Keeping up with Kensington OCTOBER 2018

KEEPING UP WITH

Volume 2 | Issue 9 October 2018

K E N S INGTON WORLD SIGHT DAY

LETTER FROM THE

CEO

National SeniorsMonth, Day is we October 1. with Dr. Jennifer Liao, May is Vision sat down This is an occasion where we can Optometrist at the all celebrate and sayKensington ‘thank you’ Eye Institute Advanced Ocular Surface Contact Lens Clinic. to all older adultsTherapeutic in our lives for all the wonderful ways they have October 11th is World Sight Day. It is a global event meant to create awareness about blindness and vision enriched our lives. There are many impairment. Dr. Peter Kertes, (third from the left), shares his experience on the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital. ways to express your gratitude by finding quality time to spend with your loved-one. This may include, At Kensington Eye Institute (KEI), we work taking a walk or making dinner hard to help restore the vision of our patients. We see thousands of patients together. each week for eye surgeries, eye exams, and minor procedures. What you may not As many people know, the history know is that there is another not-for-profit of Kensington Health is deeply organization located in 340 College Street rooted in our passion for caring that shares our goal of restoring vision, but for older adults. Kensington first for them it’s on a global scale! originated as a 350 person longterm care home and has since Orbis is an international non-profit grown to offer a variety of health organization that brings people together to fight avoidable blindness. They focus care services to the community.

Throughout Dr. Kertes’ career, he volunteered as heavily on education, sustainability and These services also include faculty on many missions on the Flying Eye Hospital independence.

The Orbis Flying Eye hospice care, and community and other Orbis hospital-based programs. Dr. Kertes Hospital is a surgical and teaching hospital has had the opportunity to volunteer in China, India, outreach services for people who on board an MD-10 aircraft.

Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, and more. His most recent need support.

Flying Eye Hospital trip was to Bangladesh in 2017.

The airplane features an operating room, There are many memorable moments on board of sterilization/sub-sterile room, laser the Flying Eye Hospital. treatment room, pre- and post-operative care room, and a 46-seat classroom. Staffed “I am a big believer in universal health care, but VIRTUAL TOUR: by an expert medical team and a worldrecognize that this may be a luxury of wealthy leading Volunteer Faculty, the Flying Eye countries.” said Dr. Kertes. “Orbis prioritizes poorer You can virtually tour our long-term Hospital travels around the world to work patients with greater levels of disability. People are with local ophthalmologists and train local very grateful and happy that they were able to access care home, hospice, eye bank and eye care teams so that they can leave them the treatment.” all of our health care services at 340 with the skills, knowledge and confidence College St. to better provide for their patients.

“When you take a patch off a patient after their surgery, particularly if he or she hasn’t seen in a long A number of KEI staff and physicians, time, and see the smile on their face when they EXPLORE NOW: including Donna Punch, our VP, Ambulatory realize that they can now see, it can be immensely https://bit.ly/2BLkBEw Services and Dr. Sherif El Defrawy, our gratifying.”

Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, and Dr. Peter Kertes, Vitreo-retinal Surgeon have Learn more about ORBIS and how you can support volunteered on Orbis missions. the amazing work here: https://bit.ly/2N6CYEc

KISSING GAME WITH A CHARITABLE TWIST When Grant Hurley and Christina Turner got married on August 11, they had a unique stipulation for their guests: whenever someone would clink their glass signaling the couple to kiss, they would have to donate to the newlyweds charity of choice, Kensington Hospice.

“Contributing to Kensington Hospice is very important for us. We’ve both seen the benefit of a hospice firsthand,” says Grant, a librarian at the nearby University of Toronto.

“My mother Francine and Christina’s stepmother’s father, Noel, passed away after a struggle with cancer, but both benefited from palliative care.

We’ve realized that hospice care is something beneficial and important, and it should be accessible to all that need end-of-life care.”

Grant and Christina chose to donate to Kensington Hospice even though their family members received endof-life care elsewhere. The couple lives in the community and passes by the Kensington Hospice on their daily commute. After doing diligent research and learning more about our work, they selected the Hospice as the recipient of their generous gift.

