Morneau Shepell expands telemedicine solution to the United States
Unified telemedicine, mental health and wellbeing services increase availability of heath care for millions of U.S. employees nationwide
TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today announced the launch of its first unified telemedicine solution in the United States. With this service, U.S. employees and their families have assured access to digital health care support for all their immediate and crucial wellbeing needs.
Telemedicine is a simple and convenient solution that drives transformational development in reducing the costs of health care and improving access to regions that may lack resources. Offered in conjunction with an employee assistance program (EAP) and wellbeing services, Morneau Shepell's telemedicine solution will further support in the seamless continuum of quality care Americans deserve.
"Offering telemedicine as part of a unified wellbeing solution, like LifeWorks, will shape the future of health care. It will be key in simplifying the patient experience and making primary care more accessible and convenient," said Neil King, president of LifeWorks and executive vice president of Morneau Shepell. "Millions of employees and their families already turn to Morneau Shepell first for support with numerous wellbeing issues. Adding a new generation of telemedicine solutions allows us to better support their end-to-end needs. It is a natural fit with our total wellbeing philosophy."
The new unified telemedicine solution is available now via the company's award-winning LifeWorks platform and mobile app. It includes a comprehensive suite of services provided by board-certified doctors and other clinical professionals. Telemedicine patients will experience:
Faster access to care wherever they are – anywhere.
A simplified patient experience, including easy onboarding and ongoing follow-up.
Access to multiple consultation approaches.
Integration into a continuum of care that includes EAP counseling and multiple other mental health and wellbeing supports.
This announcement marks Morneau Shepell's entry into the U.S. telemedicine market and the expansion of its telemedicine network across North America.
About Morneau Shepell Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.
SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.
4 Ways to Aid Your Workout When Suffering From Chronic Respiratory Problems
Exercising is something that everyone should do. Even people with chronic health conditions such as asthma or allergies can realize many benefits from regular exercise. Unfortunately, for people with chronic respiratory problems, exercising can be quite a challenge. Still, though, the benefits of exercise make it worth it to try and overcome this challenge as best as you can. That's why it's important to find ways to aid your workout to make it as easy and beneficial as possible.
Utilize the Gym
If you have sensitive lungs that have common triggers such as the cold, allergens, and pollution irritants, you might find that sticking to controlled environments for your everyday workouts is best. Working out indoors at a gym gives you more control over the air you’re breathing while also offering the equipment you need to vary your workout. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should never take a run through mountain trails or enjoy a jog through the park. Simply keep your regularly scheduled workouts to the indoors and let the outdoor excursions be more spread out so you can properly prepare for the irritants you may face during them.
Utilize Oxygen
One of the main problems that people with respiratory issues face is a lack of oxygen absorption from the air. Therefore, if you can increase your oxygen supply, you can overcome some of your limitations when it comes to workouts. Pure canned oxygen allows you to easily get the oxygen you need in a swift manner, directly to your lungs. This takes the pressure off of your lungs to push harder to get the same amount of oxygen from air. It is especially important to have oxygen on hand to help recover quickly if you find yourself excessively dizzy during or after your workout.
Be Mindful
Although it's good to get your heart rate up during a workout, that doesn't mean you have to do heavy cardiovascular exercises every time you want to burn some calories. Mindfulness exercises, such as yoga, can help to burn calories without requiring excessive respiration. This means you can stay fit and healthy, even with serious breathing difficulties. As these exercises also include breathing control to strengthen your lungs, they can be beneficial for making those more strenuous exercises easier in the future.
Keep Aid Close
If your condition is able to turn dangerous quickly, then you need to make sure that you are taking precautions with your workouts to get aid quickly. In addition to keeping supports close, such as inhalers, medications, canned oxygen, and so forth, you’ll also want something close by to help you call for help if necessary. Most people can use their cellphones, but installing a panic app on your phone is much more efficient than relying on the emergency call settings already present in modern smartphones.
You should also make sure that someone you know is aware of where you are whenever you take your exercise outdoors and is able to come get you if you find yourself unable to continue forward. In fact, whenever you are going places where there are not many people (such as hikes or jogging on trails), you should take a buddy with you so that you can keep track of one another’s safety.
