There is so much going on in the world today but my goals have not changed.
Since a few people asked about the changes in the world and how they have effected my work, training and fianances the answer is tremendously.
Competing is expensive if you’d like to donate/sponsor or help me on my journey click here.
Thank you so much for your support in helping me be the best athlete that I can be!
New Posing Website Coming Soon - Introducing Figure Posing Canada!
I have been up to something. Although it is not fully launched yet I want to give you all a look into what I have been working on.
We all know that in person training, posing etc has been effecting all of us. So I wanted to create an online resource to help everyone with posing no matter where in the world you are!
Figure Posing Canada was created to provide quality posing content for figure competitors.
I found that there was a lack of good quality content to learn the ins and outs of figure posing for both beginner and advanced athletes.
Posing is a craft. The ability to show you're physique at its best is always evolving. My goal is to help all figure athletes learn and continuously improve on their posing techniques for both mandatories and routines.
STAY TUNED https://figureposing.ca is coming SOON!
NordicTrack Unveils VAULT™ the Complete Fitness Mirror Powered By iFit Interactive Training
VAULT unlocks traditional strength training at home with a suite of premium fitness gear, stealthily stored behind its sleek mirror
(Logan, UT) - NordicTrack powered by iFit shatters industry benchmarks of at-home fitness mirrors with the launch of VAULT, a world-class personal home gym featuring an all-in-one unit with a full-length mirror, immersive HD touchscreen, and suite of premium dumbbells, kettlebells, and other fitness accessories.
NordicTrack VAULT:
The elegantly designed, carbon steel VAULT features a 32-inch HD touchscreen covered by a sweeping, rotating mirror, allowing a user to work out virtually anywhere in their home while feeling as though their iFit trainer is right there with them.
The first truly comprehensive mirrored fitness studio, VAULT unlocks traditional strength training at home with a suite of premium fitness gear, including six pairs of dumbbells (5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb, 30 lb), two kettlebells (20 lb, 30 lb), three loop resistance bands and three superbands. All equipment, including two yoga blocks and an exercise mat, packs away conveniently into VAULT’s stealthy storage hold—a reimagined vertical dumbbell rack—concealed behind its sleek mirror.
“In this growing category, NordicTrack sets the new industry gold standard with this innovative yet practical design” said Colleen Logan, VP, Marketing of NordicTrack parent company ICON Health & Fitness. “VAULT launches with iFit connected fitness content, a comprehensive suite of strength fitness equipment, and proudly carries NordicTrack’s legacy as the global leader in game-changing at-home fitness.”
Fully integrated with iFit, the leader in interactive connected fitness technology, VAULT is equipped with a growing library of on-demand iFit Studio Workouts led by the world’s top trainers. iFit Trainers offer users versatility across cardio, strength training and recovery workouts, providing both visual and audio cues on form and technique, facilitated by the oversized mirror.
The VAULT Complete is sharply priced at $2,999, or $1,999 for a standalone version excluding weights and other workout accessories. Pre-order now for January shipping exclusively at Nordictrack.com. Both VAULT models include a one-year iFit family membership, which supports up to five adult users, valued at $468.
About NordicTrack and iFit
iFit, the patented connected fitness technology that powers NordicTrack equipment, pioneered interactive, connected fitness and was issued its first of many patents in 1999. Founded with the belief that the majority of consumers would benefit from an interactive, personal training experience at home, iFit’s trainer-led, streaming workouts are now trusted by millions of consumers around the globe.
iFit offers workout options for every fitness level and interest. Try everything, from bodyweight training and yoga to connected fitness workouts on NordicTrack home equipment. Patented interactive technology allows iFit Trainers to create highly personalized workouts for iFit members and automatically adjusts the user’s incline, decline, speed and resistance. iFit interactive workouts are available on NordicTrack treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, rowers, strength machines and the iFit app.
ICON Health & Fitness is a global health and fitness leader and owner of iFit, NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion and other fitness brands. Based in Logan, Utah, the 43-year old company has a multi-decade heritage of innovation, quality and profitability. ICON and iFit currently hold more than 330 technology patents, with 80 pending, and its products are present in 116 countries. iFit workouts are streamed in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese, with more languages planned for 2021.