“It really meant a lot to us to contribute to this hospice as it depends on donations and is free for residents,” said Grant. “Being a part of this neighbourhood, we thought that this contribution would be a meaningful way to make a difference close to home.”

Learn more about Kensington Hospice and the role it plays in endof-life care: https://bit.ly/2lkmRWV Find out how you can support by making a donation: https://bit.ly/2iKDrjc

On their wedding day, Christina (left), and Grant (right) asked guests to donate to Kensington. (Photo copyright Kandise Brown.)

HOW TO STAY PROTECTED ONLINE Many of the tools that we use today involve digital technology, so how do we stay protected?

“Protecting your computer at work is similar to the idea behind getting a flu shot. If one device is infected with a virus (just like the flu), there is a highrisk of a virus spreading to other devices within an organization. It’s a group effort to keep everyone safe.” said Francis Batalla, Networks Systems Specialist.

Some tips to stay protected online: 1. Protect your identity

a. Don’t use the same password for different accounts. If one account is hacked, it can comprise your other accounts. Make passwords harder to guess by combining letters, numbers and special characters.

2. Use anti-virus software

Francis Batalla, Networks Systems Specialist at Kensington Health, emphasizes the importance of cyber awareness to stay protected online.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an international campaign held in October to educate and promote the discussion about how to secure your information online.

‘Cyber security’ is the protection of your activities online, such as internet use, mobile devices, social networking, email, downloading and shopping online, from anyone trying to access your private information.

a. Protect your computer with regularly updated anti-virus software.

3. Don’t leave your computer unlocked while unattended

a. For PC users: always use the Windows Key + L to lock screens. b. For Mac user: always use hot corner features to lock screens.

If you have any questions or concerns about cyber security, contact privacy@kensingtonhealth.org Look out for the Introduction to Privacy Cyber Security Course on Surge Learning, available to all staff.

FEATURE STORY:

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

OBSP tracks participants through the screening and diagnosis process, and measures program quality and performance. In the event of an abnormal screening result, Jen works closely with family physicians to ensure the process of assessment and diagnosis happens in a timely fashion. She also works closely with Mammography technologists to ensure that they are providing the best care for their patients through high quality screening standards.

“I encourage patients to take part in the OBSP, as early detection of breast cancer can save a life. I am grateful to work with a team of professionals who share the same values as I do.” - Jen Working together Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is an agency of the provincial Government of Ontario that is responsible for improving cancer services and ensuring that people all across the province receive consistent high quality cancer care. It takes more than one doctor or clinic to treat and control cancer, it takes an entire health care team. CCO is organized into regional cancer programs that correspond with Ontario’s Local Health Integration Networks. KDIC is part of the Toronto Central Regional Cancer Program (TCRCP).

Dr. Lisa Del Giudice, Regional Primary Care Lead for the Toronto Central Regional Cancer (left) visited Jennifer Perreira, OBSP Coordinator at Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre.

Recently, Dr. Lisa Del Giudice, Regional Primary Care Lead for the TC-RCP visited Jen and her colleagues at KDIC.

In October, we encourage you to check in with your loved ones mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives, girlfriends, and friends to remind them about the importance of cancer screening.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

As a primary care lead, Dr. Del Giudice engages the community and family physicians to make sure people are being screened for cancer.

Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre (KDIC) prides itself on being a strong supporter and advocate for women’s health. KDIC is a member of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) which is a province-wide, organized cancer screening program that provides high-quality breast cancer screening throughout Ontario. Screening mammography can find breast cancer at an early stage when it is less likely to have spread to the lymph nodes and more likely to be successfully treated.

More than 35,000 breast cancers have been found by the OBSP through mammography, most of which were in early stages. As the OBSP Coordinator at KDIC, Jennifer Perreira shares the screening guidelines with patients and ensures that eligible women between the ages of 50-75 years old are enrolled into the program.

