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

1. 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.  

2. 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.    

3. Look Sharp, Feel Sharp: When we look good, we feel good, and feeling like a million bucks will put you in the right frame of mind to work towards achieving your financial, professional or educational goals. Seeing yourself on video is a lot like looking in the mirror: you’ll feel better about yourself if you like what you see!    

4. 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.        

5. 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.”

ABOUT THE CBON GROUP

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

True Story of Survival Opens Minds and Dialogues about Mental Health

New York NY, Sept. 10, 2020 — Mark Henick stood precariously on the wrong side of the railing on a crumbling, concrete overpass. The bridge spanned two realities and, for Henick, had become a symbol of escape — in one form or another. A voice behind him tried to help. A crowd gathered. Siren lights flashed in his peripheral vision. Surrounded but still alone, Henick let go.

So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience from Mark Henick is a vital and triumphant story of perseverance and recovery by one of North America’s foremost advocates for mental health.

Henick’s near-death experience on the overpass that night would alter his emotional orbit just enough that his exit from a psychiatric ward following that suicide attempt in 2003 would be his last. His transformation didn’t happen overnight — it was a gradual process punctuated with new challenges and setbacks — but slowly, his patterns reversed and he began a profound, “upward” spiral toward recovery.

So-Called Normal chronicles Henick’s youth and the events that led to that fateful night on the bridge and the experiences and transformation that followed. It is a vivid and personal account of a boy who had to deal with the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, an abusive stepfather, bullying and trauma — all while trying to navigate his progressively worsening mental health. In the backdrop is a community that didn’t talk about mental illness, one where silence and maintaining the comforts of “normal” was paramount. 

So-Called Normal is not a “misery memoir” about suicide — it’s a gripping, inspirational story of survival that has already touched the hearts of many, including television personality Rosie O’Donnell.

“Mark Henick is a powerful storyteller. His vivid account of his early years as a depressed, suicidal teenager is a page-turner. So-Called Normal is beautifully written, heart-wrenching, and hopeful. Necessary reading for anyone who wants a peek inside the mind of someone who journeyed through mental illness and found hope on the other side,” O’Donnell said.

Author Mark Henick’s TEDx talk about being saved from death by a stranger is one of the most watched in the world and has been viewed millions of times. His search for “the man in the brown jacket” whose bravery and strong arms kept him from falling to his death went viral around the world (and was successful!). Henick has been on television and radio and has written many articles on mental health. He has hosted more than 60 intimate conversations about mental health with notable public figures and celebrities on his podcast, So-Called Normal, and has executive produced and hosted the Living Well podcast for Morneau Shepell. Henick has served on the board of directors for the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and was the president of a provincial division of the Canadian Mental Health Association — the youngest person in either role. He has worked as a frontline clinician, a program manager and the national director of strategic initiatives for CMHA. Currently the CEO and principal strategist for Strategic Mental Health Consulting, Mark Henick is in high demand as an international keynote speaker on mental health recovery.

To watch Henick’s powerful TEDx talk, please visit https://youtu.be/D1QoyTmeAYw. For more information, please visit www.markhenick.com or connect with the author on the following social media sites: www.facebook.com/markhenick/; https://twitter.com/markhenick; and www.youtube.com/markhenick.

So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: January 12, 2021

ISBN-10: 1443455032 

ISBN-13: 978-1443455039

Available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Audible and others 

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Eclectic Mix of Kosher Comfort Foods and Other Family Favorites Perfect for At Home Dining

Dallas, TX, September 10, 2020 — If homemade meals have become dull or repetitive, it may be time to broaden your repertoire. It’s possible for any cook — with the suggestions and guidance in Kenneth M. Horwitz’s award-winning book, Deep Flavors: A Celebration of Recipes for Foodies in a Kosher Style — to prepare delicious dinners and mouth-watering desserts. Perfect for those who love cooking kosher or vegetarian, or simply experimenting with new recipes, Deep Flavors features an abundance of tempting dishes drawing from many cultures, complete with helpful tips ranging from how to source ingredients to proper preparation.

“Cooking is worth some effort and attention to detail,” Horwitz writes. “The positive reactions from family or guests, as well as your own enjoyment, will make it worthwhile.”

“Effort” and “attention to detail,” however, don’t have to equate with “difficult.” In fact, throughout Deep Flavors, Horwitz shares his wisdom for breaking recipes into simple steps — and how to do some of this prep work well in advance so that delicious meals can be served even with a hectic schedule.

