Survey supports
health care fees

THE 1999 National Survey of Fiealth Care
Providers and Users found that both consumers
and healthcare providers are concerned that the
quality of care and timely access to care is deterio-
rating in Canada.

To protect their healtheare system, 56% of Canadians say they
would support user fees across the board whereas 70% of
Canadians support having those who can afford it pay for a rea-
sonable portion of their health care costs.

Confidence in the health care system is declining. While 79% of
Canadians agree that Canada has the best healthcare system in the
world, more than half (55%) say their confidence is falling. The
level of confidence amorg healthcare providers is falling to an even
greater extent: 70% of doctors and 62% of nurses admitted losing
confidence in the system.

Timely access to health care is paramount. Though 98% of
Canadians surveyed agreed that timely access to healthcare should
be available to everyone, 84% of dectors believe that timely access
is falling behind. If timely access is not available, 73% of Canadians
would be willing to use their own resources and feel that they
should have the a option of seeking private care.

New solutions can save money. More than 75% of Canadians
and health care providers surveyed believe that new and innovative
solutions can save money for the health care system. More than
eight out of ten Canadians and health care providers interviewed
believe that new and innovative medications make Canadians
more productive. ‘There is overwhelming support (93% public,
95% doctors, 92% nurses, 96% pharmacists) that new and innova-
uve medications contribute to Canadians well-being and quality of

fe.

Eighty-two per cent of Canadians say that they support the
idea of having those who can afford it pay ‘fora reasonable portion
of their prescription drug costs.

Canadians want access, quality and choice. When asked about
the impact of government policies on patient care, 67% of respon-
dents said that they opposed reducing access, quality and choice of
provincial drug benede plans i in order to help reduce costs. A
majority of Canadians who were covered by a drug insurance pian
-63%) indicated it would bother them if they learned that their

whysician prescribed a different medication to avoid an adminis-
wative procedure. Special administrative procedures, within
provincial drug benefit plans, which impose additional paperwork
for access to medications, deter physicians’ choice of medications.
—News Canada

tiospital hardware

NEWS phote Mike Wakefletd

NORTH Vancouver City Mayor Barbara Sharp (left) recently got a tour of Lions Gate Hospit2! where -

Nuclear | inieeteeaes head Dr. Phil Cohen and nuclear medicine manager Karen Nitzek showed a newly
| ia dexa-bone densitometer. The machine heirs in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. .

You can take steps to manage stress

STRESS, if not han-
died well, can Icad to
health problems,
including heart disease
and even stroke.

The following tips from
the Heart and Stroke
Foundation can help you

nutritional consultant
Catharine invites her current clientele from the
Quay and welcomes North Shore residents
to experierice Peak Nutrition.
f anew philosophy in health & lifestyle.

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manage the stress in your life.
B& Recognize your symptoms
OF stress.

@ Look at your lifestyle and
see what can be changed in
your work situation, your
family situation, or your
schedule.

Fi Use relaxation techniques
such as yoga, meditation,
deep breathing, or massage.

@ Exercise. Physical activity is
one of the most effective
stress remedies around.
Time management. Do

essential tasks and prioritize
the others.

§ Watch your diet. Alcohol,
caffeine, sugar, fats and
tobacco all put a strain on
your body’s ability to cope
with stress.

@ Get enough rest and sleep.
@ Talk with others. Talk with
friends, professional counsel-
lors, support groups or rela-
tives about what is bothering
you.

@ Get away for awhile. Read
a book, watch a movie, play a

Do you suffer from psoriasis?

game, listen to’ music or go
on vacation. Leave yourself .
some time that’s just for you.
@ Give in occasionally. Avoid
quarrels whenever possible.
@ Tackle one thing at a time.
Don’t try to do too much at.
once.
IR Don’t try to be perfect.
@ Ease up on criticism of
others. .
§@ Don’t be too competitive.
@ Have some fun. Laugh and
be with people you enjoy.’ .
—seurce "News Canada :

We are looking for adults with moderate body psoriasis to participate in an 8-—
week long clincial trial comparing different experimental topical medications.

Requirements for the study are:

- 18 years or older

- Stable plaque psoriasis

: Able to attend 6 office visits
* Blood tests will be required

The

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875-5555 |
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