Eligible patients living with rare debilitating genetic disorder are one step closer to having access to first-of-its-kind treatment option
Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to announce it has completed the Letter of Intent with the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) to treat people living with hereditary angioedema (HAE)
HAE is a rare genetic disorder that can result in unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, recurring attacks of debilitating and painful swelling in various parts of the body1,2,3
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that it has completed its negotiations with the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) with a Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) for routine prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older).4
This is an important step to ensure equitable and timely access to TAKHZYRO® for eligible patients across Canada. The signed LOI allows Takeda Canada to work with participating jurisdictions to implement public funding of TAKHZYRO® for eligible HAE patients.
"HAE is a rare, genetic disease that can result in recurring attacks of swelling in various parts of the body, which can be debilitating, painful, and in some cases, life threatening," said Stephen D Betschel, HBSc, MD, FRCPC, and Chair of The Canadian Hereditary Angioedema Network (CHAEN). "TAKHZYRO® has the potential to transform care for patients and as a physician who treats this chronic condition, I hope to see rapid access for patients who can benefit from this important treatment option."
Following a priority review, Health Canada authorized TAKHZYRO®for routine prevention of attacks of HAE in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older) in September 2018. In addition, Health Canada issued the Notice of Compliance (NOC) for the new presentation (300 mg/ 2 mL Prefilled Syringe) in September 2020. In November 2019, TAKHZYRO®received a positive recommendation from CADTH's Canadian Drug Expert Committee for the routine prevention of HAE attacks.
"Patients constantly live in fear of their next attack. They avoid social situations, even just going out in public, and this has a significant impact on their quality of life," said Jacquie Badiou, President, Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Canada. "The HAE community is thrilled with this positive step forward, because having access to a treatment option that can prevent attacks would be life-changing."
As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Canada, Takeda Canada is committed to delivering better health for Canadians through leading innovations in medicine.
"At Takeda, we always strive to do more for patients, and we are pleased to reach this important milestone for TAKHZYRO®," said Gamze Yüceland, General Manager, Takeda Canada Inc. "With the Letter of Intent in place, this lays the path forward for funding discussions with each of the participating jurisdictions, and we look forward to working with our partners to bring this important therapy to Canadians living with HAE as soon as possible."
About TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab injection) TAKHZYRO® is a fully human monoclonal antibody indicated for routine prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adolescents and adults (12 years of age and older).4
TAKHZYRO® is not intended for acute treatment of HAE attacks. Patients and caregivers should continue to be prepared to treat attacks with acute HAE treatments when necessary.4
It is not known if TAKHZYRO® is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.4 Consult the current TAKHZYRO® Canadian product monograph for contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse reactions, interactions, dosing, and conditions of clinical use.4
TAKHZYRO® is approved in the U.S. (August 2018), E.U. (November 2018), Australia (January 2019) and Switzerland (June 2019) and additional regulatory submissions are ongoing worldwide. TAKHZYRO® is marketed in Canada under Shire Pharma Canada ULC, which was acquired by Takeda in January 2019.
About Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) HAE is a rare, genetic disorder estimated to affect about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people worldwide.2,5 The condition results in recurring attacks of edema (swelling) in various parts of the body that can be debilitating and painful.1,2,3,5 Laryngeal attacks that obstruct the airways are potentially life-threatening due to the risk of asphyxiation.1,2,3 Aside from the burden of the disease itself, patients can suffer anxiety, fatigue and depression between attacks.6
About Takeda Canada Inc. Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, headquartered in Japan. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology (GI), Rare Diseases and Neuroscience. We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions.
Banerji A. The burden of illness in patients with hereditary angioedema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013;111(5):329-336.
2
Cicardi M, Bork K, Caballero T, et al, on behalf of HAWK (Hereditary Angioedema International Working Group). Evidence-based recommendations for the therapeutic management of angioedema owing to hereditary C1 inhibitor deficiency: consensus report of an International Working Group. Allergy. 2012;67(2):147-157.
3
Zuraw BL. Hereditary angioedema. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(10):1027-1036.
4
TAKHZYRO® (lanadelumab) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC); July 24, 2020
5
Longhurst HJ, Bork K. Hereditary angioedema: causes, manifestations, and treatment. Br J Hosp Med. 2006;67(12):654-657.
6
Fouche AS, Saunders EFH, Craig T. Depression and anxiety in patients with hereditary angioedema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014;112(4):371–375.
