Philadelphia, PA, Dec. 3, 2020 — Emerging from 2020 is like coming out of a bad relationship. We all need to learn how to love life again.
From award-winning global diversity and inclusion strategist, international inspirational speaker and unstoppable optimist Kimberly S. Reed comes the encouragement and the tools to launch the new beginning we all need: Optimists Always Win!: Unlocking the Power to Reach Life’s C-Suite.
“Difficulties and struggles are unavoidable in life, but a person has complete control over one’s personal response to the situation,” Reed says. “This book offers readers a plan for responding with optimism for both the challenges and blessings that come their way.”
Optimists Always Win! isn’t another collection of platitudes and motivational mumbo jumbo. Reed’s book digs deep into her most powerful principles and life knockouts (LKOs) and walks readers throughan actionable process for building resilience and choosing optimism over anger.
Reed uses her own experiences, including her heroic battle with her mother’s terminal illness and sudden loss as well as her own subsequent battle with cancer, to show readers that it’s possible to rise above pessimism and hopelessness when faced with hardship.
Relying heavily on her faith in God and the optimism that she learned to cultivate, Reed teaches readers 10 “discouragement eliminators,” which helped her succeed not just in her fight against cancer but as she lives each day as her best self.
Reed’s inspirational messages touch on every aspect of life, to help readers grow in their faith, remove self-placed stumbling blocks and adopt the optimistic attitude needed for reaching the C-suite of life.
All book royalties are being donated to the American Cancer Society AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Philadelphia and to a premier Academic Research Institution for Integrated Breast Cancer Fund and Patient Care.
Author Kimberly S. Reed, MEd, CDP, is an award-winning diversity, equality and inclusion expert, international speaker and corporate trainer. As founder of the Reed Development Group, LLC, she has developed a distinguished reputation as having one of the most distinct and powerful voices on the lecture circuit, engaging audiences on topics ranging from diversity and inclusion and talent innovation, organizational leadership, intrapreneurship, entrepreneurial leadership, and personal and professional development. Reed earned a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Public Administration from Westchester University; a certification in Global Organizational Leadership, Human Resource Management, from Fox School of Business; a Masters of Education, Adult Organizational Development and Public Policy; and certifications in Training and Development and Communication and Conflict from Temple University. She has also been a senior partner and advisor for one of the world’s leading CEO branding companies, The Ascendant Group.
Optimists Always Win!: Unlocking the Power to Reach Life’s C-Suite
Certified Trainer/Pilates Instructor IlanaMilstein, Mom and CEO of No Xcuses Training on tips for working out at home:
Do not let your inability to go to the gym derail you from working out. Today, living through the pandemic, working out in your own home is the newest, latest and the best trend. No, you do not need to buy any fancy equipment:anyone can get a highly efficient and effective workout within the confines of your own home. Whether you are a cardio queen, a strength training maven, or prefer more restorative exercises like yoga or pilates, there is a lot you can do. Below are a few quick and easy workouts for you to do using just your own body weight. For the cardio lover: Do the following circuit 3 - 4 times with a 30 second rest in the middle 1. Running in place 30 seconds 2. 20 jump squats 3. 50 jumping jacks 4. 25 mountain climbers For the strength and tone buff: Do the following circuit 3-4 times with 30 second rest between each set 1. 15 pushups 2. 30 second plank 3. 15 lunges on each side with a pause at the bottom 4. 20 squats For the yogi/pilates guru: Do the following circuit 3-4 times with minimal to no rest 1. flow from plank to downward dog 3 times 2. on all 4s extend the opposite arm and leg 10x on each side 3. 10 bridges (on back lifting hips up and down taking time to stretch at the top of each rep) My personal favorite way of moving without equipment is going for a walk or a jog as you get both the benefits of movement and being outside in nature, which does wonders for your mental health as well. Additionally, if you do miss a class-type environment, there are thousands of fitness instructors who have taken their classes onto zoom. While actual people are not in your living room, one can feel motivated by the people on the screen doing the workout with you. In a nutshell, movement can be done anywhere. We are not limited by the pandemic.
