Canadian Oncology Community Unites For World Cancer Day: Shedding Light on the Impact of Covid-19 on Cancer Care

• Oncologists estimate cancer diagnoses are down 25 per cent in some cancers as a result of COVID-19
• Some oncologists are also reporting an increase in later stage disease for newly diagnosed patients
• This World Cancer Day, an alliance of more than 25 healthcare organizations is urging Canadians to reprioritize cancer screenings, check-ups and care

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Just over one year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Canada, new data now reveals the far-reaching impact of the pandemic on cancer care. A Metrika survey on the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian oncology practices revealed that 80 per cent of oncologists believe COVID-19 has had a moderate to severe impact on diagnoses and assessment of new or potential cancer patients in their care.ⁱ Today, on World Cancer Day, an alliance of more than 25 healthcare organizations from across Canada, with support from AstraZeneca, is teaming up in support of New Normal, Same Cancer, a public awareness campaign encouraging Canadians to get back to cancer care. 

Before the pandemic, it was estimated that more than 225,000 Canadians would be diagnosed with cancer in 2020.ⁱⁱ COVID-19 however, has led to a significant decrease in new diagnoses. According to the Metrika survey, oncologists estimate a 16 per cent decline in overall cancer diagnoses compared to 2019,i with new diagnoses of bladder cancer and ovarian cancer down by more than 25 per cent.ⁱ The survey also revealed an estimated five per cent increase in late-stage disease for newly diagnosed patients compared to 2019.i Medical experts are concerned that further delays in cancer diagnoses and evaluation will have an increasingly negative impact on patient outcomes. 

"When the pandemic began, our healthcare system went into acute crisis response in order to limit COVID-19 transmission, but the ripple effect it has had on cancer care is alarming, and we are already seeing the profound impact," said Dr. Shady Ashamalla, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Surgical Oncologist, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. "Delays in diagnostics, evaluation and treatment can lead to more advanced cancers, limited therapeutic options and access to clinical trials, and ultimately lead to poor patient outcomes. That is why it is absolutely critical that patients don't wait. We are urging those with cancer or possible cancer symptoms, or even routine screenings to re-engage with their healthcare team for the care they need."

According to a January 2021 Leger survey from the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, delays in cancer care have also had a significant impact on patient mental health, with 72 per cent of patients, pre-diagnosed patients and caregivers saying they feel anxious about receiving adequate care during the pandemic.ⁱⁱⁱ Heightened anxiety is compounded by the uncertainty around the availability of healthcare services and a fear of contracting COVID-19. Among those who are avoiding booking an appointment with healthcare practitioners, 44 per cent say COVID-19 exposure is their main concern and 11 per cent believe their healthcare teams are not taking appointments, or are difficult to access.ⁱⁱⁱ 

This World Cancer Day, the New Normal, Same Cancer initiative is reminding Canadians that cancer does not wait and neither should you. Healthcare providers are working hard to ensure that clean and safe pathways are available for patients in need of in-person care. They can also help patients understand their options for receiving care. Whether it is through virtual consultations or scheduling in-person appointments now or in the near future, it is important that those living with cancer, or experiencing suspected cancer symptoms contact their healthcare providers right away.

Canadians living with cancer who have had their treatments paused, and those experiencing possible cancer symptoms or who have missed routine checks, are encouraged to re-engage with their healthcare providers to get the care they need. Don't wait, contact your healthcare team. Get checked. 

About New Normal, Same Cancer
New Normal, Same Cancer was developed in response to the delays in cancer care. It is a global initiative designed to raise awareness of the need for people to get back to cancer care services despite the disruption caused by COVID-19. AstraZeneca and eight global coalition partners developed the campaign in partnership for roll-out to countries around the world.

In Canada, New Normal, Same Cancer is supported by more than 25 Canadian healthcare organizations, including: Association des médecins hématologues et oncologues du Québec (AMHOQ) Association pulmonaire du Quebec, Bladder Cancer Canada, Cancer Research Society, Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, Canadian Breast Cancer Network, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, Canadian Liver Foundation, Canadian Urological Association, Colorectal Cancer Canada, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, Fondation Quebecoise du cancer, Gastrointestinal Society, Kidney Cancer Canada, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Life Saving Therapies Network, Lung Cancer Canada, Lung Health Foundation, Myeloma Canada, Ovarian Cancer Canada, Pancreatic Cancer Canada, PROCURE - The Force Against Prostate Cancer, Quebec Cancer Coalition, Rethink Breast Cancer, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada.

