Award-Winning Parma! Vegan Parmesan Offers Cheese Lovers A Delectably Nutritious Range of Dairy-Free, Protein-Rich Condiments Ideal For Main Dishes, Salads, Pizza & More!

Parma! Debuts Bold New Website As Company Continues Major Expansion

MEDFORD, OREGON, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 - With just the right condiment, a plain salad becomes a festival of flavors, a plate of vegetables transforms into a delectable stroll through a country garden, and an ordinary bowl of pasta becomes a savory work of art. And perhaps no condiment covers as many different foods and as many different cultures as classic Italian Parmesan cheese.

Unfortunately, for vegans or anyone following a dairy-free and/or calorie-conscious diet, parmesan cheese has always been not only off limits but one of the most difficult of life’s little indulgences to forego. If only someone, somewhere, could create a non-dairy parmesan cheese alternative so authentically delectable that even the most discerning cheese lovers would never miss its conventional counterpart ever again!

Well, luckily for countless millions of us, someone has. Welcome to the next revolution within the booming vegan cheese category – Parma!

Created in Oregon just over 15 years ago by Sister River Foods’ founder Shannon Schnibbe (Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott is an ongoing Advisor), Parma! was established in response to a rapidly-growing need within the vegetarian marketplace for a breakthrough allergen-free parmesan alternative.

Comprised of four deliciously distinct varieties – including Better Than Bacon Parma! –voted Favorite Bacon-Flavored Product in 2017 by VegNews magazine – Parma! is a plant-based umami superfood line of convenient and affordable products that are Paleo and Keto-friendly, a complete protein, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and Certified Kosher.

In addition, all four raw nut and seed-based Parma! flavors contain whole raw ingredients, are low in sodium, heart-healthy, packed with essential B vitamins and trace minerals, replete with beneficial animo acids and an excellent source of healthy oils.

A World Of Flavor

Available in health stores nationwide as well as on the brand new www.eatparma.com site, Amazon, VitaCost and other online retailers, Parma! is ideal for environmentally conscious consumers, vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and all health conscious eaters. Unlike some other vegan cheese alternatives, Parma! has also proven highly appealing to mainstream cheese aficionados who are ready to eschew traditional cheese so long as a healthier option boasting authentic flavor, aroma and texture is available.

Sold in 3.5 and 7-ounce bottles, Parma! can be savored on pasta, lightly steamed vegetables, pizza, salads, potatoes, avocado toast, popcorn and countless other hor d'oeuvres, main dishes and desserts. For suggested recipes, please visit https://eatparma.com/cat egory/recipes/.

Parma! varieties include:

• Original Parma! – Featuring an irresistiblycheesey umami flavor. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.

• Better Than Bacon Parma! – Voted Favorite Bacon FlavoredProduct by VegNews and featuring a smokey cheesey umami bacon flavor. Ingredients:  Nutritional Yeast, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Ground Paprika, Organic Dried Onion, Natural Flavor, Organic Brown Sugar, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Smoked Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.

• Chipotle Cayenne Parma! – Blessed with a smokey umami flavor akin to the most popular barbeque potato chips, with a slight cayenne kick at the end. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Ground Chipotle Pepper, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Ground Cayenne Pepper.

• Garlicky Green Parma! – Distinguished by acheesey umami Italian herb flavour complemented by nutritiously delicious kelp, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, OrganicDried Garlic, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Kelp Powder, Organic Dried Basil, Organic Dried Oregano.

For parmesan lovers in Europe (in other words – just about everyone!), Parma! also offers a specially branded line called Shake! Original featuring a mouth-wateringly cheesey umami flavor and such ingredients as nutritional yeast, raw organic sunflower seeds, raw walnuts, raw organic pumpkin seeds, raw organic hemp seeds, and Himalayan crystal salt.

Parma! is expected to introduce a bold new line of products to the U.S. marketplace later this year.

Only The Beginning

Founded in 2004, Parma! has steadily grown to its current status as a leader in the dairy-free cheese alternative arena and a key player in the multi-billion-dollar global vegan food category.

