Health Canada now authorizes Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for emergency use in the acute treatment of adult patients with known or suspected COVID-19
TORONTO, April 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Covid-19 is an infectious disease that may lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory dysfunction (Liu 2017). Science recognizes that Covid-19 ARDS' excessive mortality rates are due to the medical establishment's inability to resolve inflammatory responses, causing multi-organ failure (Kaniusas 2020).
Health Canada approves Dolphin VNS as 1st medical device to treat COVID-19 respiratory distress.
Dolphin Vagus Nerve Stimulation activates our Immune System The vagus nerve, the major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, controls our immune response to inflammation (Pavlov 2012), and pulmonary (breathing ) functioning (Chang 2015). Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulation has been proven in science to enhance the parasympathetic system (Armstrong 2019), reducing lung inflammation (Kaniusas 2019) and pro-inflammatory cytokines to improve respiratory functioning (Tracey 2007).
With more than 1 million COVID-19 cases reported in Canada and our ICU medical system nearing capacity (due to COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Disorder), the country needs a safe, effective means to reduce the heavy societal costs of COVID-19 related respiratory distress within the hospital setting. Health Canada agrees the severity of COVID-19 ARDs can be only be reduced by enhancing parasympathetic vagal tone, and Dolphin VNS is currently the only device on the market able to perform this function.
PREVENTION: Dolphin may be applied to or by front line worker preventatively to reduce stress and improve immunity and reduce COVID-19 infections risk
ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: Dolphin VNS can introduce this potentially lifesaving intervention into any hospital or clinical setting (applied in under 15 min/patient)
COVID-19 LONG HAUL RECOVERY: Dolphin may be applied to or by front line worker preventatively to reduce stress and improve immunity and reduce COVID-19 infections risk
Dolphin VNS is a safe clinical procedure and could be an effective treatment for ARDS originated by Covid-19 and similar viruses. Dolphin VNS enables the introduction of a potentially lifesaving intervention which can be safely administered by any health care professional or clinical staff with minimal training or supervision. Dolphin VNS can help our current crisis.
"3rd COVID wave strains Ontario ICU's"
"Canada now surpasses USA COVID rate"
"Situation in Ontario ICUs looking dire "
Dolphin Vagal Stimulator kit The Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Kit comes with Dolphin device, protocol manual and instructions for easy application. Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Kit retails for $749.00 and may be purchased directly on the company's website.
SOURCE Dolphin Neurostim
Biogen Canada receives Top 50 Best Workplaces™ in Canada and Best Workplaces™ for Women distinctions
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 13, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Biogen Canada Inc. is exceptionally proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Best Workplaces™" in Canada and has also been named one of the "Top 50 Best Workplaces™ for Women" in Canada. In addition to these honours, at the end of 2020 Biogen Canada also received recognition as a Best Workplace™ in Healthcare.
These prestigious distinctions are awarded following a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work® (GPTW). The lists of top organizations are curated based on direct feedback from thousands of employees from all Great Place to Work-certified companies on five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
"At Biogen we understand that everything starts with our employees which is why we put so much emphasis on creating an environment that attracts talent and builds great relationships. Great people inspire a great workplace, and our passionate team is the force behind our winning workplace culture," said Marina Vasiliou, Vice President and Managing Director of Biogen Canada Inc. "I am incredibly honored to lead an organization that has received these top workplace distinctions and a team who cares deeply and works fearlessly to truly change patient lives; it speaks volumes about who we are. I congratulate the team for their unwavering dedication and contribution to patients living with neurological conditions and the Canadian Healthcare system."
Biogen recognizes that employees are vitally important to the success of our work to support patients and fosters an environment that empowers employees to build rewarding careers. There is a strong belief that innovation is fueled by diversity of opinions and backgrounds. An inclusive workplace empowers the team to achieve better business results, work more effectively with external stakeholders and partners, and transform patient care.
About Biogen At Biogen, our mission is clear: we are pioneers in neuroscience. Biogen discovers, develops, and delivers worldwide innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases as well as related therapeutic adjacencies. One of the world's first global biotechnology companies, Biogen was founded in 1978 by Charles Weissmann, Heinz Schaller, Kenneth Murray, and Nobel Prize winners Walter Gilbert and Phillip Sharp. Today Biogen has the leading portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has introduced the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, commercializes biosimilars of advanced biologics, and is focused on advancing research programs in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, neuromuscular disorders, movement disorders, ophthalmology, neuropsychiatry, immunology, acute neurology, and neuropathic pain. To learn more, please visit www.biogen.ca.