More about Ilana: Ilana builds workout plans that target all body types and ages, and with background as a trainer dealing with injuries, she specializes in providing modifications or addressing pain/body issues.
For more information on Ilana Milstein, please visit www.noexcuses.nyc and for press inquiries please contact Kat at CEO@do-tellpr.com or call 3054905911
Facebook: No Xcuses Training
Better Than Milk® Organic Beverage Makes National Debut
“Better For Your Body and Better For The Environment”
Rochelle Park, NJ -December 2020 – Better Than Milk® Organic Beverage makes its national debut just in time for Holiday and New Year. Better Than Milk, a trusted, plant-based milk alternative brand is made with only simple, high quality clean ingredients and is environmentally consciously packaged.
Made from spring water sourced 450 meters above sea level in the Lessini Mountains of Northern Italy, Better Than Milk offers a delicious and creamy tasting organic dairy-free milk alternative. All five flavors which include Unsweetened Almond Drink, Almond Drink, Unsweetened Oat Drink, Unsweetened Rice + Calcium Drink, and Rice Hazelnut Drink are all USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Plant-based, and Kosher Parve. The entire line is free from Gluten, Dairy, Lactose, Soy, Sulfites, Carrageenan and Artificial Flavors. They are also environmentally friendly, packaged in recyclable cartons that are aseptic and responsibly sourced with plastic bio caps made of renewable sugar cane rather than petroleum.
“We care about our consumers and we care about the earth”, says Lonnie Williard, Vice President of Marketing at Panos Brands, parent company of the Better Than Milk brand. “Our organic drinks are responsibly sourced and with recyclable packaging, so we proudly bring welcomed relevance to shelf stable milk alternatives, as even our caps our made from renewable sources."
Better than Milk Organic drinks are great for anyone who chooses non-dairy milk whether for health, planetary or lifestyle reasons! Shelf stable, and with no carrageenan or soy, Better Than Milk is great for spontaneous bakers, committed hikers, early risers and late night ‘cookies and milk’ guzzlers.
Additionally, from now until December 14th, Better Than Milk has teamed up with MI-DEL® Brand Cookies to launch “The Great Milk & Cookie Exchange” to give back the Community Foodbank of New Jersey @cfbnj. Better Than Milk will match your online purchase of Better Than Milk or MI-DEL with a donation to @cfbnj.
Available in 1 Liter cartons at a suggested retail price of $3.99, it can be found at specialty/natural and grocery retailers nationwide suchasJewel-OSCO, Erewhon Market, Woodman’s Fresh Market, Buehler's Fresh Foods, Pete's Fresh Market, and on Amazon. For recipes, more information , purchase on line and find a local store near you go to www.drinkbetterthanmilk.com
Better Than Milk® Deliciously creamy and tasty plant-based beverages, these shelf stable, organic liquid drinks start with the simplest ingredients and combine them with Italian spring water that originates high up in the Lessini Mountains in Northern Italy. Our Better Than Milk beverages are Organic, Non-GMO verified, Vegan, Kosher and do not contain dairy, lactose, gluten, carrageenan, soy, artificial flavors, sulfites and cholesterol. Also, we care a lot about the environment, so our alt-milk beverages are made in a state of the art, environmentally conscious facility, our cartons are FSC certified, and the plastic caps are bio-based made from sugarcane (not petroleum)!
PANOS brands®, is a consumer products foods company that manages a unique portfolio of shelf stable and perishable specialty food and beverage brands across multiple categories and channels. "P.A.N.O.S." is an acronym that precisely defines the company’s mission to offer Premium, Authentic, Natural, Organic, and Specialty foods throughout the U.S and Canada. True to its namesake - the ancient Greek word for torch - we like to think of our brands as a beacon for consumers who are increasingly demanding a wide spectrum of specialty foods.
