Terminal Illness Causes Family Secret to Surface in Heartfelt Story of Severed Trust and Forgiveness
Dallas, TX, March 1, 2021 — Natalia Foster is the family secret that her biological father, Joe Russo, was supposed to take to his grave. But when Natalia learns that Joe, an Italian man she’s never met, is dying of a terminal illness, she’s forced to confront the truth of her parentage and make a difficult decision: Should she remain in the shadows or make herself known to Joe and his family?
The Wool Over Their Eyes, from Dione Martin, is an authentic, heartfelt story about complex family dynamics and the emotions that must be unpacked when long-buried secrets push their way to the surface.
Joe’s immediate family, including his devoted wife, Rosa, know nothing of Natalia’s existence. Her gray eyes — exactly like Joe’s — and simple math prove that Natalia is a product of Joe’s infidelity, making a mockery of Rosa’s marriage. If his family discovers the whole truth — that Natalia is not only illegitimate but also Black — family bonds will be shattered.
In the midst of Natalia’s family drama and pain, another life-changing decision emerges. Natalia must choose between two loves — a long-lost one and a new one. Her ex-boyfriend, Tyler Davis, who captured her heart and connected with her soul, resurfaces. But she meets a handsome doctor, David Duplessis, who’d cared for her father. Just as the relationship begins to blossom, David commits an act that severs her trust and sends her spiraling further into her dark abyss.
The Wool Over Their Eyes is loosely based on Martin’s personal experiences. She drew upon her own memories and insights of growing up without her biological father and being betrayed in her own marriage to inform her narrative and give her characters depth and authenticity.
“I wrote The Wool Over Their Eyes for fatherless girls, for women who have been betrayed, for those who have been rejected because of their race (or otherness) and for families that have been torn apart by secrets, lies and deception,” Martin reflects. “Healing is possible – through change, through empathy, through faith and through forgiveness.”
Author Dione Martin was born and raised in New Orleans, where she spent much of her childhood and teen years reading. She earned her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Minnesota-Morris and her Master’s in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently a senior communications director at Brinker International. She lives in Dallas with her two daughters and enjoys running, cooking, performing arts and attempting DIY projects. The Wool Over Their Eyes is her debut novel, and she is working on her next one.
Tips for Properly Fueling Your Body When Starting to Lift Weights
Whenever preparing to engage in fitness activities such as weightlifting, it is important to fuel your body. This activity supercharges your body and ensures that you maximize your workout. Below are four elaborate tips onhow to properly fuel your body.
Proper Body Hydration
Commonly most people will sweat when working out. However, the extent to which they will sweat depends on the environment and the intensity of the exercise. This aspect causes most people to become dehydrated.
Therefore, it is crucial to drink enough water to keep yourself adequately hydrated during the workout session. The best way to test whether you are well hydrated is by measuring your body weight before and after a workout session. If you find that you lost weight after the exercise, it might mean that you were not well hydrated. It also means that you will need to ingest 16 ounces of fluid the next time.
Eat Enough Carbohydrates
During workout sessions, the fuel burned by the body is mostly carbohydrates. Therefore you should obtain 50%to 60% of your calories from foods rich in carbohydrates. These allow you to have adequate energy for maximum exploitation of your workout sessions.
People with a modest exercise plan lack the same energy requirement as those who are performance athletes. Therefore, These moderate exercisers do not need a special carbohydrate diet before or after a workout as long as they eat such food during normal days. However, you might need to take a special carbohydrate meal before beginning high-intensity workout sessions.
Spread Your Protein Intake
The quantity of proteins required when exercising depends on your body size and the type of workout you undertake. However, recommendations dictate that you should obtain 15 to 20% of your calories from food rich in proteins. These proteins will assist you in achieving your workout goals.
If you are engaging in weightlifting exercise intending to build lean muscles, you might need to ingest more proteins. This is because proteins are crucial in the process of bodybuilding and creating muscles.
Maintain an Overall Healthy Diet
When preparing for exercises like weightlifting, most people tend to focus on their diets before and after a workout. However, what you eat and drink for the rest of your day matters as much. Observing a generally healthy diet ensures that your workout sessions are constructive.
There are numerous ways of ensuring a healthy diet. One of the effective ways is applying theeat anything diet. This process helps you establish a good and healthy relationship with food.