“It’s important to have screening services like Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre in the community to catch cancer early or in the pre-cancer stage.

Patient-centred clinics like Kensington can make the experience more comfortable for patients.”

- Dr. Del Giudice

The cancer system begins with prevention and health promotion There is a huge emphasis on preventing cancer from happening in the first place.

About half of all cancers can be prevented through lifestyle decisions. Some lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer are: • Eating well • Maintaining a healthy weight through an active lifestyle • Avoiding smoking, tobacco products, and alcohol consumption When should women get screened for breast cancer?

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommends that: • Most women at average risk (no family history of breast or ovarian cancer) ages 50 to 74 get screened every two years with mammography.

• Women ages 30-69 who are confirmed to be at high risk of getting breast cancer (women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer) get screened once a year with a mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) or screening breast ultrasound if MRI is not medically appropriate.

• Women over 74 should speak to their doctor about whether or not breast cancer screening is appropriate for them.

What about women under 50?

“Regardless of age, women should be aware of their breasts and monitor for any new lumps, bumps, puckering, dimpling and rashes of skin. These should be brought to their doctor’s attention for further diagnostic investigation changes.” said Dr. Del Guidice.

Need to get screened?

Book your own appointment with a referral from a healthcare provider at Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre today.

Find your nearest OBSP site: https://bit.ly/2OoHNxy Check out ‘It’s My Life!’, an interactive tool that promotes health living: https://bit.ly/2MLsDkV

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF KENSINGTON On August 30th, Kensington Health hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Day.

The day was a celebration for all of Kensington’s volunteers for the hard work and compassionate care they provide on a daily basis.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard for a celebratory evening filled with raffles, prizes, dinner, a scavenger hunt and the opportunity to network.

Volunteers are an integral part of our culture. Last year, they contributed 17,018 hours of care, playing an essential role in the health care experience for every person we serve.

A very special thank you to all of our volunteers for their hard work throughout the year, and to Rachelle McGuire, Tory Durbano, and Nadine Persaud for planning another fun and exciting Volunteer Appreciation Day.

WELCOME NEW STAFF Irene Osunde, PCA Kensington Gardens Tsering Dolkar, PCA Kensington Gardens Ma Cleofe Osera, PCA Kensington Gardens Jeonghee Shin, PCA Kensington Gardens

Rachel Ma, Clinical Ophthalmic Kathleen Owens, Privacy Specialist Technician Kensington Health Kensington Vision & Research Centre Merricia Tulloch, RPN Taylor Kurta, Music Therapist Kensington Hospice Kensington Gardens Rachel Currie, Assistant Calvin Fujimoto-Cassidy, Health Man- Eye Bank agement and Administration Intern Kensington Health Cassandra De Rozario, Information Coordinator, Eye Bank Sulekha Mahamud, H&S Officer Kensington Health Samantha Ho, CMOT Kensington Vision & Research Centre

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bring non-perishable food items to reception at 25 & 45 Brunswick Ave.

Kensington Health Quality Day - November 22 Join us for our second Kensington Health Quality Day. This year’s theme is “Engaging our people”.

Stay tuned for more details!

Gabrielle Tai, Clinical Assistant, Kensington Vision & Research Centre

I’ve been working at Kensington Hospice since its opening, seven years ago. It has been a wonderful experience caring for those at the hospice. My colleagues are amazing, and providing care makes me feel like I’m part of, and helping, our community.

The W.R.A.P (We Respect All People) Committee is organizing a food drive to support the Fort York Food Bank.

Kensington Health Staff Holiday Party - December 6

Chandra Ramnauth, OHIP Billing Administrator Kensington Vision & Research Centre

HUMANS OF KENSINGTON

Thanksgiving Food Drive - October 1 - October 5

Stay tuned for more details!

Justina Eguavoen, Ophthalmic Technician Kensington Vision & Research Centre

Marlisa Budihardjo, RPN, Kensington Hospice

I’m a creative soul at heart. I have an appreciation for arts and culture. I really enjoy taking-in the different cultures within Toronto, their music and food.