The Royal Canadian Mint Joins Forces with Breakfast Club of Canada to Recognize Essential Workers and Everyday Heroes of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Special Medal
All net proceeds to be donated to Breakfast Club of Canada's Emergency Fund for COVID-19
OTTAWA, ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - As we all know someone who deserves a medal for helping keep us safe, healthy and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Canadian Mint employees have rallied together to create a wearable recognition medal.
At a time when many Canadians cannot give a hug or say 'thanks' in person, these medals are a tangible way for people to express their gratitude, while also helping reduce hunger among children. The Mint will donate all net proceeds from the sale of each medal to Breakfast Club of Canada's emergency funding in support of children and families who are facing food insecurity now and in the months to come, due to the repercussions of COVID-19.
To be worn with pride by essential workers and everyone else who has worked so hard to keep Canadians healthy, safe, well-stocked and connected during the pandemic, this heartfelt token of appreciation may be purchased as of today.
"This project is a meaningful way for the Mint to contribute to a cause that is helping Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to say a sincere, tangible thank you to the people who keep making a difference for all of us during this pandemic," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "This is a true team effort led by countless Mint employees who donated their time, skills and expertise and I couldn't be more proud to join them in recognizing truly special Canadians while raising much-needed funds for Breakfast Club of Canada."
"Throughout this crisis, we have been very moved by all the shows of community spirit and hard work that have been vital in protecting some of the country's most vulnerable families," said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. "At Breakfast Club of Canada, we have been responsive to the needs of hundreds of thousands of children for the past 25 years, and we are proud to have upheld this tradition during these challenging times. But our work is far from done. It is an honour for us to be considered by the Royal Canadian Mint as a quiet force supporting children and families across the country."
The 2020 Recognition Medal started with a spark of an idea to leverage the Mint's unique coin-making skills to craft an artful and meaningful medal that could be given to those who make it possible to safely continue our everyday lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea soon inspired scores of employees in Ottawa and Winnipeg, to band together for a once-in-a-lifetime project to show Canada's appreciation as only the Royal Canadian Mint can.
The result is a nickel-plated steel medal that includes a magnet, so that it can be proudly worn, on either meticulously engraved side, by its deserving recipient.
On one side is a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolize Canadians coming together in embrace as we help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada's strong heartbeat.
The second side represents our nation's grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolizes Canadians coming together in appreciation for our essential workers. We recognize their dedication and bravery, and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation.
By concentrating on the use of available resources to make the medal -from spare materials to employees volunteering to package the medal, the Mint has also helped maximize its fundraising for Breakfast Club of Canada.
Complete background on this project, including videos and still photography can be found here.
The recognition medal can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Mint's web site at www.mint.ca. It is also available at participating Canada Post locations or through TD Canada Trust and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Mint employees also had this to say:
Yannick Cormier, R+D Project Engineer (Ottawa): "My mom is a nurse who is working in an establishment that had declared Covid-19 cases and for me; it was an honour to be able to add my contribution on the recognition medal. It was a pleasure and nothing compared to what the front line workers have to do to work on a weekend to achieve this beautiful piece of recognition."
Thalia Bouris, Production Operations Training Coordinator (Ottawa) and one of hundreds of employee volunteers who packaged recognition medals with their families: "It is an incredible and meaningful gesture that also teaches our kids the importance of caring for your community and lending a hand when needed. It shows that even small gestures such as volunteering your time can make a huge difference in someone's life."
Susan Aubry, Marketing Services Manager (Ottawa) and member of the medal design team: "Not since the Olympics 10 years ago have I felt like I am a part of something quite so important. This is an historic moment and I'm proud to have had the opportunity to contribute. I spent a lot of time thinking about the design and it was truly an emotional experience."
Alex Tirabasso, Engraver (Ottawa): "The best part of this experience was seeing how our teams and colleagues rallied together for a cause that was bigger than ourselves; that is, in showing, in our own way, our respect and recognition to our health care front-line workers."
"The sweet sugar coating to this experience will be to hopefully see the smiles of our health care workers when they receive these medallions."
Jean-Paul Collette, Die Production Operator (Winnipeg): "This is one of the most rewarding things I've worked on. It connects directly with people that we know and I feel proud being able to say 'we made this for you' It's a special feeling to be able to have done that."
Chris Bruneau, Coining Operator (Winnipeg): "It is definitely a special opportunity to take part in this. It is something we'll remember for the rest of our lives. I thought the heart was fantastic in the way it really pops off the medal."
