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.

To purchase Alexander’s new book on Amazon, either in print or on Kindle, visit: https://bit.ly/EverythingonDivorce 

For more details on “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce," visit:http://www.russellalexander.com/book 

                                                                                                                                                                ***

RussellAlexander Collaborative Family Lawyers 

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. 

# # #

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.

These Delicious, Easy to Prep, Gluten-Free Meals will Make Your Gut Happy

Nashville, TN, August 11, 2020  ̶ ̶  Rancher, restauranteur and TV cooking personality Mee McCormick serves up delicious, gluten-free recipes designed for optimal gut health in her latest cookbook, My Pinewood Kitchen: A Southern Culinary Cure. With everything from immune-boosting smoothies to soups with probiotic power and reimagined Southern entrees, My Pinewood Kitchen is packed with microbiome-friendly meals that give new meaning to the phrase comfort food. 

Every recipe in the book is gluten-free and created for optimal health benefits, even decadent sounding dishes like Kentucky Caramel Chicken and Veggie Mac and Cheese. There are more than 130 recipes, and each one can be customized for Keto, Paleo or vegan diets. It truly is an "all-inclusive" eating plan for everyone in the family.

McCormick first turned to the healing power of food when doctor after doctor offered very little relief for her Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's. Her switch to whole-food cooking helped her heal her gut and her immune system and completely altered the trajectory of her life. 

My Pinewood Kitchen is a follow-up to her wildly successful, life-enhancing My Kitchen Cure. Mee is living proof that you can change your fate by what’s on your plate, and her recipes will help heal your gut and fight a host of autoimmune diseases. 

Mee has since forged the way for a new kind of hospitality: a fully-inclusive table where everyone can eat delicious Southern comfort classics without sacrificing taste, regardless of even the most severe food allergies or dietary restrictions – all while stressing the importance of intestinal health and how to improve your own gut microbiome. Her book shows us which foods are nutritional powerhouses and which ones we must avoid, and how to eat real food every day without breaking the bank.
 

Mee McCormick is a rising Southern culinary and wellness innovator, restaurateur, author, TV cooking personality, farmer, rancher, wife and mother. She splits her time between Nashville and nearby Nunnelly, Tennessee; a tiny, unincorporated community in Hickman County; home to her biodynamic farm and restaurant Pinewood Kitchen & Mercantile – that is unique in that every meal is created with the intention to serve everyone with the same deliciousness, regardless of dietary restrictions. In fact, some members of the community drive hours to get a taste of her farm-to-table cuisine and her mouthwatering Pinewood’s Grain-Free Fried Chicken!

Mee authored her first cookbook My Kitchen Cure, which led to wild success and a book deal with HCI for her second cookbook, My Pinewood Kitchen, published in April 2020. She frequently appears on Today in Nashville, and she participates in nationally-recognized food festivals and events, spreading the same level of care and hospitality to audiences everywhere that she has become known for throughout the state of Tennessee. Visit: www.meemccormick.com or www.pinewoodkitchenandmercantile.com.

My Pinewood Kitchen: A Southern Culinary Cure/130+ Crazy Delicious, Gluten-Free Recipes to Reduce Inflammation and Make Your Gut Happy

By Mee McCormick

HCI BOOKS / $26.95 

ISBN: 9780757323522 

Available wherever books are sold

Seapoint Farms Unveils a New Healthy Superhero Snack with the Debut of Mighty Lil’ Lentils

Fueled by Plant Based Protein, New Artisan Snacks Are Deliciously Nutritious & Amazingly Versatile

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA., JULY 27, 2020 - Ready to have your taste buds wowed? 

We’re so excited to share Seapoint Farms’ (seapointfarms.com) latest innovation! Mighty Lil’ Lentils…a bold new plant powered artisan crafted snack that comes in four delicious flavors.

The launch of Mighty Lil’ Lentils marks the latest product innovation from Seapoint Farms. The new launch follows the introduction of the company’s popular Organic Edamame Pasta and Riced Veggie lines.

Who you Calling Lil’?       

