Majority of Canadians believe COVID-19 pandemic has transformed health care system in Canada
95% of survey respondents highlight physician wellness as critical
Scotiabank, CMA and MD Financial Management announce $15 million Physician Wellness+ Initiative in response
TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - In a recent survey of Canadians to gather their views on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of respondents said that they were concerned about the impact it would have on the Canadian health care system. Nearly all survey respondents (95%) said that the health and wellness of physicians impacts the health of all Canadians1.
Scotiabank, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and MD Financial Management Inc. (MD), announced today the creation of the Physician Wellness+ Initiative, with $15 million targeted to address the urgent and ongoing health and wellness needs of physicians and medical learners.
"COVID-19 has impacted our communities from coast to coast, and physicians stand at the centre of our country's ability to respond," says Glen Gowland, Group Head, Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank. "Scotiabank is proud to have made contributions that will help alleviate challenges posed by COVID-19 and to now contribute additional longer-term funding to support the health and wellness of the medical profession."
"Being a physician today comes with a great many stressors – diminishing resources, heavy workloads, not to mention the risks associated with COVID-19," says Dr. Ann Collins, CMA President. "We need to take care of our medical community in order for them to take care of patients. This funding will address the needs of physicians and medical learners by leveraging and bolstering existing health and wellness infrastructure while also extending support in new ways."
"For more than half a century, MD has proudly supported physicians so they can better focus on their critical role: looking after the health of Canadians," says Daniel Labonté, President and CEO, MD. "Canadian physicians work to an exceptional standard, and we are pleased to stand behind the Physician Wellness+ Initiative."
Funds will be distributed to provincial and territorial medical associations and key medical organizations that are deeply rooted in the medical community and best attuned to the needs of physicians in their respective areas and fields. In addition, physicians, their families and their health care colleagues will continue to have access to existing support programs: details can be found here.
Scotiabank, MD and the CMA are dedicated to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada, having committed a total of $34.5 million to date through this collaboration. To learn more, please visit md.ca/physicianwellness.
About Scotiabank Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of over 90,000 employees and assets of approximately $1.2 trillion (as at July 31, 2020), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit our website and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.
About the Canadian Medical Association The Canadian Medical Association is the national voice of Canada's medical profession. We work with physicians, residents and medical students on issues that matter to the profession and the health of Canadians. We advocate for policy and programs that drive meaningful change for physicians and their patients.
About MD Financial Management Inc. With more than 50 years of physician-focused experience, MD Financial Management Inc. (MD) is dedicated to providing financial peace of mind to Canada's physicians and their families, so they can enjoy what matters most to them while achieving their career and life goals. MD had more than $52 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2020. MD Management Limited was the first of the MD Group of Companies to be founded, in 1969. MD Financial Management Inc. wholly owns or has a majority interest in its seven subsidiaries (the MD Group of Companies). It provides financial products and services, is the fund manager for the MD Family of Funds and offers investment counselling services. For a detailed list of the MD Group of Companies, visit md.ca.
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1 The online survey of 3,020 randomly selected Canadian adults was conducted by Maru/Blue via the Maru Voice Canada panel, from August 6 to 9, 2020.
SOURCE Scotiabank
Bring Health Home initiative launches to amplify Ontarians' call for increased home health care amidst COVID-19
Study reveals 78 per cent of Ontarians (and 82 per cent of those aged 55+) say they would prefer home health care for themselves and their loved ones over long-term care facilities
TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, a new initiative launches to amplify the voices of an increasing number of Ontarians calling for even more government support for home health care services.
Following months of feedback and insight-gathering from patients, caregivers and concerned citizens across the province, the Bring Health Home collective has formed to give Ontarians a platform to share their concern about the continued need for more home health care. According to a study, 97 per cent of Ontarians believe there is a crisis in long-term care in the province. Bring Health Home has come together to help address these issues and reimagine Ontario's healthcare system. Despite the recent funding announcements from the Provincial Government, which are a step in the right direction, even more support is needed to implement the kind of meaningful care Ontario patients and their caregivers so desperately need. By shifting the idea of care from institution-focused to home and community based, Ontarians could receive more access to the care they need at home, safely. In fact, the rates of COVID-19 cases in the home health care setting remain very low.
