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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260101T080000
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CREATED:20260102T183426Z
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UID:10000277-1767254400-1769792400@www.ohcow.on.ca
SUMMARY:Fire fighter Cancer Awareness Month 2026
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] \nJanuary is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month\nBeginning in 2024\, January is known as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month” throughout Canada. Health Canada and key stakeholders will raise awareness on this topic through social media campaigns and targeted events. \nSee OHCOW’s page about new information and legislation surrounding the work of Firefighters. It includes previous information on legislation\, funding and research\, as well as 2026 updates. \n[/vc_column_text]OHCOW PAGE ON FIREFIGHTERS AWARENESS MONTH[vc_column_text] \nIn June of 2023\, the enactment of Bill C-224\, A National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting provides for the development of a national framework designed to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting with the goal of improving access for firefighters to cancer prevention and treatment. The Canadian Association of Fire chiefs has more information. \nIn partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)\, the International Association of Firefighters IAFF designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.ohcow.on.ca/event/fire-fighter-cancer-awareness-month-2026/
CATEGORIES:External Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260101T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260130T170000
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UID:10000278-1767254400-1769792400@www.ohcow.on.ca
SUMMARY:Alzheimer's Awareness Month
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] \nAlzheimer’s in Canada\nThe Alzheimer’s Society of Canada recognizes January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In 2026\, the goal is to reduce the stigma around dementia and cognitive decline. They cite research indicating that while older Canadians report being afraid of the afflictions of Alzheimer’s and dementia and losing independence\, there is a reluctance to address the problem and become aware of preventive measures. January is also a time to discuss how people can support loved ones who are showing signs of cognitive decline or experiencing full-blown Alzheimer’s. \nWhat Causes Alzheimer’s?\nThe risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia is based primarily on both genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. \nThere is some evidence that occupational exposures — pesticides\, solvents\, electromagnetic fields (EMF)\, lead and aluminium—can also increase risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Brain injury and hearing loss caused in the workplace frequently contribute to cognitive deterioration. CCOHS has more information on this topic here  . \nAlzheimer’s and Dementia in the Workplace: What to do When Signs of Dementia Appear on the Job\nThe Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has information on how an employer can brooch the subject of cognitive issues if a worker is exhibiting symptoms of dementia. See the CCOHS section on dementia.   Depending on the job\, accommodations may be possible that allow that person to continue working. Dementia is considered a disability and rights are afforded to that person. Some workplaces develop a carer policy and program to help workers who are providing care to others with cognitive decline. \nGetting Involved\n“Forget No One”\nJoin the Alzheimer’s Society on Wednesday\, January 28\, 2026 to show your support and combat stigma by sharing messages of support and engaging in dialogue around dementia. Be sure to use the hashtag #ForgetNoOne and tag us @AlzheimerCanada. Join up here! \nTheir website has has region-specific information on how people can contribute in their communities during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. For resources and information on living with dementia\, clinical and observational studies\, programs and services and fundraising see their page on Ontario. \nSave the Date: May 30!\nThe IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is Canada’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Monies raised support programs and services in your community that improves the quality of life for people living with dementia\, their families\, and support other activities like education and public awareness. These walks happen at the end of May. The Toronto event is happening on May 30.  Find a walk in your community here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.ohcow.on.ca/event/alzheimers-awareness-month/
CATEGORIES:External Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260121T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260121T170000
DTSTAMP:20260226T183400Z
CREATED:20260120T184131Z
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UID:10000342-1768982400-1769014800@www.ohcow.on.ca
SUMMARY:Psychology Month and Workplace Mental Health
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row bg_color=”#007481″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Taking Time for Mental Health” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:46|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF|line_height:1.2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Signika%3A300%2Cregular%2C600%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1768934283653{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”54605″ img_size=”large” alignment=”right” css=”.vc_custom_1768934359207{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_padding=”30″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] \nPrioritizing Mental Health\nJanuary is known to be a month where Canadians can experience heightened anxiety and depression\, as the holidays wind down and the days are still short. Thursday January 22 will mark the end of the ten darkest weeks of the year. In fact\, the third Monday of January (the Monday that just passed!)  is known as “Blue Monday\,” a day for feeling particularly low. \nPsychology Month\nPrioritizing mental health has a positive effect on focus and productivity\nWhether you work in an office\, a factory\, or remotely\, psychosocial hazards can effect your mental health and productivity. Prioritizing workplace mental health means emphasizing the importance of positive communication and respect in workplaces. It also involves taking time out of your day to prioritize lowering stress and anxiety. February is Psychology Month\, that\, according to the  Canadian Psychology Association\, is to “show Canadians how psychology works to help people live healthy and happy lives\, their communities flourish\, their employers create better workplaces\, and their governments develop effective policies.” \nGlobally there are mental health campaigns at this time of year to address the mid-winter blues. Remember to take time for your mental health! There is help available if you need it\, either through your workplace or the Canadian Psychology Association website. \nAddressing workplace mental health is one of OHCOW’s primary functions. Our StressAssess Survey Tool and App is a free\, evidence-based online survey tool designed to assist workplaces in identifying psychosocial hazards that can lead to stress and mental injury\, providing suggestions and pathways to address them\, and preventing the harms that can result. It has personal and workplace editions\, and is available in desktop and app formats.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]OHCOW’s Workplace Mental Health Page[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]Stress Assess[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_padding=”30″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] \nMayday\, Mayday Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series\nEvery year OHCOW holds a weekly webinar series in the month of May\, hosting webinars that specifically address psychosocial hazards in the workplace\, including depression\, stress and anxiety\, and substance abuse. These webinars feature expert speakers on a wide variety of relevant topics. All of the sessions are on our youtube page divided in playlists for each year. \nBelow is one of the sessions from last year’s series\, featuring Carrie de Graaf\, a former schoolteacher and the President of OSSTF district 8 support staff; and John Oudyk\, OHCOW Occupational Hygienist. To see more webinars from this series\, see the 2025 youtube playlist.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R43trqR8QdQ&list=PLVbf80Y8uEFMRdkS7UayDsCldtJAV9yQe&index=4″ css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.ohcow.on.ca/event/psychology-month-and-workplace-mental-health/
CATEGORIES:External Event
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