Exercising can be a frustrating habit for anyone to keep up. Therefore, when trying to exercise with a chronic respiratory problem, progress can seem to take a long time, making it easy to want to give up. It's important, though, to stay positive, because even baby steps of progress can greatly improve your quality of life.
Ontario's doctors are giving flu shots and urge everyone to get one
TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are committed to delivering as many flu shots as possible this year to limit the spread of the seasonal virus and help the health system cope with the resurgence of COVID-19.
Family physicians typically administer 55 per cent of flu shots in Ontario – about 2.4 million each year. This flu season they would like to give even more, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
"It's more important than ever for people to get their flu shot this year so we can reduce the spread of the virus, especially among the most vulnerable, and preserve health system resources for any resurgence of COVID, " said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "Doctors offices are open for business, as they have been throughout the pandemic, so call your doctor now to arrange your flu shot."
OMA statistics show that more than 96 per cent of primary care physicians have been able to continue to provide high-quality patient care, either virtually or in person, during the pandemic.
They are doing so despite the extra precautions COVID requires to keep them, their staff and their patients safe – including more time and space between patients, more staff, more cleaning supplies and more personal protective equipment.
In addition, many family doctors are worried about whether there will be enough flu vaccine to meet demand. They are already experiencing delays and uncertainty about how many doses they will receive and when, especially of the high-dose vaccine for seniors and other vulnerable patients.
"Despite the challenges, especially around resources, doctors are finding innovative ways of delivering flu shots, including weekend clinics, drive-through programs and even house calls," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette.
The OMA has called on the provincial government to include funding in Thursday's budget to fund innovative programs to deliver more flu shots and to ensure that vaccine supplies are allocated appropriately and with adequate PPE.
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
The Toker swoops in to share the risks of cannabis smoke on lung health
A campaign developed by Lung Health Foundation with funding from Health Canada to reach young adults where they are overconsuming online, encouraging them to consider the lung health risk and harm of cannabis smoking
TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2020 /CNW/ - The Lung Health Foundation has launched the second iteration of its comic-book inspired cannabis public health education initiative, the Toker.
First launched last year, the Toker was created to educate Canadians about the lung health risks associated with cannabis smoking through a series of humorous videos shared on digital platforms. Now, the Toker is back to remind Canadians about these risks by reaching them where they're already overconsuming - online.
In today's world, with pandemic-related restrictions, research shows many Canadians are overindulging in online behaviours, like streaming video content.i,ii
Additional research also shows that many Canadians who are cannabis users have increased their consumption of the substance during the pandemic.iii This is alarming, as many young Canadian adults are still unaware of the lung health risks that come with smoking cannabis.iv
That's why the Toker will appear on young Canadians' screens at the exact moments they're overindulging in online behaviours and, through a series of humorous exchanges, encourage them to learn more about the impact of frequent cannabis smoking. Canadians will be directed to TheTokerOnline.ca where they can access educational resources to learn more.
"It was important for us to consider how the Toker can continue to reach young Canadian adults in a meaningful way and the pandemic we are all experiencing certainly added another layer to that," said George Habib, President and CEO, Lung Health Foundation. "By connecting with young Canadians online through funny, light-hearted interactions, we hope to encourage them to learn more about the impact cannabis smoke can have on their lungs in an organic, yet impactful way."
About the Toker
Funded by Health Canada, the Toker is a comic-book inspired public health education initiative aimed at Canadians between the ages of 18 to 25, as part of an ongoing effort to implement national and community-based projects that raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis. The Toker illustrates his failure to "save the day" due to symptoms he experiences as a result of cannabis smoking.
A national cannabis survey conducted by Leger on behalf of the Lung Health Foundation revealed that smoking is the most common form of consumption (87 per cent) for Canadian cannabis users between ages 18 and 25, and 64 per cent say they wish they knew more about the impact on their lungs.v Studies have shown that heavy or long-term smoking of cannabis may lead to chronic bronchitis and a worsening of chronic lung disease symptoms including cough, excessive sputum, wheezing and a decline in lung function.vi
Prioritizing lung health is crucial to preventing future health problems. Canadians are encouraged to visit TheTokerOnline.ca to follow the misguided adventures of the Toker and learn more about the effects of smoking cannabis on lung health.
