World's Fastest COVID-19 Virus Detection Insta-Test: Results in Under 15 Seconds
EDMONTON, AB, March 2, 2021 /CNW/ - GLC Medical (GLCM) Inc. is pleased to announce completion of development of the GLCM SARS-CoV-2 Insta-Test, delivering results in under 15 seconds, offering the world the fastest, easiest to use and most cost-effective solution to screen for COVID-19. This point-of-care, graphene-based biosensor will enable the world to regain a sense of freedom and bring "normal" back into our future. At a time when people are longing for solutions to the pandemic, GLCM delivers an innovative solution for instant testing, helping to reopen our economies, enabling employers to ensure a safer work environment, allowing schools and universities to reopen, and providing governments and their frontline workers a screening device which will provide confidence that an end to this global health crisis is possible.
Donna Mandau, President & CEO said, "Insta-Testing is essential to quickly identify and manage regions with high infection rates. The more testing we are able to do, the more confidence we will have in the safety of our environments. Today, as we hear ongoing news about a potential third wave, and new variants creating even more challenges for the world, we are pleased to offer our innovative and revolutionary Insta-Test, an urgently needed solution to help us cope with this global pandemic. The successful completion of this development introduces an effective platform for future testing solutions as GLCM's graphene is tailorable and offers a rapid solution to emerging and future strains of SARS and other viral diseases. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming weeks as we enter clinical trials and plan for market deployment."
The GLCM SARS-CoV-2 Insta-Test is a one-of-a-kind saliva test, eliminating the nasopharyngeal swab and all certified practitioner oversight requirements. It does not require expensive equipment or a lab to process results. GLCM's in-vitro diagnostic device produces a signal when exposed to COVID-19 viral antigens and directly detects the virus in under 15 seconds. This Insta-Test is an "at the door" technology, perfect for any situation that requires immediate and reliable results managing large groups of people. This screening tool is ideal for people boarding a plane or cruise ship, entering a venue for a concert or sporting event, entry into casinos, schools, theme parks and endless other scenarios.
Dr. Leah Coumont, Chief Science Officer said, "I am pleased with the results of our validation testing and the entire team at GLCM is proud to deliver such an important diagnostic tool to help governments, businesses, and families navigate COVID-19. This development has been a monumental task which has brought together an extraordinary team of experts, technologists, and organizations from diverse backgrounds to generate extraordinary new technology. We are excited to commence clinical human trials with the aim of timely deployment of our device, and even more excited to continue to develop new diagnostic solutions on this groundbreaking testing platform".
A world-renowned institute of virology has provided validation of the efficacy of the GLCM Insta-Test via pre-clinical assessments. The device will soon enter clinical human trials and using the sensitivity and specificity data that will be generated from these trials along with very detailed laboratory validation, GLCM is working to prepare the necessary regulatory, safety, and manufacturing data for submission to Health Canada, United States' FDA EUA and WHO. We are progressing rapidly and with great confidence towards our objective of achieving an excellent correlation with industry standard rt-PCR in negative and simulated positive samples. Based on current indications, demand is expected to reach into the hundreds of millions of units per annum and GLCM is working towards meeting these demands.
About GLC Medical (GLCM) Inc. GLC Medical (GLCM) Inc. is a subsidiary of Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC) Inc., a Canadian technology company producing high-quality graphene nanomaterials for development of new product innovations. GLCM offers graphene-enhanced solutions in the medical industry leveraging our material science expertise in working with graphene and developing products and solutions to serve the betterment of People and Planet. GLCM's tag line is "Health through Technology".
First Drug Approval for Dayvigo in Asia Outside of Japan
TOKYO, Mar 2, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that its Hong Kong subsidiary Eisai (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. has obtained approval for the in-house-discovered and developed orexin receptor antagonist DAYVIGO (generic name: lemborexant) for the treatment of adults with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. This approval is the first approval for DAYVIGO in Asia outside of Japan.
DAYVIGO is a dual orexin receptor antagonist that inhibits orexin neurotransmission regulating sleep-wake rhythm by binding competitively to the two subtypes of orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R). DAYVIGO acts on the orexin neurotransmitter system and is believed to facilitate sleep onset, sleep maintenance, and wake by regulating sleep-wake rhythm. DAYVIGO binds to orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R and acts as a competitive antagonist with stronger inhibition effect on OX2R, which suppresses both REM and non-REM sleep drive, such that DAYVIGO may provide faster sleep onset and better sleep maintenance to patients.