About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Breakfast Club of Canada Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance, the Club provides much more than breakfast: its approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development using an optimal formula adapted to local needs. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 243,500 children and youth in 1,809 schools across the country.
About the Breakfast Club of Canada's Emergency Fund To help families struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic, Breakfast Club of Canada created an Emergency Fund, which has so far allowed for over $8 million to be given to 900 schools and community organizations across the country. Through the grants that we are allocating to smaller community-based organizations, food is being distributed in many different ways – some are providing food hampers, other backpacks and premade meals, others it's a grab and go bag that is distributed at schools or even gift cards to grocery stores. There are so many different methods, tailored to each communities' needs and capacities. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org.
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint
Scarborough-born superstar The Weeknd donates half a million dollars to support frontline hospital workers at Scarborough Health Network
SCARBOROUGH, ON, June 29, 2020 /CNW/ - Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and record producer Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has donated $500,000 CAD to Scarborough Health Network (SHN) in support of COVID-19 relief efforts through sales of his popular line of XO face masks. The donation is a leading gift to the health network's COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which now totals more than $2.7 million.
"I was raised in Scarborough and felt it was important to give back to the community that raised me during the hard times of this pandemic," said Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd.
Since the outset of the pandemic, the Grammy Award-winning Scarborough native has been raising awareness and support for many charities, including SHN Foundation. All of the proceeds from sales of The Weeknd's XO face masks will be donated to COVID-19 relief, with the artist matching every dollar raised.
"Our vibrant and diverse community represents the best of Canada, and we are fortunate to have ambassadors like The Weeknd in our corner," said Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO, SHN. "This gift will help our community hospitals continue to deliver exceptional care for the people of Scarborough in the wake of COVID-19, and demonstrates to our courageous staff and physicians that their critical work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated."
SHN's COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established to support frontline staff and doctors by addressing urgent and changing equipment needs. This includes equipment such as ventilators, ICU beds, vital signs and ECG monitors, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), health and wellness supports for frontline workers, and other urgent needs. More than 3,500 community donors have contributed to the Fund to date.
"Like The Weeknd, many of my fellow frontline workers either come from Scarborough or call this community home. It is amazing to see one of our own on the world stage, giving back during our community's time of need; generous support like this inspires us to keep going," said Dr. Elaine Yeung, Corporate Chief and Medical Director, Medicine. "This gift represents Scarborough's incredible spirit and collective passion for shaping a brighter, healthier future."
"Throughout the pandemic, SHN Foundation has worked to inspire the generosity that will support our courageous frontline staff in their work," said Alicia Vandermeer, President and CEO, SHN Foundation. "Thanks to The Weeknd's phenomenal support for our hospitals, and that of thousands of donors over the past several months, we are ensuring that our health care teams have everything they need to safely treat all of our patients."
For more information about how to support SHN through COVID-19, visit SHNFoundation.ca. To learn more about and purchase The Weeknd's XO face masks, visit shopca.theweeknd.com.
About Scarborough Health Network Foundation Situated in one of the most diverse communities in Canada, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation inspires the support necessary to improve patients' lives through exceptional care at Scarborough Health Network across three hospitals and eight satellite sites. Since its inception, the Foundation has worked with generous donors, volunteers and community members to raise funds needed to build state-of-the-art infrastructure and purchase the latest medical technology, supporting the SHN's vision to be Canada's leading community teaching health network.
About Scarborough Health Network Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada's most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America's largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. Learn more at shn.ca.
SOURCE Scarborough Health Network Foundation
Opioid Overdoses on the Rise During Covid-19 Pandemic
Another pandemic is killing thousands of Americans. Pain Management Expert Dr. Paul Christo is on the frontlines to stop it.
Opioid related deaths in the United States have been on the rise since the COVID 19 pandemic began experts say and it’s only going to get worse according to their estimates. Authorities in acrossTexas, Pennsylvania, Florida,and New York are also reporting rises in overdoses during the COVID-19 crisis.
Dr. Paul Christo, the Associate Professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says "The number of fatalities from opioid-related overdoses could be nearly 30% higher than reported due to missing information or incomplete death records. The worst fear is that because of social isolation, and people are not being found or treated immediately."
The opioid epidemic today progressed in three phases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first involves deaths caused by prescription opioids, the second, an increase in heroin use, and the third, a surge in the use of synthetic opioids or fentanyl. Experts say the U.S. is right in the middle of the third phase of the epidemic, due to the increasing availability of fentanyl and increasing rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids.