About the Lung Health Foundation
The Lung Health Foundation is the leading health charity dedicated to improving lung health through a uniquely integrated approach that identifies gaps and fills them through investments in ground-breaking research and urgently needed programs and supports; policy and practice change; and promoting awareness about lung health issues affecting all Canadians.
SEIU Healthcare Response to Second Reading Vote on the "Time to Care" Act
Union calls on all members of the Legislative Assembly to unanimously send Bill 13 to third reading for expedited passage into law
RICHMOND HILL, ON, Oct. 29, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the largest union in the long-term care sector, released the following response after today's second reading vote on the Time to Care Act at Queen's Park.
STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:
"Today our elected officials at the legislative assembly did the right thing by moving forward Bill 13, The Time to Care Act. We especially thank MPP Teresa Armstrong for her commitment to these efforts. But make no mistake, this vote is an acknowledgement that the conditions as they exist today are systematically failing the people who work and live in Ontario's long-term care system.
It's time all parties at Queen's Park work to immediately send Bill 13 to third reading for a unanimous vote without further delay. No more political games. Make the Time to Care Act the law in our province.
The hardworking staff in our long-term care system and the families with loved ones in those facilities have waited long enough for higher safety and quality standards.
Let's take the urgent next step to finally end the exploitative conditions of employment that dominate the for-profit nursing home industry so working women can get the physical and financial security that all workers deserve."
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
How to Design a Specialized Workout to Recover from Injury
Getting injured while playing sports or working out is frustrating. Whether it’s something minor like shin splints or something more serious like a torn ACL, injuries can sideline you.
Maybe you have been on the bench and want to move again. Jumping full force into your workout routine is typically not advisable. Here are ways you can design a specialized workout to recover from injury.
Talk to Your Doctor
Just because you think you are ready to get back to exercising and playing sports does not mean that your body is ready. It is recommendable for you to talk to your doctor before putting on those soccer cleats.
If you have been getting physical therapy from a physical therapist, talk to them too. They are going to give you specialized stretches and movements to help strengthen and add flexibility to the injured area.
Listen to your body. If you experience pain, swelling, or stiffness, take a break. Pushing yourself too hard too soon could slow down the recovery process.
Consider Cross-Training
You may need to branch out from the exercises you did when you got injured. Cross-training allows you to work different parts of your body. It helps your entire body stay fit while the injured part of your body regains its strength and mobility. Cross-training can also help you prevent getting injured again.
For example, if you hurt your knees playing basketball, why not include a low impact activity like swimming in your workout routine? Or if you hurt your shoulder playing baseball, why not take up other activities that keeps your body active while the shoulder heals?
Develop a Balanced Exercise Plan
A balanced exercise plan is going to include 30 minutes each day for five days of moderate aerobic exercise. You should have at least two strength training sessions each week. Leave 48 hours between them so that your muscles can recover. If age is a factor, include balance exercises to minimize the risk of a fall.
If doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week seems like a lot, break it up. Going for a brisk walk for 10 minutes three times a day can help you reach your goal of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. Your workouts should have a warm up and a cooldown session.
Conclusion
Getting injured while playing a sport can be discouraging. However, an injury need not mean that your exercise and fitness completely stops. By creating a balanced exercise plan, including cross-training and discussing your recovery with your doctor, you may get back to your pre-injury workout in no time.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
The Biggest Wellness Travel Trends for 2021
The habits of travellers have changed, more people are favouring a wellness staycation, there are new demands for immunity boosting retreats, socially distanced wellness trips, private jet wellness journeys and working remotely on holiday; personal health and fitness are now top priority for travel. Embracing the future of wellness travel, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists is forecasting the biggest wellness travel trends. With 2021 set to be the year when travellers push for a return to normality and with more people choosing longer, even season-length health and fitness escapes, the pandemic has changed how we travel.
