Injured at the Gym? How to Straighten out Your Spine in No Time
Gym-related injuries are extremely common. Every year, thousands of people hurt their back while working out. To overcome the pain, they are forced to make a few lifestyle changes. Here are some tips on how to straighten out your spine.
Switch to a Different Mattress
Contrary to common belief, an extremely soft mattress doesn’t have any long-term health benefits. After sustaining a back injury, you need a firm mattress that fully supports your spine. Over time, you’ll should gradually begin to experience less pain. It’s also important to sleep in an ideal position at night. Most experts suggest sleeping on your side with your hips and knees bent. This helps further reduce the amount of stress placed upon your spine.
Stretch Daily
You should make stretching a part of your daily routine. When sitting or lying in one spot for long periods of time, the spine can stiffen up. This increases the likelihood of you experiencing discomfort. Your body naturally craves movement. Upon waking up in the morning, develop a habit of doing a few light stretches. Some of the simplest activities including shoulder rolls, overhead stretches, and pelvic lifts.
Visit a Professional
While there are some at-home treatments that can help straighten your spine, nothing beats being able to be evaluated by a licensed professional. An experienced physician can quickly determine the specific source of your trouble. After you’ve been examined and X-rayed, the doctor may suggest minimally invasive spine surgery. Because the surrounding tissues and muscles won’t be impacted, your recovery will be a lot quicker.
Adjust Your Diet
Nutrition plays a major role in keeping your spine strong. Vitamin D is extremely critical. While sunlight naturally triggers the body to produce vitamin D, most people aren’t outdoors as much during the winter. This means they may need to take a daily vitamin D supplement. Calcium is just important. Among the foods rich in the mineral include kale, spinach, sardines, mild, and cheese. Boron and magnesium are two other minerals that people tend to lack in their diet.
Check Your Footwear
Footwear can have a big impact on spine health. Always may sure your shoes are supportive and properly fitted. Studies have shown that flip-flops and high heels tend to unnecessary pressure on the back. It’s also important to throw away your athletic shoes after they’ve gotten old.
When your back begins to experience pain, never wait to take action. Your spine impacts your ability to move freely. Attempting to fight through the discomfort will only make things worse.
Ontario's Doctors Answer Top 10 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Getting a COVID-19 vaccination will be one of the most important and effective things Ontarians can do to stop the pandemic once vaccines become widely available. Ontario's doctors are sharing their expert advice to ensure Ontarians have the information they need to keep their families safe and healthy.
Here are the Top 10 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers:
Who will get the vaccine first? The federal framework identifies four groups who will receive the vaccine first: long-term care workers and essential caregivers, long-term care residents, those over the age of 80 and Indigenous communities.
Where will we go to get the vaccine? When is it our turn? The vaccine was initially distributed at specific centres across the province (starting with The Ottawa Hospital and University Health Network in Toronto). Vaccine programs will roll out in long-term care facilities, rural and remote areas, and local communities in the coming months as more vaccines are approved and become available.
Why do we need two shots, and when can we consider ourselves protected? The level of immune response begins to show 10-14 days after the first dose, but clinical trials show that to receive the best response and optimal immunity, two doses are required 21 days apart.
What will I feel like after the vaccine? What are the side effects? You can expect to feel similar to what you feel after receiving the flu vaccine. In the short-term, you may experience minor symptoms such as localized swelling or pain at the injection site. You can also feel unwell or get a headache or fever that lasts a few days.
I have heard that people who have experienced anaphylaxis or allergies should not take the vaccine? Who else should not take the vaccine? Health Canada recommends those who have experienced anaphylaxis should avoid the vaccine only if they've had an allergic reaction to the first dose of the two-dose regime, or those allergic to one of the components. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid the vaccine. If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility, ask your doctor.
How does this vaccine work and what do we know about this new technology? After receiving the vaccine, your body makes a protein to trick your body into thinking it's infected. Your body generates an antibody, an immune response it will remember if it encounters the virus in the future. While this is a new vaccine, it is not new technology. The messenger RNA response has been used for other medical treatments.
