Home Opens the Door to Healing After Devastating Loss
Santa Rosa, CA, Dec. 2, 2020 — In the wee hours of October 9, 2017, the disoriented and panic-stricken Barnes family, with two little boys in tow, frantically scrambled to evacuate their Santa Rosa, California, home. Smoke burned their lungs. Ash stung their eyes. Nearby fires raged, engulfing homes as howling winds fed the flames. In the end, the Tubbs Fire, deemed one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, destroyed more than 5,643 homes, including the Barnes’.
They returned to the lot where their house once stood, to gain closure and confront the harsh reality that the house was truly gone. But seeing the empty lot had a profound — and lasting — impact on 7-year-old Brett.
When her search for relatable, child-centric resources to augment Brett’s recovery came up short, mother Carrie Lee Barnes used her family’s experiences to inform her compelling, inspirational book, Home: A Story of Resilience and Healing. Told from a child’s perspective, Home is one little boy’s account of the abrupt and devastating loss of his house and his emotional journey toward discovering the true meaning of home. Written primarily for young children from ages 3 to 7, Home is an uplifting story intended to bring hope and healing in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
“My goal is for this book to help comfort children as they find their new normal after the loss of their home due to any circumstance,” Barnes says. “When I read Home to my little ones, they immediately saw themselves in the story. It opened up a forum for dialogue and healing for my boys and allowed them to feel a part of something bigger.”
With wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters happening more and more frequently, it’s important for children to have age-appropriate resources for coping. Home is Barnes’ heartfelt contribution to this very worthy cause.
“My hope for Home is that it provides a much needed glimpse at an ending for natural disaster victims,” Barnes adds. “There is a moment when you find peace in the constants of the people you love who are around you every day. We need to find our center, the place we call home, in our human connections.”
Author Carrie Lee Barnes is a stay-at-home mom who previously trained surgeons on advanced robotic technology in the operating room. Home was written to help victims of natural disasters, especially children, who are emotionally affected by the loss of their home. She lives with her husband and two sons in Santa Rosa, California.
Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards recently recognized Home with a gold medal in the category of Best First Book: Picture Book.
Overcome Overeating—During the Holidays and Throughout the Year
San Francisco, CA, December 2, 2020 — Candied sweet potatoes. Egg nog. Mac ‘n’ cheese. Stuffing. Pumpkin pie. Traditional holiday meals are resplendent with taste-of-home fare that’s easy to overeat. Based on original research by holistic nutrition researcher Deborah Kesten, M.P.H., and behavioral scientist Larry Scherwitz, Ph.D., Whole Person Integrative Eating offers in-depth insights into the reasons we overeat and gain weight, and a science-backed, step-by-step dietary lifestyle that can halt—even reverse—overeating and weight gain during the holidays—and throughout the year.
“Now is the time to ‘reset’ and rethink what and how we eat; to replace traditional dieting with a scientifically sound way of eating that lessens overeating and that leads naturally to weight loss, health, and healing,” says Kesten.
In their award-winning book, Whole Person Integrative Eating: A Breakthrough Dietary Lifestyle to Treat the Root Causes of Overeating, Overweight, and Obesity, authors Kesten and Scherwitz share a simple yet powerful premise: Identify the reasons you overeat (your overeating styles) and gain weight—with the illuminating self-assessment quiz—then overcome overeating and lose weight by replacing your overeating styles with the antidotes: the elements of the Whole Person Integrative Eating program.
By shedding light on the root causes of overeating, Kesten and Scherwitz present a program that empowers readers with a personalized plan, and in turn new hope and new choices to help them reduce overeating, lose weight and keep it off.
WPIE is not a diet that a person goes on … then off. It is a scientifically sound, dietary lifestyle designed to be practiced for a lifetime.
"If people follow the revolutionary program outlined in this game-changing, insightful book, it may be the most helpful step they can take toward losing weight and keeping it off," says bestselling author Kenneth Pelletier, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco.
