Ontario Brain Institute Announces Funding For Community-Led Organizations
OBI-GEEK program to address unmet needs of the community and brings care closer to home
TORONTO, May 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Three outstanding community-led organizations will receive $343,000 in funding and support from the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) over the next two years through their Growing Expertise in Evaluation and Knowledge Translation (GEEK) program; an initiative targeting programs across Ontario that aim to improve the lives of people living with brain disorders by bringing care closer to home.
"Our GEEK program was developed to recognize and amplify the work being done on the ground by community-led partners who can help reduce the stress on the healthcare system and address crucial gaps in our community – so that care can be local, accessible and more personal," said Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, President & Scientific Director, OBI. "We've seen over the past year how the pandemic has amplified the need for sustainable, targeted and personalized care in communities across the province, and the GEEK program helps address that need."
The winning groups of the 2021 OBI-GEEK program all address vulnerable communities with great need:
Family Navigation Project (Greater Toronto Area): The Family Navigation Project provides free-of-charge support to youth ages 13-26 with mental health and addictions concerns and their families. Through the program experts help youth navigate and access the most appropriate services and resources.
The Acquired Brain Injury Transition Program Vista Centre Brain Injury Services (Ottawa): The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Transition Program supports the safe transition of ABI clients back to the community through a counseling partnership with The Robin Easey Centre of The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre.
Epilepsy-Specific Mental Health Program Epilepsy Ontario (across Ontario): The Epilepsy-Specific Mental Health Program in Ontario delivers remote-based mental health services to people living with epilepsy in areas where there is no local mental health programming or Community Epilepsy Agency.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the importance of having quality healthcare available close to home, and the 2021 winners of the GEEK program will play a direct role in providing that critical care," said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "The Ontario Brain Institute is a leader in bringing together community partners to improve the health and wellbeing of Ontarians who are living with brain disorders and in increasing the availability of much needed community and home supports."
With allocated funding of $1.1million over five years, a goal of OBI-GEEK is to help community-led organizations spread or scale their programs and build evaluation capacity to help secure long-term, sustainable funding. Three years in the running OBI-GEEK has supported nine community-led organizations continue their work supporting people living with brain disorders.
One such example is of Ontario Brain Injury Association's Brief Intensive Case Management – Acquired Brain Injury – the program that connects individuals living with acquired brain injury and co-occurring diagnoses of addictions and/or mental illness to primary care and other services was able to secure four more years of additional funding after OBI's initial investments.
While Kids Can Fly, a GEEK recipient in 2020, was able to grow their program that trains women who have recovered from post-partum depression, to deliver a nine-week group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy informed support program to women who are currently struggling with depression following childbirth.
"Kids Can Fly is incredibly grateful for the funding from the OBI-GEEK program which has allowed us to grow and sustain our support for women experiencing postpartum depression," said Sharon Brooks, Executive Director, Kids Can Fly. "COVID 19 increased the stress for postnatal women so more moms have been reaching out for help. The result was almost doubling our numbers of participants as well as confirming that the CBT model is successful when provided virtually."
It's results like these that Sugy Kodeeswaran from Greater Toronto's Family Navigation Project is hoping to see for their own important work.
"We know that we are making an impact, but we also know there are more people we can be reaching," says Sugy Kodeeswaran, Executive Director of the Family Navigation Project. "With support from OBI, we will be able to implement and expand our youth engagement strategy – which helps reach out to more young people directly who are struggling with mental health and addictions challenges."
For more information on the 2021 OBI-GEEK winners, please visit the website.
Please note that all the 2021 OBI-GEEK winners are available for interview.
About the Ontario Brain Institute:
The Ontario Brain Institute is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation, benefiting both patients and the economy. Our collaborative 'team science' approach promotes brain research, commercialization and care by connecting researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders. Welcome to Brain Central. Visit www.braininstitute.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter (@OntarioBrain). Funding provided, in part by, the Government of Ontario.
The Growing Expertise in Evaluation and Knowledge Translation (GEEK) program provides funding, evaluation expertise, and support to community-led programs and services for people living with brain disorders. GEEK supports the sustainability, scale or spread of these programs, to improve the quality and quantity of evidence-based care in the community.