How long will this vaccine protect us? Will we need to get it annually like the flu shot? How is the COVID-19 vaccine different from the flu vaccine? We do not know yet how long it will protect us, but the vaccine will continue to be studied to understand if we require annual vaccines, as we do with the flu shot. The flu vaccine triggers an immune response with a weakened or inactivated virus, whereas the COVID-19 vaccine allows our cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response and produce antibodies that protects us from getting infected.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? All vaccine candidates are heavily scrutinized in clinical trials and by Health Canada. The approval process is rigorous. Even after approval, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
Why are children not eligible for this vaccine? How will we achieve herd immunity if we cannot vaccinate children for another year? The vaccine is approved for people 16 years of age and older. Clinical trials are underway for those aged 12 to 15, and under 12. It is likely children will be involved in Phase Three of the vaccine distribution (later this year) as further studies are completed.
How soon after getting the vaccine can we return to life before COVID-19? It may take months or even years to see a dramatic decline in cases following the vaccine. Until we see a significant impact on the pandemic, public health and all levels of government will continue to mandate COVID-19 precautions such as physical distancing, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
Should I get the vaccine? Yes. Ontario's doctors trust this vaccine because it works well and I safe so we encourage the public to receive the vaccine when they are able to. Protect yourself and protect others. Ask your doctor to learn more.
If you would like to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, Ontario's doctors will be releasing a series of videos from its expert panel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit AskOntarioDoctors.ca.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Health Professionals Petition CDC for Guidance: Americans Use Nasal Sprays to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic; Doctors Use in Treating Patients
“Studies show nasal spray use reduces risk of COVID-19 transmission and infection”
(Washington, DC)—Today, a consortium of 15 doctors, nurses and other public health professionals petitioned the Centers for Disease Control to issue Guidance calling on: Americans to use nasal sprays to combat the COVID-19 pandemic; and doctors to use them in treating COVID-19 patients.
The petition in particular calls on CDC to tell Americans to use nasal sprays as part of a layered defense against COVID-19. “You wash your hands; you should wash your nose, too. You wear a mask and social distance; you should do that and use a nasal spray,” said Dr. Alonzo Jones, one of the petitioners, and an inventor of one of the studied nasal sprays.
“In fact, we have more data supporting the use of nasal sprays against COVID-19 than we had supporting the use of masks and social distancing when CDC told Americans to do those things,” Dr. Mark Cannon, another petitioner, said. “These nasal sprays are inexpensive, non-invasive, safe, easy to use and you can get them off-the-shelf at your local store. It’s pure commonsense,” Cannon added.
“We have data showing that certain nasal sprays don’t just wash away the virus. Certain sprays actually block, deactivate and/or kill the virus,” said Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a respiratory illness expert who has conducted research on the use of nasal sprays to combat COVID-19, and is among the petitioners.
As a result, the petition calls specifically for CDC Guidance to focus on the use of nasal sprays that contain Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract. Recent studies have found that these natural components used together are antiviral (they block SARS-CoV-2 adhesion to the nasal membrane) and virucidal (they kill or deactivate the virus). One such spray, Xlear, is currently widely available in the US. Xlear has been used by millions of people worldwide, over twenty-plus years, without any adverse effects reported.
Additionally, a new, small clinical study found Xlear lessens the severity and shortens the duration of COVID-19 illnesses, and reduces the risk of further transmission, which is why the petition calls for guidance to doctors to use it as an adjunct to current treatments.
It has been a hot minute! Sorry for my absence! But Im back! Heres a short episode about life, where I have been, covid lockdowns and staying on track during this tough time.
Janssen Announces Health Canada Approval of DARZALEX®* Combination Regimen for Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Data show DARZALEX® in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd) before and after autologous stem cell transplant improved response rates and progression-free survival compared to VTd alone
TORONTO, Dec 22, 2020 /CNW/ - The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announce that Health Canada has approved DARZALEX® (daratumumab) in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd) for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).1 This represents the first Canadian approval of a biologic for newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for a stem cell transplant and it is the fifth approval for DARZALEX®.