"I have yet to meet a patient who doesn't want to remain at home and receive their care at home whenever possible," says Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and University Health Network. "Ontarians need to know that homecare is a viable, safe and accessible care option that can ease growing burdens on our healthcare system and often better meet their needs; especially during this pandemic. Ontarians need to better vocalize their desire and our collective need for more homecare."
Not only does the lack of home health care impact individual patients, it also impacts family members who end up taking on the physical toll of caregiving as well as the emotional strain of coordinating and implementing care, such as well-known media personality, Cheryl Hickey.
"While homecare is available, it is not financially accessible for everyone, especially for those who need 24-hour care," says Hickey. "My parents have been married for 56 years, and they are currently living separately so that my father can get the care he needs. We need to do better, and homecare must play a bigger role in our healthcare system, so that we can keep families together. People shouldn't be separated from their loved ones simply because home care is not accessible for their family."
Amplifying Ontarians' Voices Bring Health Home is made up of four frontline home health care organizations: Bayshore HealthCare, Closing the Gap Healthcare, VON Canada and SE Health. Collectively, they make 24.6 million home health care visits a year and deliver home health care services to more than 633,000 Ontarians. Each organization brings decades of experience, and between them, they provide more than 50% of home health care services in Ontario.
Bring Health Home believes investing in patient-first home and community-based care is the solution to building a modern, stronger and integrated healthcare system for everyone in Ontario. The collective sees the benefits of home health care first-hand on a day-to-day basis, as do their patients and caregivers, and we want to give Ontarians the platform to express their need and desire for home health care.
A Province-Wide Call To Action Like the patients and caregivers whose voices they amplify, Bring Health Home believes a stronger, safer healthcare system in Ontario is possible with more government support for home health care. Their singular mission is to raise awareness of patient and caregivers' need for more home health care by rallying Ontarians to share the message.
To do this, they have launched a campaign consisting of new survey data, real patient and caregiver stories (including well-known Canadians with lived experience), as well as a simple yet informative video and website that make sharing the message easy.
For more information, please visit: bringhealthhome.ca. You can also follow along here: #BringHealthHome. Click here for access to a fact sheet and campaign assets.
Survey Methodology: The survey of 1,001 Ontarians was conducted on June 18 and 19, 2020 using a representative online panel. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%, nineteen times out of twenty.
SOURCE Bring Health Home
Public coverage of AbbVie's SKYRIZI® for the treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis is now available across additional jurisdictions
SKYRIZI® is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.1
In clinical studies, SKYRIZI® significantly improved levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and maintained clearance at one year (52 weeks).1
New Brunswick lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective March 19, 2020.
Yukon lists SKYRIZI® on its formulary effective April 1, 2020.
British Columbia lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective May 05, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective September 16, 2020.
MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, announced today that SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) is now listed as a special authorization drug or exception drug status on the formularies of New Brunswick, Yukon, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
SKYRIZI® is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally, and is the only IL-23 inhibitor to arrive at a positive conclusion with the pCPA.
"I have been fortunate to be involved in the clinical trials. SKYRIZI® has improved the quality of life of my patients with psoriasis by offering them clear skin," states Dr. Irina Turchin, MD, FRCPC, Fredericton, NB. "It is great to see that this treatment is now available to more patients in New Brunswick."
Psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, including 1 million Canadians, and many patients despite treatment still do not reach their goals or lose treatment response over time.2-4 The most common form is plaque psoriasis, which affects approximately 90% of patients. 5
"I am excited to be able to offer SKYRIZI® to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in British Columbia as it is now listed on the provincial Pharmacare formulary. Having experience with the medication in clinical trials, I have personally seen how it provides durable and complete skin clearance for many patients. Patients are particularly happy with the dosing schedule," explains Dr Chih-ho Hong, MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist.
Psoriasis has a genetic basis and about one-third of people with psoriasis have at least one family member with the disease.5 Of note, the prevalence of psoriasis is 5- to 10-fold higher in Newfoundland and Labrador than in the rest of Canada. 6
"PsoriasisNL is pleased to learn of this listing of another treatment for psoriasis for the patients of our province. We would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of advanced therapeutics for the patients of this province who suffer from severe psoriasis. As the province with the highest prevalence of this disease, the availability of these treatments have greatly increased the quality of life for those who suffer from psoriasis", explains Deva Murthy, President, PsoriasisNL.
