COVID-19 Contributes to Uptick in Opioid-Related Deaths
Baltimore, MD, September 18, 2020 — Social isolation and reduced access to healthcare during the lockdown, among other factors, have led to a rise in opioid-related deaths, experts say. And according to their estimates, it’s only going to get worse. Similarly, Authorities acrossTexas, Pennsylvania, Florida and New York are also reporting rises in overdoses during the COVID-19 crisis.
On the frontlines working to curb the impact of the opioid crisis is Dr. Paul Christo, anAssociate Professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
"The number of fatalities from opioid-related overdoses could be nearly 30 percent higher than reported due to missing information or incomplete death records,” he says. “The worst fear is that because of social isolation, and people are not being found or treated immediately."
The opioid epidemic today progressed in three phases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first involves deaths caused by prescription opioids, the second, an increase in heroin use, and the third, a surge in the use of synthetic opioids or fentanyl. Experts say the U.S. is right in the middle of the third phase of the epidemic, due to the increasing availability of fentanyl and increasing rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids.
According to a recent study there were 632,331 drug overdoses between 1999 and 2016. Most of these deaths (78.2 percent) were drug overdoses with known drug classification. Moreover, 21.8 percent were unclassified drug overdoses. A further investigation revealed that for unclassified drug overdoses, 71.8 percent involved opioids, translating to 99,160 additional opioid-related deaths.
There were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2017, according to an estimate from the CDC. Based on findings from the new study, over half of those deaths — about 47,000 — are suspected of having involved opioids.
Another study on opioid overdoses found that the number of drug overdose deaths decreased by 4 percent from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, more than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Almost 70 percent involved a prescription or illicit opioid of those deaths.
“COVID 19 impacted the drug supply chain by closing borders on some regions, and it led to the higher death rate,” Dr. Christo explained. He added that drugs become more challenging to get, and the potency of overdose goes up. It also impacts the price, everything goes up, and in that sense, it becomes more deadly each day, according to Dr. Christo.
About Dr. Paul Christo
Dr. Paul Christo serves as Director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is the author of Aches and Gains, A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Your Pain. Dr. Paul Christo also hosts an award-winning, nationally syndicated SIRIUS XM radio talk show on overcoming pain called, Aches and Gains®. For more information about Dr. Paul Christo. Please visit www.paulchristomd.com.
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Find the Career that Fits Perfectly: The Tools are at Your Fingertips
Sacramento, CA, Sept. 18, 2020 — Why do so many people stay in unrewarding careers? Fear of change? Lack of updated skills? Whatever the case, staying in an unfulfilling job prevents you from doing what you really want to do. The pandemic taught us that we can pivot and innovate faster than we ever thought possible, so why not restart your career with a renewed vision and a clearer path forward?
Elevate Your Career: Live a Life You’re Truly Proud Of from experienced career development coach Helen Horyza brilliantly demonstrates how you can design a career that aligns with your interests and talents by discovering what makes you truly happy.
“The path to a thriving career requires self reflection to discover what values are important to you and to identify the types of work that hold real meaning,” Horyza writes. “It also demands patience and persistence.”
Through a series of true stories, Horyza illustrates how people from all walks of life and education levels can create a career that is literally a perfect fit—even if you don’t know what your “passion” is yet.
In addition to these real-world examples, Elevate Your Career includes valuable tools that readers can use right away to reassess their career paths. First, the Elevate Career Cycle method, which is explained in the book, can help readers uncover their passion by pinpointing their interests and unique talents. Also included with the book is a coupon code for the Elevations Career Assessment, which synthesizes values, skills, interests and personality in the context of contemporary careers. Individuals who complete the assessment receive a focused report complete with valuable decision-making tools. The result is a comprehensive model for smart and healthy career development.
No matter where you are in your evolving career journey—college student, executive or someone looking to course-correct—this book will provide you with the tools and the momentum you need to elevate your career.
Helen Horyza is an expert in the fields of career development and employee development, engagement and retention. She is an accomplished trainer, motivational speaker and executive coach. She holds a Master of Science degree in Career Counseling from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and is a professionally trained coach through Coach Training International. She is a Nationally Certified Career Counselor (NCCC) and has over 20 years of experience uncovering talent and directing it to achieve extraordinary results.
Horyza is comfortable inspiring audiences large and small with her authentic, approachable style. She is the inventor and author of the Elevations® suite of assessments designed to assist individuals in career transition or to enhance employee engagement. Elevations® is utilized in colleges, universities and in consultant practices around the world.
She has used her own advice to re-career and is opening the Career Coach Entrepreneur Academy in the fall, a training program for people interested in becoming career coaches.
4 Pieces of Equipment That Can Help Your Home Workouts
Working out home has many benefits. It can help you save time, money and is more convenient than working out at a gym. However, one of the keys to working out at home is to have the right equipment. You should consider purchasing the following types of equipment for your home gym.
Weighted Arm Bands
Resistance training is an important part of your training regimen. It helps you build muscles and burn fat. Even though you can use your own body weight as a form of resistance, you should consider investing in weighted arm bands. Weighted arm bands typically weigh between 0.5 and 1 pounds. The weights can make your workouts more challenging.
Non-slip Foam Exercise Balance Pad
If you do a lot of floor exercises, then it is a good idea for you to invest in a non-slip foam exercise balance pad. A balance pad can reduce the back pain that you can experience if you do exercises on the floor. The balance pad will provide you with the extra support that you need. A balance pad can also improve your motor skills. This will make it easier for you to complete your daily activities.
Weighted Jump Rope
Jumping rope is one of the most effective home exercises that you can do. In fact, jumping rope for 10 minutes is equivalent to jogging for 30 minutes. You can increase the intensity of your workout by using a weighted jump rope. The extra weight will also allow you to get a great resistance workout.
Treadmill
If you love to go for walks or jogs, then you should buy a treadmill. One of the many great things about a treadmill is that almost anyone can use it. Both athletes and people who exercise occasionally can use a treadmill. You can adjust the speed and incline based on your fitness needs and goals. Running on a treadmill will allow you to burn hundreds of calories in an hour. There are also treadmills that have extra features, such as heart rate monitors and pre-set fitness programs.
It is important to select high-quality equipment if you like to work out at home. You can use weighted arm bands if you like to do resistance training. You can also use a non-slip foam exercise balance pad and a treadmill. Additionally, you can use a weighted jump rope.
Holistic, Science-Backed Program Helps Build a Healthier Relationship with Food, Eating and Weight
San Francisco, CA, Sept. 17, 2020 — Could a dietary lifestyle that nourishes us physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially be the answer to stemming America’s rising tide of overeating and obesity?
Original research points to yes, and in Whole Person Integrative Eating: A Breakthrough Dietary Lifestyle to Treat the Root Causes of Overeating, Overweight, and Obesity, nutrition researcher Deborah Kesten, M.P.H., and behavioral scientist Larry Scherwitz, Ph.D., offer documented proof that by nourishing ourselves multi-dimensionally each time we eat, we can develop deeper, healthier relationships with food and eating that leads to attaining and maintaining weight loss. The authors’ Whole Person Integrative Eating (WPIE) program is not a diet that a person goes on … then off. WPIE 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 book] offers an evidence-based alternative to the conventional wisdom about attaining and maintaining weight loss. What’s groundbreaking about Kesten and Scherwitz’s research is twofold: They have created a scientifically sound, comprehensive, and integrative program for treating overeating, overweight, and obesity based on these principles. And in addition to what (food choices) and how(eating behaviors) we eat, they have identified seven statistically significant root reasons to explain why we overeat: what they call “new normal overeating styles” and eating behaviors that also have a profound influence on how much we eat and weigh.”
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, MPH,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, for 10 years.
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 #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.
New partnership to build advanced predictive testing for blood cancer multiple myeloma
Thursday, 17 September 2020: By combining genomic testing and next generation sequencing technology, a new partnership led by RCSI researchers aims to advance predictive tests for multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common blood cancer in Ireland.
The study will be carried out at Beaumont Hospital Dublin and run through the Blood Cancer Network Ireland with several other cancer hospitals in Ireland participating. It represents a collaboration between RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and SkylineDx with funding support from Amgen; Celgene, a Bristol Myers Squibb company; and Janssen.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that normally produce antibodies to help fight infection. Approximately 250 patients are diagnosed with this condition in Ireland every year. Globally the incidence of this disease is rising, due to population growth, an aging world population and a rise in age-specific incidence rates. Due to the complex nature of the disease, patients often require multidisciplinary medical input and myeloma drugs are amongst the highest cost therapies worldwide.