Between the covers of Deep Flavors, Horwitz offers an eclectic menu that includes traditional Jewish dishes plus other regional and international favorites reinterpreted to observe some or all of the rules for kosher foods. The result is a diverse anthology of recipes that will appeal to broad audiences everywhere — Jewish and otherwise.

Horwitz, an attorney and CPA by trade, explained in an interview with Today’s CPA that, “My approach to cooking is really an extension of what I do in my professional practice. I solve problems. One of the ‘problems,’ at least in my house, is that since we maintain a kosher house, but eat eclectically, is how to convert recipes so that they are kosher …”

Horwitz’s Texas State Fair Blue Ribbon-winning Spinach/Mushroom Lasagna, for instance, is a completely original vegetarian lasagna accessible to Jews and vegetarians, with a unique twist on ingredients that gives it a complex flavor profile. Even recipes for classic foods such as brisket and roast turkey contain newly imagined taste combinations and techniques to elevate them while maintaining recognizable hallmarks of each dish. Another recipe that epitomizes the standard set by Horwitz, yet remarkably simple to execute, is the Dill French Toast: savory, unique, and delicious.

Horwitz’s ultimate goal was to create recipes that are readable and easily followed by anyone with a basic knowledge of cooking. He provides detailed instructions with enhanced explanations and alternatives, helpful for both the novice and the more experienced cook.

A Readers’ Favorite reviewer, who gave Deep Flavors a 5-star rating, referred to the book as “… an essential addition to any cookbook fanatic's collection and to anyone who believes in spending the time and effort to make the ‘food’ experience a real work of art …”
    
With 52 years in a general tax and transaction practice as a CPA and lawyer, Ken Horwitz has a creative and focused approach to finding and fixing problems — a skill that translates well to the development of and modification of recipes based on traditional family favorites but tailored to one’s personal tastes and dietary needs. His professional drive and the care given to his work have earned him multiple awards, including the Honorary Fellow for a lifetime of distinguished service and the 2017 Chairperson of the Year by the Texas Society of CPAs. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, Horwitz enjoys sharing his passion for cooking with his wife, children and grandchildren. Horwitz believes that one of the highest compliments he has received came from a longstanding client who uses numerous lawyers. He said, “Ken, you are the only lawyer we use whose work we have not had to fix.” Horwitz’s goal is for Deep Flavors to reach that same standard.

To learn more, please visit www.deepflavorscookbook.com, or follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.horwitz.73.

Deep Flavors
Publisher: Inspire on Purpose
ISBN-13: 978-1-941782-51-4
ISBN-10: 1-941782-51-5
Available from Amazon.com

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The Train It Right Life - Stop Expecting Instant Results - Pro Debut Story - On this weeks episode I get personal. I tell a bit more about my pro debut story. And why I need to re-do it. I talk about peoples high expectations of results and expecting results instantaneously with their programs. I talk about the difference between a crash diet and a lifestyle. I hope you enjoy the realness! Don't forget to leave a review and some stars! Follow me on all social @trainitright or www.trainitright.com

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Achieve Peak Performance, Pain Relief, Faster Muscle Recovery, and More with Intelligent Threads, the Most Advanced Wearable Technology On the Planet 

Developed by Synergy Release Method® provider Brian Burzynski, D.PSc., SRM, Intelligent Threads® is built to enhance performance in the gym, on the field, at home, and on the go

Kerrville, TEXAS – (Sept 9th, 2020): Intelligent Threads®introduces a wearable breakthrough technology designed to help athletes and non-athletes alike perform at their highest level. Featuring an advanced technological approach more than 15 years in the making, Intelligent Threads® is the solution to faster muscle recovery, relaxation, and release. The all-new line of performance clothing helps to stabilize bone structure and improve body alignment, based on in-depth research by Synergy Release Method® provider Brian Burzynski, D.PSc., SRM. Now, reach peak potential in the gym, yoga studio, or on the field. Relieve soreness, pain, and bad posture for better performance at work, home, or on the go.

“Intelligent Threads® is built to enhance performance simply by helping wearers reach the peak of their physical abilities,” explains Burzynski. “Using advanced proprietary technology, the material conforms to each unique body, releasing muscles in order to achieve the proper alignment that leads to better blood flow, along with improved range of motion and overall well-being.”

