person's needs.
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The important thing to stress here is - have your hearing checked. Don't take it for granted.


Cancer Society Comfort Room
The name says it all. The comfort room has been set aside at the Canadian Cancer Society on Lansdowne Street to meet the needs of people diagnosed with cancer, whatever those needs may be. They may be feeling they've reached a turning point in their lives, and sometimes, just need, as the name suggests, a bit of comfort.
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Cancer Survivor Author
Connie McCracken had always wanted to write a children's book, and together with illustrator Chris Craig, her dream has became a reality. Connie writes her new thoughts and ideas down in a little book, or on whatever she can find, even a scrap of paper. Connie's book: "Indigo Boy and Crystalline Girl" has been published, but how and why she began writing is the real story.
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Chronic Disease Self Management
Living with the pain, discomfort, and emotional problems a chronic disease can cause is something only people "living through it" can truly understand. The people featured in this report have come to a self management program to learn how to manage their health problem, and have the best possible quality of life.
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The chronic disease self management program featured in this segment is available in Peterborough, Durham, Oshawa, Cobourg and Port Hope.


CNIB Products
Loss of vision is a devastating fact of life for many people, but the CNIB has a wide variety of specialized products to help out. The CNIB's main mission is to promote and enhance the independence of its clients.
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For more information on these products and the many services the CNIB has to offer, call 745-6918.


Crestor
Medical study results, just released, are suggesting that seemingly healthy Canadians may be saved from first heart attacks, strokes and even death.
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Diabetes - Aaron Hoffman
It was one of those bumps in the road that families often come across, but it wasn't something insurmountable that couldn't be dealt with, successfully. Young Araon Hoffman was diagnosed with diabetes.
When Aaron was in grade eight he was taken to the hospital by his parents to find out why he was so ill. Aaron was barely able to get down a flight of stairs, but once he was diagnosed, things changed quickly.
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For more information, hop on the internet and go to: diabetes.ca.


Diabetes Mallwalk
It's an easy and effective way to get the exercise that you need, and you are indoors, so you are not worried about the weather - and there's no charge. It's mallwalking, a very popular activity, especially in the winter months.
The Canadian Diabetes Assocation promotes healthy lifestyles, and says that keeping active helps prevent diabetes.
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Diabetes Partnership
People affected by diabetes in the Peterborough area can now learn more about their condition, have their questions answered and concerns addressed, at two pharmacies in Peterborough, pharmacies now considered mini branches of the Canadian Diabetes Association. The Westmount Pharmacy on Clonsilla Avenue, and in the east end, the Burnham Medical Pharmacy on Burnham Street, both belong to the association's community pharmacy outreach program.
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Elder Abuse Awareness
Between four and ten percent of all older adults in Ontario will experience abuse in their lifetime as a senior. Elder abuse is often called the hidden abuse. It is just beginning to become known, and has been identified as a problem in our community.
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Electronic Cigarette
Smokers may say that nothing can replace the real thing, but the latest in nicotine delivery technology could make a difference for some people. It's the electronic cigarette.
Sellers say the technology, developed in china, delivers nicotine in a cigarette like package without the tobacco aned chemical additives linked to cancer and other health problems.
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The electronic cigarettes have not been approved by Health Canada.
For more information on the product, visit the website: www.smokestik.com


Emily Creek Dance
In this segment of Healthwatch, we're taking you to the Parkway Banquet Centre in Peterborough's west end, where people in their 80's are enjoying life to the fullest, and, keeping fit.
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The Emily Creek Dance is held every month at the Parkway Banquet Centre and on these nights, age is not a factor.


First Line Therapy
Sue Armstrong wants to find answers. She wants to live a healthier lifestyle, feel better, lose weight - and keep it off. So, she is receiving First Line Therapy.
Alyssa Beavis is a certfitied nutritional practicioner. She is using a body composition program to tell her what's happening internally with Sue, on a cellular level. She'll be giving Sue tips and tools for eating healthy, so when she does lose weight, it will be losing fat, not muscle. First Line Therapy is based on extensive scientific research and utilized in hospitals.
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For more information, go to: KawarthaNaturalHealthClinic.com.


Fleming Massage Therapy Clinic
Whether in relieving tension, or treating a pre-existing medical condition, the benefits of massage go a long way to helping people feel better.
In this segment of Healthwatch, John Blake takes us to Fleming College where massage therapy students are getting "hands-on" training.
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Flow Yoga
This segment explains and demonstrates something known as Flow Yoga, where a person flows from one posture to the next, and the movements are synchronized with your breathing. Once everyone in the class is relaxed and centred, a dynamic workout begins.
This is not a gentle relaxation type of yoga. It builds strength, is a cardiac conditioner, improves your flexibility, and works on a person's balance and core strength.
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For more information you can telephone Liz Doris at 876-9928. She says if you're looking to build strength, improve your flexibility and get a good workout, this class is for you.


Hearing Loss Aids
On a previous segment we showed you how people with hearing loss can be helped by a trained audiologist, using state of the art technology, like a hearing aid, but there are many other devices available to improve the quality of life for someone who is having a problem hearing.
Something as simple as this pocket talker may be of help. What about having a phone conversation - a regular occurance, but for some who have hearing loss, like terry wilson, it can be a very stressful time. Many amplified telephones are out there, but sometimes, a more specialized phone will make the difference. Specialized alarm clocks are available. They have a loud beeping sound, can make a lamp blink, and then, make this small disc vibrate, under a pillow for example. For watching television, there are specialized earphones. Their volume control is separate from the television's regular volume control - so everyone in the room can listen at their own comfort level. Then you have wireless door chimes, with strobe lights. Again, a welcome relief for someone not able to hear a regular door bell.
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For more information, call the Canadian Hearing Society at 743-1573.


Heart Failure
There's a misconception out there that heart failure indicates the heart has stopped working ... that's actually called "cardiac arrest". The term "heart failure" actually means the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. With heart failure, blood moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meets the body's needs. We learn more about heart failure in this segment of Healthwatch.
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Infant Cystic Fibrosis
Ashlynne is 14 months old, and from the outside looking in, she appears to be the picture of health - happy - energetic - funloving - great smile. But when she was only 3 1/2 weeks old she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. For her parents, their lives changed that day. To care for the daughter they love, they must have strict daily routines.
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Juvenile Diabetes
Juvenile Diabetes, also known as Type One Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes, can affect people of any age, even someone under the age of one. In this segment of Healthwatch, we meet young six year old Marley. Marley was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago.
It is important for children and young adults to take care of their Juvenile Diabetes. If not properly taken care of, diabetes can lead to serious problems down the road, including problems with the kidneys, nerves, eyes, gums and teeth.
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Kenn Grainger - Macular Degeneration
In this segment of Healthwatch, we are introduced to Kenn Grainger - a man who has been able to cope after losing his sight to macular degeneration.
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Medical Alarms
Medical Alarms can be a welcome reassurance for seniors or disabled individuals, and, peace of mind for their families. During an emergency, the medical alarm pendant becomes a lifeline to 24/7 assistance.
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Orthotics
Orthotics are custom moulded devices that fit inside your shoes. They are used to treat many conditions and could be recommended by your doctor, or after a full assessment by a certified pedorthist. A candidate for orthotics may be seeking help for a foot or ankle condition, or a problem with the lower leg, knee, or hip.
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is something millions of Canadians must learn to live with. It can affect any joint in the body, gradually getting worse over time, and there is no cure.
In this segment of Healthwatch, we introduce you to an amazing couple, and their story of encouragement.
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Barb Rimmer holds a workshop several times a year, to help people with osteoarthritis get the exercise they need to feel the best they can. For more information, and a helping hand, call the local Arthritis Society office at: (705) 742-7191.


Ostomy
Rose Minaker is a healthy, active, and very happy person who is living life to the fullest, yet she has had her share of challenges along the way. She is a breast cancer survivor, but she also had colo rectal cancer. That resulted in her having an colonostomy. Hugh Dewart had a illyostomy seven years ago.
Facing a procedure like this is usually an emotional shock that leaves a person with many unanswered questions, and the perception that people may now think of them differently. But that's where The Kawartha Ostomy Association comes in.
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If you've had an ostomy or will be having one soon, you can telephone 292-9910 and get support. It's there for the asking.


Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a high tech method to regulate your heart. But how much do you know about this state of the art device?
As you're about to see in this segment, a lot of development has ocurred in the last few years.
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Pilates
In this segment of Healthwatch, we're talking about Pilates, exercises that are very deceptive. They look simple, and appear to not require a lot of effort, but we couldn't be more wrong.
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If you still doubt how hard these moves are, you can try it for yourself. It takes balance, coordination, and practice.
For more information, you can call The Jayne Markus Studios at 876-8900.


PRHC Core Labratory
We're taking you behind the scenes to the Core Laboratory at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where many critical responsibilities are fulfilled.
Medical technologists are on duty 24/7, to test a person's blood with respect to things like blood chemistry, haemaglobin, and tranfusion medicine.
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PRHC Diagnostic Imaging - Part 1
Everyone has a vested interest in the new diagnostic imaging department at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, the patients, hospital staff, doctors, nurses, and the people who worked so hard to make it happen.
The equipment is state of the art. We're talking "digital" - which opens many other doors for radiologists who interpret the images, and conventional x-rays are now done using a robotic system.
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In part two, we'll show you equipment that can diagnose abnormalities in blood vessels, and talk about nuclear medicine.


PRHC Diagnostic Imaging - Part 2
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre has one of the best diagnostic imaging departments in the province, if not "the" best. For example, they have two state of the art angio interventional suites, and just down the hall, nuclear medicine scans for patients. These two rooms are just part of a major team effort to provide the best possible health care for area residents.
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In part three, we'll talk about how the diagnostic imaging department has an eye to the future, and how our community came together to make all this happen.