Due to improvements in new treatments for multiple myeloma, the outlook for patients has greatly improved with survival times and treatment free intervals increasing. However, in 2020 multiple myeloma is still considered an incurable disease, with the majority of patients following a relapsing course and requiring further treatment to keep the disease at bay. According to the National Cancer Registry, Ireland the 5 year survival of multiple myeloma patients is approximately 50%, in keeping with international best standards, but greater advances in therapy and knowledge of the disease is required to improve this figure.
Predicting the course of the disease and guiding treatment choice in newly diagnosed patients, is one of the major challenges in this cancer and currently available tests at diagnosis fall short of providing this information to patients and haematologists. Newly developed tests over the last number of years are helping to do this and one such example is Minimal residual disease (MRD). This is a test performed on the patients DNA at diagnosis by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), which can detect if there are trace amounts of the cancer remaining in a patient after treatment, and has been shown to be highly predictive of long-term outcomes in several studies. Another test that can help to predict patients outcomes has been developed by SkylineDx, which uses a novel gene expression based test to guide prognosis called the “MMprofiler”.
At Beaumont and RCSI, in collaboration with SkylineDx, scientists have implemented these novel gene based tests SkylineDx for the testing of MM patients in order to guide prognosis. This test called “MMprofiler with SKY92” establishes if patients have a high risk of relapsing and has been increasingly adopted in global clinical trials as a more predictive and robuster marker than older tests like fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). This study at RCSI and Beaumont aims to combine these two highly predictive modalities to provide a personalized medicine approach for patients.
This in-depth analysis of genetic risk could enable doctors to identify which patients are at high-risk of relapse after a stem cell transplant. With this knowledge, it may in the future be possible to refine treatment for individual patients based on their specific disease molecular signature.
“If our study can definitively determine which patients will benefit from certain treatments, and when, it will provide clinicians with invaluable information that will lead to better outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma.” said Dr Siobhan Glavey, Honorary Senior Lecturer at RCSI, Consultant Haematologist at Beaumont Hospital and the project’s Principal Investigator.
“As we move toward personalised medicine, studies like ours will hopefully become more and more common and will help to target high cost effective therapies with greater precision. The study will initially enroll a small number of patients and follow them over time to test this theory.”
Multiple Myeloma Ireland, a charity which provides information and support for Multiple Myeloma patients in Ireland, has welcomed this study as an important new advance for patients. “This study will make new research tests available to Irish patients for the first time and we look forward to learning more about this disease,” commented Maura Dowling, Chair of Multiple Myeloma Ireland.
The work was made possible due to a collaborative effort between several organisations, both not-for-profit and industry partners.
“This collaboration between RCSI, Blood Cancer Network Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, SkylineDx, Amgen, Janssen and Celgene demonstrates that truly amazing work can result from large partnerships. By bringing together these organisations, we are united at the forefront of research that will improve treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma in Ireland and worldwide,” said Professor Fergal O’Brien, RCSI Director of Research and Innovation.
The project is supported by the RCSI Strategic Industry Partnership Seed Fund.
ENDS
About RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
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.
Visit the RCSI MyHealth Expert Directory to find the details of our experts across a range of healthcare issues and concerns. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote health and wellbeing, these academics, clinicians and researchers are willing to engage with the media in their area of expertise so they can empower people with information that leads them to better health.
Vault Health Expands its Men’s Telehealth Service to 37 New States
After Becoming First Provider of Rapid At-Home Covid-19 Testing, Vault’s Testosterone Treatments and Specialized Healthcare for Men is Now Available Nearly Nationwide
NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2020 -- Vault Health, a men’s telemedicine startup offering direct-to-consumer prescription testosterone treatments and supplements, has expanded its service to 37 U.S. states. Previously only available in three states, Vault’s rapid expansion comes on the heels of its $30 million Series A funding round in March.
Perhaps best known for providing the first FDA-approved rapid at-home saliva test kit for Covid-19, the men’s healthcare company specializes in personalized treatment plans that are designed to help men improve their sexual, physical, and mental health.
Low testosterone affects one in every four men over the age of 30. This can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, irritability, low energy, loss of lean muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, osteoporosis or fracture, brain fog, and more.
