Patient Advocate Offers New Hope for Those with Autoimmune Disorders
Chicago, IL, September 15, 2020 — People shouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and paying for their medications, when effective, less expensive alternatives may be available.
Ever since her husband’s death from a brain tumor in 2005, Julia Schopick has dedicated her life to patient advocacy and to sharing information about potentially lifesaving alternative and off-label medical treatments. She broke new ground with her first book, Honest Medicine, in which she offered valuable insights supported by patient testimonials regarding the use of four underutilized lifesaving treatments: Silverlon, for non-healing wounds; intravenous alpha lipoic acid, for liver disease; the Ketogenic Diet, for epilepsy; and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), for autoimmune diseases.
Julia’s passion for patient advocacy continues in her follow-up book, The Power of Honest Medicine (with Don Schwartz), which focuses solely on LDN—a safe, inexpensive, often dramatically effective alternative to the costly, often-toxic treatments that doctors routinely prescribe for autoimmune and other diseases.
“There is lots of evidence that LDN is a groundbreaking treatment for autoimmune diseases, helping many patients with these conditions to achieve remission,” Julia writes. “In some cases, it can slow or stop the progression of their diseases. In many cases, patients experience a life-changing relief of symptoms.”
In spite of its documented benefits, the use of LDN to treat autoimmune conditions remains largely unknown among the medical community and the public. Julia is committed to changing that.
The Power of Honest Medicine contains contributions from 18 people from around the world (the U.S., the U.K. and Europe), all of whom are eager to spread the word about how LDN helped alleviate their symptoms of serious conditions—such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia—when the higher priced, often-toxic medications they had been taking didn’t work. Also, with many of these conditions, the drugs doctors prescribe can cost thousands of dollars a month, compared with LDN, which costs around a dollar a day.
Additionally, The Power of Honest Medicine contains a section dedicated to helping readers understand LDN and why it has the potential to positively impact those suffering from autoimmune disorders. Plus, the book includes a chapter with strategies for helping readers convince their doctors to prescribe LDN—information Julia has been asked for again and again by her readers and by those who have heard her speak.
Julia’s husband survived 12 years beyond any doctor’s prognosis, and she attributes this to the innovative treatments she uncovered for him. It’s been her passion since then to prevent others from suffering unnecessarily and having to juggle the side effects of toxic medications with the debilitating symptoms of their health conditions.
“I believe that LDN would be the standard of care for autoimmune diseasesif Big
Pharma didn’t rule doctors’ prescribing decisions,” she adds.
Julia Schopick is the bestselling author of Honest Medicine and her follow-up book, The Power of Honest Medicine. She is a seasoned radio talk show guest who has appearedon over 200 shows and is often invited back. Julia’s goal is to empower patients to make the best health choicesfor themselves and their loved ones by teaching them about little-known but promisingtreatments their doctors may not know about. Julia’s articles have been featured in numerous publications, including American Medical News (AMA), Alternative & Complementary Therapies, the British Medical Journal and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Seapoint Farms Unveils a New Healthy Superhero Snack with the Debut of Mighty Lil’ Lentils
Fueled by Plant Based Protein, New Artisan Snacks Are Deliciously Nutritious & Amazingly Versatile
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA., SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 - Ready to have your taste buds wowed?
We’re so excited to share Seapoint Farms’ (seapointfarms.com) latest innovation! Mighty Lil’ Lentils…a bold new plant powered artisan crafted snack that comes in four delicious flavors.
The launch of Mighty Lil’ Lentils marks the latest product innovation from Seapoint Farms. The new launch follows the introduction of the company’s popular Organic Edamame Pasta and Riced Veggie lines.
Who you Calling Lil’?
Sometimes bigger isn’t better. Behold – the Mighty Lil’ Lentil, everyone’s Superhero snack. Seapoint Farms has taken this nutritional powerhouse and created a variety of artisan-crafted lentils that are truly rich in flavor and loaded with wholesome goodness.
These crispy Lentils are fueled by plant-based protein, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy them on their own, pair them with your favorite beverage (wink wink), or add a crunch to your salads and trail mixes. How do you Lentil?