In conclusion, weightlifting is a vigorous exercise that requires proper preparation. The above tips will help you properly fuel your body and have adequate energy when undertaking the exercise. The insights will also ensure that your weightlifting exercise is successful.
4 Often Forgotten Sports to Add to your Fitness Routine
Participating in sports is one of the best ways to get and remain fit, and there may be more sports options for you than you’ve realized. Some of the lesser-known sports can improve many aspects of your physical fitness, and taking up any of these sports may be a better alternative for you. Here are four overlooked sports that you can try adding to your fitness routine.
Skating
Whether you choose to skate on roller skates, inline skates or ice skates, skating is one of the most fun and physically well-rounded forms of exercise. Skating offers an excellent cardio workout and can also tone your legs, glutes and core muscles better. In addition to doing basic skating, you can try learning the skating skills that are required to do ice or roller hockey, figure skating or speed skating if you want to challenge yourself further.
Horseback Riding
You may think that horseback riding isn’t much of a workout, but this activity can help strengthen muscles in your arms, legs and core as you work to sturdy yourself while riding and controlling your horse. If you wish to partake in classic English riding, you can get all the English tack that’s required for riding with the right gear. You may also choose to participate in equestrian competitions once you’ve mastered the basics of riding.
Tug of War
You likely participated in this fitness challenge in school as a child, but tug of war can be a great activity for all ages. In case you’ve forgotten (or never participated in tug of war previously), the objective is to pull a rope with your teammates while another team pulls on the other side to see who can pull the opposing team a specific distance in their direction the farthest. Tug of war is great for working the arm, leg and back muscles. Tug of war isn’t just popular with kids; adults have also been known to get in on the action, and there are even official tug of war teams that are suitable for people of different age levels.
Archery
Shooting a bow and arrow requires a lot of hand, arm and back strength, and you can give the muscles in these parts of the body a good workout by practicing archery. Your hand-eye coordination will also likely improve remarkably the more that you practice trying to hit targets by shooting arrows from your bow. Another benefit of archery is that it helps to sharpen concentration so that you can develop greater mental focus.
Football, baseball and basketball aren’t the only sports that are available to try. By incorporating some of the lesser-known sports into your exercise routine, you’ll be able to improve your fitness in more ways than you’ve probably imagined.
Some Ontarians Report Long Lasting Negative Shifts in Mental Health While Others Cite Increased Resilience One Year Post COVID-19
Poll Uncovers Mental Health Realities, Virtual Counselling Attitudes and Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Supports
TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ - More than half of Ontarians (53%) recently surveyed about the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health say it was very good or excellent prior to the start of the pandemic. A year later, two-thirds (64%) report that the pandemic has led them to be more resilient, while about half (45%) report COVID-19 has caused a negative shift in their mental health that will be long lasting. Of particular concern, younger Ontarians (those under the age of 35) and those who already stated their mental health was poor are significantly more likely to have seen a downward shift in their mental health because of the pandemic. The Leger poll of 1,000 Ontarians ages 18 and older, conducted on behalf of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) released today, also uncovered attitudes related to mental health and respondents' perceived barriers and willingness to access mental health care, including virtual and in person supports. The release of these findings marks the start of Social Work Week (March 1-7) across the province.
"While social work supports are individualized considering a person's unique environment and context, it's vital we uncover the major trends if we're going to be successful at addressing the depth and severity of the mental health challenges facing the province," says Dr. Deepy Sur, Chief Executive Officer, OASW. "As the largest regulated provider of psychotherapy services in the province, social workers are vital to helping navigate Ontario's path forward out of this historic crisis."
Six-in-ten say they will be able to bounce back from these challenging times, especially older Ontarians (those over the age of 35). Just over half (52%) say they would bounce back more quickly if they had access to regular mental health support and four-in-ten (39%) say they have considered getting mental health support in the past year. Although those under the age of 35 are more likely to be struggling with their mental health, on a positive note, this group is significantly more likely to feel they could bounce back faster if they had access to regular mental health support. In addition, this group has considered getting such support and agree that mental health support is a vital part of their health.
Over one-third (37%) of the respondents say they would access mental health support through virtual counselling. Further, 74% say providing mental health supports virtually is a great way to speed up and improve access. Whereas 23% say they would only seek support in person.
Nearly half of the Ontarians surveyed (44%) say they would consider seeking support from a social worker. Respondents cited cost as the prime factor preventing them from getting mental health support, more than twice the barrier than those related to a lack of familiarity with how to access supports. Additionally, those that rate their mental health as 'bad', are significantly less likely to say they are aware of how to access mental health support, compared to those who rate their mental health as better.
