How Large, Legacy Companies Can Win at the Innovation Game

Denver, Colorado, October 3, 2022 — Big companies have traditionally dominated innovation. But today, according to recent data, entrepreneurs have pulled ahead and taken over most of the growth in consumer-packaged goods. However, using nimble strategies and a hands-on approach, Fortune 500 companies can make and test ideas faster, reduce risk and launch bold new products, say innovation experts Jonathan Tofel and Carolina Sasson. 

In their new book, Fire in the Machine: Driving Entrepreneurial Innovation in Large CPG Organizations, Tofel and Sasson share insights on innovation gained from decades spent working with Fortune 500 companies such as Clorox, PepsiCo and Kellogg's. They reveal the strategies that have helped their CPG clients harness the startup mindset with big business systems to unleash the best of both worlds. 

"Innovators in large companies know that when it comes to creating and delivering products consumers love, size is on their side," Tofel said. "The power of a Fortune 500 company allows it to leverage its resources to grow by developing new products that greatly enhance consumers' lives." 

But big-company strength alone won't cut it when it comes to innovation, explains Sasson.

"The sweet spot lies between large company capability and the entrepreneurial ethos underscoring successful startups," she said. "This mix is the key to unlocking exponential growth and inspired innovation."

Fire in the Machine offers an insightful journey into the challenges that all great innovators in large corporations face and shows leaders in these companies how to leverage new approaches and realize the growth possible when entrepreneurial innovation is in the driver's seat. 

About the Authors

For more than two decades, Jonathan Tofel, CEO of Mission Field, has been a consumer goods package entrepreneur at the forefront of innovation in Fortune 500 CPG companies. He has worked with clients in the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia to develop thousands of unique product ideas. His clients have included a who’s who of CPGs, including PepsiCo Inc. (Frito-Lay, Quaker), Heineken, General Mills, Tropicana Brands Group and Kellogg’s. 

As COO of Mission Field, Carolina Sasson helps Fortune 500 CPG clients kickstart their internal innovation processes from ideation and strategy design to prototype development and real-life battle testing — all with the entrepreneurial speed that often eludes large corporations. She has worked with some of the leading CPG companies in the world, including Clorox, Kraft-Heinz, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Danone and Ocean Spray.

Mission Field is a global innovation, strategy and insights consultancy that has been on the Inc. 5000 list, twice made the Financial Times The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies and was designated a "Fast 50" high-growth company by the Denver Business Journal.

Connect with the authors at https://www.mission-field.com/

Fire in the Machine: Driving Entrepreneurial Innovation in Large CPG Organizations

Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing

Release Date: September 14, 2022

ISBN-10: ‎1544530161 

ISBN-13: ‎978-1544530161

Available from Amazon.com

How Large, Legacy Companies Can Win at the Innovation Game

Denver, Colorado, October 3, 2022 — Big companies have traditionally dominated innovation. But today, according to recent data, entrepreneurs have pulled ahead and taken over most of the growth in consumer-packaged goods. However, using nimble strategies and a hands-on approach, Fortune 500 companies can make and test ideas faster, reduce risk and launch bold new products, say innovation experts Jonathan Tofel and Carolina Sasson. 

In their new book, Fire in the Machine: Driving Entrepreneurial Innovation in Large CPG Organizations, Tofel and Sasson share insights on innovation gained from decades spent working with Fortune 500 companies such as Clorox, PepsiCo and Kellogg's. They reveal the strategies that have helped their CPG clients harness the startup mindset with big business systems to unleash the best of both worlds. 

"Innovators in large companies know that when it comes to creating and delivering products consumers love, size is on their side," Tofel said. "The power of a Fortune 500 company allows it to leverage its resources to grow by developing new products that greatly enhance consumers' lives." 

But big-company strength alone won't cut it when it comes to innovation, explains Sasson.

"The sweet spot lies between large company capability and the entrepreneurial ethos underscoring successful startups," she said. "This mix is the key to unlocking exponential growth and inspired innovation."

Fire in the Machine offers an insightful journey into the challenges that all great innovators in large corporations face and shows leaders in these companies how to leverage new approaches and realize the growth possible when entrepreneurial innovation is in the driver's seat. 

About the Authors

For more than two decades, Jonathan Tofel, CEO of Mission Field, has been a consumer goods package entrepreneur at the forefront of innovation in Fortune 500 CPG companies. He has worked with clients in the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia to develop thousands of unique product ideas. His clients have included a who’s who of CPGs, including PepsiCo Inc. (Frito-Lay, Quaker), Heineken, General Mills, Tropicana Brands Group and Kellogg’s. 