Sometimes bigger isn’t better. Behold – the Mighty Lil’ Lentil, everyone’s Superhero snack. Seapoint Farms has taken this nutritional powerhouse and created a variety of artisan-crafted lentils that are truly rich in flavor and loaded with wholesome goodness.

These crispy Lentils are fueled by plant-based protein, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy them on their own, pair them with your favorite beverage (wink wink), or add a crunch to your salads and trail mixes. How do you Lentil?

Crunchy, remarkably tasty, and distinct from just about every packaged snack on the market, Mighty Lil’ Lentils are ready to be enjoyed at home, at work or on the go. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and Non GMO project verified, Mighty Lil’ Lentils are also rich in nutrients, vitamins and fiber, free of trans fat and cholesterol and naturally sustainable. In addition, two flavors (Falafel and Pink Himalayan Salt) are vegan. Are you ready to hop on the lentil train?

Availability?

Mighty Lil’ Lentils can be purchased online at Amazon and iHerb. In-store retail availability will follow later this year.

A World of Flavor                  

Mighty Lil’ Lentils are available in four irresistible flavors:

Pink Himalayan Salt – Dusted with the perfect amount of salt (vegan and gluten-free)

Barbeque – Smokey, sweet, and savory (gluten-free)

Falafel – Exotic and mildly spicy (vegan and gluten-free)

Cinnamon Sugar – Slightly sweet and sassy (gluten-free)

Comments

Commenting on the new product launch, Philip Siegel, COO of Seapoint Farms, said, “While Mighty Lil’ Lentils are wholly consistent with Seapoint Farms’ commitment to exceptional nutritional quality and delicious flavor, these fun and versatile little snacks are unlike anything we’ve manufactured before. We wanted our first lentil-based item to be a perfect snack option not only for natural food devotees but also for the tens of millions of mainstream consumers out there who are ready to cut back on high-calorie, low-protein staples such as chips and pretzels. We’re heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response Mighty Lil’ Lentils have received from the public and from members of the natural food industry and are looking forward to their continued success for many years to come.”

About Seapoint Farms

Seapoint Farms is committed and passionate about creating a variety of great tasting healthy products. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Seapoint Farms is the largest importer and manufacturer of edamame products in America, offering a diverse array of premium-quality, great-tasting products and snacks. In addition to Mighty Lil’ Lentils, Seapoint Farms’ growing range of products includes Dry Roasted Edamame, a variety of Frozen Edamame, Riced Veggies, Riced Veggie Cuisine, Organic Edamame Pasta, and Seaweed Snacks. For more information follow Seapoint Farms on social media @seapointfarms and visit seapointfarms.com.   

COVID-19 Shines A Bright Light On Disparities In Health Care Among People Of Color  

New York, NY, August 11, 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.

Health Canada Approves OPDIVO® (nivolumab) plus YERVOY® (ipilimumab) Combined with Limited Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

CheckMate -9LA trial results demonstrated superior overall survival versus chemotherapy, regardless of PD-L1 expression or tumor histology¹

MONTREAL, Aug. 11, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Bristol Myers Squibb Canada (BMS) announces Health Canada's approval of OPDIVO^® (nivolumab) in combination with YERVOY^® (ipilimumab) with two cycles of platinum-double chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) or Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) tumour aberrations and no prior systemic therapy for metastatic NSCLC.¹  Unlike traditional cancer therapies that target the tumour directly, immuno-oncology activates the body's own immune system to help recognize and attack cancer cells.² This approval marks the availability of the first dual immuno-oncology plus limited course chemotherapy NSCLC treatment in Canada.

"Despite NSCLC being the most common form of lung cancer, every patient's lung cancer and treatment journey is unique," says Dr. Rosalyn Juergens, Associate Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology. "This approval provides a novel dual immuno-oncology-based option that may provide longer survival for patients within the Canadian treatment landscape."

The Health Canada approval was based on results from the randomised phase III clinical trial CheckMate -9LA. The study met both its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating superior overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) for the dual immunotherapy plus limited chemotherapy combination versus chemotherapy alone. 

Study results showed a statistically significant improvement in OS for metastatic NSCLC patients treated with OPDIVO^®, YERVOY^® and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone at a prespecified interim analysis (at a minimum follow-up of 8.1 months, [HR 0.69; 96.71% CI: 0.55, 0.87; p=0.0006]).³ With longer follow-up (minimum of 12.7 months), the dual immunotherapy with two cycles of chemotherapy continued to show sustained overall survival (OS) improvements over chemotherapy alone (median OS of 15.6 months versus 10.9 months, respectively [HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.80]). ³ 

"Over four years ago, OPDIVO^® became the first immunotherapy approved for use in previously treated patients, defining a new era and changing the way NSCLC is treated. We are so proud to build on this legacy as OPDIVO^® plus YERVOY^® is approved as the first dual immunotherapy in a first-line NSCLC setting," said Al Reba, General Manager, BMS Canada. "We are committed to pursuing innovative approaches to lung cancer treatment so we can continue to deliver the right medicines for patients, increase their quality of life, and improve their chances of survival." 

"Receiving a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer is devastating," says Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. "We welcome this new Health Canada approval for a novel treatment regimen for patients where there is still significant unmet need."

CheckMate -9LA Study DesignCheckMate -9LA (NCT03215706) is Phase III, randomized open-label, multi-centre study evaluating OPDIVO® plus YERVOY® combined with two cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (four cycles followed by optional pemetrexed maintenance therapy if eligible) as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic or recurrent NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression and histology.

Health Canada and Project Orbis Collaboration Aims to Provide Earlier Availability to Cancer Treatments⁴ 
Project Orbis is an initiative of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncology Center of Excellence. This submission was part of the FDA's Project Orbis initiative, enabling concurrent review by the FDA and the health authorities in Australia, Canada and Singapore. 

Pivotal clinical trials in oncology are commonly conducted internationally and these global trials are increasingly important for investigating the safety and effectiveness of cancer drugs for approval across jurisdictions. Future drug development may benefit by establishing a greater uniformity of new global standards of treatment, leading to the optimal design of these important trials. 

About Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. 
Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb Company, a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. employs more than 400 people across the country. For more information, please visit https://www.bms.com/ca/en.

About Bristol Myers Squibb 
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. 

Celgene and Juno Therapeutics are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bristol Myers Squibb Company. In certain countries outside the U.S., due to local laws, Celgene and Juno Therapeutics are referred to as, Celgene, a Bristol Myers Squibb company and Juno Therapeutics, a Bristol Myers Squibb company.

References:

SOURCE Bristol-Myers Squibb

A Plus Creative Inc.: Helping Kids Feel the Love, Stay Connected

Using Technology to Face the Challenges of COVID-19

TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2020 /CNW/ - A Plus Creative, a Toronto digital ad agency, is spearheading a fundraising campaign in support of SickKids Foundation called Feel the Love, Stay Connected. The goal is to help kids stay digitally connected to their loved ones from the hospital, when they can't be face to face.

Today's new world and social isolation is tough, especially for children who find themselves in the hospital. Kids thrive on human connection and the feeling of love. Anastasia Adani, President and Chief Creative of A Plus Creative, worked with physicians at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and her own team to come up with a creative solution. "We want children to stay connected to their families," says Adani. "Our goal is to raise funds to purchase computer tablets for SickKids. We are excited and encourage everyone to join us!" 

SickKids is a world-class paediatric teaching hospital dedicated to improving children's health. It is affiliated with the University of Toronto and remains Canada's leader in paediatric care. SickKids performs about 13,000 operations every year. 

The Feel the Love, Stay Connected campaign has the potential to help many children during the current COVID-19 crisis and well beyond it. Lisa Walker, Manager Cause Marketing for SickKids Foundation, recognizes its value. "We rely on generous support from the community and are grateful to A Plus Creative for their commitment to our causes. The funds raised from this initiative will help SickKids provide technology to help keep patients and families connected and engaged during this challenging time," says Walker. 

The campaign is about one-quarter of the way to meeting its goal of $30,000, and A Plus invites all Canadians to participate. 100% of donations go to SickKids Foundation. Donations are requested at https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/page/apluscreative.

When it comes to stepping up for local communities in need, A Plus continues to find ways to be a difference maker.  

Please watch these short videos: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DVkDF9Pu1-s&feature=emb_logo 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tBc7myL7e4&feature=youtu.be

About A Plus Creative:
A Plus Creative is a leading digital advertising agency in Toronto. They create high volume, rich-media omni-channel content that connects with customers on an emotional level and drives business results. They are creative partners with many of Canada's best companies. Since COVID-19's arrival, the A Plus team has been actively seeking out local community initiatives to support, such as CAMH, Feed Ontario and The Angel Project. For more information, contact info@apluscreative.ca or visit https://www.apluscreative.ca/.

SOURCE A Plus Creative Inc.

AMD Global Telemedicine and ITelemed announce new business partnership

LONDON, ON, Aug. 11, 2020 /CNW/ - iTelemed a London, Ontario based provider of Virtual Healthcare solutions is proud to announce its partnership with AMD Global Telemedicine, a Chelmsford, Massachusetts based provider of Digital and telehealth technology solutions worldwide. 

This partnership arrives at a time when Canada is most in need of support for its marginalized populations within Congregate living facilities during the Covid19 pandemic. This partnership is being backed by the creation of a full training program and accreditation support through Fanshawe College Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) which will bring the needed infrastructure support to Canada's evolving Digital Health Ecosystem. AMD Global Telemedicine brings world class support and business experience to this relationship and is committed to supporting and developing growth and solutions with Canadian-based innovation and Canadian-based economic development within the Ecosystem being supported by this deal. 

ITelemed has been innovating within the public-funded Healthcare space and believes virtual healthcare should be accessible to all Canadians, most importantly to medically fragile and marginalized individuals. AMD Global Telemedicine is a strong partner with robust infrastructure supports and has a similar passion and proven record for reaching marginalized and remote populations. AMD's proven solutions with  software platform "AGNES", integration with peripherals and interoperability within EHRs will provide incredible telemedicine technology support to Canada's newly developing Digital Health Ecosystem. ITelemed in partnership with Fanshawe CTS will bring robust training and support required for the iTelemed Mobile Virtual Medical Kits that will be accredited and quickly replicated across Canada to support the fight on Covid19.

We are excited to announce this partnership for two reasons:

1. Covid19 has been particularly hard upon individuals within congregate living facilities and the iTelemed MVM kits are an immediate solution to bring virtual "care in place" to these settings. This solution is now being backed by AMD Global Telemedicine resource supports and ability to scale across Canada for the fight on Covid19.

2. This partnership brings together Canadian iTelemed Innovation, Canadian based Fanshawe College training and development supported by US based AMD Global Telemedicine technology and infrastructure support. This partnership is not just a win-win for the partners involved, but a win-win for Canada in growing local and national economies around Digital Healthcare provision of service, infrastructure support and job metrics, research and training for new models of healthcare, innovation and technologic design between Canada and international corporations such as AMD.

ABOUT iTelemed: ITelemed/ CTG is a full solution Software, Hardware, Tech Support and training providers, connecting Patients with Physicians, Care givers & Providers remotely. We fully enable Doctors to remotely care for patients, whether from our physical locations or home offices.

CTG is OTN registered provider of Telemedicine services in Ontario.

Our Corporate vision:  

-Patient Centered Healthcare

-Innovative Healthcare Accessibility

-Providers efficiency and Experience

About AMD Global Telemedicine:

AMD Global Telemedicine has been a pioneer of Telemedicine and an industry leader in telehealth solutions for the last 30 years. As AMD's mission has grown over the years to positively impact healthcare delivery using the latest advancements in digital technology, their range of products and solutions have evolved. AMD's telehealth solutions include software platforms, integrated medical devices, and telemedicine bundled kits that empower healthcare providers to deliver the highest possible level of care to any patient, anywhere, regardless of the circumstances.  

About Fanshawe CTS

Fanshawe CTS provides training and business solutions across a wide variety of industries including Business, Transportation, Healthcare, and Trades and Technology. Workshops and course are available online, in class, or in a blended format and are customized to meet your specific needs and goals. Servicing London and Southwestern Ontario visit FanshaweC.ca/CTS to learn more.

SOURCE Itelemed