Beloved by professional athletes like NFL defensive end Justin Houston, pro golfer Tom Byrum, and MLB player Asa Lacy, Intelligent Threads®offers an edge over the competition. The company infuses Myo-Equilibration (Myo-E) technology into the fibers of the material to help bring balance to the myofascial network. Rather than acting as a band-aid to mitigate pain, the chemical-free, lightweight dryfit PosiCharge polyester material wicks away sweat and alters pain at its source by stopping the body from overcompensating for imbalances or injuries. Finally, achieve the proper physical alignment vital to faster recovery, with added benefits of helping to restore blood flow, gain better posture, relax the muscles, eliminate soreness, and prevent injury.

Burzynski helps over a thousand people a year in his SRM® office and has tested the Intelligent Threads® technology on 4,000 clients in the last four years. The shirt worked on every single one to release and relax muscles so he could more easily correct their anatomical structure. Stop investing in temporary fixes that only mask issues of pain and discomfort, and start relying on a full-body, science-backed solution. Shop the Intelligent Threads® collection online at IntelligentThreads.com. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook @IntelligentThreads. Intelligent Threads - Smart Wear to Improve, Restore, and Regenerate.

# # #

About Intelligent Threads:

Intelligent Threads® is a wearable breakthrough technology designed to help athletes and non-athletes alike perform at their highest level. Developed by Synergy Release Method® provider Brian Burzynski, D.PSc., SRM, and featuring technology more than 15 years in the making, Intelligent Threads® drastically improves muscle relaxation and recovery time. Using lightweight dryfit PosiCharge polyester material that is lab-proven to be chemical-free, each piece stabilizes bone structure while releasing muscles to help the body achieve its correct anatomical position. Achieve the proper body alignment vital to faster recovery, with added benefits of helping to restore blood flow, gain better posture, relax the muscles, eliminate soreness, and prevent injury. Improve performance and reach peak potential in the gym, yoga studio, or on the field. Relieve soreness, pain, and bad posture for better performance at work, home, or on the go. Intelligent Threads® is built to restore the body to optimum functionality so it can perform according to its design. Discover Intelligent Threads online at IntelligentThreads.com. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook @IntelligentThreads. Intelligent Threads - Smart Wear to Improve, Restore, and Regenerate 

True Story of Survival Opens Minds and Dialogues about Mental Health

New York NY, Sept. 9, 2020 — Mark Henick stood precariously on the wrong side of the railing on a crumbling, concrete overpass. The bridge spanned two realities and, for Henick, had become a symbol of escape — in one form or another. A voice behind him tried to help. A crowd gathered. Siren lights flashed in his peripheral vision. Surrounded but still alone, Henick let go.

So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience from Mark Henick is a vital and triumphant story of perseverance and recovery by one of North America’s foremost advocates for mental health.

Henick’s near-death experience on the overpass that night would alter his emotional orbit just enough that his exit from a psychiatric ward following that suicide attempt in 2003 would be his last. His transformation didn’t happen overnight — it was a gradual process punctuated with new challenges and setbacks — but slowly, his patterns reversed and he began a profound, “upward” spiral toward recovery.

So-Called Normal chronicles Henick’s youth and the events that led to that fateful night on the bridge and the experiences and transformation that followed. It is a vivid and personal account of a boy who had to deal with the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, an abusive stepfather, bullying and trauma — all while trying to navigate his progressively worsening mental health. In the backdrop is a community that didn’t talk about mental illness, one where silence and maintaining the comforts of “normal” was paramount. 

So-Called Normal is not a “misery memoir” about suicide — it’s a gripping, inspirational story of survival that has already touched the hearts of many, including television personality Rosie O’Donnell.

“Mark Henick is a powerful storyteller. His vivid account of his early years as a depressed, suicidal teenager is a page-turner. So-Called Normal is beautifully written, heart-wrenching, and hopeful. Necessary reading for anyone who wants a peek inside the mind of someone who journeyed through mental illness and found hope on the other side,” O’Donnell said.

Author Mark Henick’s TEDx talk about being saved from death by a stranger is one of the most watched in the world and has been viewed millions of times. His search for “the man in the brown jacket” whose bravery and strong arms kept him from falling to his death went viral around the world (and was successful!). Henick has been on television and radio and has written many articles on mental health. He has hosted more than 60 intimate conversations about mental health with notable public figures and celebrities on his podcast, So-Called Normal, and has executive produced and hosted the Living Well podcast for Morneau Shepell. Henick has served on the board of directors for the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and was the president of a provincial division of the Canadian Mental Health Association — the youngest person in either role. He has worked as a frontline clinician, a program manager and the national director of strategic initiatives for CMHA. Currently the CEO and principal strategist for Strategic Mental Health Consulting, Mark Henick is in high demand as an international keynote speaker on mental health recovery.

To watch Henick’s powerful TEDx talk, please visit https://youtu.be/D1QoyTmeAYw. For more information, please visit www.markhenick.com or connect with the author on the following social media sites: www.facebook.com/markhenick/; https://twitter.com/markhenick; and www.youtube.com/markhenick.

So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: January 12, 2021

ISBN-10: 1443455032 

ISBN-13: 978-1443455039

Available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Audible and others 

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Don’t Lose Focus on Vision Health During COVID: Glaucoma Expert Shares His Tips for Healthy Eyes

New York, NY, September 9, 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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Canadians' mental health declines in August, reversing the trend of improvement since April

Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index™ for August is -11, which indicates a decline from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 75

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, showing a consistent negative mental health score for the fifth consecutive month and a decline from July's score of -10. The findings indicate that Canadians' mental health continues to be affected by the impact of COVID-19, including concerns about a second wave, ongoing economic uncertainties, and the added concern of students returning to school.

The Mental Health Index™ score is -11. The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring the risk of anxiety (-12.9), depression (-12.7), optimism (-12.7), isolation (-12.1) and work productivity (-11.1). All sub-scores worsened when compared to the improvements seen the previous month, excluding work productivity, which remains unchanged.

"The financial and economic impact of the pandemic can't be ignored, however, there also needs to be more attention to the ongoing toll the pandemic is having on the mental wellbeing of Canadians. This decline is cause for concern," said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. "Canadians' initial feelings of optimism as we started to reopen does not erase the impact of the pandemic. To avoid further declines, public health officials and all levels of government must take the necessary steps to provide support where it's needed most and continue to put the mental health of Canadians first."

Back-to-school anxieties heightened as a result of the pandemic 

Safely reopening schools and getting children back into the classroom has been top-of-mind for parents, teachers and youth across the country in recent weeks. The Mental Health Index™ found the mental health scores of individuals with one (-15.2) or two (-13.0) children are significantly lower than those with none (-9.9). Surprisingly, individuals with a full house appear to have adapted well to the pandemic; a score of -8.6 was reported among those with three children or more.  

The mental health of those working in the education sector declined to -11.6 from a score of -11.1 in July. Post-secondary students have the largest drop of any group, decreasing from -23.7 to -28.5. Post-secondary students have also consistently had the lowest score of any group when compared to all industries across the country. 

"September will be a particularly difficult month for Canadians, as they face another major change in routine and new challenges," said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation. "As we navigate several uncertainties over the coming weeks, it's critical that all Canadians continue to be accountable for their health, maintain open communication, and actively invest in their own mental wellbeing."

Paradigm shifts from concern over work and finances, to anxieties about personal life

The "new normal" has become a household term since the pandemic began, however, Canadians are still having difficultly adapting to their new routines. When considering the areas that have been most challenging, the Mental Health Index™ found that adjusting to changes in one's personal life was more difficult than in their work life or finances. Thirty-four per cent of respondents stated they were undecided or felt they had adapted poorly to changes in their personal life or routine, and 30 per cent believed they had adapted badly to both changes in work and finances respectively. 

The results show that while the first few months of the pandemic brought forward many questions about employment and financial security, the paradigm has now shifted. Canadians have begun to regain some control in areas that were initially challenging and instead, are now facing increasing insecurities in their day-to-day life as restrictions ease across the country and isolated outbreaks occur. Despite respondents saving more and feeling more in control over finances, the most commonly reported concern of Canadians remains the pandemic's ongoing impact on finances and the economy (49 per cent). 

"While the economy continues to be top-of-mind for all Canadians, those who indicate high levels of uncertainty (-26.8) and those who most believe we will not return to a pre-pandemic state (-19.6), have the lowest scores. It is important to understand that even as some people are adapting, others are not," said Allen. "The importance of collective responsibility goes well beyond wearing a mask in public. We each need to look for changes in our friends and family, and offer support for those needing professional help." 