SOURCE Takeda Canada
Doctors want budget to address growing 'pandemic deficit'
TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are calling for Thursday's provincial budget to address the backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures that are contributing to the growing "pandemic deficit."
Doctors are on the front lines every day, experiencing the effect of the pandemic on Ontarians, both in the care patients need urgently and the delayed care that will have a future cost.
The Ontario Medical Association estimates patients received 12.3 million fewer health-care services between March and September 2020 compared with last year, a decrease of 18 per cent. That includes not just surgeries, but checkups and screenings that catch cancers and other significant illnesses in their early, more treatable, stages as well as immunizations that protect children now and later in life.
"Ontario's doctors are there every day doing everything humanly possible to reduce the pandemic deficit, working with the government to return both our patients and the front line to full health," said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill.
"This pandemic deficit isn't going away even after a vaccine is available. Speed is of the essence. Every day of delayed care means more patient suffering and more potential harm. We trust Premier Ford and his government will step up to ensure every Ontarian gets the care they need."
The pandemic deficit for some of the most common surgical procedures, such as cataract surgeries, hip and knee replacements and coronary artery bypass grafts, grew from March through August, frustrating both doctors and patients who felt they were already waiting too long.
OMA figures show that it was not until September when Ontario's doctors, many of whom were already working more than 50 hours a week, were finally able to start performing more surgical procedures per month than they did before the pandemic.
While things are improving, they are not improving fast enough. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal this week reported there was a backlog of 148,364 surgeries in Ontario created between March and June that would take 84 weeks to eliminate. A report prepared for the Canadian Medical Association estimated that bringing wait times back to pre-pandemic levels over the next year would require a 20-per-cent increase in funding.
In a pre-budget submission to government, the OMA made several recommendations to address the backlog in health services, including significantly increased funding to expand operating room hours and the number of hospital beds, as well as using independent health facilities where surgeries and other procedures could be performed safely. This would also alleviate pressures on hospitals that are at capacity, allowing doctors to perform more procedures there.
"The overall health of all Ontarians will also impact how quickly our economy can recover," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "Longer wait times for all specialties means too many patients will not receive the care they need and miss more work, putting an added burden on them and their families. We look forward to the government's support, and working with government, in doing the right thing for Ontario's patients."
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
Health Canada Approves Precision Biomonitoring's Canadian-Made Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Testing Device
The TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips deliver COVID-19 results within 60 minutes The First and Only Approved Canadian-Made Solution to Support Canada's Response to the Pandemic
GUELPH, ON, Nov. 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Precision Biomonitoring announced today it has received Health Canada approval for its ready-to-use thermostable SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips for use across Canada. The TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips are a rapid, point-of-need diagnostic RT-PCR test able to provide accurate results for 9 samples in just 60 minutes. This cost-effective, Canadian-manufactured test will help support the government and industry as Canada focuses on safely re-opening the economy amidst a second wave of the virus. Precision Biomonitoring announced in June that it received approval and funding from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) to support manufacturing of its ready-to-use thermostable test.
"We are proud to be adding another Health Canada approval to the list of testing devices offered by Precision Biomonitoring. We have been working closely with various industries across Canada to help bring their workforce back safely, and are thrilled to be expanding that capability," says Dr. Mario Thomas, CEO, Precision Biomonitoring. "This approval also means we can strengthen our ongoing support for federal and provincial governments, as well as Canadian industries."
The SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips are designed for accurate RT-PCR point-of-need diagnostics and are stable at room temperature. The lyophilized products combine the highest accuracy performance of RT-PCR with convenience of use and stability, which are crucial for remote parts of the country where adequate access to precise testing may be limited.
"We are excited by today's news as this approval is a huge step forward for Canadians as we continue our battle with COVID-19," says Eric Hoskins, former Minister of Health and Long-Term Care of Ontario and Precision Biomonitoring Board Member. "The healthcare community has come together in incredible ways to help Canadians manage their way through this global pandemic. The thermostable TRIPLELOCK™ test that is now available will be crucial in workplaces across the country, schools, and rural and remote areas, where answers are needed fast."
Precision Biomonitoring also recently received CE Mark approval in Europe for its TRIPLELOCK™ SARS-CoV-2 test in 96-Well Plate format. Made available for immediate use in labs across Europe, the CE mark will help to address the rising demand for testing in various countries, including hotspot regions.