Information regarding specific reimbursement criteria may be found by consulting the links below:
About SKYRIZI® SKYRIZI® is a novel, humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit IL-23, a naturally occurring cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses.1 On April 17, 2019, SKYRIZI™ received a NOC from Health Canada for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, based on results from clinical studies showing significant improvement in levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and at 52 weeks with every 3-month dosing in more than 2000 adult patients.1 Four pivotal Phase 3 studies, ultIMMa-1, ultIMMa-2, IMMvent and IMMhance evaluated more than 2,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.4 Canadians living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were well represented in all four of the pivotal clinical trials leading to Health Canada's approval, showing the Canadian leadership in this clinical development program.
About AbbVie in Dermatology For more than a decade, AbbVie has worked to uncover new solutions and improve care for people with serious skin diseases. With a broad clinical trial program, we continue to actively research and adapt to the evolving needs of the dermatology community and advance our pipeline to help people achieve their treatment goals and live beyond their skin disease.
About AbbVie Care The AbbVie Care program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment journey. For more information, consult abbviecare.ca
About AbbVie AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
RCSI launches world’s first scientific centre for positive psychology and health
Centre established in response to the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with lifestyle
DUBLIN, Oct. 1, 2020 -- The world’s first academic centre for positive psychology and lifestyle medicine has been launched today by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The new Centre for Positive Psychology and Health will apply the scientific principles of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to enhance the health and happiness of people in Ireland and around the world.
According to the World Health Organisation, heart and lung diseases, cancers, diabetes and mental health disorders are the world’s largest killers, accounting for an estimated 38 million deaths annually, 16 million of which are premature. Taken together, these conditions account for an estimated 86% of the deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the European region. Lifestyle factors are heavily implicated in all of these diseases.
The outcome of the Centre’s work will be a population with the knowledge and support to take control of their health and wellbeing, reducing the pressure on health systems. The Centre will apply the science of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to increase people’s sense of happiness and well-being. The Centre will provide education and training for health professionals and for the public. It will also assist public and private sector organisations to develop and implement evidence-based interventions aimed at increasing workforce well-being and engagement.
Launching the Centre, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI CEO, said: “Since our foundation in 1784, RCSI has provided leadership in education, training and research with an exclusive focus on improving health and decreasing the burden of disease. We are uniquely positioned to evaluate how lifestyle, and integrative medicine can improve health.”
Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, said: “Economic, transport and technological progress over the last number of decades has transformed our lives in many positive ways but we should not discount the negative impact of changing lifestyles on our health. We spend more time sitting than ever before. We are increasing socially disconnected. We eat more sugar, consume more alcohol and our stress levels are on the rise. While average income has increased over the past three decades, happiness has not, and many people feel that their sense of well-being could be better.”
Bringing together scientists, clinicians and educators, the Centre aims to equip people, communities and organisations with the information and skills to address these lifestyle issues and reduce the impact of lifestyle diseases on individuals and health systems.
Using interventions that already exist today, the global disease burden could be reduced by about 40% and active middle age extended by 10% over the next decades. Over 70% of the gains could be achieved from prevention by creating cleaner and safer environments, encouraging healthier behaviours and addressing the social factors that lie behind these, as well as broadening access to vaccines and preventive medicine.
“The COVID crisis has accelerated a global focus on well-being. We already know that the virus will have far-reaching and long-lasting implications, not least on our resilience and our mental health. Our work will support people to better understand their own mental health so that they can develop their resilience and learn to flourish”, added Professor O’Boyle.
The Centre will draw on the emerging disciplines of positive psychology, positive organisational research, lifestyle medicine and integrative medicine to undertake research and provide education and training in this area. It will provide a range of resources to equip people with the supports needed to take more control of their own physical and mental health.
The Centre is now taking registrations for a new Professional Diploma in Positive Health. The Diploma will educate health and allied professionals in the rapidly developing area of positive health.
Ranked number one globally for Good Health and Well-being in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2020, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an international not-for-profit university, with its headquarters in Dublin.