SOURCE Ontario Brain Institute
Embrace Your Imperfections and Embark Upon a Healing Journey with God as Your Guide
Seattle, WA, May 4, 2021 — Crippling fear permeated every aspect of Christine Soule’s life from an early age and followed her into adulthood. Her past of brokenness — abuse, dysfunction, addiction and other trauma — could have very well defined her future. But once she turned to God and let Him lead the way, she found a path toward a brighter future.
“The key is discovering who you are in Christ — your true identify. And that’s especially significant if you, like me, have a past of brokenness,” Soule writes in her inspirational story, Broken and Beautiful. “So much of how we see ourselves revolves around the demands our society places on us, insisting we live up to its expectations. Don’t listen to the world. Listen to God.”
Soule’s life was a jumbled pile of broken pieces. Her father was married seven times; her mother four times. Between her parents’ divorce when she was 5 years old and the day she allowed the power and presence of God into her heart, she watched her sister have an affair with her adoptive father; met 15 siblings she never knew at her biological father’s funeral; turned to drugs and alcohol; got pregnant at 17; had twins less than two years later; and became a victim of human trafficking. She had to break the cycle for the sake of her children. With nowhere else to turn, she dropped to her knees and prayed. And that’s when everything changed.
Broken and Beautiful is Soule’s remarkable story of how God took the pieces of her broken, astonishingly dysfunctional life and transformed it all into a breathtaking mosaic of joy and purpose.
“The places where you feel hopeless are exactly what He wants to redeem and fill with beauty, dignity and strength. He has a plan for your pain. A wonderful intention for your failures. A purpose for your hardest, darkest stories,” Soule writes.
Told with honesty and surprising touches of humor, Soule shares her journey from drug-
addicted stripper to exuberant Jesus lover with a passion for helping others embrace God’s love. Broken and Beautiful is a raw, authentic story of hope, from a place of experience.
Author Christine Soule lives with the love of her life, Mitch Soule, in Seattle. They have five kids and three wonderful grandchildren. She is the founder and CEO of Providence Heights (www.providenceheights.org), a nonprofit created to house women and children in need and to provide counseling, education and jobs.
California company launches first-of-its-kind all-natural supplement drink mix to make it easy to guard against dietary deficiencies.
LOS ANGELES, CA – (May 4, 2021)– Vie 4 Health, LLC, announces the launch of Vie, a vitamin and energy drink mix formulated in conjunction with top dieticians and vitamin formulators for those on a plant-based diet and anyone reducing their meat and dairy intake. Mixed in 16 ounces of water, the all-natural, 100% plant-based fizzy drink delivers 24 vitamins, minerals, and amino acids as well as guarana and green-tea caffeine for a natural energy boost.
As stated in this recent article in Forbes, we as a global community have become far more conscious about our health as a result of the COVID pandemic. Vie vitamin and energy mixes were made specifically for health conscious people who want to safeguard their nutritional intake yet avoid the additional unwanted ingredients contained in a traditional non-vegan multivitamin and energy drink.
THE BENEFITS OF VIE-DRATION
Unlike traditional vitamins, Vie plant-based vitamin drink mix:
Is 100% plant-based, with a formula that includes extra B-12, Omega-3s, amino acids, magnesium, zinc, and more
Is absorbed into our bodies faster than pills or gummies (and don’t we all need to drink more water!)
Is made with natural ingredients that you can actually see—flaxseed, pumpkin seed and grape seed
Gives athletes, busy parents and weekend warriors sustained energy for their on-the-go lifestyle without sugars and artificial colors
Provides the necessary nutrients to strengthen immunity, reduce brain fog and improve mood
Some of the most influential medical institutions in the world have addressed the need for those on a plant-based diet to focus on certain nutrients. In a recent article, the Mayo Clinic stated, “The more restrictive your diet is, the more challenging it can be to get all the nutrients you need.” Also, speaking specifically about Vitamin B-12 deficiency, Colleen De Bellefonds in Women’s Health magazine writes, “Not getting enough (Vitamin B-12) can put you at risk for a specific type of anemia that can eventually lead to nervous system damage.”