"In time mental health access and deployment will overtake headlines on vaccine access and deployment. We can't let an individual's financial situation dictate their access to mental health care and ability to bounce back," Dr. Sur adds. "We're looking out ahead and leaning on our expertise in the system, understanding of the complexity of mental health today and the requirement to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Ontarians. With 6,500 OASW members in every niche of society, we have a unique vantage point."
Social workers have been essential on the front lines across many settings and within acute and long-term care, supporting their healthcare colleagues facing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout, and families facing heartbreaking loss. During Social Work Week, 20,000 Registered Social Workers (RSWs) practising in Ontario, including over 6,500 members of OASW, will embark on a "You Are Not Alone" campaign raising awareness of the increased needs for mental health support for the individuals they serve and some of those whose needs are compounded by the effects of the opioid crisis, victims of human trafficking, and so many other emergency situations, many made worse by the pandemic.
OASW works to promote access to social workers through government supports, private insurance plans to help Ontarians who may struggle to get the supports and help they need as part of the province's comprehensive Roadmap to Wellness. The Association led a rapid response with the first lockdown in March 2020 to ensure social workers' ability to respond to the need for virtual counselling. Information on working with a social worker and on virtual counselling can be found at oasw.org.
About OASW OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing approximately 6,500 social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master, or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.
About the Leger Survey An online survey of 1001 Ontario residents was completed between February 12-14, 2021, using Leger's online panel.
SOURCE Ontario Association of Social Workers
Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® helps Canadian essential workers fight the fog
New campaign provides one year's supply of contact lenses to 100 Canadian essential workers
TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® is helping Canadian essential workers fight the fog by giving 100 deserving workers a one-year's supply of DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses. The brand recognizes that on top of everything else, the last thing essential workers should have to deal with is the daily annoyance and interference of fogged-up glasses caused by constant mask-wearing.
"With masks mandatory, foggy glasses are just part of the daily routine for so many Canadians. This reality is even more difficult for our essential workers who are out on the frontlines every day," said Nelson Da Silva, senior brand manager, "We're pleased to be able to ease this one challenge for a number of Canadian essential workers, so they can safely and more comfortably do the important things that keep us all going."
Until March 15, 2021, Canadian essential workers can visit Fight the Fog for a chance to receive a one year's supply of Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses. Additionally, in a time when supporting local is so important, Canadian essential workers can receive an enhanced rebate of $150 off a one-year supply of DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses when purchased through their local optometrist or optician until May 31, 2021.
As the world's first water gradient contact lenses, Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses feel like nothing on your eyes, offering unsurpassed comfort while eliminating the issue of fogged-up glasses. SmarTears Technology releases a component found in natural tears throughout the wearing day to keep eyes hydrated all day long. Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses are offered in both spherical and multifocal lenses, with a silicon hydrogel core that offers outstanding breathability.
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 to enhance sight and improve people's lives. 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. You can also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
About DAILIES TOTAL1® Contact Lenses
DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses are designed for people with presbyopia and are intended to be used on a daily disposable basis. The contact lenses are available with a power range of – 6.00 to + 3.00D and three ADD powers (Low, Med, High). DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses are medical devices that must be prescribed by an eye care professional. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information.
SOURCE Alcon Canada
Major Depressive Disorder: The Hope-Filled Battle for the Causes and the Cures
Spokane, WA, March 1, 2021 — The voice on the other end of the phone was familiar but shaky. It was Sarah’s friend Carolyn, and she was grappling with suicidal ideation.
“Something had her in its grip and would not let go,” Sarah Zabel explains. “I kept wondering, what’s doing this? How does a normal, happy person come to feel life is so bad that she must kill herself?”
A decade after that first phone call, solutions for Carolyn’s major depressive disorder remained elusive, and Sarah felt compelled to understand why.
Fighting Chance: How Unexpected Observations and Unintended Outcomes Shape the Science and Treatment of Depression delivers a 360-degree look inside the world of this debilitating illness, featuring interviews with more than 20 experts in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry, current research and the unforgettable stories of 16 people personally impacted by depression.
Described by Sarah as a “science book for non-scientists,” Fighting Chancetackles key questions that have guided scientific research for decades and delves into the discoveries that have formed the medical world’s understanding of the disorder. Peppered throughout are more than 20 illustrations that help explain the science involved — making it widely accessible.