According to a recent study there were 632,331 drug overdoses between 1999 and 2016. Most of these deaths, 78.2% were drug overdoses with known drug classification. Moreover, 21.8% were unclassified drug overdoses. A further investigation revealed that for unclassified drug overdoses, 71.8% involved opioids, translating to 99,160 additional opioid-related deaths.
There were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2017, according to an estimate from the CDC. Based on findings from the new study, over half of those deaths -- about 47,000 -- are suspected of having involved opioids.
Another study on Opioid Overdose found that the number of drug overdose deaths decreased by 4% from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, more than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Almost 70% involved a prescription or illicit opioid of those deaths.
“COVID 19 impacted the drug supply chain by closing borders on some regions, and it led to the higher death rate. He added that drugs become more challenging to get, and the potency of overdose goes up. It also impacts the price, everything goes up, and in that sense, it becomes more deadly each day, according to Dr. Paul Christo.
About Dr. Paul Christo
Dr. Paul Christo serves as Director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is the author of Aches and Gains, A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Your Pain. Dr. Paul Christo also hosts an award-winning, nationally syndicated SIRIUS XM radio talk show on overcoming pain called, Aches and Gains®. For more information about Dr. Paul Christo. Please visit www.paulchristomd.com.
Helping our immune systems bypass antibiotic resistance
SASKATOON – Over 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases and this figure could increase to 10 million per year by 2050, according to a 2019 report.
As the search continues for new antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections, a group of researchers used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to address the problem from a different direction, by trying to weaken the ability of bacteria to develop resistance in the first place.
“The goal is to knock the bacterial cells down in terms of their resistance,” said Dr. Anthony Clarke, Professor and Dean of Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and adjunct professor at the University of Guelph. “We haven’t been successful over the last 30 years in finding new classes of antibiotics so, in the short term, we’re trying to weaken the cells so our own immune system can take over to fight infection.”
The target for his team’s work is peptidoglycan, which gives bacterial cell walls their rigidity. “Think of it as building a brick wall around the bacteria’s cells,” said Clarke. Since peptidoglycan can be broken down by lysozyme, an enzyme that exists in human immune systems, bacteria have developed strategies that block these enzymes by modifying their peptidoglycan, thereby “cementing the bricks in place,” and resisting our defences.
In the search for compounds that will stop the enzyme from modifying peptidoglycan (and helping pathogenic bacteria survive), Clarke and his colleagues used the CMCF beamline at the CLS to study one particular enzyme of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that causes a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals (eg., MRSA).
“To try to develop compounds that inhibit the enzyme, you need to know what that structure looks like at an atomic level. You need to see the compound inside the structure, where it binds. Then, you can use chemistry to modify the compound to make it bind tighter and enhance its overall effect,” he explained. The objective is not necessarily to kill the cell, he said, but rather to find inhibitors that make the cell more susceptible to our immune defenses.
The research, recently published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, is foundational science that could guide the development of new antibacterial drugs, said Clarke, who has been studying enzyme systems for more than three decades. “It’s a lot of hard work and very few eureka moments, and it’s always a challenge to stay ahead of bacteria, but I’m optimistic. With the knowledge we’ve been gaining, the technologies available to us and the talent of young scientists who understand the importance of basic research, I know we’ll carry on the fight.”
The Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan is a national research facility, producing the brightest light in Canada—millions of times brighter than even the sun. One of the largest science projects in our country’s history, the CLS hosts annually more than 1,000 scientists from around the world who use our light to conduct ground-breaking health, agricultural, environmental and advanced materials research.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, National Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan fund our operations.
Interviews
Anthony Clarke is available for interviews in English from Waterloo, Ontario. Carys Jones, first author on this research paper, is available for interviews in French from Hamilton, Ontario.
Artist Releases Coming-of-age Memoir Detailing Her Journey With Mental Illness And Disability
Long Island, NY, June 29, 2020 –It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Long Island native Ruth Poniarski has released her first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing. Poniarski’s unflinchingly honest memoir shares her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability, and steadfast determination.
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate), and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts. “This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X’ or ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders. “A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.”
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”
For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
Award-Winning Parma! Vegan Parmesan Offers Cheese Lovers A Delectably Nutritious Range of Dairy-Free, Protein-Rich Condiments Ideal For Main Dishes, Salads, Pizza & More!