Through Vault’s telehealth service, men are able to easily connect with medical professionals via video calls and get personalized testosterone-based treatment plans shipped directly to them, taking the inconvenience and apprehension out of healthcare by discreetly treating men where they are.
CEO Jason Feldman, former Head of Amazon Prime Video Direct, co-founded the healthcare startup last year with leading men’s integrative healthcare expert Dr. Myles Spar, MD, who serves as Vault’s Chief Medical Officer. Feldman got the idea for Vault when he noticed how many of his male friends seemed embarrassed about certain medical conditions and were reluctant to seek medical attention for them, or simply didn’t know they could do something about it.
“While there’s a wealth of women’s healthcare specialists and resources out there, the options for men are much more limited. Now that Vault is serving nearly three-quarters of the nation, we want men to know we’re here for them. We understand them. And we can help them,” says Feldman.
According to Dr. Spar, many doctors tend to treat the symptoms of low testosterone, instead of the cause, while Vault takes a different approach by focusing on the root of the problem.
“We focus on what matters to the patient — not what’s the matter with the patient — and offer a strategy to optimize health so that he can achieve his goals,” says Dr. Spar, who is also an author, teacher, TEDx speaker, and a frequent contributor to Men’s Journal and the Dr. Oz. show.
Vault’s various treatments are bundled together into kits that are tailored to address specific types of concerns. These include a ‘Body Kit’ that helps users maintain a healthy weight and energy level, a ‘Sex Kit’ that improves sexual health and performance, and a ‘Brain Kit’ that enhance users’ sleep quality and memory, among others.
Treatment plans are offered on a subscription basis with prices starting at $75 per month, which includes ongoing healthcare visits and continuous access to Vault medical professionals to ensure men are achieving their desired results.
While Vault has expanded service to 37 states, its testosterone-based treatments are available on a state-by-state basis. The states Vault Health is able to provide testosterone-based treatments in are indicated with an asterisk: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas*, Colorado, *District of Columbia, *Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, *Illinois, Iowa, Maine, *Maryland, Michigan, *Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, *New Hampshire, New Mexico, *New York, *North Carolina, *Ohio, Oklahoma, *Oregon, *Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, *Tennessee, *Texas, *Utah, Virginia, *Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
About Vault Health Vault Health is a performance-based healthcare service designed to help men take control of their health through specialized in-home treatments for a better body, better sex, and better brain health. Through extensive education, professional medical evaluation, and personalized treatment plans, Vault offers a comprehensive approach that overcomes traditional shortcomings in existing men's healthcare offerings to help more men achieve optimal overall health. For more info, visit www.vaulthealth.com.
Severe Head Lice cases a big concern for Back-to-School Fall 2020
BARRIE, ON, Sept. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - Head Lice has not been eradicated during covid-19 lockdown despite physical distancing and children being out of school.
"We expected to have a slow start when we began to re-open our lice removal services to the public," said Dawn Mucci, President and Founder of LiceSquad.com. "With children out of school and staying apart from their friends, many of us thought lice incidence would be significantly down and would remain so until children were back in school and socializing again."
Head lice is spread with close physical contact, predominantly through head-to-head contact with an infected person. It stands to reason that when people stay away from others, lice would not have the chance to spread.
"With people staying home, and having the time to nit-pick, we figured parents might eliminate lice on their own which would be a positive thing!" said Alison Steinhart, operator of two Lice Squad.com Clinics in Owen Sound and Collingwood, ON. Steinhart has been surprised, however, with the severity of cases she is now seeing. "Business has certainly picked up again for us after months of quiet."
Lisa Tecter, a Licesquad.com franchise owner in Ottawa, ON, said "I've noticed lice are more resilient and I have seen the most severe cases that may date back several months. Lice are on survival mode and with self-isolation, no lice reminders from school, and services such as ours not being accessible to families during the pandemic, despite best efforts head lice seem to have been much more difficult for families to tackle."
As school begins again, Lice Squad.com recommends parents watch for signs of lice such as itchy heads and resume regular head checks in the family for day-care and school-age children.
Since 2001, Lice Squad.com has delivered an alternative to traditional drug store remedies and a professional lice removal service with mobile visits to family homes, and in bright, clean, family-friendly clinics in metropolitan areas across Canada.