About Precision Biomonitoring Rapid SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips Precision Biomonitoring's easy-to-use Test Strips are a mobile solution for the healthcare community in Ontario and across Canada. The portable TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips can be transported without refrigeration and are ideal for on the spot tests, especially when results are needed immediately in workplaces and more rural and remote regions. The SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK™ Test Strips detect the RNA of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, COVID-19. The COVID-19 RNA targets are multiplexed together with an RNA positive control. Early identification and diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial to ensure a rapid response, thus mitigating the possible additional negative consequences of the virus.
About Precision Biomonitoring Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Precision Biomonitoring provides TRIPLELOCK™ onsite eDNA surveillance platform solutions that give customers earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. Customers are any organizations that need onsite surveillance and rapid identification of any organism in any environment. The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the genomics industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet.
SOURCE Precision Biomonitoring
4 Tips to Improve Your Range of Motion While Recovering From a Sports Injury
A significant factor in how you feel during your recovery period from an injury is your range of motion. When you have a closer to normal range of motion, you'll start to feel as if you can move like you used to. If your current range of motion needs some improvement, here are four things to try.
Static Stretching
Before you just discount this as stretching and move on, the keyword here is 'static'. Static stretching is when you hold a particular stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. This holds the muscular tissue in an elongated form. As a goal, try to work up to holding the stretch for up to five full minutes. Static stretching should be performed at the end of your workout for the best results.
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching is considered a more active form of stretching where you're moving your body through its available range of motion. As you move in and out of your range of motion, you'll find that you'll be able to stretch a little bit further each time. This type of stretching is performed before a physical therapy session for best results.
Myofascial Release
One of the most popularly used methods for enhancing range of motion is myofascial release. This can be performed manually by a physical therapist or done by self-assisted manipulation. If attempting myofascial release on your own, you may find it useful to utilize tools like a foam roller or a lacrosse ball. This type of release allows the fascia, which surrounds and runs through your muscles, to become more relaxed. When this happens, the muscle is able to move through its range of motion much better.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
PNF is becoming another popular method for enhancing range of motion after sporting injuries. This is a form of stretching that works in stages. You'll start by stretching the intended muscle to your ROM limit, where you feel a stretching sensation. Hold the stretch for between 10 and 30 seconds. Then, stretch the muscle even further. Hold for the same time period. Then, stretch even further. It would help if you worked in sets of three to four when performing PNF.
Improving your range of motion can greatly facilitate your recovery. The above are four very effective ways to enhance your range of motion. The best part is that all of these methods can be performed at home as part of your recovery regiment.
Amgen Canada Launches My HeartPath™ - An App for Every Heart Attack Recovery Journey
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada Inc. (Amgen Canada) has partnered with patients and healthcare professionals to launch the global pilot of My HeartPathTM in Canada. My HeartPathTM is a heart health app which supports and empowers patients during their heart attack recovery.
My HeartPathTM is the first of its kind in Canada for heart attack survivors and provides practical advice, educational resources and support for patients who have suffered devastating heart attacks.
Working with patients and healthcare providers allowed Amgen Canada to understand the depth of patient needs during their heart attack recovery and the problems that My HeartPathTM needed to solve. These insights became central to the app's development, with patient experience and feedback driving functionality and capability of the app.
Dr. Beth Abramson, Director of the Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada was a central part of the design team. Abramsom said enabling the providers of care to give insight into how the patients go through their recovery process was invaluable.
"I'm truly hopeful My HeartPathTM will improve care as we integrate modern technology into the healing and secondary prevention path for our patients, addressing factors like wellness, risk factor modification to improve care," says Abramson.
My HeartPathTM addresses common patient pain points during heart attack recovery by providing solutions in key moments which matter. These pain points, such as intangible goals and a lack of meaningful information, are solved by the functionality built into the app.
Patricia van den Ende, a heart attack survivor who was also involved in the development of the app, says that life after a heart attack can be complicated. "It's a long journey and there's a lot of things that you need to do try to prevent a second heart attack. My HeartPathTM helps to make it easy for survivors and provides information and motivation that you need, when you need it."
My HeartPathTM provides an overview of not only short-term goals but also the bigger picture – what patients are working toward in 3 months, 6 months or a year. It also includes a number of features, allowing patients to maximize visits with their doctors – this includes reminders, medication prompts and an LDL tracker. Lastly, it enables clear goal setting to encourage healthy habits in the short and long term.
"My HeartPathTM is designed for patients by patients, Healthcare Providers and Amgen Canada. At Amgen Canada our mission is to serve patients, and we're proud to bring the global pilot of My HeartPathTM to Canadians, supporting them and empowering them during their recovery journey" says Dr. Suna Avcil, Executive Medical Director at Amgen Canada.