“Experts state eating a plant-based diet is better for your health, the environment and of course is more humane, but getting the nutrients you need can be a challenge,” states Vie 4 Health Founder and CEO Greg Newman, “and that is particularly true with people who are returning to their busy, post-COVID lives by going to the gym, traveling, commuting and shuttling their kids to school and sports.”
ABOUT THE PRODUCT LINE
100% plant-based and cruelty-free
Packaged in single use, portable, recyclable stick packs
Founded in 2020 Vie 4 Health sells 100% plant-based, sugar free, non-GMO and gluten-free vitamin and energy drink mixes in single-use, portable stick packs. The mixes have been specially formulated to provide a mix of 24 vitamins, minerals and nutrients to supplement a plant-based or reducetarian diet and designed for consumers’ busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Vie 4 Health Founder and CEO Gregory Newman is the former CEO of Veestro, the nationwide plant-based meal delivery service. Vie4Health.com @Vie4Health
Boom Health launches mobile app to simplify home care for loved ones
TORONTO, May 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Boom Health, Inc. ("Boom Health") launches a one-stop app allowing users to organize and book in-home care services, medical equipment and meal services with market leading providers with the same ease as ordering a rideshare or delivery on your phone.
Launching today in the Apple app store for iPhones and the Google Play store for Android phones, the app allows users to book personal support workers and nursing care, transportation services, medical equipment rentals and purchases, and healthy, freshly prepared meals with industry leading suppliers vetted by Boom Health. The app was designed for individual users and family members needing to organize home care on behalf of loved ones. The app is extremely easy to use, comprehensive and allows families to communicate on its chat platform with an additional option to split payments so each member can pay a portion of the cost of equipment or other services for their loved ones.
"Giving people time back to spend time with a loved one is what this is all about," says Lisa Assaf, founder of Boom Health. In early 2015, Lisa, a former family law lawyer, was facing a life-altering challenge that many Canadians are all too familiar with - organizing home care for a loved one. Her father, living alone in his late seventies, was diagnosed with cancer. So began a journey experienced by many; navigating a labyrinth of appointments, bookings, and making choices about services to support an aging or unwell family member. By the time the journey was completed, sadly with the death of her father, Lisa had a deep appreciation for how difficult this was for Canadians, especially those with jobs, children, and other responsibilities. "I remember the day of my father's discharge, being handed a large stack of paper with all kinds of instructions, and realizing it was up to my sister and me to organize a system of care personalized to him. Balancing the demands of family life, employment, and caring for a loved one can be challenging, especially when services are not readily available without playing an extended game of telephone tag! I remember feeling overwhelmed and alone. My vision for the Boom Health app is that it gives back precious time and is a helpful companion as families work together to care for an aging parent or loved one. The COVID 19 Pandemic has brought this need further into focus and it is my hope that the app will allow people to age at home longer, with the best supports in place."
- Lisa Assaf, founder, Boom Health.
Eager to create a digital solution to help simplify caregiving for Canadians, Lisa spent the last couple of years working with a patient and family advisory group at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada's leading hospitals, and Ryerson DMZ, the top university-based tech incubator in the world.
"It was a blessing to know Lisa's father, and to see the good intent behind her care for him, which we see in so many patients. It's remarkable here that this care has translated into something innovative to help so many, easing the responsibility of preparing to care for someone at home. Boom is a platform that provides what families need and will help hospitals with discharge planning as well. Sunnybrook is proud to have been a part of this effort."
- Dr. Calvin Law, Chief, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
"The DMZ is thrilled for Boom, launching their app is an exciting and pivotal milestone for them as a company. Providing quality and seamless care to our loved ones is of the utmost importance, especially during COVID-19, and I believe Boom is revolutionizing the future of caregiving through tech."
- Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director, DMZ & CEO, DMZ Ventures
About Boom Health:
Boom Health is a company focused on providing digital solutions to manage today's complex world of personal at-home health care. The app is currently available in Toronto and will be expanding to other cities this year. Non-Toronto residents can sign up for updates at https://boom.health.
