Resilience: A Workbook Outlines 7 Key Traits of Resilient People
 

Grand Rapids, MI, February 4, 2021 — Some individuals seem positively unsinkable, no matter how tumultuous the circumstances, while others have difficulty weathering any storm at all. What is it that makes some people bounce back more readily in the face of life’s challenges? 

Psychologist Kathryn Den Houter addresses this question and offers valuable, actionable tools in her illuminating book, Resilience: A Workbook: Powering Through Adversity to Find Happiness.

“We have a culture that demands adaptability, personal insights, and a willingness to change,” Dr. Den Houter writes. “Resilience is essential for optimum survival.”

After 25 years in private practice, Dr. Den Houter identified seven qualities of resilience that her successful clients had in common. In Part One of Resilience: A Workbook, she devotes a chapter to each of these traits, using client case studies to illustrate the ways in which these traits impact lives. She also draws comparisons to famous personalities who share these same resilient qualities. Each chapter concludes with study questions ideal for both personal introspection as well as group settings. 

Part Two converts the awareness and understanding of these resilient qualities into action, with valuable tools to help readers harness the healing power of relaxation, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive visualization, improved self-esteem and more. 

Resilience: A Workbook is intended for individuals as well as group leaders, teachers, psychologists, pastors and social workers. Special consideration is given to the role of faith in the lives of resilient individuals. 

Not only did Dr. Den Houter use her expertise as a therapist to inform her message, but she also drew upon her rich background as an educator for two decades and as a mother of four. The result is a practical, easy to understand guide that puts the power of resilience in the palm of your hand. 

Author Kathryn Den Houter has been writing novels actively since her retirement in 2013, but before that, she wrote an untold number of novels in her head. Her last novel, Abigail’s Exchange, was a winner in the Eric Hoffer writer’s contest and a semi-finalist in the Royal Palm Literary Award. She has often said and steadfastly holds to the maxim that “good stories heal.” 

Before her writing career, she had two careers that spanned 45 years. She taught in preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school before completing a doctorate in psychology, after which she developed a private practice in Grand Rapids. Her most beloved career was raising four children with her late husband, Len. 

She and her husband of 10 years, Jim, live near Grand Rapids and enjoy spending winter months in Florida. 

For more information, please visit www.kathryndenhouter.com.

Resilience: A Workbook: Powering Through Adversity to Find Happiness

Publisher: Jambo Press

ISBN-10: 154037257X 

ISBN-13: 978-1540372574 

Available from Amazon.com and wherever books are sold

 
youbody Launches First Waterless Body Wash

The sustainable body wash donates a portion of proceeds to Water.org

NEW YORK, NY - February 4, 2021 - youbody, the unisex body wash line, founded by product development expert Heather Fritzsche, launches first-to-market waterless body wash system. With the knowledge that traditional body wash is made up of about 85% water and creates over a billion plastic bottles of body wash that end up in garbage and recycling streams each year, Fritzsche set out to create an eco-friendly alternative that is premium, sustainable, customizable and charitable. In addition to using less water, youbody packets are eco-friendly and break down into clean energy in 120 days and are also sulfate-free, sulfite-free, paraben-free, and hypo allergenic.
youbody's Starter Kit, comes with a youbody pod™, and your choice of five powdered, scented Essences to customize your experience. The youbodypod is a patented design which allows the customer to mix their custom blend of body wash right in a dispensing tool that provides superior lather and exfoliation. In the beginning of each week, mix 3 packs of youbody Essence together with water in your youbody pod™ and delight in your customizable wash that's original and unique to you. With currently eight scents to choose from including Awake, Balance, Calm, Clean, Escape, Play, Simple and Wander, featuring superfood ingredients such as Caribbean Ginger, Icelandic Kelp, Pomegranate Seed Oil and more, there are literally thousands of premium combinations to enjoy. After your Starter Kit runs out, youbody offers a subscription service with free shipping for monthly or bimonthly delivery.  "I'm a real believer that businesses have the responsibility to make the world a better place. I really think youbody can do that by helping people embrace who they are, without stereotypes, and protecting our rivers and oceans." says Fritzsche. 

Imagery HERE
Water stewardship and sustainability are core values of youbody and with that in mind, they donate 5% of their proceeds to Water.org which provides safe water to families worldwide. youbody's waterless body wash system is available now at https://youbodycare.com/. For more information: julia@michelemariepr.com. ABOUT youbodyyoubody was founded on the idea that body wash could be more than what's inside the bottle. That it could leave the smallest footprint on our waters by using powder-filled packets that break down, instead of plastic that pollutes. And it could be fun to wash with, feel like nothing else out there, and always smell amazing.

FACIT Crowns 2021 Winner of Falcons' Fortunes Pitch Competition; Announces Follow-on Investment in 2020 Winner, Bridge7 Oncology

Showcasing Ontario's emerging biotech entrepreneurs and driving value from intellectual property 

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - FACIT, a commercialization venture firm for Ontario cancer innovations, congratulates the 2021 winner of its Falcons' Fortunes pitch competition, Waterloo-based start-up Air Microfluidic Systems Inc. The winning pitch, delivered by CEO Mr. Run Ze Gao, focused on the development of an air microfluidics-enabled active compression sleeve for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. 

FACIT hosts the annual pitch competition as part of its broader mandate to build a culture supportive of entrepreneurship and commercialization in Ontario, shining a spotlight on the next generation of great companies and innovations from across the province. Now in its 8^th year, the competition highlights six Ontario-based entrepreneurs working in the oncology sector as they pitch their innovations to a panel of industry-experienced investors for the $50,000 Ernsting Entrepreneurship Award. FACIT's Prospects Oncology Fund sponsors the award, which throughout the year, addresses the seed funding gap for early-stage, proof-of-concept projects with commercial potential.