References

SOURCE AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

Precision Biomonitoring Receives Health Canada Approval for SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ 96-Well Laboratory Testing microplates

Canadian-Made TRIPLELOCK™ 96-Well Plates save time in the lab

GUELPH, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Precision Biomonitoring today announces it has received Health Canada approval for its TRIPLELOCK™ SARS-CoV-2 test in 96-Well Plate format. The recent approval makes the shelf-stable, ready-to-use, lyophilized testing plates available for immediate use in labs across Canada.

The TRIPLELOCK^TM 96-Well Plates are highly reliable, with 100 per cent sensitivity and specificity with no cold-chain required, making them safe to ship and store at room temperature. The TRIPLELOCK™ 96-Well Plates are a cost-effective, scalable RT-PCR solution that detects the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. The pre-aliquoted device includes 96 pre-loaded tests, saves time, supports larger testing volumes and is compatible with most lab instruments, making it an ideal solution for lab settings.

"We are thrilled with our third Health Canada approval, as we continue to tackle the difficulties of this pandemic, our testing solutions present a much-needed tool for labs across Canada to stay cost effective while supporting larger testing volumes," says Dr. Mario Thomas, CEO, Precision Biomonitoring. "Our dedication to innovative testing is steadfast and we will continue to provide the tools needed to rapidly detect this virus and alleviate the pressures being placed on the healthcare system."  

Precision Biomonitoring's TRIPLELOCK™ SARS-CoV-2 test in 96-Well Plate format has already received CE Mark , helping to alleviate the pressures faced by healthcare systems, governments, front-line workers and businesses across Europe. 

Precision Biomonitoring is a first mover in rapid, mobile diagnostic and detection kits in Canada. Its unique technology can be applied to any living organism, enabling customers to detect an organism or pathogen at the point-of-need and get a result immediately. Currently with three Health Canada and one European approval – making it the first and only Canadian-made solution to support Canada's pandemic response. 

About Precision Biomonitoring SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ 96-Well Plates 
Precision Biomonitoring's shelf-stable SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK^TM 96-Well Plates are an innovative testing solution that detects the RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19. Because the test and the reagents are lyophilized in the wells, they are stable at room temperature. The portable, shelf-stable TRIPLELOCK™ 96-Well Plates can be transported without refrigeration and include 96 pre-aliquoted and pre-loaded lyophilized tests, making it ideal for supporting larger testing volumes. They save time in the lab because there is no mixing and aliquoting of many reagents. The two COVID-19 RNA targets are multiplexed together with an RNA positive control and are highly reliable with 100% sensitivity. Early identification and diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial to ensure a rapid response, thus mitigating the possible additional negative consequences of the virus.

About Precision Biomonitoring 
Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Canada, Precision Biomonitoring provides TRIPLELOCK™ onsite molecular surveillance platform solutions that give customers earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. Customers are any organizations that need onsite surveillance and rapid identification of any organism in any environment. The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the genomics industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet. 

SOURCE Precision Biomonitoring

Cancer Still Waiting - Canadian Cancer Survivor Network

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - A survey of Canadians waiting for diagnosis or treatment for cancer showed the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the ability of cancer patients, caregivers, and those in the pre-diagnosis stage to access essential cancer services.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) commissioned Leger to conduct a second survey on the disruption of cancer care in Canada caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this survey follow a similar trend to the survey conducted during the first wave.

Despite the fact that cancer services have resumed after their sudden suspension, more than half (55%) of respondents reported having their appointments, tests, and treatments cancelled or postponed. Respondents said they had to wait an average of 34 days to reschedule cancelled or postponed in-person appointments, and 52 days to reschedule surgery and other procedures. 

Of those who experienced delays, 36 per cent still do not have a rescheduled appointment time, and 46 per cent still do not have a rescheduled surgery or procedure time. 

As we navigate the second wave of the pandemic, it is imperative that cancer care is prioritized in order to manage the backlog and prevent cancer from progressing undetected. "Cancer can't wait. It can't be cancelled or postponed," said Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. "We now know that the huge physical, psychological and financial impact of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, while also facing cancer, has put these Canadians in double jeopardy."