Crunchy, remarkably tasty, and distinct from just about every packaged snack on the market, Mighty Lil’ Lentils are ready to be enjoyed at home, at work or on the go. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and Non GMO project verified, Mighty Lil’ Lentils are also rich in nutrients, vitamins and fiber, free of trans fat and cholesterol and naturally sustainable. In addition, two flavors (Falafel and Pink Himalayan Salt) are vegan. Are you ready to hop on the lentil train?
Availability?
Mighty Lil’ Lentils can be purchased online at Amazon and iHerb. In-store retail availability will follow later this year.
A World of Flavor
Mighty Lil’ Lentils are available in four irresistible flavors:
Pink Himalayan Salt – Dusted with the perfect amount of salt (vegan and gluten-free)
Barbeque – Smokey, sweet, and savory (gluten-free)
Falafel – Exotic and mildly spicy (vegan and gluten-free)
Cinnamon Sugar – Slightly sweet and sassy (gluten-free)
Comments
Commenting on the new product launch, Philip Siegel, COO of Seapoint Farms, said, “While Mighty Lil’ Lentils are wholly consistent with Seapoint Farms’ commitment to exceptional nutritional quality and delicious flavor, these fun and versatile little snacks are unlike anything we’ve manufactured before. We wanted our first lentil-based item to be a perfect snack option not only for natural food devotees but also for the tens of millions of mainstream consumers out there who are ready to cut back on high-calorie, low-protein staples such as chips and pretzels. We’re heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response Mighty Lil’ Lentils have received from the public and from members of the natural food industry and are looking forward to their continued success for many years to come.”
About Seapoint Farms
Seapoint Farms is committed and passionate about creating a variety of great tasting healthy products. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Seapoint Farms is the largest importer and manufacturer of edamame products in America, offering a diverse array of premium-quality, great-tasting products and snacks. In addition to Mighty Lil’ Lentils, Seapoint Farms’ growing range of products includes Dry Roasted Edamame, a variety of Frozen Edamame, Riced Veggies, Riced Veggie Cuisine, Organic Edamame Pasta, and Seaweed Snacks. For more information follow Seapoint Farms on social media @seapointfarms and visit seapointfarms.com.
BRENZYS® (etanercept injection) now indicated for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
BRENZYS® is a biosimilar biologic drug authorized based on its similarity to ENBREL®, which is already approved for use in Canada.1
Approximately one million people in Canada live with psoriasis,2 and between 10 and 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.3
KIRKLAND, QC, Sept. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Merck Canada Inc., an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that Health Canada has approved BRENZYS®, a TNF-inhibitor, for four new indications:
Adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy
Pediatric patients ages 4 to 17 years with chronic severe PsO who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy
Reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage of active arthritis and improving physical function in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients aged 4 to 17 years who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). 4
BRENZYS® is a type of protein called a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that blocks the action of a substance the body makes called TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is made by the body's immune system.5 People with immune diseases like JIA, PsA and PsO have too much TNF-alpha in their bodies, which can cause inflammation and lead to painful, swollen joints and raise thick, red, scaly patches ("psoriatic skin lesions") that can appear anywhere on the body.6 It can reduce the amount of TNF in the body to normal levels, helping to treat joint damage and psoriatic skin conditions. 7
An estimated one million Canadians live with psoriasis,8 and between 10 and 30% of these patients will develop psoriatic arthritis.9 Plaque Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and can cause psoriatic skin lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.10 About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis.11 PsA is usually seen in patients with PsO and affects both the joints and the skin.12 JIA is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints in the body and is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16.13Approximately 10,000 children and teens live with arthritis in Canada.14
"Merck is committed to providing Canadians with more therapeutic choices for patients and their treaters," says AnnA Van Acker, President, Merck Canada. "BRENZYS® adds to Merck's portfolio of treatments for dermatological and inflammatory immune diseases and can help improve quality of life for patients living with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis."
