Don’t Lose Focus on Vision Health During COVID: Glaucoma Expert Shares His Tips for Healthy Eyes
New York, NY, September 24, 2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we visit our doctors, but it shouldn’t prevent us from staying up-to-date with our usual health care appointments, including vision checkups.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, people should guard their eyes with glasses or face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection," says Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. People also need to know, even though there are many concerns about COVID-19, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he says, adding:“Wash hands frequently, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching our mouth, nose and especially our eyes.'' Dr. Laroche is also affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Island Eye Surgical Center and New York University.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way people visit their doctors. For patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth over the phone or video consultation until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that COVID-19 has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people. “Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater. In 42 states, plus Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, white deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in 37 states.”
Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue:
1. Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide.
2. Implement universal health care.
3. Increase wealth and education which produces better health.
4. Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition.
5. Eliminate racism to reduce stress.
6. Identify white supremist organizations as terrorist groups.
7. Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions.
8. Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools.
9. Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health.
10. The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call 212-663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com.
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Canadian Tech Companies Pull Together for First Nations Virtual Health Care
VANCOUVER, Sept. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - WelTel Health (WelTel) and Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc.(MIS) announced today that they have formed a Partnership to advance patient engagement and virtual healthcare solutions in support of improved communication between local First Nations community care providers and their patients.
WelTel is a pioneering, two-way texting and mobile communications platform that facilitates efficient communication between care providers and their patients. WelTel leverages SMS as its core communication to ensure greater access and reach: patients enrolled in WelTel require only a basic phone and do not need a data plan or internet. As a clinically proven patient-centred outreach and engagement solution, WelTel enables care providers to monitor and triage targeted patient groups to deliver timely, quality care and improve health outcomes.
"We are excited to be partnering with an Indigenous company and have seen through years of research and engagement that WelTel has tremendous potential to benefit First Nations community health," said Dr. Richard Lester, co-founder of WelTel and an infectious diseases specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health. "Mobile technology, in particular SMS-texting, is more commonly available and affordable for patients. WelTel was developed using a holistic population-engagement approach that is consistent with my understanding of First Nations community-based service approaches."
MIS and WelTel Health are made-in-B.C. companies that have demonstrated notable successes in their respective fields. Starting this Fall, they will be working together to bring the WelTel solution to health clinics in First Nations communities across Canada.
"MIS is honoured to announce this partnership with WelTel Health. I believe it will help put the right tools in the right hands to positively impact health services and health status outcomes for communities," said Mark Sommerfeld, Chief Executive Officer of MIS. "Our two companies are aligned in terms of values and approach, and share a common belief that technology design needs to be inclusive to ensure that no person is left behind."
The WelTel Solution has been clinically validated by numerous health research studies and has been deployed internationally in a number of rural and urban settings. It is being used in Rwanda and Uganda for COVID-19 patient support and tracking and has been recognized in Canada as having tremendous potential to support those who are self-quarantining for COVID-19.
Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc.
Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc. is a leader in Indigenous health, child and family services, and patient access. MIS solutions are the leading tools of choice for Indigenous health and human service organizations across Canada. Our tools are recognized for their ability to provide a balance of standardized digital health functionality as well as support the unique functional and cultural requirements of Indigenous services and their approaches to wellness for the communities they serve. Our customer intimacy, traditional values-driven business approach, and our ability to technically integrate a broader care model inclusive of federal and provincial health care partners allows us to meaningfully support our Indigenous customers nationally.
WelTel Health
WelTel is a virtual healthcare and patient engagement platform that helps ensure everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it, using their mobile phone. WelTel's 2-way SMS texting technology enhances caregiver-patient communication, improves adherence to treatment plans, and reduces ER visits and hospital readmissions. Originally developed for use in remote or marginalized communities, today WelTel is deployed around the world in a variety of settings ranging from mental health to pediatric cardiology to general practice, and more recently on the front lines of COVID-19 contact support and case management. WelTel's robust, clinically-proven technology is easy to use for practitioners and patients, and it works with basic cellular phones without internet connections or data plans. No downloads, no apps tracking your every move. Discrete, efficient and effective — WelTel enables data-informed decision-making that builds stronger, healthier communities where no one is left behind.
SOURCE Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc.
DECN ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF CRITICAL INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS FOR ITS GENVIRO! SALIVA SWIFT KIT FOR USA AND INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL USE
visuals will accompany distribution of company’s GenViro! Swift Kits globally and also be posted on the web site in english, and with sub-titles in german, russian, spanish and french
LOS ANGELES, CA—September 22, 2020 / Decision Diagnostics Corp. (OTC: DECN) www.decisiondiagnostics.co, a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of diabetic test strips engineered to operate on legacy glucose meters through its subsidiary Pharma Tech Solutions, Inc., today announced it has completed the two professional use instructional videos that will accompany the Genviro! Covid-19 Saliva Swift Kit to market both in the US and internationally. The videos provide step-by-step instructions for professionals to follow to obtain the most accurate results with each and every use of the product. As stated in a prior press release, the international product launch for GenViro! Swift will commence on September 26, 2020, and is expected to be rolled out over several weeks with pricing having been recently announced.
“Achieving accurate results using the Genviro! Swift Kits among professionals and eventually with at-home users will rely heavily on the ability to properly administer the test. That’s why we spent significant time and effort on the production and final video product to create what we believe are straightforward and easy to follow instructions. Instructional videos are a part of both the FDA EUA and CE Mark Iso emergency processes. There will actually be 6 total videos. Two in English, one each for the domestic and international product versions, and then with sub-titles added, one each in German, Russian, Spanish and French,” said CEO Keith Berman.
As stated in a prior announcement, the Genviro! Covid-19 Saliva Swift Kits had already completed a rigorous round of testing at the company’s manufacturing and product development facility in Daegu, Korea.
ABOUT DECISION DIAGNOSTICS CORP
Decision Diagnostics Corp. is the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of diabetic test strips engineered to operate on legacy glucose meters. DECN's products are designed to operate efficiently and less expensively on certain glucose meters already in use by almost 7.5 million diabetics worldwide. With newly inspired technology diabetic test strips already in the final stages of development, DECN products compete on a worldwide scale with legacy manufacturers currently selling to 71+ percent of a $15+ billion at-home testing market. The company's new GenViro!™ product designed to test for Covid-19, is not yet available in the United States or Puerto Rico, but Emergency (EUA) Waivers are in process with the U.S. FDA. On September 26, 2020 the company plans to launch its International package versions of its GenViro! Swift Kit and Swift Meter.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This release contains the company's forward-looking statements which are based on management's current expectations and assumptions as of September 21, 2020, regarding the company's business and performance, its prospects, current factors, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results.
Drake’s Organic Spirits Enters Japan
Leading distiller of ultra-premium organic vodka and rum brings it Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult treats to Costco locations in the Land of the Rising Sun
Minneapolis, MN ( September 24, 2020 ) – Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today the launch of its popular Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult treats at all 27 Costco locations in Japan, which owns the world’s third-largest economy and is populated by over 125 million people.
Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice freeze and eat or chill and drink popsicles feature 15% ABV and only 80 calories each. Spiked Ice is available in four flavors - Mango Rum Punch, Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Martini and Classic Mojito - and are made with Drake’s award-winning all-organic ultra-premium vodka and white rum. They contain no artificial colors or flavors and freeze with twice the ABV as other brands.
Adhering to Japan’s strict organic standards and requirements is the biggest hurdle for overseas firms trying to get a foothold in the nation. All Drake’s Organic Spirits are certified USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. The five certifications ensure a cleaner drinking option that comes only from the highest quality organic ingredients.
“We’re thrilled that consumers in Japan will now be able enjoy Drake’s highly-popular Spiked Ice treats,” said Drake’s Founder and CEO Mark Anderson. “Japanese customers are extremely quality conscious and Japan was among the first countries to seek organic and non-gmo products. Spiked Ice is perfect for a market ready for our great tasting, high-quality organic certified spirits. Drake’s is still the only spirit brand in the world to hold all five health and wellness certifications.”
The launch of Drake’s Organic Spirits products in Japan was scheduled for earlier 2020 but delayed due to the global coronavirus pandemic. A complete list of Costco locations in Japan can be found at https://www.costco.co.jp/store-finder .
About Drake’s Organic Spirits Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium spirits and mixes. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drakes Organic Spiced Rum offer a no-grain, no-gluten, no-gmo, ultra-premium and 12-times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands. The company recently began producing bulk sanitizer to meet the need for cleaner, safer environments.
Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the most recent Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit.
Khiron Becomes First Company to Sell Medical Cannabis in Peru, and Surpasses 3,000 Prescriptions in Colombia
First prescriptions for Khiron's medical cannabis in Peru are filled as the Company surpasses 3,000 medical cannabis prescription milestone in Colombia
Khiron becomes the first Company to sell and fill medical cannabis prescriptions through private pharmacies in Peru
The Company began sales in Peru with full spectrum High CBD supplied by Khiron Colombia and distributed to patients under the previously announced agreement with Farmacia Universal S.A.C.
Farmacia Universal is an established pharmacy chain, with 10 locations in Lima
Quotas for Khiron's high THC medical cannabis have also been approved by DIGEMID, Peru's drug regulatory authority, with first prescriptions anticipated in Q4 2020
With a population of 32 million, Peru's medical cannabis market is expected to be one of the largest in Latin America
TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Khiron Life Sciences Corp. ("Khiron" or the "Company") (TSXV: KHRN), (OTCQX: KHRNF), (Frankfurt: A2JMZC), a vertically integrated cannabis leader with core operations in Latin America and Europe, announced that it has filled the first prescriptions of full spectrum, high CBD medical cannabis to patients in Peru. This comes following authorization from DIGEMID, Peru's drug regulatory authority, and expands sales of Khiron's medical cannabis to a second jurisdiction in Latin America, following established sales in Colombia, where over 3,000 prescriptions have been filled to date.
"After completing successfully all export, import and distribution requirements to bring our approved high CBD medical cannabis products into Peru, we are now very proud to begin sales and give patients greater access to medical cannabis therapies in order to improve significantly their quality of life," comments Luis Marquez, Khiron Peru Country Manager.
In Peru, only registered pharmaceutical establishments that have received Good Storage Practices (GSP) certification and licenses to import and commercialize medical cannabis are authorized to participate in the wholesale import and commercialization of cannabis products. Khiron Peru is a GSP certified, registered pharmaceutical establishment, and Farmacia Universal has all required permits and licenses, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification, to prepare magistral preparations with medical cannabis and distribute final products to patients through pharmacies under the previously announced agreement with Khiron.
"At Khiron we continue to execute on our stated strategy to deliver quality medical cannabis products to patients and to improve the quality of their lives. In a short period of time, and despite a global pandemic, we have filled over 3,000 medical cannabis prescriptions in Colombia, and today we are pleased to expand that reach, filling our first patient prescriptions in Peru, an important market of 32 million people," comments Alvaro Torres, Khiron CEO and director.
Additionally, quotas for Khiron's high THC medical cannabis product in Peru have also been approved by DIGEMID, with first patient prescriptions anticipated to be filled in Q4 2020.
Farmacia Universal S.A.C. is a well-known Peruvian pharmacy chain. The company operates ten locations in Lima and is a leader in the pharmaceutical preparations sector in Peru. In addition to selling pharmaceutical, surgical and orthopedic products, among others, the company differentiates its brand with premium service to customers and patients.
About Khiron Life Sciences Corp. Khiron is a vertically integrated medical and CPG cannabis company with core operations in Latin America, and operational activity in Europe and North America. Khiron is the leading cannabis company in Colombia and the first company licensed in Colombia for the cultivation, production, domestic distribution and sales, and international export of both low and high THC medical cannabis products. The Company has filled medical cannabis prescriptions in Peru and has a presence in Mexico, Uruguay, UK, Spain and also in Germany, where it is positioned to begin sales of medical cannabis.
Leveraging its first-mover advantage and patient-oriented approach, Khiron combines global scientific expertise, product innovation, agricultural infrastructure, wholly-owned medical clinics, and online doctor education programs to drive prescription and brand loyalty to address priority medical conditions. Its Wellbeing unit launched the first branded CBD skincare brand in Colombia, with Kuida™ now marketed in multiple jurisdictions in Latin America, the US and UK. The Company is led by Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alvaro Torres, together with an experienced and diverse executive team and Board of Directors.
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Khiron undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Khiron, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). Although Khiron believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking statement has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Khiron's control, including the risk factors discussed in Khiron's Annual Information Form which is available on Khiron's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and is made as of the date hereof. Khiron disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
SOURCE Khiron Life Sciences Corp.
ViiV Healthcare Announces Availability of CABENUVA and VOCABRIA in Canada
LAVAL, QC, Sept. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, ViiV Healthcare Canada announced stock availability of CABENUVA and VOCABRIA across the country. CABENUVA is the first and only once-monthly, complete long-acting injectable regimen indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults to replace the current antiretroviral (ARV) regimen in patients who are virologically stable and suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL). It combines the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) cabotegravir with the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) rilpivirine.1 [VOCABRIA and CABENUVA PM p4A,26A]
Both CABENUVA and VOCABRIA received approval from Health Canada on March 18, 2020. VOCABRIA, oral cabotegravir, together with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson's EDURANT, oral rilpivirine, is used for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults who are virologically stable and suppressed prior to initiating CABENUVA.1[VOCABRIA and CABENUVA PM p4A]
Dacia Hibbert, General Manager of ViiV Healthcare Canada, said: "We are proud to make CABENUVA and VOCABRIA available to people living with HIV. CABENUVA will give people living with HIV the option of maintaining viral suppression with 12 treatments per year."
The approval of VOCABRIA and CABENUVA was based on the pivotal phase III ATLAS (Antiretroviral Therapy as Long-Acting Suppression) and FLAIR (First Long-Acting Injectable Regimen) studies that included more than 1,100 participants from 16 countries, including Canada. Prior to initiating treatment with CABENUVA, oral dosing of VOCABRIA and EDURANT was administered for approximately one month to assess the tolerability of cabotegravir and rilpivirine. The studies demonstrated that CABENUVA, when injected intramuscularly in the buttocks, once a month, was effective in maintaining viral suppression throughout the 48-week study period.1-3 [VOCABRIA and CABENUVA PM p35A,35B,37B,38A][Swindells 2020 p4A,5A][Orkin 2020 p4A,5A]
In both studies, the most common adverse reactions (Grades 1 to 4) observed in ≥2% of participants receiving CABENUVA were injection site reactions, pyrexia, fatigue, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, sleep disorders, dizziness, rash, and diarrhea. Over the 48-week study period, a total of 4% of participants discontinued CABENUVA due to adverse events.1[CABENUVA PM p.16A,16B]
Please consult the Product Monograph at www.viivhealthcare.ca for complete safety information. The Product Monograph is also available by calling 1-877-393-8448.
About HIV At the end of 2016, there were an estimated 63,110 people living with HIV in Canada, representing a 5% increase from 2014. The HIV prevalence rate was 173 per 100,000 population with an estimated 14% of people unaware of their status. As treatments work to reduce HIV-related mortality, and new infections are outpacing the number of deaths, the number of Canadians living with HIV will likely continue to increase in the near future.4 [PHAC 2016 p8A,9A]
About ViiV HealthcareViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who are at risk of becoming infected with HIV. Shionogi joined in October 2012. The company's aim is to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV/AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV.
For more information on the company, its management, portfolio, pipeline and commitment, please visit www.viivhealthcare.com.
About GSK GSK – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.ca.gsk.com.
Get “Screen Overloaded” Kids Outside – with the Help of TurfMutt!
Alexandria, Va. - School is back in session for students around the country – and many kids, if attending school from home, are spending lots of time online and in front of screens.
Mutt Mulligan (“Mo-Mo”), a rescue dog who is “pawing it forward,” reminds us that enjoying time in the parks and yards nearby is good for us and for the planet. As the official spokesdog of the TurfMutt Foundation, Mo-Mo knows a thing or two about yards – and the boundless energy that many children need to expend outdoors.
Right now the safest place to spend time may be your personal green space – your yard. It can help your children de-stress, widen their play area, and build up knowledge in science and math. Mutt Mulligan offers tips to help make the most of your yard as an outdoor classroom.
Tip #1: Get outside throughout the day. Take a 20-minute break between classes at home, head out to the backyard and breathe some fresh air. During a lunch break, take a quick visit to the park. After spending a long day indoors, encourage children to get outside to enjoy the family yard.
Tip #2: Notice the different kinds of plants in your yard. Take kids around the outside of your home. Encourage them to take notes and sketch what they see. How is the landscape changing this time of year? What animals or birds might be nesting in or feeding on plants in the yard as the season progresses? What makes your yard unique from the others in the area? Draw the living (plants, trees, grass) and the non-living (patios, grills) parts of your landscape.
Tip #3: Learn about the world beneath little feet. Explain that one of the benefits of plant-filled green spaces is that they provide habitats, or natural homes, for many different creatures. Look for birds, bees and other creatures that have made both urban and suburban neighborhoods their home. Use a magnifying glass to help your child explore what lives in the grass or is resting on shrubs and trees.
Tip #4: Map out the living landscapes in your neighborhood. Go on a living landscape hunt. Walk around your neighborhood with your child and sketch the living landscapes, creating a map with symbols for trees, bushes, flowers and grass. You can also add markers for animal or insect habitats, or water sources.
Tip #5: Make a nature journal. Get some paper or a notebook and keep a record of when your family is outside and what you do when you are there. It can be as simple as jotting down the date and the activity you did outside, or as detailed as adding sketches of plants or animals observed, and more. Review the journal at dinnertime or weekly to see how much time you spent outside.
Tip #6: Put the right plant in the right place. If you’ve decided to add some new plants to your yard as a family activity, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out what plants are best for where you live. Use a mix of native and adaptive plants and place them where they will thrive – a teachable moment for children!
Tip #7: Visit TurfMutt.com to play games and read digital storybooks for free to learn more. The website for the TurfMutt environmental education and stewardship program for grades K-8 offers home-based activities, digital storybooks, lesson plans for families and teachers, and more.
About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt is an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat is featured in the 2017-2019 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.
Experience the Freedom of Radical Self-Acceptance with Transformative Healing Method
Boston, MA, September 23, 2020 — Do you constantly wonder what you’re saying, doing or thinking that’s causing you to feel “less than”? Are you always looking for ways to fix something about yourself? You’re not alone—far from it, in fact—and the good news is that you have the power to find your way back to the person you know you are deep down. It’s been inside you all along.
There Is Nothing to Fix: Becoming Whole through Radical Self-Acceptance from Suzanne Jones may be the last self-help book you will ever need. Jones has helped thousands of participants with her life-changing somatic healing program, and in her book she leads you on a journey back to your authentic self by guiding you through a personal exploration of recovery, growth and resilience. There Is Nothing to Fix is The Power of Now meets Brené Brown meets the #MeToo movement. Interspersed with case studies and stories of real people—stories you can connect with—the book illustrates the power of Jones’s approach to create innate healing and hope.
Jones begins where most teachings on self-compassion, emotional regulation and healthy relationships end, by going to the source of lasting change—the body. This book provides a practical lens through which readers can understand their responses and emotions while offering step-by-step guidance for changing these responses, all with an emphasis on compassion and empowerment. Through this revolutionary approach you will be able to experience true freedom from the constant urge to fixyourself from the outside. Jones teaches you everyday tools to build self-confidence, self-compassion and most important, self-acceptance—tools that have been within you all along.
In today’s struggle to feel connection and approval in our chaotic and critical world, There Is Nothing to Fix teaches us how to suspend judgment, become curious and find emotional freedom from within.
Suzanne Jones is an expert in the field of trauma recovery through somatic methods. She has presented workshops and talks at Omega Institute, Kripalu, mental and behavioral health facilities in the greater Boston area, and national conferences. She has been profiled on CNN and in Yoga Journal, the New York Times, Shape and Whole Living, and she's been interviewed by author Rick Hanson for his Foundations of Well-Being online course. Jones founded the TIMBo Collective (formerly called yogaHOPE) in 2006 and developed the TIMBo program for transforming trauma in 2009. Since its launch, her program has been delivered to over 4,000 women in the U.S., Haiti, Kenya and Iran, and helped transform client care at organizations in Massachusetts; Washington, DC; and Georgia, serving women overcoming homelessness, addiction and domestic violence. Jones also writes a blog for the TIMBo Collective and Elephant Journal.
There Is Nothing to Fix is her first book and has won a silver medal from the Nonfiction Author’s Association book awards, a bronze medal from the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and has been nominated for a 2020 Readers’ Choice award.
Immediate Resources Needed to Clear Backlog of Patient Services and Surgeries
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Amid the rise in positive cases in Ontario, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is calling for an immediate and significant infusion of resources to address the extensive existing backlog in medically necessary patient services and surgeries so that the coming surge doesn't put us further behind.
The OMA is encouraging the government to:
Designate and fund "COVID-19 hospital sites" within a region to isolate known COVID-19 cases from other patients and allow the remainder of hospitals to focus on addressing the backlog.
Provide necessary resources to increase capacity and enable more procedures and services. These resources could include establishing Alternate Health Facilities, expanding Independent Health Facilities and out-of-hospital premises, and designating non-COVID-19 sites such as specialty hospitals, as well as keeping operating rooms open longer hours.
Implement innovative funding models, such as expanding quality-based procedure funding to these facilities, as well as keeping operating rooms open longer hours.
