Rocket Science Health and Inez Jabalpurwala Team Up to Launch VINEx, a Multi-Disciplinary Exploration of the Virus-Brain Connection
VINEx to Provide Catalytic Leadership for Research into A Vital Area in the Fight Against SARS-CoV-2 and other Viruses which may have Lasting Effects on the Brain
VICTORIA, BC and MONTREAL, Aug. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Rocket Science Health and Inez Jabalpurwala have teamed up to launch VINEx – a multi-disciplinary exploration of how viruses directly and indirectly affect the central nervous system (CNS), and the potential impact on brain health in the immediate and longer term. VINEx aims to provide catalytic leadership to connect the people, knowledge and funding needed to advance research at the intersection of neuroscience/neurology, virology, immunology and data science – from basic science to clinical studies. The initial focus will be SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses which may have an olfactory entry point into the CNS. This work will address what could be a major health crisis in the months and years after the COVID-19 pandemic, and also contribute to the knowledge base around the impact of viruses on neurological health more generally.
Inez Jabalpurwala, Rocket Science Health's Senior Advisor on Brain Initiatives and Global Director of VINEx, said, "There is evidence that some viruses can cause devasting neurological harm and even invade the CNS. Research has suggested a link between viral infection and dementias, for example, as well as to essentially untreatable viral encephalides. In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of small studies around the world on the ability of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses to affect other body systems, including the CNS. We believe that understanding this potential pathway – and the impact viruses like SARS-CoV-2 have on the CNS – can lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutics – if not for this pandemic, then for a future one. By connecting the dots to create a larger evidence base, and capitalizing on Canada's leadership in brain research and culture of collaboration, we can accelerate positive outcomes in this vital area."
"With her deep experience building multi-disciplinary collaborations and changing paradigms to accelerate the pace of research, we can't think of a better person to provide catalytic leadership in this important space than Inez," said Kenneth C. Irving ("Irv"), co-founder of Rocket Science Health. "While the current COVID-19 crisis creates urgency, this is a long-term effort that grows out of a commitment Rocket Science Health made over three years ago to pursue Pandemic Preparedness as one of four non-commercial, social impact projects. By contributing to this effort, we can expand scientific knowledge in an area that is critical to public health and of interest to our business. Beyond that, there's the potential that our device could be helpful in delivering self-administered therapeutics on a very large scale – which is something we would do at the lowest possible cost on a non-commercial, social-impact basis."
The initiative has quickly attracted support from world-class researchers and clinicians, including those who are serving as members of the VINEx Science Advisory Council (SAC). The SAC is providing input and advice to ensure that the virus-brain initiative is developed, executed and monitored with scientific integrity, and in the context of the latest advances in this area; this includes knowledge we can draw from the study of other viruses, and potential links to neurodegenerative diseases. Its members include (in alphabetical order):
Fernanda De Felice, PhD,Adjunct Associate Professor of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies & Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University; Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Neurosciences at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil.
Marc Desforges, PhD, Specialist in Medical Biology, Virology Lab, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec.
Renée Douville, PhD, Professor, University of Winnipeg, Department of Biology.
Douglas P. Munoz, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience; Professor of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Medicine, and Psychology; Queen's University.
Christopher Power, M.D., F.R.C.P(C), Canada Research Chair in Neurological Infection and Immunity; Professor of Neurology at the University of Alberta; Attending physician in the University of Alberta HIV and MS Clinics; Founding Director of the University of Alberta Multiple Sclerosis Centre.
In addition, Alan C. Evans PhD, Avindra Nath, M.D. and Pierre J. Talbot, PhD have agreed to serve as Special Advisors to the SAC. Dr. Evans is the James McGill Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering; Researcher in the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC); Co-director of the Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health; Principal Investigator of CBRAIN; and Victor Dahdaleh Chair in Neurosciences at Montreal Neurological Institute – McGill University. Dr. Nath is Senior Investigator – Section of Infections of the Nervous System; Clinical Director – NINDS of the National Institutes of Health (US). Dr. Talbot is Director - Laboratory of Neuroimmunovirology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Université du Québec.
Drawing from a comprehensive literature review and input from the Science Advisory Council, VINEx has identified five key lines of inquiry aimed at creating a robust approach to understanding viral neuroinvasion – from lab-bench to population health. These include: (1) the risk factors for neuro-COVID; (2) the origination and development (neuropathogenesis) of neuro-COVID; (3) clinical manifestations and potential diagnostic biomarkers of neuro-COVID; (4) long-term sequelae and potential linkages to neurological disease; and (5) potential therapeutics for mitigating risk-factors, preventing viral neuroinvasion and treating associated and ongoing neurodegenerative disease. Across these areas will be sex and gender considerations, as well as ethical, social and legal implications of the research, where relevant.
Prior to partnering with Rocket Science Health, Inez served as Founding CEO of the Brain Canada Foundation, a role she held for nearly two decades. During her tenure at Brain Canada, Inez led the development of a research program that primarily focused on enabling teams of scientists to work across disciplines, disorders and institutions to explore common, underlying mechanisms, while also securing nearly $300 million in funding for brain-related research. She was a pioneer in building the case for the brain as one interconnected system, and rallied more than 100 partners to that vision. In joining Rocket Science Health, Inez is continuing her passion for building communities to address complex science challenges, and expanding the one brain vision to explore connections within the whole human system.
Rocket Science Health is a start-up company engaged in the development of medical devices for use in the treatment of CNS conditions by enabling nose-to-brain delivery of pharmaceuticals via the olfactory region of the nasal cavity.
The VINEx Initiative is dedicated to the memory of The Honourable Michael H. Wilson. In addition to so many other things, Michael was a dear friend to Irv and Inez. He inspired, mentored and introduced them, and it is his sense of public service, his commitment to brain science and mental health, and his undying belief in Canada's extraordinary potential that infuses this endeavor.
Racial, social factors contribute to mental health inequity, says Baker Institute experts
HOUSTON – (Aug. 12, 2020) – Inequities throughout society influence mental health research, where they can become self-perpetuating and contribute to persistent disparities in mental health services, according to new research from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
The researchers argue that the same inequities that affect access to education or job security affect both mental and physical health.
Health equity is a concept that acknowledges systemic and societal barriers to achieving health and wellness, framing health "in terms of equal opportunity to be healthy, as opposed to simply the outcome of health,” wrote Quianta Moore, fellow in child health policy at the Baker Institute, and Patrick Tennant, project mananger for child mental health at the institute. “The implicit declaration of this framing — that not only are we not all equally healthy, but we do not all have an equal opportunity to be healthy — is critical in addressing mental health equity.”
Moore and Tennant said influences on the opportunity to be healthy include race, immigration status and political, economic and community factors.
“In fact, decades of research demonstrate that social, environmental and economic factors have a greater impact on health outcomes than clinical care, with 80% of health
outcomes attributed to these social determinants of health (SDOH),” they wrote.
SDOH are influenced by “conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These conditions are affected by the distribution of money, power and resources at the individual, community and national levels, according to the paper.
Due to historical racial and ethnic discrimination, minority populations are more likely to experience negative SDOH and are also more likely to distrust the health care system, the authors argue.
“A critical, reflective review of the participation and contribution of the health care field to adverse conditions and community mistrust is necessary as a first step toward achieving equity,” they wrote. “We focus our inequity discussion on race because the social construct of race compounds and perpetuates disadvantage in the United States, and racial disparities exist in every outcome of individual and community well-being.”
Despite progress, “remnants of racism and false beliefs” contribute to health inequities, the authors wrote.
The paper argues that partnering with communities and leveraging community expertise “can help remove inequities and barriers in the research-to-practice pipeline and help to correct mistaken assumptions and biases.”
“By including community-articulated needs, priorities and recommendations we resist replicating existing service disparities in our clinical and research practice, thereby optimizing opportunities for socially disadvantaged populations to achieve mental health and well-being,” the authors wrote.
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To schedule an interview with Moore or Tennant or for more information, contact Avery Franklin, media relations specialist at Rice, at averyrf@rice.edu or 713-348-6327.
Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks as the No. 2 university-affiliated think tank in the world and the No. 1 energy think tank in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blog.bakerinstitute.org.
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 4 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
A Santa Tale With A Modern Twist
New York, NY, August 12, 2020 — Santa’s been kidnapped just before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, but almost no one notices his absence. Christmas has become an exercise in one-upmanship, with children practically dictating their wish lists and parents gauging the success of the holiday solely upon their ability to outdo their neighbors. Santa needs to be rescued for people to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Can a band of unfairly labeled misfits culled from The Naughty List rise to the challenge?
Author Thomas Conway sets the stage for worldwide adventure in this imaginative, modern Christmas tale that blends elements of pop culture with the age-old tradition of Santa Claus. The Naughty List opens in a world without Santa, where toy manufacturer Eastern Industries has just released a new holiday marketing scheme, monopolizing the attention of the children and draining their holiday spirit. With Christmas fast approaching and the North Pole in chaos, a team of intrepid youngsters recruited from Santa’s Naughty List aim to rescue Santa and save the holiday.
While primarily a Santa tale, The Naughty List cleverly incorporates Winter holiday beliefs from around the world, including the legend of Marduk, a Babylonian god; the Roman feast of Saturnalia; the epic story of Jangar from North Asia; Moravian traditions of animal communication; and the present real-life adventures of Israeli Santa Claus, Nicola Abdou.
Also sprinkled with references to holiday favorites such as Miracle on 34th Street, T’was the Night Before Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and others, this wonderfully rich tale promotes right over wrong, good over evil and love over fear.
Suitable for all ages, The Naughty List skillfully weaves valuable lessons about overindulgence and society’s tendency to put labels on children, with the overarching theme that when kids misbehave they should not be defined by their bad deeds but rather see it as a learning opportunity, since when we appreciate the best in humanity and combine our talents, we are capable of almost anything.
The Naughty List, winner of the 2020 Indie Book Award in the E-Book Fiction category, is the first release from Thomas Conway. His 30-year career spans various industries. When not at work, he devotes his time to environmental matters and inventing stories for his two children.
Vancouver Speech Therapy Introduces Parent Coaching Services to Support Children with Autism
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Navigating an autism diagnosis can be challenging. It comes with various emotions for the family involved. These can be sadness, disappointment, fear, confusion and desperation. Vancouver Speech Therapy recognizes these challenges and has introduced personalized parent coaching services to support families who have children with Autism in remote or local settings. Evidence has shown parental involvement is heavily encouraged and recommended, in order for a child to reach their optimal language capacity.
When seeking speech therapy in Vancouver, and seeing a speech pathologist, a very recommended and evidence-based approach is for parents to be coached. They can be coached on how to continue and carry therapeutic intervention into a natural home setting, the grocery store or even a doctors office. Not only can they be coached on continuing intervention, but they can also be coached on how to encourage and increase usage of Augmentative and Alternative Communication technology (AAC).
When parents are coached on AAC, research showed that the language acquisition of non-verbal or low frequency performers increases. The objective of using AAC is to have children on the spectrum become increasingly verbal and have a means to communicate with others. This can be done through use of the Picture Exchange System, (PECS), Communication Boards or apps on digital platforms such as iPads and Tablets. Verbal children learn to speak through the exposure of verbal language that constantly surrounds them. Similarly. children who use AAC should be exposed to AAC as much as possible to learn how to use it themselves. Parental involvement out of the therapist's office with these apparatuses is key to seeing effectiveness in any intervention, studies show. Parents can be coached in person or online, by a speech therapist on how to effectively implement strategies aimed at encouraging AAC use.
Many parents who may at first be shy to assume the role of interventionist outside of the therapist's office will be guided on how to interact with their child for therapy purposes. At Vancouver Speech Therapy, they will be taught on the strategies that can be subtly used to encourage communication between themselves and their non-verbal child. Simple strategies such as keeping preferred foods out of reach deliberately to prompt their child to request these items has been shown to be an evidence-based approach to increase greater communication. If the child cannot verbally request the object, they may be able to point to a picture of the item on their device.
AAC has been used to help many non-verbal children begin communicating with their family and others who may come into contact with them on a regular basis. It by itself is an evidence-based approach used by many language and speech pathologists to facilitate better social communication development. Parent coaching ensures that the child receives enough reinforcement and opportunity to practice what is being taught in order to achieve a target.
When choosing an AAC platform, consult the child's speech and language pathologist who can assess the child to give accurate advice.
Vancouver Speech Therapy believes in the core board as a good low-tech starter device. Unlike PECS children can initiate many other communicative functions, more than just requesting. With the core board, children can work on labelling, commenting, answering and asking questions very early in their AAC journey. Children typically have a lot more to say than just requesting for what they want. The core board is a great starter approach that easily transitions to using an app on an iPad for more efficient communication.
Parent coaching may seem daunting at first, especially for those who have never had any experience in a teaching role. The therapist is on your side and willing to guide families through this process. This will benefit a child immensely in the long run.
Vancouver Speech Therapy specializes in these parents coaching services and are a great choice for families all across BC as they introduce tele-therapy for families in remote settings.
Happy coaching!
SOURCE Vancouver Speech Therapy
Odeum Launches The First Platform Allowing Fitness Studios and Independent Professionals to Offer Branded On-demand Subscription Content Across Mobile, Desktop and Tablet Devices, With No Upfront Costs
Purple Yoga, Vinyasa Cloud and Pound Rockout Fitness launch on Odeum’s revolutionary watch-anywhere, video content platform, taking businesses online to generate revenue through branded subscription services
LONG BEACH, CALIF. - August 12, 2020 - Today, Odeum announces the first platform to enable distribution of branded, subscription video content for yoga and fitness studios, with no upfront costs.
Businesses are able to create new revenue streams online using subscription video delivered through a completely branded experience with custom apps for every device type. The platform uniquely provides support for yoga studios and fitness trainers to provide custom branded content online during this unparalleled time.
“Odeum’s platform was key in transforming how we as a yoga studio are running our daily operations,” says Joe Vogt, owner of Purple Yoga. “We selected Odeum from all the various options because it was the only platform that gives us the opportunity to create branded apps that keep us connected with our community and vice versa. It is great all around and I see us continuing this even when the period is over. Connection to our community is extremely important and ensuring that the content is coming from a brand they trust (our brand) is priceless.”
Odeum is an all-in-one platform to publish and distribute videos through a set of custom branded apps designed to deliver natively to all device formats including mobile, tablet, web and TV. This subscription video platform allows creators to completely brand their content and look of their site and apps and deliver the content wherever the subscribers want it. Users are able to control their own revenue model and manage their videos and subscribers.
“We live in an unprecedented time for connecting storytellers with their audience,” said CEO and founder of Odeum, Jay Dysart, “We want to empower small and large content publishers alike, to connect directly with viewers with an honest approach and a sustainable business model.”
Odeum helps yoga instructors, fitness trainers, meditation guides, educators, and more elevate their business with premium subscription video services. Businesses can work on branding, marketing, revenue control, and publishing of video services all in a single place. Odeum’s integration includes custom branded apps on every major platform, adaptive streaming, and built-in tech support for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and browsers.
To get your business online with Odeum today, visit https://odeum.io/.
Backed by a Century of Agricultural Expertise, Matt Billings Establishes a New Legacy of Responsible Modern-Day Farming and Food Production with AYO Almondmilk Yogurt
Through common sense practices and a vertically integrated approach, Matt Billings brings a passion for innovation and sustainability to the crafting of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt
Delano, Calif. – The story of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt begins in 1913 on the Billings family farm. Fast forward sixty-five years. As a boy, Matt Billings had the best seat in the house: riding around with his dad and grandfather in the family pickup truck, three generations of Billings exploring their fields. Life on the farm taught Matt that a good reputation requires a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, even when it isn’t easy or popular. Now a father, farmer, and founder of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, Matt brings a passion for innovation, healthy living, and sustainability to the practice of farming almonds - a legacy he plans to pass down to his own children.
“Growing up in agriculture has given me an enormous appreciation for nature, the seasonal rhythm of life, healthy nutritious food, and lifelong friendships,” says Matt. “Today, the use of new technology takes it one step further, enabling us to innovate our farming techniques, helping us to conserve inputs such as water and plant nutrients and at the same time develop a healthy living soil that we will be proud to pass along to the next generation.
For Matt, being a good farmer means being a responsible steward of the land. “ you have to think of the future generations.” He continually seeks creative ways to modernize and more thoughtfully use resources. He is working on tilling in the ground trees from older orchards before replanting. This approach will store carbon in the soil for the future there by bringing his carbon footprint close to negative. His multi generational relationship with the same bee keeper for pollination and his use of composts to feed good micro organisms in his soils and reduce the reliance on commercial fertilizers shows his eye is not on next years crop but the one his children haven’t harvested yet. It is these steps that build symbiotic relationships on the farm, partnering with nature to produce a higher quality almond and superior yogurt flavor.
Likewise, Matt states, “This isn’t my land. I am just taking care of it for the future generations. I want to make sure I pass it along in better condition than I received it.” This is why we allow natural ground covers to grow in our orchards, they provide a diversity of flora and promote healthy soils To that end, Billings makes every effort to maintain the farm’s most precious resource: water. Over the years we have become increasingly efficient with our water usage in the orchards and in turn be better stewards of the land we farm.
As Billings watches his oldest son (age 17) show interest in farming, he understands that the greatest gifts he can give his three kids are the lessons, morals, and expertise passed down from his own father and grandfather. Plus, he now has his own distinct legacy to offer: the production of creamy, probiotic-rich AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, backed by a 100-plus year tradition of responsible cultivation and successful almond farming. With his solid foundational expertise and vertically integrated capabilities, Billings carried out a lifelong vision of building a quality consumer brand that delivers on what customers want: a delicious, clean-crafted delicious tasting almondmilk yogurt. It’s an almond yogurt that actually tastes like almonds. Visit ayoyogurt.com to learn more and shop AYO Almondmilk Yogurt at your local store.
About AYO Almondmilk Yogurt:
“From farm to spoon, from us to you,”AYO Almondmilk Yogurt is the only non-dairy yogurt crafted using organic almonds produced by fourth-generation farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Run for more than 100 years by the Billings family, Billings Ranches is committed to forward-thinking practices of sustainability, traceability, and vertical integration, which nourish the land they are proud to call home. In new AYO Almond Yogurt, lightly-toasted almond flavor is enriched with live active cultures to produce a probiotic-rich, vegan treat the whole family will love. You can find AYO Almondmilk Yogurt at your local store. Learn more at ayoyogurt.com.
COVID-19 Shines A Bright Light On Disparities In Health Care Among People Of Color
New York, NY, August 12, 2020 ̶“During the coronavirus pandemic, people should guard their eyes with glasses or face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection,"said 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% 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 forty-two 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 thirty-seven 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 healthcare.
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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Backed by a Century of Agricultural Expertise, Matt Billings Establishes a New Legacy of Responsible Modern-Day Farming and Food Production with AYO Almondmilk Yogurt
Through common sense practices and a vertically integrated approach, Matt Billings brings a passion for innovation and sustainability to the crafting of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt
Delano, Calif. – The story of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt begins in 1913 on the Billings family farm. Fast forward sixty-five years. As a boy, Matt Billings had the best seat in the house: riding around with his dad and grandfather in the family pickup truck, three generations of Billings exploring their fields. Life on the farm taught Matt that a good reputation requires a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, even when it isn’t easy or popular. Now a father, farmer, and founder of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, Matt brings a passion for innovation, healthy living, and sustainability to the practice of farming almonds - a legacy he plans to pass down to his own children.
“Growing up in agriculture has given me an enormous appreciation for nature, the seasonal rhythm of life, healthy nutritious food, and lifelong friendships,” says Matt. “Today, the use of new technology takes it one step further, enabling us to innovate our farming techniques, helping us to conserve inputs such as water and plant nutrients and at the same time develop a healthy living soil that we will be proud to pass along to the next generation.
For Matt, being a good farmer means being a responsible steward of the land. “ you have to think of the future generations.” He continually seeks creative ways to modernize and more thoughtfully use resources. He is working on tilling in the ground trees from older orchards before replanting. This approach will store carbon in the soil for the future there by bringing his carbon footprint close to negative. His multi generational relationship with the same bee keeper for pollination and his use of composts to feed good micro organisms in his soils and reduce the reliance on commercial fertilizers shows his eye is not on next years crop but the one his children haven’t harvested yet. It is these steps that build symbiotic relationships on the farm, partnering with nature to produce a higher quality almond and superior yogurt flavor.
Likewise, Matt states, “This isn’t my land. I am just taking care of it for the future generations. I want to make sure I pass it along in better condition than I received it.” This is why we allow natural ground covers to grow in our orchards, they provide a diversity of flora and promote healthy soils To that end, Billings makes every effort to maintain the farm’s most precious resource: water. Over the years we have become increasingly efficient with our water usage in the orchards and in turn be better stewards of the land we farm.
As Billings watches his oldest son (age 17) show interest in farming, he understands that the greatest gifts he can give his three kids are the lessons, morals, and expertise passed down from his own father and grandfather. Plus, he now has his own distinct legacy to offer: the production of creamy, probiotic-rich AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, backed by a 100-plus year tradition of responsible cultivation and successful almond farming. With his solid foundational expertise and vertically integrated capabilities, Billings carried out a lifelong vision of building a quality consumer brand that delivers on what customers want: a delicious, clean-crafted delicious tasting almondmilk yogurt. It’s an almond yogurt that actually tastes like almonds. Visit ayoyogurt.com to learn more and shop AYO Almondmilk Yogurt at your local store.
About AYO Almondmilk Yogurt:
“From farm to spoon, from us to you,”AYO Almondmilk Yogurt is the only non-dairy yogurt crafted using organic almonds produced by fourth-generation farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Run for more than 100 years by the Billings family, Billings Ranches is committed to forward-thinking practices of sustainability, traceability, and vertical integration, which nourish the land they are proud to call home. In new AYO Almond Yogurt, lightly-toasted almond flavor is enriched with live active cultures to produce a probiotic-rich, vegan treat the whole family will love. You can find AYO Almondmilk Yogurt at your local store. Learn more at ayoyogurt.com.
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Noted Ontario Lawyer’s New Book on Divorce and the Coronavirus Hit Shelves Russell Alexander delayed release to update the book with pandemic-related answers
LINDSAY, Ontario—Noted Ontario family lawyer Russell Alexander’s new book on divorce and the coronavirus is now on sale.
Alexander delayed publication of his second book, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce,” to update it with a special chapter, Divorce During a Pandemic, answering questions on how the current health crisis has affected divorce cases and changed the legal practice.
“I wrote this book around the most common questions I have faced as a divorce lawyer over the last twenty years,” said Alexander. “But since the pandemic, I’ve gotten some new ones, and I wanted to make sure I answered those as well.”
The book is available to purchase online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books, as well as through Bibliotheca, Rakuten Kobo, Tolino and Baker & Taylor. Russell Alexander Collaborative Family has also provided copies to local bookstores and mental health counselors in Ontario.