About BRENZYS®
BRENZYS® is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar)15 and authorized based on its similarity to ENBREL®, which is already approved for use for PsO, PsA and JIA in Canada.16 A biosimilar is a biologic drug that is highly similar to a biologic drug already authorized for sale.17 Biosimilars are assessed and approved by Health Canada against the same meticulous standards used to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of all other biologic drugs.18 Biosimilars provide patients more treatment options to help manage their disease and symptoms.
In addition to its use for the treatment of JIA, PsO and PsA, BRENZYS® was first approved by Health Canada in 2016 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).19 It is administered by an injection under the skin and should be used under the guidance and supervision of a physician.20
Clinical efficacy and safety studies have been conducted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to demonstrate clinical comparability between BRENZYS® and ENBREL®. The extrapolation of these data to support uses of BRENZYS® in ankylosing spondylitis is based on the demonstrated comparability, in terms of product quality, non-clinical, human pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics. Randomized clinical trials have not been conducted to compare BRENZYS® to Enbrel® in patients with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pediatric psoriasis.21
The most common expected adverse reactions with BRENZYS® are infections, injection site reactions and headaches. It should not be administered to patients with or at risk of sepsis. BRENZYS® contains a Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of serious infections including tuberculosis and infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that have spread throughout their body. The Boxed Warning also notes that malignancies, sometimes fatal, have been reported in children and teenage patients who started using TNF-blocking agents, including etanercept, at less than 18 years of age.22
About Merck
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola and emerging animal diseases — as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.
In Canada, Merck markets a broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $89 million in 2019 and more than $1.3 billion since 2000. Based in Kirkland, Québec, Merck employs approximately 650 people across the country. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Please see the product monograph for BRENZYS® (etanercept injection) at:
https://www.merck.ca/static/pdf/BRENZYS-PM_E.pdf
References
1 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
2 Psoriasis. Canadian Dermatology Foundation. 2020.
15 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
16 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
17 Biosimilar Biologic Drugs in Canada: Fact Sheet. Government of Canada. August 27, 2019.
18 Biosimilar Biologic Drugs in Canada: Fact Sheet. Government of Canada. August 27, 2019.
19 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
20 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
21 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
22 BRENZYS® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. August 19, 2020.
New Acquisition in the Canadian Healthcare Sector
Logibec Announces the Acquisition of AnalysisWorks
MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Logibec Inc. (Logibec) announced today the acquisition of AnalysisWorks, a company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. This transaction supports Logibec's growth in Canada and consolidates its position in Performance Management and Analytics for healthcare.
"With increasing pressure to do more with less, healthcare organizations have a greater responsibility than ever to optimize their operations. It is with this in mind that Logibec continues to assert its leadership in the development of solutions by offering Canadian healthcare facilities new ways to create operational efficiency and ultimately improve overall care delivery," said Marc Brunet, President and CEO of Logibec. "The acquisition of AnalysisWorks will accelerate our ability to bring innovation to our clients that supports their critical efforts in data-driven decision-making," he added.
Established in five Canadian provinces, AnalysisWorks is known for working in partnership with their clients on developing actionable solutions to complex operational challenges. Together with their clients, they have helped drive efficiency in surgical and inpatient operations, realize cost savings, and increase equitable access to care.
"Ultimately, our purpose is really to empower healthcare innovators. Our current toolset includes industry-leading analytical tools and solutions, our deep understanding of healthcare operations, and our client-centric LightHouse software as a service platform," said Jason Goto, who founded AnalysisWorks 20 years ago. "There is a true complement between our ability to drive change with analytics and Logibec's proven bench strength in developing enterprise-grade deployed solutions."
AnalysisWorks's team of 25 experts will continue to operate from its head office in Vancouver. The integration of AnalysisWorks will begin immediately to allow customers of both companies to reap the benefits of this acquisition.
About Logibec
For nearly 40 years, Logibec, a holding company of GI Partners, has offered innovative solutions paired with specialist analyses of clinical and financial performance that optimize processes in the healthcare sector. Its software systems and advisory services are aligned with the current and future needs of healthcare facilities. www.logibec.com
About AnalysisWorks
Since 2000, AnalysisWorks has provided the best of analytics and expertise to drive measurable improvements in the operations of Canadian healthcare facilities. Its team of experts is constantly innovating by strengthening the internal capacity of its customers and offering them scalable personalized solutions. www.analysisworks.com
SOURCE Logibec
Ontario Needs to Stay Vigilant
TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Amid a significant spike in cases today, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is urging Ontarians to follow public health measures including keeping their social circle small and is calling on the government to review restrictions on social gatherings.