Sarah adeptly explores topics ranging from the neurobiology of depression to antidepressant medications; stress and inflammation; genetics; suicide; traditional and alternative therapies and treatments; and even gives a nod to Big Data’s efforts to clarify depression’s causes and cures.
Ultimately, Fighting Chance is a tale of human endeavor and ingenuity, of downright weird experiments and serendipitous discoveries, and of people who valiantly battle for answers for themselves and for people they will never know.
Author Sarah Zabel graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in computer science in 1987 and was commissioned a second lieutenant. She retired from the Air Force in 2018 as a major general and decided to turn her focus to her life-long love of learning and become a science writer. She set herself the task of first coming to understand, and then to explain for other lay-persons, the science behind some of life’s most complex but important human experiences. Inspired, intrigued and frustrated by an enduring friend’s battle with depression, she set that topic as her first task. Sarah does occasional consulting and other activities associated with her time as one of the military’s leaders in cyberspace operations and security, in the provision of communications and other services to a community, and leadership of a diverse workforce.
Biosimilars Canada Announces Board Chair and Vice-Chair
TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Biosimilars Canada is pleased to announce the unanimous re-election of Mr. Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada, as Chair of the Biosimilars Canada Board.
Mr. Mike Woolcock, a Senior Vice President at Apobiologix, has been unanimously re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Biosimilars Canada Board.
The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened healthcare systems like never before and payers, employers, patients and healthcare providers are all looking for ways to create savings for sustainability. Biosimilars are an important solution. Biosimilars are safe, effective alternative versions of existing biologic medicines with scientifically comparable quality, safety and efficacy.
Mr. Robidoux noted that the full benefits of biosimilars cannot be realized unless drug plans adopt policies that support their expanded use, as the B.C. and Alberta public drug plans did with the implementation of successful biosimilar transitioning or "switching" policies in 2019.1,2 Under these policies patients who use a biologic drug to treat a chronic condition are transitioned or "switched" from an original biologic drug to a biosimilar biologic drug under the supervision of their treating physician.
This has enabled the provinces to provide expanded coverage of new innovative drugs for patients and to make other reinvestments in their healthcare systems, without impacting the equality of care or clinical outcomes for patients. Other provinces are working towards the implementation of biosimilar switching policies in 2021.
"Biosimilar medicines have an important role in supporting healthcare sustainability and patient care," said Mr. Robidoux. "The implementation of biosimilar switching policies could save the Canadian health care system hundreds of millions of dollars, and is the responsible choice for those who are seeking to optimize their drug budgets."
An October 2020 report by the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN)3 estimates that provincial drug plans could save up to $425.6 million annually by switching patients from three top-selling drugs in Canada – Humira adalimumab, Enbrel etanercept and Remicade infliximab – to biosimilar versions. A similar magnitude of savings would be available for employer-sponsored benefit plans.
Mr. Woolcock noted that there is extensive real-world experience with biosimilars in Canada, with more than 561,000 retail prescriptions filled annually. Biosimilars are also used extensively in the hospital and oncology markets. There have also been more than 178 clinical trials worldwide involving approximately 21,000 switched patients which confirm that switching from an originator biologic drug to a biosimilar biologic drug is not associated with any major efficacy, safety, or immunogenicity issues.4
"A Health Canada approval confirms that biosimilars are as safe and effective as originator biologics. Biosimilars are already providing considerable value to the Canadian healthcare system, and are poised to be a game-changer for drug budgets in much the same way that generic medicines were more than two decades ago," added Mr. Woolcock.
Michel Robidoux has been President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada since 2010. He has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, and is also an active contributor to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry as a member of the Executive Committee member of the CGPA and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Pharmaceutical Supply Management (CAPDM). Mr. Robidoux holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the Université du Québec in Montreal and has an A.S.C. (certified company administrator) designation from the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés of Université Laval.
Mike Woolcock is a Senior Vice President at Apobiologix, the biologics division of Apotex. Mr. Woolcock has extensive commercial and supply operations leadership experience and has worked globally on several international assignments. He has also held many roles in research and development in both pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Mr. Woolcock earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in biochemistry and genetics from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
About Biosimilars Canada Biosimilars Canada is a national association representing the biosimilar medicines industry in Canada. Our member companies are at the forefront of the global development and marketing of biosimilar medicines. Biosimilars Canada provides leadership in educating Canadian stakeholders about the safety and efficacy of biosimilar medicines, and advocates for policies that support their timely approval, reimbursement, market acceptance and expanded use. Biosimilars Canada is a division of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association. Visit us at www.biosimilarscanada.ca.
