Aifred Health Named Top 3 Finalist in Global IBM Watson AI XPRIZE Competition
MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Aifred Health announced today that the XPRIZE jury has selected Aifred Health as one of the 3 finalists for the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE. The company is competing for the grand prize of US$3.0 million which will be awarded in June, 2021, with 2nd and 3rd prize winners receiving US$1.0 million and US$0.5 million respectively.
Montreal-based Aifred Health was one of more than 700 applicants for this XPRIZE focused on employing AI to solve the world's grand challenges. Teams were judged by world-leading experts in AI who conducted extensive due diligence and reviews of each team's application and their ability to meet the key criteria of achieved technical impact; evidenced real-world impact; scalability of real-world impact; and ethics and safety.
"To be named as one of the Top 3 global AI teams in the world is an incredible accomplishment and endorsement of our approach to better serving patients suffering from debilitating depression. Over the last 4 years, our AI technology and tools have been reviewed and validated by some of the best AI and subject matter talent on the planet. We are indebted to the XPRIZE organization and IBM Watson for their leadership and vision throughout the process. The prize money, along with our C$4 million seed financing that closed in December 2020, is being used to fund the clinical trial required to attain US FDA and Health Canada approval for our AI decision support device for depression and will also permit us to further develop our therapy-agnostic AI tool in other areas of high unmet medical need", declared Marina Massingham, CEO.
Dr. David Benrimoh, Chief Scientific Officer added: "We began Aifred Health because of the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE and our belief that modern AI tools could be developed and applied to identify patterns in clinical data that would allow the use of simple personal information to choose the right treatment for each individual patient. I want to thank all of the incredibly talented people who have worked with and supported us as employees, students, investigators, advisors, investors, physicians, and patients for their contributions to creating and building Aifred."
About Aifred Health
Aifred Health, a Montreal based healthcare technology company, is delivering clinician-focused solutions for the treatment of mental health including electronic access to best practices guidelines and a world-class AI approach to providing decision support for personalized therapeutic choices for clinical depression. Aifred is initiating its regulatory approval clinical trial for decision support for therapeutic treatment choice for depression in H1/2021. For more information, please see www.aifredhealth.com.
SOURCE Aifred Health Inc.
Fastest Growing EMR Provider MEDFAR Raises Nearly $25 Million Investment Led by Walter Capital Partners
MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - MEDFAR Clinical Solutions, the leading pure-play Electronic Medical Record (EMR) provider in Canada, announced today a minority investment of nearly $25 million led by Walter Capital Partners. MEDFAR will dedicate the funds to accelerate its expansion, innovation and acquisition agendas in North America.
"We are excited to join forces with Walter Capital Partners," said Elias Farah, CEO of MEDFAR Clinical Solutions. "We look forward to fulfilling our objective of increasing our momentum and completing bolt-on EMR provider acquisitions at a sustained pace with Walter Capital's strong and talented team." MEDFAR has rapidly evolved MYLE (Make Your Life Easy) from an EMR to a complete Care Management Solution, including a virtual care platform that fosters patient engagement. "We have also expanded our footprint throughout Canada with 2 acquisitions within 18 months," added M. Farah.
"We share Elias' vision of innovation serving client success in healthcare clinics," said Éric Phaneuf, President and CEO of Walter Capital Partners. "We partner with strong management teams possessing deep sector understanding and we know that MEDFAR has all the ingredients to become a leading player globally. We are especially impressed by MEDFAR's resilience and agility in adapting to the pandemic and rising to the challenge of better serving their users with fast-paced virtual health advances in unprecedented circumstances."
Mr. Phaneuf will join MEDFAR's board of directors. MEDFAR serves nearly 7,000 physicians delivering 10 million consultations annually in Canada. In 2020 only, nearly 400 clinics in Canada deployed MEDFAR solutions, most of them switching from a competing EMR to MYLE.