Healthy Hibernation Holidays
The winter months are going to see a boom in people taking long stay healthy hibernation holidays to enjoy a double dose of summer. Destinations with lower Covid-19 risk and Covid-safe certified wellness resorts are going to be the most popular. St Lucia, Mauritius, Vietnam, Maldives, and Thailand provide safer environments for long winter stay wellness escapes. Healthy hibernation holidays provide attractive benefits that will entice people despite the uncertainty of travel restrictions. Season length holidays are a chance to escape, to improve one’s immunity in a healthier climate and have some much-needed fun after spending a year in isolation. Instead of becoming unattractive, the prospect of seasonal migration is being made more enticing by travel restrictions.
2021 is going to see an unprecedented rise in the number of travellers looking for domestic wellness breaks. Due to a continued hampering of consumer confidence in foreign travel, people are searching for holidays to improve their health and fitness without always having to go overseas. With a 22% increase already on bookings for the same point last year – whether it’s a healthy break to de-stress or an active holiday to boost physical well-being in the scenic beauty of the British countryside; wellness staycations are proving to be the perfect opportunity to kickstart, or maintain a healthy lifestyle and boost our immunity, all from the comfort of our own country.
Our immunity is more important than ever. Until a vaccine is available, our immune systems will need to adapt unaided to Covid-19. We all want a long and healthy life, to be free of disease and to limit health conditions. As a relaxing and reliable solution to the prominent health concerns of today, holidays designed to boost the immune system are becoming increasingly popular. Immune boosting retreats are offered in many locations for a secluded, social distancing friendly getaway to focus on personal well-being. Weight loss programmes, fitness classes, specialised treatments and sunnier climates are all married together to aid your body’s natural defences as a break from the winter weather. Those who prioritise personal wellbeing and still wish to travel are choosing immunity boosting holidays as a way of healing, physically and emotionally, with the help of doctors, nutritionists, and health practitioners.
With the rise of remote work and the ongoing restrictions of Covid-19, many are leaving their home offices for the chance of working from a picturesque wellness holiday destination. Technology has facilitated many workers to perform their job effectively from anywhere there is phone signal and a strong Wi-Fi connection. Instead of working remotely from home, we are starting to discover that leaving the winter behind and working from holiday has remarkable benefits. Productivity is not hampered we become more efficient; many destinations like St Lucia and Madeira are far safer havens for the pandemic than the UK and other countries. Clients can also facilitate their work schedule around their health and fitness programme on holiday so they can attend morning and evening activities and spa treatments scheduled around their working day with greater flexibility over the weekends.
What was a necessity during lockdown is now becoming a driving factor in holiday planning. The threat of serious illness was a powerful motivator for many to focus on their own health and fitness. Many had to learn the art of self-care during lockdown, whether that’s healthy eating or regular exercise, and now have a desire to turn that wellness project into a lifestyle. Wellness retreats are rare opportunities for devotion to personal care through yoga, guided meditation, spa therapies and other wellness treatments and activities. This type of self-care travel can be tailored for any location and made bespoke for any group. Healthy holidays with intent purpose of fostering personal betterment are going to grow in relevancy through 2021, and long into the next decade. After all, it is unlikely that being unhealthy is going to become popular any time soon.
Social Distance Wellness Trips to Far Flung Destinations
A greater number of holiday makers are choosing socially distance wellness trips to destinations further afield than previous years. The greater the health risk of travel and the greater the effort, means people are more inclined to book one big holiday. Instead of choosing European city breaks, holiday goers are favouring longer healthy getaways that are further away but less risky and more secluded. Social distance holidays are popular with families, couples and solo travellers, as they provide quiet time away to strengthen relationships and focus on personal well-being. Social distance is well accommodated by many luxury hotels, providing they are in low risk Covid-19 spots; Mauritius, the Maldives, St Lucia, island nations with low populations and plenty of space. Private villa resorts at these locations provide healthy retreats that are ideal for two weeks or more of self-isolating in a beautiful, remote location.
2021 will see a huge rise in the relevance that sustainability takes in the travel plans of consumers as they become more mindful than ever. The visible easing of CO2 emissions during lockdown, once again, reignited discussions on the pollution caused by worldwide tourism. Consumers saw the dramatic effect emissions were having on the planet and resolved to be more mindful about the environmental impact of their actions. Staycations or holidays at resorts with a greater commitment to eco-friendly practices are going to be more popular. Wellness resorts in Bali and Thailand are embracing a holistic approach to holidaying that reduces the environmental effects of a guest’s stay. Likewise, consumers are now more inclined to fly less frequently, preferring one long-haul holiday a year rather than multiple short hauls.