About the Mental Health Index™

The monthly survey by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from July 21 to July 31, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The margins of error for the survey are +/- 3.2 per cent, valid 19 times out of 20. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canada report can be found at: https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/92996/mental-health-index-report-canada-august-2020.pdf

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

The Rise of the Wellness Staycation

Since the global pandemic has showcased the importance of mental and physical health, wellness staycation bookings have boomed, and domestic holidays are becoming the wellbeing break of choice. With this newfound awareness for immunity and fitness, and the frequently changing travel corridors, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has already seen bookings for UK retreats increase by 18% on the same point last year. Whether it’s a healthy break to de-stress or an active holiday to boost our physical wellbeing, wellness staycations are proving to be the perfect opportunity to kickstart, or maintain a healthy lifestyle and boost our immunity, all from the comfort of our own country. 

Giving your mind and body time to rejuvenate and recharge is essential in our current climate, and booking yourself a wellness holiday on home turf enables you to eat well, drink well, exercise, and indulge in immunity boosting treatments without the worries of travelling abroad. As you take time away from home to prioritise exercise, sleep, and nutrition, you’ll benefit from lower stress levels, improved resilience to stress, and boosted immunity, all of which are crucial to our recovery as a country. The UK offers some spectacular destinations, from the idyllic Yorkshire countryside to the popular British coastline, so you don’t need to travel far to boost your mental and physical health, with incredible spa, fitness, and wellness breaks right on your doorstep.

Paul Joseph, Founder of Health and Fitness Travel, says “The demand for wellness tourism has been rapidly growing since we launched Health and Fitness Travel in 2010, and with a huge demand for UK summer wellness and fitness staycations this year, and so many forward bookings for next Summer, we are now increasing our UK wellness retreats for 2021. The current pandemic has merely proven how crucial good mental and physical health is, and staycations are now the ideal opportunity to maintain wellbeing, begin a fitness journey and boost immunity, to help in the fight against future viruses.”

Although staycations appear to be the favourable option right now, the gradual relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions, and our progression towards normality, will bring with it an increase in overseas travel. Island breaks and private villas are set to become the popular choices, with plenty of space for social distancing and privacy making them the ideal Covid-friendly holiday destination. European breaks are also lined up to be a post-Covid holiday hub, with just a short flight from home to the sunshine making them the more appealing option. But, whilst we manage the uncertainty of the current situation, staycations can offer nutritional guidance, workouts, and natural therapies for a quick, stress-free escape from the mayhem.

Discover the Best Wellness, Fitness and Spa Breaks in the UK:

For Luxury Wellness and Fitness – Grantley Hall

Immerse yourself in energising workouts and restoring spa treatments on a luxury break in the rolling hills of Yorkshire. The state-of-the-art gym caters for all your fitness needs, with an underwater treadmill, cryotherapy chamber and 3D body scanners to give you the ultimate body reboot. The Three Grace’s Spa puts luxury and comfort as the number one priority, and combined with the exciting activities and nourishing meals, you can have your perfect wellness, fitness, and spa holiday right here in the UK.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Grantley Hall from £1475pp. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers.

For Detox and Spa – Glass House Retreat

Rid your body of toxins and stress with a detox retreat in the UK that combines interchangeable diet plans, refreshing spa treatments and goal evaluations to give you the relaxing holiday you deserve. You can give your body the attention and TLC it needs through nutritious meals specified to your requirements and preferences, and complimentary use of the extensive gym facilities. This luxury break gives you the chance to rest and recuperate, providing you with the tools to make a long-term positive change.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Glass House from £1,450pp or £1,815 for single occupancy. Price includes full board and a detox programme.

For Affordable Women’s Only Fitness – GI Jane Bootcamp

Kickstart your healthy living journey on a bootcamp retreat that pushes your mental and physical limits in the wildlands and hedgerows of the English countryside. With a mix of balanced healthy meals, iron man drills and assault courses, you will form a feisty female army to help each other through the week of hard work and fitness challenges. Strengthen your mind and body on this women-only break that will put you through your paces for an escape you will never forget. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Gi Jane Bootcamp from £995pp. Price includes full board and a bootcamp programme.

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For further information and imagery please email abbey@healthandfitnesstravel.com

Notes to Editors:

About Health and Fitness Travel

Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph as a result of his passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.

Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™, Mindful Triathlon™, BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit:www.healthandfitnesstravel.com 

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