"I know that people are tired of being vigilant all the time. Socializing outdoors all summer, while great for our mental health, has given us a false sense of security", said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "As the weather gets cooler and we move indoors it's crucial to remember that we must mask and practice social distancing with anyone not inside our 10 person social circle. This means if they aren't in your circle you shouldn't be sitting at a table with them in a bar, restaurant or at home."
The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain:
Wearing a mask when indoors in public or outdoors if physical distancing is challenging.
Keeping a physical distance of two metres where possible.
Frequent handwashing.
Maintaining a social circle of 10 people.
In most cases the spike in numbers has been traced back to social gatherings including those in bars, restaurants, at home, a cottage or an event venue.
"Ontario's doctors will continue to provide their best guidance to the government on issues around reopening", said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "As schools open we need to continue to contain the spread of COVID within our communities. We need to do the right thing and that means sacrifices in some areas may be necessary to keep kids safe and in school."
The OMA recently released a series of podcasts featuring interviews with public health physicians in regions across Ontario to provide information to parents directly from the doctors who are working with their local school boards on student safety. Listen to their advice for parents. Individual episodes are also available:
Dr. Vinita Dubey, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health
Dr. Sarah Funnell, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Ottawa Public Health
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Middlesex London Health Unit
Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health at Halton Region Public Health
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
LOOKING REMOTELY GOOD: BEAUTY INDUSTRY STEPS UP TO MAKE STUDENTS & OFFICE WORKERS LOOK THEIR BEST ONLINE
TORONTO, ON – The shockingly sudden advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a fundamental shift in how Canadians interact with friends & family, bosses & co-workers, and teachers & classmates. While much has been made of the virtual stampede to ZOOM, FaceTime, Skype and other video conferencing venues by employers and employees, teachers and students are about to join the rush as the nervously-anticipated 2020-21 school year is about to begin.
It’s certain to be a school year unlike any other – just ask college students at UNC-Chapel Hill, Michigan State or Notre Dame who were told their classes will be held remotely due to local COVID-19 outbreaks. At press time, universities in 19 U.S. states have reported COVID-19 outbreaks, despite having instituted protocols on campus. Could it happen here at U of T, Queens or even your local high school? If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take anything for granted. Are you and your school-age children prepared for their time to shine online?
“Modern technology has enabled ‘alive but not live’ interactions that allow us to be up close and personal without getting in each other’s actual faces,” explains Jeff Alford, President and CEO of The CBON Group. “However, technology can be a double-edged sword. That’s because screen-time is very different from face-time and our appearance on-screen can vary dramatically from how we look in real life… all too often, it’s not a good look.”
Looking good on video has assumed newfound importance (and in some cases, notoriety) these days. While left-open doors and intruding pets & toddlers are part and parcel of working/studying from home, how you look when you “face” the world cannot be taken lightly. Here’s why:
Jeff Alford’s 5 TIPS on WHY YOU NEED TO LOOK GOOD ON VIDEO
Dressing for the Job: There’s an old cliché that goes something like “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Actually, both are true! Balancing home life with work/school life isn’t easy but some people are under the impression a video conference is a virtual extension of their home. Just the opposite: it’s an extension of their office or classroom. Dress, look and act accordingly – your job or your grades may depend on it.
Impressions Still Matter: You wouldn’t attend a budget meeting or a biology class wearing pyjamas and rocking some serious “bed head”, now would you? Yet it happens, more often then you’d think! The internet is chock-a-block with tales of office drones who apparently roll out of bed and right into a video conference… just because they can! Think your boss, professor, co-workers and/or classmates will be impressed by your “dreamy” look? Better think again.