About MEDFAR
Founded in 2010 by two aeronautical engineers, MEDFAR Clinical Solutions was the first to certify a fully web-based EMR solution in Canada. With the support of experts from its medical and clinical advisory board, the MEDFAR team evolved its solution, MYLE (for Make Your Life Easy), from a simple EMR to a powerful end-to-end Care Management Solution that streamlines each and every clinical process, freeing caregivers from the burden of administrative tasks and helping them achieve more. MEDFAR grew to become the preeminent pure-play EMR solution provider in Canada with a growing presence in international markets. MEDFAR is relentlessly committed to its mission of driving excellence and efficiency in healthcare across the world. www.medfarsolutions.com
About Walter Capital Partners
Walter Capital Partners is a private equity firm part of Walter Financial, the investment unit of the Walter Group. Its investment model combines capital inflow and operating expertise to support the growth of promising companies on solid and sustainable foundations, by drawing on the entrepreneurial background of the Walter Group and the extensive business leadership experience of its managing partners. Headquartered in Montréal, Walter Capital provides a solid international network. www.waltercapital.ca
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to be interviewed for a podcast. The episode is live on all channels (Spotify and Apple) as well as YouTube so I hope that you have a chance to check it out!
Happy Valentines Day!
xoxoox
Episode 24 - The Train It Right Life - Self Love
Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro is back with another episode of the podcast about self love, fuck boys and online coaching! What a better time to return with some podcast love then Valentines Day Weekend!
Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro - Paige of Swords Podcast Feb 2021
Check Out My Most Recent Podcast Interview!
I had a great time on this podcast! Check it out if you want to learn a bit more about me and my journey and whats going on as far as prep for me right now!
10 Ways To Eat Healthy In 2021
Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro
This week I am dishing about Eating Healthy. With over 12 years experience in Personal Training, Kinesiology, Precision Nutrition and Athletics Coaching. I have learned what works and what doesn't. I have picked up some truths and strategies along the way that I implement with my own practices as well as my recommendations for my clients. Here are my top ten healthy eating tips for 2016. These ten strategies will help you eat healthier and stay on track so that you will succeed in achieving your goals.
Sweat More
When you workout hard and you lots of time in at the gym you are more likely to want to eat healthy. When you sweat your body rids itself of toxins. One of the most common things I hear from my clients is “I just worked my butt off in the gym for hours, why would I want to eat crap now and cancel out all of my results.” There couldn't be more truth to this. Why waste all of your hard earned sweat on a cheat food that you will probably regret afterwards? Most people find it isn't worth it.
The 10 Gulp Rule
I always suggest drinking a minimum of 3-4L of water for many reasons. Some of these reasons include speeding up your metabolism, riding the body of toxins and hydration. A lot of times we mistaken thirst and hunger believe it or not. So instead of reaching for a quick snack reach for a bottle of water first. But when you do remember this rule: The 10 Gulp Rule. When you pick up your bottle always gulp down 10 times. This will help you get in all of that water that I suggest.
Keep A Food Journal
It doesn't matter if you use an organizer, food planner or even a notepad or an app such as Myfitnesspal, I recommend that you track your food. Food journaling helps you realize just exactly what you are eating, the type of food it is, how many calories and where you can improve. It is also a great way to see how your body reacts to certain foods, meal timing and your energy levels compared to what you are eating. If you like journaling vs an app. Try Fitbook.
Eat Slowly
Did you know that a lot of our digestion actually begins in the mouth? When you don't properly chew your food you may be missing out on key nutrients that might not get extracted further on in your digestive system. Also it has been proven that when you chew your food slowly you are less likely to overeat because it allows your body time to send the signal that your stomach is full to your brain. When you chomp down an entire meal quickly your stomach doesn't send the signal to the brain in time and then it is too late and you have already overate.
Sign Up For A Meal Delivery
You “don’t have time” is honestly often times a legitimate excuse. More and more we are purchasing food. I personally have a hard time between work, coaching, training myself and content creating to cook food so I now rely on a meal delivery service to help keep me on track. Not only is the food delicious but it is customized and also delivered fresh to my door.