SOURCE Lice Squad Canada Inc
COVID-19 SPREAD INDICATORS UNDER FIRE, WHAT TO WATCH BETWEEN NOW AND NOVEMBER, COLLEGE SPORTS, & PREPARING FOR FLU SEASON
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
COVIDEXITSTRATEGY.ORG, UNITED STATES OF CARE, RESOLVE TO SAVE LIVES, COVID ACT NOW AND DUKE-MARGOLIS CENTER FOR HEALTH POLICY HELD PRESS BRIEFING TO DISCUSS CURRENT STATE OF COVID-19
(Washington, DC) Yesterday, CovidExitStrategy.org, United States of Care, Resolve to Save Lives, COVID Act Now, and the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy held a press webinar outlining new data on COVID-19 spread indicators, college hotspots and addressed how states can prepare for flu season. You can view the video of the webinar here.
“United States of Care is constantly talking to people across the country about COVID-19 and the state of healthcare in the U.S. We have found that Americans want accurate and reliable data and Covidexitstrategy.org meets that need, by supplying real-time data on where their state stands in the battle against COVD-19,” stated Emily Barson, United States of Care Executive Director. “As we prepare for the flu season, accurate and timely data is crucial and must be used to inform the public and policymakers on how we can stay safe and healthy, ” added Barson.
CovidExitStrategy.org was founded by a group of public health and crisis experts, with previous experience working at the White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. COVID Exit Strategy is a non-partisan group of experts who have worked across multiple administrations.
In an overview of the states’ efforts to contain COVID-19, Marta Wosinska, Deputy Director at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, noted that the national trend in COVID-19 cases hides important regional variation in the prevalence of COVID-19. “After a wave that hit the Sunbelt states this summer, the spread has shifted towards the Midwest. North Dakota now has more COVID-19 cases per million than the hard-hit Texas ever had.”
“COVID continues to disproportionately affect our country’s most vulnerable groups: those who are older, who are poorer, who have less access to healthcare, who have less decision-making power,” said Debbie Lai, COO of CovidActNow.org.
“Our understanding of the spread of COVID-19 and its impacts is becoming less clear over time, because of ongoing issues around data and inconsistent reporting of key indicators. Our national response will continue to be hampered by data gaps and implementation of policies based on suboptimal data.” remarked Cyrus Shahpar of Resolve to Save Lives.
“The most reliable sources for COVID-19 spread continue to be from academia (like John Hopkins University), journalists (like the New York Times), and collaboratives (like The COVID Tracking Project). said Ryan Panchadsaram, Co-Founder of CovidExitStrategy.org, “Unfortunately, the federal government continues to accumulate critical data related to the COVID response, but does not share it with the public. To date, only one dataset from HHS Protect has been made public so far on HealthData.gov: the hospital utilization snapshot.”
“There is a critical need for more testing in this country, but more importantly, for smart testing--matching the right test for the right purpose at the right time. Equally important is making sure we can act on those test results to actively break chains of transmission and respond quickly as rates of active infection changes in our communities over time,” said Silcox.
Additionally, United States of Care discussed their new “Preparing for COVID-19 and the Flu,” recommendations to states for dealing with the seasonal flu amid a global public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus.
“2020 is a completely different year when it comes to flu season. Our health care system is already stressed and now we face the unprecedented problem of fighting the fly while combatting COVID-19. We have spent months engaging in one-on-one conversations with people, policymakers, and various health care leaders and understand what people need to know and what states can do to combat COVID-19 while fighting the flu,” stated Liz Hagan, United States of Care’s Director of Policy for State Engagements. “Historically States have successfully dealt with the flu virus through vaccines and preemptive care to stop widespread outbreaks. Our recommendations can help states prepare for the fall and beyond,” added Hagan.
Communicate Clearly: State leaders need to be clear in their communications about why protective measures, such as mask requirements and closures, are necessary to keep people safe from the flu and COVID-19. States can play a vital role in providing people with clarity about what to do if they are infected with either the flu or COVID-19, as they have similar symptoms
Prepare for Increased Health Care Demand: States need to have contingency plans in place so that health care system resources can be efficiently allocated.
Address the Needs of High-Risk People: States will need to continually rely on the latest COVID-19 metrics and data on the flu’s trajectory, especially for high-risk populations to take additional measures.