Delayed care can have impacts on both physical and mental health

Concerns about receiving adequate cancer care are fueling anxieties among caregivers and patients. Seventy-two per cent of respondents experienced major impacts on their mental and emotional health. Cancer patients are more concerned than ever about their ability to receive care in a hospital or emergency room setting. 

"My greatest fear is that I will have all my follow-up tests and appointments cancelled. That my cancer would come back, and I will have no access to treatment or palliative care," said a colorectal cancer patient in Alberta. "COVID has already caused me excess pain and suffering by preventing me from getting cancer care."

Physical health can also be impacted by delays. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to better patient outcomes. That's why it's important for those with cancer or suspected cancer to re-engage with the healthcare system for regular screenings, follow-up appointments, and treatments as needed.

Concerns about safety have prevented some from seeking help in hospitals

According to the CCSN survey, 14 per cent of people avoided visiting an ER and 10 per cent have avoided going to the hospital to receive cancer care. Furthermore, 13 per cent of those surveyed have hesitated to book an appointment even when they required one, mainly due to concerns about contracting COVID-19.

"My exposure to the COVID virus is heightened by being in contact with medical centres and my immune system is compromised due to the cancer and treatment. My age is a factor as well. I could be looking at the end of my life," said a stage 1 skin cancer patient in British Columbia.

Canadians cannot afford to let this happen again!

Adequate planning should stop the sidelining of cancer care. 

It is critical to plan for continued cancer care during future pandemics as well as other crises that may affect Canada, including civil unrest, environmental disasters or economic hardships. Safe and timely access to essential cancer care — including diagnostics, testing and treatment — must remain a top priority across Canada during any crisis.

About the survey

This study was a 15-minute online survey conducted between December 3^rd – December 29^th, 2020 and involved 1,198 Canadians diagnosed with cancer, 248 caregivers, and 192 Canadians awaiting confirmation of a diagnosis. 

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Survivor Network

CAMH to Deploy Novari Referral Central Intake System

TORONTO and KINGSTON, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) having conducted a rigorous procurement process for an enterprise wide referral management and central intake solution has selected Novari Health technology.

Novari eRequest® is a scalable referral management, central intake and workflow management solution that can be deployed at an individual hospital, regional, provincial, or national level.  The technology can be configured to optimize local workflows to drive efficiencies and improve access to care for patients.  Developed in Canada it has been implemented for many clinical "pathways" to include medical imaging, orthopedics, mental health, addictions, and diabetes etc.

"Novari's work with CAMH builds upon our experience and our success in providing the Mississauga Halton region with a region-wide central intake technology for mental health, addictions and other pathways."  John Sinclair, CPHIMS-CA President, Novari Health

Novari eRequest® will be deployed to help ensure that all inbound referrals to CAMH are received, triaged, processed, and electronically routed to the appropriate CAMH clinical resources.  Novari's extensive experience in working and integrating with Cerner technology will be leveraged during this project.

"The implementation of the Novari tools will ensure Access CAMH, our centralized referral service, is equipped with a system that can seamlessly coordinate the patient journey from referral, to care. With over 20,000 outpatient referrals per year currently, Novari tools will allow Access CAMH to the meet the growing demand for mental health services in a timely and efficient way, and improve the experience of patients, families and referring partners."  Linda Mohri, Vice President, Clinical Care, CAMH 

"The integration between Novari's referral management products and CAMH's Clinical Information System, is paramount for a seamless and secure exchange of information and communication throughout the continuum of care." Dr. Damian Jankowicz, Vice President, Information Management, Chief Information Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, CAMH

About Novari Health 

Novari Health designs, builds, and implements award-winning enterprise scale SaaS solutions that improve access to care, coordination of care, and the delivery of healthcare services. Based in Kingston Ontario and with offices in Vancouver, Australia, and New Zealand, Novari has become one of the largest Canadian-based digital health solution providers. ISO 27001 certified, Novari Health is a Microsoft Partner, with software solutions hosted on Microsoft Azure Canadian and Australian cloud data centres.

About CAMH

CAMH is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. For more information, please follow @CAMHnews on Twitter.

SOURCE Novari Health Inc.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ Invest US$17.7 Million in Lumira IV Life Sciences Fund

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of its strategy to support Québec's life sciences sector through well-performing specialized funds, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ ("Fonds") is investing US$17.7 million (C$22.5 million) in Lumira IV. Over the years, Lumira has invested in Québec companies such as enGene, Kisoji, Opsens and IMV.