Our collection of brands speaks directly to sustained trends in categories such as organic, ethnic, vegetarian and restricted-diet, and gourmet foods. Upon visiting our web site, you will see Andrew & Everett rBGH-BST Hormone Free cheeses, KA-ME, our comprehensive line of authentic Asian food products, Walden Farms calorie-free specialties, Sesmark wholesome crackers, MI-DEL cookies and Allergen Safe pie crusts, and Amore Italian cooking pastes, ready-to-eat pouched vegetables and Organic legumes. You’ll also find specialty brands such as, Chatfield’s premium and Allergen Safe baking products, and new, Better Than Milk vegan dairy free plant-based drinks!
Many Canadians believe COVID lifestyle changes are affecting their eyes
- Two-thirds of Canadians say they're spending more time looking at screens during the pandemic, which can contribute to vision problems –
TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - COVID-19 has impacted the way we work, learn and socialize, with more Canadians than ever seeking connection and entertainment online. According to a new survey commissioned by Alcon Canada, two-thirds of Canadians requiring vision correction (66 per cent) are spending more time on computer, tablet or phone screens than they did before the pandemic, and nearly one-third (31 per cent) feel their eyesight has gotten worse.
The study of 1,000 Canadians requiring vision correction, conducted by research firm Leger, showed that 34 per cent of Canadians requiring vision correction say their eyes feel more tired during the pandemic than they did before, which is a possible sign of digital eyestrain, a condition caused by spending too much time in front of screens. A study found the effects of long-term computer use on the eyes suggest that digital eyestrain is a form of evaporative dry eye. As a result, tears evaporate on the surface of the eye and can cause them to feel dry, tired or irritated. Despite this:
One-third (34 per cent) say they've delayed getting new contact lenses while another third (33 per cent) say they've delayed getting new glasses, which can further contribute toward worsening vision
Nearly 40 per cent say they're uncomfortable with the idea of visiting their eye care professional during the pandemic
One-quarter (28 per cent) say they're actively experiencing symptoms of dry eye
"While it's tempting to turn to streaming services and e-books for entertainment after long days of working and learning on screens, I'm seeing patients in my clinic who are suffering from sore, tired eyes as a result, which could be a sign of dry eye caused by digital eyestrain," says Dr. Shawn Moore, optometrist at Orillia Optometry. "Conditions like dry eye can also present as blurry vision, so if you're experiencing changes in your eyesight, patients still need to prioritize seeing an optometrist at this time to re-assess their vision care needs. Your eye doctor might recommend using an eye drop with lipids, like SYSTANE® COMPLETE, or switching to a daily disposable contact lens featuring water gradient technology, like DAILIES TOTAL1®."
In addition to dry eye and worsening vision, the survey showed that Canadians are frustrated with the inconvenience and nuisance of foggy glasses caused by wearing a mask and glasses together while running errands. Three-quarters of Canadians who wear glasses say their glasses fog up when wearing masks; 35 per cent say they adjust their glasses more when wearing them with masks; and more than half of Canadians (51 per cent) requiring vision correction wear contact lenses when going outside.
Experiencing changes with your vision during COVID-19? The following steps could help:
Give your eyes a rest. When looking at screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away to fight digital eyestrain.
Find the right eye drop. While dry eye is often a chronic condition that can't be cured, the right eye drop can provide comfort and help improve symptoms. Lipids found in a drop like SYSTANE® Complete restore the outer layer of the tear film, which helps prevent the tear evaporation often seen with digital eyestrain.
Consider a daily disposable contact lens. If your blurry vision is caused by a changing prescription and not dry eye, consider a daily disposable lens when updating your prescription, which eliminates the need for cleaning and storing your lenses. For those seeking exceptional comfort and additional hydration, DAILIES TOTAL1® features the world's first and only water-gradient lens technology, which creates a cushion of moisture on the eye that is so comfortable, it feels like you're wearing nothing at all.
