OWN Chair Mary Hynes passes on this announcement:

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin launched a new systemic investigation on March 20 – into how the province monitors drivers with uncontrolled hypoglycemia.

The case of a driver who was in diabetic shock when he caused a crash that killed three people in Hamilton in 2009 raises serious questions about the Ministry of Transportation’s process of obtaining information about drivers with uncontrolled hypoglycemia and taking action when warranted, Mr. Marin said.  Family members of the accident victims brought the case forward to the Ombudsman.

There are approximately 1 million people with diabetes in Ontario.  According to some studies, up to 25% of those being treated with insulin could potentially experience hypoglycemic unawareness – the inability to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar and potential impairment.

“Although most drivers who have diabetes are perfectly safe, the condition of uncontrolled hypoglycemia was deemed serious enough that Ontario and other provinces made it a reportable condition,” Mr. Marin said.  “But if that requirement doesn’t result in appropriate action by the Ministry, it is meaningless.  Our investigation will determine whether processes in place are adequate to protect public safety.”

Read the full press release here.

The Ombudsman asks anyone who has had experience with the issue contact his office at 1-800-263-1830 or via www.ombudsman.on.ca. The investigation is being conducted by the Special Ombudsman Response Team and is expected to take about six months.

The YMCA, in collaboration with Judy Steed of the Toronto Star, is proud to present the “Turning Point” special event, which will detail the progress of a bootcamp running from April to June in which 10 individuals over the age of 50 take on positive lifestyle changes. This presentation will take place in the Central YMCA’s auditorium, 20 Grosvenor St., on May 15, 5:30-7 pm. For more details on this project you can visit Judy Steed’s column here and follow the blog.  Recommended by OWN member Mary Hynes.

Please join For Our Grandchildren to hear experts discuss the impending effects of climate change and to talk about how our actions can make a difference.

The first part of the event will be a Climate Change Forum, featuring expert speakers:

• The Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
• Alanna Mitchell, author of “Sea Sick”
• Stephen Scharper, Professor, Department of the Environment, University of Toronto
• Glenn McGillivray, Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction

The second part will be a Community Town Hall Meeting, featuring a discussion of concrete actions that we can take as individuals and groups.  Participants who attend will network with each other, discuss the issues and develop a plan for action.

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 
2-5 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)

Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
, 1585 Yonge Street (TTC:  St. Clair Station)

Space is limited, register now to reserve your spot. Recommended by OWN member Mary Hynes.

The movie on Fri., June 8, will be “Another Year,” a 2010 British comedy-drama written and directed by Mike Leigh, who was nominated for an Oscar that year for best original screenplay. The story shows a couple in their 60s, she a psychotherapist and he a geologist, trying to make sense of their lives. Over the course of a single year, we see them deal with family and friends who are coping with varying degrees of happiness. The film is at 2 pm at the Elizabeth Beeton Room of Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., co-sponsored by OWN and the Toronto Public Library. Free to all. Join us!

The Alliance of Seniors and the Older Canadians Network announces
their 19th Annual Free Public Forum Extravaganza:
Back to the Future – Real Alternatives to the New Austerity
Mon., May 14, 2012, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Toronto City Hall, Council Chamber, 100 Queen Street West

Entertaining, Informative, Inspiring . . .  
Students / mature children & grandchildren are welcome — their welfare and standard of living are at stake, too !

Update, April 26: Details are now available — click here.