As COO of Mission Field, Carolina Sasson helps Fortune 500 CPG clients kickstart their internal innovation processes from ideation and strategy design to prototype development and real-life battle testing — all with the entrepreneurial speed that often eludes large corporations. She has worked with some of the leading CPG companies in the world, including Clorox, Kraft-Heinz, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Danone and Ocean Spray.

Mission Field is a global innovation, strategy and insights consultancy that has been on the Inc. 5000 list, twice made the Financial Times The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies and was designated a "Fast 50" high-growth company by the Denver Business Journal.

Connect with the authors at https://www.mission-field.com/

Fire in the Machine: Driving Entrepreneurial Innovation in Large CPG Organizations

Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing

Release Date: September 14, 2022

ISBN-10: ‎1544530161 

ISBN-13: ‎978-1544530161

Available from Amazon.com

How To Overcome Burnout in All Facets of Life Tips from a Psychology Performance PhD

www.drhaleyperlus.com 

Haley Perlus_forward headshot.png

Burnout is on the rise. A recent report from Indeed found that 52% of all workers are feeling burned out. 

(Source: https://www.indeed.com/lead/preventing-employee-burnout-report

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Burnout is prevalent and can result from overly demanding expectations, lack of control, lack of social support, taking on more than one can handle at work, school, or interpersonally with family and friends, or poor self-care, among other causes. Burnout can affect the quality of life and well-being in various negative ways. 

We turned to Haley Perlus, Sport and Performance Psychology Ph.D. to discuss ways to overcome burnout. 

Here Are Tips On How To Overcome Burnout: 

How to overcome/prevent burnout at your job

To overcome/prevent burnout at your job, first, identify what you can change. For example, learning how to say no at work when you are working on multiple tasks simultaneously can help lessen stress and frustration. Evaluating your commitments, setting boundaries, and learning when to turn down requests will help you get the rest you need to give yourself and others your best. Setting personal and professional boundaries is essential to bounce back from burnout because if you feel taken advantage of or disempowered by your relationships, your self-esteem is impacted. Low self esteem affects stress levels, health, and personal relationships. Clear communication is key in setting boundaries that empower yourself, give you more control, reduce stress, and put you on the road to better well-being. 

How to overcome/prevent burnout as a parent

Recovery can take two forms. One form is practicing stillness. Stillness techniques include, but are not limited to, meditation, deep breathing, sleep (including naps), and simple, quiet time. Even just one minute of quality deep breathing can renew emotional energy. Variety is the second form of recovery that can treat and prevent burnout. Variety essentially offers you an opportunity to recover from one task while engaging in another task that requires a different type of energy. For example, physical activity provides positive stress for your body while creating wonderful recovery for your emotions and mind. Stepping away from your computer for 10 minutes and folding laundry while listening to calming, peaceful, and happy music can provide mental recovery. If you take advantage of it, your mind will escape from the computer and the music will help with emotional recovery (as long as you don’t focus on the pressure of getting chores down and, instead, enjoy crossing laundry off the list while enjoying your favorite music). No matter what recovery (i.e. stillness and variety) you choose for yourself today, take everything one step at a time, and make small changes along the way. Tiny changes can have a ripple effect that eventually leads to significant results in your overall health.  

How to overcome/prevent burnout as a caregiver 

When taking care of a family member, friend or loved one, most of the sympathy tends to go to the person who is ill or infirmed. Many forget the emotional and physical toll that being a caregiver can present. More than 40 million adults in North America are taking care of elderly, chronically ill or disabled loved ones, according to Pew Research Center. Signs of burnout can include, but are not limited to: depression, fatigue, anxiety about the future, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness and other symptoms. Although being a caregiver is never easy, there are some things you can do to make it more manageable. Ask for help whenever possible, whether paying a professional or calling upon a friend or family member. Don’t skip your own medical appointments. If you are not well, you are not in a position to care for someone else. Check policies for family leave benefits at work. Don’t feel like you have to keep a constant vigil by their bedside, especially if you know they tend to nap or sleep at times of the day. Use those times for some self-care and pampering. Speak to other caregivers you know to get tips on managing, or speak with the attending physician or hospital social worker.

How to overcome/prevent burnout as a student

To overcome burnout as a student, set reasonable goals. Write a to-do-list each day of assignments that need to get done and note their due dates. Use daily reminders and calendars to stay motivated to achieve deadlines. Set aside time and pencil in time to practice mindfulness. Time away from your obligations is just as important as time spent fulfilling your obligations. Practice self-care to reduce stress and let your mind relax. Celebrate small wins along the way and keep the end goal in mind. Think big picture: one bad grade does not determine your future. 