"Managed by a deeply committed and experienced team, Lumira has, over the years, helped improve patient care while generating positive returns for investors. This vision is very well aligned with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and as a result, in addition to being an investor in Lumira funds, the Fonds has frequently co-invested with Lumira to support the vitality of the life sciences sector. The addition of multiple new strategic partners in the new fund, including RBC, speaks to the skill and depth of this excellent team and the opportunities in the life sciences sector," said Geneviève Guertin, Vice-President, Investments, Life Sciences, at the Fonds. 

The Fonds has supported Lumira since the creation of the franchise in 2007.

Since 1989, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has invested $1.6 billion to support the Québec life sciences sector. Today, the Fonds dedicated life sciences team has eight members, including a senior scientific advisor. The team invests directly in life sciences companies as well as in life sciences investment funds.

About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests to build a better society by channelling the savings of its 700,000 shareholders into development and risk capital investments to help Québec transition to a green economy, to a human-centred world of work, and to a healthier society. The Fonds offers businesses unsecured financing and strategic support. With $15.6 billion in net assets as at November 30, 2020, the Fonds has supported more than 3,300 partner companies and over 220,000 jobs. To learn more, visit fondsftq.com.

SOURCE Fonds de solidarité FTQ

Health Canada Authorizes DAYVIGO™ (lemborexant)

Now available in Canada for the treatment of insomnia in adults

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Eisai Limited, the Canadian subsidiary of Eisai Inc., today announced the Canadian authorization and availability of a new non-sedative prescription medication, DAYVIGO™ (lemborexant).  Available in both 5 mg and 10 mg dosages, DAYVIGO is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and / or sleep maintenance.¹

Already approved in the United States and Japan for the treatment of insomnia, the Canadian authorization of DAYVIGO is based on two pivotal phase three studies, which established the efficacy and safety profile of the medication.¹

"The Canadian authorization and availability of DAYVIGO is an important addition to Eisai's growing product portfolio and underscores our leadership in medical research," states Pat Forsythe, General Manager of Eisai Limited in Canada. "Our commitment to Canadian patients drives our relentless pursuit of innovative healthcare solutions.  We are pleased to introduce a new and novel treatment option to patients affected with insomnia." 

Insomnia in Canada
Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder in Canada, affecting more than 13 per cent of Canadians on a situational, recurrent or chronic basis. ² Commonly characterized as the dissatisfaction with sleep and the difficulties to initiate and maintain sleep together with the substantial distress and impairments associated with daytime function, insomnia is more frequent with women, older people, and those with poorer physical and mental health. ²

"Insomnia disorder is a chronic condition that can have negative effects on a patient's well-being and, if left unrecognized or untreated, may produce long-term consequences for overall health,"states Charles Morin, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Sleep Research Centre at Université Laval in Quebec City and holder of a Canada Research Chair in behavioural sleep medicine. 

Rethinking treating insomnia
Normal sleep-wake regulation occurs when the wake-promoting pathway predominates during the day, and the sleep-promoting pathway predominates at night. Patients affected by insomnia have difficulty staying asleep as a result of an imbalance and conflict between these two pathways. ²

"Helping patients with insomnia get to sleep, stay asleep longer and perform their daily routines is an important treatment goal," declares Dr. Atul Khullar, Medical Director, Northern Alberta Sleep Clinic in Edmonton, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Alberta, and senior consultant for MedSleep, a nationwide network of community sleep clinics. "Today's announcement is potentially groundbreaking and a needed addition to the treatment options available for adult Canadians with insomnia." 

About DAYVIGO
Discovered and developed by Eisai in-house scientists, DAYVIGO contains the active medicinal ingredient lemborexant.  DAYVIGO is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA).¹

DAYVIGO works by temporarily blocking the orexin signals in the brain, which can help patients fall asleep and stay asleep. This mechanism of action is opposite to that of sedative hypnotics that depress the central nervous system and induce sleep-promoting effects through increased GABA activity.³ 

DAYVIGO is generally well tolerated when used up to a year.¹ Pivotal studies demonstrated that chronic use did not cause physical dependence. The most common side effects for DAYVIGO are headache (5 mg 6%; 10 mg 4.6%) and somnolence (5 mg 5%; 10 mg 8.4%).¹

For more information about DAYVIGO in Canada, please speak to a Canadian medical professional.  The full product monograph, which includes details about the indications, contraindications, dosage and administration, warnings and precautions, adverse reactions, drug interactions, action and clinical pharmacology, pharmaceutical information, clinical trials, non-clinical toxicology, and the patient medication information is available here. 