About Great Place to Work®: Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, GPTW recognizes the world's Best Workplaces in a series of national lists including those published by The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine (USA). Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. Visit us at www.greatplacetowork.ca or find us on Twitter at @GPTW_Canada.
SOURCE Biogen Canada
Novartis in Canada named a Top 50 Best Workplace™ in the country
Open feedback by Novartis associates contributed to coveted Canadian employer recognition
Novartis ranked among the companies with the highest levels of trust and most inclusive cultures in the country
DORVAL, QC, April 13, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is thrilled to be recognized as a Great Place to Work® and announce that Novartis in Canada has earned a spot on the "Top 50 Best Workplaces™" in the country. Novartis has also been proudly named on the 2021 list of Best Workplaces™ for Women, a designation that speaks to the organization's inclusive and equitable work environment. These rankings were made possible thanks to feedback provided directly from Novartis associates about their workplace experience.
All associates were given the opportunity to voice their opinion through an anonymous and independent analysis conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute with Novartis associates across the Novartis businesses: Novartis Innovative Medicines Division (Pharmaceuticals and Oncology business units), as well as Sandoz Canada.
The Top 50 Best Workplaces™ list is curated based on analyzed responses from thousands of individuals from organizations in Canada with more than 1,000 employees working in Canada or worldwide.
"What makes me very proud about these designations is that it is our associates who provide their feedback and they are telling us that our 'care in leadership' approach is appreciated. Our leaders didn't underestimate the challenges that were faced in 2020 and focused on prioritizing the wellbeing of our associates to ensure, among other things, work-life balance. I would like to express my gratitude to the team for their steadfast dedication to reimagining medicine and continuing to deliver for patients no matter what," said Christian Macher, Country President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Novartis fosters a work environment and culture that brings out the best in people to fulfil the purpose of reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's live. The company operates with the understanding that associates are its greatest asset and they are encouraged to live the values and behaviors that underpin the Novartis culture.
The company prides itself on its commitment to diversity and to nurturing an inclusive environment all around. Novartis is also committed to be an ethical and responsible corporate citizen in Canada through its employment practices, as well as through its research programs and commercial activities and by always showing respect for the environment.
The highly respected recognition program run by the Great Place to Work® Institute gathers and evaluates employee feedback and acknowledges companies who have built high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. The list evaluates like-sized companies from across Canada that are measured against criteria designed to identify those that are exceptional places to work. Novartis associates were surveyed and gave feedback on the following five areas: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2020, the company invested $45 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Sandoz Sandoz is a world leader in generics and biosimilars and a division of the Swiss multinational Novartis. A true leader in its field, Sandoz Canada markets and distributes a wide range of generics, biosimilars and specialty products. www.sandoz.ca Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandoz-canada/
About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 110,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com.
SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Ontario Pharmacists Association Partners with BD Canada and Ascensia Diabetes Care to Commemorate 100 Years of Insulin and Pharmacy's Role in Diabetes Management
TORONTO, April 13, 2021 /CNW/ - This year marks the 100th anniversary of insulin discovery. Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) is proud to announce a partnership with BD Canada and Ascensia Diabetes Care to celebrate the momentous anniversary and highlight the important involvement of pharmacy professionals in the management of the disease. The revolutionary Canadian discovery by Sir Frederick Banting and his assistant Charles Best is a leading medical advancement that has fundamentally changed the lives of millions around the globe.
To commemorate the Nobel prize-winning discovery of insulin OPA, BD Canada, and Ascensia are collaborating to provide a series of online events and programs including live webinars, contests, and educational workshops from April 2021, until June 2021. The events and programs will celebrate the milestone and focus on providing top-tier guidance and resources for pharmacy professionals so they can continue to appropriately support patients with diabetes. As accessible healthcare providers, pharmacy professionals are integral members of a diabetes care team that assist patients with insulin delivery and the best possible management of the disease.
"We at BD are very happy to help sponsor OPA, as we jointly commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. BD has been proud to support our pharmacists and people with diabetes since 1924 when we manufactured the first insulin syringe," said Jennifer Spearen VP of Diabetes Care, BD. "We continually seek to collaborate with our pharmacy professionals in striving towards our mutual goals around the advancement and management of diabetes care for all people with diabetes, as BD continues its mission of advancing the world of health."
