Building A Stronger Immune System Through The Healthy And Scrumptious Recipes In My Pinewood Kitchen
Nashville, TN, July 14, 2020 ̶ ̶ Mee McCormick understands only too well the importance of healthy food, having watched her single mother suffer with a host of debilitating auto-immune diseases, some of which she inherited, that led her to make the decision in her mid-twenties to change her own fate. Today, chef and author Mee McCormick is an expert who healed herself of Crohn's disease, gut issues, and other immune system challenges with whole food recipes when doctors couldn't help her.
Offering microbiome-friendly meals with a Southern spin, My Pinewood Kitchen: A Southern Culinary Cure, is a follow-up cookbook 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. With over 130 mouthwatering, whole food recipes that can be customized for Keto, Paleo, or vegans, it truly is an "all-inclusive" eating plan for everyone in the family.
From smoothies, soups and salads, to dinners and desserts, every recipe in the book is gluten-free and gut-friendly. 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
The way we talk about contagion matters. It shapes how societies respond—and whether many of us will survive.
“Paradigms—the obscure, unspoken conceptual frameworks that shape our ideas—are powerful. They bring order and understanding to our observations about the messy, changing world around us,” writes Shah. “But paradigms blind us, too, as during the cholera pandemics of the 19th century, elevating certain narratives and serving particular interests, sometimes to our peril.”
“Six months into our current pandemic, hype and desperate anticipation surround the development of drugs and vaccines. But with treatments and vaccines still months away, the fact is that we must face SARS-Cov-2—as well as the next coronavirus, influenza virus, or other novel pathogen—bereft of medical weaponry. Our only hope to stave off the worst damage is to alter our behaviors to reduce opportunities for the pathogen to spread.”
“It’s time for a new story, one that more accurately captures the reality of how contagions unfold and why. In this story, pandemics would be cast as both a biological reality and a social phenomenon shaped by human agency. And the coronavirus, if cast as any kind of monster at all, would be a Frankenstein’s monster: a creature of our own making. We, after all, created the world in which SARS-Cov-2 evolved, one in which our industry has swallowed up so much of the planet that microbes from wild animals easily slip into livestock and humans. We created the society of overcrowded prisons and nursing homes staffed by underpaid employees who must work in multiple facilities to make ends meet; in which employers force their workers to labor on meatpacking lines even if they’re sick; in which asylum seekers are crammed into detention centers; and in which people living in hard-hit cities like Detroit lack access to clean water with which to wash their hands.”
Read in full. This article appears on the cover of the July 27/August 3, 2020, edition of The Nation magazine, out now. Complimentary media log-ins or PDFs available upon request. Shah is available for select interviews.
ABOUT: Sonia Shah is a science journalist and the author of PANDEMIC: Tracking Contagion from Cholera to Ebola and Beyond (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2016). Her fifth book, The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and Terror of Life on the Move, was published in June. Her previous reporting on the novel coronavirus for The Nation includes “How Trump Is Going to Get Away With a Pandemic,” which reported the ways in which the Trump administration cooked the data to hide the extent of the coronavirus outbreak and, in February, “Think Exotic Animals Are to Blame for the Coronavirus? Think Again.,” which explained how human assaults on the environment and the accelerating pace of habitat loss are the root of our growing vulnerability to pandemics.
Founded by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has chronicled the breadth and depth of political and cultural life from the debut of the telegraph to the rise of Twitter, serving as a critical, independent, and progressive voice in American journalism.
St. Jude-WHO Influenza Expert Warns Utilizing “Life-Saving Flu Vaccine is Critical Now More than Ever”
As CDC Boosts Flu Vaccines for Upcoming Season, Dr. Richard Webby Implores Americans to Utilize Critical Flu Vaccine as Soon as Available
MEMPHIS, TENN. – As infectious disease experts fear a respiratory illness season with a potential collision of influenza and COVID,Dr. Richard Webby, a member of the Infectious Diseases Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Composition Team, is imploring the public to take advantage of this year’s flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
“With the potential for an unprecedented collision of COVID-19 and influenza during this year’s flu season, the life-saving flu vaccine is critical now more than ever,” said Dr. Richard Webby of St. Jude who is part of the select group of scientists that helps advise the World Health Organization on the makeup of each year’s flu vaccine. “There is a reduction in flu surveillance in some regions because a lot of the public health resources are being dedicated to fighting the COVID pandemic, but we can’t afford to be lax about the potential impact of the upcoming flu season.