Develop Plans to Increase Influenza Vaccination Rates: In a typical flu season, less than 50%of people get vaccinated, and the rate is even lower among people of color. Increasing this rate is essential to minimizing the strain on our health care system. Clear communications are also vital due to people’s ongoing concerns about receiving medical care during the pandemic. States will need to develop plans to distribute flu shots in safe-settings, including at home for vulnerable populations.
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THE IMPACT SERIES, an original film and speaker series focused on social change, launches in Canada this September
Multimedia platform partners with award-winning filmmakers, leading media companies, and socially conscious brands in bold new initiative
The series kicks off with the World Premiere of Jim Rakete’s NOW, featuring internationally recognized activists Greta Thunberg, Luisa Neubauer, Vic Barrett, Felix Finkbeiner, acclaimed musician Patti Smith and Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Wim Wenders TORONTO – Screen to Stream Media Inc., a new Canadian media company founded by media executive and entrepreneur Jim Sherry, today announced the launch of THE IMPACT SERIES, a new film and speaker series centred on environmental and social change. This new multimedia content series and speaker platform will present eight compelling documentary films in its first season between September to January 2021. The series will launch with filmmaker Jim Rakete’s powerful new documentary NOW, premiering in cinemas across Canada on September 26.
“With THE IMPACT SERIES we have created a platform that will foster discussion and amplify voices of optimism and hope,” said Jim Sherry, CEO of Screen to Stream Media Inc. and developer of the series. “We appreciate the support of Jim Rakete and all our generous partners for allowing us to present the World Premiere of NOW as our inaugural film, as it perfectly expresses what people can achieve when they courageously step forward to meet the moment.”
Rakete’s accomplished work evokes hope and inspiration as we look through the eyes of young activists from around the globe who are challenging the status quo and pushing for social and political change. NOW, which was filmed during 17-year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg’s phenomenal rise to fame, will be presented with a pre-recorded introduction and post-screening commentary by Rakete.
“Everyone involved in the NOW project feels very honoured that our film will open THE IMPACT SERIES.”said Jim Rakete, Director of NOW. “This new initiative is a beacon of hope for the countless activists who are trying to make the world a better place.”
Season 1 of THE IMPACT SERIES will also feature the new films Watson and Sing Me a Song from Participant (American Factory, An Inconvenient Truth, RBG). Additional films from Participant featured in the series include, The Great Invisible and Chicago 10. Participant is the leading global media company dedicated to entertainment that inspires audiences to engage in positive social change.
“It’s a pleasure to partner with Jim Sherry on the launch of this relevant new initiative which will bring meaningful content to Canadian audiences in a time of unparalleled drive for change.” said David Linde, CEO, Participant Media.
Watson, directed by Lesley Chilcott, will receive its Canadian theatrical debut on October 24. The film chronicles the life of controversial Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson, an original founder of Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who is renowned for his commitment to marine conservation and anti-poaching activism.
Sing Me a Song, directed by Thomas Balmés, will debut in THE IMPACT SERIES on December 5. This captivating film follows the story of a teenage Bhutan monk who is introduced to the internet and depicts how the technology influences his everyday life and traditions.
Additional partners supporting THE IMPACT SERIES in Canada include, Cineplex Entertainment, Landmark Cinemas, and Hollywood Suite.