About Eisai Limited (Canada)
Based in Mississauga, Eisai Limited (Canada) focuses on two therapeutic areas: neurology and oncology. 

As a subsidiary of Eisai Inc., Eisai Limited (Canada) shares the global corporate goal of human health care (hhc), giving first thoughts to patients and their families and the help to increase the benefits health care provides.  Eisai Limited (Canada) holds a passionate commitment to patient care, which is the driving force behind its efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs.

DAYVIGO is a trademark of Eisai R&D Management Co., Ltd. and is licensed to Eisai Inc.

References 

SOURCE Eisai Limited

BECOMING A DOCTORS’ DOCTORNew Memoir by Michael F. Myers, MD, Lays Bare theMental Health Challenges of Physicians, Highlighting the Importance of Psychological Treatment for the Medical Community

Michael F. Myers, MD has devoted his life to the mental health of fellow physicians, having cared for hundreds of physician-patients and authored multiple books.  In his new memoir, BECOMING A DOCTORS’ DOCTOR, Dr. Myers offers an insider’s look at the struggles doctors face as they shoulder the social and emotional costs of serving the community, and highlights the importance of mental health treatment for medical professionals.  At the same time, he offers insight and hope to anyone coping with depression in themselves or in their loved ones.

Research estimates that roughly one quarter to a third of medical students develop symptoms of depression, including suicidal thinking.  Moreover, practicing physicians have higher rates of depression than the general population.  “Given the stigma in medicine associated with psychiatric illness and how hard it is to trust others, including psychiatrists, with what’s happening to you, many ailing medical students and most physicians are careful or strategic about whom they consult,” explains Dr. Myers.  At the same time, when one is depressed, it can be difficult to reach out for professional help.  “You feel vulnerable, frightened and unworthy, and you’re often sensitive to rejection or what you might misperceive as rejection,” he writes. 

Dr. Myers’ interest in helping fellow doctors began when his roommate died by suicide during their first year of medical school.  That was the start of his thirty-five-year career counseling both individual physicians and doctor-couples, and developing a deep understanding of the challenges these professionals face.  

In BECOMING A DOCTORS’ DOCTOR, the author details his journey with authenticity and transparency, discussing his personal experiences and sharing vignettes of treating doctors for depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and more, as well as helping them to manage loss – of patients, relationships, and family members.  In addition, he devotes a chapter to the AIDS crisis – when doctors faced enormous losses of patients along with the risk of infection themselves, not unlike the current Covid-19 crisis.  Dr. Myers also addresses the painfully difficult subject of suicide, offering a unique understanding of those who see it as a reasonable avenue out of their pain.

Throughout, the book sheds light on the institution of medicine itself – and how it has evolved when it comes to expectations regarding doctors’ mental health, as well as in regard to such issues as gender and sexual identity.  “As a doctors’ doctor I have spent decades listening to chilling and heartbreaking accounts of how shunned or judged my patients have felt by their peers and the institutional rules of the profession of medicine. Those of us who treat physicians have a moral responsibility to do everything in our power to fight these destructive forces by educating, advocating and working for policy change,” writes Dr. Myers.  

Engaging and compulsively readable, BECOMING A DOCTORS’ DOCTOR shines a light on a subject that is little discussed.  “Physicians are no different than other people. They too are subject to life’s challenges and curveballs,” attests Dr. Myers.  By understanding what doctors are facing, we can better understand ourselves – and offer the support medical professionals need to be the best caregivers they can be.

#          #          #

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DR. MICHAEL F. MYERS, author of BECOMING A DOCTOR’S DOCTOR, is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and  recent past Vice-Chair of Education and Director of Training in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at SUNY-Downstate Health Sciences University  in Brooklyn, NY.  He is the author or co-author of eight other books, including Why Physicians Die By Suicide, The Handbook of Physician Health and  Doctors’ Marriages.  His publications also include more than 150 articles covering such topics as marital therapy, men and reproductive technology, divorce, sexual assault of women and men, AIDS, the stigma of psychiatric illness, gender issues in training and medical practice, the treatment of medical students and physicians, boundary crossing in the doctor-patient relationship, and ethics in medical education and suicide.  He has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching, and has served on the editorial boards of several medical journals.  Along with his continuing clinical research, teaching and outreach in the field of suicide, Dr. Myers is a recent  past President of the New York City Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Dr. Myers lectures widely throughout North America and beyond on these subjects.