Over 11 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes.Insulin significantly improves the health outcomes of patients with diabetes but there is an ongoing fight against the disease. Pharmacy professionals in various settings from community pharmacies to hospitals help support efforts with patient care by providing education, practical approaches to therapy adherence, and improved clinical outcomes. Together the combined efforts of pharmacy professionals, other health care providers, and diabetes management therapies ease the burden of those affected by the disease.
"As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, Ascensia Diabetes Care is proud to commemorate the 100th year of the discovery of insulin in partnership with OPA," said Annika Pawaroo, Country Head, Ascensia Diabetes Care. "We are excited to mark this special discovery and we look forward to what the future holds. For more than 70 years, continuous research has allowed our diabetes care team to lead the way in blood glucose monitoring systems designed to meet the needs of patients. We will continue to proudly collaborate and partner with pharmacy professionals to help improve diabetes management and build on the legacy of our longstanding commitment to diabetes."
As one of Canada's leading advocacy organizations for pharmacy professionals, OPA is honoured to celebrate the success of 100 years of insulin alongside BD Canada and Ascensia Diabetes Care. "OPA is excited to partner with two industry leaders that work to enhance the health and well-being of patients with diabetes," said Lilliette Davidson, VP Business Management & Development at OPA. "Pharmacy professionals play a key role in the achievement of optimal health outcomes, and these valuable programs and resources can be applied to their practice when caring for the diabetes patient population."
The discovery of insulin paved the way for other medical and technological advancements that have enabled improved support, treatment, and outcomes for patients living with diabetes. As principal points of contact for patients with diabetes, OPA supports pharmacy professionals and delivers high-value resources, training, and innovative approaches to practice and patient care.
The Ontario Pharmacists Association is committed to evolving the pharmacy profession and advocating for excellence in practice and patient care. With more than 10,000 members, OPA is Canada's largest advocacy organization, professional development and drug information provider for pharmacy professionals across Ontario. By leveraging the unique expertise of pharmacy professionals, enabling them to practice to their fullest potential, and making them more accessible to patients, OPA is working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system. The pharmacy sector plays a strong role in Ontario with an economic impact of more than $6.3 billion across 4,600 pharmacies, employing 60,000 Ontarians. For more information on OPA, visit https://www.opatoday.com.
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 65,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. For more information on BD, visit bd.com/en-ca.
Pregnancy comes with its share of unwanted physical side effects. Provided it’s ok with your physician, chances are good that increasing your level of exercise, will ease the negative side effects of being pregnant and fight pregnancy fatigue. Low-level tiredness plagues many women during the first trimester, then again late in the third trimester. It seems paradoxical, but sometimes getting too much rest can actually make you feel more exhausted. And while you should never push yourself too hard when you're pregnant, a little nudge can make a big difference in your pregnancy energy level. So take baby steps. You'll be surprised at how peppy you feel afterward!
Jessica Mazzucco is a certified fitness trainer in NYC who trains many pregnant women.
She shares a Pre- Natal Routine to be performed two times per week and alternated with some cardio. She advises women to get medical clearance from their OB/GYN before engaging in any type of exercise.
EXERCISE 1- One Arm Dumbbell Row (back and arms)
Place one hand and one knee on a utility bench; with the torso almost horizontal, maintain a flat back in a neutral spine position. With the hand that is not on the bench, grip the dumbbell using an overhand grip (with the thumb wrapped around the dumbbell) and extend the arm to the side. To initiate movement, bend arm at elbow and shoulder to pull the dumbbell upward until it reaches the torso. Extend the arm, following the same path used for the upward movement, performing the full range of motion. Do 2 sets of 15 reps each, rest 20-30 seconds in between.
EXERCISE 2 - Knee Push Ups (chest, arms and shoulders)
Come to a hands and knees position (quadruped) on the mat with your hands directly under your shoulders; fingers facing forward and knees under your hips. Engage the abdominals and pull the shoulder blades down your back. Reposition your knees as needed to create a straight line in your body from the knees, through the torso and out through the head. There should be no bend at the hips. Keeping the torso rigid and head aligned with your spine, slowly bend your elbows and lower your body toward the floor. Your elbows should remain close to the sides of your body or flare outwards slightly. Maintaining a rigid torso and head aligned with your spine, press upward through your arms. Do 2 sets of 10-15 reps, rest 20-30 seconds in between.