In June 2020, DAYVIGO was launched in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance; and in July 2020, DAYVIGO was launched in Japan for the treatment of insomnia. In addition, DAYVIGO has been approved in Canada, and an application for approval has been submitted in Australia. In Asia, Eisai has currently submitted applications to the respective regulatory authorities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and plans to further expand submissions of applications for approval in other countries.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, that can lead to daytime consequences, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.(1),(2) Insomnia is one of the most common sleep-wake disorders. Approximately 30% of adults worldwide have symptoms of insomnia.(3),(4) In Hong Kong, over 35% of adults are reported to have symptoms of insomnia.(5) In particular, older adults also have a higher prevalence rate with many experiencing insomnia symptoms for months to years. As a result, insomnia causes various social losses, such as long absences and reduced productivity. It can increase the risk of falls in older adults.(6)
Eisai will continue its efforts to deliver DAYVIGO as a new treatment option to insomnia patients across the world with the hope of contributing to restoration of daytime function and recovery for patients with insomnia by potentially delivering an active daytime life through fast sleep onset and good quality sleep.
About DAYVIGO (Generic Name: Lemborexant)
DAYVIGO is Eisai's in-house discovered and developed small molecule that binds to orexin receptors, OX1R and OX2R, and acts as a competitive antagonist (IC50 values of 6.1 nM and 2.6 nM, respectively). The mechanism of action of DAYVIGO in the treatment of insomnia is presumed to be through antagonism of orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system plays a role in wakefulness. Blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin to receptors OX1R and OX2R is thought to suppress wake drive (Ki values of 8.1 nM and 0.48 nM, respectively). Higher affinity and faster on/off receptor kinetics of DAYVIGO to orexin receptor 2, which also suppresses non-REM sleep, indicates its potential to facilitate non-sedative onset and maintenance of sleep.
In addition to the indication of insomnia, a clinical study of DAYVIGO in the treatment of Irregular Sleep Wake Rhythm Disorder (ISWRD) associated with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia is underway.
About Sleep-Wake Disorders and Insomnia
Sleep-wake disorders consist of disease categories such as insomnia, ISWRD, hypersomnia and breathing-related sleep disorders. Among the sleep-wake disorders, insomnia is the most common with persistent insomnia symptoms experienced by approximately 30% of the adult population worldwide.(3),(4) Insomnia disorder is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, which can lead to daytime consequences, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.(1),(2)
Sleeping well is essential for good health, including brain health.(7) Studies suggest an optimal sleep duration between seven and eight hours.8 Poor sleep is associated with a wide range of health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, accidental injury, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, stroke, dementia and adverse effects on mood and behavior.(1),(8)
Women are 1.4 times more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.(9) Older adults also have higher prevalence of insomnia as aging is often accompanied by changes in sleep patterns, including disrupted sleep, frequent waking, and early waking, that can lead to less sleep time.(10)
About the Anti-Insomnia Drug Market in Hong Kong
The anti-insomia drug market in Hong Kong as of 2019 valued at approximately 7.6 million USD, comprising nearly 8% of the insomnia drug market in Asia (Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand).(11)
(1) Ferrie JE, et al. Sleep epidemiology - a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(6):1431-1437. (2) Roth T. Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology and consequences. J Clin Sleep Med. 2007;3(5 Suppl):S7-S10. (3) Institute of Medicine. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: An unmet public health problem. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. 2006. (4) Ohayon MM, et al. Epidemiology of insomnia: what we know and what we still need to learn. Sleep Med Rev. 2002;6(2):97-111. (5) Wong, et. al. Prevalence of Insomnia among Chinese adults in Hong Kong: a population-based study. J Sleep Res. 2011; 20: 117-126 (6) National Institute of Public Health. Sleep disorders practice guidelines - for the proper usage of sleeping medications and the withdrawal: insomnia medical manual aiming for breaking through (available in Japanese only). (7) Cappuccio FP, et al. Sleep duration and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sleep. 2010;33(5):585-592. (8) Pase MP, Himali JJ, Grima NA, et al. Sleep architecture and the risk of incident dementia in the community. Neurology. 2017;89(12):1244-1250. (9) Roth T, et al. Prevalence and perceived health associated with insomnia based on DSM-IV-TR; International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision; and Research Diagnostic Criteria/International Classification of Sleep Disorders, second edition criteria: results from the America Insomnia Survey. Biol Psychiatry. 2011;69:592-600. (10) Crowley K. Sleep and sleep disorders in older adults. Neuropsychol Rev. 2011;21(1):41-53. (11) Copyright - 2021 IQVIA.Internal analysis based on IQVIA Analytics Link 2019. Reprinted with permission.