Looking back on the origins of the Parma! brand, Sister River Foods’ co-founder and CEO Shannon Schnibbe recalls that it all started as the result of her severe allergies and effort to find foods that might give her relief. Introduced to raw foods, she was soon inspired to begin making what is now Parma! for herself, friends and family. After moving to Oregon and becoming pregnant with her first baby, she decided to combine her passion for healthy eating with her corporate experience and turn her hobby into an actual business. The vegan parmesan revolution had begun!

Today, Shannon takes special pride not only in the rave reviews, industry honors, new distribution channels and increased sales Parma! has enjoyed in recent years, but in her brand’s ability to provide a more nutritious yet equally delicious alternative for those who have been missing out on one of life’s true culinary pleasures – parmesan cheese.

According to Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott, "Like Tofurky, Parma is an authentic, trailblazing brand with deep roots that took hold when the plant-based world was very young. I love that it is a family owned business run by kind, passionate people producing a wholesome vegan food with exceptional flavor."

Adds Shannon, “Parma! gives you that cheesey flavor without all the dairy baggage. It provides an excellent food source of high-quality vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, omega 3’s and trace minerals, along with the natural goodness of hemp, and it tastes great! We’re deeply grateful for the exceptionally warm reception our brand has received from consumers and industry leaders since our very first days on the market and look forward to continuing to shake up the dairy-free industry for many, many years to come.”

How to Defeat Winter Gloom? Instant Mood-Lift Dishes as Told by Lithuanians

Potato Dumplings, © Andrius Aleksandravičius

Comfort food has been a hot topic since the start of the pandemic and more obscure cuisines now have the chance to shine. Tradition-based Lithuanian comfort food might be a good way to try some feel-good dishes with unusual flavour combinations during the harsh winter quarantine season.

November 30, 2020. Global pandemic caught the world off guard, at the same time forcing people to seek out things that represent familiarity and security. That is why some are even proclaiming that2020 is the Renaissance of comfort food because of its ability to soothe the nerves and provide psychological comfort.

As cooking at home has become one of the outlets to release pent-up lockdown anxiety, old recipes might soon get boring and give way to new experiments in the kitchen. So there has never been a better time to see what other nations bring to the table as comfort food and get some ideas for future investigations in person once the traveling bans are lifted. 

Lithuania might have one of the most unexplored cuisines in the world yet the flavours are familiar to almost everyone. This means one is likely to unveil some hidden comfort food treasures in the depths of traditional cuisine at the same time seeing old and known products in a new light.

7 Lithuanian Feel-Good Dishes Worth Trying Out

“For tourists, asking where the Lithuanian food comes from, I always say that the majority of the ingredients come from the province, yet Lithuanian culinary heritage is multicultural, as all nations that once resided in Lithuania contributed something of their own to the Lithuanian gastronomic peculiarities,” says Ieva Pikžirnytė, Lithuanian food guide, coffee and taste training expert. 

Additions from foreign cuisines, such as  Jewish, Polish, Ukrainian, Tartar, Russian, and Karaite, mixed with traditional flavours, make Lithuanian comfort food a pleasant discovery for travellers far away from home. 

So what Lithuanian foods are all-time favourites by newcomers and Lithuanians themselves? “Tourists are usually most fascinated by our hash browns or stuffed cabbage. A lot depends on the season as well. For example, in cold weather they prefer mushroom soup and potato dumplings (cepelinai),” Pikžirnytė shares insights on tourist favourites. Here is a list of Lithuanian comfort dishes most liked by the locals and foreigners alike to pass the quarantine and winter with ease. 

1. Filling Potato Pie (Kugelis)

Those living for potatoes of all shapes and forms, might find themselves wanting to try some of the Lithuanian comfort dishes. As one of the main traditional ingredients, potatoes have ruled the Lithuanian cuisine for 150 years, and consequently have been ingrained in Lithuanian eating habits. There is hardly a family in Lithuania which does not have its own potato dish recipe traveling from one generation to another. 