RCSI is exclusively focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. It is among the top 250 universities worldwide in the THE World University Rankings (2021) and is ranked second among the universities in Ireland. Its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. RCSI has been awarded Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
Canopy Growth and Acreage Holdings Announce Initial Plans to Launch THC-Infused Beverages in the U.S. Next Summer
SMITHS FALLS, ON and NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth") (TSX:WEED) (NYSE:CGC) and Acreage Holdings, Inc. (CSE:ACRG.A.U) (CSE: ACRG.B.U), (OTC: ACRHF) (OTC: ACRDF) announced today that following the implementation of their amended arrangement, Acreage has developed a plan to market Canopy Growth's diverse beverage portfolio in the United States.
Leading with legal adult-use markets in Illinois and California, Acreage anticipates launching Canopy Growth's select, sessionable THC beverage formulations in summer 2021. In addition to selling products in its own dispensaries, Acreage will access existing distribution channels through strategic corporate relationships.
"We have had an incredibly successful introduction into the Canadian cannabis-infused beverage industry with over 1.7 million cans of our THC-infused RTD beverages, like Tweed's Houndstooth & Soda and Bakerstreet & Ginger sold to date," shared Canopy Growth CEO, David Klein. "We introduced a new product category to cannabis consumers that we knew had the potential to disrupt one of the most mature industries and since launching in Canada, Canopy Growth now owns 5 of the top 6 SKUs in the beverage category with a 74% market share. We are excited for Canopy's beverages to be introduced to the U.S. market next summer."
"We see THC-infused beverages as a game-changer in U.S. cannabis, and we are excited to launch Canopy Growth's unique beverage offerings to our core markets offering the greatest growth potential next year," said Bill Van Faasen, Interim CEO of Acreage Holdings. "We are already working on our beverage production capabilities, and look forward to tapping the wealth of experience and research Canopy can offer following its successful entry in the category last year."
The Companies look forward to bringing a sessionable infused beverage offering to U.S. consumers that will more closely liken itself to current beverage-alcohol serving sizes.
Here's to Future (Infused U.S.) Growth
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About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time.
Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.
Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.
From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, as well as lifestyle guru Martha Stewart and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com.
About Acreage Headquartered in New York City, Acreage is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of cannabis licenses and assets in the U.S. Acreage is dedicated to building and scaling operations to create a seamless, consumer-focused branded cannabis experience. Acreage debuted its national retail store brand, The Botanist, in 2018, and its award-winning consumer brand, The Botanist, in 2019.
On June 27, 2019, Acreage implemented an arrangement under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with Canopy Growth, which was subsequently amended on September 23, 2020. Pursuant to the Amended Arrangement, upon the occurrence (or waiver by Canopy Growth) of the Triggering Event, Canopy Growth will, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, acquire all of the issued and outstanding Fixed Shares on the basis of 0.3048 of a Canopy Growth Share per Fixed Share (following the automatic conversion of the Fixed Multiple Shares and subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement.
In addition, Canopy Growth holds an option, exercisable at the discretion of Canopy Growth, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Floating Shares at the time that Canopy Growth acquires the Fixed Shares, for cash or Canopy Growth Shares, as Canopy Growth may determine, at a price per Floating Share based upon the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Floating Shares on the CSE relative to the trading price of the Canopy Growth Shares at the time of the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event, subject to a minimum price of US$6.41 per Floating Share.
For more information about the Amended Arrangement please see the Circular and the respective information circulars of each of Acreage and Canopy Growth dated May 17, 2019, which are available on Acreage's and Canopy Growth's respective profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with the SEC on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. For additional information regarding Canopy Growth, please see Canopy Growth's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements predict or describe our future operations, business plans, business and investment strategies and the performance of our investments. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by their use of such terms and phrases as "intend," "goal," "strategy," "estimate," "expect," "project," "projections," "forecasts," "plans," "seeks," "anticipates," "potential," "proposed," "will," "should," "could," "would," "may," "likely," "designed to," "foreseeable future," "believe," "scheduled" and other similar expressions. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Forward–looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, financial results, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward–looking statements and the forward–looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. A discussion of some of the material factors applicable to Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy") can be found under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Canopy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with applicable Canadian securities regulators, as such factors may be further updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with applicable Canadian securities regulators, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov/edgar and www.sedar.com, respectively. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in the filings. Any forward–looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Canopy disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward– looking statement. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward–looking statement. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation
Facturation.net consolidates its position as leader in medical billing
MONTRÉAL, Oct. 1, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Facturation.net, a leader in medical billing in Quebec, announces the acquisition of Médijuris, one of the largest agencies in the field. The two companies will operate under the name Groupe Facturation.net │ Médijuris.