Oldest Outdoor Group in US Challenges You to Spend 2 Hours Outside Each Week—6 Survival Tips 

New York City, NY, February 3, 2021 — This winter, the Appalachian Mountain Club (www.outdoors.org), the oldest outdoor group in the United States, challenges you to spend two hours of outdoor exercise every week (social distancing, of course).  Even though the entire country is experiencing two fewer weeks of snow cover compared to 100 years ago, wherever you live in America, getting outdoors regularly will provide mental benefits as well as physical ones. Despite the fact winter may be fundamentally shifting, AMC’s Colby Meehan, Leadership Training Manager, reveals six survival tips for thriving, surviving and basking in everything Mother Nature has to offer during winter 2021:

1. Plan your adventure: Avoid a 911 emergency by mapping out your exact route, choosing an alternate route for emergencies and calculating how long your roundtrip excursion will be. Make a trip plan and bring things like high-energy snacks and water for a more enjoyable day out.

2. Find the forecast: Check the forecast before you go by listening/watching/reading your favorite weather predictions in advance. This will help you prepare for the appropriate climate while you are out and about. Observe weather changes as they emerge and change your plan for the day as needed to avoid severe weather.

3. Dress appropriately: Carry the right gear based on the weather predictions to pack appropriately. Understanding how to layer for winter makes a world of difference. Avoiding fabrics like cotton and opting for ones like polyester or wool can turn a miserable, risky outing into a pleasant one. For good measure, take extra pairs of gloves, mittens and socks for especially cold temperatures.

4. Build a safe and protected outdoor living space: To guarantee a fun and safe small gathering under COVID conditions, you can create the perfect outdoor living space on a variety of different budgets. Fire pits are affordable, secure heat sources, and waterproof seating offers comfort while keeping you dry. Prep meals in advance so you can focus on fun and enjoy your time outside. Maintain social distancing guidelines (at least 6 feet apart) from other campsites when making your own. Finally, remember the Leave No Trace principles when you leave, which ask you to carry out anything that does not belong in nature.

5. Outdoor recreation and wellness: Winter brings a multitude of activities and sports. It can be as advanced as snowboarding and skiing; but you can also have a blast without snow by jogging, picnicking or hiking. Studies show that spending at least 120 minutes outdoors every week boosts your well-being.  

6. Explore the city outdoors: City dwellers also have ways to revel outside during COVID. Whether you decide to walk around your neighborhood for 20 minutes a day, take up birdwatching in a local park for an afternoon or even study the surrounding architecture, time spent outside is good for you.  

The mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club is to foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors. They envision a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life. For more information, please visit www.outdoors.org. 

Reducing the Prevalence of MRT Burnout

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 3, 2021 /CNW/ -The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) today announced the publication of "Reducing the Prevalence of MRT Burnout", a position statement that highlights the important and prevalent issue of burnout within the medical radiation technologist (MRT) profession and presents tangible recommendations for leaders in healthcare. 

Canada's 25,000 MRTs are essential to the smooth function of our healthcare system. MRTs perform over 30 million diagnostic imaging exams each year, as well as tens of thousands of courses of radiation therapy for cancer patients. The role of the profession has been highlighted even further through the pandemic as MRTs work tirelessly, not only to help manage and assess patients suffering from COVID-19, but also to keep the remainder of the healthcare system working despite enormous difficulty.

Research indicates that MRTs are subject to chronic stress that can be emotionally draining and lead to burnout. In a survey of mental health within the profession, undertaken by CAMRT and its partners prior to the coronavirus pandemic, more than 57% of MRTs in all disciplines reported moderate or high levels of emotional exhaustion, an important component of professional burnout. It is expected that the prevalence of this emotional exhaustion in the MRT ranks is even higher today, considering the strains that they, and all healthcare professionals, have experienced as a result of an unrelenting pandemic. 