Five 'Healthy' Foods That Can Ruin Your Diet
Healthy food choices have an allure of well-being and vitality, and make unspoken promises of making you fit. What you may not realize is that these foods top the list of healthy myths that will knock you right out of the diet ballpark and disrupt your plans to be slim and trim. Nicolette M. Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC,CDN, CFCS, FAND is available for interviews.Granola: Granola grew its roots during the health food movement and started off as a simple mixture of whole grains without all of the added sugars and fats that are found in supermarket brands. Just one cup will deliver the equivalent carbohydrate load found in a jumbo bagel or a large plate of spaghetti! Studies also show that eating a breakfast that is super-high in carbohydrates may not be the best choice, as it will lead to an increased appetite throughout the day. Hummus: While made from nourishing chick peas, packaged hummus carries a calorie and fat profile that rivals some mayonnaise, with many varieties containing 60 percent of the calories from fat. Be wary of the appeal of a seemingly small, personal-size package and stay mindful of the recommended serving, because using this vegetarian spread liberally opens the calorie door to extra pounds. Smoothies: Today’s smoothies slide their way in with the appeal of wholesome fruit, dairy and friendly probiotic bacteria. Unfortunately, they have become a venue for lots of added sugars and are a concentrated source of calories. Couple that with the enormous serving sizes found in chain restaurants and you’ve got a great recipe for weight gain. Peanut Butter: Even if it's "reduced fat," don't be fooled by labeling. While peanut butter is naturally cholesterol free, low in sodium, and contains some protein and carbohydrates, it also contains ingredients that will undoubtedly set your diet back. Some products contain palm oil and added sugar, which are jam-packed into a ping-pong-ball-sized dollop, so gobbling up this fat will cause calorie chaos and may disrupt healthy blood fat levels. Wraps: These dense flatbread shells will roll up more calories than you bargained for, with some sizes having the equivalent carbohydrates and fat as three slices of bread with two pats of butter. Fiber may do little to redeem the value of using this starch due to a large surface area that can hold more stuffing and dressing than a regular sandwich. Be sure to wrap it up right by using healthy veggies and low fat proteins, and ask for dressing on the side. About Nicolette M. Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC,CDN, CFCS, FANDNicolette founded NutriSource Inc. ( www.nutrisource.org ) in 2002 to provide high quality education, counseling and nutrition services for a diverse community population. Prior to founding NutriSource Inc, she served as Director of Clinical Nutrition at the NYHQ/Silvercrest Center where she provided both administrative and direct care for sub-acute and chronically ill patients. Nicolette was a key member of performance improvement projects and as Chair of the Nutrition Committee; significant positive changes were made in the standard of care. Nicolette has been featured in CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, the New York Times, Seventeen, Fitness, Men’s Journal, More, Dr. Oz, Everyday Health, AOL, IVillage, Health, Shape and other magazines. She is also a contributing writer for Minerva Place, as well as an adjunct professor of Nutrition at CUNY and Touro Colleges. She believes in emphasizing a holistic approach toward food, nutrition and preventative healthcare. Nicolette Pace Demo Reelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmwoVzGu1Ic
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 8, 2021 /CNW/ - New Arthritis Research Canada study reveals systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who take their antimalarial medications regularly have a 71 per cent lower risk of death than those who do not take them regularly and an 83 per cent lower risk than those who discontinue use altogether.
"The results of this study call attention to the need for improved strategies to boost antimalarial adherence among SLE patients to increase survival and prevent premature death," said Hui Xie, a Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to serious organ complications and premature mortality when not managed.
Antimalarial medication is considered the first-line drug in managing SLE for most patients. These medications have been shown to improve SLE symptoms and reduce inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs, the development of kidney inflammation, central nervous system impairment, and flares in disease activity.
"This study is one of the first to examine antimalarial adherence in SLE patients," Xie said. "It is a big step forward in improving life expectancy for patients with this disease."
