WORLD’S FIRST PROBIOTIC-POWERED HARD SELTZER WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Ventura, CA (DATE TBD) - Flying Embers, the better-for-you alcohol brand, announces the launch of its new hard seltzer line – Flying Embers Hard Seltzer, the world’s first probiotic-powered hard seltzer with antioxidants and all USDA organic ingredients.
Known for their line of hard kombuchas, Flying Embers will be launching their first-of-its kind hard seltzer in what they’re describing as “the new shape of seltzer” this month. This new entry to the fast-growing category will feature delicious and unique new flavor combinations, and will deliver on the consumer need for healthier options with only 95 calories, 0 sugar, 0 carbs, USDA organic ingredients, live probiotics, and the antioxidant Vitamin C.
Flying Embers Hard Seltzer will be available in a pair of 6pk variety boxes, the Tropicals: Sweet & Heat Collection and Botanicals: Fruit & Flora Collection. The refreshing flavors include:
BOTANICALS: Fruit & Flora
-Black Cherry Rose
-Clementine Hibiscus
-Passionfruit Elderflower
TROPICALS: Sweet & Heat
-Watermelon Chili
-Pineapple Cayenne
-Guava Jalapeno
“When we set out to make a hard seltzer, we had to ensure that it was consistent with the core values of the Flying Embers brand” said VP of Marketing Kyle Ingram. “By that, I mean it had to have the absence of negatives like zero sugar and zero carbs, but also the addition of positive benefits such as live probiotics and antioxidants. In doing so, we believe we’ve created the new shape of seltzer to come, as you can see reflected in the modern, abstract packaging design.”
With six core flavors of hard kombucha and a new line of six hard seltzers that all contain live probiotics, Flying Embers is leading the way with a true, better-for-you alcohol platform. Find out more by visiting www.flyingembers.com or @flyingembersbrew.
Flying Embers, continues to make waves in the industry. The better-for-you alcohol company based out of Ventura, CA, has made a name for themselves as a disruptive and innovative brand in the space. Since their launch in 2017, the hand-crafted hard kombucha beverage brand has grown exponentially and is now distributed in over 40 states. Flying Embers is available through retailers nationwide, delivery apps, and direct shipping to many states. Additionally, they offer two-hour delivery in both LA and NYC.
Both Flying Embers Hard Seltzer and Hard Kombucha are product lines developed and launched by Fermented Sciences Inc (FSI). Founded in 2017 by Bill Moses, a well-known expert in the beverage industry and co-founder/former CEO of KeVita, which he sold to PepsiCo. FSI specializes in the art and science of fermentation with the goal of disrupting the beverage industry with innovative, better-for-you products.
ABOUT FLYING EMBERS
Flying Embers is a hand-crafted, hard beverage brand based in Ventura, California that develops great tasting botanical brews with functional benefits. With a commitment to innovation, Flying Embers' products are low in sugar, carbs and calories, while also featuring such attributes as live probiotics, adaptogens and USDA certified organic ingredients. A proud supporter of its community, Flying Embers donates a portion of revenue to firefighters and first responder charitable organizations out of respect for their service. Flying Embers was founded in 2017 by beverage entrepreneur Bill Moses, former CEO of Kevita sparkling probiotics, which was sold to PepsiCo in 2016. Today, Flying Embers has two tap rooms in Los Angeles and Boston, and its products are sold in 40 states across the U.S. To learn more, visit FlyingEmbers.com or @FlyingEmbersBrew.
Residents, care partners, families rightly expect action on long-term care, says Alzheimer Society
TORONTO, July 30, 2020 /CNW/ - While welcoming the recent announcement of a commission into long-term care, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario is urging swift progress on concerns long highlighted by residents, staff, care partners, and families.
"We don't need to wait for another report to start providing better care to long-term care residents", says Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. "COVID-19 did not create the problems we're seeing now; it just drew attention to what has long been an overstretched system."
Barrick noted that nearly 90% of long-term care residents have some form of cognitive impairment, including over two-thirds who live with dementia. These residents have unique care needs—needs which are not being met in far too many homes. Instead, under-resourced homes have resorted to the dehumanising use of restraints and potentially inappropriate use of medication: residents living with dementia are three times as likely to be subjected to the daily use of physical restraints, and twice as likely to be prescribed antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis. These issues long predate the current pandemic.