Dr. Webby continued, “Don’t wait for reports of a spike in the influenza virus before taking advantage of the flu vaccine, a critical public health tool. Instead, the American people should prepare early and get the flu shot as soon as it is available this season.” “As many of the symptoms of flu and COVID are the same, a flu outbreak will very much complicate our efforts to contain the pandemic coronavirus”.
Researchers are in the process of developing a new, dual test that would be able to simultaneously detect both the influenza and COVID-19 virus at the same time. Dr. Webby, a part of the WHO team responsible for accessing the requirements for the flu vaccine each year supports that effort.
“Given the strain on public health resources in the age of COVID, a dual test would allow for us to essentially test for flu and maintain flu surveillance, while at the same time checking for COVID. In a time of strained resources, the development of a dual test would be a major public health benefit,” concluded Dr. Webby.
Forget Dieting! ̶ Offers6 Takeaways Needed To Improve Health And Lose Weight Without Extreme Exercise!
Los Angeles, CA, July 15, 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.
Low Dog, Bland, and Pizzorno join Fullscript's Medical Advisory Board
Fullscript announces its new Medical Advisory Board and six integrative medicine pioneers as its first members. The board will help shape the company and support the medical community.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Fullscript announces the Fullscript Medical Advisory Board. Composed of six healthcare visionaries, the new advisory board will provide strategic direction for the organization, helping develop new product lines, treatment focuses, platform features, and more. The board will also support the medical community with exclusive, innovative educational content.
Introducing its members:
Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD, CNS
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND
Dr. Robin Berzin, MD
Dr. Cheng Ruan, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Gladd, MD
Though advisory boards are commonplace in the industry, the Fullscript Medical Advisory Board remains unique. Its degree of medical insight and expertise is only acquired through decades of sustained innovation and practical experience. Each member brings exceptional knowledge, achievements, and acumen that will inspire innovation at Fullscript and in integrative medicine.
Fullscript Chief Medical Officer and Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Jeffrey Gladd, MD had this to say, "It's an honor and pleasure to work alongside such prominent figures in both the scientific and business fields of medicine. On behalf of myself and all of Fullscript, we are eager to learn from such legendary innovators and share their knowledge with practitioners."
The board will meet with Fullscript's leadership team on a regular basis, providing guidance on platform direction, education, business development, logistics, and more broadly, how Fullscript can best serve the healthcare community.
Composed of pioneering academics and innovative entrepreneurs, the board's understanding of the 'what', 'why', and 'how' at the point of care is unmatched. Fullscript is thrilled to harness their knowledge for the betterment of its platform and the medical world.
Fullscript is the ultimate free platform for those who want to do wellness the right way — the personal way — from anywhere. This virtual dispensary has the most comprehensive catalog, integrates with EHRs, automates refill reminders, and offers evidence-based resources. It's an always-accessible solution that helps people get better.
SOURCE Fullscript
Medicago begins Phase I clinical trials for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate
First doses administered to human volunteers
QUEBEC CITY, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, began Phase I clinical trials for its plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate yesterday, administering the first doses in healthy human volunteers. Medicago is also planning a Phase 2/3 trial to be initiated this October.
"We are thrilled to see our COVID-19 vaccine candidate enter the Phase 1 trial, and we look forward to obtaining safety and immunogenicity results in October," said Nathalie Landry, Executive Vice-President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at Medicago. "Our progress continues to demonstrate the value of Medicago's unique plant-based vaccine technology."
The Phase I clinical trial is a randomized, partially blinded study of 180 normal healthy subjects, male and female aged 18-55, and will evaluate dosages of 3.75, 7.5 or 15 micrograms of the recombinant Coronavirus Virus-Like Particle (CoVLP) vaccine candidate alone or with an adjuvant in a prime-boost regimen. Medicago will be testing its vaccine candidate with two adjuvants separately – GSK's proprietary pandemic adjuvant technology and Dynavax's CpG 1018™. An adjuvant can be of particular importance in a pandemic situation as it may boost the immune response and reduce the amount of antigen required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect the greatest number of people.
Medicago's innovative platform and plant-based manufacturing technology is helping to diversify the pool of COVID-19 vaccines in development.
"Creating a sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines within the next year is a challenge which will require multiple approaches, with different technologies," said Dr. Bruce Clark, President and CEO of Medicago. "Our proven plant-based technology is capable of contributing to the collective solution to this public health emergency."
Medicago expects to be able to manufacture approximately 100 million doses by the end of 2021. By the end of 2023, the construction of Medicago's large-scale facility in Quebec City, Canada, will be completed. It is anticipated that this commercial facility will have the capacity to produce up to 1 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine annually.
