LuminUltra partners with The Infection Prevention Strategy to educate on proper COVID-19 disinfection protocol
Partnership brings together leaders in their respective fields to advocate for an innovative, science-based approach to pandemic management
FREDERICTON, NB, Nov. 18, 2020 /CNW/ - Biotechnology leader LuminUltra has partnered with The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS) in the fight against COVID-19 to provide global education on the importance of verifying proper disinfection protocols with science-based methodology.
As a global leader in molecular diagnostic testing, LuminUltra has developed portable qPCR technology that can test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – in a variety of environments including surfaces, air and wastewater. While individual human carriers are tested for COVID-19 using clinical diagnostics, broader environmental surveillance testing is essential for identifying the presence of the virus within a space or community. These environmental surveillance tools can be used for a variety of purposes, including to identify whether an infected person was present in a given space, as well as to verify that the virus has been properly eradicated following disinfection. This crucial information arms decision makers with measurable insight into the safety of their facilities and communities and disinfection protocols.
TIPS is a nonprofit organization that works to advance innovations, ideas and processes that make a difference in global health. Advocating for science-based approaches to infection prevention is a key component of their mandate and they offer a variety of programs such as Master Classes to educate businesses and organizations on emerging best practices. They also assist in the validation and adoption of proper disinfection protocols. LuminUltra is participating in the TIPS Science to Market® program, which is designed to bring innovations that can make an impact in global health to a broader market.
"LuminUltra's COVID-19 environmental surveillance solutions are a perfect match with the TIPS Science to Market® program," said Michael Diamond, TIPS Executive Director. "This program is designed to introduce new, innovative technologies to the market that can be directly applied to improve safety. LuminUltra's technology provides evidenced-based insight into whether the disinfection protocols facilities are following are effective. This verification step is crucial to validating and improving processes and ultimately better managing the threat of COVID-19."
LuminUltra launched its COVID-19 environmental surveillance tools in early spring in response to the growing challenges of the pandemic. The company has also provided much needed clinical testing supplies, providing the Government of Canada with 500,000 COVID-19 clinical tests per week.
"It's time to think differently about pandemic management," said Pat Whalen, President & CEO of LuminUltra. "Widespread and effective testing of both people and environments is crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Proactive testing solutions are essential to keeping our communities safe and enabling economies to stay open. Our mandate has always been to offer portable, easier-to-use technology that provides lab-quality results to more people."
"We're proud to partner with TIPS and their team of globally recognized scientists, epidemiologists and public health experts to create awareness for and access to these testing solutions that are integral to life in our new normal," added Whalen.
About TIPS
The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS) launched in 2015 is a not-for-profit that exists to advance innovations, ideas, and processes that make a difference in global health. TIPS extends to 30+ countries and is the key strategic partner for many notable organizations, initiatives, and events. In the past few years, TIPS has contributed millions of dollars worth of scientific impact through various programs and initiatives. Currently, TIPS is conducting 20+ SARS-CoV2/COVID19 efficacy studies for innovations and processes for air, water and surfaces. For more, visit ic.tips.
About LuminUltra
Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a biological diagnostic testing company headquartered in Canada with operations in 6 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.
LuminUltra COVID-19 Testing Solutions
LuminUltra provides complete testing solutions for three protocols: clinical diagnostics, surface and air testing for simple and effective surveillance of the presence of virus in buildings, and wastewater testing for 'early detection' population monitoring.
LuminUltra's industry gold-standard GeneCount® qPCR devices – both the portable and high-capacity options – are compatible with both the clinical and environmental tests. This means that clinical and environmental testing samples can be analyzed at the same time, allowing for efficient and highly effective diagnostic and surveillance testing. Research and development completed for all LuminUltra's testing solutions benefit each of the testing protocols, ensuring consistent, reliable and market-ready innovation.
SOURCE LuminUltra
4 Truths About Older People and the Pandemic
New York, NY, Nov. 18, 2020 — Life spans are getting longer, and the pandemic is greatly affecting older people (and their younger counterparts). Erica Baird and Karen E. Wagner are two successful lawyers, now retired, who cofounded Lustre.net, an online community aimed at redefining retirement for modern career women by confronting outdated stereotypes as they step into their next two to three decades. Together, Baird and Wagner reveal 4 Truths About Older People and the Pandemic:
1. Older people are people, too. According to theWorld Health Organization, ageism affects at least 600 million people worldwide. Ageism, the last acceptable ‘ism,’ serves only to legitimize stereotypes of older people and leads to views, such as those articulated during the pandemic, that maybe the pandemic is not so bad if it only affects older people (which of course it does not). It is time to ditch those false assumptions. Older people are living longer and better than ever. Every lucky person will, in fact, one day be older. Long before that day, everyone needs to understand that older people are people, too.
2.Boomers have skills that help them handle the pandemic.Boomers have solved many problems in their time—especially women, who have to solve problems at home, at work and everywhere else. They also know that crises can bring about positive change—they lived through the dawn of modern feminism, the birth of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War protests and the AIDS crisis. So while they hate the pandemic, they know how to deal with the daily dramas, and they know it will bring some useful changes when it is over.
3.Younger and older people have better lives if they live in the same communities.Older people are in the prime of their lives, and have experience and perspective to offer younger people. Younger people, in turn, have energy and exuberance that can benefit older people. Diversity of perspectives is always a good thing. Isolating older people, by housing them in retirement communities and excluding them from the workforce, is a waste for both generations. Never before have so many generations lived at the same time. Keeping them together profits everyone.
4.Older people should participate in tech design. Thanks to the pandemic, right now is Zoom time, and everyone is connecting virtually. Older people know this is not the way anyone wants to live, but they also know how to make it work for the moment. In their careers, when technology flowered, they learned well its value and how to use it. Zoom is just an extension of what they already know. As Forbesreported, older people do sometimes get frustrated with technology—and who doesn’t—but older people are seldom asked for input on the design of anything. Maybe if someone over 16 who isn’t a gamer were asked for her opinion, everyone’s frustration would disappear.
Lustre.net is an online forum founded by Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, two New York City retired attorneys. Together, Baird and Wagner are on a mission to redefine retirement for modern career women by confronting outdated concepts, defying stereotypes and raising our collective voices to ensure that retirement for all of us is shaped by women, for women. Baird and Wagner want women to “tap into our experiences and passions, forge new identities and find new purpose—and pass on what we know to the next generation.”
Hamilton Health Sciences expanding instance of Epic to enable more integrated, patient-centred health care
HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is taking the next step toward digital transformation by renewing its hospital information system (HIS). This multi-year project will enable significant advancements in the safety and efficiency of health service delivery at one of the province's largest hospital networks.
As Rob MacIsaac, president & CEO, HHS shared with Canadian Healthcare Technologyearlier this year, HHS is proceeding with expansion of its instance of Epic, a leading provider of health information technology and currently supporting HHS' ambulatory care. The decision follows an extensive, 18-month consultation and assessment process involving hundreds of hospital staff, physicians, patients, and community partners.
The hospital is following the vision established by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's (SJHH) through a competitive procurement of its enterprise hospital information system in 2015, which provided for other organizations within the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network to also deploy Epic, and is implementing its own instance using the SJHH RFP.
The new system will put HHS on a common platform with many world-leading healthcare organizations, including regional hospital partner, SJHH. A common platform will be an important enabler of integrated health care in the Hamilton region. Healthcare providers will have a single, interwoven picture of the patient's medical record, including medications, problems, allergies, lab results, imaging, previous visits, and medical history. Provincially, HHS' McMaster Children's Hospital will benefit from greater integration with children's hospital partners already on the Epic platform.
The expected two-year implementation process marks the largest investment in IT infrastructure in HHS' history. The HIS renewal project is part of HHS' broader plan to modernize its digital and technological assets.
"Today's hospitals must transform to keep pace with a changing society where technology, demographics and patient expectations are constantly and rapidly evolving," says Rob MacIsaac, president & CEO, HHS. "The expansion of Epic software to inpatient care will usher HHS into a new era that prioritizes digital over paper and enables greater connection between hospital and patient."
ABOUT HAMILTON HEALTH SCIENCES Hamilton Health Sciences is a community of 15,000 staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers that proudly serves southwestern Ontario residents. We also provide specialized care to people from across the province through a number of regional programs.
We're the only hospital in Ontario that cares for all ages, from pre-birth to end-of-life. We offer world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care, and high-risk pediatrics.
SOURCE Hamilton Health Sciences
How to Prevent Foot Problems When Getting into Running
Despite helping you keep fit, running has a strain on your feet than any other part of the body. Therefore, you need to take good care of your feet before getting into a run. No matter how your gaming outfit is or how fast you are, sore feet will prevent you from having a good run.
Here are the tips to keep your feet healthy before getting into a run.
Your Shoe Matters
Consult a specialist before purchasing a new pair of shoes. The specialists will analyze your gait to determine the right size for you and the kind of support your feet needs. Employees in a specialty running store are likely to have vast experience since they deal with sports shoes every day.
Additionally, the shoe size has a considerable impact on your feet. According to experts, there should be a space between your longest toe and the cover of your shoe. If you feel your shoe when you wiggle your toes, then the shoe is narrow and too short for you.
Stretch
The golden run to prevent sore feet is to start small and increase your distance gradually. Make sure you stretch several times a day toenhance your propulsion. Choose exercises that focus on your feet's small, deep muscles that are responsible for running motion. For desirable results, lift your big toes with your legs planted firmly on the ground. Besides helping runners, a podiatrist will have it that these drills are effective for people who regularly wear high heels. Wearing heels causes painful inflammation in the arch, which can result in plantar fasciitis.
Choose Socks Wisely
Socks have a significant effect on your feet. Make sure you buy sock size that fits your footwell. Don't use your pair of socks for a prolonged time because they shrink with time and lose their elasticity. When socks wear thin, your feet are set up for blisters. In addition, avoid purchasing pure cotton socks because they tend to hold moisture for long, a common cause of fungus.
Consider Summer
As a runner, the last thing you can ever think of is the type of shoes you wear when not running. But podiatrists say that the kind of shoes you wear when not running will determine whether you will keep running. Flip flops and sandals do not give your feet the necessary support they need. However, there are several approved open shoes specifically designed for athletes.
The most basic way to prepare for a run is by carrying out stretching and strengthening exercises. However, all of the above steps will help you prevent injuries while running.
DUPIXENT® (dupilumab injection) now approved by Health Canada for patients with severe asthma
Only biologic approved in Canada to treat severe asthma with type 2 / eosinophilic phenotype, or oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma
Fourth indication for DUPIXENT® in Canada following approvals for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).1
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada announced today that Health Canada approved a new indication for DUPIXENT® (dupilumab injection), for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma with a type 2 / eosinophilic phenotype or oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma.2
"For Canadians struggling with severe asthma, the approval of Dupixent offers an exciting new treatment pathway," says Dr. Kenneth Chapman, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Director of the Asthma and Airway Centre of the University Health Network. "Too often, such patients must resort to oral steroids to bring their disease under control."
DUPIXENT® is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) proteins3 and is not an immunosuppressant. Data from DUPIXENT® clinical trials have shown that IL-4 and IL-13 are key drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in asthma, atopic dermatitis, and CRSwNP.
"Despite advances in treatment for severe asthma, there are many Canadians whose disease is inadequately controlled with current therapies, which can have a deep impact on their quality of life," says Marissa Poole, Country Lead, Sanofi Canada and General Manager, Sanofi Genzyme Canada. "With this additional indication for DUPIXENT®, a new treatment option is now available that addresses the physiological aspect of the disease, to ultimately help patients achieve improved control of their symptoms."
Asthma is a chronic disease caused by swelling and inflammation of the airway, lining, and tightening of the muscles around the airway, which blocks the flow of air through the lungs.4 People with severe asthma experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and are at-risk for life-threatening asthma attacks that may require emergency room visits or hospitalization.5,6 While some people with severe asthma can manage their symptoms with oral corticosteroids, others remain uncontrolled despite available treatments.
"The daily management of asthma can be a significant burden for Canadians living with the disease. It can be even more frustrating for those patients who are compliant with their Asthma Action Plan and medication, but their debilitating symptoms persist," says Vanessa Foran, President & CEO, Asthma Canada. "With better understanding of the physiological underlying cause of the disease and the development of treatments that address that root cause, many patients are able to reduce the number of treatments they use to effectively manage their disease and improve their quality of life."
About DUPIXENT®
DUPIXENT® was first approved by Health Canada on November 30, 2017, and remains the only biologic medicine for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.7 In September 2019, Health Canada expanded this approval to include adolescents aged 12 years and older.8 In August 2020, Health Canada approved DUPIXENT® for the treatment of adult patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.9
DUPIXENT® is jointly developed by Sanofi and Regeneron under a global collaboration agreement.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.
Sanofi entities in Canada employ approximately 2,000 people. In 2018, we invested more than $127 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.
Offers increased maternity, adoption and parental leave coverage
Leading adoption, surrogacy and fertility benefits, as well as enhanced coverage for transgender care available to employees
TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - Manulife today announced it is increasing its family leave support for its employees in Canada, providing 20 weeks of paid maternity leave and 12 weeks of paid parental and adoption leave, starting on January 1, 2021.
These enhanced leaves build on other family-focused benefits introduced earlier this year for the company's Canadian and U.S. employees which include reimbursement of up to $20,000 per year for adoption and surrogacy support, and fertility medication for those in Canada. In line with the company's strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, this portfolio of benefits is designed to provide support for families of all forms.
"We know what it means for so many of our colleagues to have a family and we are proud to provide this valuable support to help them achieve this important dream," said Pam Kimmet, Manulife's Chief Human Resources Officer. "We're committed to making every day better for our customers and our colleagues, which is why we continually look for opportunities to deliver best-in-class programs that support health and wellbeing, and in ways that work for them."
Manulife's employee benefits have continued to evolve and drive market change since 2017 when the company introduced a $10,000 mental health practitioner benefit for its Canadian employees and their dependents. Since then, Manulife has removed financial barriers for employees in the U.S. to access mental health support by covering out-of-pocket costs for behavioural health and substance addiction. The company has added expanded virtual mental health services through Beacon in Canada, and Talkspace and Sanvello Virtual Care in the U.S. Further, online healthcare is accessible 24/7 through Akira Health in Canada. coverage.
Canadian and U.S. employees and their dependents now have access to fully covered gender affirmation coverage. This includes coverage for surgical procedures such as Adam's apple reductions, cheek augmentation or breast augmentation, as well as non-surgical treatments such as voice training for transgender care.
"As the needs of our employees evolve, the benefits we offer have to as well. Families take many forms, such as single parents, same-sex couples, and transitioning transgender family members. And we look to support these different journeys," said Kimmet.
In Canada, Manulife also now offers new medical marijuana coverage for help with specific health needs.
About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2019, we had more than 35,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving almost 30 million customers. As of June 30, 2020, we had $1.2 trillion (US$0.9 trillion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $30.6 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 155 years. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.
SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation
NEW SPECULATIVE FICTION NOVEL EXPLORES THE INDIVIDUAL’S QUEST FOR PURPOSE IN A RICHLY-IMAGINED NEAR FUTURE
"Unfettered Journey"-A Love & Adventure Story w/ A Philosophical Perspective-Remember the books you read throughout high school and college? ...The ones you most treasured with thrilling stories, surprising adventures, and lovable, memorable characters; The ones that encouraged deep introspection and changed your outlook on the world? Unfettered Journey is one of those books. ABOUT THE BOOK:Unfettered Journey is the story of an AI scientist who seeks to create robot consciousness and discovers the resilience of the human spirit. He travels to a small college to progress his quest, but instead finds love, a secret plot by unjust forces, and the answers to his fundamental questions - the nature of the conscious mind and free will. This book is a profound, many-layered journey that traces struggle and resilience in an imperfect world. Travel on a spiritual quest with these endearing characters to glimpse our hopeful, possible future. **Now chosen as November Book of the Month by Bookclubz.com **Are you looking for a very different, cross-genre reading experience? Unfettered Journey in summary:paints a richly imagined, realistic future worldis an action/adventure storyis a love storyis a story with a social justice themeis a story with strong charactersasks philosophical and spiritual questions that will linger. Start your journey now.-Release Date: September 7, 2020 -Publisher: Chiliagon Press -ISBN: 978-1-64886-011-9Unfettered Journey is now available on Amazon HERE. WHY YOU NEED THIS BOOK:One of the most anticipated novels of 2020, Unfettered Journey is a captivating and fast-paced futuristic love story rooted in hard-science, physics, and philosophy. A story about survival and resilience in an imperfect world, this speculative fiction novel is a guaranteed page-turner filled with powerful characters in a quest for meaning in their life.
Although the book explores some high-level philosophical concepts, the story is easily consumable and can be appreciated on many levels. Fellow philosophers will appreciate the attention to detail including appendices that contain three philosophical papers, on the subjects of time, ontology and the nature of mind.
Whether you want to dive deep into the complexities of philosophy and physics, or just want to read a thought-provoking love story, this book is for you. If you’re obsessed with AI and need a book to tide you over until the next season of Westworld, or simply seeking an action-packed adventure novel - Unfettered Journey has something in it for everyone. It is an existential adventure for the mind on many levels, from the thrilling action scenes to the philosophical examination of society, the universe, and our role in both, it’s a love story filled with memorable characters, and a plot that leaves you holding your breath at the dramatic conclusion. "It's a captivating and fast-paced futuristic love story...a future that feels eerily authentic..." --She's Single Magazine "The world is as richly imagined as the Bladerunner movie."--Midwest Book Review "Unfettered Journeyis a futuristic and philosophical romantic adventure perfect for 2020."--Bookish MusesABOUT THE AUTHOR, GARY BENGIER:
Eosera Solves New-Age Problem: Introducing the EARBUD CLEANING KIT from Eosera, Inc.
After nearly a year in development and testing, ear care experts, Eosera, Inc., releases the EARBUD CLEANING KIT—an all-in-one kit that helps you clean your dirty earbuds in no time. The kit will be launching on www.EARcareMD.com, Amazon, and in select retail stores nationwide. Equipped with sanitizing wipes, cleaning putty, a perfectly sized magnifying glass, and small, delicate brushes, the EARBUD CLEANING KIT has it all in one reusable storage container.
Fort Worth, TX – November 17th, 2020 – Earwax experts Eosera, Inc.finally has a solution for your dirty, expensive earbuds. Introducing the EARBUD CLEANING KIT—a fully equipped kit that cleans and sanitizes your AirPods and earbuds in minutes. Containing 30 squares of cleaning putty, 10 sanitizing alcohol wipes, a magnifying glass, and 2 delicate brush heads, this EARBUD CLEANING KIT has what you need to get your earbuds back into tip-top shape. Eosera's specially designed the storage container to be reusable and durable for easy traveling and storing. The EARBUD CLEANING KIT launched on www.EARcareMD.com November 2nd, 2020, and will launch on Amazon and in select CVS stores across the nation in December 2020.
Buddy up with Eosera’s EARBUD CLEANING KIT—an all-in-one kit that cleans and disinfects your earbuds in minutes.
Since the Pandemic, We Use Earbuds Now More than Ever
With 336 million earbud units sold with an average sales volume increase of 12 million per year(1), the market for this kind of cleaning kit is remarkable. Especially in the age of Zoom and working from home, earbuds are a necessity— everyone needs to clean their earbuds, whether they know it or not. Between online school or work and leisure time, it seems like we’re constantly plugging our ears with plastic earbuds of all kids. That sticky wax that builds up along with dirt, debris, and germs is enough to make anyone squirm.
With the use of earbuds skyrocketing along with screens due to the pandemic, it’s no wonder they’re so dirty. Business Insider recently reported on a study(2) done to see just how dirty your earbuds are. Out of 22 swabbed earbuds, 2 tested for yeast and 1 tested for a type of bacteria associated with dirt. Bacteria can form and grow on earbuds causing ear infections or ear itchiness.
The EARBUD CLEANING KIT contains alcohol towelettes to wipe down the outer plastic portion of the earbud for hygienic purposes. In times of COVID-19, you can’t be too careful about disinfecting items that contact the inside of your ears.
De-gunk your earbuds with Eosera’s EARBUD CLEANING KIT.
Turn Up the Volume
“The EARBUD CLEANING KIT is a game-changer for how you interact with that technology,” says Elyse Dickerson, CEO of Eosera, Inc.
The days of using a paperclip or a pencil to scrape off wax from the screen of your earbuds are finally over. Innovation at its finest has changed the way we care for our earbuds. Turn up the volume on your music and videos simply by cleaning the gunk out of your earbuds. See what a difference it can make.
Eosera’s EARBUD CLEANING KIT has everything you need to tune in.
About Eosera Eosera, Inc. is a multi-million-dollar, female-led biotech company committed to developing innovative products that address underserved healthcare needs. Eosera operates by putting purpose before profits and is proud to be one of the pioneering companies in a movement called Conscious Capitalism. Eosera offers a comprehensive line of ear care products addressing earwax impaction, ear itch, and routine ear hygiene. Eosera is a multi-award-winning company with a decorated CEO and impressive growth trends. Eosera’s products are currently available in over 13,000 retail drug stores across the nation. For more information, visit www.EARcareMD.com.
I’m an Addiction Treatment Specialist, 15 ½ Years Sober, and Fully in Support of Oregon’s New Law Decriminalizing Drug Use
By Dave Marlon, CEO of CrossRoads of Southern NV & VegasStronger
Measure 110 passed in Oregon with 55.8% of the vote on election day, clearing the way for the state to become the first in the nation to decriminalize the personal possession of small amounts of cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
The ballot measure also reallocates cannabis tax funds to be used for health assessments, addiction treatment, harm reduction, and other services for people with addiction disorders.
The idea behind the ballot measure is to get people suffering from addiction disorders out of the criminal justice system and onto the addiction treatment path.
As an alcoholic in recovery and addiction counselor, one would think I’d be against such a measure to essentially legalize drugs; but let me explain why I’m in favor of it and why I think it could be a smart model for the rest of the country, especially as we look at options to treat the opioid crisis and try to solve America’s “war on drugs.”
15+ years ago when I was struggling with alcohol and cocaine use, I wish I had the treatment options that were just put in place in Oregon – it might have shaved a few years of recklessness out of me.
Even currently, in 49 states in America, there aren’t the treatment options available that just went into effect with Measure 110 in Oregon. For example, with Measure 110, if you are caught with a small amount of drugs, you are issued a $100 ticket. The $100 is waived if you show up for a health assessment or treatment, all of which is paid for by The State of Oregon, not the patient.
I struggled for years and years earlier in my life with the idea that I might end up in jail or the moral stigma of addiction would be too much. I also thought the idea of treatment was just way too expensive. Back then, I couldn’t have imagined what good treatment would do and certainly couldn’t justify the cost. I’m currently 15 ½ years sober and happier than I’d ever imagined I’d be.
Let’s face it, we do have a raging drug problem across the country. We have called it The Epidemic Within the Pandemic here at my treatment center. We also have states who clearly want to legalize cannabis, as exemplified by the 4 states that just legalized it on election day: Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota.
Why not tie the taxes from legal cannabis to treatment programs in all states who have legal cannabis? If we know we have a drug problem, if we know how to solve it and if we have a way to pay for treatment – why wouldn’t we help people?
That’s why I fully support Oregon’s Measure 110 and believe it could be a model for other states as they legalize cannabis and look for ways to deal with drug problems. We know the answer to addiction is treatment, so why not use it? Treatment, and I’ve seen this with myself and countless patients, is the way to a healthy and fulfilling life.
Oregon gives me hope that we may finally be on the path to providing relief for the addiction crisis in this country.
COVID-19 Continues to Cause Grief, High Stress and Spending Woes in Young Adults
Atlanta, GA, November 16, 2020 — We have a new norm in the United States: the majority of young adults between the ages of 18 to 34 — about 26.6 million — now live at home with their parents, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center.
Supporting grown children can be stressful, especially if your income has been impacted by the pandemic, but there are ways to take control of your family’s finances and map a path toward financial independence for your young adult.
Nicola Smith Jackson, bestselling author, financial advisor and TV analyst confirms, “Undergraduates at unprecedented levels are forced to make drastic changes, moving back home and studying remotely. Many are also forced to take a gap year because of the times. College graduates are also facing the worst job market, and student debt is at an all-time high — also putting a severe strain on their finances. More than seven in 10 graduates are in the red, owing more than $30,000 in student loans, and those already in the workforce are more likely to lose their jobs or take a severe pay cut.”
Even before the pandemic, young adults were increasingly dependent on their parents. About six in 10 parents with children between the ages of 18 and 29 said they have given their kids at least some financial help in the past year — primarily for recurring expenses such as tuition, rent, groceries or bills, Pew reported.
“Supporting grown children adds additional stress to parents when their own financial security is at risk, from medical coverage to auto insurance, groceries and internet, there are hidden costs to having children come back home, and it doesn’t look like it will be getting better any time soon,” says Jackson.
One thing families can do: use this together-time as an opportunity to teach your millennials about finances, and when you do, Jackson advises covering the following topics to help your young earner become more stable:
Avoid bad debt
Save to invest
Borrow only what you need
Generate passive income
Budget, budget, budget
Dr. Nicola Jackson has over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience. She currently leads a multimillion-dollar team of agents consisting of tens of thousands in the financial service industry. She has also led over 450,000 sales representatives in more than 30 countries. As a wife and mother of four, including one child disabled, she turned her pains into passion after burying three children by the age of 23. She holds true to her Christian faith and uses Kingdom values and principles to deliver a sound message to thousands of people around the nation on how to manage a household, maintain a strong marriage and create a multimillion-dollar empire. Dr. Jackson was also an Executive Producer and star on the BET Centric hit reality series, Amateur Millionaires Club; has been featured in several national publications; and is a highly sought after speaker. She has shared the stage with the likes of Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Maya Angelou, Ambassador Andrew Young, Bishop Paul Morton, Steve Harvey, Tommy Dortch, Magic Johnson, Dr. Bernice King and many other world-renowned speakers. She is the host of the popular radio show and podcast, “Power Start Your Day.” She is also the author of Inside the Millionaire’s Vault and her upcoming books, Power Moves Journal for the Unstoppable Entrepreneur and Cash The Check, Time-tested Wealth Principles You Can Take to the Bank.
She founded the Pink Millionaire Club where she mentors women on how to “Connect the dots between the haves and the have nots” through Prayer, Impact, Nurturing and Knowledge. Currently, Dr. Jackson travels the world speaking to thousands on the topics, “Live and Die Rich” and “How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur While Being Spiritually Grounded.” She has dedicated her life to empowering others with opportunities and financial literacy to build wealth and legacies for families around the globe.
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TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
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WHY YOU NEED THIS BOOK:One of the most anticipated novels of 2020, Unfettered Journey is a captivating and fast-paced futuristic love story rooted in hard-science, physics, and philosophy. A story about survival and resilience in an imperfect world, this speculative fiction novel is a guaranteed page-turner filled with powerful characters in a quest for meaning in their life.