To read the full research paper, click here.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2021 /CNW/ - panCELLa's intent to develop therapeutic products in the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and pancreatic islet space has recently led to the creation of Implant Therapeutics.
Implant Therapeutics, under the guidance of Dr. Mahendra Rao, is engineering iPSC-MSC cells containing panCELLa's FailSafe™ and induced Allogeneic Cell Tolerance (iACT Stealth Cell™) technologies. These iPSC MSC cells are hypo-immunogenic and are an ideal choice for bone, cartilage and tendon replacement strategies combining the advantages of allogeneic and autologous cells as well as allowing them to be used as ex-vivo gene therapy vehicles.
Implant is pleased to announce a definitive cross licensing agreement with RxCell. The collaboration will allow both companies to rapidly move forward in their respective fields with enhanced technology platforms, access to cGMP grade iPSC lines and the ability to generate a wide variety of therapeutic grade products.
"RxCell's hypo-immunogenic cell platform complements our cloaking platform and allows us to develop novel tissue-specific hypo-immunogenic cell lines" said Dr. Andras Nagy, the inventor of the cloaking technology otherwise known as panCELLa's iACT (Stealth Cells™). Dr. Zeng added that she was particularly pleased to have access to cGMP grade engineered Master Cell Banks that utilized Sigma/Merck CRISPR-based technology to incorporate the safe harbor technology.
Dr. Rao CEO of Implant Therapeutics added "I believe that the MSC platform developed by the two companies combines the proven power of MSC with the engineering expertise of panCELLa and this will make RxCell and Implant leaders in their respective fields."
About Implant Therapeutics
Implant provides hypoimmunogenic and safe harbor engineered IPSC derived cells in order to deliver the ultimate therapeutic MSC products. To learn more, visit https://www.implant-rx.com/
About panCELLa
Founded in 2015, panCELLa is a privately-held early-stage biotechnology firm based on the innovative technology developed in Dr. Andras Nagy's lab at the Sinai Health System (SHS). panCELLa has created platforms that allow for the development of safe, universal, "off-the-shelf" cell lines. To learn more, visit https://pancella.com.
About RxCell
RxCell is a biotechnology company focused on therapeutic applications of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We have developed several therapeutic grade iPSC line seed banks and are in the process of manufacturing a large Master Cell Bank to support our activities. To learn more, visit https://www.rxcellinc.com/
SOURCE panCELLa Inc.
Support arthritis research from the safety of your home
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Arthritis Research Canada's signature event, the ARThritis Soirée, will celebrate its 8th year of raising awareness and funds for arthritis research on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Though, for the first time, it will take a virtual format.
The ARThritis Soirée highlights art as a way to emphasize the therapeutic role that art plays in helping people cope with a chronic disease. This year will be no different as our event goes virtual to ensure everyone's safety. This is important for our arthritis community, which has been particularly vulnerable throughout the pandemic.
The 2021 ARThritis Soirée will continue to offer a fun and dynamic experience. Guests will enjoy amazing entertainment, an exquisite raffle, along with art and silent auctions.
Mark the date in your calendar and join other like-minded individuals, businesses, community leaders, philanthropists, doctors, health care professionals, and special guests from across the country who share an appreciation of art and a desire to support arthritis research.
Arthritis Research Canada is excited to welcome back Macdonald Realty – a British Columbia owned and operated brokerage with more than 1,000 real estate professionals and staff – as our 2021 ARThritis Soirée, Presenting Sponsor. "Despite these uncertain times, we must push forward and do all we can to accelerate discovery and find answers for the millions of Canadians living with arthritis. Arthritis research is the only way to accomplish this and Macdonald Realty is proud to be able to help," said Dan Scarrow, Macdonald Real Estate Group's President.
Arthritis now affects over 6 million Canadians of ALL ages and 350 million people worldwide. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the need to support arthritis research has never been greater!
"Arthritis is a misunderstood disease. Many assume it's no more than aches and pains and only affects older people. It's actually the leading cause of work disability in Canada and doesn't discriminate based on age," said Dr. Diane Lacaille, Arthritis Research Canada's Scientific Director. "Your generosity is helping to accelerate discoveries aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, providing new and better treatments, and improving quality of life."