The authors’ paradigm-shifting message is that food influences not only the physical dimensions of health, but also our emotional, spiritual and social well-being. Their dietary lifestyle can build bridges between the millions who struggle with overeating and weight issues and the medical community. And it can inspire us all to re-envision our relationships with food, eating and weight, so that each time we eat, we are nourished … for life.
Deborah Kesten, M.P.H.,is an international nutrition researcher, award-winning author and medical/health writer, with a specialty in preventing and reversing obesity and heart disease. She served as Nutritionist on Dean Ornish, M.D.’s first clinical trial for reversing heart disease through lifestyle changes, the results of which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. She has served as Director of Nutrition at cardiovascular clinics in Europe and on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, San Francisco.
Kesten has published more than 400 nutrition and health articles. Her first book, Feeding the Body, Nourishing the Soul, received the first-place gold award in the Spirituality category from the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Whole Person Integrative Eating has been honored with the No.1 gold, best-book award in the Health category by Book Excellence Awards and is a No. 1 Amazon best seller. Kesten is a VIP Contributor at Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global, and is married to behavioral scientist and co-author of Whole Person Integrative Eating, Larry Scherwitz, Ph.D.
Great for the Holidays, Kid’s Book Celebrates Diversity, Equality and Blended Families
New York, NY, Dec. 1, 2020 — Celebrating the subject of the blended family and diversity is a great new book for kids that teaches them sensitive subjects like race and equality, which we know are permeating the airwaves and social media. Gold Mom’s Choice Award-winner and authorNadine Haruni is addressing these hot button issues with acceptance and understanding in Freeda the Frog& Her New Blue Family. Appropriate for ages 3 to 11 (pre-K to Grade 3), the book encourages children (and their parents) to be sensitive to people of all different racial, ethnic, religious and gender backgrounds—and to celebrate the blended family.
Green tadpoles Frannie and Frank are surprised and filled with questions when they first meet blue frog Samson and his blue son Jack. Why are they blue and not green like them? Why is Freeda going to marry Samson? Will their new blue stepfather be replacing their green biological father? Will they get along with their new blue step-tadpole? Their momma, Freeda, encourages them to get to know the blue frogs. Before long, the tadpoles discover that Samson and Jack are just like them: really cool amphibians! While spending time with the blue frogs, the green tadpoles learn a lifetime lesson: a frog is who they are on the inside, not to be judged by the color of their skin.
The Freeda the Frogseries serves as a tool to help parents, educators and school counselors open up conversations about difficult topics with children in an upbeat and non-scary way. Toward that goal, each book offers discussion questions at the end. The entire series has been leveled for the schools to align with National Education standards, and all five books in the series have a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review and the Gold Mom’s Choice Award for excellence in the family-friendly picture book category.
“We are happy to award deserving books like Freeda the Frog & Her New Blue Family,” says Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards. “Our panel of judges really felt this book merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using.”
Future topics for Freeda and her tadpoles to explore include adoption, Special Needs kids, a new baby sibling and a parent returning to work. Each book reinforces Nadine Haruni’s mission of “helping families of all species, one tadpole at a time.”
Author Nadine Haruni has gone through a divorce herself and is now the mother of five kids in a blended family. She has appeared on TV, radio, print, online and does virtual storytime events across the country. Haruni has also created a lesson plan inspired by her books for Garden State Equality in New Jersey, her home state. For more information, please visit www.freedathefrog.com.
Freeda the Frog& Her New Blue Family
Publisher: Mascot Books
Hardcover / $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-68401-132-2
###
NEWLY RELEASED STUDY REVEALS HEALTH BENEFITS OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
In a new study done by CertaPet of 298 people from nine different countries, 100% of participants reported that their quality of life had noticeably improved with an ESA (emotional support animal) dog. 95% of participants said they would get another ESA. The other 5% said they would prefer a service dog instead, which is afforded even more protections and accomodations than an ESA.