Timing is Everything: One downside of working from home is the erosion of the traditional 9-to-5 (or 9-to-3, for many schools) day. Homework such as group projects are often conducted before or after the dinner hour and as for office workers, you’d best look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when the boss wants something done and they want to see you NOW. Oh, and don’t forget to take off that lobster bib before answering your boss’s urgent late-evening ZOOM invite.
Appearance Pressure: For most kids these days, the pressure to fit-in socially at school can exceed the need to ace their studies. Unflattering lighting, a bad hair day, chipped or mismatched nails, even an untimely “maskne” breakout… what may be passing embarrassments for most of us could trigger major anxiety in your school-age child.
All of the above factors have now taken on even greater importance as summer vacation ends and the new school year begins. “The camera judges us without mercy,” states Cheryl Gushue, Professional Beauty Expert & Fashion Creative Curator at Beauty Hub. “If you’ve ever wondered why our favourite actors and actresses look so good, check out the credits at the end of the show. Professional makeup artists, lighting technicians and post-production engineers are paid handsomely to bring out the best in their subjects. If you had them on-call at home, you’d be the star of every video conference!”
Trouble is, you DON’T have them at home and even if you wanted them, they’re WAY out of your price range. As for slacking off and showing up for virtual class in PJs or worse, educators are unleashing their inner internet “fashion police” by enforcing dress codes to students who attend classes remotely. What to do?
What NOT to do, is trust your reputation to some self-important YouTube influencer who cares more about their subscribers than your social status. Instead, support your local salon by saying “so long” to amateur marketers. “Canada’s beauty industry employs over 200,000 Canadians, 85% of whom are women, many of whom are the sole financial support for their families,” states Alford. “They know their stuff – and they know how to make you look good whether it’s in person or in pixels.”
The CBON Group (Cosmetic Brands Of North America) is the largest master distributor in Canada for the professional beauty industry and is Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products. For more information, please visit CBON’s Infection Control Education Centre at infectioncontroleducation.com and the company’s home page at www.cbongroup.com
Biotechnology Leader LuminUltra Submits COVID-19 Clinical Diagnostic Testing Kit for Regulatory Authorization in U.S., Canada
End-to-end solution and components offer flexibility to testing facilities, meeting high-volume demand and significantly boosting global testing capacity
FREDERICTON, NB, Sept. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Canada-based biotechnology front-runner LuminUltra announced today that it has submitted its GeneCount® COVID-19 RT-qPCR Assay Kit (COVID-19 Assay) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and to Health Canada for an Interim Order (IO). With authorization to use this key testing component, LuminUltra, a leader in field-based molecular diagnostic testing for over 20 years, will provide a complete clinical COVID-19 testing solution that can be customized for testing facilities throughout North America.
LuminUltra's accurate GeneCount® COVID-19 RT-qPCR Testing Solution comprises multiple components that together make up an end-to-end solution, including: sample collection kits; isolation reagents; the COVID-19 Assay; and a range of quick-detection qPCR testing devices with software for simple interpretation of COVID-19 test results in under two hours.
With the authorization of the COVID-19 Assay, LuminUltra will be able to offer flexibility to appropriate facilities around the world by providing some or all of the necessary COVID-19 testing components from a single, reputable company. This reduces the need to source components from multiple suppliers, allowing facilities to onboard additional testing capacity quickly. Underscoring its reliable supply chain, LuminUltra responded promptly to the Government of Canada's testing needs earlier in the year, and has been a key supplier of the isolation reagents for the national testing program since April, providing 500,000 tests a week.
Facilities can select COVID-19 testing devices based on their respective requirements and size, from portable, qPCR testing devices that can assess up to 16 samples in under two hours period, to large format, high-capacity and automated qPCR and extraction devices.
"Human diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has scaled up very quickly and has become complicated for users. We hear frustration as facilities are forced to source inflexible components for testing from different companies and work through supply chain issues since these products are in high-demand – all while trying to provide safe testing solutions for patients," said LuminUltra Chairman and CEO Pat Whalen. "We have been working relentlessly to provide flexible solutions that we are confident in – all from one company with a proven track record of meeting demand."