How to overcome prevent/burnout from working out

If you overtrain and don’t allow your body to fully recover, you are likely to experience workout burnout. Also, boredom will kick in if you stay with the same routine over a long period. If you overtrain, you are more susceptible to injuries that can take you out of your routine and make it harder to “jump back in.” Setting fitness goals that are realistic for your age, level of condition and work/personal schedule is critical. Many athletes or “weekend warriors” feel guilty if they take a break from training. It is wise to take off two days a week. There is a reason for the term “stress fracture.” While weight training is great for improving bone density and high-impact workouts are excellent for cardio, your bones get stressed, which can lead to fractures. Don’t obsess over numbers, reps, inches etc. Focus more on how you feel after the workout mentally and physically. Switch up your workouts so that you don’t reach an exercise plateau. If you need to, get a fitness buddy, change your workout environment, the music you listen to, or treat yourself to some new workout gear. 

About Haley Perlus 

Dr. Haley Perlus knows what it takes to overcome barriers and achieve peak performance. As an elite alpine ski racer, she competed and trained with the best in the world, pushing herself to the limits time and time again. Now, with a PhD in sport psychology, Haley continues to push boundaries and drive peak performance, helping athletes and Fortune 100 executives reach their goals. 

Haley works with individuals and teams to manage and expand their energy capacity while increasing resilience, focus and drive. Dr. Perlus is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, professor, author and consultant to Division I athletes. She has spoken at many events some of which include VISTAGE, Tec Canada, Elite Fitness and Performance Summit and Trilogy Athletes. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado lecturing on applied sport and exercise psychology at the graduate level. She has authored several books including The Ultimate Achievement Journal and The Inside Drive and her articles have been featured in publications such as Thrive Magazine, Fitness Magazine, IDEA Fitness Journal, EpicTimes, Telluride Inside, MyVega and BeachBody®. 

Dr. Perlus earned her PhD at the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis on social psychology of sport and physical activity, her MS at the University of Florida in sport pedagogy and her bachelor’s degree at the University of Western Ontario in kinesiology. Haley loves both water and snow skiing, and hiking. Her favorite meal is anything that requires only chopping or blending.

Training Diet: 4 Kinds of Superfoods Every Serious Trainer Eats Regularly

As a serious trainer, you know that what you put into your body has a direct impact on your results. You also know that eating the right foods can give you the edge you need to reach your full potential. That's why it's important to incorporate superfoods into your diet. Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that offer health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. Here are four of the best types of superfoods for serious trainers.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals. They're also low in calories, making them an ideal food for serious trainers who are trying to lean out. In addition, leafy greens are high in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, joint function, and brain health. B vitamins are essential for energy production and metabolism. Salmon is also a good source of selenium, a mineral that plays a role in immune function and thyroid health.

Berries

Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to inflammation. Some companies, like Everbowl - Mission Valley, know that berries are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for immunity, wound healing, and collagen production.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and B6. Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy, while fiber aids in digestion and weight management. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is important for vision and skin health. Vitamins C and B6 play roles in immune function, metabolism, and energy production respectively. Sweet potatoes are a wonderful way to get good quality vitamins and nutrients into your body. They can make you healthy in many various ways.

If you're serious about training, then you need to make sure you're eating the right foods to fuel your body. Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that offer health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. By incorporating superfoods into your diet, you can give yourself the edge you need to reach your full potential as a trainer. Leafy greens, salmon, berries, and sweet potatoes are all great options to include in your diet plan.

Anita Ginsburg / Freelance Writer
anitaginsburg@gmail.comBio: Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.

Training Diet.jpg

10 Best Retreats for a Wellness-Infused Christmas and New Year

With the arrival of Autumn and the weather turning cooler, traveller's thoughts are turning on where to spend the Christmas and New Year period to improve their health and wellness whilst also boosting their immunity. Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists share 10 of the best Christmas and New Year wellness retreats to set wellness travellers up for a happier and healthier 2023. Whether it’s a luxury ski & spa break in the Italian Dolomites or a family wellness holiday in balmy Vietnam, there is a healthy retreat experience to suit everyone.

These carefully selected wellness holidays offer a respite from the hectic modern world, especially in light of the constant ups and downs of the past year and serve, to propel you into 2023 as a healthier and more relaxed person ready to tackle whatever this world can throw at you!

