Eradicating disease: Scientists trace and identify origin of smallpox-vaccine strains used in Civil War

PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2020 — Scientists and historians working at the Mütter Museum’s Mütter Research Institute, McMaster University, and the University of Sydney have pieced together centuries-old virus genomes that were used as vaccination strains during and after the American Civil War, ultimately leading to the eradication of smallpox.

Smallpox was one of the most devastating viral diseases ever to strike humankind, killing about three out of every 10 people who were infected with children often hit hardest. Those who survived were frequently disabled, blind or disfigured. 

To date, the smallpox-eradication campaign remains the most successful ever attempted. Earlier this summer, while we awaited a much needed vaccine for COVID-19 (May 2020), the World Health Organization ‘celebrated’ the 40^th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox. The success of the smallpox-vaccination campaign and the findings of these scientists suggest that other vaccines may be waiting to be discovered among the viral relatives of today’s influenza and coronaviruses.

The concept of widespread vaccination dates back to 1796, when English physician Edward Jenner, known for his remarkable contributions to medicine, observed that exposure to a milder illness thought to be transferred from cows with a similar pox-like illness on their udders (called cowpox), to milkmaids, offered protection against future exposure to smallpox outbreaks.   

The method and source material used for early smallpox-vaccinations remained unstandardized for over a century. While this “cowpox” is often referenced as the source of the first vaccination, little had been known about the specific origins and diversity of the virus strains used in early smallpox vaccination programs

For their study, outlined in the journal Genome Biology, the researchers used sophisticated techniques developed at the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre to reconstruct and analyze the genomes of virus fragments recovered from vaccination kits used during the Civil War era. 

The kits, part of a medical collection at the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, contained lancets and small glass plates for mixing fluid for vaccines that had been collected from blisters of deliberately infected subjects, and tin boxes with sliding lids to contain scab material.

The techniques used in this paper resulted in the successful recovery of viral molecules from both organic sources, such as scab material, but also from the non-destructive sampling of inorganic materials, such as tin boxes and glass slides, that had no evidence of organic residues. This finding opens a new possible field of study into medical history through the non-destructive examination of materials previously associated with biological samples.

The researchers were able to determine that in the 1860s and 1870s, medical practitioners in Philadelphia were using a vaccinia virus strain that was being propagated in female subjects of European maternal ancestry. The milder relative of the deadly smallpox pathogen was introduced into the body, usually by applying pus or scabs to a scratch or cut in the skin, where it helped recipients develop immunity to smallpox.

One of the overriding concerns about vaccine design, is how close – from an evolutionary standpoint – the vaccine strain needs to be the one causing disease to be effective, that is to prevent illness. Here, interestingly the vaccinia strains used for vaccination are in fact very distantly related to the virus that causes smallpox. The slow mutation rate of orthopox viruses (of which both vaccinia and variola are members) likely allows for this ‘distant’ protection.

“Understanding the history, the evolution, and the ways in which these viruses can function as vaccines is hugely important in contemporary times,” says evolutionary geneticist Hendrik Poinar, who is director of the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, where the work was done, and a principal investigator at the university’s Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. 

“This work points to the importance of looking at the diversity of these vaccine strains found out in the wild. We don’t know how many could provide cross protection from a wide range of viruses, such as flus or coronaviruses,” he says.

“Vaccination is a wonderful process with a rich medical history that we should celebrate,” says Ana Duggan, a former postdoc in the Department of Anthropology at McMaster and currently a Research Biologist at the Public Healthy Agency of Canada who was lead researcher on the study. “Medical museums are these incredible repositories of our past and of our collective history. With the tools described herein we can begin to interrogate how sources, procedures and techniques changed through time.

Canadians turn to self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic and want more support and information to continue managing their health in the future

OTTAWA, ON, July 20, 2020 /CNW/ - In a recent survey, Canadians were asked about the management of their health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including their self-care activities and viewpoints. Self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider. Approximately half of survey respondents have missed an in-person appointment with a doctor due to the COVID-19 pandemic response measures. Of those, more than 2/3 practiced a range of self-care activities-- 12% of respondents took care of the problem themselves, another 53% used virtual care services, and 7% sought a pharmacist's advice.

Further, more than half of those who managed their health conditions themselves during the pandemic were satisfied with the results, and more than half of those who used virtual care would do so again even after the pandemic is over. As a result, more than 50% of Canadians are now more interested in finding ways to practice self-care at home.

The survey conducted by Redfern Research and commissioned by Consumer Health Products Canada in May 2020, asked more than 2000 Canadians about how they were getting informed and treating their health since COVID-19 measures began across Canada in mid-March.

This research found that 96% of respondents find life different since mid-March. These differences include both positive and negative lifestyle impacts. Following public health advice, 90% of Canadians now wash their hands more. At the same time, while spending more time at home, 34% of Canadians say that their mental health is worse than before the pandemic began, 37% have been exercising less, 34% are eating more, and, of those who smoke or drink alcohol, more than 25% said they were doing so more since COVID-19 measures began. 

Additionally, Canadians are seeking more information about their health, with approximately 40% saying they have looked for more information on how to protect themselves from COVID-19 as well as treat common ailments they experienced since the pandemic response began. The main sources of that information included TV or radio news, provincial governments, family members, the federal government, and friends, with around 1 in 4 Canadians seeking information from health professionals, and 12% using Telehealth or other call-in services.

Finally, on government information about the pandemic, an average of more than 90% of respondents find information from all levels of government – federal, provincial, and municipal - on the outbreak useful. At the same time, 64% say that, in general, information about COVID-19 has been inconsistent or confusing.

On the survey, Karen Proud, President of CHP Canada, notes: "Supporting Canadians in their efforts to care for themselves and their loved ones at home has never been more important."

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the interest of Canadians in their health and motivated them to practice a range of self-care activities, including virtual care and consultation with pharmacists, to replace in-person visits to the doctor and treat health issues.  The pandemic has reinforced the importance of responding to the needs of Canadians caring for themselves and those they love.  

ABOUT CONSUMER HEALTH PRODUCTS CANADA

CHP Canada is the industry association representing the companies making evidence-based over-the-counter medicines and natural health products. These are the products you can find in medicine cabinets in every Canadian home.

SOURCE Consumer Health Products Canada/CHP Canada

Forget Dieting! ̶ Offers 6 Takeaways Needed To Improve Health And Lose Weight Without Extreme Exercise!

Los Angeles, CA, July 20, 2020 ̶ COVID-19 is a wake-up call! Now more than ever, health and weight are major factors in your ability to combat any virus. Today, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. are dieting; yet we’re getting sicker and fatter. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are rampant—simply because we don’t understand how to properly fuel our body. In her new book, Forget Dieting!: It’s All About Data-Driven Fueling!(Rowman & Littlefield), Candice Rosen, R.N., MSW, Certified Health Counselor and author, shares a science-based, precision nutrition plan designed to reverse aging and improve health…permanently. Rosen, who just turned 66, reveals how she used a glucometer to register the data from her body, which helped her to lose 36 pounds over 12 years ago without any vigorous workouts or any weight gain—ever. Now, you too can keep trim and improve your health. Here are 6 tips you’ll learn in Forget Dieting!:

1. Avoid the Hospital. The majority of COVID deaths occur in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Age was not the only contributing issue in the mortality numbers of the elderly; they too had pre-existing conditions. A lifestyle that helps you prevent or reverse non-communicable diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, low testosterone, renal issues, some cancers, and more … is not that difficult to envelop.

2. Embrace Food Combining. By combining specific foods and avoiding others will lower blood sugar spikes that put your pancreas and other organs on overload. Would you ever put a milkshake in the gas tank of your car? No! So why feed your body non-nutrient foods that compromise its ability to work efficiently, burn calories and keep you healthy?

3.  Use a Glucometer. Rosen wants every household to keep a glucometer next to their thermometer. By testing your blood glucose level, you won’t need to second-guess your food intake; your body will register what’s right and wrong based on the blood glucose levels 90 minutes after you eat a meal or a snack. Rosen says, “Why follow another person’s universal diet, when your body will give you all the answers you need?”

4. Your Mouth Is Not Supposed to Have a Party at Every Meal! Don’t eat as if every meal is your last. It’s all about fueling your body/organic machine. Give it something to work with: wholesome, nutritious, responsibly grown, pancreatic-friendly foods.

5. Avoid dairy or significantly reduce your consumption. Dairy is highly inflammatory and  is actually linked to increased rates of osteoporosis in women. 

6. Make Wednesdays and Fridays Vegan Days. Reduce your consumption of animal protein to benefit your health and reduce animal suffering (think factory farming), and have a positive impact on the environment.

Author Candice P. Rosen, RN, MSW, CHC, lives in Los Angeles. She’s a founding member, its first executive director and program director at Gilda’s Club (Chicago), where she created and coordinated a diverse array of wellness-related programs. She was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley to serve as Chair of Healthcare Initiatives for Chicago’s Sister Cities International Program (CSCIP). Rosen advocated for preventive medicine, improved maternal and infant healthcare, disability access, nutrition, and illuminated the obesity and diabetes epidemics. She is married, has four adult children and one granddaughter. For more information: www.candicerosenrn.com.  

Rowman and Littlefield

Release Date: July 2020

Hardcover / $30.00

ISBN: 978-1-5381-3149-7

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Just In Time For Christmas In July: A Santa Tale With A Modern Twist 

New York, NY, July 20, 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 34^th 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.  

The Naughty List

Publisher: Skylands Publishing House

ISBN-10: 1734123400 

ISBN-13: 978-1734123401

Available from Amazon.com

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The Buddha And The Badass Helps Us Change How We Work From The Inside Out In The Future

San Francisco, CA, July 20, 2020 - Millions of employees are facing massive challenges in 2020 due to COVID-19, resulting in real transformations in the way we view the traditional workplace. In the wake of the current social climate, these monumental shifts not only incorporate the way we work, but also how large corporations are exhibiting leadership and supporting growth for employees. Vishen Lakhiani, New York Timesbestselling author and founder of leading personal growth company, is joining the conversation by sharing his wisdom and learnings from his second book, The Buddha and The Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work (Rodale Books).

The average person in the developed world spends 70 percent of their waking hours at work and is miserable for most of those hours. Lakhiani's ‘bible for changing the nature of work’ has already hit the New York Times bestseller list, debuting at No. 9 on the ‘Advice/How to list’, and is completely disrupting our most deeply-held career beliefs and the myth that hard work and hustle are the paths to success. The only way to make a tangible difference is to break free from traditional ways of thinking and embrace today's workplace evolution. 

“This book is about the way we work today—because the way we work is utterly broken. But let me warn you that this book is not about business in any conventional sense. It’s about transforming the way you work from the inside out—and how that internal change can ripple out to your world . . . I’d like it to be the bible for changing the nature of work,” -says Lakhiani.

The book illustrates the need to rethink the tired daily routine and redefine our attitudes by learning to awaken the Buddha mindset—the model of the spiritual master, and the Badass mindset—the inner changemaker seeking to make a significant impact on improving the lives of others. If readers integrate the critical skill sets of each powerful archetype, they will begin to work from a space of purpose and prosperity and make conscious shifts in the ways they approach work.

Whether you are an entrepreneur growing your own business or striving to strengthen your leadership skills, The Buddha and The Badass will shake up those old belief systems about the common career approach to help readers achieve the ultimate goal of an extraordinary work-life balance. For more on the book and to get a copy, please visit www.mindvalley.com. Those who pre-ordered the book gain access to live coaching sessions with Lakhiani and are enrolled in ‘Be Extraordinary at Work,’ one of Mindvalley’s top programs for corporate culture. 

About the Author:

Vishen Lakhiani is one of today’s most influential minds in the fields of personal growth and human consciousness. He is the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, the world’s leading online personal growth education company, and behind several top-ranking health and wellness apps. He is also a New York Times bestselling author of The Code of The Extraordinary Mind, which peaked at number one globally on Amazon five times in 2017 and has been translated into more than 25 languages. With an incredible passion and drive to unite humanity and challenge the status quo, he has built a movement of growth-seekers, spanning 195 countries, engaging more than 15 million followers on social media, and half-a-million students online each year. Vishen is focused on expanding Mindvalley's global presence by bringing its teachers, technology and programs into 100 national school systems and every company in the Fortune 500 over the next decade. On June 9, 2020, Rodale Books published his latest bestselling book The Buddha and The Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work.

The Buddha and The Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work

Rodale Books

Hardcover

ISBN: 9781984823397 

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Welcome back to to The Train It Right Life! On todays episode I discuss The Battlefield Of Your Mind, How To Quit Anything Bad For You and MEN! Give the podcast a review and some stars! Hope you all enjoy! Have a great week!

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How to Ensure Better Health During At-Home Workouts

Working-out on a regular basis can have exceptional health benefits. If you're going to be committed to working-out every day, though, it's important to do so in a way that helps prevent potential health concerns so that the benefits are maximized. By making some changes to your workout routine, you will be well on your way to good overall fitness without any setbacks. To help you get started on this quest, here are a few ways that you can ensure better health during at-home workouts.

Don't Get Dehydrated

Though it's easy to be on alert for dehydration when you're exercising outside, it can be far easier to let your guard down when you're working-out at home. During intense physical exertion, though, dehydration is a risk no matter where that exertion takes place. Therefore, it's important to have a steady water supply in the room where you do your workouts so that you always remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid Contact with Others

Though a home gym is a great way to avoid unnecessary contact with others, you could still risk illness if you have a personal trainer coming to your home. To help avoid this risk, you can take part in virtual sessions to allow trainers, physicians, and other health professionals give you tips on how to take care of yourself. This allows you to get the expert advice you need without putting you or others at risk.

Proper Stretching

When you're in a hurry, stretching before a workout can seem like a waste of time. This is especially true when you're at home, since no one is there to critique your workout routine. It's vital, though, that you always spend a few minutes stretching before you begin your workout to ensure that you don't injure your body. It's also important that you stretch for a few minutes after your workout before you go on to your next task around your home. If you do experience a strain or injury, you can use telehealth  services to get the injury assessed. This will help you get back on your feet and working out again in no time.

Ensure Good Air Quality

If the air in your home is of poor quality, then working-out at home could put your health at risk. If there are volatile organic compounds, mildew, or other potentially harmful substances in the air, the extra breathing you do during a workout will amplify their effects in your body. Therefore, it's a good idea to have your air quality tested by an HVAC company to identify and correct any possible issues. This will ensure you're always breathing clean and healthy air during your workouts.Since there are fewer people to hold you accountable, it's easier to have "cheat days" when you're working-out at home. If you want to reach your fitness goals, though, you have to be just as diligent as you would be in a traditional gym. Keep your eye on the prize and you will amaze 

4 Ways to Care for Your Body for Better Athletic Performance 

Athletes spend a lot of time training in order to improve their performance. However, training is not the only thing that you can do to get the most out of your athletic performance. Taking care of your body will help you improve your performance. There are several things that you can do in order to take care of your body.

Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are just as important as your training regimen. If you over-train and do not get enough rest, then it will likely have an adverse effect on your performance. You will need to have at least one rest day a week to let your body catch up to all of the muscle strain you put it through. You will also need to fuel your body properly after you work out. Eat plenty of protein and drink water after you work out. Of course, on rest days, it still is helpful to do some basic stretches to avoid stiffness from the week’s workouts.

Eat Enough Carbs

You have probably been told that you should limit your intake. However, carbohydrates are a great fuel source. You should get 50 to 60 percent of your calories from carbohydrates. You should get your carbs from healthy sources, such as sweet potatoes, bananas, whole grains, and apples. Eating these at the beginning and middle of the day will help you maintain a high level of energy that will sustain you through your athletic endeavors.

Get the Proper Amount of Sleep

Many athletes make the mistake of treating sleep like it is a luxury. However, sleep deprivation can hinder your athletic performance. You should try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. This allows your body to heal itself and build up the muscle tissue that you worked for during the day. It also helps rejuvenate your mind and solidify new exercise habits you have been practicing.

If you have trouble getting the proper amount of sleep at night, then you can take a nap during the day. While it’s best to be consistent in your sleep schedule, a quick 20-minute nap can help when you are feeling overly fatigued in your mind and body.

Get Professional Help

Even if you have been an athlete for a long time, you can still benefit by getting professional help. Nutritional experts like those in 7 Plan Coaching can help you bridge nutritional gaps between what you are eating and what you should be eating for your personal goals. Not only can getting professional help make it easier for you to find a healthy balance in your diet, but it can also help ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for your particular lifestyle.

Quality Over Quantity

The amount of time that you spend working out is not as important as what you do while you are working out. You should focus on proper form while you are working out. You will get better results and reduce your chances of getting injured. Always incorporate warm ups, cool down time, and a wide variety of exercises to keep your whole body fit and loose during your workouts.

Keeping your body healthy is one of the keys to improving your athletic performance. You should take the time to rest and recover. You should also get guidance from a professional. Eating enough carbs and getting enough sleep will also improve your performance. Additionally, you should prioritize quality over quantity while you are working out.

STATEMENT FROM OMA - Opening of Indoor Bars in Ontario Potential Risk

TORONTO, July 17, 2020 /CNW/ - As some areas of the province move towards Stage 3 of reopening this Friday, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is calling on government to rethink opening indoor bars. 

Reopening the economy is important for Ontarians' financial, social and developmental needs. At the same time reopening is not an all or nothing situation.  A balanced approach that considers the risk of disease transmission in different settings is essential to ensure a successful reopening that keeps safety a top priority.

"The evidence from other jurisdictions is that the reopening of bars carries significant risk," said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "When people consume alcohol, inhibitions are lowered, making them much less likely to practise physical distancing, proper masking behaviours and good hand hygiene. Indoor locations with decreased air ventilation present a particularly high risk of transmission."  

In recent weeks coronavirus outbreaks tied to indoor bars have been occurring around the world with recent examples in Spain, England and the United States. Here in Canada, we have seen a spike in cases in Montreal many of which can be traced back to bars. New cases linked to bars have jumped from 30 to 45 in one day and that number is expected to rise. 

These outbreaks have led to tougher restrictions and in some cases lockdowns being imposed. It is important to note that in many of these cases, the bars were following public safety guidelines and yet transmission still occurred. If people are attending bars it is imperative that they continue to employ social distancing measures. 

"We know how important reopening is for business and Ontario's economy and we strongly urge the government to learn from other jurisdiction's mistakes when it comes to reopening bars," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "We need to keep moving forward but caution is needed as we can't afford another full lockdown."

The OMA recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 self-isolate and get tested.

In May, the OMA released a white paper – Reopening Ontario to a 'New Normal': Five Public Health Pillars for a Safe Return– that set out a series of increased public health measures to be put in place for the province to reopen safely.

About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.