We are excited to present the 2021 ARThritis Soirée in its new format and to invite you to help us create greater awareness and raise important funds for leading edge arthritis research.
For more information about the ARThritis Soirée and to learn how you can become a sponsor, please visit www.arthritisresearch.ca/savethedate. Please join us in supporting arthritis research.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
18 Stress Stoppers and Burnout Busters for Frontline Healthcare Workers…and the People Who Love Them.
People working in healthcare need healthy habits and support now more than ever. Mark Goulston, MD and Diana Hendel, PharmD share powerful advice for healthcare workers as well as ways for friends and family members to offer much-needed support.
Nashville, TN (January 2021)—As COVID-19 continues to surge nationwide, stress and burnout are at all-time highs for healthcare workers. The grim realities of working in a pandemic continue to impact every part of their lives. The long-awaited arrival of a vaccine offers a faint light at the end of the tunnel, but in the meantime, workers still need to be their strongest, most resilient selves to keep fighting for their patients.
“Healthcare workers still have a lot of hard work in front of them,” says Dr. Hendel, coauthor along with Dr. Goulston of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD (Harper Horizon, December 2020, ISBN: 978-0-7852-4462-2, $17.99). “The good news is there are plenty of tools and habits that can help alleviate the traumatic stress of COVID, while helping healthcare workers build resilience that will guard against burnout and benefit them for the rest of their careers.”
This toolkit from Drs. Hendel and Goulston can help healthcare workers maintain healthy habits at home and fight against traumatic stress at work. The final portion shares advice for friends and loved ones who want to support the healthcare worker in their life.
EVERYDAY HABITS FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING
Start with sleep, diet, and exercise. They are your foundation. Go to bed early enough to get the rest you need. Cook a batch of healthy meals at once so you can have several lunches and dinners ready when you are. Make time to exercise several times a week.
Meditate daily. Find a quiet moment, close your eyes, and begin slowly breathing in and out. Focus on your breathing but allow your emotions and thoughts to rise and flow through you naturally. Don’t fret if you can only meditate for a few minutes at a time. Start small and add more time when you are ready.
Stay in touch with family and friends. Use services like Zoom or Skype (or an old-fashioned telephone call) to stay connected to those you love. You need social support right now, and a fifteen-minute catchup session each day will support your mental and emotional health.
Make room for hobbies, laughter, and lightheartedness. “Making time for joy is crucial to your own wellbeing,” says Dr. Hendel. “Give yourself permission to get absorbed in your favorite hobbies, watch a lighthearted talk show, or laugh at your favorite funny movie.”
Express your feelings every day. You are bound to have a number of feelings and emotions come up as a result of your work during COVID-19. Make time each day to regularly express how you feel to another person, if possible. It might be a coworker, a partner, or a friend outside of work. You can also record your thoughts and feelings in a journal if you wish.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL TRIGGERED AT WORK
Take a few minutes to get grounded. Grounding is a great way to reduce anxiety and arrive in the here and now. Use it anytime you feel carried away by anxious thoughts or feelings, or when you feel triggered by upsetting memories and flashbacks.
Use “box breathing” to calm yourself and heighten your concentration. Box breathing is the technique of taking slow, deep breaths. Slowly exhale your breath through your mouth to clear all the oxygen from your lungs. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for four slow counts. Hold your breath for four more slow counts. On the next four counts, exhale again through your mouth until your lungs are empty. Hold your breath again for a final slow count of four beats.
Reach for an amulet to help anchor you…Carry a small reminder of what you love about your life and focus on it if you feel triggered and need to center yourself. It might be a photo of your kids or pet, a small rock you picked up on a scenic nature hike, or a special necklace. Think of the gratitude you feel for your life whenever you look at this token.
…Or grab a human lifeline. Ideally, your workplace will have a formal support group to help you deal with the stressors of the pandemic. But if not, consider forming your own informal “fire team” consisting of the colleagues fighting by your side. Not only can this team meet a few times a week to talk through the challenges of the crisis, but you can also reach out to a member anytime you need support. And if you are feeling truly overwhelmed or desperate, reach out to your company’s EAP or contact a mental health professional.