Recover from this past year and welcome the next exiting instalment of your life by giving your body what it needs this December and January with one of these 10 handpicked luxury wellness retreats:

Winter Wonder Wellness: Ski & Spa at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Italy

Enjoy a unique combination of skiing fun and relaxing spa treatments set in the peaceful Dolomite Mountain range on this rejuvenating and physically energising ski and spa wellness retreat. Look down on the tranquil alpine forestry as you descend the mountain slopes aboard your skis as you make your way towards Lefay Dolomite’s state-of-the-art wellness temple, where you can recover after your daily skiing sessions with relaxing spa massages, body scrubs, and hydro-aromatherapy treatments. Ski into the Christmas season at this luxurious Italian retreat and return feeling wholly reinvigorated.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti from £1,950pp sharing or £2,965 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, optional return private transfers and a spa programme. Flights are available on request.

New Year, New Healthy YouWeight Loss at Conrad Algarve, Portugal

Work off those Figgie puddings and Mince pies on this luxury wellness and weight loss holiday in the stunning Algarve. Conrad Algarve takes you on a three-pronged weight loss journey, treating you to nutritional coaching, a personalised workout plan, and specific body treatments designed to improve metabolic output. Shift your focus towards your mind and rebalance your outlook on the mind and body with relaxing spa treatments and comprehensive sports facilities. Stroll confidently into the New Year with a maintainable weight thanks to Conrad Algarve. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Conrad Algarve from £4,245pp sharing or £5,330 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, optional return private transfers and a weight loss programme. Flights are available on request.

O Come, All Ye Stressful: Rebalance & Stress Management at SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain

Don’t let that seasonal stress turn you into a grinch, leave those stresses in 2022 and become the best version of yourself on this relaxing and rebalancing festive stress management holiday. Let those pent-up feelings flow out of you through personalised massage sessions, wash away Christmas shopping trauma with an aquatic therapy session, and forget about the in-law drama with an energising cryotherapy treatment. Beat the stress of the Christmas period in the cool Mediterranean climate of Spain at SHA Wellness Clinic.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at SHA Wellness Clinic from £4,960pp sharing or £5,655 for single occupancy. Price includes full board,optional return private transfers and a stress management programme. Flights are available on request.

All I Want for Christmas is Yoga & Wellness: Yogic Detox at Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Detoxify your mind, body, and (Christmas) spirit on this luxury detox yoga holiday on the coast of Oman. Experience a renewed level of energy and a peace of mind through a series of hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, and spa therapies where the ever-present warmth of the Arabian Peninsula is a much a feature of the treatments as anything else. Beat the Winter sniffles, detoxify and strengthen your natural immune system with the nutritious detox menu, detox body scrubs, and included massage therapies.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.comoffers 7 nights at Six Senses Zighy Bay from £5,420pp sharing or £8,690 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast (other board options available), optional return private transfers and a yoga detox programme. Flights are available on request.

Seasonal Caribbean Spa Retreat: Spa at Carlisle Bay, Antigua & Barbuda

A magical Winter wellness spa experience set on the beaches of Antigua, this luxury spa holiday at Carlisle Bay offers a relaxing and soothing spa experience surrounded by white sandy beaches and the luscious Caribbean flora. Renew your freedom of movement with private relaxing yoga or Pilates classes. Sit back and indulge yourself, enjoy a deep tissue massage on the beach, cure what ails you with soothing reflexology treatments, or centre yourself with Reiki sessions at Carlisle Bay’s Cara Organic Beauty Spa.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Carlisle Bay from £6,885pp sharing or £5,360 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast (other board options available), optional return private transfers and a spa programme. Flights are available on request.

Walking in a Wellness Wonderland: Rejuvenation & Immunity Boost at Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Escape from the hecticness of the Christmas season and regain a sense of balance at this luxury spa and wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayas. Ananda individually tailors each of their wellness experience to your unique needs, kicking off your healthy holiday with a series of detailed questionnaires and consultations before the fun begins! You will be treated to multiple daily Ayurveda and cleansing therapies, as well as yoga, pranayama, and meditation sessions. Regain balance and become one with yourself mentally and physically with this rejuvenating and immunity boosting holiday.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Ananda in the Himalayas from £5,420pp sharing or £6,835 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, return private transfers and an immune-boosting programme. Flights are available on request.

Festive FitnessBasic Optimal Fitness at Kamalaya, Thailand

Face the New Year head on with healthier fitness habits and work towards your personal fitness goals on a festive fitness-boosting luxury retreat, whether that’s to improve your heart health or build your strength. Get ready to sweat in the Thai December heat, as you are pushed to your limits though a series of private personal training sessions, revival exercises, and stretching sessions. Indulge in delicious nutritious food and relax with Kamalaya’s range of holistic spa treatments including Thai massage and Ayurveda therapies.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from £ 2,810pp sharing or £3,350 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, optional return private transfers and a fitness programme. Flights are available on request.

