Go HEALTH Canada issued an advisory last week concerning an ingredient found in pre- scription and non-pre- scription cold redica- tion. The ingredient, phenyl- Propanolamine (PPA) is reportedly associated with hemorthagic stroke. This drug is widely used as a nasal decongestant in pre- scription and non-prescription cough and cold, sinus and some combination allergy medications. According to Health Canada, the risk of hemor- id medications thagic stroke as a result of the use of products containing PPA is low. However, because of the seriousness of 2 stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk, Health Canada is follow- ing the lead of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in issu- ing a public advisory recom- mending that consumers not use any products containing PPA. The Therapeutic Products Program of Health Canada is issuing this advisory i in advance of the department’ s full evalu- ation of the scientific and med- ical questions concerning PPA. In Canada, products con- health nHetes LEAN FOR LIFE Join Mary Sayers and Carol English for a free one- -hour information session on how ~ to create a fean, healthy, fat-burning body for life. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 8 pm at Esprit de Core Fitness Studio, #202. 1847 Marine Dr., W.V. Pre-register: 921-9975. Info: . ETHICS OF TOUCH PRESENTA- TION: AND DISCUSSICN Establish and maintain appropriate bound- “© aries. An interactive and participatory method of exploring questions that arise in the direct care and support of people with . ~ disabilities. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.- 2, neon, -3158 _ Mountain Highway, NV: a Info and RSVP to 985- 5371. : MANAGING STRESS . ‘Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., 4 ‘Vancouver Hospital, Lauener room, sec- — HEALTH = taining PPA are used for rela- tively mild conditions. Given the risk of a more serious event such as a hemorrhagic stroke and given the fact that these medications provide only tem- porary relief, Health Canada is tecommending, as a precau- tion, that consumers do not use any products containing PPA until a full assessment has been completed. In the United States during the 1990s, a fink between PPA and hemorrhagic stroke had been suspected. Many of the affected patients had been young women using PPA as an appetite suppressant, accord- ing to Health Canada. Problems often occurred as inkeg io Stroke pt a result of the first dose taken. It is important to note that PPA has not been approved tor Use as an appetite suppressant or weight loss product in Canada. Based on its analysis of the results of a recently released study completed at Yale University, the FDA’s Non- prescription Drug Advisory Commitice determined that there is an association between PPA and hemorrhagic stroke, and recommended that PPA not be considered safe for over-the-counter(non-pre- scription) use. Though initial indications in the United States were that many of the problems Sunday, November 12, 2000 — occurred as a result of the use of weight loss products con- taining PPA, the Yale study reports an increased risk asso- ciated with cough and cold Medications, Most of these — cases involved women but men may also be at risk. Only one case of hemorrhagic stroke associated with PPA use has been report- ed to the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program over the past two decades. Health Canada i is currently evaluating the safety of PPA use in Canada in light of these US. findings. Consumers can_ identify over-the-counter nasal decon- gestant, cough and cold, sinus and combination allergy med- icaticns containing PPA by Nerth Shere News - 21 ssibility propanolamine” in the list of ingredients on the label. They may also wish to consult with a pharmacise. Consumers should consult with their health care provider or their pharmacist to see whether their - prescription nasal decongestant, cough and cold, sinus and combination allergy medications cr combi- nation antibiotic-decongestant medications contains PPA. - Health Canada advises con- sumers to discuss alternative products with their health care professional. The | public should be aware thar weight loss: products obtained from the United States may contain PPA. These products had the strongest association. with hemorchagic — stroke - and should not be used, according to Health Canada. ° ond fivor of the Laurel Pavilion. Free lec- ture by David Abousafy, PhD. For further information’ and to register contact: Coleen Heenan at 875-5887. “SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PRE- VENTION | Friday, Nov. 17, 9 am.-noon, 763 E. Broadway, Vancouver. Workshop to de- mystify suicide by talking about why it happens and to whom and how it can be recognized and prevented. Register: Tamara at 872-1811. STRESS AND BURNOUT Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.n.-noon. Create boundaries to keep yourself from burning out. $36. For more information call 763- BC SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY North Shore Branch, Family Support STORE HOURS - MON TO FRI 8AM TO SPR Centre, provides information and support for family and friends of those suffering severe mental illness. #205-1865 Marine Dr., West Van. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p-m. or by appointment. Information: 926-0856. BEREAVEMENT VOLUNTEERS Seeking individuals interested in offering telephone support to those bereaved. Interviews and training in October. Volunteers should not have had a loss themselves in the past vear. For more information call Vicki Hollander at 904- 3532. ARTHRITIS SOCIETY’S NORTH SHORE COMMUN-ITY GROUP Meets from 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at the Lions Gate Hospital audi- torium. Info: 987-7010. : ti , it 3030 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver. : rax: 987-6155 987 -6644 SAT & SUN SAM TO 7PM TELS looking for -“phenyl- our showroom for more styles We mfr. . strong chalrs for restaurant/home use Cpen to Public. Buy direct from factory & savel ‘ Tel: 253-3290 S.W. Furniture Mfg. 475 Clark Drive, Van ° Oalry . Breads Spring. Lamb. .