"Dementia and long-term care are inseparable", says Barrick. "The voices of residents, care partners, and families impacted by dementia must be given a prominent voice by the commission."
SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Ontario
CrossRoads of Southern NV Teams with Multiple Local Non-Profits to Visit Homeless in Las Vegas Tunnels
First Visit Occurred Weekend of July 24th, with Four Groups of Volunteers
LAS VEGAS, NV -- July 30, 2020 – CrossRoads of Southern Nevada, NV’s top drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, recently organized and participated with the Freedom House, and Shine-a-Light Project, a morning of service to bring supplies and counseling to the many homeless living under the city of Las Vegas in the miles of flood tunnels.
CrossRoads CEO Dave Marlon participated with Paul Vautrinot, of Shine-a-Light, and Freedom House Sober Living.
Volunteers waded into the tunnel system, armed with backpacks full of granola bars, water bottles, Narcan, clean clothes, and canned foods. (Pictures available). They met with dozens of people who are living in the tunnels full time, many of them have been there for years.
“We were able to sit and talk and have good conversations with these people,” said Dave Marlon. “It’s important to remember they are still people and may be suffering from a mental illness. We want to help them. And we can help them with effective treatment.”
Marlon and his team of volunteers were able to convince one member of the homeless camp to take beds at CrossRoads and seek treatment – all paid for by Medicaid.
The group will be visiting the same tunnels, and others, every Saturday at 8 am PT through the summer.
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ABOUT CROSSROADS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA:
Founded in 2017, CrossRoads of Southern Nevada approaches care of the most vulnerable of our population – those with addiction issues, mental health issues, and those with co-occurring addiction and mental health struggles – with a whole-person approach. Depending on clients’ individual needs and partnering providers’ input, it is our goal that patients will remain with CrossRoads as long determined by their individualized case plans and individually established client goals. CrossRoads provides clients with a continuum of care with a variety of wrap around services, in partnership with many strategic partners.
Westerlay Orchids Welcomes Ecommerce Specialist Grace Hanna to Help Coordinate Expanding Online Community Outreach Efforts During COVID-19
As their Box of Orchids program rapidly gains popularity, the internationally recognized orchid producer takes steps to meet rising demand
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 30th, 2020): As their Box of Orchids program and community outreach initiatives rapidly expand, Carpinteria-based Westerlay Orchids responds by adding Ecommerce Specialist Grace Hanna to the team. For three generations, Westerlay Orchids has proudly cultivated some of the Pacific Coast’s finest blooms while remaining committed to sustainability, innovation, and giving back. During COVID-19 lockdown, the company partnered with both local and national industry organizations to successfully gift thousands of orchids to frontline workers statewide through their Box of Orchids program and the “100,000 Orchid Challenge.” Now, in order to keep up with rising demand, Grace will serve as the brand’s program liaison, helping to coordinate efforts while serving a growing customer and partner base.
“Through both the Box of Orchids program and the ‘100,000 Orchid Challenge,’ Westerlay Orchids has brought hope and encouragement to so many during a chaotic season,” says Grace. “It is a privilege to be part of this project, and I look forward to all we can accomplish together. As we search for a sense of normalcy and a way to connect with our community during this time, it is essential to adapt the way we engage with our customers. Through boxoforchids.com, Westerlay Orchids is proud to offer a safe and easy way for our customers to select beautiful orchids for their homes and workplaces. We believe orchids are a source of joy, and we are excited to make them easier to enjoy than ever though this new venture.” says Grace.
A graduate of Santa Barbara’s own Westmont College, Grace brings experience from her most recent role as Marketing and Product Development Specialist for Heirloom Roses. Among her achievements there, she successfully designed and implemented sustainable social media strategies, collaboratively developed email campaign content and sales copy, and grew the company’s Facebook following from 10k to 107k. Hanna’s experience also includes serving as Marketing Intern for Girls on the Run, where she helped to achieve targeted website optimization, high-performing email marketing campaign design, and assisted with implementing creative, future-focused marketing solutions using limited resources.
As Ecommerce Specialist for Westerlay Orchids, Grace’s duties will include managing short- and long-term e-comm strategies to drive brand awareness, grow market share, and deliver on ambitious sales goals. Joining efforts with the company to promote community-based initiatives, she will also serve an integral role in advancing programs like Box of Orchids. Highlighted on news outlets such as KABC and KEYT, the program invites customers to send premium, wholesale-priced orchids or hand-selected garden boxes to recipients anywhere in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon, complete with free shipping. The initiative began as an effort by Westerlay Orchids to encourage and uplift those in quarantine isolation or on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to its overwhelming popularity, it has since expanded to include a wider range of plant options and shipping areas.
Learn more and browse the Box of Orchids collection at BoxOfOrchids.com. Contact Leigh-Anne Anderson of Anderson PR at leighanne@anderson-pr.com to book an exclusive interview with Westerlay Orchids President Toine Overgaag. Follow on Instagram @WesterlayOrchids to discover the latest company news and see how Toine and his team are giving back during the COVID-19 crisis.
About Westerlay Orchids:
Based in beautiful Carpinteria, California, Westerlay Orchids is proud to serve as Southern California’s largest commercial orchid grower. The company annually distributes over 3 million orchids directly to customers and to local and national supermarket chains, as well as florists and designers. Westerlay Orchids is a pioneer in environmental and sustainability practices and regularly contributes to local schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community causes. Visit www.WesterlayOrchids.com to learn more about the third-generation, family-run company.
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International cystic fibrosis study to investigate real-world effects of new triple combination drug
Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, 30 July 2020 – Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are leading a new €3m study to investigate the real-world effects of the newest cystic fibrosis medications as they become available for people with CF.
The research will look at how a new triple combination cystic fibrosis drug, Kaftrio, will affect people in their day to day lives, rather than in controlled clinical trial conditions. Kaftrio (known as TriKafta in the US) is a successor to Orkambi.
The project, called RECOVER, has been awarded €2.85 m from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (US), €112 thousand from Cystic Fibrosis Trust (UK) and €100 thousand from Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
In recent years, a number of promising new medications have been developed that treat the underlying genetic defect in cystic fibrosis. The most recent triple combination cystic fibrosis drug, Kaftrio, has demonstrated striking improvements in clinical trials of people with the most common form of cystic fibrosis.
Pending final European Medicines Agency approval, expected in the next number of weeks, these new medications will be provided for use in the majority of people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland and the UK as part of an existing agreement between the manufacturer and the respective states.
Starting in August 2020, the study will recruit patients and begin to examine clinical outcomes over a two year period across cystic fibrosis centres in Ireland and the UK. In addition to collecting routine health measurements, they will study detailed imaging, functional, biological and quality of life measurements that could not be collected in clinical trials.
“Our study will allow us to discover in detail how this powerful new treatment affects the health and everyday lives of people with cystic fibrosis, to understand why different people might respond differently to the drug and to gain insight into how this treatment might affect the very significant treatment burden that people with cystic fibrosis currently endure,” said Professor Paul McNally, Associate Professor of Paediatrics at RCSI, a Respiratory Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland and lead researcher on the RECOVER study.
“Clinical trials occur under very controlled conditions and exclude many sick people with cystic fibrosis. ‘Real-world’ studies, such as RECOVER, are essential to confirm the trial findings and examine in-depth effects on the everyday lives all people with cystic fibrosis.”
In partnership with the Irish and UK cystic fibrosis registries, RECOVER is led by an Irish research team collaborating with researchers in 16 clinical and university sites in the UK, Europe and North America.
Philip Watt, CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland commented: “Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is proud to support this major research study that will provide much new detailed data on the impact of new and innovative CF medications across Europe and North America.”
Dr Lucy Allen, Director of Research at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “The data from the clinical trials have shown us that Kaftrio will make a significant difference to people’s lives. However, as CF is a complex condition affecting many parts of the body it is important to understand the full impact of this drug. In the short term the results of the RECOVER study may speed up access to Kaftrio around the world, in the longer term it will provide information on tailoring care for each individual with cystic fibrosis”.
Led by RCSI, the collaborating institutions include, Imperial College, London; Children’s Health Ireland (at Crumlin, Tallaght, Temple Street and Connolly); National Children’s Research Centre; St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin; University Hospital Limerick; Belfast City Hospital; Royal Belfast Hospital for Children; Royal Brompton Hospital, London; CF Registry of Ireland, Dublin; UK CF Registry; The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto; Eramsus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam; Brandenburg Medical School, Germany; Queen’s University Belfast; Teagasc Food Research Centre, Cork; Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Professor Paul McNally Associate Professor of Paediatrics at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is available for interview.
Sarah, mother of Annabel Murphy (aged 8) is available to offer the perspective of a parent whose child has cystic fibrosis
Photography will be issued to picture desks by Julien Behal Photography or is available on request
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas, stopping natural enzymes from enabling the body to break down and absorb food.
Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world, with almost 1,400 people diagnosed with the disease here. Ireland also has some of the more severe forms of the disease.
Approximately one in 19 are thought to carry one copy of the altered gene that causes CF.
People with CF experience a range of symptoms including frequent lung infections, persistent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, along with poor growth and weight gain in spite of a good appetite. Over time people with CF accumulate significant damage and scar tissue in their lungs which leads to end-stage lung disease requiring a double lung transplant if possible.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland Annual Report 2018, between 2010 and 2018, an average of 40 individuals were diagnosed with CF each year.
In 2018, there were 140 individuals with CF aged 40 years or older.
In 2018, the median age of a person with CF was 21 years. In other words, half of the 1,239 individuals registered were under 21 years of age, and the other half were aged 21 years or older. However, survivability for a growing number is now predicted into their 30s and 40s and beyond.
The counties with the largest numbers of people with CF are Dublin (327), Cork (167), Limerick (73), Tipperary (60) and Galway (59). In 2018, there was a total of 1,129 hospitalisations for 529 people with CF.
About RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Ranked number one globally for Good Health and Well-being in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2020, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an international not-for-profit university, with its headquarters in Dublin.
RCSI is exclusively focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. It is among the top 250 universities worldwide in the THE World University Rankings (2020) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
Visit the RCSI MyHealth Expert Directory to find the details of our experts across a range of healthcare issues and concerns. Recognising their responsibility to share their knowledge and discoveries to empower people with information that leads them to better health, these clinicians and researchers are willing to engage with the media in their area of expertise.
About Cystic Fibrosis Ireland
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is a leading national organisation dedicated to improving treatment and facilities for people with CF and their families across Ireland. The organisation is dedicated solely to the well-being of people with CF in Ireland.
Its mission is to assist the development of the means to cure and control CF, to promote the interests and welfare of people with CF in Ireland and to assume advocacy for them and their needs resultant from their having CF.
It does this through providing information and education, advice and advocacy to people and their families, undertaking medical and scientific research, advancing the development of lung transplantation in Ireland, and offering grant assistance to patients.
CFI also funds a number of specialist CF clinical posts as well as providing capital funding for the development of state-of-the-art CF units around the country, including dedicated in-patient, day care and out-patient facilities.
CFI comprises 18 branches and one regional branch and is overseen by a national executive committee, which includes representation from people with CF and their families. For more, visit www.cfireland.ie
About the Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to fighting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis
For confidential advice, support and information on any aspect of cystic fibrosis, including help with financial support contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust helpline on (+44) 0300 373 1000 or 020 3795 2184
The work we do is only made possible by the generous donations from our supporters. Visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk to find out more about cystic fibrosis, the work of the Trust and how you can help our fight for a life unlimited.
Energy Healing Tips for Emotional Hardship
Emotional distress related to COVID-19 is associated with higher frequency of clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and general life stress and lower reported levels of overall happiness, according to the U.S. National Pandemic Emotional Impact Report from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Medical School. Prolonged and/or intense negative emotions can have effects long after the events that precipitate them, says Dr. Brad, author of the best-selling book “The Emotion Code.”
“Negative emotions may have a profound effect on your quality of life,” Dr. Brad says. “When you have an intensely difficult experience, the emotions you feel should fade with time. But sometimes they’re just too much for you to handle, and your body could hold onto that negative energy in the form of what many call ‘emotional baggage.’”
In his bestselling book, Dr. Brad coined the phrase “Trapped Emotions” to describe these unresolved feelings. Learning to identify and release trapped emotions may help millions of Americans struggling today with the pandemic’s emotional toll.
“When you suffer something traumatic, it can be extremely difficult to confront the resulting feelings,” Dr. Brad says. “You may feel like doing so would force you to relive what you’ve already endured. In our experience, these unconfronted or unprocessed feelings may fester. They could prevent you from sleeping well, cause tension, or make you feel angry, sad, bitter, anxious, guilty, or fearful. Over time, having these festering feelings may cause their negative energies to become lodged within your body, where they could cause you to spiral into those feelings over and over again.”
Dr. Brad explains how to:
Identify trapped negative emotions using muscle testing, a noninvasive practice of tapping into the subconscious mind to access information about physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Meditate to explore your thoughts and emotions, acknowledge trapped negative feelings, and process them.
Use increased physical activity and exercise to release physical and emotional tension, fend off negative thoughts, and boost your mood.
These techniques may be helpful for people struggling through the current crisis as well as those dealing with unhealed emotions from traumatic and difficult experiences in the past.
“It doesn’t matter whether the event occurred last week or 30 years ago — releasing the baggage that came with it may be key to full emotional healing,” he says.
About Dr. Bradley Nelson: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available from St. Martin's Press. For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.
Stetson University Researcher Says Porn Does Not Cause Violent Sex Crimes
New study examines link between pornography and sexual aggression
DELAND, Florida, July 29, 2020 – Pornography creates a fantasy world for its fans, but does it lead to sexual aggression? That question has been the subject of numerous studies dating back to the 1970s. The effects of porn and violent sex crimes has also been debated for decades because of issues with morality.
New research findings published in the Sage Publishing journal Trauma, Violence & Abuse suggest there is no connection between pornography consumption and sexual violence.
"Pornography and Sexual Aggression: Can Meta-Analysis Find a Link?" is based on research by Chris Ferguson, PhD, professor of psychology at Stetson University, and Richard Hartley, PhD, Criminology and Criminal Justice Department chair and professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The authors conducted meta-analytic research and examined more than 50 correlational, experimental and population studies that explored the association between pornography and sexual aggression during the past 40 years.
Eleven years ago, Ferguson and Hartley conducted a study on pornography and sexual aggression and recently decided to collect data and re-evaluate the validity of the previous research studies they had reviewed because there was a renewed interest in the subject matter.
They found that poorly designed studies tended to be more likely to support a link between pornography and sexually assaultive behavior.
“During the past few years, many states have declared that pornography is a public health crisis,” said Ferguson. “Dr. Hartley and I were curious to see if evidence could support such claims, at least in regard to sexual aggression, or whether politicians were mistaking moral stances for science. Our evidence suggests that policy makers should examine other causes of sexual aggression, and that beliefs about pornography may be driven more by methodological mistakes than sound science.”
Ferguson and Hartley noted that previous research found that hostility, callousness and delinquent behavior were determinants of sexual aggression and that the effects of those personality traits are much stronger than those of pornography consumption.
Correlational studies provided an analysis of the participants’ absorption of sexually explicit materials at various levels and their sexual attitudes and behavior.
Experimental research randomly assigned and exposed men to violent pornography, nonviolent pornography and nonpornographic media, and measured their attitudes toward women or about sexually aggressive behavior by having them complete a questionnaire afterwards. Men also participated in laboratory studies that tested their aggressive behavior towards women.
Neither correlational nor experimental studies provided evidence that supported concerns about pornography.
At the population level, studies explored the relationship between pornography consumers and sexual violence, and found that an increase in available pornography reduced sexual aggression.
The journal article also sheds some light on bias in pornography and sexual aggression research.
“I hope that Dr. Hartley and I can point out some of the widespread problems in much of the research as well as the culture of this field whereas some scholars appear to be too quick to try and find evidence for effects,” said Ferguson. “We need more preregistered, transparent research and a field that is looking to falsify hypotheses and not entirely in confirmatory mode because it feels morally right.”
Ferguson, who is well-known for his research on the effects of aggression, sexual behavior and video game violence, received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida. His clinical background includes working with offender and juvenile justice populations as well as conducting evaluations for child protective services.
About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 list of Best Regional Universities (South), and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 385 Best Colleges, 2020 edition. Stay connectedwith Stetson on social media.
Study: People with Down Syndrome Show Gains from Brain and Physical Training
(SAN FRANCISCO CA) In a novel study among people with Down Syndrome, researchers found a 10-week combined protocol of physical exercises and computerized brain training led to a reorganization of the brain and to improved performance on both cognitive and physical measures. The cognitive training used in the study was the Greek version of the commercially-available BrainHQ brain app from Posit Science.
As reported on MedRXix, researchers at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, took physical, cognitive, and resting-state EEG assessments of 12 adults with Down Syndrome before and after a 10-week course of combined physical and cognitive training.
The physical training consisted of aerobic, flexibility, strength, and balance exercises. The cognitive training was BrainHQ, consisting of 29 visual and auditory exercises targeting memory, attention, processing speed, problem-solving, navigation, and social skills. The researchers had hypothesized that the training would trigger the brain’s neuroplasticity – its ability to change chemically, structurally, and functionally.
Their results showed increased connectivity within the left hemisphere and from left to right hemisphere, as well as improved performance on physical and cognitive assessments.
Physical improvements were reported in upper body strength and endurance (Arm Curl), and in mobility, and static and dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go).
Cognitive gains were reported in improved general cognitive capacity (Raven AB and Raven Total), planning and organization skills (WISC-III Mazes), and in short-term memory, attention, and concentration (WISC-III Digit Span Forward).
The researchers report “Our results reveal a strong adaptive neuroplastic reorganization, as a result of the training that leads to a more complex and less-random network, with a more pronounced hierarchical organization.”
In their report, the researchers note that the widespread cortical reorganization and increases in cognitive performance indicate the brain has entered into a more flexible state.
“Our findings underline the ability of the DS brain to respond to the cognitive demands of external stimuli, reflecting the possibility of developing independent-living skills,” the researchers conclude.
“Because Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder, people have thought that the brain function and cognitive abilities of people with Down Syndrome could not be changed,” observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, the maker of BrainHQ. “These exciting results suggest that’s not true. We hope these initial results spur further research, including randomized controlled trials, with this important group of people.”
Sun Life leads a $43 million round of financing in Dialogue
Investment is aligned to Sun Life's strategic focus on sustainability and empowering Canadians to live healthier lives
TORONTO, July 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Virtual care is revolutionizing Canadian health care. Canadians are turning to their phones and tablets to connect virtually with a medical professional for physical and mental health concerns or even to fill a prescription. Today Sun Life announced a strategic commercial partnership and $32.7 million equity investment in Dialogue, Canada's leading telemedicine provider. Sun Life will hold a minority ownership in Dialogue with customary rights to acquire additional equity.
This round of financing also includes follow-on investments by existing backers Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Portag3 Ventures, White Star Capital, HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, First Ascent Ventures and Walter Ventures. National Bank Financial Inc. acted as financial advisor to Dialogue in this financing.
"The need for Canadians to have alternative ways to access health care continues to grow," said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Canada. "Virtual care is an important part of the future of Canadian health care. The combination of innovative technology and the necessity of social distancing during the pandemic has rapidly changed the virtual health care landscape. Our investment in Dialogue represents Sun Life's commitment to helping Canadians live healthier lives through access to health care, whenever and wherever they need it. This investment is our next step, as we continue to innovate for our Clients and empower them to manage their health and well-being."
"Virtual care will remain an essential resource now and in the future," said Cherif Habib, CEO of Dialogue. "While we navigate the changing health care landscape, Dialogue is proud to provide a virtual health care service that is easy, convenient and helps keep Canadians safe at home. Having strong support from partners such as Sun Life allows us to remain focused on providing quality care and expanding our services to help millions of Canadians stay healthy."
At Sun Life, helping people live healthier lives is an important part of our business and key focus area of the company's sustainability plan. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of expanding the traditional health care model. Virtual care, which provides access to medical practitioners in the comfort of home, helps people continue to physically distance and alleviate pressure on the Canadian health care system. Since the pandemic started, Dialogue has seen a sharp increase in usage of the virtual care service. The collaboration between Sun Life and Dialogue gives Canadians virtual access to medical care and connects them directly with a health care professional from anywhere in the country, at any time. The investment follows Sun Life's roll out of Lumino Health Virtual Care, powered by Dialogue in March 2020.
Lumino Health Virtual Care Lumino Health Virtual Care is offered to Sun Life Group Benefits Clients with an Extended Health Care (EHC) benefit. The virtual care service is powered by Dialogue and connects Canadians with local health care providers.
Clients can easily connect to the Lumino Health Virtual Care service through a mobile app or online. Once connected, the service will triage a Client before providing direct access to a nurse or physician. The service provides Clients with acute physical and mental health care, similar to medical services provided at a primary care clinic. A multi-disciplinary team will review symptoms, provide an assessment, create a personalized care plan, write prescriptions, and make referrals to specialists or in-person care if necessary.
About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,023 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
About Dialogue Technologies Inc. Dialogue is the leading Canadian telemedicine provider pioneering virtual healthcare dedicated exclusively to the world's leading organizations. We drive real health outcomes through amazing healthcare experiences, an employee engagement playbook, and a relentless focus on patient safety and security. For more information, please visit www.dialogue.co
Jean-Christophe de Le Rue Director of Public and Government Relations Dialogue T. 613-806-0671 jcdlr@dialogue.co
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
For further information:
Daily Bread Food Bank Study Reveals Food Insecurity and Food Bank Use on the Rise During COVID-19 Despite Government Relief
Future challenges include heightened physical and mental health risks, eviction and risk of homelessness
TORONTO, July 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Daily Bread Food Bank has released a comprehensive report detailing the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity and food bank use in Toronto. The only report of its kind in Canada, Hunger Lives Here: Risks and Challenges Faced by Food Bank Clients During COVID-19, reveals a 200 per cent increase in new clients accessing food banks in Toronto during the pandemic.
Based on a survey of 220 food bank clients during May and June 2020, the report illustrates the heightened health risks and challenges faced by food bank clients. It is also a predictor of a new wave of issues that will erupt if Canada's social safety net does not evolve.
Key findings from the report include:
76 per cent of new clients began accessing food banks due to COVID-19, primarily because of job loss or a reduction in hours.
32 per cent of respondents had at least one household member working pre-pandemic, and 76 per cent of these households reported job loss.
Due to income loses, the proportion of respondents spending 50 per cent or more of their income on housing rose from 67 per cent pre-COVID-19 to 81per cent during the pandemic, putting these households at high risk of homelessness.
34 per cent of respondents will be unable to continue to pay rent four to six months from now if the crisis continues.
28 per cent of respondents received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), however, due to the high cost of living in Toronto, still needed to rely on food banks.
The frequency of going a full day without eating almost every month increased 20 per cent.
Before COVID-19, one in four children went hungry according to their parents. This number has increased to one in three during the pandemic.
More than half of food bank clients are considered high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to age and/or pre-existing health conditions, almost double the rate of the Canadian population. In addition, the number of respondents moderately or severely stressed about having enough to feed their household has tripled during the pandemic.
"Once a household falls into persistent poverty, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve financial stability," says Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank. "Much of Toronto's population was already struggling financially before the pandemic. With food bank clients unable to pay rent four to six months from now, there is a major risk of a tidal wave of arrears and evictions in our city."
"This report reveals the extraordinary vulnerability of the people seeking charitable food assistance through this pandemic," says Valerie Tarasuk, Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto. "While Daily Bread Food Bank and partner agencies have worked hard to respond to growing demands during this challenging time, the needs of the people they are helping go beyond charitable food assistance."
The economic impact of COVID-19 will be experienced for years to come. As the government's state of emergency ends, thousands of Toronto residents will remain in emergency situations and continue to require supports. More than ever, investments in healthy communities are essential.
Hunger Lives Here: Risks and Challenges Faced by Food Bank Clients During COVID-19 provides concrete recommendations for all levels of government to prioritize poverty reduction in economic recovery.