Festive Family Wellness: Family Holiday at TIA Wellness Resort, Vietnam

A holistic family wellness holiday to keep the whole family entertained, even the little elves in your life will be pampered with their very own ‘mini’ spa treatments. Treat the family to a variety of spa, meditations and Tai Chi sessions at the southeast Asian wellness paradise that is TIA Wellness Resort. Replenish your body with delectable healthy cuisine at one of several on-site eateries and venture out on local cultural excursions to expand your mind. Build long-lasting memories as you explore the local coastline through exciting water sports activities and snorkelling excursions to a nearby island. Return with a stronger family bond following this unique wellness family holiday experience.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at TIA Wellness Resort from £3,025 for 2 adults + 1 child or 2 adults + 2 children or £4,055 for 2 adults + 3 children. Price includes full board, optional return transfers and a family wellness programme. Flights are available on request.

Surfing Around the Christmas Tree: Surf at COMO Uma Canggu, Bali

Surround yourself with sunshine, sea and surf and give yourself a wellness break from those Winter woes at this luxury surfing retreat in Bali. Let your curiosity lead you as you explore the coastline of this Indonesian island through beginner level private surfing classes, after your body is done exploring let your mind wonder and relax with a COMO Shambala deep tissue massage. Let those Winter woes melt away from you in the idyllic Indonesian sun. Return still riding the wave of wellness, ready to face all that the New Year brings.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at COMO Uma Canggu from £1,635pp or £2,330 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, optional return private transfers and a surf programme. Flights are available on request.

Underneath the Mystras-Toe: Couples Escape at Euphoria Retreat, Greece

‘Tis the season to treat yourself and get some much-needed bonding time with that special someone at this luxury couple’s spa retreat programme set in the Greek town of Mystras in the foothills of Mount Taygetos. Your wellness escape begins with the refreshing and de-stressing Byzantine Hammam ritual before you indulge yourselves in relaxing massages and an exfoliating salt room treatment. Grow stronger as a couple and marvel at the wonders of your history-steeped surroundings on this short but sweet couple’s healthy break that will leave you feeling healthier and happier.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891, healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 2 nights at Euphoria Retreat from £920pp sharing or £1,175 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, optional return private transfers and a couple’s wellness programme. Flights are available on request.

One year later: Painting marking National Day for Truth & Reconciliation commemorated for its impact

The Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society celebrate project’s success

Indian Residential School, Leaving the Shallow Graves and Going Home raised $157,250 for charity at auction: by Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One year after Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel commissioned an original piece of art to mark Canada’s inaugural National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, two Indigenous organizations are celebrating the project’s resounding success. The painting, Indian Residential School, Leaving the Shallow Graves and Going Home by renowned Indigenous artist, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun (Coast Salish name, Lets'lo:tseltun) was auctioned in June to benefit Residential School Survivors and netted a final price of $157,250.

All proceeds from the sale of the painting have been donated to two outstanding organizations, the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. The two organizations describe the impact of the funds toward their missions below:

Shannon Henderson, President of the Board of The Orange Shirt Society.
“The Orange Shirt Society would like to thank Dixon Mitchell for honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by commissioning and auctioning the beautiful work of art by Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.

We are grateful for the funds that will help continue the work we do to support Survivors and descendants of Survivors as well as educate people on the impacts of intergenerational trauma caused by the Indian residential school system. 

This donation will go towards providing schools with textbooks as part of our “Storyteller Project” and will also help continue the conversation towards Reconciliation. This act of kindness is an inspired way to demonstrate commitment to Reconciliation and provide meaningful support to our communities.”

Angela White, Executive Director of The Indian Residential School Survivor Society
"When we first heard that Dixon Mitchell had commissioned Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun to produce a piece of art to commemorate the first annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we thought it was a great idea – and when we found out that IRSSS had been selected as a beneficiary, we were even more excited!

Corporate support represents an important source of funds for our organization and the donation provided through this initiative will allow us to help more Residential School Survivors, their families, and other Indigenous people experiencing intergenerational trauma. We thank everyone who took part in this project and hope that it will inspire more companies to become involved in important Indigenous causes."

Dixon Mitchell, which manages institutional assets on behalf of several First Nations clients, has grown close to Indigenous communities and causes over the past decade. As DM’s connection to these groups has deepened, so have its efforts to support fundraisers and other initiatives, including the annual DM Indigenous Student Award, which has now given away more than $100,000 to Indigenous youth.

“As we get set for the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, it’s rewarding to see this project come full circle,” said Don Stuart, Executive Vice President of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel. “Throughout the past year, we were moved by Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun’s story, his vision, and his generosity. It has been a joy to see such broad support for this project both within the art community and across the country and we’re thrilled with how much has been raised for these tremendous organizations.”