Potato pie or pudding (kugelis) is favoured by many for being easy to make, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

2. Hearty Hash Browns (Bulviniai blynai)

Just like the majority of Lithuanian dishes, hash browns or potato pancakes (bulviniai blynai) contain lots of carbs, fat, and salt - all of the ingredients essential for unlocking the feeling of satisfaction in the brain which lies behind comfort food cravings. The recipe can be found here.

3. Famous Potato Dumplings (Cepelinai)

When talking about the Lithuanian fascination with making potato dishes – sky’s the limit. The national celebrity – potato dumplings (cepelinai) – can be made with either usual fillings (meat, curd), or somewhat unexpected ingredients – apples, herring, sauerkraut. The potatoes themselves may be boiled, pan-fried, roasted, mashed, and so on and so forth. So for those who believe potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, Lithuanian cuisine is more than inviting. Here is a fairly easy recipe to make potato dumplings at home. 

4. Fast Fried Bread with Cheese (Kepta duona su sūriu)

Fried bread is practically the most popular snack in Lithuanian bars. Visitors fall in love with it instantly and call it a great snack to go with a pint of beer. This simple recipe requires only ingredients which can be found in basically everyone’s pantries: a loaf of rye bread, 1-2 cloves of garlic, some cooking oil, a pinch of salt, and cheese (optional but extremely recommended). Cut the bread in strips, fry them in oil until crispy, rub garlic onto the bread, sprinkle some salt, add grated cheese on top, and enjoy. Hot, filling, cheesy and garlicky – what else is there to wish?

5. Savoury Pastry Pies (Kibinai)

Crescent-shaped pies of butter pastry stuffed with meat, mushrooms, or vegetables are one of the dishes brought to Lithuania by another nation – Karaites. Around 400 Karaite families were invited  to Lithuania by Vytautas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, from the shores of Black Sea at the end of the 14^th century, and those who have made Lithuania their home, added their national dishes to the Lithuanian cuisine, hence – the savoury pastry pies. The dish is best devoured in the historical capital of Lithuania – Trakai – where the variety of both savoury pastry pies and restaurants serving them is astounding. This recipe is a great way to pass time while planning a trip to try a Lithuanian spin on savoury pastry pies the following year.

6. Delicious Cocoa Cookie Bar (Tinginys)

For foodies with a sweet tooth, Lithuanians suggest making another national treat. This uncooked cocoa cookie bar is called “lazy cake” by the locals since the recipe calls for minimal to none cooking skills. Just crush a pack of tea biscuits, melt 100 g of butter on medium heat, add a can of sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder. Mix the ingredients, wrap the mixture in a cling film, shape it as a sausage, chill it in the fridge for several hours and voilà!

7. Deep-Fried Pastry Strips (Žagarėliai)

Finally, twig-shaped and deep-fried pastry strips made with curd or sour milk in a way resemble donuts, so the familiarity makes it the ultimate Lithuanian comfort desert irresistible for all lovers of deep-fried food. This quick and easy recipe shows how to make mouth-watering deep-fried pastry strips.

Familiar and comforting flavours with some unusual twists represent a side of Lithuania that is sure to be explored by foodies in years to come. Meanwhile, all eager to experience Lithuanian gastronomic peculiarities can take a look at the Map of Authentic Lithuanian Flavours and make a list for their future explorations of Lithuania.

If you want to learn more about Lithuanian traditional cuisine, check out Lithuania Travel website.

About Lithuania Travel

Lithuania Travel is a national tourism development agency responsible for Lithuania’s tourism marketing and promotion, acting under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Its strategic goal—to raise awareness of Lithuania as an attractive tourism destination and to encourage inbound and domestic travel. The agency closely collaborates with tourism businesses and organizations, presents Lithuanian tourism products, services and experiences on social and digital media, press trips, in international travel exhibitions and B2B events.

Mo-Mo Knows Snow: Getting Outside in Winter is Good for Us

Mutt Mulligan, a rescue dog and the spokesdog of the TurfMutt Foundation, says a key to health and well-being is getting outside this winter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

Alexandria, Va. – Winter can be tough on people in the best of times, but it is particularly challenging during a global pandemic. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, the outdoors – including our yards, parks, and sports fields – were critical for buoying our mental well-being, physical health and enabling us to safely connect with others. 

For a decade the TurfMutt environmental education and stewardship program has advocated the importance of managed landscapes and other green space as critical to human health and happiness. Mutt Mulligan (a.k.a. Mo-Mo), as the spokesdog for the TurfMutt Foundation, knows that nature escapes are just as important in the wintertime as they are when the weather is warmer. 

“No one enjoys being outside as much as the family dog, though we all gained a new appreciation for our yards and community parks over the last year as we used the outdoors to get away from our screens and connect with one another and nature,” says Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation and The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Getting outside in the winter takes a little more preparation and planning, but there is no reason to abandon it. In fact, there are many reasons why it is a good idea to continue going outside throughout the winter.”

As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. Here are seven reasons why Mo-Mo encourages you to bundle up in moisture-wicking layers and don your coat, hat, gloves and snow boots to get outside for your health and well-being. 

Outdoor time elevates moods. Exposure to natural light – even in the shorter days of winter – raises levels of serotonin, the body’s “happy chemical.” Sunlight is also a good way to get a natural dose of vitamin D, which is good for your bones and immune system. 

Memories Improve. Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study that revealed walking in a natural setting versus an urban one improved recall ability by nearly 20 percent. 

Reconnecting and recharging outdoor is safe. Unplugging from your computer, smartphone and television is important even when it’s cold out and can be accomplished by simply going outside. Epidemiologists agree outside is still the safest place to gather (socially distanced, of course). Add a patio heater or fire pit to your backyard to make it even cozier. 

Activity boosts immunity. According to MedlinePlus, exercise helps decrease your risk for heart disease, maintains bone health and can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. 

More calories are burned in the cold. Being outside in the wintertime requires your body to work harder to keep you warm. Consequently, you burn more calories. Engage in a friendly snowball fight with your kids or take a walk with Fido to the park to rev up your metabolism and have a little fun along the way. 

It doesn’t take long to reap nature’s benefits. Here’s a bit of good news for cold days. A study from the University of Michigan concluded that spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. 

Taking care of your yard in the wintertime is a good way to log some time outside and it helps prepare it for spring. Just remember if you’re using a snowthrower, chainsaw or other outdoor power equipment to do some of the heavy lifting this year, read the owner’s manual first and abide by all safety precautions.

About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt is an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat is featured in the 2017-2019 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Media contacts
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com 
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com 

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dentalcorp leads the industry in care by putting Canadian COVID concerns at ease

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2020 /CNW/ - At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the vast majority of dental practices in Canada were ordered to close. Despite being widely declared as safe for several months now, many are still reluctant to visit the dentist. In fact, only 36 per cent of Canadians have been to the dentist since restrictions have lifted. The pandemic  has necessitated significant implementation of safety protocols in the dental industry. Leading the way is dentalcorp, Canada's largest network of dental practices. 

dentalcorp is creating safe and streamlined methods for accessing oral care by allowing Canadians to securely connect with a dentist via digital tools like hellodent, dentalcorp's patient resource portal offering virtual triage services, from the comfort and safety of their own homes. When asked, 70 per cent of Canadians said they were open to leveraging digital tools like online pre-screening, virtual waiting rooms and online triage services. 

"dentalcorp is dedicated to providing our clinicians with the tools they need to provide exceptional patient care safely and efficiently," said Graham Rosenberg, dentalcorp CEO & Founder. "As leaders in healthcare, we are deeply committed to dedicating time and resources to implement industry-leading technology that allows us to remain at the forefront of care in this new era of dentistry."