99.29% felt an increased sense of security and activity levels
98.93% reported an increased zest for life
98.58% reported an increased sense of motivation in everyday life
94.4% mentioned less generalized anxiety disorders
88.89% experienced a reduction in panic attacks
88.89% felt able to resume education, work, or training
83.33% felt an improvement in compulsive thoughts
77.78% felt an improvement in compulsive acts
This positive news is echoed in another recent study done by PLOS on human-animal relationships during COVID-19 lockdown. They found that having a pet led to smaller decreases in mental health, and smaller increases in loneliness, regardless of the type of animal they had.
Licensed mental health professional, Prairie Conlon LPC, NPC, & Clinical Director of CertaPet, says: "This profound study demonstrates what those in the animal-assisted therapy space have long known: that having a pet can drastically increase your quality of life. ESA's are often frowned upon by society or disregarded as pseudoscience, but this research shows how valuable they actually are."
Emotional support animals are protected in the United States under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act - those with ESA's are afforded accommodations during air travel as well as in rental properties. This means someone cannot be denied or charged a fee for having their ESA with them on a domestic flight or when living in an apartment. Please feel free to use the research or infographics with proper citation and link. For more information or to request CertaPet/Prairie for an interview, please contact press@one.pet. Thanks! ABOUT CERTAPETCertaPet is the #1 Emotional Support Letter Service, and is 100% compliant with all State and Federal regulations. If qualified, a client goes through a guided process that involves a free screening, a licensed therapist session, and a customer support team dedicated to providing all necessary information. ABOUT PRAIRIE CONLONPrairie is a licensed mental health professional and is considered the world’s leading expert on Emotional Support Animals. She is the Clinical Director of Therapetic and consults for CertaPet, one of the largest telehealth companies in the nation. Prairie has a Master’s Degree in professional counseling and a Postgraduate Degree in Military Behavioral health counseling. She is certified as an equine assisted psychotherapist. Prairie is a certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist and helps train future trauma therapist in this modality. She consults for several nonprofits for veterans and first responder trauma, including The Lone Survivor Foundation and Horses that Heal.
PBS’s Award-Winning Travelscope Host Invites Readers to Savor Life’s Journey
Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 1, 2020 ― Joseph Rosendo’s boundless globe-trotting adventures bring viewers breathtaking vistas, astonishing wildlife encounters and unforgettable cultural experiences with local inhabitants on the Emmy-winning PBS series, Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope. Through Joseph’s insatiable passion for exploration and discovery, we all gain a taste of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and learn the value of opening our minds and senses to the world around us.
And now, he’s assembled a written collection of his favorite expeditions and added new reflections and insights in his latest book, Musings – The Short Happy Pursuit of Pleasure and Other Journeys.
Written in a conversational tone that captures his heart and soul and reveals his deep connection to the travel experience — especially as a path to pleasure, enlightenment and cultural connections — Musings is acollection of informative, entertaining and inspirational stories about travel and life’s other enjoyable pursuits for which we all yearn. It is a touching and often-humorous journey through a life propelled by a passionate and compassionate view of our world.
The stories cover decades of Joseph’s enlightening travel observations, plus a lifetime of reflections related to his personal journey. Some of the “musings,” particularly the early ones, are directly tied to travel, offering how-to tips on bargaining, packing, planning and other nuts-and-bolts travel topics. Other stories are less solidly connected to travel as an activity, and explore topics such as Joseph’s childhood adventures, his year of spring, his Cuban grandparents, his quest for the holy platter, his brunch-conquering brother and other happenings. These musings describe Joseph’s personal journey, touching on many topics, but the voyage, the passage, is always the subtext.
And it's through his belief — that it’s the journey, not the final destination, that matters most — where Joseph reveals his secrets for happy travels and a happy life: “We should keep our sense of humor and be as adaptable as possible,” he says. "And we should never, ever isolate ourselves from the experience and just observe — sightsee — from a place apart," he adds. Instead, Joseph wishes that his stories will inspire readers to commit to what’s happening in the moment and relish the good, the bad and the ugly of it. “May you live all the days of your life,” author Jonathan Swift once said. “And may you savor the journey along the way,” Joseph adds.