About Biosimilar Medicines5 A biosimilar biologic drug, or biosimilar, is a drug demonstrated to be highly similar to a biologic drug that was already authorized for sale. Health Canada evaluates all the information provided to confirm that the biosimilar and the reference biologic drug are similar and that there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy between them. Health Canada's rigorous standards for authorization mean that you can have the same confidence in the quality, safety and efficacy of a biosimilar as any other biologic drug.
Let God Transform Your Brokenness into Something Beautiful
Seattle, WA, March 1, 2021 — The next time you experience failure, feel insecure or sense that you’re in over your head, embrace that moment — because it can be the turning point you need to learn and grow in wonderful new directions.
“We’re going to fail. The truth is, that’s exactly where God wants us to be so that He can grow us,” writes Christine Soule in her inspirational story, Broken and Beautiful. “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’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.
LOS ANGELES - Airvet, the #1-rated telehealth software application in the U.S. for both veterinarians and pet parents according to nearly 5,000 reviews in the Apple App Store, has officially expanded to Canada, the company announced Monday.
The U.S.-based, connective care company is a comprehensive web-based platform, which enables veterinary professionals to streamline their workflows, while enhancing their connection and communication with clients.
“It’s really a one-stop-shop, when it comes to appointment setting, client communications, curb-side check-in, live-video visits, doctor’s notes or dictations, and so much more,” said Brandon Werber, CEO and founder of Airvet. “With my father being a veterinarian, I saw first-hand the challenges he was facing day-in and day-out, so we worked together to create a digital solution, which streamlines back-office tasks, while making veterinary medicine accessible for anyone with a connected device.”
While Airvet was developed and operational before COVID-19, the pandemic increased demand for telehealth options in the veterinary space.
Besides providing curbside check-in and assistqance with scheduling, Airvet offers hospitals the ability to streamline surgical communications like sending message and photo updates before, during and after surgeries. Additionally, lab results are easy to share and discuss directly with clients, along with daytime and after-hours triage options.
Airvet also features video and audio calls, text, and photo/video uploads, with the ability for practices to accept no-hassle digital payments. Hospitals have access to a desktop and tablet portal where they can collaborate in real-time with their entire team.
“In the end, Airvet gives more time back to veterinarians and their teams, which means more time to focus on better care for the animals they serve, while enhancing communication between their practices and pet parents,” said Dr. Jeff Werber, Airvet’s co-founder and chief veterinary officer. “We are thrilled to introduce our fully functional, connected care solution to Canada, which will undoubtedly assist Canadian practices with running a more productive practice.”
About Airvet
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Airvet is the leading veterinary telemedicine/telehealth platform in the country. With more than 4,200 veterinarians and nearly 5,000 5-star reviews on the App Store, Airvet’s cloud-based technology offers a unique telemedicine and workflow efficiency platform that enables veterinarians and their teams to connect with clients via live video, audio and chat. Airvet also includes a robust built-in triage and support community of thousands of veterinarians available 24/7 to pet parents across the country. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
Savor Ecuadorian Cuisine To Your ‘Hearts’ Content With Bold New Ecuadora™ Brand From Plant-Based Pioneer Edward & Sons™; New Organic, Vegan & Gluten-Free Line Includes Two Delectable Hearts Of Palm Pastas
Initial Low-Cal Offerings Include Grain & Sodium-Free Lasagne & Linguine Plus Low Sodium Hearts of Palm
Edward & Sons Trading Company™ (edwardandsons.com), a vegetarian company and pioneer in the plant-based foods industry that first introduced Miso-Cup® instant soup and gluten-free Brown Rice Snaps® in the 1970s, welcomes a new member to the company’s family of brands: Ecuadora™ – a bold new line created to enable American consumers to savor authentic Ecuadorian cuisine right in the comfort of their own homes.
The announcement was made today by Joel Dee, founder and CEO of Edward & Sons™, which has been at the forefront of the vegan and vegetarian movement for close to 45 years. Ecuadora™ joins the company’s family of brands, including Edward & Sons™, Let’s Do Gluten Free®, Let’s Do Organic®, More Than Fair®, Native Forest®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics® and organic gluten free specialty sauces under the Premier Japan® and The Wizard's® brand names.