Parma! Debuts Bold New Website As Company Continues Major Expansion
MEDFORD, OREGON, JUNE 27, 2020 - With just the right condiment, a plain salad becomes a festival of flavors, a plate of vegetables transforms into a delectable stroll through a country garden, and an ordinary bowl of pasta becomes a savory work of art. And perhaps no condiment covers as many different foods and as many different cultures as classic Italian Parmesan cheese.
Unfortunately, for vegans or anyone following a dairy-free and/or calorie-conscious diet, parmesan cheese has always been not only off limits but one of the most difficult of life’s little indulgences to forego. If only someone, somewhere, could create a non-dairy parmesan cheese alternative so authentically delectable that even the most discerning cheese lovers would never miss its conventional counterpart ever again!
Well, luckily for countless millions of us, someone has. Welcome to the next revolution within the booming vegan cheese category – Parma!
Created in Oregon just over 15 years ago by Sister River Foods’ founder Shannon Schnibbe (Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott is an ongoing Advisor), Parma! was established in response to a rapidly-growing need within the vegetarian marketplace for a breakthrough allergen-free parmesan alternative.
Comprised of four deliciously distinct varieties – including Better Than Bacon Parma! –voted Favorite Bacon-Flavored Product in 2017 by VegNews magazine – Parma! is a plant-based umami superfood line of convenient and affordable products that are Paleo and Keto-friendly, a complete protein, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and Certified Kosher.
In addition, all four raw nut and seed-based Parma! flavors contain whole raw ingredients, are low in sodium, heart-healthy, packed with essential B vitamins and trace minerals, replete with beneficial animo acids and an excellent source of healthy oils.
Enjoying its most successful period of growth to date in terms of both distribution and revenue, Parma! late last month introduced an ambitious new website featuring easy navigation, boldly colorful images and graphics, exciting new recipes and convenient shopping options.
A World Of Flavor
Available in health stores nationwide as well as on the brand new www.eatparma.com site, Amazon, VitaCost and other online retailers, Parma! is ideal for environmentally conscious consumers, vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and all health conscious eaters. Unlike some other vegan cheese alternatives, Parma! has also proven highly appealing to mainstream cheese aficionados who are ready to eschew traditional cheese so long as a healthier option boasting authentic flavor, aroma and texture is available.
Sold in 3.5 and 7-ounce bottles, Parma! can be savored on pasta, lightly steamed vegetables, pizza, salads, potatoes, avocado toast, popcorn and countless other hor d'oeuvres, main dishes and desserts. For suggested recipes, please visit https://eatparma.com/cat egory/recipes/.
Parma! varieties include:
Original Parma! – Featuring an irresistiblycheesey umami flavor. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.
Better Than Bacon Parma! – Voted Favorite Bacon FlavoredProduct by VegNews and featuring a smokey cheesey umami bacon flavor. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Ground Paprika, Organic Dried Onion, Natural Flavor, Organic Brown Sugar, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Smoked Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.
Chipotle Cayenne Parma! – Blessed with a smokey umami flavor akin to the most popular barbeque potato chips, with a slight cayenne kick at the end. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Ground Chipotle Pepper, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Ground Cayenne Pepper.
Garlicky Green Parma! – Distinguished by acheesey umami Italian herb flavour complemented by nutritiously delicious kelp, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, OrganicDried Garlic, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Kelp Powder, Organic Dried Basil, Organic Dried Oregano.
For parmesan lovers in Europe (in other words – just about everyone!), Parma! also offers a specially branded line called Shake! Original featuring a mouth-wateringly cheesey umami flavor and such ingredients as nutritional yeast, raw organic sunflower seeds, raw walnuts, raw organic pumpkin seeds, raw organic hemp seeds, and Himalayan crystal salt.
Parma! is expected to introduce a bold new line of products to the U.S. marketplace later this year.
Only The Beginning
Founded in 2004, Parma! has steadily grown to its current status as a leader in the dairy-free cheese alternative arena and a key player in the multi-billion-dollar global vegan food category.
Looking back on the origins of the Parma! brand, Sister River Foods’ co-founder and CEO Shannon Schnibbe recalls that it all started as the result of her severe allergies and effort to find foods that might give her relief. Introduced to raw foods, she was soon inspired to begin making what is now Parma! for herself, friends and family. After moving to Oregon and becoming pregnant with her first baby, she decided to combine her passion for healthy eating with her corporate experience and turn her hobby into an actual business. The vegan parmesan revolution had begun!