Multi-generational active trips will be more common in 2021 as people look to continue the time they have shared with their immediate family in lockdown. These holidays will be motivated by those eager to reconnect with the extended family members who they have been separated from. One of the silver linings of lockdown was the chance to spend more time with the immediate family, sharing healthy activities like cycling, walking, and running. Many will be looking to continue this healthy streak with more extended family on a multi-generational active trip. After months apart, summer 2021 is going to be the season for family reconnection as all generations rub shoulders on a healthy and active family holiday together.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction for Tailor-made Holidays
Tailor-made holidays for relaxation and recovery are becoming a necessity to ease the mental effects of months spent in lockdown. 2020 has been detrimental for our collective mental state, the equivalent of 19 million adults* in the UK reported high levels of anxiety and stress over lockdown. 2021 will be an opportunity to release the pent-up anxiety of isolation with wellness holidays and stress management retreats. Tailored to the requirements of the individual, they offer an immersive experience of private fitness training, health screenings and luxury healing spa treatments with an educational programme. Holidays have always been an effective way of coping with pressure but in 2021, they are going to be the means of coping with post lockdown induced stress.
Wellness music and healthy sound experiences are going to redefine wellness travel in 2021. New evidence from medical journals suggests that music is invaluable in easing the side-effects of a variety of physical and mental conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and high-blood pressure. In the same vein, living in loud environments which most people do has been linked to rises in heart disease, obesity, low birth weight and cognitive impairment in children. Wellness retreats have recognised the health benefits of sound experiences and are incorporating them into their health plans. Shreyas Silent Retreat in India offers a traditional Indian Ashram experience where sound meditation is integral to the wellness journey of guests. As more research uncovers further evidence to the benefits of sound experiences, wellness resorts offering music therapies are becoming more popular.
The decline of the commercial airline industry has created a vacuum that is being filled by a boom in private jet travel. From front door to hotel lobby, clients can skip the queues and uncertainty of airline travel today where possible exposure to Covid-19 is 30 times lower when flying by private aircraft. Former clients of luxury commercial airlines are defecting to private jet providers for a service where luxury and reliability can be guaranteed, when flying to a luxury wellness retreat or medical spa in Europe to booking a spectacular around the world wellness trip. 2020 was the worst financial year in aviation history, so when it comes to wellness travel in 2021, the private jet industry will continue to boom as more people switch to a service that prioritises wellness and personal safety.
For many travellers, eager to rid themselves of the unhealthy habits picked up during lockdown, 2021 is going to be the year for a once in a lifetime bucket list wellness trip. Whist most people are just losing the timidity picked up this year, many seasoned travellers are keen for adventurous wellness getaways and weeks of lavish splendour. Destinations in south east Asia have been firm favourites in previous years, for the wonderful climate and incredible scenic beauty. Bali and Thailand sport a great selection of luxury wellness retreats with on-site spas and fitness facilities, often on pristine private beaches. With many people feeling their health suffered from the confines of lockdown, health conscious and ambitious travellers are seeing 2021 as an opportunity to return to that pre-lockdown level with a once in a lifetime wellness trip.
As health consciousness has become more ubiquitous, we have seen a rise in the number of people pursuing travel to improve their mental and physical health. The collective health concerns of 2020 have had an impact on all other aspects of well-being, acting as a catalyst for people wanting to improve their physical fitness. Regular exercise is a key factor in avoiding the severe symptoms of Covid-19 caused by immune system over-reactions. Informed consumers are keen to prevent getting sick by taking wellness holidays with a focus on personal health and physical fitness. More people are pursuing socially distance friendly ways of achieving their health and fitness goals. Covid-19 safe resorts design their fitness programmes to be isolated, safe, and effective. Healthy holidays and fitness retreats are satisfying the demands for stronger physical health in the wake of the pandemic.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph because of his passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.
Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™, Mindful Triathlon™, BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit:www.healthandfitnesstravel.com
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a Leading Global Provider of HCM, payroll, HR Service Delivery, and Workforce Management Solutions OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 27, 2020 -- Beekeeper today announced it has joined the UKG Dimensions Technology Partner Network, a fast-growing ecosystem of organizations utilizing the UKG Dimensions solution and intelligent D5 platform to help reshape the future of workforce management.
Beekeeper – where deskless and frontline employees are already accustomed to receiving important internal communications – will automatically notify employees when a manager adjusts their schedule in UKG Dimensions (formerly known as Workforce Dimensions from Kronos). They can also view their personalized shift schedule at any time from any location. By reducing accidental absences created by poorly communicated changes, companies can save time and money while unlocking new operational efficiencies by freeing up managers from the time-consuming process of filling unexpected open shifts.
"We're thrilled to introduce the UKG Dimensions integration to our customers," said John Keating, Head of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at Beekeeper. "Communicating and coordinating around shift schedules is often challenging for a majority of frontline organizations. By collaborating with UKG, we can take the pain out of shift schedule communication. We look forward to further innovating with UKG to increase efficiency for frontline teams."
UKG Dimensions delivers artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and a fully responsive user experience to empower employees and unburden managers from repetitive administrative tasks associated with workforce management. The open application programming interface (API) framework makes it quick and simple for customers to extend the value of their workforce management investment with innovative and proven partner applications.
"UKG Dimensions is built on a completely open and extensible platform, enabling innovative integrations with partners, including Beekeeper, that empower employees in ways that simply are not possible with legacy solutions," said Mike May, Senior Director, UKG Dimensions Technology Partner Network at UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group). "Providing a great technology experience not only drives user adoption, but it also helps organizations engage and retain their workforce."
Built from a merger that created one of the largest cloud companies in the world, UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a leading global provider of HCM, payroll, HR service delivery, and workforce management solutions. UKG's award-winning Pro, Dimensions, and Ready solutions help tens of thousands of organizations across geographies and in every industry drive better business outcomes, improve HR effectiveness, streamline the payroll process, and help make work a better, more connected experience for everyone.
About Beekeeper Beekeeper's mobile platform is the single point of contact for your frontline workforce. With all communications and tools in one place, teams can improve business agility, productivity, and safety. Teams can resolve issues faster and manage non-routine work more efficiently, thanks to an intuitive employee experience and seamless integrations.
KYE Pharmaceuticals Announces Commercial Availability of FIRDAPSE® in Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 28, 2020 /CNW/ - KYE Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("KYE"), a private company headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario focused on bringing medicines that fulfill clinically significant unmet needs to the Canadian market, today announced an important milestone, FIRDAPSE® (amifampridine phosphate), the first amifampridine product approved in Canada, is now widely available for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) in adults.
"As the commercial partner for FIRDAPSE® in Canada," stated Doug Reynolds, President of KYE, "this is a highlight for KYE and for those Canadian patients suffering from LEMS. KYE is proud to be a partner in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases in Canada and is committed to supporting both patients and specialists in the treatment of LEMS with FIRDAPSE®."
As part of that commitment, KYE is excited to introduce the FIRDAPSE® Patient Support Program comprehensively designed to assist patients in navigating prescription drug reimbursement, including facilitation of a smooth transition from their current amifampridine therapy (when needed), and providing any financial assistance that may be required to ensure timely access to therapy with FIRDAPSE®. Importantly, as FIRDAPSE® was also granted 8 years of data protection upon approval, patients on therapy with FIRDAPSE® are guaranteed access to their branded product throughout this time period without concern for generic substitution. No adult patient requiring treatment with FIRDAPSE® for LEMS will be without therapy.
About Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, or LEMS, is a rare autoimmune disorder, most often characterized by muscle weakness of the limbs. The disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction where antibodies are formed against voltage gated potassium channels in the connection between nerves and the muscles they communicate with. In approximately 50% of cases, LEMS is associated with an underlying malignancy, most commonly small-cell lung cancer, and in some individuals, LEMS is the first symptom of such malignancy. LEMS generally affects the extremities, especially the legs. As the disease most affects the parts of limbs closest to the trunk, difficulties with climbing stairs or rising from a sitting position are commonly noted. Physical exercise and high temperatures tend to worsen the symptoms. Other symptoms occasionally seen include weakness of the muscles of the mouth, throat, and eyes. Individuals affected with LEMS also may have a disruption of the autonomic nervous system, including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, impaired sweating, and/or hypotension.