PRHC Diagnostic Imaging - Part 3
Patients coming to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre can now be diagnosed by state of the art equipment, such as an MRI, or a CT Scanner. The diagnostic imaging department established a team seven years ago to plan what this new department would look like. As plans progressed the team kept up with new technology. But what about down the road? Technology continues to change and Peterborough must be able to keep up.
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PRHC H1N1 Preparedness
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre was well prepared for the H1N1 pandemic. Isolation teams were place, ensuring rooms are germ free for new patients. Everything is either disinfected or taken out of the room to be disinfected. Hospital officials believed we were overdue for an influenza pandemic, and so, four years ago, put together a committee to begin making plans to deal with such an event. This segment of Healthwatch details their process.
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PRHC Isolation Team
We're back behind the scenes at the PRHC, and in this segment you'll be witnessing a procedure rarely seen by most people. Wearing a sterile gown and gloves, the isolation team clears and thoroughly cleans isolation rooms to prepare them for new occupants..
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PRHC Microbiology Lab
We're taking you behind the scenes to the Microbiology Lab at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, staffed by highly trained medical laboratory technologists and laboratory technicians.
The staff there test patient specimens to determine the possible cause of suspected infections and the medication that will be most effective to treat the infection.
The primary function of the lab is routine bacteriology, so testing for tuberculosis, viral infections, parasites or a fungus infection are referred to a provincial health lab. However, at the PRHC, tests for c-difficile are performed on site, seven days a week. The microbiology staff also provide important support to infection control, helping them minimize the risk of an infection spreading among patients, from staff to patients, or from visitors to patient.
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PRHC Transfusion Medicine Labratory
We're back behind the scenes at the PRHC, and in this segment we visit the Transfusion Medicine Laboratory. It receives blood products from Canadian Blood Services in Toronto, things like red cells, plasma, platelets and other products.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this segment of Healthwatch, John Blake looks at a disease that changes a person's life, and makes performing everyday activities painful and difficult.
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Seniors Recreational Program
In this segment, we look at a recreational program offered to seniors who have suffered a stroke, or who are showing early signs of dementia.
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SMART Program
It seems simple... low impact exercises with no strain involved. In fact the seniors featured in this segment are told to work at their own pace.
This exercise program is all about preventing falls, and helping seniors maintain or improve, their level of independence in such activities as walking, going shopping, climbing stairs, or getting out of the bathtub... activities many people take for granted.
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This exercise program is volunteer driven - they make it happen. The volunteers receive training and are mentored by the Victorian Order of Nurses until they are certified as seniors fitness instructors. The classes are held in Norwood, Keene, Ida, Minden, Haliburton and Peterborough.


Sunscreen
Even though it is still the month of May, it is not too early to be using your sunscreen, as we see in this segment of Healthwatch.
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Tai Chi
In this segment, we visit a a Tai Chi "health recovery" class, a specialized session geared for people who need extra help, or are not able to take part in a regular tai chi class.
This form of tai chi is very gentle, and has an extra degree of turning and stretching. The movements help to relieve tension in the joints, in the muscles, and also helps a person's internal circulation. The class does get results. People are finding their balance is better, along with their flexibility.
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Terry Fox Run 2009
In this segment of Healthwatch we take a look at some of the local people who are particpating in this year's Terry Fox Run. Hundreds of thousands of people across Ontario take part in the Terry Fox Runs every year, and in 2008, Ontario residents donated 11.5 million dollars to cancer research.
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The Vibe
It's the only one of its kind in Lindsay, and becoming very popular. The Vibe is a machine originally developed for astronauts who experienced decreased muscle mass and bone density when they returned to earth. Donna Gaynor, owner of Riverside Spa in Lindsay, says she first heard of the machine at a spa show in Toronto. When you stand, sit, or lie down on the platform, intense vibrations can be programmed to suit your needs by stimulating muscles. The unit is now being used in hospitals, and by football and baseball teams.
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Trent Water Fitness
The water art fitness program at Trent University is a fun-filled hour. People are led through a combination of water moves designed to strengthen their entire body without stressing their joints. The water is 800 times denser than air... it cushions the body, allowing excellent strength and control. Everyone from people with hip replacements to hose with weight-management concerns are benefiting from this activity, because everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.
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Walking Clinic
It's the early evening in downtown Peterborough, and people have gathered at The Running Room on Hunter Street for a walking clinic. They're held three times a year and run for ten weeks, and are usually timed to end when a walking event is being held in the city. The event then serves as a graduation.
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Men and women of all ages are welcome. To get involved, telephone The Running Room at: (705) 876-8605 - or just drop by.


YMCA Noon Fitness
Walk into Peterborough's YMCA during the noon hour any Monday, and you'll find yourself motivated to get serious about your physical fitness.
Gloria Tapp conducts a run/fit class featuring a wide range of exercises.
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Y Preschool Youth Programs
Watch out! Young people are on the way... having fun, while getting plenty of exercise. That's the plan behind this Y Program. The program is called "Fun Factory", and it is designed to meet the needs of two and three year olds. It gives children and chance to play and interact with other children and learn how to communicate and interact while gaining valuable exercise and have fun.
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If you want to contact Newswatch:
Telephone: 705 742-8712
Cellular: Bell Mobility *111
Fax: 705 742-2930
E-Mail: newswatch@chextv.com
Postal: 743 Monaghan Road,
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5K2





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