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This time of year can be hard for many people; remember that you are not alone, and please reach out to someone for support during these times. There are resources available in Toronto, including CAMH. Distress numbers are also listed in this Newsletter.
Recently I took part in the Ostomy Canada Society staff meeting, and there is still a bit of work to do with regards to the new layout of the national organization. Not much to report on yet; we will have more information in the new year.
Dietitian Jemma Besson will be speaking at our January Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, January 25, and has agreed to do a few other speaking events over the year. She is a great resource for our members and we will post her additional Ostomy Toronto speaking dates shortly.
All the major ostomy supply companies make great products. I have bounced back and forth between Coloplast and Convatec, and while they both have fantastic ostomy pouches, I have recently been using Convatec's new one piece with soft convex, and it is super comfortable. I always recommend trying different companies' products to see what works best for you, so if you are looking to try something new, give either Convatec convex one piece or Coloplast Mio 1-Piece convex a try. Both are great, comfortable pouches.
2020 has been a long and interesting year. We have gone from total lockdown to having a vaccine coming next year. We truly hope for a better 2021.
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.
Please be safe and stay well.
Thanks
Jim Fitzgerald
Ostomy Toronto President
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The Holiday Season can be a struggle for many: whether it’s the stresses of the pandemic, the loss of loved ones, or family tensions, everything takes a toll in one way or another. For those who battle with mental health or addiction, this time of year can be particularly difficult.
Please, if you find yourself having a tough time, reach out to someone. Talk to your Doctor or medical professional, or contact one of the distress lines available below:
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Toronto Distress Centres: 416-408-4357
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 416-863-0511
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Toll free, English & French)
Mobile Crisis Response Teams (24 hrs/7 days) Toronto
Toronto:
- Gerstein Centre Crisis Line: 416 929-5200 service borders: south to the lake, north to Eglinton, and then north to Highway 401 (between Bathurst and Bayview), east to Bayview to Danforth and then to Victoria Park, west to Islington Ave.
- St. Mike’s Hospital Mobile Crisis Team via Police Department (911) accessible through police (no direct number). Response team consists of a police officer and a mental health nurse.
- St. Joseph’s Hospital Mobile Crisis Team via Police Department (911) accessible through police (no direct number).
(info via CAMH.ca, for additional Distress Lines click HERE)
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Meeting ID: 416 733 2040
Passcode: otzoom
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Addiction, Substance Abuse, & IBD |
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Licensed Clinical Addiction Therapist Renika addresses an extremely important topic: Addiction in those with IBD & chronic illness.
Watch the full video HERE
If you or someone you know is experiencing dependencies on medications or substances, please reach out to a physician, or if you are in Toronto, contact CAMH 416-535-8501, option 2.
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An honest post from Ginger aka @gingipie.sky:
“We define ourselves by our flaws, don’t we.
We put ourselves down because of them.
As many as I have, I’m starting to feel more flawless than flawed though.
That’s self love.
That’s evolution.
That’s the way it should be."
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To see Ginger's feature, click here.
If you would like to share your story and be highlighted on Ostomy Toronto's social media, please submit your photo along with a short blurb to info@ostomytoronto.com, with the subject line "Feature Friday Submission".
Alternatively, tag @OstomyToronto in your Instagram post and we will repost it. We love learning about the wonderful people in our community, locally and around the world!
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Due to COVID-19, we are unable to accept ostomy supply donations at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your generous offers. Be sure to check back for updates regarding ostomy supply donations. |
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Jim Fitzgerald, President
OPEN POSITION, Vice President
Aaron Wolkoff, Financial Treasurer
Kaitlyn O’Brien, Director
Glen Dasilva, Director
Michele Smith, Director
Amanda Caristo, Social Media/Web Manager
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Antonio Pergola, Bingo Volunteer
Linda Hurren, Bingo Volunteer
Jennifer Burnett, Bingo Volunteer
Melissa Aman, Bingo Volunteer
Cindy Zuccaro, Bingo Volunteer
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DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this Newsletter is presented for informational purposes only. None of the information is a substitute for professional medical care, attention by a qualified practitioner, or product information that can be gained from an ostomy product distributor, manufacturer or management professional, and under no circumstances may it be relied upon as such. Always check with your doctor or Enterostomal Nurse if you have any questions or concerns about your condition or if you are about to start a new program of treatment or management. Ostomy Toronto and the edittors of this Newsletter are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by this Website.
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