About KYE Pharmaceuticals KYE Pharmaceuticals Inc. (KYE) is a private company headquartered in Mississauga, Canada focused on bringing medications to the Canadian market which fulfill clinically significant and unmet needs. KYE has licensed many innovative products and was founded on an entrepreneurial spirit that optimizes our team's strengths and brings unique value to our partners, Canadian healthcare professionals, and most importantly, our patients.
SOURCE KYE Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Finerenone significantly reduced renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes
Finerenone is a first-in-class investigational non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist that demonstrated renal and cardiovascular benefits in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes
Finerenone specifically addresses MR overactivation, a key driver of disease progression
Despite guideline-directed therapies, patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes remain at high risk of progression to kidney failure and cardiovascular events
Results from the FIDELIO-DKD study were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 28, 2020 /CNW/ - Detailed results from the Phase III FIDELIO-DKD study demonstrated that the investigational drug finerenone slowed the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to placebo. Finerenone significantly reduced the risk of the composite primary endpoint of time to kidney failure, a sustained decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 40% from baseline over a period of at least four weeks, or renal death by 18% (relative risk reduction, HR 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73-0.93; p=0.0014]) over a median duration of follow-up of 2.6 years when added to maximum tolerated dose of standard of care therapy. At 36 months, the number needed to treat to prevent a primary composite endpoint event was 29 [95% CI 16-166]. FIDELIO-DKD is the first large contemporary positive outcomes study in patients with CKD and T2D with a primary composite endpoint exclusively consisting of kidney-specific outcomes. The findings from the FIDELIO-DKD study, which is part of the largest Phase III clinical trial program to date in CKD and T2D, were presented at the American Society of Nephrology's (ASN) Kidney Week 2020, and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Despite available treatments focusing on hemodynamic and metabolic pathways, there is residual risk of kidney disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. The findings from FIDELIO-DKD provide important evidence suggesting a potential new strategy for treating these patients," said Professor George L. Bakris, MD, Department of Medicine, American Heart Association Comprehensive Hypertension Center, University of Chicago Medicine, USA and principal investigator of FIDELIO-DKD. "Overactivation of the mineralocorticoid receptor contributes to inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys and heart, representing a promising target for a new therapy. New strategies are needed to prevent further end-organ damage and slow patient's rate of decline in kidney function. The results with finerenone are highly relevant, showing improvement in outcomes for these patients who currently have limited options."
The effects of finerenone on the primary outcome were generally consistent across pre-specified subgroups, and the treatment effect was sustained throughout the duration of the study. Finerenone also significantly reduced the risk of the key secondary endpoint, a composite of time to cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for heart failure compared to placebo by 14% (relative risk reduction, HR 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-0.99; p=0.0339]) over a median duration of follow-up of 2.6 years. Patients in both groups received standard of care, including blood glucose lowering therapies and a maximum tolerated dose of a renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-blocking therapy such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
"These vulnerable patients need to be protected by delaying the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, and to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events," said Dr. Joerg Moeller, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer AG's Pharmaceutical Division and Head of Research and Development. "There is a high unmet medical need in cardiovascular and kidney diseases, which we aim to address with our research and development efforts. The FIDELIO-DKD results demonstrate that finerenone may become a new potential therapeutic option for patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, who experience progressive loss of kidney function. We are pleased to have reached this important development milestone for finerenone that addresses a key driver involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes."
Finerenone was well-tolerated, which is consistent with the safety profile seen in previous studies with finerenone. Overall treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events were similar between groups. The majority of adverse events were mild or moderate. The frequency of serious adverse events was lower in patients treated with finerenone (31.9%) compared to placebo (34.3%). Overall, hyperkalemia-related adverse events occurred more often in patients receiving finerenone compared with placebo (18.3% and 9%, respectively). Hyperkalemia-related serious adverse events were low (1.6% and 0.4%, respectively), and there was no hyperkalemia-related death in either treatment group. Treatment was discontinued due to hyperkalemia in 2.3% of patients treated with finerenone compared to 0.9% in the placebo group.