Readers may also pick up a copy at the list price of $22.12 at the firm’s six offices throughout Ontario. All proceeds will be donated to the Giving Fund in support of various community-based programs.
In the book, Alexander walks couples who are considering divorce through the process from their initial meeting with an attorney to the final settlement, giving advice on alternative dispute resolution as an alternative to brutal courtroom fights, among other subjects. In a special chapter on the pandemic, he answers questions about spousal support, custody and parenting handoffs that have been complicated by the health crisis.
“Divorce is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through, even more so during a pandemic,” added Alexander. “I hope that giving straightforward advice to couples considering it, I can reduce some of that stress so that they can focus on what matters to their family.”
Alexander’s previous book, “The Path to a Successful Divorce,” became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon. He is a faculty member of the American Bar Association TECHSHOW and has spoken at conferences in Toronto and Chicago.
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Lindsay, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Peterborough and Toronto, Ontario.
Similar to Fine Wine Tasting, Pesticide-Free Cannabis Cultivator Autumn Brands Shares How to Elevate (and Appreciate) Your Cannabis Experience Like a Pro
The 50% woman-owned, sustainably-focused brand is helping to put Santa Barbara on the map with pure, potent strains that beg for a more gourmet approach
SANTA BARBARA, California – (August 11th, 2020): Just as Napa Valley winemakers put their region on the map with exceptional offerings, Autumn Brands and local area growers are making a name for themselves in the world of Cannabis. Backed by decades of hard-won, sustainable farming expertise, 50% woman-owned Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation, family-run clean grow operation with a health-centered holistic focus and refreshingly artisanal approach. Upholding a legacy built on continuous innovation, top quality, and consumer education, the brand now follows its June release of popular Blue Dream CBD with a brief guide to enjoying and appreciating each unique strain to the fullest.
“Choosing a Cannabis strain from among the many out there can compare to selecting a favorite wine varietal,” explains Hanna Brand, Co-Founder of Autumn Brands. “Like a fine wine, each carries a unique complexity that, to the trained palate, tell the unmistakable story of its climate and growing technique.”
The temperate climate of Santa Barbara, with its cool ocean breezes, moderate heat, and plentiful sunshine, creates an ideal atmosphere for Autumn Brands’ pure, greenhouse-grown flower. Here are the key elements that create a roadmap for identifying and making the most of each unique bud:
Color and texture are the first noticeable traits of a strain. Flowers can produce a spectrum of hues, from deep purples to bright oranges or greens, along with a varying degree of trichomes - which appear like crystals on its surface. Note, also, whether it is dense or fluffy and sticky or on the drier side, as these aspects will affect the burn rate.
Terpenes are the molecules that create a strain’s distinctive aroma. Each Cannabis plant typically produces a unique combination of around 200 terpenes, determined by things like its breeding and cultivation process. The best way to sample a flower’s terpenes is to gently crush it with your fingers and inhale, as the aroma vaporizes when heated.
Flavor and mouthfeel differ vastly among strains. Similar to wine, a user can learn to detect in a flower’s smoke diverse tasting notes like chocolate, citrus, and pine, in addition to savory, sour, or sweet flavors. It can be helpful to describe a toke using vintner terminology, such as “smooth,” “harsh,” or “full-bodied,” depending on a user’s palate and personal experience of the strain.
Using sustainable, pesticide-free methods, Autumn Brands cultivates naturally potent strains in Santa Barbara’s idyllic coastal landscape, hand-cured and hand-trimmed to preserve their natural healing benefits. Experience the latest estate-grown releases, including the euphoric Blue Dream CBD and Sativa-dominant Orange Crush, now available at select Southern California dispensaries in a 7-pack pre-roll and in glass jars of hand-selected flower. Visit AutumnBrands.com to locate the nearest participating seller and browse a full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for the latest product releases and updates.
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About Autumn Brands:
Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, united by the vision of two families, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visitwww.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.
