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
From shop floor to Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire (and now honorary doctor)‘Don’t give up, have goals, realise your dreams’ says our newest honorary doctor
25 November 2020 EMBARGOED UNTIL THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020, 00:01HRSZulfi Karim is well known in his home city of Bradford. He was voted one of the most 100 influential people in Bradford by Insider Magazine. In March, he fell ill to Covid-19 (on the same day as Prime Minister Boris Johnson), and although he recovered, he described his battle with the virus as among the darkest days of his life.A former events manager, he is programme director of NHS Well Bradford, President of Bradford Council for Mosques, and was recently made Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire - and now has an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford - but his career has much more humble beginnings.“My first job was repairing bikes in Bradford, and my duties included sweeping the shop floor. I realised early on I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life, I wanted to be where my manager was. It took a long time but I got there. My message to those graduating this year is to have dreams, to keep going and believe that you will get there.“I’m delighted and humbled to receive this award. It has been a very difficult year, so it makes these celebrations even more special. My advice to graduates is to thank your parents for everything they have done to make you who you are today and to keep trying; it doesn’t matter how many times you fail, just don’t give up.”His work with Well Bradford - a partnership between Public Health England, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Clinical Commissioning Group and Bradford Council - involves improving health inequality in the district by creating access to green spaces and promoting cleaner air, as well creating opportunities for improved skills and job prospects for young people in deprived areas.A proud Yorkshireman, he is passionate about promoting the district as a cultural sector and is a founding director of UNESCO City of Film Bradford. In 2007, he led the successful UK bid to host the Bollywood Film Awards in Yorkshire, and he has also founded the World Curry Festival.The grandfather-of-two, who lives in Saltaire with wife and landscape architect Saira, has been honoured by the University for his “outstanding” work on diversity and overcoming discrimination and health inequalities. In particular, the University praised his leadership in campaigning against social injustice and fostering a positive culture across the whole district amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Zulfi said of the award: “It will act as a motivator in my efforts to advance the work taking place to create a fairer, healthier and stronger future for the people of Bradford, fighting discrimination and prejudice in all its forms. Covid-19 brings unprecedented challenges for all of us living in our great city yet now, more than ever, it’s vital we build a district that truly reflects our diversity, our creativity and our ambitions.” Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford said: “Zulfi is an excellent role model for all our staff and students, and we are delighted to present him with this honour in recognition of his support to the University and his services to the community. “The University of Bradford is the place where people who want to make a difference choose to study and work. Zulfi is a great example of this and his leadership and passion on many local programmes and groups has had a positive impact on our communities. His contributions to community engagement and improving the health and wellbeing of our city are outstanding and inspiring.” Since 1966 the University of Bradford has awarded Honorary Degrees and Fellowships to outstanding individuals in recognition of their academic work and endeavour, their contribution to their chosen profession or field of activity, their contribution to the University, City or wider region, and their ability to act as a role model reflecting the University’s values.As part of our Winter 2020 Virtual Celebrations, we will continue this tradition and award Honorary Degrees and Fellowships to more outstanding individuals. Picture: 1) Zulfi Karim. Credit: University of Bradford.
A local drug and alcohol treatment center is hoping to prevent holiday drug and alcohol abuse from adding to the already problematic pandemic abuse statistics.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center, a drug and alcohol treatment center in the Tampa Bay area, want people to be on the look out for signs of loved ones struggling with abuse or addiction this holiday season.
While experts typically see an increase in drinking and drug abuse around the holidays, Thanksgiving can be particularly troubling. With most people scheduled to be off from work for Thanksgiving, and college kids returning home to celebrate the holiday with family members, many bars acknowledge that Thanksgiving Eve has become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year in America, rivaling both St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
“This is even more troubling when you look at this on top of a year, which has already seen troubling statistics due to COVID and other factors,” said John Templeton, founder of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center.
In January, a study revealed that alcohol-related deaths more than doubled in the U.S., and in late September, a study conducted by the RAND Corporation showed adults in America have significantly increased their alcohol consumption since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the study, the most dramatic increase was in binge drinking episodes in women. Women reported a 41 percent spike in episodes of binge drinking in the spring of 2020 when compared to that of spring of 2019, with binge drinking being defined as four or more drinks within two hours. The national survey also found alcohol consumption increased in general by 14 percent in adults over the age of 30.
“Sadly, during the holidays, we often see a doubling of alcohol abuse, and add to this, the surge related to COVID and the other alarming news about alcohol-related fatalities doubling, and we could be in for major problems,” said Templeton. “However, as always, we’re here with a positive message, and that is that help is available. We’ve had hundreds of people successfully complete our drug and alcohol treatment programs, and with the holidays now in full swing, we need to do all we can to help people find sobriety and claim recovery by letting them know that there is hope.”
Footprints provides treatment options including day/night treatment, a men’s program, women’s program, outpatient treatment, relapse prevention, sober living, detox, treatment for professionals, and treatment for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. Some of the areas of treatment are for alcohol, heroin, meth, cocaine, opioids, ecstasy, marijuana, hallucinogens and dual diagnosis disorders.
Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a small, private, holistic substance abuse treatment center for adults and is located in Pinellas County, Fla. Footprints provides specialized treatment plans for patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Opioid addiction recovery programs at Footprints focus on ensuring safe withdrawals and often combine holistic treatment with medication assisted therapies to reduce cravings and provide more successful recovery outcomes for patients.
Canada's First Pension Plan For Medical Doctors
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Blue Pier™ is pleased to announce the launch of Canada's first real pension solution for doctors.
Self-employed physicians from coast to coast to coast can now join a pension plan offered by Blue Pier™ -- Canada's "Pension Plan as a Service".
Physicians practising in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, with specialties ranging from family and emergency medicine to anesthesiology and radiology, have joined Blue Pier.
"Most of Canada's 90,000 doctors don't have a pension plan. A lot of products promise retirement income to doctors, but only Blue Pier offers a real pension plan with doctor-customized features," said Dr. Stephen Milone, a Blue Pier Director. "The distinction matters: Blue Pier's flexibility, tax efficiency and low cost accommodate the changing needs and circumstances of doctors and their families in ways that RRSPs or IPPs don't."
"Medical professionals have advocated for decades for a bona fide pension plan for doctors, but the ideal regulatory vehicle just wasn't available. Blue Pier has now answered that call," said Tom Magyarody, Blue Pier Director and former CEO of the Ontario Medical Association.
Blue Pier Director Dr. Craig Donaldson said, "Blue Pier's approach to providing pensions to physicians is what the doctor ordered. It works for doctors because doctors helped design it." "I've been waiting for a real pension plan for a long time," said Dr. Christian Kirkpatrick. "Glad it's finally here!".
In a joint statement, Drs. Stephanie Milone, Apurva Patel, Mark Murphy and John Dufton observed "There are more than 40,000 mutual funds and 100,000 financial advisors in Canada, all competing for our business. How can doctors be expected to do their jobs and sort through all that? With Blue Pier, we can focus on practising medicine and look forward to a secure retirement."
Susan Murray, a renowned government-relations expert and Blue Pier board member noted, "This plan is ground-breaking, not only for the fine doctors of Canada who need real pensions, but for all small businesses across the country which employ most of Canada's workforce. Blue Pier is changing the pension landscape in Canada."
Blue Pier Founder and CEO James Pierlot said "We are proud to launch the first national pension solution for Canada's doctors, as part of Blue Pier's broader goal of bringing pension coverage to all Canadian workers. At Blue Pier, we embrace inclusiveness, diversity, innovation and accountability, values that will drive modernization and democratization of pensions for Canada's 21st century workforce. We're delighted that Canada's doctors are behind us and honoured to serve them with a pension solution that can enhance retirement income security for medical professionals and their staff.
Canada's first and only "Pension Plan as a Service", Blue Pier enables employers of any size across Canada to offer customized workplace pensions to their employees without taking on the costs, risks and workload of pension administration. Blue Pier leverages scale, technology and unique design features to deliver sustainable, cost-effective pensions with minimal workload for employers. Designated an essential service by the Ontario government, Blue Pier is COVID-19 compliant, with unique capabilities to onboard and provide services to employers and members without any need for direct personal contact.
SOURCE Blue Pier™
'Half a million strong': Mental Health First Aid training grows virtual
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Last evening, hundreds of people gathered online to celebrate the launch of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) virtual training.
Like conventional first aid, which teaches people how to intervene in a physical health emergency, MHFA gives trainees the tools and confidence to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
"Never has the need for MHFA been greater," said Louise Bradley, the Mental Health Commission of Canada's (MHCC's) president and CEO. "If we're going to get ahead of a COVID-19 mental illness echo pandemic, the time to learn how to support one another is now."
Hosting the Facebook Live celebration was mental health advocate and singer-songwriter Séan McCann, who is living in recovery from problematic substance use and is eager to spread the word about the value of talking openly as an antidote to stigma. "I used to travel the country in one of Canada's biggest party bands (Great Big Sea). Today, my mission is to walk those same roads with a very different message… I've still got a guitar in my hand, but now I'm singing about the power of hope and recovery."
McCann's message resonated with the MHFA trainers, trainees, and MHCC staff at the event, who were thrilled to take a brief pause from the hard work that went into adapting the training to the virtual format.
"This is a huge step for us," said Mike Pietrus, director of Opening Minds, the MHCC department that oversees MHFA training and development. "After marking the milestone of delivering face-to-face training to 500,000 people in Canada, this pivot to virtual training will allow us to grow the movement significantly further."
Mere days into the COVID-19 lockdown, Pietrus' team jumped into action, moving at lightning speed to modify their resiliency and crisis training and provide free virtual courses to meet the needs of essential workers.
"This was a Herculean effort," Bradley explained. "We delivered free training to over 5,000 people in front-line roles across the country. And with all the knowledge our learning specialists and trainers gained through that process, we've been able to hone MHFA training so that it complies with all the newest and best practices for online delivery. Everything has been modified to meet participants' needs."
Denise Waligora, an MHCC training and delivery specialist and MHFA master trainer, agreed. "As trainers, we've got to rethink how to connect with participants over the screen. We've got to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. And we have to make sure we uphold the quality of our content — that's key."
With virtual training able to hurdle geographic barriers, Bradley hopes to see a million people trained in the next five years. "Virtually, anything is possible!"
Quick Facts
MHFA is active in 25 countries (in Canada since 2007).
Over 500,000 people from 5,000+ communities in Canada have been trained in MHFA.
Over 10,000 MHFA courses have been delivered in Canada.
Adaptations of MHFA include courses for adults who interact with youth, First Nations, Inuit, Northern peoples, police, seniors, and the veteran community.