Finerenone does not yet have marketing authorization in Canada. Bayer will provide the data to Health Canada at the time of submission for marketing authorization.
About Finerenone Finerenone (BAY 94-8862) is an investigational novel, non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) that has been shown to block many of the harmful effects of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) overactivation. MR overactivation is a major driver of kidney and cardiovascular damage through inflammatory and fibrotic processes.
The Phase III program with finerenone in CKD and T2D enrolled more than 13,000 patients across a broad range of disease severity including those with early kidney damage and more advanced stages of kidney disease. It is the largest Phase III clinical trial program to date in CKD and T2D and comprises two studies, evaluating the effect of finerenone versus placebo on top of standard of care on both renal and cardiovascular outcomes.
FIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, event-driven Phase III study that investigated the efficacy and safety of finerenone in comparison to placebo in addition to standard of care on the reduction of kidney failure and kidney disease progression in approximately 5,700 patients with CKD and T2D from more than 1,000 sites across 48 countries worldwide. Finerenone 10 mg or 20 mg orally once daily when added to standard of care, including blood glucose lowering therapies and maximum tolerated dose of RAS-blocking therapy such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), significantly reduced the combined risk of time to kidney failure, a sustained decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 40% from baseline over a period of at least four weeks, or renal death by 18% (relative risk reduction; HR 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73-0.93; p=0.0014]) over a median duration of follow-up of 2.6 years. The results for the individual components of the primary endpoint are kidney failure: HR 0.87, 95% CI (0.72-1.05); sustained ≥ 40% decrease in eGFR from baseline: HR 0.81, 95% CI (0.72-0.92); renal death only occurred in 4 patients (2 in each group). Finerenone also significantly reduced the risk of the key secondary endpoint, a composite of time to cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for heart failure compared to placebo by 14% (relative risk reduction, HR 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-0.99; p=0.0339]) over a median duration of follow-up of 2.6 years. The results for the individual components of the key secondary endpoint are: Cardiovascular death: HR 0.86, 95% CI (0.68-1.08); non-fatal myocardial infarction: HR 0.80, 95% CI (0.58-1.09); non-fatal stroke: 1.03, 95% CI (0.76-1.38); hospitalization for heart failure: HR 0.86, CI 95% (0.68-1.08).
FIGARO-DKD (FInerenone in reducinG cArdiovascular moRtality and mOrbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease) is still ongoing and is investigating the efficacy and safety of finerenone versus placebo in addition to standard of care on the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in approximately 7,400 patients with CKD and T2D across 47 countries including sites in Europe, Japan, China, the U.S., and Canada.
Bayer also recently announced the initiation of the FINEARTS-HF study, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study which will investigate finerenone compared to placebo in more than 5,500 symptomatic heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class II-IV) with a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥40%. The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate superiority of finerenone over placebo in reducing the rate of the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and total (first and recurrent) heart failure (HF) events (defined as hospitalizations for HF or urgent HF visits).
About Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a deadly condition that is underrecognized. CKD is one of the most frequent complications arising from diabetes and is also an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 40% of all patients with type 2 diabetes develop chronic kidney disease. Despite guideline-directed therapies, patients with CKD and T2D remain at high risk of CKD progression and cardiovascular events. It is estimated that CKD affects more than 160 million people with T2D worldwide. Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes is the main cause of end stage kidney disease which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. MR over-activation is known to trigger detrimental processes (e.g. inflammation and fibrosis) in the kidneys and heart in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
About Bayer's Commitment in Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases Bayer is an innovation leader in the area of cardiovascular diseases, with a long-standing commitment to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The heart and the kidneys are closely linked in health and disease, and Bayer is working in a wide range of therapeutic areas on new treatment approaches for cardiovascular and kidney diseases with high unmet medical needs. The cardiology franchise at Bayer already includes a number of products and several other compounds in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company's approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cardiovascular diseases are treated.
About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.ca.
Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
SOURCE Bayer Inc.
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