Travel connoisseur, motivational speaker and four-time Emmy award-winning director and host Joseph Rosendo has been a travel journalist and broadcaster since 1980. Since 2007, he has hosted, directed and written Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope, the award-winning PBS travel television series. Joseph has been published worldwide and is the Consulting Editor for DK Eyewitness Travel Guides’ Where To Go When and Where To Go When – the Americas, as well as the author of an Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles.
To learn more, please visit www.travelscope.net or connect with Joseph on Facebook: travelscope and josephrosendostravelscope; Instagram: @josephrosendo; and Twitter: @josephrosendo.
Musings – The Short Happy Pursuit of Pleasure and Other Journeys
The Gift of Time: Care consultancy creates Advent Calendar to help caregivers make a difference this December
A leading care and culture consultancy has launched an online advent calendar to help caregivers ‘open a window of possibility’ this December – following a challenging year for the sector.
Created to help boost morale following an exhausting year spent protecting the vulnerable from the coronavirus pandemic, Meaningful Care Matters’ Gift of Time advent calendar offers ways to take a moment and make a difference each day in December - and is free for all care providers and individuals to access.
Behind each closed door is a short, simple activity to partake in with those being cared for, with the aim of helping to brighten someone’s day and make a real difference to their life. It could be anything from setting up a video call with family members, listening and dancing to someone’s favourite song with them, or sharing and reminiscing over meaningful photographs.
Explaining the reason behind the Gift of Time, Peter Bewert, Managing Director of Meaningful Care Matters, said: “When talking to many of our partners undertaking Butterfly Projects in Canada, UK and Ireland about the future, they explained it was hard to focus on the bigger parts of culture change with all that continues to go on with responding to the pandemic, staff shortages and people generally feeling exhausted.
“They said they needed something simple and achievable to help raise their team’s morale. This is how we came up with the idea of the advent calendar – things to do each day in December which focus on being kind, having fun, sharing memories and looking after each other.”
Part of Meaningful Care Matters’ new Meaningful Connections Community, a comprehensive online platform offering individuals and care providers an opportunity to share, collaborate and debate issues impacting person-centred care cultures, the calendar offers a simple way to spend quality time, kindness, and meaningful moments to those needing care this Christmas.
The first of its kind, the new platform has been designed to enable global networking through the sharing of ideas, information and experiences, as the industry the world over continues to deal with delivering care in the ‘new normal’. Those wanting to benefit from the platform’s wide range of tools and support can currently enjoy a 15 per cent discount by using the code Welcome2020 when signing up, until 31st December.
Peter concluded: “Please join us each day in opening a new window of possibility to change a moment and make a difference. Sometimes the gift of time is the most precious thing we can give. This might be for someone you support or one of your team members, or it could be for YOU, as you matter too!”
To sign up for free and find out what is behind the first door of the advent calendar, click here. Participants are also encouraged to share their daily activities across social channels using #MakeCareMeangingful #GiftofTime.
Bausch + Lomb Announces Additional Expanded Public Coverage for (Pr)VYZULTA® (Latanoprostene Bunod Ophthalmic Solution 0.024% w/w) in Canada
PrVYZULTA® Added Under British Columbia, North West Territories, the Yukon and Veteran Affairs Plans
LAVAL, QC, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC), announced that PrVYZULTA® (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution, 0.024% w/w), which is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensioni, now has expanded public drug program reimbursement in Canada in the jurisdictions of British Columbia, North West Territories, the Yukon and Veteran Affairs.
These provinces join Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program which made VYZULTA available to patients at various points from December 2019 to December 2020. PEI is in the final stages of their review process, while Quebec is the last remaining province to seek to increase access for Vyzulta for its patient population. Affecting over 400,000 Canadians, glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and the leading cause of blindness in North America.ii
"We are pleased that VYZULTA, a new treatment option that can help patients manage the potentially life-altering condition of glaucoma and possibly preserve eyesight has been recognized by most Canadian provinces and the federal government are increasing access to VYZULTA for the benefit of patients and the health care system," said Richard Lajoie, president and general manager, Bausch Health, Canada. "Bausch + Lomb is proud to continue to live its mission to help Canadians live better by enabling them to see better with our health care products."
VYZULTA has a dual mechanism of action for lowering intraocular pressure by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork routes.i VYZULTAis to be administered once daily.
"VYZULTA is the first prostaglandin analog with a Nitric Oxide (NO) releasing metabolite and reduces IOP by increasing outflow through both the trabecular meshwork and the uveoscleral pathways," said Dr. Steven Schendel, (MD, FRCSC). "I am pleased to have this innovative therapy for treatment of open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, which is now accessible to patients on public drug plans in British Columbia."
For Canadians, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness.iii Glaucoma is defined as a group of eye diseases that slowly and progressively affect the optic nerve,v which can lead to irreversible vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and is associated with elevated pressure caused by a backup of fluid in the eye.iv
"For patients to have advanced standard of care for glaucoma, they need to have access to innovative treatments such as VYZULTA on public formularies," said Doug Earle, president & CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada. "Governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the North West Territories, the Yukon and the federal government, through the Non-Insured Health Benefits and Veteran Affairs programs are showing their commitment to glaucoma patients by making Vyzulta available to patients on public formularies. On behalf of the constituents of Fighting Blindness Canada, I am heartened to see that most provinces and jurisdictions are supporting people living with open-angle glaucoma and now have access to another treatment option that they can discuss with their optometrist or ophthalmologist."
VYZULTA received its Notice of Compliance (NOC) from Health Canada on Dec. 27, 2018 and is currently covered by most private insurance plans in Canada.
About Bausch + Lomb Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc., is solely focused on helping people see better to live better. Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in approximately 100 countries. For more information, visit Bausch.ca.
About Bausch Health Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health.
In Canada, our areas of focus include eye health, dermatology and cardio metabolic. More information can be found at BauschHealth.ca.
_______________________
i
PrVyzulta® Product Monograph, dated December 27, 2018.
Quigley HA, Broman AT. The number of people with glaucoma worldwide in 2010 and 2020. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2006;90(3):262v Horton JC. Disorders of the Eye. In: Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015.
iv
Canadian Ophthalmological Society Glaucoma Clinical Practice Guideline Expert Committee; Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Canadian Ophthalmological Society evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of glaucoma in the adult eye. Can J Ophthalmol. 2009;44 Suppl 1:S7-S93.
SOURCE Bausch + Lomb Canada
ISOLOGIC acquires diagnostic FDG distribution from CPDC
Acquisition will provide hospitals, physicians and patients with a more robust and reliable supply chain for critical diagnostic FDG molecules
MONTREAL, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - ISOLOGIC Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals is pleased to announce it has reached a preliminary agreement with the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) to acquire CPDC's commercial distribution of diagnostic FDG molecules. Through this agreement, ISOLOGIC will integrate 18FDG manufacturing and distribution under a single brand, while maintaining the highest level of product quality and customer service.
ISOLOGIC is committed to ensuring Canadians can depend on a reliable, efficient, and locally made radiopharmaceutical supply. Radiopharmaceuticals are used in imaging technologies, notably single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), to diagnose and assess cancer tumors and metastases, seizures, strokes, infections and other serious medical conditions.
The vision behind this transaction is simple: to help provide improved healthcare across Canada and assist physicians by delivering the most clinically relevant PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals in a safe, reliable manner to ultimately help save patient's lives.
"Today's acquisition and resulting consolidation is essential to safeguarding Canada's critical radiopharmaceutical supply chain and will further improve the delivery of care to patients," said Andre Gagnon, President of ISOLOGIC Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals. "Isologic is more committed than ever to our role as a vital partner to the health system amidst the current health crisis and challenges Canada is facing."
This acquisition builds on ISOLOGIC's previous investments and strengthens its ability to meet the needs of Canadians for these critical radiopharmaceuticals safely, efficiently, and consistently. Today's announcement marks a key step in fulfilling this goal.
As a result of this acquisition, both ISOLOGIC and CPDC will be able to focus on their key strengths in serving Canada's healthcare community.
"CPDC is confident that ISOLOGIC will continue to provide excellence in service and supply for our hospital partners and their patients across Canada," said Bruno Paquin, Interim Chief Executive Officer of CPDC. "We're excited to continue expanding our ground-breaking work to discover, develop and distribute next generation imaging agents and targeted radiotherapeutics for the detection and treatment of human diseases."
Given the short shelf-life of FDG products, the need to manufacture to rigorous Canadian GMP standards, and the essential nature of FDG-based imaging technology for Canada's health care system, this transaction will help ensure production capacity stays close to major Canadian delivery-of-care locations.
Hospitals, physicians and patients will benefit from a more robust and reliable supply chain to meet today's and tomorrow's needs. True to its track-record, ISOLOGIC will remain a strategic partner for health care systems across Canada.
"We look forward to servicing CPDC's trusted customers, and we commit to doing so in accordance with the highest national and professional standards," said Mr. Gagnon. "This acquisition will allow ISOLOGIC to maintain and enhance the level of service that CPDC's customers have experienced in the past. Our objective is to build on these important relationships and to grow new, long-lasting ones."
About ISOLOGIC Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals Inc.
ISOLOGIC Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals (ISOLOGIC) is a Canadian company dedicated to nuclear medicine and the science of radiopharmaceutical production. ISOLOGIC's commitment in these areas includes cyclotron centers, SPECT and PET radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities across Canada. We use our increased experience, expertise and radiopharmaceutical network to provide our customers and patients reliable, safe and high-quality radiopharmaceutical products and services. ISOLOGIC's radiopharmaceutical drug and medical device offers flexibility of choice, providing its clients with access to all radiopharmaceuticals that have Health Canada's market authorization.
SOURCE IsoLogic Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals
Alcon Canada to launch a professional line of Systane Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free
Featuring a preservative-free formula with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and HP-Guar, which:
Provides 2X greater cell hydration and protection vs. HA alone.*1
Significantly improves the rate of corneal healing and restoration of damaged cells vs. HA alone.**2
Is recommended for patients with moderate or chronic dry eye disease or suffering from post-surgery dryness who want long-lasting relief.3,4
Is in multi-dose bottle and scheduled to launch December 1, 2020, in Canada, at select Eye Care Professional practices.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the Canadian launch of the newest addition to its innovative portfolio of dry eye products – a professional line of SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free. These new eye drops contain both Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and HP-Guar, a powerful combination of ingredients shown to offer long-lasting dry eye relief for those suffering from moderate or chronic dry eye. Patients suffering from dry eye symptoms after LASIK or cataract surgery can also benefit.4 The dual-polymer formula provides 2X greater cell hydration and protection vs. hyaluronic acid (HA) alone*1.
"At Alcon, we know the importance of meeting the needs of consumers who are frustrated by chronic dry eye problems. Today, we're expanding our portfolio of products with the addition of SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free," said Chris Van Dyk, Country Business Head, Alcon Vision Care. "There are patients who are constantly afflicted by dry eye; it can distract them from morning to night and significantly impact their daily activities. Now, these sufferers can get long-lasting relief that allows them to focus on their lives, not their dry eye."
SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free will launch with patented PureFlow® Technology, a multi-dose closing tip bottle system that features a one-way valve to ensure that no contaminated liquid is re-introduced into the container after a drop has been dispensed. This bottle technology eliminates the need for preservatives in the eye drops.
Since 2004, Systane® has been tested in more than 50 clinical studies, which provides eye care professionals the confidence of knowing they are recommending a family of clinically proven formulas.5 Moreover, patients will enjoy both ease of use and long-lasting, preservative-free symptom relief.4 SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free are also safe for use rewetting all silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses.6
"SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free have become my preferred choice to promote corneal healing and help to significantly improve symptoms in my dry eye patients,2,4" said Judy Parks, O.D. at the Ancaster Eye Clinic. "With the clinically proven dual-polymer formula of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) plus HP-Guar in a preservative-free formulation, more of my patients can enjoy powerful protection and relief.4"
The commercial availability of SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free begins December 1, 2020. This product will be available in select Professional Eye Care clinics.
Important Information for the Systane Family of Products
Systane® Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free have been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of dry eye, providing, long-lasting protection and comfort.4 Both SystaneTM Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative Free and Systane® Ultra HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops give long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms for moderate or chronic sufferers, as well as patients who are suffering from dry eye symptoms after cornea surgery.4 SystaneTM COMPLETE is an all-in-one formula that is clinically shown to provide instant and 8-hour relief for all types of dry eye.10 Systane® GEL DROPS are indicated for patients who suffer from severe dry eye and need night-time relief from their symptoms.7
Systane® LID WIPES provides complementary care for everyday eyelid hygiene with pre-moistened wipes for easy, on-the-go application. SYSTANE® OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTS help support proper tear function in persons with dry eye disesase8,9
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products that improve people's lives by helping them to see better. Our 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. Our more than 20,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca. You can also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
*In vitro study **Study conducted in mice
_____________________________
1.
Rangarajan R, Kraybill B, Ogundele A, Ketelson H. Effects of a Hyaluronic Acid/Hydroxypropyl Guar Artificial Tear Solution on Protection, Recovery, and Lubricity in Models of Corneal Epithelium. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2015;31(8):491-497.
2.
Ogundele A, Kao W, Carlson E. Impact of Hyaluronic Acid Containing Artificial Tear Products on Re-epithelialization in an In Vivo Corneal Wound Model. Poster presented at: 8th International Conference on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface; September 7-10, 2016; Montpellier, France.
3.
Davidson R, Schultz-Scott B. Efficacy Evaluation of SYSTANE® ULTRA in Patients with dry Eye Undergoing Cataract Surgery. Poster Presented at: 30th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons: September 8-12, 2012, Milan, Italy
4.
Mrukwa-Kominek E, Baranska K, Jadczyk K. First clinical reports on the application of the modern dual-polymer formula in aqueius deficiency dry eye syndrome: Polish observations. Poster presented at: 20th European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons Winter Meeting; February 26-28, 2016; Athens, Greece
5.
Based on clinical trials analysis for Systane vs. competition using information sources from clinicaltrials.gov; Alcon data on file, 2019.
6.
Alcon data on file, 2014.
7.
Christensen M, Martin A, Meadows D. An evaluation of the efficacy and patient acceptance of a new lubricant eye gel. The American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting; 2011; E-Abstract 115013.
8.
Roncone M, Bartlett H, Eperjesi F. Essential fatty acids for dry eye: A review. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2010;33(2):49-54.
9.
Giannaccare et al. E.cacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Treatment of dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Cornea. 2019 May;38(5):565-573.
10.
Guillon M, Patel K, Gupta R, Srinivasan S. Sustained symptom relief following a single dose of PG/HPG-nanoemulsion in patients with dry eye disease. Poster presented the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting. October 23-26, 2019, Orlando FL.
SOURCE Alcon Canada
Duracell® Debuts Breakthrough Child Safety Feature for Lithium Coin Batteries, Offering a New Advancement in Safety to Help Discourage Swallowing
As holiday season approaches Canadians are provided the ability to "Power Safely"
TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Duracell, the most trusted battery brand, launches its latest innovation in child safety, a bitter coating on its lithium coin batteries -- sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016. This breakthrough innovation in the battery category is designed to help discourage swallowing. With coin battery ingestions on the rise annually and damage that can occur in just two hours from ingestion, Duracell was determined to provide parents and caregivers of young children with an additional safety feature, child-safe packaging, and supportive education to help reverse this rising and devastating trend.
Duracell Lithium Coin batteries (sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016) will now contain a non-toxic, bitter coating designed to help discourage swallowing. This bitter coating is applied to these battery sizes which have a diametre of 20mm, which is similar to the size of a child's esophagus. If a child swallows a lithium coin battery, it can get lodged in the esophagus and burn through the surrounding tissue in as little as two hours, causing serious damage.
"Having treated young children in the emergency room who have accidentally swallowed lithium coin batteries, I have experienced firsthand the detrimental physical impact to these children and effects on the parents," says Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician and emergency medicine physician. "As a mother of four young boys myself, I can appreciate how important it is for parents to be aware of this serious issue and making sure the appropriate precautions are taken to help protect our children."
For additional safety, Duracell's Child Secure Pack features a tough double blister around the lithium coin cell that is nearly impossible to open without scissors. Duracell is also providing supportive education through its "Power Safely" initiative, which aims to educate consumers on the potential hidden dangers in the home, steps to take to decrease accidental ingestions and further child safety measures they can adopt.
"Duracell takes very seriously the trust that millions of consumers across North America place in us to power their lives every day. And our new bitter coating innovation is an important step in child safety for us as a brand. We are proud to work with our retailer partners and other stakeholders in bringing this innovation to market," says Roberto Mendez, President, Duracell North America. "If a child manages to get access to a lithium coin cell and swallows it, consequences can become serious if not detected fast enough. In order to help prevent accidents and help keep children safe, we've worked to provide more child safety features around our lithium coin cells than other leading brands. This new innovation is no different, and we are confident this is the technology families and caregivers need to help close the gap between a child getting their hands on a lithium coin cell and the unfortunate event of ingestion."
Lithium coin batteries are commonly used in a number of devices throughout the home such as remote controls, calculators and bathroom weight scales. During the holiday season there are likely more objects in the home powered with this type of battery such as string lights, holiday ornaments, greeting cards with sound, as well as certain toys and games and other electronics that may be given as gifts. The Duracell lithium coin battery with its added safety features can more safely power these common devices delivering peace of mind to parents and caregivers.
According to Kulik, young children are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment. With children spending more time at home, particularly over the holidays, parents should be mindful of potential safety risks. She adds, "Parents should regularly inspect and secure battery-operated devices around the home and keep batteries safely out of reach. When required, using lithium coin batteries designed with child safety in mind, parents can provide an extra layer of protection."
While this technology is revolutionary in the battery category, Duracell also believes battery safety education is critical to truly change the outcome for families around accidental ingestion. That is why Duracell is embarking on the Power Safely initiative to help educate parents and caregivers as to the importance of practicing battery safety throughout the home.
To kickstart the Power Safely campaign, Duracell has created an informational educational video to shed light on the effects lithium coin battery ingestions can have on young children and to help encourage better practices and prevention among parents and caregivers. The video showcases how even the most child-proofed home can still have hidden dangers that may be inadvertently overlooked, and how important the extra line of defense from the new non-toxic bitter coating may be to help protect children from the dangers of accidental ingestion.
Duracell lithium coin batteries in 2032, 2025, and 2016 sizes are available now at select retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price for a 4-pack of Duracell Lithium Coin batteries is $15.99.
For more safety tips and to learn more about Duracell's new lithium coin battery, please visit Duracell.com or visit @Duracell on Facebook.
About Duracell
Started in the 1920s, the Duracell brand and company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE-BRK.A, BRK.B) in 2016 and has grown to be the leader in the primary battery market in North America. The iconic Duracell brand is known the world over. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Our recharging technology allows consumers to live life without limits. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a $250B holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in diverse business activities. Visit www.duracell.com for more information; follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell and like us on Facebook.com/Duracell.
SOURCE Duracell
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!