Media Inquiries: Public Relations Department, Eisai Co., Ltd. +81-(0)3-3817-5120
8 of the Best Female-only Wellness Retreats to Celebrate International Women’s Day
With one in three people now prioritising wellness on holiday and the rapid rise of solo female travel, there has never been a better way to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March than by booking a future wellness retreat. Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists have rounded-up the best female-only wellness retreats for solo travel for those looking to book a well-deserved wellness break for Autumn/Winter 2021/2022 when we anticipate current barriers to travel will have been lifted. From relaxing on the glistening shores of the Algarve with an immersive yoga experience, to increasing your fitness on an intensive bootcamp overlooking the striking Thai mountains, these exclusive health and fitness retreats are guaranteed to enlighten and empower every woman.
Surrounded by privacy walls for ultimate seclusion and nestled in lush tropical gardens, Ocean Soul Retreat is ideal for solo female travellers craving peace and tranquillity. Connect your mind, body and soul with holistic therapies, nutritious food, and relaxing massages at this luxurious women’s only retreat. This wellness programme is based on your desire to engage in as many or as little activities as you like, adapting to your wellness requirements..
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Ocean Soul Retreat for £2,750pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Kickstart your journey to your health and fitness goals on this female-only intensive bootcamp, set against the striking mountains of Koh Samui. Work out alongside British Military Trainers to lose weight and improve your mental and physical strength. With daily yoga classes and rigorous activities like boxing and circuits, you will be pushed to your limits, leaving you feeling body confident and headstrong.This is a truly life-changing experience, which will improve your mental and physical strength in the company of other like-minded women.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at GI Jane Thailand for £995pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
This tailored female-only healthy aging programme is designed to take away the fear and negative impacts that come with aging, particularly amongst women. Focusing on the physical and emotional issues of Menopause, SHA uses western wellness approaches and holistic treatments to specifically target and reduce sleeping problems, weight gain and hormonal imbalances. SHA provides ample support through experienced consultants to help women adjust to bodily changes and preserve youthfulness and vitality.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at SHA Wellness Clinic for £8,675pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Embark on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment on the Thai ‘island of healing’, with this bespoke women’s holistic health programme at Absolute Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this programme addresses all aspects of mental and physical health, as well as hormonal imbalances. Hormones can create havoc on the body and mind, and as such rebalancing is essential to restore health, and calm and focus the mind. Through a combination of cleansing therapies, physical activities, and nourishing cuisine, this empowering experience will help you to re-energise, revitalise and rebalance.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Absolute Sanctuary for £2,170pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Encircled by pristine forest and majestic mountains, Ananda in the Himalayas is the ideal destination for women seeking a peaceful escape of self-realisation. Your Dhyana programme will enhance your physical and mental strength, whilst creating emotional and spiritual balance to harmonise mind and body. Experience a calming combination of personalised one-on-one Hatha yoga sessions, daily meditation, mantra chanting, traditional Pranayama breathing techniques, and Kundalini back massages. You will leave feeling relaxed and refocused, with the tools to continue your self-study at home and remain in harmony with yourself.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Ananda in the Himalayas for £2,535pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you immerse yourself in the physical and mental health benefits of yoga. This exclusive retreat, led by yoga master Trevor Laurency is perfect for women looking to reconnect with their inner purpose, on the golden beaches of the Algarve. With over 25 years’ experience in holistic teaching, Trevor will guide you through a variety of yoga styles, inducing calm and total relaxation. Make lifelong friendships with yogis from all around the world as you engage in daily yoga classes together.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Longevity Cegohna Country Club for £1,670pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Escape to the Balinese foothills and find inner peace at the edge of the jungle, on this female-only retreat set against the panoramic views of ancient volcanoes. Learn about spirituality and self-healing, as you begin your wellness journey to inner-transformation and empowerment. Focusing on the reduction of mental tension and emotional blockages, you will be guided through a holistic programme of daily meditations, mindfulness, spiritual workshops and carefully crafted nutritious meals. You will leave feeling emotionally balanced and renewed, with self-help practises that you can implement in everyday life.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Bliss Body retreat for £2,500pp. Price includes full board, return transfers, and a wellness programme.
Overlooking lush vineyards, this luxurious wellness haven is perfectly located for women looking to turn back time at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. By undergoing various medical diagnosis, attending exercise classes and following a nutrient-rich meal plan, you will observe significant changes in your overall health and well-being. You will be enriched with the knowledge of how to slow down the biological aging process and maintain a higher quality of life, leaving you not only looking, but also feeling younger.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz for £4,830pp. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph as a result of his passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.
Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™, Mindful Triathlon™, BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com /www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/wellness-holidays
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.