Dixon Mitchell would like to thank everyone who helped drive this project forward and donated their services especially Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, Sarah Macaulay of Macaulay Fine Art, Heffel Fine Art Auction House, and our friends at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Video of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, discussing "Indian Residential School, Leaving the Shallow Graves and Going Home."

About Dixon Mitchell
Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel is a national asset management firm providing investment solutions for institutions, foundations, endowments, and affluent private clients. A steward of client wealth since 2000, the firm is rooted in the belief that superior long-term results are achieved through comprehensive internal research, accurate appraisal of fundamentals, and the conviction to act on this work. Dixon Mitchell is based in Vancouver. Please visit www.dixonmitchell.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Lumiera enters MOU with Natural Health Industry Leader for Strategic Partnership and Licensing Agreement

MONTREAL, Sept. 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Lumiera Health Inc.  (TSXV: NHP) (the "Company" or "Lumiera ") a company specializing in the development and commercialization of natural health products, is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a strategic partnership with one of Quebec's leaders in the Natural Health industry (Partner).

The purpose of the MoU is to set the guidelines to discuss an eventual agreement that would allow both Lumiera and its Partner to manufacturer and sell unbranded (white label) products from their respective portfolio to each other. The potential agreement would include a mutually exclusive supplier agreement, as well as minimum quantity requirements and exclusivity in certain sales channels.

The Partner company has been an established leader in Quebec's Natural Health industry for over 75 years and has a strong presence in the Pharmacy and Big Box retail channels.

"This potential partnership is an incredible opportunity for Lumiera. By leveraging our Partner's considerable Brand equity and distribution in high volume retail channels, we can accelerate our growth exponentially" said Carlos Ponce, CEO of Lumiera. "Furthermore, this would give Lumiera access to a broad range of products that have enormous potential in Natural Health retail stores."

Q3 financial statements will be released on or before October 28, 2022.

About Lumiera Health

Lumiera specializes in the development and commercialization of consumer products for the natural health industry. The Company sells herbal tonics and natural supplements through its Holizen Laboratories division, with a diverse portfolio including a line of innovative sleep aids. The Company is also commercializing a unique topical product line acting on the endocannabinoid system, without the use of cannabis, that provides an innovative solution for chronic pain and inflammation. A pioneer in the natural health innovation space, the Lumiera brand is rooted in the core values of science, nature and compassion.  Our goal is to make people's lives better by developing natural health and wellness products that are effective, safe and trustworthy.

For more information visit: www.lumiera.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions indicate such "forward-looking information" as they relate to Lumiera. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect Lumiera' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to Lumiera, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in Lumiera' annual management's discussion and analysis for the year ended November 30, 2021, which is available under the issuer's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.  Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Should any factor affect Lumiera in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Lumiera does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and Lumiera undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.

Related Links: www.lumiera.ca

SOURCE Lumiera Health Inc.

SENSORIA HEALTH & DEFENDER ANNOUNCE AVAILABLITY OF FIRST SMART DIABETIC BOOT

WITH REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING

DESIGNED TO HELP HEAL DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS & 

REDUCE RISK OF AMPUTATIONS

Foot Defender Powered by Sensoria Smart Boot Provides Behavioral Feedback to Patients and Remotely Monitors Them to Improve Outcomes --
Reduces Risk of Amputation


Press Release: https://mailchi.mp/thomaspr/sensoria-health-defender-announce-first-smart-diabetic-boot-now-available
September 28, 2022, Los Angeles, CA – Sensoria® Healthwww.sensoriahealth.com, the leading developer of Remote Patient Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence wearable solutions, and Defender, next-generation designer and manufacturer of innovative foot care solutions for people with complex foot care issues, announced today at the DFCON Conference the availability of the Foot Defender® powered bySensoria® Smart Boot, the world’s first smart diabetic footwear.Available now, the Foot Defender powered by Sensoria is designed to help heal diabetic foot ulcers and reduce the risk of amputations for extended quality of life. The solution combines the Foot Defender Smart Boot with Sensoria Core microelectronics and the Sensoria Patient Mobile App and Clinician Dashboard to monitor a patient’s diabetic foot ulcer healing and rehabilitation compliance to the clinician’s prescribed stabilization and mechanical offloading protocol.

The Foot Defender powered by Sensoria is designed to improve patient adherence to mechanical offloading, monitors patient usage, activity, improves outcomes, and reduces healthcare cost. Designed by Dr. Jason Hanft, a leading podiatrist, together with a former Nike industry-leading shoe designer, Michael DiTullio, to create a protective boot specifically built to better protect foot wounds in a form factor that patients will actually want to wear, Foot Defender powered by Sensoria is available now; visit https://sensoriahealth.com/diabetic-foot-ulcer-boot/ for more information.

Shoe-Like Design Alleviates Foot Contact Pressure by up to 50% as Compared to Other Protective Diabetic Boots

Foot Defender powered by Sensoria has an easy-to-use shoe-like design with a low-profile abrasion resistant compression-molded outsole that alleviates average contact pressure across the foot by up to 50% as compared to other protective boots on the market. Used for both stabilization and offloading, the boot is non-intrusive, cost-effective, and readily usable or embeddable and deployable for a broad spectrum of devices and patient types, whether they are bed-bound, chair-bound, or ambulatory. The Foot Defender powered by Sensoria solution is compliant to the IWGDF guidelines and is the most referenced product in the latest offloading clinical gold standard guidelines. It is also currently being validated by USC Keck School of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine, which received a $2.5M R01 NIH grant to validate its clinical value.  

Reduce the Risk of Diabetic Amputations 

In the United States, 80 million people will be older than 65 years of age in the next few years, according to the CDC. In addition, every 20 seconds world-wide, a limb is amputated due to diabetes; and every 1.2 seconds, there is a new Diabetic Foot Ulcer (there is no amputation without an ulcer). After an amputation, there is a 50% chance that the same patient will have the other limb amputated within two years, with patient five-year life expectancy worse than most cancers. In addition, Diabetic Foot Ulcers are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes, driving direct costs of at least $40 billion dollars annually worldwide and at least $17.5 billion in the U.S. alone.

“Usually subjects with diabetic foot ulcerations wear their offloading devices in just 28% of their daily steps. And there is strong evidence that uncomplicated plantar ulcers can be healed in 8 to 12 weeks. Yet current standard of care in U.S. clinical trials have a 76% treatment failure rate at 12 weeks,” said Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery at USC Keck School of Medicine. “Through the marriage of Sensoria Health’s sensors with the Foot Defender, AI/ML algorithms, custom microelectronics, and remote monitoring cloud software, the system extends the reach of clinicians and potentially contributes to deliver better outcomes for our patients. By injecting sensing technology into footwear and garments that are already a part of the patient workflow, we can likely improve adherence, accurately monitor patients, improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare cost around the world.”

“Combining Foot Defender with Sensoria’s smart technology offers the best of biomechanical engineering and modern footwear design with mobile, plus cloud patient monitoring to promote faster healing, improve overall compliance and ensure healthier outcomes,” commented Dr. Hanft. “It’s a game-changing solution that brings the science of off-loading and protecting diabetic feet into the 21st century.”

Availability

The Foot Defender powered by Sensoria is available now. For more information, see https://sensoriahealth.com/diabetic-foot-ulcer-boot, contact Sensoria Health at Info@Sensoriahealth.com or contact Defender to purchase at Info@DefenderOps.com. The solution may be reimbursable by Medicare and additional codes may be available for remote patient monitoring.

About Sensoria Health

Sensoria Health is the leading developer of healthcare wearables, cloud-based Remote Patient Monitoring, and Artificial Intelligence solutions for garment and footwear that improve the aging consumer’s quality of life. Sensoria delivers the first AI-driven wearable human augmentation platform that tracks total-body patient movement and activity, remotely and in near real-time with proprietary sensor-infused smart garments, Sensoria Core microelectronics, and cloud system enabled smart footwear and clothing. Through textile and pressure sensors inserted in a sock or shoe, Sensoria powered IoMe (Internet of Me) wearables collect data on the physical activity of gait-impaired patients to improve their lives. For more info, see www.sensoriahealth.com and www.sensoria.io.

About Defender

Defender is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative foot care solutions that are changing the game for people with complex foot care issues, from heel pain to diabetic foot ulcers. Founded by Dr. Jason Hanft, a highly respected foot surgeon and podiatrist, the company is best known as the maker of Foot Defender – a protective boot co-conceived by former Nike designer Michael DiTullo. Clinically proven to offload 50% more pressure from the foot than other protective boots, Foot Defender wins praise from health professionals for its patient compliance and stigma-reducing benefits. Defender is also the creator of Heel Defender orthotic inserts, which are made with Absorbium and reduce impact force by nearly 95%. To learn more or to buy, visit footdefender.com or follow us on LinkedIN, or on Facebook or Instagram.