Let your feelings out (when possible). At times you may need to step away from your duties for a few minutes and give those intense emotions some “breathing room.” Try moving to a different room so you can cry or discreetly express your feelings. Finding a private place to let the tears fall or vent for a few minutes can lighten your stress and enable you to get back to work.
Play a mind game. “If there is no way to speak to someone else and you need comfort in the moment, imagine talking to someone who loves you,” says Dr. Goulston. “Imagine that they are listening and lovingly holding and encouraging you. As you hear them talking and walking you through it, you will feel their love and belief in you. This kind of mental pep talk can be a bridge until you are able to speak your feelings to somebody in person.”
Get out of the building for a few minutes. If at all possible, try to get outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Take deep breaths, stretch your arms and legs, and take in the gifts of nature around you. And if possible find someone else who is on a break and invite them for a ten-minute walk so the two of you can blow off steam.
TIPS FOR LOVED ONES SUPPORTING A FRONTLINE WORKER
Take on extra household duties at home. Spouses or partners can take over the primary chores of housekeeping, food preparation, and childcare. Your loved one can still do the tasks they are comfortable performing, but they will feel relieved to know that the burden of responsibility isn’t solely on them. Friends can also find ways to pitch in and help out. Offer to do a grocery run or treat them to delivery from their favorite takeout spot.
Plan lighthearted fun interactions during their time off. Help your loved one unplug after a long work week by keeping things lighthearted and fun. Get outdoors for a socially distanced hike. Plan a lazy day of streaming their favorite movies (think comedies or feel-good classics). If you have kids, plan a fun family project like baking a cake or making crafts.
Ask them what they need (or don’t need!) when they are stressed out. “Your loved one is facing an unusual amount of stress right now, and they may not respond as they normally would to your well-meaning attempts to help out,” says Dr. Hendel. “So, ask them directly, ‘What can I do—or avoid doing—to help when you feel anxious, stressed, triggered, or otherwise upset?’”
Make a point to really listen to them. “Listening is one of the most powerful ways you can support anyone facing the traumatic stress of working the COVID frontlines,” says Dr. Goulston. “They are likely to need an empathetic listening ear more than they need a pep talk. People in healthcare need to feel that they can let their guard down and express what might seem like ‘negative’ emotions without being talked out of their feelings. Give them a safe space to share whatever, positive or negative, is on their mind.”
Be on the lookout for changes in behavior. If your normally optimistic and upbeat loved one is struggling, there may be telltale signals that something is wrong. Some signs to watch for:
If you notice these or other unusual changes, encourage your loved one to talk to a mental health professional. Their workplace may have an EAP (employee assistance program) with resources for counseling and support, or they can reach out to a therapist, priest, or social worker.
“Call on these tools and habits every day, not just when you are feeling on edge or depleted,” concludes Dr. Hendel. “You will feel more in control when self-care and stress management are built into your daily routine. And never forget that you have a support system of loved ones and colleagues cheering for you and ready to step in should you need extra help.”
# # #
About the Authors:
Mark Goulston, MD, FAPA
Dr. Mark Goulston is the coauthor of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD (Harper Horizon, December 2020) and Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through Disruption and Thriving on the Other Side (HarperCollins Leadership, Spring 2021). He is a board-certified psychiatrist, fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, former assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA NPI, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer. He is the creator of Theory Y Executive Coaching—which he provides to CEOs, presidents, founders, and entrepreneurs—and is a TEDx and international keynote speaker.
He is the creator and developer of Surgical Empathy, a process to help people recover and heal from PTSD, prevent suicide in teenagers and young adults, and help organizations overcome implicit bias.
Dr. Goulston is the author or principal author of seven prior books, including PTSD for Dummies, Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior, Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone, Real Influence: Persuade Without Pushing and Gain Without Giving In, and Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life. He hosts the My Wakeup Call podcast, where he speaks with influencers about their purpose in life and the wakeup calls that led them there. He also is the co-creator and moderator of the multi-honored documentary Stay Alive: An Intimate Conversation About Suicide Prevention.