"I am very proud to have Médijuris joining our group, commented François Carignan, President and CEO of Facturation.net. This is a solid and highly specialized team that will complement our service offering and enable us to share our fully personalized and tailored approach with even more physicians."
With Médijuris's 1,011 physician clients, the group now has more than 6,300 physicians invoicing RAMQ, confirming Facturation.net's position as the first choice for general practitioners and for 26 medical specialties.
"We are very pleased to be joining forces with Facturation.net, confirmed Nicolas Bellemare, President of Médijuris and newly appointed Vice-president of Business Development for the Group. Consolidating with Facturation.net will give Médijuris and our clients access to the best technology available on the medical billing market in Quebec. Our clients will now benefit from even more powerful comparative reports and practice profiles and more in-depth analyses, not to mention real-time and immediate access to all their statistics."
The two companies will combine their resources and efforts in the pursuit of their common mission, which is to simplify the daily life of physicians. Current clients of Médijuris and Facturation.net will retain the same specialized consultants and can count on the same quality of service.
About Facturation.net A Canadian company headquartered in Québec City, Facturation.net has been performing medical billing and simplifying the daily lives of specialists and general practitioners for over 35 years. Now with more than 6,300 clients, Facturation.net has become a leader thanks to its user-friendly solution and its teams of qualified and dedicated experts.
About Médijuris Médijuris is a Canadian company headquartered in Québec City. Operating since 2011 as a medical billing agency in Quebec, it offers fully personalized and tailored services, with a human approach that combines legal expertise with medicine to support physicians in all aspects of their careers. More than 1,000 general practitioners and specialists rely on Médijuris to give them peace of mind when it comes to billing services. Médijuris is regularly invited to provide expert speakers for medical and association conferences.
A Science-Backed, New Recipe for Weight Loss Success
San Francisco, CA, October 1, 2020 — More than a self-help diet book, Whole Person Integrative Eating: A Breakthrough Dietary Lifestyle to Treat the Root Causes of Overeating, Overweight, and Obesity is an invitation to explore an inspiring new take on losing weight and keeping it off. Nutrition researcher Deborah Kesten, M.P.H., and behavioral scientist Larry Scherwitz, Ph.D., engage readers in an enticing conversation, urging them to discover the reasons they overeat and gain weight — while offering the Whole Person Integrative Eating (WPIE) antidotes: physical, emotional, spiritual and social nourishment: “If a person wishes to attain and maintain weight loss by nourishing themselves multi-dimensionally each time they eat, Whole Person Integrative Eating shows them how,” says Kesten.
WPIE is not a diet that a person goes on … then off. It is a scientifically sound, dietary lifestyle designed to be practiced for a lifetime.
"If people follow the revolutionary program outlined in this game-changing, insightful book, it may be the most helpful step they can take toward losing weight and keeping it off," says bestselling author Kenneth Pelletier, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco.
Divided into three parts, Whole Person Integrative Eating begins by describing seven root causes of overeating: Emotional Eating, Food Fretting, Fast Foodism, Sensory Disregard, Task Snacking, Unappetizing Atmosphere and Solo Dining. A Self-Assessment Quiz follows, with 76 questions to help readers identify their unique food choices and eating behaviors that lead to overeating and weight gain. Part Two provides a step-by-step guide to WPIE antidotes for each overeating style. It also explains why the elements of WPIE work and how they can be incorporated into daily life. And Part Three offers over 30 recipes based on the three main criteria of WPIE: fresh, whole and "inverse,” meaning mostly plant-based foods with small or no servings of animal-based foods.
An excerpt from the Foreword of Whole Person Integrative Eating by New York Times best-selling author Dean Ornish, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California:
“The takeaway message in this well-researched and illuminating book is this: the antidote to overeating, overweight, and obesity and perhaps other diet-related chronic conditions may be to follow the ancient-food-wisdom-based guidelines that Kesten and Scherwitz describe in this book.”
The authors’ paradigm-shifting message is that food influences not only the physical dimensions of health, but also our emotional, spiritual and social well-being. Their dietary lifestyle can build bridges between the millions who struggle with overeating and weight issues and the medical community. And it can inspire us all to re-envision our relationships with food, eating and weight, so that each time we eat, we are nourished … for life.
Deborah Kesten, M.P.H.,is an international nutrition researcher, award-winning author and medical/health writer, with a specialty in preventing and reversing obesity and heart disease. She served as Nutritionist on Dean Ornish, M.D.’s first clinical trial for reversing heart disease through lifestyle changes, the results of which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. She has served as Director of Nutrition at cardiovascular clinics in Europe and on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, San Francisco.
Kesten has published more than 400 nutrition and health articles. Her first book, Feeding the Body, Nourishing the Soul, received the first-place gold award in the Spirituality category from the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Whole Person Integrative Eating has been honored with the No.1 gold, best-book award in the Health category by Book Excellence Awards. She is a VIP Contributor at Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global, and is married to behavioral scientist and co-author of Whole Person Integrative Eating, Larry Scherwitz, Ph.D.
St. Jude-WHO Flu Expert: “October is the time to get this year’s flu vaccine to build up maximum immunity”
Dr. Richard Webby, member of the World Health Organization’s Influenza Vaccine Composition Advisory Team, responsible for each year’s vaccine composition recommendation
MEMPHIS, TENN. – In order to build up immunity before the predicted peak of influenza activity this year in the United States,Dr. Richard Webby, a member of the Infectious Diseases Department atSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospitaland the World Health Organization’s Influenza Vaccine Composition Advisory Team, is encouraging all Americans to make October the month they get this year’s newly reformulated flu vaccine to receive full protection.
“Taking roughly two weeks to build up immunity in your body, it is important to get the flu vaccine by the end of October to have full protection before influenza season arrives,” saidDr. Richard Webby, a member of the Infectious Diseases Department atSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospitaland the World Health Organization’s Influenza Vaccine Composition Advisory Team. “It is the most effective tool we have to stave off the influenza virus. We can all help save lives by getting the flu shot now in order for it to provide maximum immunity.”
The World Health Organization Influenza Vaccine Composition Advisory Team members, released recommendations earlier this year on the composition of the flu vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere. The recommendations are used to guide national vaccine regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce and license influenza vaccines.
“To avoid what could be a volatile dual influenza and COVID-19 season this fall and winter in the United States, now is the time to get the flu shot,” Webbysaid. “The absolute best way for the public to prepare against this unique and unpredictable scenario is to protect themselves now and not to wait for influenza activity to start before getting the flu shot.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people receive a flu shot by the end of October. Given it takes approximately two weeks for the influenza vaccine to build up enough antibodies to offer the shots full protections against the influenza virus, people shouldn’t wait until the flu starts spreading in their community.
“The more people who get the flu shot will result in less severe influenza in our communities, resulting in less of an impact on our medical facilities and greater protection for the entire population,” Webbysaid. “Let’s not wait for a spike in flu cases to take action. The bottom line is the flu shot is still the most valuable and life-saving public health tool in preventing and spreading the flu while protecting our most vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors.”
Eclectic Mix of Kosher Comfort Foods and Other Family Favorites Perfect for At Home Dining
Dallas, TX, Oct. 1, 2020 — If homemade meals have become dull or repetitive, it may be time to broaden your repertoire. It’s possible for any cook — with the suggestions and guidance in Kenneth M. Horwitz’s award-winning book, Deep Flavors: A Celebration of Recipes for Foodies in a Kosher Style — to prepare delicious dinners and mouth-watering desserts. Perfect for those who love cooking kosher or vegetarian, or simply experimenting with new recipes, Deep Flavors features an abundance of tempting dishes drawing from many cultures, complete with helpful tips ranging from how to source ingredients to proper preparation.
“Cooking is worth some effort and attention to detail,” Horwitz writes. “The positive reactions from family or guests, as well as your own enjoyment, will make it worthwhile.”
“Effort” and “attention to detail,” however, don’t have to equate with “difficult.” In fact, throughout Deep Flavors, Horwitz shares his wisdom for breaking recipes into simple steps — and how to do some of this prep work well in advance so that delicious meals can be served even with a hectic schedule.
Between the covers of Deep Flavors, Horwitz offers an eclectic menu that includes traditional Jewish dishes plus other regional and international favorites reinterpreted to observe some or all of the rules for kosher foods. The result is a diverse anthology of recipes that will appeal to broad audiences everywhere — Jewish and otherwise.