LuminUltra has a history of biological testing innovation. Alongside the clinical diagnostic test, LuminUltra is also the creator of the GeneCount Environmental Monitoring Solutions – an on-site environment monitoring system that detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on surfaces, in the air, or in wastewater. This monitoring system, launched in May 2020, allows corporations, building managers, hotels, cruise ship operators, service providers and others to verify disinfection protocols as well as pinpoint potential asymptomatic and presymptomatic carriers within two hours. The GeneCount qPCR devices – both the portable and high-capacity options – can also run the environmental test, providing a holistic approach to pandemic management. The work done on research and development for the environmental test has helped to ensure a reliable and market-ready clinical test.
Assets, including images of the GeneCount qPCR product and application photos, can be found here.
About LuminUltra Founded in 1995, LuminUltra is a biological diagnostic testing company headquartered in Canada with operations in 6 countries. It is widely recognized globally as a leader in developing tests and reagents for environmental, industrial, and diagnostic monitoring and is a key supplier of COVID-19 clinical testing reagents to the Government of Canada. Customers in over 80 countries trust LuminUltra's technology, production reliability and history of customer service excellence to deliver their essential services in a safe-state. To learn more, visit luminultra.com/clinical
SOURCE LuminUltra
Research Reveals Daily Dose of Peanuts Delivers Body and Mind Benefits Americans Encouraged to Pause for PeanutsAlbany, Ga. (September 14, 2020) – For a health routine boost, add a dose of peanuts. Research shows pausing daily for peanuts or peanut butter does a body and mind good. Peanuts are a superfood so just a small amount can fend off mid-morning hunger, help eliminate the afternoon slump and deliver much-needed brainpower.To encourage better health, The Peanut Institute is launching a week-long Pause for Peanuts program that kicks off on September 13, National Peanut Day. For seven days, the institute is suggesting everyone take a break to toss back some peanuts or enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter. “Research around the world has found that eating peanuts or peanut butter on a daily basis delivers numerous benefits, including sustained energy, improved mental cognition and, overall, a longer and healthier life,” says Samara Sterling, Ph.D., director of research forThe Peanut Institute. “Specifically, regular peanut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and numerous kinds of cancer.” Peanut Protein Fuels the DayFor those who are looking to ward off hunger, an ounce of peanuts packs more protein than any other nut.1 A single serving of approximately 35 peanuts delivers seven grams of plant-based protein along with fiber and healthy fats, all of which contribute to satiety. In addition, peanuts stimulate peptide YY, a hormone that decreases appetite.“A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that participants who ate just three tablespoons of peanut butter with breakfast had a lower desire to eat 8-10 hours later,” explains Dr. Sterling. “Peanuts also have a low glycemic index that helps stabilize blood sugar to prevent the feeling of ‘crashing’ in the afternoon.”Snacking between meals is another way to avoid sluggishness. Dr. Sterling supports smart snacking that delivers nutritional benefits. For example, she suggests trading out a high-carbohydrate or “empty calorie” snack like pretzels with a serving of nutrient-dense peanut butter and carrots. “A healthy snack is a powerful tool that can deliver a much-needed boost of energy any time of the day,” says Dr. Sterling. More Power for the BrainThe benefits of peanut and peanut butter consumption go beyond the body and reach the brain.In addition to protein, a single serving of peanuts is packed with 19 vitamins and minerals, including the antioxidant resveratrol, which has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain.2 Peanuts also contain high levels of niacin and are a good source of vitamin E – two nutrients that support brain health and have long been known to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.3 Overall HealthPeanuts deliver both short-term and long-term health benefits. Research shows eating peanuts twice a week can reduce the risk of premature death by 12%4and reduce the risk for certain cancers, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic and lung cancers5. Regular consumption can also reduce the risk of death due to heart disease by 24%, respiratory disease by 16%, infections by 32% and kidney disease by 48%.4“The advantage of peanuts is the fact that just a small amount can deliver significant benefits. What’s more, peanuts and peanut butter are affordable and convenient so they’re easy to incorporate into a daily diet,” says Dr. Sterling.For more information on the Pause for Peanuts program, visit peanutinstitute.com. The Peanut Institute website also features recipes that cover all parts of the day -- breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks. # # #Sources:1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2013, USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 26. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl.2. Kennedy DO, Wightman EL, Reay JL et al. Effects of resveratrol on cerebral blood flow variables and cognitive performance in humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover investigation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(6):1590-97.3. Joseph JA, Fisher DR, Cheng V, Rimando AM and Shukitt-Hale B. Cellular and behavioral effects of stilbene resveratrol ana- logues: implications for reducing the deleterious effects of aging. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(22):10544-51.4. Bao Y, Han J, Hu FB. Association of nut consumption with total and cause-specific mortality. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:2001-11.5. Zhang D, Dai C, Zhou L, et al. Meta-analysis of the association between nut consumption and the risks of cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality. Aging (Albany NY). 2020;12(11):10772-10794. doi:10.18632/aging.103292.