Although each Edward & Sons™ brand has its own unique identity, they all share the company’s longstanding commitment to Convenience Without Compromise® – a promise that’s more attuned to the needs of today’s health, cost and convenience-conscious consumers than ever before.
A Taste of Ecuador Without Leaving Home
Created to offer home cooks a passport to the many culinary wonders of picturesque Ecuador (which straddles the equator on South America’s west coast), the new Ecuadora™ brand debuts with three certified organic, low-calorie, plant-based specialties. The two new pastas have zero sodium while the Hearts of Palm contain only 25 mg of sodium per 14 ounce can. All are free of cholesterol and trans fats.
Land formerly used to raise cattle in the stunning countryside of Ecuador has been converted into certified organic farmland where indigenous palms, known locally as chontaduro, are cultivated for their “hearts,” which are the basis of the three new Ecuadora™ products introduced today:
Organic Hearts of Palm (Palmitos Organicos) – Prized by professional and neophyte cooks alike, Organic Hearts of Palm are a delicious addition to any meal and a welcome way for home cooks to vary their dishes in these challenging stay-at-home times. They are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making them especially sought after by those who follow Paleo and Keto diets. Simply slice and toss them into your favorite salads or sauté them with oil, onions and garlic to create a savory side dish. Ecuadora™ Hearts of Palm can also be blended with roasted red pepper and mayonnaise for a tasty alternative to hummus or just enjoyed as a yummy low-calorie snack directly from the can. Ecuadora™ Hearts of Palm are USDA Organic, gluten-free, vegan and Kosher.
Ingredients: Organic Hearts of Palm, Water, Citric Acid, Salt.
Organic Grain-Free Hearts of Palm Lasagne Sheets – Ecuadora™ has cleverly crafted organic hearts of palm into low calorie, low-carb, grain and gluten-free pasta. As such, they are ideally suited to numerous popular diets currently followed by millions of discerning consumers.
Packed only in water, organic palm pasta – which is also vegan and Kosher – retains a naturally creamy color and texture that deliciously resembles its grain-based traditional counterparts.
Ecuadora™ Organic Hearts of Palm Lasagne requires no boiling – simply remove it from the can, then layer it with ricotta, tomato sauce, spinach or mushrooms and shredded cheese, then cover and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes for a piping hot entrée bursting with wholesome flavor.
Ingredients: Organic Hearts of Palm and Water.
Organic Grain-Free Hearts of Palm Linguine Noodles – Like the new Lasagne, Ecuadora™ Hearts of Palm Linguine offers a tantalizingly fresh, natural and versatile alternative to mainstream pasta for those following a restricted diet or for anyone who’s ready to lower their calorie intake without lowering their flavor expectations. Simply heat Ecuadora™ Linguine with your favorite tomato sauce and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan, or serve it warm with olive oil and garlic for “pasta aglio e olio.” The new Linguine is likewise USDA Organic, grain and gluten-free, vegan and Kosher.
Ingredients: Organic Hearts of Palm and Water.
Available online at https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/new-products and soon in health food stores and mainstream supermarkets nationwide, the two new Ecuadora™ pasta products are sold at a MSRP of $4.79, with the new Hearts of Palm available for $4.99. All three new products are sold in 14-ounce cans.
Passport To Natural Splendor
Ecuador’s varied landscape encompasses the Amazon jungle, the Andean highlands and the wildlife haven of the Galápagos Islands. The country is universally known for its staggering biodiversity, including the many thousands of species of plants and animals that thrive in its lush tropical climate.
Commenting on the introduction of the new Ecuadora™ brand, Edward & Sons’ founder and CEO Joel Dee said, “Ecuador boasts a rich culinary heritage based on locally grown fruits, vegetables and spices. Restaurant-deprived families are eager to incorporate new tastes and recipes into their meal plans, so the timing seems perfect to introduce our new Ecuadora™ brand to the marketplace. We’re heartened by the very positive initial responses to our three debut Ecuadora™ products and look forward to expanding the brand with more wonderful regional specialties in the years ahead.”
In addition to Ecuadora™, Edward & Sons Trading Company™ brands include Edward & Sons™, Let’s Do Gluten Free®, Let’s Do Organic®, More Than Fair®, Native Forest®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics® and organic gluten free specialty sauces under the Premier Japan® and The Wizard's® brands.