Reassess your set up. Place your screen at an arm's length away from you and adjust screen brightness to your surroundings, eliminating any harsh lighting near your workspace.
Visit your optometrist. Recognizing the increase in screen time during the pandemic, now is not the time to neglect your eye health. Regular eye exams are critical to ensuring your vision health, and only an eye care professional can diagnose a condition like dry eye or prescribe the right vision corrective device. Eye care professionals across Canada have put in place a number of COVID-19 safety precautions to help protect you while in their clinics. Many offer virtual appointments where appropriate and can provide direct shipping for products like contact lenses and eye drops.
Study Methodology An online survey of 1,000 Canadians who wear corrective eye wear was completed between September 22 and September 27, 2020, using Leger's online panel. For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 1000 respondents would have a margin of error of ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, Alcon offers the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Alcon's Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. More than 20,000 Alcon associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. For more information, visit www.alcon.ca.
Made-in-Canada COVID Testing Now Available: LuminUltra Receives Health Canada Authorization for Rapid, Portable COVID-19 qPCR Testing Solutions
LuminUltra's point-of-need and high-volume testing solutions capable of serving a range of COVID testing needs in under two hours
FREDERICTON, NB, Dec. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Biotechnology front-runner LuminUltra is pleased to announce that it has received Health Canada authorization to sell and distribute its GeneCount® COVID-19 RT-qPCR Assay Kit. This authorization allows LuminUltra, the Canadian leader in point-of-need molecular diagnostic testing for over 25 years, to give governments and businesses across the country complete and customizable clinical COVID-19 testing capabilities in addition to its industry-leading environmental surveillance solutions in the fight against the pandemic.
"This new product line gives governments and businesses across Canada the tools they need to deliver a high volume of the most accurate COVID-19 test results possible in under two hours," said LuminUltra Chairman and CEO Pat Whalen. "With this Health Canada authorization we are now able to expand our efforts in the fight against COVID-19 by providing accurate and fast testing solutions for both remote locations and high-capacity mobile labs."
LuminUltra's GeneCount® COVID-19 testing solutions comprise multiple, flexible components that together make up a complete laboratory-grade point-of-need solution, including: sample collection kits; isolation reagents; the COVID-19 assay; and a range of qPCR testing devices and software for simple interpretation of COVID-19 test results with industry-leading accuracy and sensitivity.
The gold standard GeneCount platform provides results on 16 to 96 tests in under two hours per run and includes instruments tailored to two specific needs:
Portable, point-of-need devices built into a carrying case that enable up to 16 tests per run to be performed where they are needed; and
High capacity, automated devices that enable up to 96 tests per run ideal for both mobile and traditional brick-and-mortar laboratories.
"At this critical point in the pandemic, we have the production capacity and supplies necessary to meet the testing needs for all of Canada," underscores Whalen. "Our made-in-Canada solutions give laboratories, public health authorities and businesses across the country the ability to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic without being beholden to international suppliers that may not see Canada as a priority market."
As an added benefit, these instruments can run multiple sample types and test targets including environmental surveillance testing of surface or wastewater samples for the virus that causes COVID-19, both of which have been proven to help with early detection of potential outbreaks during the current pandemic. Additionally, the same instruments can be used to target common water- and food-borne pathogens such as legionella, coliforms, algae, listeria, salmonella, and more through adaptable testing kits available from LuminUltra.
Since March of this year, LuminUltra has recognized the important role of testing in the fight against COVID-19 and has focused on increasing capacity to meet the testing needs of all of Canada. Underscoring its reliable supply chain, LuminUltra responded promptly to the Government of Canada's testing needs earlier in the year, and has been a key supplier of the isolation reagents for the national testing program since April, keeping up with the demand of national testing needs by providing 500,000 tests a week.
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.