CANADIAN CHARITIES FACE REDUCED FUNDING WHILE CARING FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Global pandemic impacts revenues required to maintain operations and meet growing demand
Vancouver, BC (September 14, 2020): Over the past several months, the world has grappled with the impacts of COVID-19, and Canadian charities like Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon (RMH BC) and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice are no exception. Despite reduced funding and resources, these organizations are being called on to support individuals and communities who are struggling like never before – and they need the public’s help.Though government agencies are offering financial and emotional aid to many people affected by the global pandemic, some of the most vulnerable populations in our society continue to struggle. According to a report by Imagine Canada, Canadian charities and non-profits are seeing a 35% increase in demand for their services while 73% have experienced a decrease in funding. The report also reveals that 78% of charities indicated a disruption of services to clients and communities. In the same way frontline workers and essential businesses like hospitals, food banks and mental facilities have received positive support and donations from the public, there are still many other charities that require funding to continue supporting their communities. Charities like Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon – which provides accommodation, meals, programs and a community of support for families with children who must travel to Vancouver to receive life-saving medical care often for weeks, months or even years – and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – which provides complex medical care for children with life threatening illnesses via two hospices, in patient homes and in hospitals across BC and the Yukon – have continued to provide services during the pandemic, finding innovative ways to operate on reduced funding and resources.
Fundraising events – which traditionally rely on social gathering – are a core fundraising platform for Canadian charities, however due to distancing measures in place for the foreseeable future, many will miss out on this significant source of funding. For example, one-third of RMH BC’s fundraising revenue is generated from community and signature events, with an anticipated revenue of $1.1 million this year. With demand for services remaining the same – and, in some cases, increasing – alternative sources of revenue will be required to maintain operations.
“Over the last several decades, RMH BC has experienced incredible growth and expansion as more and more families turn to us for support,” says Richard Pass, CEO of Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon. “As we navigate these challenging times, families are relying on us more than ever for accommodation, programs and support so they can stay near their children who have suppressed immune systems and are undergoing life-saving medical treatments far from home. While we remain optimistic, many Canadian charities (including RMH BC) have been significantly impacted; the continued generosity of our donors and supporters will be critical as we fulfill our mission of supporting families in their time of greatest need.”“Patients on our program present with over 190 conditions and diseases,” says Margaret McNeil, CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. “The progress and complexity of their diagnosis does not stop in a pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 is pushing families caring for a seriously ill child to breaking point at this frightening and lonely time. Our ability to raise the money needed for Canuck Place care services is significantly affected like many of our friends in the charitable sector.”
Canada is stronger because of the network of charities that support our most vulnerable populations – and now, they need our help. Consider giving back to a local charity, whether through cash donations or volunteering your time. And remember, we are all in this together. To learn how you can support Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, visit Rmhbc.ca.