Undertake, with the OMA, comprehensive vaccination strategies and surge planning for hospitals.
Make virtual care options permanent, more accessible and available for all appropriate health care needs.
Provide mental health supports for physicians, who are not eligible for standard workplace programs.
Provide support to keep community doctor's offices and clinics viable.
"Clearing this backlog is enormously challenging within our current model. It is essential that we look at innovative patient-focused solutions." said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "Ontario's doctors are calling for immediate action to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care as quickly as possible."
Pre-COVID-19, Ontario's doctors saw 340,000 patients a day. However, from March to the end of July, patients received 11.1 million fewer services from their physicians as compared with the same period last year – a reduction of 24 percent. A September 1, 2020 paper published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal estimated that between March 15 and June 13, 2020, there was a backlog of 148,364 surgeries in Ontario, which would take 84 weeks to clear.
After hours and weekend work for physicians is not enough to solve this problem alone. There are only so many physicians who can perform these procedures and they were already working very long hours before the pandemic.
Until a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19 is found, physicians will be unable to see as many patients or perform as many surgeries per day due to increased infection control procedures including the extra time required to sanitize exam rooms and equipment between patients, change PPE, and maintain strict physical distancing protocols in waiting rooms. It will be extremely challenging to catch up on the backlog without a significant infusion of resources in the short term.
"Ontario's doctors have been working closely with the government throughout the pandemic to provide their unique expertise", said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "We are looking forward to learning more about the government's Keeping Ontarians Safe plan. As an organization we want to continue working with the government to ensure patients have the best care possible by modernizing and integrating the health-care system. We need to apply our COVID lessons to create a safer, stronger, even more patient-centred system."
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
Working and learning virtually is a stressful new reality, and those who still physically go to work/school are under entirely new stresses of safety concerns. Healthy Minds Innovations (HMI), has developed a free meditation Appto teach you how the mind can be trained to be more focused, calm, and resilient through meditation training. Anyone can use the App as a tool to navigate everyday life including at school and the workplace. The Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and their non-profit, HMI, are both led byNeuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson. He's spent years researching the science of well being. Dr. Cortland Dahl joined his team and used his PHD thesis to create a framework for four pillars of scientifically training the mind; called ACIP; Awareness, Connection, Insight, Purpose - details on that, below. Any interest in speaking with Dr. Cortland Dahl? Dr. Dahl a Research Scientist at Center for Healthy Minds and Chief Contemplative Officer at HMI as well as the voice of the App.
Path to a Healthy Mind; a process through Awareness, Connection, Insight and Purpose - or ACIP, as we call it. The science shows that well-being is a skill that can be improved and measured - here’s the basics:
Awareness: One step is to train your mind to be more calm and focused by practicing mindfulness and strengthening attention. These skills help us be more present in our relationships, and less distracted at work. They also help us notice our impulses and emotional reactions before they overwhelm us.
Connection: But mindfulness is just the beginning, we can also learn simple skills to build healthy relationships and foster caring interactions with other people. This starts by learning to be more compassionate to ourselves, and then extending kindness and appreciation to others. Eventually, we can even find ways to be more empathetic and caring in challenging and stressful situations.
Insight: One of the most powerful forms of practice is self-inquiry. The skill of self-inquiry helps us see how our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape our experience. This gives us deep insight that creates a flexible, resilient sense of self. We can hold our views and beliefs in a healthy way and let go of self-defeating attitudes and expectations.
Purpose: Our personal values and principles are central to well-being, and clarifying them is a skill we can practice in everyday life. This shift in perspective brings depth to our relationships, meaning to our work and pursuits, and gives us the inner resources to learn and grow from life’s challenging moments.
The Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducts transformational scientific research on healthy qualities of mind and explores how these qualities might be cultivated on an individual and global scale. For decades, Dr. Richard Davidson and the Center have investigated the science of emotions, contemplative practices and qualities of mind that are suspected to affect well-being, including attention, resilience, equanimity, savoring positive emotions, kindness, compassion, gratitude and empathy. Healthy Minds Innovations, Inc. (HMI)is a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Healthy Minds to turn these groundbreaking insights into action, with a mission to translate this science into tools to cultivate and measure well-being. Our latest development is Healthy Minds @Work, a product designed to bring well-being to the workplace. The @Work offering is a fee-based service that includes use of the workplace-focused Healthy Minds Program app, live-trainings and customized back-end data reporting and measurement for management and HR professionals to access.
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