EXERCISE 3 - Bodyweight Squats (legs, butt, hips and core)
Begin standing with your feet slightly wider than hip-width and your toes turned out slightly. Your hands are by your sides with your palms facing inward. Keeping your back flat, hinge at your hips and shift them back and down. Your hips and knees bend simultaneously. Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are parallel or almost parallel to the floor. While maintaining the position of your back, chest and head and with the abdominals engaged, exhale and return to start position by pushing your feet into the floor through your heels. Do 2 sets of 15 reps each, rest 20-30 seconds in between.
Stand with the feet shoulder-width apart, and hold a dumbbell at each side. Keeping the torso vertical, take a large step backward. Once the rear foot makes contact with the ground, move downward so that the knee of the rear leg is just above the floor. Ensure that the front knee does not move beyond the toes of the front foot. For each repetition, return to the starting position by following the same path used for the downward movement. Do 2 sets of 15 reps at each side, rest 20-30 seconds in between.
EXERCISE 5 – Side Plank (obliques)
While lying on your side bend one elbow to about 90 degrees and rise off the floor. Keep the spine neutral and align the head with the torso. Hold the position for 20 seconds and repeat 2 times on each side.
Jessica Mazzucco is an NYC area certified fitness trainer and founder of The Glute Recruit® A native New Yorker, she graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. The latter enables her to use skills of therapeutic communication and client centeredness to help her clients transition through change. Jessica has over 7 years of experience in the fitness industry and a multitude of diverse fitness certifications including :
World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) Personal Training Certification
National Posture Institute (NPI) Certified Posture Specialist + Certified Resistance Training Professional
SRT (Soft Release Technique) - Lower Body Fascial Stretch Therapist
Areas of Focus
Her specialties include butt sculpt/lift through exercise, resistance, strength and weight training for women, nutrition, muscle building, flexibility, mobility, posture enhancement, and pre and post-natal workout regimens. Jess has trained celebrities such as former MSNBC Legal Analyst Mimi Rocah and country singer Jessica Lynn.
Her personal journey
Jess has helped women worldwide achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals. She embarked on her own journey toward a healthier lifestyle in 2010 when she realized how unhealthy she was physically due to poor dietary choices and lack of exercise. Her weight gain had led her to develop low self-confidence and poor relationships with food. Healthy dietary changes and slow implementation of exercise helped Jess to become physically healthier and restore her self-esteem. This success gave her the platform to pursue a career in fitness and personal training. Her mission is to educate women on how to take control of their lives and become the healthiest versions of themselves without setting unrealistic goals of an "ideal" body type.
Alcon Canada Introduces UV Only Intraocular Lens for AcrySof IQ PanOptix and AcrySof IQ Vivity Portfolios
The ultraviolet-filtering intraocular lenses complement Alcon's existing portfolio by providing an additional option for correcting cataracts and presbyopia in Canadian patients
Exceptional visual performance at meaningful distances with ultraviolet filtering is now possible
TORONTO, April 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Alcon, the global leader in eye care, is pleased to announce the availability of AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® UV intraocular lenses (IOL), AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Toric UV IOL, AcrySof® IQ Vivity® UV IOL and AcrySof®IQ Vivity® Toric UV IOL as part of the presbyopia-correcting lens portfolio in Canada.1 These next-generation IOLs provide ultraviolet (UV)-filtering hydrophobic protection for Canadians to help prevent UV damage and prolong vision health after cataract surgery. The new lenses add to the existing AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® and Vivity® IOL portfolios, which currently offer lenses that filter both blue light and ultraviolet light.2-3
"We are very proud to add ultraviolet light-filtering intraocular lenses to our market-leading presbyopia-correcting IOL portfolio," said Brian O'Neal, General Manager of Alcon Canada. "We developed these in response to surgeon feedback in Canada and are pleased we can expand this offering to both AcrySof® PanOptix® and Vivity® lenses."
Alcon Advanced Lenses are designed to correct cataracts, presbyopia and astigmatism by providing a continuous range of vision and reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. Designed to help Canadians enjoy their daily activities, AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® IOLs provide exceptional visual performance at meaningful distances – for driving, working at a computer or looking at a smartphone – with increased spectacle independence.2 The first-of-its-kind AcrySof® IQ Vivity® IOLs use patented X-WAVE™ Technology to create an extended range of vision that provides distance, for playing sports, intermediate, for preparing meals, and functional near vision, for putting on makeup or reading a menu, with a monofocal-like visual disturbance profile.3
Following Health Canada approval in 2017 and 2020, Alcon debuted the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® and Vivity® lenses with Canadian ophthalmologists. Now in 2021, the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® UV, PanOptix® Toric UV, Vivity® UV and Vivity® UV Toric round out the offerings for Alcon Advanced Lenses.
About Cataracts A cataract is a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes hard and cloudy, allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see. The vast majority of cataracts result from normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes and eye trauma can accelerate their development.4 Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness.5 Cataracts are treated by removing the eye's cloudy natural lens and surgically replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). More than 92 per cent of cataract surgeries are considered successful, and patients typically can return to their normal routines within 24 hours.6
About Presbyopia Presbyopia is a common, age-related vision condition in which people have difficulty focusing on things up close. It involves the gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, such as smartphones, computers, books and menus.7 Almost everyone will experience presbyopia to some degree as they age, with symptoms often first appearing as an individual enters their 40s and continuing to worsen into their 60s.7 The condition is not a disease, so it cannot be cured; however, there are safe and effective ways to correct presbyopia, including eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products that improve people's lives by enhancing their sight. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 20,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca.
Flaxman AS, et al. Global causes of blindness and distance vision impairment 1990-2020: asystematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2017 Dec;5(12):e1221-e1234. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30393-5.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Cataracts in Adults: Management. Accessed September 2020.
Russell Alexander Law Firm Redesigns Website to Help Clients Remotely During Pandemic New website offers a more user-friendly experience for clients
LINDSAY, Ontario—Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers has redesigned its website to meet the needs of clients who cannot meet in person during the coronavirus pandemic and improve user experience.
Based on client feedback, the new site has improved navigation and faster loading times. It also has new features that will help as lawyers and clients continue to work together on Zoom due to social distancing requirements, such as a secure portal where clients can view and pay invoices.
“The pandemic has forced everyone to take a closer look at how they work online,” said founder Russell Alexander. “We hope this more user-friendly website will help our clients find and use the free resources we have long offered.”
The Lindsay, Ontario-based firm used Stem Legal to redesign the website, a process that took less than three months.
With courtrooms now holding routine hearings over Zoom and lawyers working remotely, the field of family law has become more tech-savvy overall in the last year. Alexander said the new website is part of a broader approach to working with clients online.
“Some of the practices that lawyers have picked up during the pandemic have turned out to be much more convenient and easy for clients,” added Alexander. “Even when the pandemic is over, these changes are here to stay.”
***
RussellAlexander Collaborative Family Lawyers Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Lindsay, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Peterborough and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://www.russellalexander.com.
Protecting a New Canadian Industry: New Association of Companies to Support Establishing National Standards for Medical Mask Manufacturing in Canada
The Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM) will provide key insights and subject matter expertise to support the establishment of medical mask manufacturing standards in Canada.
KELOWNA, BC and WATERLOO, ON, April 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Founded by two of the largest medical mask manufacturers in the country, the Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM) was created with the intent of supporting government and industry in establishing standards and regulations for this newly formed Canadian industry.
CAMMM, founded by Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. located in Kelowna, British Columbia and The Canadian Shield of Waterloo, Ontario, believes the trade association will play a key role in supporting Canada's mask manufacturing industry. CAMMM's group of subject-matter experts will help to communicate with legislators and regulators, as well as support new methodologies and technologies emerging in the industry.
The association has two main goals: 1) to help enhance the economic health of the medical mask manufacturing industry in Canada, and 2) to help build an established standards and regulatory system to protect Canadians.
CAMMM plans on working closely with the federal and provincial-territorial governments, health professionals, member companies, suppliers, and other stakeholders to deliver safe, accessible, innovative and sustainable medical masks for Canadians and export markets. Canadian companies, organizations, individuals, and suppliers within the industry are welcome and encouraged to join the association.
Commenting on founding CAMMM, Jeremy Hedges, CEO of The Canadian Shield, said: "On behalf of The Canadian Shield and its employees and suppliers, we're pleased to be joining Breathe Medical as a founding member of CAMMM, and we look forward to building a strong industry. Everyone in the Canadian industry is highly focused on achieving safety and security for Canadians in many different walks of life and industries, and an industry association is a key avenue for all of us to work cooperatively with governments and industry to reach those important goals."
Commenting on the founding of CAMMM, Robert Balazs, CAMMM's Chairperson, said: "Our industry is growing rapidly, and leading companies such as The Canadian Shield, Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. and others form the backbone of a secure and safe supply of protective equipment and masks for all Canadians."
Over the coming months, CAMMM will work directly with key stakeholders and various levels of government to establish standards and regulations for the medical mask manufacturing industry.
Members of the industry interested in learning more about joining the Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers can obtain more information at www.CAMMM.ca.
About The Canadian Shield Based in Waterloo, Ontario, The Canadian Shield is on a mission to build a sustainable future for medical device manufacturing in North America in order to achieve safety and security for Canada, and to help build a future in which our country is a global leader of medical device manufacturing, product sustainability and innovation. For more information, visit: www.canadianshieldppe.ca
About Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. Breathe Medical Manufacturing designs, manufactures and distributes disposable surgical/procedure masks and N95 particulate respirators. Breathe Medical services multiple global markets, including medical, health and beauty, industrial, and food and beverage processing plants. Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, the company produces ASTM medical levels 1, 2 and 3 and N95 respirator masks for the Canadian and United States markets. For more information, visit: www.breathemedicalmanufacturing.com
SOURCE Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers
Ontario's doctors support halt to non-emergency surgeries
TORONTO, April 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors support the government's decision to halt non-emergency surgeries as an unfortunate but necessary step to reduce the death toll from COVID-19.
The Ontario Medical Association said the order is necessary to preserve capacity in the health-care system to treat not just COVID patients but others with critical illnesses or injuries.
More than 500 Ontarians are in intensive care units – the highest number since the pandemic began – and more than 3,000 people continue to test positive for the virus every day. The new, more contagious versions of the virus are striking younger people and entire families.
"I am sad that we have come to the point again where we have to delay care for patients who have been waiting too long already in order to try to ensure that no one dies because of a lack of acute care resources," said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill.
Ontario's doctors strongly emphasize and agree with the government message that primary care providers will continue their important role in maintaining care for Ontarians, including cancer screenings, routine immunizations and in some practices COVID-19 immunizations. Other specialists are also continuing to treat and care for their patients.
Anyone needing urgent care should go their nearest emergency department where they can be confidant that the highest safety and infection control measures are in place.
"Your doctor's office is open," stressed OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "Physicians are seeing patients, and have been throughout the pandemic, whether virtually, by phone or in person where appropriate."
Ontario's doctors urge everyone to be patient while we wait for this new directive and the province-wide lockdown to start having an impact. If we all follow the stay-at-home order and public health guidelines and get the first vaccine offered to us, we can get through this.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
April 16th is National Advance Care Planning Day in Canada
OTTAWA, ON, April 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Advance Care Planning: An Essential Conversation for Everyone
April 16th is National Advance Care Planning Day in Canada, a day to promote conversations about your wishes and values for your future health and personal care in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. This year's Advance Care Planning Day is based on the theme Advance Care Planning: An Essential Conversation for Everyone.
Karine Diedrich, Director of the Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Canada initiative says, "Having an Advance Care Plan will help to ensure your values and health care wishes are respected. In these unprecedented times, with the impacts of COVID-19 felt around the world, it's more important than ever to stay connected to loved ones, regardless of distance, and to have conversations about your values, wishes and what is important to you."
The ACP in Canada website - advancecareplanning.ca/acpday - features downloadable resources, including posters and social media graphics for organizations and individuals across Canada to promote the ACP Day campaign.
For its signature event on April 16, ACP in Canada will host a free, exclusive online screening of the critically acclaimed movie The Father for members of the public. Our hope is that the movie will prompt important conversations among Canadians about the type of care and quality of life that's important to them.
Canadians have spoken, and although 80% of the population believes Advance Care Planning is important, less than 1 in 5 Canadians have an Advance Care Plan. Between 6 and 8 pm on April16th, we recommend speaking with your loved ones about your values, wishes and what is important to you.
It's not always an easy conversation to have. Fortunately, the ACP website at www.advancecareplanning.ca is full of information, tools, and prompts to help with starting these conversations. There are also links to provincial and territorial-specific ACP resources across Canada.
How are you connecting with friends and loved ones during these times? Share inspiring conversations and stories using the hashtags #ACPDay2021 and #ACPinCanada.
The national 'Speak Up' Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Canada initiative is led by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) and supported with a financial contribution from Health Canada. The initiative aims to help people living in Canada prepare for their future and personal health care. The project involves a series of public awareness campaigns, supports community-based ACP programs, and promotes ACP resources and guides.
Advance Care Planning Day in Canada is also made possible with generous financial support from GSK.
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is a member of the National Advance Care Planning Task Group, comprised of representatives from a number of organizations and professions across Canada.