Horwitz, an attorney and CPA by trade, explained in an interview with Today’s CPA that, “My approach to cooking is really an extension of what I do in my professional practice. I solve problems. One of the ‘problems,’ at least in my house, is that since we maintain a kosher house, but eat eclectically, is how to convert recipes so that they are kosher …”
Horwitz’s Texas State Fair Blue Ribbon-winning Spinach/Mushroom Lasagna, for instance, is a completely original vegetarian lasagna accessible to Jews and vegetarians, with a unique twist on ingredients that gives it a complex flavor profile. Even recipes for classic foods such as brisket and roast turkey contain newly imagined taste combinations and techniques to elevate them while maintaining recognizable hallmarks of each dish. Another recipe that epitomizes the standard set by Horwitz, yet remarkably simple to execute, is the Dill French Toast: savory, unique, and delicious.
Horwitz’s ultimate goal was to create recipes that are readable and easily followed by anyone with a basic knowledge of cooking. He provides detailed instructions with enhanced explanations and alternatives, helpful for both the novice and the more experienced cook.
A Readers’ Favorite reviewer, who gave Deep Flavors a 5-star rating, referred to the book as “… an essential addition to any cookbook fanatic's collection and to anyone who believes in spending the time and effort to make the ‘food’ experience a real work of art …”
With 52 years in a general tax and transaction practice as a CPA and lawyer, Ken Horwitz has a creative and focused approach to finding and fixing problems — a skill that translates well to the development of and modification of recipes based on traditional family favorites but tailored to one’s personal tastes and dietary needs. His professional drive and the care given to his work have earned him multiple awards, including the Honorary Fellow for a lifetime of distinguished service and the 2017 Chairperson of the Year by the Texas Society of CPAs. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, Horwitz enjoys sharing his passion for cooking with his wife, children and grandchildren. Horwitz believes that one of the highest compliments he has received came from a longstanding client who uses numerous lawyers. He said, “Ken, you are the only lawyer we use whose work we have not had to fix.” Horwitz’s goal is for Deep Flavors to reach that same standard.
Deep Flavors Publisher: Inspire on Purpose ISBN-13: 978-1-941782-51-4 ISBN-10: 1-941782-51-5 Available from Amazon.com
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New Holiday Adventure Features Team of Intrepid Youngsters on Quest to Save Santa
New York, NY, Oct. 1, 2020 — Not even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade could persuade the people lining the streets to look up from their phones. Only a few small children even noticed that something was horribly amiss: Santa Claus was a no-show. In an era when children practically dictate their wish lists and parents scramble to outdo each other, it seems the holiday spirit — along with Santa — has disappeared. When word spreads that Santa has, in fact, been kidnapped, it’s up to a group of unfairly labeled children culled from The Naughty List to rescue Santa and remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Will these intrepid youngsters rise to the challenge? There’s only one way to find out!
Author Thomas Conway sets the stage for worldwide adventure in this imaginative, modern Christmas tale that blends elements of pop culture with the age-old tradition of Santa Claus. The Naughty List opens in a world without Santa, where toy manufacturer Eastern Industries has just released a new holiday marketing scheme, monopolizing the attention of the children and draining their holiday spirit. With Christmas fast approaching and the North Pole in chaos, a team of intrepid youngsters recruited from Santa’s Naughty List aim to rescue Santa and save the holiday.
While primarily a Santa tale, The Naughty List cleverly incorporates Winter holiday beliefs from around the world, including the legend of Marduk, a Babylonian god; the Roman feast of Saturnalia; the epic story of Jangar from North Asia; Moravian traditions of animal communication; and the present real-life adventures of Israeli Santa Claus, Nicola Abdou.
Also sprinkled with references to holiday favorites such as Miracle on 34th Street, T’was the Night Before Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and others, this wonderfully rich tale promotes right over wrong, good over evil and love over fear.
Suitable for all ages, The Naughty List skillfully weaves valuable lessons about overindulgence and society’s tendency to put labels on children, with the overarching theme that when kids misbehave they should not be defined by their bad deeds but rather see it as a learning opportunity, since when we appreciate the best in humanity and combine our talents, we are capable of almost anything.
The Naughty List, winner of the 2020 Indie Book Award in the E-Book Fiction category, is the first release from Thomas Conway. His 30-year career spans various industries. When not at work, he devotes his time to environmental matters and inventing stories for his two children.