About The DMZ:
The DMZ helps companies grow their business. That means when founders want high-impact and a highly-customized tech incubator program, they come to the DMZ. Ranked as the top university-based tech incubator in the world, the DMZ provides a launchpad for founders to build and scale fast. Bigger and bolder than any other program of its kind, the DMZ has been creating the next gen of game-changing, global businesses since 2010. Learn more at www.ryerson.ca/dmz.
SOURCE BOOM health
Endorsed by MDs at Harvard: Transformative Food Documentary Debuts May 25
Seattle, WA, May 4, 2021 — As we all start coming out of quarantine—a time when we dismissed those doctor appointments or ate more comfort food than we had hoped—is there a better way to live without the risk of diabetes and obesity through better ways to eat? From New York Times best-selling author and executive producer Jonathan Bailor comes BETTER, a transformative food documentary that examines a new, empowering and unifying way of eating, thinking and living—without the shame caused by friends, family and the wellness industry itself. Releasing on May 25, 2021 (new date!), with pre-orders available on May 1, the film has been endorsed by top medical doctors at Harvard. In addition, BETTER has won Best Documentary and Best Storytelling awards and has been featured in programs at film festivals worldwide.
BETTER offers a proven path toward safer, better living through revolutionary methods that lower the body’s weight "setpoint,” using simple, evidence-based solutions that anyone can use to optimize their diet (e.g., keto, vegan, paleo, kosher, halal, etc.) and to protect against today's most common diseases. The movie’s goal is to put an end to all the diet wars, unveiling scientifically backed new ways of eating endorsed by doctors at Harvard, as well as Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic; and ending all the confusing and conflicting diet information while curbing diabetes and obesity (diabesity). It also features inspiring success stories along with intimate testimonials by Americans who have struggled with negative body image, vulnerability, feelings of inadequacy and humiliation that bring the movie to life in all too relatable ways.
BETTER tries to tackle these challenges by following the doctors leading this revolution and features intimate portraits of people as they explore ways to decrease the dependence on medications and shame-based diets, while staying safe in an increasingly unhealthy world. BETTER was filmed on-location at Harvard Medical School with Dr. David Ludwig, author of The New York Times best-seller Always Hungry; and with EP and creator Jonathan Bailor, who founded the field of wellness engineering, and is the author of the New York Times best-seller, The Calorie Myth, and The Setpoint Diet. Bailor was inspired to help Americans overcome their overeating addiction after his own grandfather died of diabetes. On a quest to help find a better way for Americans to eat, think and live, it is Bailor’s hope that the audience will be inspired to reverse their symptoms of diabesity, which is proven to be a top risk factor for many complications, including COVID complications and death.
Says Bailor, “Now more than ever, everyone is in desperate need of a proven, practical and simple way to protect their mental and physical health. BETTER is not just a food documentary, it is a story of hope, empowerment, protection and betterment by every means necessary.” For more information, please visit www.bettermovie.com.
Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Supervision Award from Michener Institute Recognizes Clinical Education Team at LifeLabs
Toronto, ON, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are thrilled to share that Zita Nausedas, a member of LifeLabs for over 28 years and integral to our clinical education program, has received the 2020 Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Supervision award from the Michener Institute of Education at UHN.
The clinical education program at LifeLabs is an important step in the journey towards a successful career for many students in the medical lab field. At LifeLabs, the program is lead by dedicated lab professionals who have a passion for sharing their expertise and knowledge.
Nausedas was nominated by a former clinical student, Srijaayath (Jaygo) Srichandramohan, who has recently accepted a full-time position at LifeLabs.
“We are tremendously proud of Zita and the entire clinical education team,” says Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “With their help, we have seen a high level of competent and professional students choose LifeLabs on their career path. To be nominated by a former student and current colleague is a true testament to the success of our clinical education program. Thank you to Zita and her team for treating our practicum students with compassion, care, and respect.”
As outlined in her nomination form, Zita is known for going above and beyond for her students, imparting knowledge and striving to hep others achieve their best. “It’s clear that Zita and the entire clinical education team makes a lasting impact on our students,” says Dr. Andrew Don-Wauchope, Vice President of Clinical Services at LifeLabs. “They are working hard to equip the next generation of lab professionals with essential skills and real-world experience.”