To learn more about THE IMPACT SERIES and view the full schedule visit, www.theimpactseries.net Tickets for the series begin to go on sale on September 23, 2020 at Cineplex.com/Events
THE NEW "NORMAL" OF LEARNING Brain Health Expert Shares How Parents & Kids Can Adjust, Focus, & Succeed in 2020's Tough Learning EnvironmentWhether your child is returning to the classroom, learning entirely online, or doing a hybrid approach, school is going to be very different this year and the new "normal" of learning is a unique struggle, for parents, teachers, and kids alike. There is tremendous pressure on parents and caregivers. On top of juggling their own work demands and dealing with the economic and emotional stress of the ongoing pandemic, parents now have the added responsibility of being teachers. They must play an even more active role in their childs' education and this is a huge undertaking, even for parents who were already highly involved. According to Brain Health Expert Aneesh Chaudhry, regardless of what academic option your child is doing, learning is going to be extremely difficult this year and families need all the support they can get. "Parents, kids, and teachers are all grappling with the new *normal* of learning and they desperately need positive strategies to make this work..."...says Chaudhry, a health specialist who has been instrumental in re-developing and implementing mental and physical wellness programs in the educational system. Through his non profit organization, SoulPhysio Foundation, Chaudhry works with existing schools to help educate faculty, parents, and students (specifically kids struggling with mental and neurological illness) on how to succeed academically and build a healthier brain by living a healthy lifestyle. We know that sitting in front of a computer all day is not the best way to learn but in the COVID era, even the classroom is not an ideal learning environment. In many districts, students must remain seated and socially distanced, they are not allowed to do group or partner work, move around, and they must wear uncomfortable PPE all day. Real time feedback from teachers is limited as many schools have adopted an a/b schedule which creates a gap in the learning feedback loop. Although safety measures like masks and social distancing are necessary and understandable, it is extremely challenging to learn amid these circumstances. One major deficit in the covid era curriculum is the lack of kinesthetic learning activities or lessons that incorporate movement. "Students learn best when they are engaged in hands-on activities. Learning through movement and physical activities changes the way the brain works and can accelerate the learning process..."...says Chaudhry. According to Chaudhry, there are many things parents and caregivers can do to create a positive learning environment for kids...one that is sustainable throughout the entire year. One suggestion Chaudhry has for parents and teachers is to consider their child's needs for structure. He recommends taking "brain breaks" that carve out time for focus and socializing. He also suggests having regular emotional check-ins with kids, even if they aren't giving clear warning signs that there is a problem. Chaudhry encourages parents to monitor their own mental and physical health as it is crucial for sustainability. One way parents can do this is to shift their mindset and make wellness a family endeavor by engaging in family activities outside of school work like cooking, exercising, and meditating. Aneesh Chaudhry is sharing brain-based strategies and practical tips parents and kids can use to cope with the new pressures of learning. He has insight and actionable advice for families and students of all ages. TALKING POINTS(FOR INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES):How to Help Kids Focus & Adjust to the New "Normal" of School (Learning at Home, OR in the Classroom)How Parents Can Create a Productive, Positive & Sustainable Learning EnvironmentBrain-Based Strategies to Improve Learning & FocusHow Working Parents Can Maintain Sanity & Productivity Amid Trying These TimesMental Health Strategies to Manage Back-to-School Stress & Anxiety During All This UncertaintyBack-to-School Mental Health Checklist for KidsLearning vs Social Chaos: The Fascinating Connection Between Focus, Fear, & The Brain The Lasting Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on KidsWhy It's Crucial for Parents to Make Wellness a Family Endeavor (& How They Can Do It)Warning Signs of Anxiety & Stress in Kids ABOUT ANEESH CHAUDHRY:Aneesh Chaudhry is the founder of SoulPhysio Lifestyle, a brain health clinic and integrative healthcare network that specializes in treatments that combine both Eastern and Western Medical techniques. Chaudhry holds a bachelor's degree in Neuropsychology from Wright State University and a personal training license through the Cooper Institute. In addition, he holds a number of other mental and physical health certifications including accreditation as a Reiki Master, a Mind-Body Specialist, a Brain Health Coach, and a Performance Nutrition Specialist. Chaudhry is on track to be a licensed Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine Practitioner in 2022 and following this, he plans to pursue a PhD in Physiology and Health.FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.soulphysiolifestyle.com
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According to Brain Health Expert Aneesh Chaudhry, regardless of what academic option your child is doing, learning is going to be extremely difficult this year and families need all the support they can get. "Parents, kids, and teachers are all grappling with the new *normal* of learning and they desperately need positive strategies to make this work..."...says Chaudhry, a health specialist who has been instrumental in re-developing and implementing mental and physical wellness programs in the educational system. Through his non profit organization, 
Aneesh Chaudhry is the founder of SoulPhysio Lifestyle, a brain health clinic and integrative healthcare network that specializes in treatments that combine both Eastern and Western Medical techniques. Chaudhry holds a bachelor's degree in Neuropsychology from Wright State University and a personal training license through the Cooper Institute. In addition, he holds a number of other mental and physical health certifications including accreditation as a Reiki Master, a Mind-Body Specialist, a Brain Health Coach, and a Performance Nutrition Specialist. Chaudhry is on track to be a licensed Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine Practitioner in 2022 and following this, he plans to pursue a PhD in Physiology and Health.FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: