ARE CANADIANS AT RISK?
MP Sergio Marchi to Present York University Centre for Health Studies with $75,000 For Study on Effects of Alternative Health Practices and Therapies

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 1999 -- An increasing number of Canadians are turning to alternative health practices and therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology and herbal medicines, sometimes in combination with conventional medicine. But it remains unclear whether consumers are enhancing their health or putting themselves at risk.York West MP Sergio Marchi, Minister of International Trade, will present York University's Centre for Health Studies with a cheque for $75,000 ($10,000 to follow) on behalf of Health Canada to conduct a study on the intersection of self-care, alternative health practices and conventional medicine Friday, Feb. 12, 1999, 11:15 a.m.

The study entitled Complementary and Alternative Health Practices and Therapies -- A Canadian Overview, will examine the current status of alternative health practices in relation to the Canadian health care system. It will also evaluate the level of consumer information about the appropriate use or dangers involved with the use of alternative health practices, making recommendations for future research.

" There is no clear or consistent definition of what constitutes alternative health practices or therapies," said York University Centre for Health Studies Director Gina Feldberg. "With so many Canadians turning to alternative medicine and therapies, this study is crucial."

Established in 1990, the York University Centre for Health Studies is an organized research unit that fosters interdisciplinary health research. Issues range from women and health, to health and environments, to health policy, to mental and physical fitness. Work in these areas draws together a range of social, environmental, and behavioural scientists as well as faculty from Administrative Studies, Law, and the Natural Sciences.

WHO:

York West MP Sergio Marchi, Minister of International Trade

York University Centre for Health Studies Director Gina Feldberg

WHAT:
Cheque presentation for study: Complementary and Alternative Health Practices and Therapies -- A Canadian Overview (funded by Health Canada)

WHEN:
Friday, Feb. 12, 1999, 11:15 a.m.

WHERE:
York University Centre for Health Studies, Room 214, York Lanes, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto

-30-

*PLEASE NOTE: Marchi and Feldberg will be available for interviews following the cheque presentation.

For more information, please contact:

Gina Feldberg
Director, YCHS
York University
(416) 736-5941

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor for Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/009/99