The approval is based on results from the Phase 3 CASSIOPEIA (MMY3006) study that demonstrated the addition of DARZALEX® to VTd before and after ASCT resulted in deeper responses, as indicated by the higher stringent complete response (sCR) rate, and improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to VTd alone.2
"This important Phase 3 clinical study is robust in terms of design, number of participating patients and efficacy results," said Dr. Richard LeBlanc, hematologist and Myeloma Canada Chair on multiple myeloma at Université de Montréal. "This study evaluated the impact of adding daratumumab before and after autologous stem cell transplantation in first line treatment and showed that the addition of daratumumab significantly reduces the risk of progression from multiple myeloma and death."
Data from the study were first presented at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in The Lancet.10
Results showed that the primary endpoint of sCR rate post-transplant was significantly higher in the DARZALEX®-VTd arm compared to VTd alone (29 per cent vs. 20 per cent; p-value=0.0010).3 The addition of DARZALEX® to VTd at a median follow-up of 18.8 months resulted in a 53 per cent reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to VTd alone (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.47; 95 per cent CI, 0.33–0.67; P<0.0001).4
"The DARZALEX clinical development program has led to many important firsts, but more importantly, it has generated key insights and understanding into the biology and treatment of multiple myeloma," said Craig Tendler, M.D., Vice President, Late Development and Global Medical Affairs, Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "This milestone marks the first approval of a biologic in Canada for newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients and it is the fifth Canadian approval for DARZALEX®. Yet our work is far from over, as we are committed to discovering and developing innovative treatments like DARZALEX® for the benefit of patients facing a multiple myeloma diagnosis."
About the CASSIOPEIA Study This randomized, open-label, multicenter, Phase 3 study is sponsored by the French Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) in collaboration with the Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for Hematology Oncology (HOVON) and Janssen Research & Development, LLC.5
The study included 1,085 newly diagnosed patients with previously untreated, symptomatic multiple myeloma who were eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant (median age is 58).6 In the first part of the study, patients were randomized to receive induction treatment with VTd alone or in combination with DARZALEX®, high-dose therapy and ASCT, and consolidation therapy with VTd alone or in combination with DARZALEX®.7 The primary endpoint in this part of the study is the proportion of patients who achieve a sCR at the end of consolidation therapy.8
The most frequently reported treatment emergent adverse events (≥20 per cent) in the DVTd arm were: infusion-related reactions, peripheral sensory neuropathy, constipation, asthenia, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, peripheral edema, neutropenia, pyrexia, paraesthesia, and thrombocytopenia. Serious adverse events with a 2 per cent higher incidence in the DVTd arm compared to the VTd arm included neutropenia (DVTd 3.9 per cent vs. VTd 1.5 per cent) and pneumonia (DVTd 3.5 per cent vs. VTd 1.7 per cent).9
In the second part of the study, which is ongoing, patients who achieved a partial response or better in part one underwent a second randomization to receive maintenance treatment with DARZALEX® 16 mg/kg every eight weeks for up to two years or be observed with no further treatment. The primary endpoint in the second part of the study is PFS. 10
About DARZALEX® DARZALEX® is the first CD38-directed monoclonal antibody approved to treat multiple myeloma. In 2020, the subcutaneous formulation, DARZALEX® SC, was approved by Health Canada to treat patients with multiple myeloma.11
DARZALEX® binds to CD38, a surface protein highly expressed across multiple myeloma cells.12 DARZALEX® induces tumor cell death through cell lysis via multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP).13 DARZALEX® has also demonstrated immunomodulatory effects such as increasing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells counts, which may contribute to clinical response.14
In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Janssen an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize DARZALEX®. Janssen Inc. commercializes DARZALEX® and DARZALEX® SC in Canada. For full Prescribing Information and more information about DARZALEX® and DARZALEX®SC, please visit www.janssen.com/canada.
About Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.15 When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. In 2020, it is estimated that 3,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and there will be 1,600 deaths associated with the disease.16 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms in the early stages, patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone disease or pain, anemia, calcium elevation, and kidney problems.17
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com/canada. Follow us at @JanssenCanada. Janssen Inc. and Janssen Research & Development, LLC are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
*All trademark rights used under license.