Medicago is the only company with plant-based manufacturing technology that has completed Phase III clinical trials (with its quadrivalent VLP influenza vaccine candidate) and pandemic Phase II clinical trials (with its H1N1 pandemic vaccine candidate). The company's first New Drug Submission for its seasonal recombinant quadrivalent VLP vaccine for active immunization against influenza in adults (18-64 years), is currently under review by Health Canada following the completion of a robust safety and efficacy clinical program in over 25,000 subjects.
In addition to its clinical development capabilities, Medicago has also demonstrated its capacity to produce a large amount of vaccines in a short period of time, with the production in 2012 of 10 million doses of monovalent pandemic influenza H1N1 vaccines in one month for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Medicago's plant-based platform
The company uses a proprietary plant-based technology to develop vaccines and protein-based therapeutics. Unlike traditional vaccination development, Medicago does not use animal products or live viruses to create its products. Instead, it uses Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) that mimic the shape and dimensions of a virus, which allows the body to recognize them and create an immune response in a non-infectious way. Clinical trial data suggest that VLPs have a multi-modal mechanism of action that is different from that of inactivated vaccines, activating both arms of the immune system – antibody and cell-mediated responses.
Medicago's proprietary technology is rapid, versatile, and scalable. As soon as the genetic sequence of a virus is made available, Medicago can develop a clinical-grade vaccine candidate in only a few weeks. Its recombinant technology allows the production of a vaccine that precisely matches the circulating strains, such as in the case of seasonal influenza. The technology is easily scalable, allowing the company to increase volume of production by simply increasing the number of plants it uses.
Facilities
Medicago is headquartered in Quebec City, Canada, and plans to produce COVID-19 vaccines in its manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina (USA) and in its Quebec pilot plant. A new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is under construction in Quebec City, and is planned to have the capacity to deliver up to 1 billion COVID-19 vaccines annually.
About Medicago
Medicago is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City with productions sites in Quebec, Canada and Durham, North Carolina, USA. Medicago's mission is to improve global health outcomes by leveraging innovative plant-based technologies for rapid responses to emerging global health challenges. Medicago is committed to advancing therapeutics against life-threatening diseases worldwide.
Recent Studies Indicate Brain Training May Provide New Path to Treat Mental Illness
(SAN FRANCISO) Three recently published studies add significant new evidence that brain training exercises may provide a new path for treating schizophrenia – one of the most challenging and costly forms of mental illness to treat. All three studies used brain exercises from Posit Science, the maker of BrainHQ exercises and assessments.
As published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, the TRuSST Study found that a remotely-administered computerized intervention can improve social cognition in people with schizophrenia. The researchers randomized 147 patients at medical centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis into an intervention group training on game-like brain exercises from Posit Science and a control group training on computer games, such as crossword puzzles and solitaire. The study found that training on the exercises for only 28 hours over the course of 3 months significantly improved performance on standard assessments of social cognition, as compared to the control group.
Deficits in social cognition – the cognitive abilities needed to recognize social cues and to successfully interact with others – are a common symptom of schizophrenia that complicate the treatment, relationships and lives of people with schizophrenia. While there is a widely-recognized link between such deficits and poor functional outcomes and illness measures for this population, the researchers note that “no effective treatment for these deficits is applied as a standard of care.”
The researchers reported that, to their knowledge, this is the first study of online training with an active control to show improvement in social cognition, and the largest such study conducted with a remote intervention. The study did not show a significant difference in a functional performance primary measure (which did not target social cognition). However, it did show a significant improvement on a secondary functional measure, which measured the speed and accuracy of activities in a virtual environment.
“To develop these social cognition training exercises, we analyzed a tremendous amount of prior research about how the brain processes social information,” said Dr. Mor Nahum, who led the study while at Posit Science. “It turns out that social cognition requires fast and accurate brain information processing – so we developed exercises that trained the brain to process social stimuli, like faces and emotions, quickly and accurately.”
Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, added “We then realized that nearly all of us can benefit from being better in social situations – quickly and accurately reading facial expressions, recognizing people, and recalling facts about them – and decided to include several of these exercises in the commercial version of BrainHQ, under the category People Skills.”
Another study conducted in Brazil and published in Schizophrenia Bulletin compared two groups using different exercises in BrainHQ. One group did visual exercises, while the other did auditory exercises for 40 hours of training over the course of 2-4 months. The researchers found both groups improved in reasoning, problem-solving and reported symptoms, while the visual training group also improved in global cognition and attention, as compared to the auditory group.
Conference, researchers at UCLA compared the effect of using BrainHQ alone to the effect of combining the use BrainHQ with an aerobic exercise program. They found that both groups showed cognitive gains and work/school functioning gains. Intriguingly, the gains were about three times as large when aerobic exercise sessions were added, and those that actually did more of the assigned aerobic exercise showed the largest gains.