The Prospects Oncology Fund frequently receives applications from previous Falcons' Fortunes' participants to further advance their innovations. FACIT is pleased to announce that the 2020 Falcons' Fortunes winner, local artificial intelligence (AI) start-up Bridge7 Oncology, has secured a follow-on Prospects Fund investment. 

Bridge7 Oncology develops AI software to "learn" radiotherapy treatment planning. The platform learns by examining proprietary databases and providing automated plans for cancer patients, optimizing treatments and creating healthcare efficiencies. "This seed funding will allow us to complete our global pilot study and enable our technology to reach its next inflection point, positioning our company for further investment," said Dr. Tom Purdie, Co-Founder of Bridge7 Oncology. "Participating in and winning FACIT's 2020 pitch competition helped refine our company focus and facilitated engagement with investors and industry experts, enabling us to secure customers, international partnerships and early adopters of our technology."

A unique commercialization venture group, FACIT receives support through its strategic partner, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), which is funded by Ontario's Ministry of Colleges and Universities. "Commercialization culture and seed funding are essential for harnessing Ontario's incredible entrepreneurial spirit," remarked Hon. Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "With groups like FACIT focused on maximizing the value of the province's intellectual property and innovative talent, Ontario is poised to benefit from the incredible research being done at our province's leading postsecondary institutions and research institutes."

"Cultivating emerging entrepreneurs and highlighting exciting start-ups and innovations, like the ones we recognize and celebrate today, are important milestones in the future impact on patients living with cancer," said Dr. David O'Neill, President of FACIT. "To ensure Ontario benefits from its homegrown IP, a local ecosystem that can provide seed capital, experienced industry management, and capacity to support further development is essential."  

About FACIT         
FACIT is an award-winning commercialization venture firm that builds companies with entrepreneurs to accelerate oncology innovation, with a portfolio that has attracted more than $1 billion in investment to Ontario. Blending industry experience, capital and the unsurpassed clinician-scientist network of its strategic partner the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), FACIT capitalizes on the province's investment in research and healthcare to the benefit of the local economy and patients worldwide. FACIT's commercialization portfolio includes Turnstone Biologics, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Triphase Accelerator and other biotechnology organizations.  Cancer Breakthroughs. Realized. facit.ca.

About Bridge7 Oncology
Bridge7 uses Artificial Intelligence to automate the quality, efficiency, and consistency of cancer treatments so every patient gets access to the best treatment possible. Our Founders are recognized leaders in technology for automating radiation oncology processes. Dr. Tom Purdie (UHN, UofT) and Dr. Chris McIntosh (UHN, Vector Institute for AI) have built and commercialized automated treatment planning solutions currently in market. Our patented technology is the world's most advanced AI to detect treatment quality for radiation medicine treatments. Our AI has been developed over 7 years of research at UHN and validated in a dozen peer review publications. Our AI models are trained utilizing the largest structured databases of radiation treatments including over 10,000 treatments and 150,000 anatomical structures.

SOURCE FACIT Inc.

ELNA Medical Acquires the Network of PrivaMED Medical Clinics

The company is simultaneously launching ELNA+, a network of clinics offering private medical services in Quebec

MONTREAL, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal-based ELNA Medical, a leading network of primary and specialty care clinics in Canada, completed today the acquisition of PrivaMED, a group of private medical clinics.

Founded in 2009 and established on Montreal's south shore, PrivaMED offers primary and specialty care services by telemedicine or in person through two clinics – in Boucherville and in Brossard – and 16 health professionals. It offers a comprehensive range of family practice services, including mental health services as well as corporate medicine under its MY FAMILY DOCTOR ® program.

"With our arrival in the ELNA Medical family, our clients will continue to benefit from timely access to high-quality personalized services and the same professionalism that define us," said PrivaMED's cofounders, Dr. Francine Grosjean and Dr. Nathalie Nicloux. Our patients will gain from this partnership on two fronts: by accessing a broader range of medical services and benefiting from new technologies that will improve their consultation experiences."

Experienced leadership
"PrivaMED has been a recognized leader in private health care with a reputation for excellence for over 10 years," said Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical. Such an acquisition makes total sense for our company. It reflects our strong commitment to providing timely and convenient access to integrated quality health care, including personalized and preventive medicine, leveraged by advanced technologies. Quick access to recognised physicians is the central aspect of private health care delivery."

ELNA Medical now has 56 primary, specialty and occupational health care clinics in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. More than 800 medical professionals provide high-quality care in person and through telemedicine to more than one million Canadians and 1,500 organizations each year. "And we will continue to grow to strengthen our status as the leading network of medical clinics in Canada," said Laurent Amram.

New division
This first-ever private health care acquisition also allows ELNA Medical to launch ELNA+, a network of private clinics not affiliated with the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). These clinics will provide a full range of accessible, timely health care for individuals as well as companies concerned with the health and well-being of their employees. It currently includes the two PrivaMED facilities in the south shore of Montreal, and the ELNA+ clinic opening soon at Decarie Square, in Montreal. 

About ELNA Medical
ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, with over 800 medical professionals in 56 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics. Active since 2016, it provides primary and specialty health care covered by public health care insurance plans. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

https://www.facebook.com/elnamedical/ 
https://www.instagram.com/elnamedical/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/elna-medical-complex/mycompany/

SOURCE ELNA Medical

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