**Dr. LeBlanc was not compensated for any media work. He has been compensated as a consultant.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding DARZALEX®. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Inc., any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
References:
1 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov 17, 2020 2 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 3 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 4 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 5 Moreau, P et al. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with or without daratumumab before and after autologous stem-cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (CASSIOPEIA): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. The Lancet. 2019; 394: 29–38. 6 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 7 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 8 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 9 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 10 Moreau, P et al. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with or without daratumumab before and after autologous stem-cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (CASSIOPEIA): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. The Lancet. 2019; 394: 29–38. 11 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Combination With Standard Multiple Myeloma Treatment Regimens. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 [cited July 5, 2019]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412565. Identifier: NCT03412565. 12 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 13 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 14 DARZALEX® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., Nov. 17, 2020 15 Kumar, SK et al. Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: a multicenter international myeloma working group study. Leukemia. 2012 Jan; 26(1):149-57. 16 Canadian Cancer Society. "Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma." Available at: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/multiple-myeloma/statistics/?region=on. Accessed November 2020. 17 Canadian Cancer Society. "Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma." Available at: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/multiple-myeloma/signs-and-symptoms/?region=on. Accessed November 2020.
SOURCE Janssen Inc.
The Fertility Partners Acquires Two Additional Clinics
The fastest growing partnership of Canada's leading fertility clinics expands across Central and Western Canada.
TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2020 /CNW/ -The Fertility Partners ("TFP"), Canada's leading platforms of fertility practices across Canada, announced today an expansion of their network with the acquisition of two additional clinics: Aurora Reproductive Care and Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre (KRFC). The Fertility Partners launched in 2019 and has quickly become the business partner of choice with Clinicians and Researchers making it the fastest-growing network offering fertility treatments and associated services in the country. The Fertility Partners network covers all aspects of reproductive medicine, a wide range of laboratory diagnostics and is supported by world-renowned Physicians, Embryologists and Andrologists. The combined group of companies has grown to 8 clinics with full IVF laboratories, 20 locations in 5 provinces since July, 2020.
The Fertility Partners is a world-class business partner of choice for leading fertility centres across North America. (CNW Group/The Fertility Partners). The Fertility Partners shares a common vision with its clinics, providing access to medical, strategic and operational best practices, investing in new technologies, promoting research and development and offering synergistic back-office support. The TFP partner model empowers physicians and their teams to focus on doing what they do best- provide the highest quality patient focused fertility care.
"As we continue to grow our market coverage and geographical footprint, it is our goal to foster global best clinical outcomes, an international reputation for excellence, and exceptional patient and employee experiences, says TFP's Founder, CEO & Executive Chairman Dr. Andrew Meikle. Adding, "We are very excited to partner with Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre and Aurora Reproductive Care. These acquisitions allow The Fertility Partners to expand our care to include the British Columbia Interior/South Okanagan and Saskatchewan which is an important part of our mission to provide fertility care across all of Canada."
Aurora Reproductive Care is the only comprehensive healthcare facility in the province of Saskatchewan and provides state of the art care with a leading diagnostic clinic servicing the local market. "Our laboratory is designed by industry leaders and is a critical part of our medical success and the success of our clinic," says co-founder Dr. Adrian Gamelin. "Since our launch, our focus has been to provide high quality, compassionate reproductive health care to the people of Saskatchewan. This partnership allows us to continuously improve and provide more services to our community." says co-founder Dr. Allison Case.
"As the business partner of choice in Canada, it is important for us to find partner clinics that share in our mission and dedication to patient focused care." said Dr. Meikle. "We were thrilled to find this kind of partner in Aurora and KRFC."
Kelowna Regional Fertility Center was founded in 2008 and has had an alliance with Olive Fertility, one of Canada's leaders in IVF medicine and a partner of The Fertility Partners. "We're excited to continue our relationship with Olive Fertility, and expand our relationship with The Fertility Partners, an organization known for their collaboration." The partnership with The Fertility Partners will allow us to build our knowledge and continue our commitment to innovation and expert fertility services," said Dr. Katherine Wise, the co-founder and Medical Director at KRFC.
"We admire KRFC's commitment to the growth and innovation of fertility services and to patient-centered excellence and believe they will strengthen our platform for future growth." TFP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Al Yuzpe says, "The acquisition of KRFC reinforces our existing partnership and mutual commitment to high-quality healthcare."
About The Fertility Partners The Fertility Partners ("TFP") is a new venture creating a network of fertility clinics across North America. The combined group of companies includes 8 clinics and 20 locations across 5 provinces, further growth will include additional IVF clinic acquisitions, de novo clinics and the development of adjacent services. The company aims to be a world class business partner of choice for leading IVF and prenatal practitioners with the goal of achieving best clinical outcomes, operational excellence and exceptional patient experiences. TFP provides partner clinics with back office support and a collaborative, synergistic medical-scientific, professional and business environment.
About Aurora Reproductive Care Aurora Reproductive Care is a state-of-the-art fertility clinic located in heart of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Our new embryology lab contains state-of-the-art equipment and air quality technology, providing the ideal environment for embryo development. As the province's only comprehensive reproductive health care facility our mission is to provide the highest quality, compassionate reproductive health care possible in a comfortable, welcoming and inclusive environment. At Aurora, our dedicated team of professional and highly-trained physicians, nurses, laboratory, and support staff are committed to helping patients obtain the best possible fertility outcome.
About Kelowna Regional Fertility Center The Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre has a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, laboratory technologists and andrologists who are trained in the area of infertility assessment and treatment.
Staying safe – Top 10 things Ontario doctors are asking you for this holiday season
TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2020 /CNW/ - All Ontario doctors want this holiday season is your continued safety and good health.
The best gift you can give is the gift of health. It's essential that everyone follow public health guidelines – handwashing, mask-wearing, physical distancing and the government's new shutdown restrictions – so we can spread cheer not COVID-19. The decisions we make during the next few weeks will have a direct impact on how many people get sick from COVID-19 as we head into a new year.
To keep your family, community and you safe, Ontario's doctors ask that you take these 10 steps:
1. Celebrate only with members of your household.
The virus spreads when people come into contact with each other. It is essential that you avoid gathering with anyone other than household members. If you live alone, you may consider joining one other household. This doesn't mean you can't connect with friends and family. Explore virtual options for celebrating together and create new virtual holiday traditions.
2. Support local businesses
Wherever possible, support local businesses by shopping online using curbside pickup and ordering takeout.
3. Wear a mask.
Wearing a mask protects you from spreading the virus to others. Keep your mask on unless you are home with your housemates or outside and can maintain a guaranteed minimum of two metres distance from others. Remember to wash your mask – and your hands – frequently.
4. Avoid travel.
Follow the government's shutdown restrictions and stay home. Do not travel between regions, provinces or countries except for essential reasons. Traveling poses a major risk as you could unknowingly carry the virus to a new region or bring it back to your community. This holiday, the best way to gather is virtually.
5. Continue to follow public health advice.
We know it is not easy, especially during the holiday season, but if we all follow public health advice, we can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
6. Get tested if you suspect you have COVID.
If you have confirmed or suspected exposure to COVID-19 or if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, you must get tested for COVID-19. Testing is key to understanding where and how COVID-19 is spreading in the community. If there is a chance you may have COVID-19, getting tested and confirming your status is the best gift you can give your community.
7. Trace your contacts if you get COVID.
If you get COVID-19 you MUST trace your contacts so anyone you may have exposed to the virus knows to get tested. This also enables your public health unit to trace the virus transmission in your community. You can keep track of your contacts by downloading the COVID Alert app or manually logging the places you go and the people you come into contact with.
8. Connect virtually with others who may be lonely.
The festive season without in-person gatherings doesn't have to be lonely. Staying connected virtually with friends and family, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable or live alone is a great way to safely spread good cheer.
9. Take care of your mental health.
This season will be unlike any other and that can impact your mental health. Pay attention to how you are feeling and try talking about the emotions you experience. If you need additional support, seek care from a trained professional. Those you love may also be struggling with their mental health. If you are able, reach out to them virtually to listen and help them feel supported.
10. Talk about your health and safety concerns.
If you feel pressure to participate in an activity or gathering that doesn't make you feel safe, be honest about your concerns. If a loved one communicates their concerns about an activity to you, it is important that you listen to them and respect their wishes. Everyone is concerned about their health. The best gift you can give is to be honest about your intentions to protect your health and the health of those around you and to listen to others when they communicate their intentions to you.
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Hey Guys!
Alicia here! I get asked by my clients all the time what do I need for show day?!
Whether you are a first-time competitor or a returning competitor, preparing for your competition and making sure to remember everything that you need can be stressful.
Even if you have competed before you might have not been aware of some of the “must haves” that will benefit you for your big day.
For your upcoming competition, you are definitely going to want to make sure you have all of these show day necessities. It can be difficult to think of everything you should pack but don’t stress, I have got you covered.
The following list will keep you on top of your game for show day.
Coalition Representing Minority Communities Sends Letter to Congressional Black Caucus: 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines Risk Excluding People of Color
Signers Include American Psychological Association, Grapevine Health, NAACP, National Hispanic Medical Association, Native American Agriculture Fund, The Nutrition Coalition, WANDA: Woman Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture
Washington, D.C. – The Food 4 Health (F4H) Alliance sent a letter to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) highlighting a recent F4H report that found more than 90% of the systematic reviews in the Scientific Report by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee did not account for race, ethnicity, and/or socio-economic status. The report also found the Committee relied predominantly on white populations that are questionably generalized to the broader U.S. population.
In light of these findings, the letter urges the CBC to impress upon Congress and the agencies-- the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services (USDA-HHS)-in charge of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) the importance of ensuring that the Guidelines serve all Americans.
The signers of the letter include the American Psychological Association, NAACP, National Hispanic Medical Association, Native American Agriculture Fund, Grapevine Health, The Nutrition Coalition, and WANDA: Woman Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture.
The letter states: “According to a recent report by the Food4Health Alliance, more than 90% of the scientific reviews conducted for the 2020 DGA did not account for race, ethnicity, and/or socio-economic status. The disturbing implication is that the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans may not be appropriate for historically disadvantaged populations” said Simona James, spokesperson for the Food 4 Health Alliance.
“The Dietary Guidelines have far-reaching influence over our country’s eating habits, but do not actually account for most of our population. This policy cannot afford to exclude those who struggle with chronic diseases—the majority of our nation— including the most vulnerable among us,” added James.
Providing nutritional advice for those with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases should be reflected in federal nutrition guidance. However, the DGA is focused exclusively on disease prevention for healthy Americans. The DGA does not advise on treatment; it, therefore, excludes the more than 60% of Americans who have been diagnosed with at least one diet-related chronic disease.
According to the latest government data, 42.8% of American adults now have obesity, and these rates are 24% higher among Hispanics and African Americans. The rate of diabetes also continues to be significantly higher among racial minority groups. Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) have a greater chance of having diabetes than any other US racial group, and Pacific Islanders are 2.5 times more likely to get diagnosed with diabetes than white populations.
“Research shows that a lifetime of malnourishment to crucial micronutrients and an imbalance of macronutrient intake predisposes us to nutrition related and inflammatory diseases. These diseases are not only at epidemic levels in Tribal communities, they are expensive and unnecessary. A more preventative approach to informing feeding programs will ensure a better quality of health for Native people and all Americans,” said Valerie Segrest, BSN, MA, Regional Director, Native Food & Knowledge Systems, Native American Agriculture Fund.
“As minority Americans become the new majority by 2050, our nutrition policies and practices such as the DGA should reflect the growing demographic to eliminate health disparities. For instance, the 5-year federal research plan has yet to invest in African heritage foods as it has with other cultural diets. We need more data to support new recommendations in the DGA to achieve health equity in this country,” said Tambra Raye Stevenson, MPH, CEO WANDA.
The COVID-19 pandemic brings greater urgency to addressing these chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, depression, and diabetes, which have clearly been linked to an increased risk to COVID-19 complications including hospitalization, intubation, and death. Higher rates of these chronic diseases among disadvantaged and communities of color are likely a factor in explaining the greater rates of COVID-19 seen in these groups.
Rigorous scientific studies have shown that the healthful food choices as well as greater access to those foods in low-income neighborhoods, among other social determinants of health, can start to reverse hypertension and type 2 diabetes within a matter of just weeks.
“Greater investment should be made in researching and understanding individual eating habits so that our nutritional guidelines can move from a "one-size fits all" approach to one that is inclusive of all Americans. There is a lack of cultural representation in the Guidelines - and to not include studies that consider race/ethnicity limits their applicability and relevance to underserved communities. One’s culture plays a role in food choices, and these attitudes/beliefs should be reflected in the research methodology when creating recommendations,” said Lisa K. Fitzpatrick MD, MPH, MPA, Founder and CEO of Grapevine Health.
Dr. Myles Spar, integrative men’s health specialist and chief medical officer at Vault Health, says: “Men should see 2021 as a chance for a clean slate. It’s never too late to develop better lifestyle habits and evaluate your goals when it comes to your sexual, physical, and cognitive performance.”
Vault is the first men’s telehealth company to provide personalized treatments and testosterone replacement therapy for men in the comfort of their own home, and their team of health experts surveyed 2,000 U.S. men ages 30-65 to find out about their New Year’s resolutions for 2021.
Some shocking (and some not-so-shocking) insights were revealed.
>> THE DAD BOD IS OFFICIALLY OUT OF STYLE. Getting rid of problem belly fat tops the list of men’s resolutions. Approximately 65% said their number one New Year’s resolution was to get into better shape and shed unwanted pounds (particularly in the belly region) next year.
The top five states where men said their top New Year’s resolution is to get rid of problem belly fat are:
Dad Bod Resolution Rankings
Texas – 88%
Illinois – 87%
Florida – 85%
Nevada – 84%
Pennsylvania – 82%
>> SEXUAL PERFORMANCE IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR MEN IN RELATIONSHIPS. Roughly 66% of men said their romantic partner would benefit if it was easier for them to get and stay aroused in the new year, and an almost equal number of men (65%) said their romantic relationships would benefit if their sex drive/ libido was higher in the new year.
And, if men played the worst ever hypothetical game of ‘Would You Rather?’ having to choose between being obese or having erectile dysfunction during all of 2021, a whopping 2/3rds of men said they would rather be obese. Vault’s survey also found that 61% of men don’t like going to the doctor, and 40% are too embarrassed to ask their doctor overly personal health-related questions.
Dr. Spar says: “The number of men that would rather be obese than have erectile dysfunction really speaks to the stigma around men’s performance-related sexual health issues, and their unwillingness to open up to medical professionals about it. Our service was designed by men, for men, and helping men achieve their optimal sexual, physical, and cognitive performance is at the heart of everything we do.”
>> MORE ENERGY IS A TOP ITEM ON MEN’S 2021 SELF-IMPROVEMENT ‘WISH LIST.’ When asked about health-related ‘wish list’ items for 2021, 28% of men said that more energy was their top priority (second only behind decreasing body fat). Additionally, 61% of men said their current energy level is lower now than it was five years ago, and more than 77% of men also said their romantic relationship would benefit in 2021 if they had more energy.
>> HEALTHY HABITS CONTINUE TO BE A TOP PRIORITY FOR MEN. A whopping 91% of men say they plan on making health-related New Year’s resolutions this year and 52% of them say they do so every year. They are also pretty confident of their success with roughly 61% saying they think they will be successful in accomplishing those health-related resolutions.
“The thing many people neglect to realize is that they can’t be successful in achieving their health or fitness-related New Years’ resolutions if they don’t first evaluate their body composition to know where they stand. To ensure a new health regimen is effective, it’s important for men to know their testosterone levels, body fat percentage, and other important health indicators,” says Dr. Spar.
For more vital men’s health information and details, check out www.vaulthealth.com.
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