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Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, May 24, 2006 15 HEALTH CARE May is Speech and Hearing Month · One in 10 Canadians has a speech, language or hearing problem. This affects tens of thousands of individuals. · Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic disability among older adults. · Adult hearing loss can start as early as the third or fourth decade of life. · Children with behavioural disorders are 10 times more likely to have undetected language disorders. · Communication disorders in school-aged children are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities. · An estimated 4% of preschoolers has a significant speech or language disorder. · 1% of Canadians and 4% of pre-schoolers stutter. · Babies learn to talk by listening to all the voices and sounds around them-- and babies develop at different rates. Some babies take longer than others to develop speech and language. Many of us take our hearing and ability to speak for granted. For one in 10 Canadians however, speech, language or hearing problems are a daily challenge. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work daily with Canadians of all ages to help them deal with many different types of communication disorders. Seniors represent the fastest growing segment of the population, expected to make up a quarter of the country's population. Many of these individuals are significantly affected by communication disorders and experience problems with their speech, language, swallowing and hearing. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic disability among older adults and 6-12% of seniors experience speech, language or voice difficulties. The services of speech-language pathologists and audiologists help seniors to improve their ability to communicate which allows them to optimize their health, independence, safety, socialization and overall quality of life. Early detection is vital. May as Speech and Hearing Month has been celebrated across North America since 1927 and promotes and celebrates both the professions and the contributions made by speech-language pathologists and audiologists to the health of all Canadians. If you would like to know more, visit www.calspa.ca. --Information supplied by Halton Hills Speech Centre Massage for a Lioness Diane Michaud, massage practitioner massages Joyce Tilson from the Georgetown Lioness Club at the Health & Wellness event put on by the Georgetown Lioness Club at Georgetown High School recently. Photo by Sabrina Brynes Assistance Services Halton Hills and Mental Health Association Halton Region on Monday June 12, at Acton Meadows Golf Course in Acton. Statistics show that one in five individuals in North America suffer at some point in their lifetime an emotional, mental, or behavioral health difficulty. Cancer has also affected almost every member of society in one way or another. The Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CAS-hh) is an organization that assists our community and those who deal with this illness on a daily basis. Smittys and Josh's Pub are pleased to support two organizations that assist and continue to enhance the lives of so many residents of our community. The town businesses urge other businesses to support these worthwhile causes by offering a prize for the prize draw, or to be a hole sponsor (only $100). Get the foursome together (golf, steak dinner and prizes for only $98). Further information can be obtained by contacting Scott Lannan at 416-831-0677. Special Event Evening Having problems with headaches, digestion, backache, sore joints, allergies or just not feeling up to par? Come for an informal evening at Knox Church in Acton on Wednesday, May 31, for many helpful hints for daily living and try out some reflexology points. Margaret Aitken, a certified reflexologist for 20 years, will give a fun and informative talk at 7:30 p.m. Green Party of Wellington-Halton Hills. Run, Walk and Roll June 4 Spinal Cord Society Halton Hills Chapter will also hold its third annual Spinal Cord Society Fun Day 5K Run, 2.5 Walk, Roll on June 4 at 11 a.m. at the Heart Lake Conservation Area in Brampton. All ages and abilities are invited to participate in any of the three events: the Investors Group 2.5km wheelchair race, a 5km group team race or the 2.5km family walk. All events begin between 11-11:30 a.m. on race day. Send or drop off all entry forms at any Brampton and area Investors Group or Running Room location. For further information contact David Hook at 905-4502891 ext. 317 or david.hook@investorsgroup.com or Wayne MacDonald at 905702-1429 or warriorpa28@sympatico.ca. View doc on GMOs The Green Party of Wellington-Halton Hills presents a screening of Seeds of Change, a documentary film discussing the impact of Genetically Modified Organisms from agricultural, scientific, and consumer perspectives on Thursday, May 25 at 7 p.m. at Main Place (formerly Erin Public School), 185 Main St., Erin. Coffee and snacks provided, contributions accepted. For more information, please call Mark Hamilton, 519-856-2157. Proceeds going to Main Place and the its 11th Annual Heel 'n' Wheel a thon on Sunday, June 4 at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. Participants of all ages are encouraged to walk, run, bike, in-line skate, walk a dog, push a stroller -- anything involving their heels or wheels. There will be live music by local Hamilton groups Prologic and The Hollywood Way, as well as M&M's burgers and hot dogs, face painting, Happy Harriet the Lady Clown and prizes awarded to those collecting the most pledges. A goal of $30,000 has been set for Halton Region. The event raises funds for medical research into Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Halton chapter says new research shows that Canada has the highest incidence of IBD in the world. Heel `n' Wheel June 4 The Halton Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada is holding Golf tourney on June 12 for CAS-hh/CMHA Smittys Family Restaurant and Josh's Pub will be hosting their Fourth Annual Golf Tournament in support of Cancer Dr. Anoop Sayal & Associates Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Baynes Physiotherapy Georgetown Telephone: 905-873-4964 232A Guelph St., Unit 10 (next to Ares Restaurant) Same caring quality treatment since 1988 877-CARE (2273) Georgetown Market Place Mall www.georgetowndental.com Exercise Your Brain Read The Newpaper Studies show that reading keeps your mind sharp. Give your brain a boost. Read the Independent & Free Press and open your eyes and your mind to a world of information. 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