All ninety four resolutions were voted on and thanks to Ruth Peters and her committee for handling the resolutions so capably. Ruth, we will miss you as our secretary. Hopefully you will return to the Board when you and Ken have had a rest. Welcome Peggy Hawthorn as our secretary and new member George Sitak to the board. I am looking forward to a progressive enjoyable year with your help and constructive guidance. Thanks to everyone who elected me for another year. I will do my best to serve you.

Election Day will be close when you receive this issue. The Ontario Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reforms has recommended a mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system. Please research the information as I have groups against MMP and groups in favour. Does this proposed system offer too many disadvantages? Only you can answer these questions by making yourself knowledgeable concerning the MMP voting system.

Members would you please ask your MPP in your area what are their parties' views on all the problems concerning seniors, such as your health care, taxation, long term care homes, regulating retirement homes, more supportive housing, etc. It is important we know all parties' views so we can vote for what is best for Ontario seniors. Please Do Vote!

The Retirement Security of Ontario (OSC) is at risk as Ontarians are losing billions of dollars of their savings each year due to widespread practices of wrongdoing and fraud that are continuing unabated due to the failure of our regulatory system to provide investor protection. Only ten individuals have said they would speak to the ombudsman concerning their losses. If you would speak up please get in touch with:

Stan Buell, President
Small Investor Protection Association
PO Box 325
Markham, ON
L3P 3J8
or
Website: www.sipa.ca
Email: stanbuell@rogers.com
Phone: 905.471.2911

It will soon be time to get our flu shot. I hope each one of you will do so as soon as it is available.

Did you know that experts now realize that neither immunization nor vaccines provide lifelong protection? Immunity wanes within ten years. Yes you should be getting a tetanus booster every decade and also your shot for mumps, measles and rubella. If you received two MMR doses after 1967, it is recommended you get this vaccine as soon as possible.

Talk to your doctor as to whether you need a booster shot and also for pneumonia, shingles or a hepatitis B vaccine. There is a lot in the newspaper now on HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer for women under 26 years. Research is now under way for women over 26.

Research shows that our grandchildren are given a prescription during 53% of doctor's visits - and almost 8 out of 10 times the drug it's written for is not approved for their age group. We need to ask our doctors and pharmacies more questions when we receive a prescription for our grandchildren or about our own prescriptions.

There are many other questions you may wish to ask.

Why are you prescribing a drug?
Has it been studied for kids?
What are the side effects?
How long do I need to take this?
How long has the drug been around?

The USCO was quoted in the Retirement Homes Consultation news release on September 7th. "Standard for care and service are overdue. We are delighted the government has listened to the hundreds of seniors who contributed to the consultations earlier this year."

We want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Enjoy the bountiful feast!