He appears frequently as a human psychology and behavior subject-area expert across all media, including news outlets ABC, NBC, CBS, and BBC News, as well as CNN, Today, Oprah, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune,Harvard Business Review, Business Insider, Fast Company, Huffington Post, and Westwood One. He was also featured in the PBS special “Just Listen.”
Diana Hendel, PharmD
Dr. Diana Hendel is the coauthor of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD (Harper Horizon, December 2020) and Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through Disruption and Thriving on the Other Side (HarperCollins Leadership, Spring 2021). She is an executive coach and leadership consultant, former hospital CEO, and author of Responsible: A Memoir, a riveting and deeply personal account of leading during and through the aftermath of a deadly workplace trauma.
As the CEO of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, Hendel led one of the largest acute care, trauma, and teaching hospital complexes on the West Coast. She has served in leadership roles in numerous community organizations and professional associations, including chair of the California Children’s Hospital Association, executive committee member of the Hospital Association of Southern California, vice chair of the Southern California Leadership Council, chair of the Greater Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, board member of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and leader-in-residence of the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at California State University Long Beach.
She earned a BS in biological sciences from UC Irvine and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UC San Francisco. She has spoken about healthcare and leadership at regional and national conferences and at TEDx SoCal on the topic of “Childhood Obesity: Small Steps, Big Change.”
About the Book:
Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD (Harper Horizon, December 2020, ISBN: 978-0-7852-4462-2, $17.99) is available in bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers.
To learn more, please visit https://whycopewhenyoucanheal.com/.
| Hospital chief talks about his pride in local reaction to covid and his soft spot for rescue animals“For me, it’s all about our people,” says Brendan Brown |
| 06 January 2021 As chief executive of Airedale NHS Hospital Foundation Trust and Partnership Lead for the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Partnership, you might say Brendan Brown has his hands full leading one of the biggest healthcare providers in the area but he likes to keep his feet firmly on the ground.“For me, it’s still all about the people,” says the recently-turned 50-year-old, who is still a registered nurse, which is where he started his career in the health service.“People are at the centre of the service we deliver. When I became a nurse, it wasn’t just the job I loved, it was the fact I was in a profession surrounded by people from all different backgrounds – that’s what kept me as part of the NHS for so long.”He’s incredibly proud of the response by everyone in healthcare to the Covid-19 pandemic, dubbing it a “sterling reaction”.“Covid has enabled us to see the best and worst of times. There have been some real tragedies, of course. No-one has ever faced something of this magnitude before but it's also brought out the best in people and I think many have gone above and beyond, both in their personal and professional lives.“It’s been a sterling reaction, with everyone pulling together and certainly the University of Bradford have been extremely supportive of us throughout the length of this pandemic, providing PPE, mobilising staff, deploying students, it truly was a working partnership and that’s something I’m immensely proud of.”Brendan’s route into healthcare wasn’t exactly straightforward. Hailing from a large Irish Catholic family, he spent a good deal of his youth on farms in the west of Ireland, which is where his parents are from, although they actually met and brought him up in England (despite, coincidentally, being from neighbouring villages in their home country).Before training to be a nurse, he worked as a market stall trader in Leicester, in a butcher’s shop and spent two years working for Tesco. It was a suggestion from one of his childhood friends that set him on the path he now treads.His background is in acute medicine, specialising in palliative care and oncology and he holds a Masters with Distinction from the University of Nottingham. Once in the profession, he gradually worked his way up, taking on managerial roles, although even now he says he’s “still a clinician at heart.”He moved to Yorkshire just over four years ago and was previously Executive Director of Nursing/Deputy Chief Executive at both Calderdale & Huddersfield and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, taking up his current roles in 2018. He is also the Senior Responsible Officer for workforce across the Bradford and Airedale district, and for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership Board.Outside of work, one of his personal passions is taking care of a growing menagerie of rescue animals, including three donkeys, a dog and three chickens.Commenting on his award from the university, he said: “I was incredibly touched to be considered for it, it means a lot to me on a personal level and an honour to be awarded.” Note to editors: this is the final feature in a series of three on recent honorary professors of the University of Bradford who are involved in healthcare. If you have not received the previous articles on Mel Pickup, CEO of BTHFT and Dr Dinesh Saralaya, consultant respiratory clinician at BTHFT and would like to do so, please contact n.hudson2@bradford.ac.ukPicture: Brendan Brown, chief executive of Airedale NHS Hospital Foundation Trust and Partnership Lead for the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Partnership. Picture credit: Airedale NHS Trust. |