"This heart health app will offer patients who have suffered a heart attack more support during their recovery journey. It will benefit thousands of patients who have ASCVD or other forms of cardiovascular disease, empowering them to take control of their own recovery after a heart attack," says Dr. Beth Abramsom, Preventative Cardiologist.
About Amgen Canada As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, ON's vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading healthcare, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgencanadagm.
SOURCE Amgen Canada
Novartis' MONALEESA-7 KISQALI® (ribociclib) study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in overall survival in pre- and perimenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer
KISQALI® is the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to show statistically significant improvement in overall survival (key secondary endpoint) in advanced breast cancer in pre- and perimenopausal women.1
At the time of the final overall survival analysis, median overall survival was not reached in the KISQALI® arm and was 40.9 months in the placebo arm. The median duration of follow-up was 34.6 months.1
Advanced breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women 20-59 years old.2,3
DORVAL, QC, Nov. 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce that statistically significant overall survival (OS) results for KISQALI® (ribociclib) in combination therapy have now been approved within the KISQALI® Product Monograph. The pivotal Phase III MONALEESA-7 trial evaluated KISQALI® with endocrine therapy (goserelin plus either an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen) as initial treatment compared to placebo plus endocrine therapy, in pre- and perimenopausal women with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer.1
At the time of the second (final) prespecified OS analysis, the study met its key secondary endpoint of OS, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in OS, and was consistent for the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) population and across exploratory subgroups.1
"This data with improved overall survival is very compelling for the medical community when making decisions about the optimal treatment for pre- and perimenopausal patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer," said Dr. Karen Gelmon, Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer.
"Overall survival is considered a very important outcome in oncology clinical trials," said Dr. Nathaniel Bouganim, Medical Oncologist, McGill University Health Centre. "To achieve overall survival benefit in metastatic disease represents a promising advancement for patients, and the medical community looks forward to future data updates on ribociclib."
For women living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain.4 It may happen before or after treatment, or it may develop from reoccurring breast cancer.5 Although there have been advancements in early detection and treatment, there is still no cure for metastatic breast cancer.6
"When young women are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, many don't know what that means and have difficulty processing that the cancer is terminal. Once the news sinks in, they focus on living as well as they can for as long as they can," said MJ DeCoteau, Founder and Executive Director, Rethink Breast Cancer. "The new ribociclib data showing overall survival benefit in the most common type of breast cancer in young women is an exciting and significant step towards meeting the most urgent unmet need for these women."
KISQALI® is indicated in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as initial endocrine-based therapy. In pre/perimenopausal women, the endocrine therapy should be combined with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. KISQALI® is also indicated in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as initial endocrine-based therapy or following disease progression on endocrine therapy.1
"At Novartis, we are at the forefront of driving scientific advancements and are proud of our heritage in breast cancer. Our dedication to breast cancer is reflective of our continued development of multiple compounds within our current pipeline," said Daniel Hébert, Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Novartis leads the industry in the discovery of new therapies and combinations, especially in HR-positive breast cancer, the most common form of the disease. "We are pleased to make yet another strong medical data announcement around KISQALI® and its potential for overall survival benefit."
KISQALI® is reimbursed in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan under the respective provincial drug programs. Novartis continues to work towards securing coverage across the country.
About KISQALI®(ribociclib) KISQALI® is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, a class of drugs that help slow the progression of cancer by inhibiting two proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These proteins, when over-activated, can enable cancer cells to grow and divide too quickly. Targeting CDK4/6 may play a role in ensuring that cancer cells do not continue to replicate uncontrollably. KISQALI® was developed by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.
About Novartis in Advanced Breast Cancer Novartis tackles breast cancer with advanced science, collaboration and a passion for transforming patient care. We've taken a bold approach to our research by including patient populations often neglected in clinical trials, identifying new pathways or mutations that may play a role in disease progression and developing therapies that not only maintain, but also improve, quality of life for patients. Our priority over the past 30 years and today is to deliver treatments proven to improve and extend lives for those diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2019, the company invested $51.8 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
Benz CC. Impact of aging on the biology of breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2008;66:65-74.
World Health Organization. Top cancer per country, estimated age-standardized mortality rates (world) in 2018, females, all ages. 2018. Available at: http://gco.iarc.fr/today/home. Accessed on October 28, 2020.
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.
