FDA education program for over-the-counter medications

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), in cooperation with the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) and Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools, has launched "Medicines in My Home," an interactive educational program about the safe and effective use of over-the-counter medicines, located at www.fda.gov/medsinmyhome. The website includes a "Teachers Room," featuring a PowerPoint presentation, pre- and post test, in class lesson materials, and materials and activities for use in the home with family members. Key concepts students will learn from the program are:

1. The Drug Facts label tells you what a medicine treats, if it is right for you and your problem, and how to use the medicine;
2. Read the label and follow the directions carefully and correctly;
3. Two medicines with the same active ingredient shouldn't be used at the same time; and,
4. Measure medicines correctly with measuring tools made for medicines.

The program emphasizes that medicines should be used only with permission from an adult and that if there are questions about medicine use, ask a pharmacist or doctor. Materials are provided to encourage students to share what they learn with their families so that all family members can learn to use over-the-counter medicines more safely.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Theory, Research and Treatment

Time sensitve

Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA) Education Evening
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Theory, Research and Treatment
with Dr. Alex Chapman, Assist Prof Psychology, SFU
Thursday, July 17, 2008
7:00 pm
Sunrise Hall
1950 Windermere Street (at East 4th Ave.)
Vancouver, BC

Contact MDA for more information:
604-873-0103
mdabc@telus.net

Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the most misunderstood psychiatric disorders, yet one of the most serious. 75% people with BPD attempt suicide; 8-10% die by suicide. Often people with BPD are not aware of what causes their ongoing instability of emotions that affect their relationships, their behaviour and their identity. They not only experience stigma from society, but also from health providers. Dr. Chapman’s goal is to present accurate, up-to-date information about the latest research, possible causes and treatments of BPD. He will challenge some common myths and explain why BPD is an understandable and treatable psychiatric disorder.

BC Parents Information Network

Parents of BC students in kindergarten through Grade 12 can now access educational resources online through LearnNow BC, a partnership between the Province and the Virtual School Society.

The Parent Information Network (PIN) is a one-stop online resource for parents looking for up-to-date information relevant to their child’s learning and experiences at school. The information component of the site contains several topics, including:

• A Learning Support section that includes information on tutoring, literacy and supports for ESL and students with special needs in BC.
• A Parent Involvement section that outlines the various ways parents can participate in their child’s school community.
• A Health and Safety section that includes information about daily physical activity and healthy eating guidelines in BC schools, codes of conduct, and information on seismic upgrades to schools in BC.
• A section on graduation that outlines the requirements for graduation from the BC school system and includes information about post-secondary education and career planning.
• A Learning Options section that highlights the types of schools and learning methods available in BC.

The site, which was built in consultation with BC parents and the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, also includes information on early learning and adult education programs available for BC’s lifelong learners.

The interactive component of the site features video clips and provides a forum to facilitate communication between parents around the province. The network allows parents to create and attend virtual meetings, so more parents can get involved in the education system while reducing the amount of travel necessary and, in turn, helping to create a greener BC.

Parents and guardians can access the Parent Information Network through the LearnNow BC website at www.learnnowbc.ca.