MONTREAL, Jan. 7, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Caprion-HistoGeneX, a leading global contract research laboratory services provider backed by Arsenal Capital Partners, announced today the acquisition of Clinical Logistics Inc. ("CLI"), a Virtual Central Specimen Management CRO based in Halifax, Canada. The acquisition enables Caprion-HistoGeneX to broaden its specimen logistics services to support the global clinical trial needs of its pharma and biotech customers better. Focused on critical specialty specimens with complex processing requirements such as limited stability and/or real-time testing needs, CLI offers integrated, customizable solutions combined with kitting and specimen logistic services for timely specimen delivery.
CLI was founded in 2002 and has supported clinical trials in over 50 countries. The company has earned a reputation for quality and customer service excellence with some of the largest pharmaceutical companies, biotechs and CROs. Answering an unmet need in the marketplace for high quality handling of critical samples from clinical trial sites to the laboratory, CLI is positioned as a key player in clinical trial logistics with a focus on specialty specimens. CLI's services also include logistics and kitting for pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) and pharmacogenomics (PG) biomarkers. "We are excited to be a part of the Caprion-HistoGeneX organization. CLI will be able to leverage the broad capabilities and global footprint of Caprion-HistoGeneX to continue to improve and rapidly globalize our Central Specimen Management services" said Raymond Mah, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of CLI.
Recently recommended for ISO 13485 certification, CLI offers customized specimen collection kits, shipment assistance at investigator sites, as well as timely specimen shipping coordination & tracking, resulting in high recovery of specialty specimens from investigator sites, optimal specimen integrity and timely analyses. With its Virtual Central Specimen Management platform, CLI eliminates the need for investigator sites to transfer specimens to a central storage facility before their arrival at third-party testing labs. As a centralized point of contact during clinical trials, CLI increases specimen handling consistency and minimizes the burden of specimen tracking discrepancies.
"Caprion-HistoGeneX is excited to expand its specimen logistics and management solutions, reinforcing our end-to-end services and ensuring specimen integrity from collection to analysis. These services will be scaled through our worldwide network of laboratories to provide comprehensive support to global clinical trial sites and help alleviate common daily challenges that our clients are facing with their complex clinical operations." said Martin LeBlanc, CEO of Caprion-HistoGeneX.
About Caprion-HistoGeneX Caprion-HistoGeneX is a leading provider of specialized precision medicine laboratory services to the biopharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its integrated analytical platforms in immunology, histopathology, proteomics, and genomics, Caprion-HistoGeneX supports the entire drug development cycle, from discovery to late-stage clinical trials. The company operates globally with 8 facilities located in Canada, USA, Belgium, Australia, and China.
For more information: www.caprion.com and www.histogenex.com
About Clinical Logistics Inc.
Clinical Logistics Inc. (CLI) is a contract research organization (CRO) providing clinical trial services to global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The services include the provision of specimen collection supplies, production of customized specimen identification labels and kits, and specimen shipping coordination, management, and tracking.
For more information: www.clinicallogistics.net
About Arsenal Capital Partners
Arsenal is a leading private equity firm that specializes in investments in middle-market healthcare and industrials companies. Since its inception in 2000, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds of $5.3 billion, has completed more than 200 platform and add-on investments, and achieved more than 30 realizations. Arsenal invests in industry sectors in which the firm has significant prior knowledge and experience. The firm works with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth, and high value-add.
For more information: www.arsenalcapital.com
SOURCE Caprion Biosciences
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