SOURCE LuminUltra
Reset Mind, Body, and Spirit with the 14-Day “Mind-Body Reboot - Detox 101,” Designed by Industry Experts to Support More Energy, Vitality, and Systemic Balance All Year Long
The newest detox guide from Nupeutics Health features comprehensive guidance from the brand’s own Bernadette Judge, RN, America’s “Fit Foodie” Mareya Ibrahim, and R.I.P.P.E.D. fitness creator Terry Shorter
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – ( 2020): Following the success of their original 30-day “Cleanse and Create” program, the wellness experts at Nupeutics Health introduce the 14-day “Mind-Body Reboot - Detox 101,” a holistic guide to naturally detoxing mind, body, and spirit. Spearheaded by food science and nutrition specialist Dr. Munzer Sundos, Ph.D., Nupeutics Health was founded by a leading team of industry practitioners dedicated to improving customer health, wellness, and quality of life through a uniquely integrative, whole-person approach. Backed by the latest scientific research, the company crafts top-quality, all-natural supplement formulas to help manage the root causes behind mind and body imbalances. Now, the Nupeutics Health team - led by in-house health advisor Bernadette Judge, RN (“Nurse B”) - joins forces with America’s “Fit Foodie” Mareya Ibrahim and R.I.P.P.E.D. fitness creator Terry Shorter to crack the code on a two-week boost in energy, focus, and vitality.
“All of us are exposed to countless toxins on a daily basis through elements such as the air we breathe, the food we eat, and personal care products,” explains Judge. “If these toxins accumulate in our bodies, we can experience symptoms like intestinal issues, mood swings, fatigue, or aching muscles - all signs that it’s time for a system reset! The ‘Mind-Body Reboot - Detox 101’ leverages the gut-brain-skin connection, targeting every system to promote healing and prevent toxin-related disease with a powerful blueprint designed to support your success every step of the way.”
The “Mind-Body Reboot - Detox 101” features a 14-day guide packed with:
Clear steps to help prepare mind and body for successful detox, plus expert tips for managing challenges
Delicious energy-boosting, whole-foods based recipes from award-winning inventor, holistic nutrition coach, and podcast host Mareya Ibrahim (known for making good-for-you food actually taste good), including Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding, Veggie Cabbage Fried Rice, and The Real Vitality Tonic - plus,get the real dish on clean eating and supportive nutrition to help change your relationship to food
In-depth exercise tips for effective weight control, improved strength/ mood/ sleep, and more from multi-talented PopSugar/ national network-featured fitness expert Terry Shorter, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind The One Stop Body Shock®, RUMBLE, and the 15k instructor-strong (and growing) R.I.P.P.E.D program taught at more than 1k gyms nationwide; plus, get tools for achieving a success mindset for long-term results!
Crucial self-care tips to support the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing necessary for a successful detox, including mini-guides on mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, yoga, journaling, and more
A comprehensive list of all-natural foundational supplements to promote targeted, whole-person healing and optimal wellness, both during the program and beyond
Reset mind, body, and spirit this fall with the 14-day “Mind-Body Reboot - Detox 101,” a comprehensive, industry expert-designed guide to enjoying more energy, vitality, and systemic balance all year long. Learn more Nupeutics Health and browse the complete Nupeutics Health collection of all-natural, holistic supplements exclusively at https://nupeuticshealth.com. Follow @NupeuticsHealth on Instagram to see real-life customer success stories and stay informed about new product releases.
4 New Ways to Treat Muscle Pain and Tension After Workouts
Exercise is important for the body. It helps with weight management, mobility, and heart health. However, exercise can cause significant pain. This pain can make it difficult to get to the gym the next day. Don’t let this pain prevent you from working out! Fight it instead. Here are 4 new ways to treat muscle pain and tension after workouts.
CBD
CBD is becoming more and more popular these days with studies showing its effectiveness for treating mild to moderate pain. It’s far less dangerous than prescription drugs, and it comes with additional benefits too. You don’t need to go to a doctor to get it, you can’t get high, and it can treat other ailments, such as anxiety and insomnia. Some people suffer slight side effects when CBD is taken in high concentration.
Cold Laser Device
A cold laser device is a small device you can use at home. As the name indicates, it sends cold lasers to the part of the body that is hurting. The cold is made to help reduce inflammation and also pain. It will also help increase blood flow. Some people swear by this method while others do not experience the same results. There are a number of lasers available depending on what you want. You can get continuous waves or pulsating waves. You can also get various wavelengths.
Massage
A nice massage after a workout can release tension in the muscles and relax the heart as well, preventing heart problems that can happen after an intense workout. You will feel better physically and mentally. Some gyms even offer a spa with massages for this very reason. You’ll feel good enough to work out again once you are done with your massage.
Hydrate
Your muscles need to be hydrated to have full mobility. The hydration will also help once you are done exercising. Be sure to drink plenty of water during and after your workout. You should also remain hydrated throughout your daily life. Drink eight cups of water a day. Drink more when you work out. Not only will your muscles feel better, but you will also have nicer longing skin as a bonus.
Exercise is supposed to be a bit painful, but it’s not to be so painful that you can’t move. When you get sore due to a strenuous workout, you should try one or more of these methods to get back into fighting shape.
2020 Holiday Gift Guide: The Sustainability Series
Give the gift of sustainability this holiday season with these sustainable brands.SAN DIEGO, CALIF-DEC 2, 2020 -- With the holidays right around the corner, we rounded up our favorite sustainable brands to gift your loved ones, coworkers, friends, family (or even yourself!)Noniko Noniko provides the perfect product for sweat-er weather - a natural deodorant that actually works. This isn’t your ordinary deodorant, this is more. Noniko’s reusable natural deodorant is made up of just six simple ingredients that pack a punch. And best of all? It’s completely plastic free! That’s right, the first zero-plastic, reusable, natural deodorant solution in a stainless steel case that is yours for life. This beautiful vessel will elevate both your counter space and your daily routine.Being sustainable has never been easier. Through their conscious subscription program, deodorant refills are delivered straight to your door. This season, Noniko makes it easy to gift a one-year subscription of their chic reusable deodorant to your friends & family (or yourself!). Save 20% and give the gift of sustainability! Boyish Jeans Boyish is a sustainable denim line focused on quality, fit and authentic washes. Their collections are centered on vintage silhouettes with a modern twist. Boyish commitment to the planet is seen throughout their whole product development cycle from the factories they work with to the dyes they use and the amount of water produced to make denim. All jeans are produced with sustainable fabrics through a completely environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free process. Sustainable and affordable? Sign us up! Plaine Products Plaine Products is one family’s answer to the earth’s single-use plastic crisis. Offering a line of toxin-free personal care products on a per-item or subscription basis, Plaine Products come in aluminum bottles that can be sent back and refilled time after time. From shampoo and conditioner to beauty oil, these products don’t mess around. To go a step further, they make sure to register all their products with the Environmental Working Group’s database to make sure they are safe and non-toxic. Mate the Label If Quarantine has taught us anything, it’s that we need more loungewear. Mate the Label’s effortlessly cool lounge sets make us feel put together while lounging in the comfort of our own home. Using non-toxic, natural and organic materials, this brand covers all the bases to make sure that their items are as sustainable as possible. Did we mention their products come in extended sizes? Hello inclusivity- we’re into that.
COVID-19 Contributes to Uptick in Opioid-Related Deaths
Baltimore, MD, Dec. 2, 2020 — Telemedicine and tele-mental health services have emerged as valuable resources for those battling addictions during our country’s expanding opioid crisis. The availability of remote healthcare services gives hope for those struggling with their addictions against a backdrop of social isolation, explains Dr. Paul Christo, anAssociate Professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and he adds, clinicians need to advocate to their patients that online treatment options are available.