Make Overnight Oats So That You Always Have Breakfast Available
A lot of my clients are in a rush for breakfast and often skip it. Be prepared and pre make your breakfast. One of my favorite go to breakfasts are overnight oats. It's a simple grab and go if you prepare it the night before. Go here and check out some great recipe options from eatthis.com.
Eat By Using Proper Serving Sizes
Without meaning to we tend to undereat, over eat or binge. Precision Nutrition gives us a great guide to go by while we are on the go that is simple, always on us and easy to measure. What could this be you ask? Your hands. Yep you read that right. Follow this PN Guide to forgetting calorie counting and simply using your had to measure the amount of food you should be eating.
Make Mug Cake When You Are Craving Something Sweet
One of the best ways to satisfy a sweet craving or if you are particularly craving some sort of cakey substance is curbing your appetite with a mug cake. A protein mug cake that is. I usually find my recipes on pinterest but if you don't have pinterest you can get a lot of yummy mug cake recipes from dailyburn.com.
More Greens
Don’t be afraid to make friends with salad. The more greens you have the better. Not only do greens have loads of health benefits, give you energy but they also take a lot of energy for your body to digest. It's basically a win from all angles. However if you simply can't chew down loads of leafs supplement with products like Greens+ to make sure that you are getting all of your servings that you should be having so that you can maximize the health benefits, have energy and keep your diet healthy.
Have Protein In Your Gym Bag For A Post Workout Shake
When I am on the go I always keep a plastic baggie with a scoop of my favorite protein with me. This way I can quickly mix it up with water and I don’t have to eat take out or even cheat on my healthy diet. I love HD MUSCLE and you can use my CODE: Trainitright to save 10%
Make 2021 the year that you eat healthy, stick to your plan and achieve your goals. I know that these tips will help you just as they have helped both myself and countless clients and athletes that have worked with me over the years. Make it a habit not phase and Train It Right.
Gyms are opening again in my area! I hope yours is the same! With that being said I have a few items that I have on my radar for when gyms open up on the 16th that I want to add to my gym bag and I wanted to share them with you!
PINK ankle weights!
2. Digital Jump Rope
3. Stretch Strap
4. Vibrating Massage Ball
5. Spin Bike
The first four items are for the gym bag and I wanted to include the last item on my wish list for home because time spots are limited for gyms in my area. 10 people per slot. So to maximize time in the gym having a few options for at home cardio may be great during this time. I use to have a spin bike before I moved to my new house however now I just have a treadmill and my next cardio at home will be another spin bike because I love the bike it is such a great workout! You dont need a peloton (they are expensive) you can just get a good quality at home bike and download a spin app or look up a good class on YouTube to follow if you dont want to control the ride yourself!
Anyway I hope you like the ideas for the gym! And Im so happy we survived another lockdown!
Stay happy and healthy and remember if you need training, diet and supplement advice I am taking on 1 on 1 clients now!
Let God Transform Your Brokenness into Something Beautiful
Seattle, WA, February 12, 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.