The Canadian Dental Association recommends individuals visit the dentist at least once every six months in order to maintain optimal oral health. To ensure Canadians can safely visit the dentist, dental offices have implemented robust safety measures, incorporating government approved infection prevention and control (IPAC) and occupational health and safety guidelines. Given these enhanced safety measures, an overwhelming 95 per cent of Canadians who have visited the dentist since restrictions have lifted, felt safe and protected from the spread of COVID-19, despite general concerns about close contact appointments.

dentalcorp's protective measures include enhanced team member and patient screening, proprietary technology powering a virtual waiting room, continuous mask usage, and wherever physical distancing isn't possible, plexiglass barriers – all designed to continue critical care while protecting patients and team members. 

Dentists and practitioners interested in learning more about dentalcorp and its suite of resources are encouraged to visit dentalcorp.com. dentalcorp is further supporting the dental community through its publicly available toolkit of COVID-19 resources. Learn more at dentalcorp.ca/site/covid-19-resources.

About dentalcorp

dentalcorp is focused on acquiring and partnering with leading, growth-oriented general and specialist dental clinics across Canada. Our unique value proposition allows our dentist Partners to retain their clinical autonomy and professional independence while we inspire them to achieve ambitious personal and professional growth. Our unprecedented strategic insights and expertise place our Partners at the forefront of delivering optimal patient care.

SOURCE dentalcorp

LuminUltra Expands Testing Capacity Including Range of COVID-19 Offerings with Acquisition of Source Molecular Corporation

FREDERICTON, NB, Nov. 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Biotechnology front-runner LuminUltra today announced the acquisition of Source Molecular Corporation, a leader in lab-based testing solutions for microbial source tracking of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. With this acquisition, LuminUltra has further expanded its range of molecular testing options for a variety of use cases. Customers around the world can now choose to analyze samples remotely via mail-in service to Source Molecular, or rapidly onsite using LuminUltra's gold standard GeneCount® qPCR testing kits. 

LuminUltra is a global leader in developing tests and reagents for environmental, industrial, and diagnostic monitoring. Founded in 1995, it has been on a deliberate and accelerated growth trajectory over recent years. Through strategic acquisitions of multiple companies as well as a partnership with private equity firm XPV Water Partners, LuminUltra has proactively grown its portfolio to add capacity and testing options for customers to access their testing solution of choice – all from a single, dependable source.

"Our main priority at LuminUltra continues to be to deliver reliable solutions and options to help customers improve their safety and testing protocols," says LuminUltra Chairman and CEO Pat Whalen. "Source Molecular and LuminUltra have benefited from a partnership over recent months to deliver essential COVID-19 environmental surveillance monitoring, including Source Molecular's industry-leading, lab-based pathogen testing capabilities. This natural next step for LuminUltra and Source Molecular will enable us to further meet our shared objective to deliver greater access to a full suite of industry leading solutions, increasing testing capacity worldwide and directly helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic."

"This type of access to reliable molecular testing solutions is crucial both during the pandemic, as well as beyond as the public looks for greater understanding of pathogens that may be present or forming in their systems," adds Whalen.

"Source Molecular is thrilled to join the LuminUltra team," says Source Molecular director Kirk Shryoc. "Our team is passionate about molecular and pathogenic source tracking and it is exciting to bring this expertise to a company with a strong management team and a vision for bringing this unique capability to a broader market."

This combination of expertise and capacity enables further worldwide expansion with innovative and flexible solutions while ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for existing loyal customers. Through the integration of the two companies, LuminUltra and Source Molecular will retain their existing brands.

LuminUltra COVID-19 Testing Solutions 
LuminUltra provides a complete solution for COVID-19 testing, including: clinical diagnostics, surface and air testing for simple and effective surveillance of the presence of virus in buildings, and wastewater testing for broad, 'early detection' population monitoring. LuminUltra's innovation and reliability is highlighted by the company's commitment to the Government of Canada, providing 500,000 COVID-19 clinical testing reagents, weekly to testing sites around the country.

LuminUltra's industry gold-standard GeneCount® qPCR devices – both the portable and high-capacity options – are compatible with both the clinical and environment tests. This means that clinical and environmental testing samples can be analyzed with the same device, allowing for efficient and highly effective diagnostic and surveillance testing. 