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About Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon Each year, up to 2,000 families from across British Columbia and the Yukon travel to Vancouver in search of life-saving treatment for their critically ill children. Far from their homes, they desperately need accommodation and a place to stay together under one roof. Ronald McDonald House® BC and Yukon offers a home away from home, a community of support, and a restful space for families to heal better together. RMH BC & Yukon operates a modern and welcoming 73 room facility steps from BC Children’s Hospital and a Family Room at Surrey Memorial Hospital. With support from hundreds of volunteers, dedicated donors, and committed staff, we create a community of support for parents, siblings and patients so they can heal better, together. Rmhbc.ca
About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia and Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 818 children living with life-threatening illnesses and families from five provincial health regions receive Canuck Place inpatient and outpatient care (in-home/in-hospital). Canuck Place operates 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour virtual care, art and recreation therapy, education, grief, loss, and bereavement counselling, as well as end-of-life care. Through the investment of the community, our talented team, and over 400 energetic volunteers we make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the families who love them. Canuckplace.org
Smartricity's supply partner Ocalink has received Health Canada certification for its Pantheon Emergency Ventilator™ and are now accepting international orders
TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadian-based Smartricity Inc. is proud to announce that their continued work and perseverance on the made-in-Canada Ocalink Pantheon Emergency Ventilator™ (PEV™) has reached realization with Ocalink Technologies Inc. now accepting Purchase Orders after receiving Health Canada certification.
Smartricity, who previously announced a partnership with Baylis Medical and the Ventilators for Canadians initiative, has also been working with Ocalink on the critical blower motor used in their ventilator since their early designs.
Co-founder and COO, Mike Cowen says, "We specialize in mission critical electric motor applications where reliability, efficiency, and sustainability is of utmost importance. We worked with Ocalink to develop and supply the best motor for the PEV™, where someone's life depends on it; exactly what we do best.
Besides Smartricity's technological expertise, they also pride themselves on being able to fix problems and offer solutions not only on the technical side, but also on the business development front.
"Our team is made of multi-disciplinary experts who's technical and business insight stretch far beyond the norm. We also have strong partnerships and contacts with leaders across various industries. So, when we take on projects, we offer assistance and support for all aspects of the business; not only on the technical side" says Co-Founder and CEO, Michael Sonsogno.
One of the biggest hurdles of this project was getting Health Canada approval.
"We worked diligently in collaboration with Ocalink though our own previous experience, industry connections, and hired consultants to get the job done in record time. The PEV™ received it's Health Canada certification on August 27, 2020 assuring it's safe and effective for both hospital ICU emergency and makeshift hospitals," Cowen added.
Ocalink's PEV™ is a Class III medical device ventilator which can continuously deliver pressure-controlled ventilation through several modes using a turbine-based design and can be used for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Its key feature is that the PEV™ does not require medical compressed air to function due to its turbine-based design that runs on electricity only, while having the ability to be supplemented with optional external oxygen sources to deliver higher oxygen content. The hard box-shaped design makes it ideal for stockpiling and storage compared to traditional stand-up ventilators.
"Our first manufactured units can now ship, and we can bring our made-in-Canada solution to the world. Because our simple yet sophisticated design contains fewer than 60 [major] components, all of which are either directly machined in Canada or are readily available parts, we about to produce large quantities and scale up to 1,000 devices a day despite a currently constrained global supply chain," says Corbin Lowe, Ocalink Co-founder and CEO.
It is with great pleasure that we invite the world to visit the link below to request a full datasheet on the Pantheon Emergency Ventilator™ and register your interest in purchasing the now available units:
https://www.smartricity.ca/ventilator.html
SOURCE Smartricity Inc.
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Vancouver, BC (September 14, 2020): Over the past several months, the world has grappled with the impacts of COVID-19, and Canadian charities like 
Charities like Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon – which provides accommodation, meals, programs and a community of support for families with children who must travel to Vancouver to receive life-saving medical care often for weeks, months or even years – and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – which provides complex medical care for children with life threatening illnesses via two hospices, in patient homes and in hospitals across BC and the Yukon – have continued to provide services during the pandemic, finding innovative ways to operate on reduced funding and resources. 
“Patients on our program present with over 190 conditions and diseases,” says Margaret McNeil, CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. “The progress and complexity of their diagnosis does not stop in a pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 is pushing families caring for a seriously ill child to breaking point at this frightening and lonely time. Our ability to raise the money needed for Canuck Place care services is significantly affected like many of our friends in the charitable sector.”