"Given these alarming rates of burnout and our understanding about the negative effects of prolonged periods of burnout, we are asking the government and leaders in healthcare across the country to take action to address this systemic problem, across healthcare and within the MRT profession" commented Irving Gold, CEO of the CAMRT. 

"The goal of this position statement and our other work in this area is to raise awareness of the issue of burnout within the medical radiation technologist profession and to bring about action to support professionals and research to help us better understand the causes of burnout and the best ways to manage it in the healthcare system".

The position statement can be found at: https://www.camrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Position-Statement-Burnout-Jan-2021.pdf

About CAMRT: Established in 1942, the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is the national professional association and certifying body for radiological, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging technologists and radiation therapists. Recognized at home and internationally as a leading advocate for the profession of medical radiation technology, the CAMRT is an authoritative voice on the critical issues that affect its members and their practice. The CAMRT has successfully partnered with a number of government initiatives and agencies in the past to work towards a better healthcare system for Canadians. Find out more at camrt.ca.  

SOURCE Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists

Dymedso establishes respiratory scientific advisory board

MONTREAL, Feb. 3, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Dymedso Inc. ("Dymedso"), a Montreal-based medical technology company, is proud to announce the formation of its Respiratory Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of several key opinion leading international experts in respiratory medicine. The advisory board will be tasked with helping Dymedso shape the future direction of pulmonary treatments within the airway clearance device industry. 

Led by Dr. Simon Phaneuf, emergency physician and Chief scientific officer at Dymedso, and Dr. Laura McIntosh, Human Cell Biologist, the board will advise Dymedso on how best to further develop its digitally-controlled Frequencer^® acoustic airway clearance device to meet the needs of patients across various conditions related to respiratory infections, particularly those requiring the most critical care. 

More than 700 Frequencer^® devices are currently being used by patients at home, and by hospitals around the world to assist with airway recruitment and secretion removal on critical care patients in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). The Frequencer^® device was recently purchased by several hospitals in Quebec, Germany and Kuwait for the purpose of treating COVID-19 patients.

The following renowned medical professionals have been named to the Dymedso Respiratory Scientific Advisory Board:

• Nauman Chaudary, MD, is a professor of medicine and director of the adult cystic fibrosis center at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He established VCU's first adult cystic fibrosis center and under his leadership, VCU initiated "age appropriate care" into the program, as recommended by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He has advanced the knowledge and innovation in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and has conducted research trials, presented, and published on the topic in national meetings and peer reviewed journals. 
  
• Sean Gilman, MD, is a pulmonologist and director of the McGill University Health Centre Smoking Cessation Program. Prior to his return to McGill in 2012, he was an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a pulmonologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where he developed a tobacco treatment program for patients and employees. He is currently working on expanding the reach and accessibility of tobacco dependence treatment for all Quebecers.
  
• Kris Ides, PhD, is a physiotherapist at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. He works with the children's hospital at the University of Antwerp within the Cystic Fibrosis Centre. He also focuses on COPD and post COVID-19 rehabilitation. He continues to work at the University of Antwerp in the CoSys laboratory as an affiliated researcher for the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP) research group. In this role, his research focuses on the "novel" outcome measures for respiratory physical therapy.
  
• Tee Guidotti, MD, MPH, is an international consultant in occupational and environmental health. He is the former chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University and director of the Division of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology in the medical school. He is board-certified in the United States in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and occupational medicine, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Dr. Guidotti is an American Thoracic Society Fellow and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 
  
• Ashwin Basavaraj, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of the Bronchiectasis Program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is Section Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. Dr. Basavaraj's research interests include bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease, with a specific focus in airway clearance techniques. He has lectured internationally on the topic and has chaired multiple postgraduate courses and scientific symposia. Dr. Basavaraj is a fellow of the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians.

About Dymedso 
Dymedso is a pioneer in using sound (acoustics) to treat patients with lung disorders and respiratory diseases. Its airway clearance device, the Frequencer^®, was invented by Louis Plante, a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient. Dymedso is ISO 13485 certified and holds the CE mark in Europe. The Frequencer^® is approved by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is used by leading hospitals in more than 50 countries. www.dymedso.com 

Dymedso™ and the Frequencer^® are pending trademark applications and/or registered trademarks of Dymedso, Inc., in Canada and other countries. All other company and product names contained herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE Dymedso