With hugs and kisses banned by experts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the joy of Valentine’s Day has paled for lovers as the epidemic wages on for over a year. Vaccines are rolling out, but only slowly, so most people in the intimate-active age group are still suffering under warnings about intimate contact and restrictions of quarantines, imposed lockdowns, mask-wearing, and restaurants closed for those traditionally romantic dinners. Reasonable warnings but also fears were fanned last April when Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that people should consider that potential hook-ups can be asymptomatic carriers of the virus. In a UK study, only about 40 percent of respondents said they have been sexually active, partly due to anxiety, availability or dampened mood. Even married and co-habiting couples have been alerted that one partner can be carrying the virus. While the traditional acts of sending flowers and handing over boxes of chocolate (from a safe distance) can prevail, the day calls for closer contact. So what are lovers to do this Valentine’s Day? As psychologists, we know that intimate connection satisfies desire, soothes the soul, and even stimulates chemicals that create physical as well as psychological well-being. Research even proves that connection with others is the best remedy to negative states caused by the separation imposed by this long-lasting pandemic, including loneliness, heartache, desolation, and anxieties. The complex emotions escalate during holidays and anniversaries. Being starved for affection can drive people into deep desperation, depression and even drastic thinking. As one man admitted to me, “I’d rather die than be cut off from people much longer than this.” The keys to reaping the benefits of love while resisting infection is possible for singles and those already-attached with these tips. (1) Expand the number of people to whom you express love. Think of Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers, but for friends, as is the case in some cultures. For example, the word Valentine's Day in Finland and Estonia translates into "Friend's Day" indicating that this day is more about remembering friends, rather than “significant others.” A study of 1,477 people over ten years showed that expanded social networks can predict living longer. In support of this, a survey by the Ypulse company that monitors Gen Z and Millennials found that 74 percent of respondents agreed that Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity to tell friends and family they are loved and appreciated. (2) Limit in-person hook-ups to virtual ones. Practice principles of “phone sex” (from the 60s) upgraded in this electronic age to using handheld platforms -- through audio and video formats like chat, sexting or zoom -- to engage with a partner in a desired interaction. Talking through what you are actually doing as if in the act in the moment -- more potent than just saying what you would like to do -- takes a little imagination but can be fulfilling. Include not only the description of your actions but also feelings – how you feel and how you want your partner to feel -- which is good practice for future times of true consummation. (3) Resolve to practice “safe sex” during this public health emergency. On April 8, 2020, the New York City Health Department published an explicit guide outlining safe sex practice during the pandemic. It warned about spreading the virus spreads through particles in the saliva, mucus or breath of people with COVID-19, or those who are asymptomatic (though admittedly unclear scientifically about sex act transmission), advised against kissing and for limiting contact to those in a close household circle. Explicit tips for enjoyment while stopping the spread included masturbating alone or together (while mask-wearing); washing (hands, toys or other touched items) before and after the act; and even making it “a little kinky” by being “creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face to face contact.” (4) Explore deeper levels of commitment and communication. Findings from The American Family Survey show that despite the stress and disruption in family and work life caused by the pandemic, husbands and wives reported sustained sex and deeper commitment and appreciation of each other. As a marriage counselor for years, I know that better oral communication creates sexual sparks, especially since messages go fastest to the brain through the ears than other senses. (5) Take “sex” to higher levels. My own, and many others’, expertise in eastern sexology shows that high states of ecstasy (and enlightenment) can be reached between people without even touching. The techniques to do this are simple, as outlined in my book, The Complete idiots Guide to Tantric Sex. By focusing your energy, through your breath and intention, inwards and then extending it to another purposefully, through the breath, eye contact, and simple motions, you can direct and transmit highly charged loving feelings outward, and receive them back inward, in a dedicated exchange. The classic scene in the film “Cocoon” between actors Tahnee Welch and Steve Gutenberg shows how glowing sparks can fly between two people at opposite ends of a swimming pool that may look like otherworldly alien love but their charging the water and space between them with “life force” is actually achievable by us ordinary folks. (6) Look for new paths to “passion”. In my many surveys and research over the years as a dating, relationship and sex expert, I documented how couples can form strong bonds and feel erotic attraction by sharing activities and hobbies that “turn them both on.” In my Complete Idiots Guide to a Healthy Relationship, I suggest taking up a new hobby together, either a new idea for both of you or throwing yourself into a partner’s passionate pursuit that you once resisted (gardening, sports). Working together on a common project raises erotic interest, as evidenced in office affairs. Bring that affair home by brainstorming ideas about what you could both enjoy that will spill over into finding new or refreshed thrill about each other. Take the pressure off Valentine’s Day by using the occasion to make every day an ongoing celebration of yourself as a loving being, and expressing love to others. xxx
Author: Dr. Judy Kuriansky is a clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University Teachers College well-known for wise advice on radio and TV, and in newspaper and magazines for decades. Her Idiots Guide Books on dating, healthy relationships and tantric sex are on Amazon, and her website: www.drJudy.com.
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