About LuminUltra
Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a biological diagnostic testing company headquartered in Canada with operations in six countries. It is widely recognized globally as a leader in developing tests and reagents for environmental, industrial, and diagnostic monitoring and is a key supplier of COVID-19 clinical testing reagents to the Government of Canada. Customers in over 80 countries trust LuminUltra's technology, production reliability and history of customer service excellence to deliver their essential services in a safe-state. At the same time, LuminUltra fosters a culture of innovation and agility and is on an accelerated growth path, acquiring multiple companies in recent years and forming a partnership with the specialized private equity firm XPV Water Partners. Additional information can be found at luminultra.com.

About Source Molecular
As the world's only ISO 17025 accredited environmental lab for SARS-CoV-2, Source Molecular provides industry-leading pathogen testing, mapping and forensics for water, soil, surfaces, and air. The company's analytical capabilities target dangerous elements — from SARS-CoV-2 to pollution to superbugs — that threaten the health and economic strength of our communities. Based in Miami, FL, the company partners with clients to identify, track, and test microbial contamination and pathogens, as well as interpret the data and craft the remediation plans that lead to real-world solutions.

SOURCE LuminUltra

Evidence proves that wearing masks saves lives

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors say that wearing a mask or other face covering is one of the easiest and most effective things everyone can do to stop the spread of COVID and save lives.

Doctors working on the front lines of the pandemic are concerned about recent rallies by people claiming that pandemic lockdowns and restrictions are unlawful and causing more harm than good. This concern grew with news that more than 1,800 Ontarians tested positive for COVID for a second day.

In addition to spreading misinformation, the rallies have exceeded government guidelines on the size of outdoor gatherings and few of the participants have worn masks.

"My mask protects you and your mask protects me," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "The scientific evidence is clear. Wearing a mask is one of the easiest and most effective things every single one of us can and should do to reduce the risk of spreading and catching COVID-19."

Some recent studies suggest that masks can also reduce the severity of infection for anyone who does catch the virus.

Masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 by blocking the infected droplets coming from your nose and mouth. Most people do not require medical-grade masks, which should be reserved for health-care workers and other first responders.

For masks to be most effective, Ontario's doctors recommend:

• Non-medical masks or face coverings should be made of at least three layers of tightly woven material, be large enough to cover the nose and mouth completely, fit securely and keep their shape after washing. 
• You should wash your hands before you put a face covering on and after you take it off. Remember the outside of the mask or covering is considered dirty. 
• Do not adjust your face covering or touch it in any way while wearing it. Do not share your mask. After you take it off, wash it in hot water or throw it out.

Masks or face coverings should not be worn by anyone under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove their mask without assistance.

In addition to wearing a mask, Ontario's doctors remind all Ontarians to continue to limit indoor gatherings to household members, wash your hands frequently and keep a physical distance of two metres from anyone you encounter outdoors.

"All Ontarians have a role and responsibility to play in curbing this pandemic and wearing a mask is part of it," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "Ontario's doctors join Premier Doug Ford's plea to follow public health measures to get both our health and economy back on track as quickly as possible."

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

Rheumatoid arthritis patients take to Reddit for mental health support

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - According to a new Arthritis Research Canada study, rheumatoid arthritis patients are turning to Reddit – a popular social media platform – to discuss their mental health. 

Researchers examined a total of 81 threads from two popular discussion boards on the platform (r/Thritis and r/Rheumatoid). They discovered people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are using Reddit to talk about how managing their disease affects their mental health, relationships and social isolation, feelings of loss and emotional struggles. 

"This research was motivated by growing recognition of the importance of acknowledging the psychological impacts of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the physical," said Dr. Mary De Vera, a Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology at Arthritis Research Canada.

Online forums and communities, such as Reddit, have created opportunities for individuals with RA to share experiences on mental health matters, which they may not necessarily be able to share with other people in their personal lives. 