“This trio of recent studies adds nicely to dozens of prior journal articles in populations with schizophrenia using these exercises,” observed Dr. Mahncke. “Overall, they make a case that the future for schizophrenia treatment will involve pharmaceuticals in combination with evidence-based cognitive training programs. Treatment standards in schizophrenia are ripe for update – in fact, the American Psychiatric Association’s 2019 draft of new consensus clinical guidelines recommend that patients with schizophrenia receive cognitive remediation.”
Canadian companies join forces to test shared spaces for COVID-19 and build public confidence
New company brings together rapid-testing technology with building-design expertise
GUELPH, ON, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - As North America cautiously reopens, two Guelph, Ontario-based firms have launched a COVID-19-testing and health-protection service to keep operations in shared spaces running—and the people within them feeling safe.
Songbird Life Science combines the unmatched understanding of ventilation, air flows and pathogen spread from RWDI, world-class engineers in building science, and Purity-IQ, renowned scientists in DNA and genomics. With experience working in a variety of industries, including offices, airports, manufacturing, healthcare, food production, and more, Songbird understands the unique needs of different facilities and environments.
With rapid on-site testing that provides results in minutes, Songbird Life Science is a turnkey service with capabilities to accurately identify COVID-19 on surfaces and in humans. Testing for COVID-19 in the air is in current R&D.
In emergency on-site COVID-19 incidents, Songbird supports facilities with immediate testing and containment solutions. For ongoing risk prevention and spread, Songbird consultants develop practical, preventative plans customized to the specifics of the space.
Many facilities have introduced measures such as physical spacing, temperature checks, deep cleaning and PPE. These are essential steps, but science shows us that more is needed: Only DNA-based testing can accurately detect viruses even in asymptomatic carriers; conventional solutions ship test swabs to facilities where untrained staff must deploy them properly, and results can take days. Should a positive result occur, facilities are then challenged to identify the source of infection and remediate it. And for most, there is no plan to address the source and prevent recurrence.
The Songbird Life Science approach provides complete guidance to keeping spaces open. Songbird complements existing measures by adding scientifically validated PCR technology to detect the presence of COVID-19, while its building and ventilation experts offer layout solutions and air-quality monitoring. Training enables Songbird partners to confidently deploy, analyze and effectively communicate results.
"Songbird is a first-of-its-kind entrant in a burgeoning category poised to play a key part in restarting the nation's economy," says Michael J. Soligo, RWDI president and CEO . "By blending expertise in genomics and building science, Songbird brings decades of experience supporting the design and safety of nearly every facility type."
Songbird brings together a much-needed understanding of both pathogens and how they move within shared spaces. In today's changed world, people need evidence that a space is trustworthy before they will access it.
"Restoring trust isn't done just with a lab test," said Deleo de Leonardis, co-founder and CEO of Purity-IQ Inc. "Songbird gives people the ability to deploy a testing strategy, customized to the specifics of their space and industry—they gain a clear understanding of what to do and how to take action. Songbird is your partner at every step, restoring confidence and full-scale operations."
National Association of Friendship Centres launches campaign to tackle COVID-19 misconceptions among urban Indigenous communities
New campaign from National Association of Friendship Centres works with Indigenous comedian Ryan McMahon to address COVID-19 myths through humour
NAFC provides COVID-19 info, support and resources to Indigenous people living in urban centres through its network of 107 Friendship Centers across Canada
Last year, Friendship Centres collectively served over 1.4 million people.
OTTAWA, ON, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Today marks the launch of a new digital campaign, Take Care in COVID, from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) to help address COVID-19 myths and misinformation among urban Indigenous communities across the country. As Canada's most significant providers of culturally enhanced programs and services for off-reserve Indigenous residents, NAFC unveiled a series of humorous videos featuring Treaty 3 Anishinaabe comedian, Ryan McMahon, to address common misconceptions around prevention, contraction and treatment of the virus.
"This pandemic has hit urban Indigenous communities especially hard. Indigenous people living in urban settings have faced multiple challenges in being recognized and appropriately supported throughout the pandemic response," says Jocelyn Formsma, Executive Director of NAFC. "As Friendship Centres, we were really concerned that no one was really speaking to urban Indigenous populations. While the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous people is not funny, we know how our people use humour to get through many difficult situations. We wanted to find a creative, accessible and memorable way to bring credible resources to people and help keep them and their families safe."
The video series features Ryan McMahon, who spends much of his time working with youth in reclaiming Indigenous culture and history through his speaking and training initiatives. The campaign will address such misconceptions as mosquitos spreading COVID, vitamin D providing protection and traditional medicine myths, while also encouraging mask-wearing, practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing and avoiding crowds.
"I am so proud to be a part of this campaign and to use my comedy to help deliver useful information about COVID-19 to help keep people safe and healthy as this pandemic continues to evolve," says comedian Ryan McMahon. "It's unbelievable to see what's floating around on the internet and even being shared by friends or even family members. That's why there is such a need to get trusted information out there."
The campaign will also include a Facebook Live panel on Wednesday, July 22 featuring Dr. Janet Smylie, Director of Well Living House, and Jocelyn Formsma, who will provide practical tips and answer audience questions on COVID-19 protection measures for this summer. All resources will be available to the public through NAFC's website and Facebook page. Individuals can also visit one of over 100-member local Friendship Centres or Provincial/Territorial Associations across Canada.
As part of the mandate of Friendship Centres for over half a century, its focus has been facilitating the transition of Indigenous people from rural, remote and reserve life to an urban environment. In addition to COVID-19 resources, NAFC and local Friendship Centres are also community hubs that foster cultural connection, community and provide culturally relevant services for women, vulnerable populations, youth, transition services, outreach programs and community wellness.
"This is important because more than 60 per cent of Indigenous people live off reserve and in urban areas. Because it is so challenging to collect good data on the rate of COVID-19 among urban Indigenous, the Friendship Centres are a crucial lifeline for this vulnerable community. And it's why now, more than ever, we need the support of all levels of government to work together to support the health and safety now and beyond COVID-19," says Formsma.
With NAFC's work to advocate for more funding to support urban Indigenous people, the organization was encouraged to see the federal government's commitment in April that $15 million would be made available to urban Indigenous organizations as part of the Indigenous Community Support Fund for COVID-19. An additional $75 million was made available in May to support off-reserve Indigenous people and those living in urban centres, including funding to local Friendship Centres which will enable them to focus on economic recovery such as childcare, youth programming, employment and training, while also continuing to provide frontline COVID-19 essential services.
About National Association of Friendship Centres
Friendship Centres are Canada's most significant off-reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure and are the primary providers of culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous residents. For over half a century Friendship Centres have been facilitating the transition of Indigenous people from rural, remote, and reserve life to an urban environment. The NAFC is a network of 107 Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations (PTAs) from across Canada.
Resources
Learn more about the campaign and watch #TakeCareInCOVID misconception videos by following NAFC on Facebookthroughout the next four weeks
Registration for the Facebook Live event with Dr. Janet Smylie and Jocelyn Formsma on Wednesday, July 22 at 7pm E.T. can be found here
Discover Flex Disc:
One Workout Tool, Hundreds of Possibilities
Looking for a big picture approach to fitness that doesn’t include doing a million crunches?
Meet Flex Disc-- a unique Ground Movement Training (GMT) tool that uses low impact, omnidirectional movement to build strength, mobility, flexibility, stability, balance, and core strength.
One single move performed with the Flex Disc fires up the entire body, challenging it to stay balanced and in control. Simply add it to your favorite at home workouts to increase your range of motion and strength without putting more strain on your body.
Flex Disc Details:
Effective for anyone, any age, and any fitness level
No gym required! Use at home, in the garage, backyard, or on vacation
Compatible with hundreds of exercises and workouts from Yoga, Barre and Pilates to strength training and more
Use with hands, forearms, elbows, shoulders, the back, glutes, knees, shins, or feet
No assembly or batteries required
Easy to store and transport
Can be used on rubber, carpet, cement, and wood
Double ball bearing polyurethane wheels are non-marking
Additional accessories including a revolutionary ergonomic handle, are available for even more workout options
Get started with the:
Flex Disc - One 14” rolling platform $79.95
Flex Disc Mini - A set of 2 10” rolling platforms $99.95
Flex Disc’s unique, low impact, rolling platform creates a new fitness modality (GMT) designed to help grow your mobility, stability, balance, flexibility and core strength. It has been used effectively in physical therapy settings as well as with Pilates, Barre, gymnastics, dance and by the NHL, MLB, NBA, and US Military.
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“Paradigms—the obscure, unspoken conceptual frameworks that shape our ideas—are powerful. They bring order and understanding to our observations about the messy, changing world around us,” writes Shah. “But paradigms blind us, too, as during the cholera pandemics of the 19th century, elevating certain narratives and serving particular interests, sometimes to our peril.”
Looking for a big picture approach to fitness that doesn’t include doing a million crunches?
Get started with the: