Canadian Occupational Safety

Aug/Sep 2017

Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine is the premier workplace health and safety publication in Canada. We cover a wide range of topics ranging from office to heavy industry, and from general safety management to specific workplace hazards.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 21 By Amanda Silliker uhammad Ali was arguably the greatest boxer of all time. He won the title of lineal heavyweight champion three times. He received countless accolades including being named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the 20th Cen- tury and Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC. Ali, who died last year, will always be remembered for his footwork in the ring, his outspoken views and humanitar- ian efforts, but he will also be remembered for his battle with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's. It is estimated more than 100,000 Canadians have Parkinson's disease and more than 25 people are diagnosed daily, according to Parkinson Canada. It is a chronic disorder with a high survival rate that is characterized by muscle trem- ors, stiffness, balance problems and slow movements. More than 60 per cent of those with the disease experience memory limitation, anxiety and depression, according to Parkinson Canada. And the disease is more prevalent now than ever. According to the Mayo Clinic in the United States, the incidence of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism (neurological signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson's) increased signifi cantly in 30 years from 1976 to 2005. By 2031, Parkinson Canada says the number of Canadians diagnosed with the disease is expected to be more than 163,700. "As the population ages, demographically, we can expect the burden of Parkinson's disease to be larger," says Anne Harris, assistant professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University in Toronto, speaking at a seminar at the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto earlier this year. Parkinson's takes years to develop, perhaps as much as 20 to 30 years after expo- sure, says Jonathan Squires, a neurologist at the Pacifi c Parkinson's Research Centre in Vancouver. Several workplace exposures, such as head trauma and pesticides, may increase risk of developing Parkinson's disease M Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's. It is estimated more than 100,000 Canadians have Parkinson's disease and more than 25 people are diagnosed daily, according to Parkinson Canada. It is a chronic disorder with a high survival rate that is characterized by muscle trem- ors, stiffness, balance problems and slow movements. More than 60 per cent of those with the disease experience memory limitation, anxiety and depression, according to Parkinson Canada. And the disease is more prevalent now than ever. According to the Mayo Clinic in the United States, the incidence of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism (neurological signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson's) increased signifi cantly in 30 years from 1976 to 2005. By 2031, Parkinson Canada says the number of Canadians diagnosed with the disease is expected to be more than 163,700. "As the population ages, demographically, we can expect the burden of Parkinson's disease to be larger," says Anne Harris, assistant professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University in Toronto, speaking at a seminar at the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto earlier this year. Parkinson's takes years to develop, perhaps as much as 20 to 30 years after expo- sure, says Jonathan Squires, a neurologist at the Pacifi c Parkinson's Research Centre in Vancouver. Several workplace exposures, such as head Several workplace exposures, such as head trauma and pesticides, may increase risk of developing Parkinson's disease M Slow Motion

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