Other Sensoria solutions include Sensoria Mat, Sensoria Smart Band, Smart Knee Brace, Sensoria Developer’s Kit, and in the future the Sensoria Baby line of products. For more information on Sensoria Health, see: www.sensoriahealth.com

HPV Prevention Week, Oct. 3–9: Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's experts available to speak about Action Plan to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2022 /CNW/ - Each year more than 1,300 people in Canada are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 400 die. It doesn't have to be this way.

Cervical cancer is nearly always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that is preventable through immunization and treatable if caught early enough through effective screening.

As Canada marks HPV Prevention Week this year from Oct. 3–9, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's Vice President of Cancer Control, Erika Nicholson, is available to provide commentary on:

  • How jurisdictions across Canada are working to improve access to the HPV vaccine for everyone who needs it – particularly given gaps that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic when school-based immunization programs were paused.
  • How scrapping the Pap test and replacing it with HPV primary screening will modernize cervical cancer screening, benefitting individuals and the cancer care system. HPV screening is only required once every five years, opens the opportunity for self-collection at home, and is more cost-effective, preventing more cancers than the Pap test.
  • Achieving health equity, given that the incidence of cervical cancer is higher among First Nations, Inuit and Métis, those living in rural or remote areas, those with lower incomes, and recent immigrants.

The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide this century, and Canada's Minister of Health committed the country to achieving this by 2040.

The Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada, 2020-2030, outlines the priorities, targets and actions needed to get us there. Ms. Nicholson can also provide insights into the action plan and Canada's progress toward the elimination of cervical cancer.

Additional experts are available across the country to discuss HPV and the elimination of cervical cancer from the perspective of specific populations and regions. Please reach out to the contact person below to be connected to these partners or to speak to Ms. Nicholson.

About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer 
As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy), the Partnership works with Canada's cancer community to take action to ensure people in Canada have equitable access to quality cancer care, fewer people get cancer, more people survive cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. This work is guided by the Strategy, which was refreshed for 2019 to 2029 and will help drive measurable change for all people in Canada affected by cancer. The Strategy includes eight priorities, which will tackle the most pressing challenges in cancer control as well as distinct First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples-specific priorities and actions reflecting Canada's commitment to reconciliation. The Partnership oversees the implementation of the priorities in collaboration with organizations and individuals on the front lines of cancer care – the provinces and territories, health-care professionals, people living with cancer and those who care for them, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments and organizations, and its funder Health Canada.

Learn more about the Partnership and the Strategy at www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca.   

SOURCE Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Dr. Alex Mihailidis recognised as one of the Healthy Ageing 50 — 50 leaders working to transform the world to be a better place to grow older

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2022 /CNW/ - Dr. Alex Mihailidis, an internationally renowned researcher who serves as AGE-WELL's Scientific Director and CEO, has been selected as one of the Healthy Ageing 50 – 50 leaders working to transform the world to be a better place to grow older.

The Healthy Ageing 50 is an initiative under the banner of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing that seeks to honour 50 leaders who are working to foster healthy aging.

"I am proud to be recognized as one of the Healthy Ageing 50 – 50 leaders working to transform the world to be a better place in which to grow older," said Dr. Mihailidis. "It is a great honour to be one of 50 leaders recognized for their efforts to improve the lives of current and future generations of older people."

Dr. Mihailidis has dedicated his career to enhancing the lives of older people and caregivers. A biomedical engineer at the University of Toronto and The KITE Research Institute-University Health Network, Dr. Mihailidis is a world leader in research on technology to support older adults to stay healthy, active and independent. His accomplishments span the creation of cutting-edge technologies – such as prompting systems and smart-home sensors that can flag health issues early on – to new policies related to regulation and service delivery of innovative solutions. His work, specifically in the use of artificial intelligence, sensors and robotics to support people living with dementia, has paved the way for new approaches in caring for our aging population.

Dr. Mihailidis is a visionary who founded the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence, Canada's federally-funded technology and aging network. Under his leadership, AGE-WELL is a highly-regarded Canadian network with global reach that brings everyone together – industry, government, community organizations, academia, older adults, caregivers and future leaders – to advance Canada's AgeTech sector and accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions for healthy aging.

Dr. Mihailidis is a Senior Scientist at The KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, and Associate Vice President – International Partnerships & Professor at the University of Toronto (U of T). He is the Barbara G. Stymiest Research Chair in Rehabilitation Technology at U of T and Toronto Rehab. Dr. Mihailidis is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, and a Fellow of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of America.

AGE-WELL extends sincere congratulations to Dr. Mihailidis and the other Healthy Ageing 50 leaders selected for their extraordinary achievements in the area of healthy aging.

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. https://agewell-nce.ca/

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)