Dr. Christo, who is on the frontlines working to curb the impact of the opioid crisis, also wants patients to know that critical medications for maintaining sobriety can now be prescribed by telehealth or telephone.
"The number of fatalities from opioid-related overdoses could be nearly 30 percent higher than reported due to missing information or incomplete death records,” he says. “The worst fear is that because of social isolation, people are not being found or treated immediately."
The opioid epidemic today progressed in three phases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first involves deaths caused by prescription opioids, the second, an increase in heroin use, and the third, a surge in the use of synthetic opioids or fentanyl. Experts say the U.S. is right in the middle of the third phase of the epidemic, due to the increasing availability of fentanyl and increasing rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids.
According to a recent study there were 632,331 drug overdoses between 1999 and 2016. Most of these deaths (78.2 percent) were drug overdoses with known drug classification. Moreover, 21.8 percent were unclassified drug overdoses. A further investigation revealed that for unclassified drug overdoses, 71.8 percent involved opioids, translating to 99,160 additional opioid-related deaths.
There were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2017, according to an estimate from the CDC. Based on findings from the new study, over half of those deaths — about 47,000 — are suspected of having involved opioids.
Another study on opioid overdoses found that the number of drug overdose deaths decreased by 4 percent from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, more than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Almost 70 percent involved a prescription or illicit opioid of those deaths.
“COVID 19 impacted the drug supply chain by closing borders on some regions, and it led to the higher death rate,” Dr. Christo explained. He added that drugs become more challenging to get, and the potency of overdose goes up. It also impacts the price, everything goes up, and in that sense, it becomes more deadly each day, according to Dr. Christo.
About Dr. Paul Christo
Dr. Paul Christo serves as Director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is the author of Aches and Gains, A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Your Pain. Dr. Paul Christo also hosts an award-winning, nationally syndicated SIRIUS XM radio talk show on overcoming pain called, Aches and Gains®. For more information about Dr. Paul Christo. Please visit www.paulchristomd.com.
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Coca-Cola Funded Public Health Conferences in Effort to Shift Blame for Obesity, Study Says
The study is based on documents about the 2012 and 2014 International Congresses of Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH), obtained via state public records requests by U.S. Right to Know, an investigative public health group.
The study found that “Coke deliberated with its sponsored researchers on topics to present at ICPAPH, despite publicly claiming otherwise, in an effort to shift blame for the rising incidence of obesity and diet-related diseases away from its products onto physical activity and individual choice.”
“Coke used ICPAPH to promote its front groups and sponsored research networks and to foster relationships with public health leaders in order to use their authority to deliver Coke’s messaging,” the study’s authors wrote.
“This unseemly conscription of public health conferences to serve up Coca-Cola’s messaging erodes trust in the cause of public health,” said Gary Ruskin, executive director of U.S. Right to Know. “It’s long past time for the public health community to transform itself into something that can’t be bought or rented.”
The documents show that Rhona Applebaum, Coca-Cola’s chief science and health officer at the time, wanted to focus attention on “individual behaviour and motivation,” which is far removed from government or collective action such as soda or sugar taxes, crackdowns on soda advertising and marketing, and litigation against soda companies, and other policies.
"The process of generating and disseminating public health-related research needs to be better protected from the influence of firms with interests that are clearly in conflict with those of public health,” said Benjamin Wood, one of the co-authors of the study. “One step to achieving that is to eliminate all forms of sponsorship from firms active in health-harming industries."
The paper argues that the “dissemination of scientific knowledge through scientific conferences should be better protected from hidden and less visible forms of corporate influence. The model of eliminating tobacco industry sponsorship, as stipulated in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, could be applied to the food industry as well.”
U.S. Right to Know is an investigative research group focused on promoting transparency for public health. For more information about our work, see our academic papers at https://usrtk.org/academic-work/. For general information, see usrtk.org.
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