This research is important because studies directly investigating the broader concept of mental health in individuals with RA are limited. Internet-based communities and online forums where patients discuss mental health experiences, seek advice, and receive peer-to-peer support may represent an authentic source of data for informing questions about the impacts of RA on mental health. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune arthritis, affecting approximately 0.3 to 1.0 per cent of the population globally. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints, causing pain and potential joint damage and can affect other organ tissues as well. 

"Mental health complications are common in arthritis patients," De Vera said, "These findings shed light on the importance of establishing practical recommendations to guide healthcare within rheumatology for patients struggling with this autoimmune disease." 

To read the full research article, please 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

Ontario's doctors urge everyone to act responsibly in light of record COVID cases

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are worried that the record daily high of 1,855 Ontarians testing positive for COVID-19 will keep climbing unless behaviours change.

The fact that a record 58,047 COVID tests were performed, about 10,000 more than the previous high, is a good sign that people are seeking help if they have symptoms. It's important that people with symptoms get tested so they can start isolating themselves and trace anyone they have been in contact with to break the chain of transmission.

"It's still not enough," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "We have the opportunity to learn from the horrific experiences of others. We have a responsibility to behave in a way that minimizes our individual exposures to the virus in the first place."

Dr. Hill said the numbers will get worse as the holidays approach unless every one of us does our part.

"The numbers reflect people. Our parents, our grandparents, our siblings, our friends. I know it's hard. But just as we did in March and April, we all need to stay home as much as possible."

Doctors believe that stopping the spread and reopening Ontario safely and for a sustained length of time require better testing, contact tracing and isolation of everyone who has or might have COVID.

Ontario's doctors support Premier Doug Ford's message to stay home and celebrate the holidays only with members of your own household.  

In addition, take your doctor's expert advice and do these five things to reduce the spread of COVID:

• Wash your hands often. 
• Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors with guaranteed two metres distance from others. 
• Stay away from crowded places. 
• Gather only with members of your household. Don't invite others into your home. 
• Download the COVID-19 app and/or keep track of where you go and when.

"I want to support today's statement by the Premier and the Minister of Health that we are all in this together," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "We all want to get our holiday shopping done and support local business, but let's do it safely. The more we do to reduce the spread of COVID-19 now, the better it will be for everyone's health and the economy."

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

Ontario's doctors warn pandemic will get worse unless everyone does their part

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors issued an urgent appeal to every resident of the province to do their part to stop the rapid increase in the spread of COVID-19.

With the holiday season approaching, Ontario's doctors said it's critical for all of us to follow public health guidelines to curb the pandemic, especially those living in hotspots.

"If every single one of us doesn't do our part, things could get even worse as we enter the holiday season," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "More people will get sick and die. Our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We all have a responsibility – and the power – to prevent this from happening."

Dr. Hill noted that everyone, including doctors working on the front lines, is suffering from pandemic fatigue and yearning to return to "the way things used to be."

Doctors are working with Premier Doug Ford's government to make that happen as soon as possible. We're now appealing to the public directly to help us. 

The best and fastest way to return to the "new normal" is to follow public health guidelines during this holiday season. 

Ontario's doctors support Premier Doug Ford's message, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to stay home and celebrate the holidays only with members of your own household.  If you are a student or someone else travelling home for the holidays, please quarantine for 10 to 14 days.

In addition, take your doctor's expert advice and do these five things every day to reduce the spread of COVID:

• Wash your hands often. 
• Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors with guaranteed two metres distance from others. 
• Stay away from crowded places. 
• Celebrate or gather only with members of your household. Don't invite others into your home. 
• Prepare for contact tracing if you get COVID. Download the COVID-19 app and/or keep track of where you go and when.

Doctors believe that stopping the spread and reopening Ontario safely and for a sustained length of time require better testing, contact tracing and isolation of everyone who has or might have COVID, and we have offered to work with Premier Ford to make this happen. 

"There are many reasons to be optimistic about turning the corner next year," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "There is positive news about the effectiveness of vaccine candidates. But we must continue to physically distance and look after one another to get the spread under control. I just want to remind everyone that we are all in this together and together we will conquer this.

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