Nausedas was surprised and thrilled to receive the award. “The task of taking on a Cytology student, working with them, teaching them, and creating a welcoming environment is not something I can do alone. I’d like to extend a special thank you to my colleagues for their invaluable help with our clinical program. It is only with the support of my supervisors and our leadership team that we can accept and dedicate time towards teaching and mentoring students. I am grateful to work for a company that has these values!”
Congratulations to Zita Nausedas for receiving the 2020 Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Supervision award!
If you are a student interested in participating in a medical laboratory assistant practicum program at LifeLabs, contact your school to learn more about how you can join our community of students.
About LifeLabs
LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling customers and health care practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support 20 million visits annually and conduct over 100 million laboratory tests through leading-edge technologies and our 6,000 talented and dedicated employees. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab and the country’s largest online portal, with more than 5 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs is 100% Canadian owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment manager of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Learn more at lifelabs.com.
“Take Five” for Nurses Week:
Five Simple Ways to Renew Your Spirit and Reconnect With Inspiration
It’s not easy to stay inspired when you’re working in a pandemic. But Rich Bluni, RN, says it is possible to renew your inner resources. Here’s a simple and energizing five-day plan to get you started.
Pensacola, FL (May 2021)—No doubt about it: America’s nurses have spent the past year being hammered by unprecedented levels of stress. We keep soldiering on (that’s what nurses do), but it’s hard not to give into despair and exhaustion. Rich Bluni says the antidote for pandemic weariness (and, yes,we’re still feeling it!) is inspiration. And there’s no time better than Nurses Week—actually we get a month this year, but the traditional week still begins on May 6th—to start creating your own.
“It is possible to reconnect to that feeling of inspiration you felt when you first became a nurse,” asserts Bluni, himself an RN with over 25 years of experience in the ER, Trauma, and ICU and author of best-selling books Inspired Nurse (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9749986-7-1, $24.95) and Inspired Nurse Too (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-6221804-6-2, $28.00). “But you have to own it. You have to get deliberate and proactive about it. It won’t just happen—especially right now.”
Bluni—who last year shared stories and tactics from Inspired Nurse in short video segmentsthat are still available for viewing—offers a fun, energizing five-day exercise to try during Nurses Week.
What You’ll Need to Get Started: Five dollars; five thank-you notes; five stamps, envelopes, and sheets of paper; five minutes; and five prayers/positive thoughts. Over the next five work days, you will use each of these. The order of your “fives” is not important, but the actions themselves are.
Day 1: Give away your five dollars to someone who needs it. This person could be at work, on your way to work, or on your way home. You might buy breakfast for a patient’s family member or for a coworker whose partner is now out of work. You could donate it to a local pet shelter or contribute to your favorite takeout spot’s fundraiser so they can make payroll. Or use it to buy a couple pairs of new socks for a homeless person…just give away your five dollars to someone who needs it. Don’t worry. You’ll find them.
Day 2: Bring your five thank-you notes to work and find five coworkers to thank. Chances are, over the past few months, your coworkers and fellow staff members have gone above and beyond for you over and over (and you for them). This is your chance to acknowledge all they have done. Write them each a thank-you note and give it to them. (Yes…texts count!)
Day 3: Use your five stamps, papers, and envelopes to send letters of gratitude or just to say “hi” to five people for whom you are grateful or whom you miss. This can be done before, after, or at work (if you have a break). If you are quarantined from your family, send a letter to your spouse and kids. Send one to your elderly parents. Send letters to people who have made a difference for you in your healthcare journey, such as a professor, mentor, or anyone who has supported you in becoming who you are or in doing what you do.
Day 4: Spend five minutes doing a simple act of kindness. Maybe you’re caught up but your peer isn’t. Give him five minutes of your time and help him out. Spend five minutes with a new peer and tell her what a good job you think she is doing. This kindness can even be extended to yourself! Go outside for five minutes and feel the sun on your face instead of going to the candy machine for an unhealthy sugar fix.
Day 5: Depending upon your preferences, pray for five people or situations and sincerely wish them well. They could be patients or peers. Be positive in your prayers. Focus on surrounding these people or situations with blessings and peace. In lieu of prayers, you could also think five positive thoughts. Notice five positive things about a person or situation and be deliberate about sharing them with others.
Be purposeful about each task on each day. You might even recruit five others to do it with you. (Imagine what work would be like if even 10 percent of your peers “took five”!)
“Your renewed enthusiasm for your work is stronger than your fear and more lasting than your fatigue,” says Bluni. “Let the love and gratitude you feel for nursing inspire those around you and create a ripple effect that reaches to your patients and coworkers.”
# # #
About the Author:
Rich Bluni, RN, is the author of the best-selling books Inspired Nurse, Oh No…Not More of That Fluffy Stuff!, and Inspired Nurse Too. He has an active and popular Facebook page called Inspired Nurse.
Rich has been an RN since 1993. He has worked as a nurse in Adolescent Oncology, Pediatric ICU, and Trauma ICU departments as well as serving as a pediatric flight and transport nurse. He has served as an ED nursing manager as well as a senior director of risk management, quality, and patient safety.
Since 2007, he’s served as a coach working with dozens of healthcare organizations and leaders to drive outstanding results. He is presently a senior director and national speaker with Huron, having traveled across North America to speak in front of hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers and leaders in hundreds of healthcare organizations, large healthcare conferences, as well as virtual webinars.
Inspired Nurse Too (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-6221804-6-2, $28.00) and Inspired Nurse (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9749986-7-1, $24.95) are available from major online booksellers.
As Pfizer awaits FDA Emergency Use, top St. Jude pediatric virologist says kids are “key component” in herd immunity
Director of St. Jude Global Infectious Disease Dr. Caniza addresses why it will be important for parents to vaccinate children against COVID
MEMPHIS, TENN. – As the Pfizer vaccine awaits emergency authorization as soon as early next week from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in young adolescents ages 12 to 15, Miguela Caniza, MD MPH, Director of the St. Jude Global Infectious Diseases Program atSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a leader in tracking COVID-19 in pediatric populations spoke out today on the important role children will play in helping to achieve herd immunity against the virus.
“In order to achieve the two-thirds threshold necessary for herd immunity, childhood vaccinations are a key component,” said Dr. Caniza. “Even if we immunize all adults in the United States against COVID-19, we still only get to 74% of the population protected. As vaccine hesitancy and the spread of variants become a growing crisis, being able to vaccinate children safely and effectively against COVID-19 will be a critically important step in helping us to control the virus.”
When the coronavirus first emerged, Dr. Caniza urged her colleagues of infectious disease leaders from 24 countries who were gathering at St. Jude to set aside their agendas and immediately focus on the virus. Those discussions led to the establishment of a registry tracking COVID-19 in childhood cancer patients around the world. She and her colleagues were recently featured in the Commercial Appealfor their initial and continuing efforts to track the emergency of the novel coronavirus in children.
“Children and teenagers are highly mobile populations attending schools, sports, extracurricular activities and intersecting more often with various age groups including caretakers and older family members,” Dr. Caniza continued. “Because of the high percent of children and teenagers being asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, most likely they will be effectively spreading during a very contagious period, and even more so, if they don’t follow the standard precautions (distancing, using masks and practicing hand hygiene).
To speak with Dr. Caniza or other St. Jude virologists, please contact Marvin Stockwell at marvin.stockwell@stjude.org or 901-734-8766
Dr. Caniza outlines three essential reasons why it is critical to achieve the ability to immunize children, even if most of the poor outcomes and deaths from COVID-19 have been seen in older adults:
1. Children and teenagers can also become infected and some of them with serious disease. We are still learning about this infection and their consequences including those long term called the post-COVID conditions including long-COVID, multiorgan effects of COVID, and the effect of COVID treatment or hospitalization.
2. Children and teenagers are highly mobiles attending schools, sports, and intersecting more often with various age groups including with their caretakers and older family members.
3. Because of the high percent of children and teenagers being asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, most likely they will be effectively spreading during a very contagious period, and even more so, if they don’t follow the standard precautions (distancing, using masks and practicing hand hygiene).
# # # St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. St. Jude is ranked the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To learn more, visit stjude.org or follow St. Jude on social media at @stjuderesearch.
Sex-trafficking Victim Rescued by Faith
Milwaukee, WI, May 4, 2021 — Things are finally looking up for Maria Sanchez. Her new love is promising her a future of grandeur — the glamorous life of her dreams. Just as she allows herself to fully embrace her newfound joy, reality shatters her perfect picture, leaving her with one question: How will I make it out of this?
Inspired by actual events, In the Case When God’s Promise of Safety Seems to Fail, by Migdalia Smith, introduces readers to the life of Maria Sanchez, a mother of two, who finally manages to free herself from one toxic relationship only to fall into another. Because of her past, it is hard for Maria to differentiate between the good and the worst.
Maria will take readers on a roller coaster journey through life, as she experiences the drama, depression and deception at the hands of others, while rediscovering herself. To overcome her personal insecurities and her lifelong commitment to settling for less, Maria must let go of her past, forgive those who caused her pain and submit to her faith to allow the healing process to begin. Will God fail her?
“I want sex-trafficking victims all around the world to know that God is real, and He is the ultimate rescuer,” said Smith. “I am determined to prevent sex-trafficking through awareness from experience.”
Author Migdalia Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised with three other siblings in a single-parent home. Her mother eventually relocated the family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After tumultuous times, Migdalia was introduced to the salvation of Jesus Christ. Migdalia is openly Christian and professes the name of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she ministers the grace and love afforded by Him to all that she connects with. Migdalia has been married to the love of her life, Zachary Smith, for 14 years. They have two sons. She enjoys servicing women, men and children through her business, Kater2kidz Salon Spa and Boutique.
For more information about the author, please visit
www.authormigdaliasmith.com, or follow her on Twitter (@authormigdalia), Facebook (@authormigdaliasmith) or Instagram (@authormigdaliasmith).
In the Case When God’s Promise of Safety Seems to Fail
OTTAWA, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We may be spending more time in our homes these days, but with warmer temperatures and portable energy like low-emission propane, the comforts of home can be extended to outdoor spaces – anytime, anywhere.
Everyone is familiar with propane grills and how they can turn any night into a cookout with ease, but this mighty and versatile energy source can also turn a backyard into an oasis. Fire pits and heaters powered by propane can make the evenings comfortable and warm, extending time outdoors. While it may not be 30 degrees yet, pool time can be enjoyed much earlier with a propane-powered pool heater. With the portability of propane, lighting can also be placed anywhere in an outdoor space.
“Propane truly is a versatile energy source, providing low-emission home comfort,” said Nathalie St-Pierre, President and CEO of the Canadian Propane Association. “During this time when we are still required to stay home, creating a space outdoors that is inviting, warm and safe is a great way to refresh a yard and transform it into a sanctuary.”
Not only is propane an excellent choice for the outdoors, but many Canadians are also selecting this efficient energy source for all their home energy needs – everything from high-efficiency furnaces, attractive fireplaces, fridges, air conditioners and instant hot water systems to dryers.
Homeowners are choosing propane because it makes sense. Converting from heating oil to propane can save up to 45 per cent in electricity costs and lower insurance rates due to eliminated risk of contamination from oil leaks. It’s also much better for the environment, reducing GHG emissions by 38 per cent annually. No investment in infrastructure is required as propane companies invest in their own storage and distribution assets.
“With the current restrictions and the significant time Canadians are spending in their residences, many have upgraded or are considering upgrading the inside of their homes and their outdoor spaces,” said St-Pierre. “When reliability, cost, performance, and efficiency are considered, propane heating outperforms nearly every other type of home heating system available. Switching to propane is a good return on investment but also saves money while enjoying an updated space.”
CPA members have undertaken a number of precautions and extra measures in their operations to ensure the safety of customers and employees while providing propane as an essential service. These include enhanced cleaning protocols, the use of personal protective equipment, recommended physical distancing if an in-home inspection is required, and where possible, electronic contact capabilities in all customer relations.
About the Canadian Propane Association: With over 400 members, the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) is the national association for a growing, multi-billion-dollar industry that impacts the livelihood of tens of thousands of Canadians. Our mission is to promote a safe and thriving propane industry that plays a vital role in Canada’s energy sector. To achieve this, we champion propane and the propane industry in Canada and facilitate best practices, safety, and a favourable business environment through advocacy, training, and emergency response.
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