Today, Shannon takes special pride not only in the rave reviews, industry honors, new distribution channels and increased sales Parma! has enjoyed in recent years, but in her brand’s ability to provide a more nutritious yet equally delicious alternative for those who have been missing out on one of life’s true culinary pleasures – parmesan cheese.
According to Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott, "Like Tofurky, Parma is an authentic, trailblazing brand with deep roots that took hold when the plant-based world was very young. I love that it is a family owned business run by kind, passionate people producing a wholesome vegan food with exceptional flavor."
Adds Shannon, “Parma! gives you that cheesey flavor without all the dairy baggage. It provides an excellent food source of high-quality vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, omega 3’s and trace minerals, along with the natural goodness of hemp, and it tastes great! We’re deeply grateful for the exceptionally warm reception our brand has received from consumers and industry leaders since our very first days on the market and look forward to continuing to shake up the dairy-free industry for many, many years to come.”
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Safeguard Your Emotional Health During Any Crisis With These 7 Practical Steps
Boulder, CO, June 29, 2020 — In our interconnected world, global events impact all of us in one way or another. Knowing how to help ourselves, our families and our organizations navigate a crisis can profoundly affect our emotional health and well-being.
7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters is a must-read for anyone seeking to thrive during challenging times. Written by clinical psychologist Elia Gourgouris and change management expert Konstantinos Apostolopoulos, this easy-to-read book offers powerful, yet practical, insights to help minimize the negative emotional impact of pandemics, natural disasters, financial challenges and other major disruptions.
“Not only will individuals and families find the book helpful in a crisis, so will first responders, healthcare professionals, mental health counselors and wellness coaches,” said Dr. Gourgouris.
Drawing from their real-world experiences, Dr. Gourgouris and Apostolopoulos explain the following seven keys to navigating any crisis:
1. Start with self-care. Be aware of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
2. Practice awareness. Listen to your intuition or inner wisdom.
3. Choose flexibility so you can adapt, pivot and avoid unnecessary pain.
4. Act now! Preparation is key to your survival.
5. Take initiative by moving into action. Become the navigator in your life’s journey!
6. Cultivate a positive attitude filled with faith and hope.
7. Show kindness to others.
“Each chapter has an end section including points to ponder, questions to consider and action steps to take, so the reader can move beyond just surviving to thriving in a crisis situation,” added Apostolopoulos.
Author Elia Gourgouris, PhD, is the Founder of The Happiness Center, an organization of world-leading experts in the field of positive psychology. Dr. Elia's previous book, 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness, became an Amazon #1 best-seller. He is an international keynote speaker and happiness expert focusing on corporate wellness and leadership training. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is a UCLA graduate. Dr. Elia is certified by the American Red Cross in Disaster Mental Health Services, having assisted in the 1994 Los Angeles and 2010 Haiti earthquakes, the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and other crises. He's the co-host of The Kindness Happiness Connection podcast and a Thrive Global contributor. Please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehappinessdoctor/, https://www.instagram.com/dr.eliag/ or https://www.facebook.com/DrElia.
Co-author Konstantinos Apostolopoulos is the Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, a performance consulting and training provider. As an award-winning facilitator and coach, he has successfully delivered hundreds of custom learning events in the US, Canada and Europe for diverse audiences and industries. He is a regular contributor to Thrive Global and other industry publications. As a young man in Greece, he experienced firsthand the devastation left behind by natural and economic disasters. As an adult, he was fortunate to help play a small part in the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Today, he helps others navigate the challenges brought by major events in their lives. Please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkon/.
50+ And Healthy Examines The Importance Of Mental Health As We Age
Chicago, IL, June 29, 2020 — The worldwide stay-at-home orders have turned weekend warriors into daily dog walkers, joggers and cyclists — all hoping to stay fit and avoid the “quarantine 15.” But there’s more to being healthy than having a fit physique. Mental health is equally important, but often gets buried beneath the stigma surrounding it.
“Many of you recognize that mental illness is often a taboo subject … due to seeming complexity, mystery and stigma,” explains Murali Rao, MD. “Unfortunately, the high discrimination of the subject leads to a statistic of nearly two-thirds of the world population refusing to seek help for mental health related issues.” Adding: “Though this primer is directed towards learning to help elders, the material can readily apply to any age group.”
Rao, an expert on clinical geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, addresses the concepts of mental health and mental illnesses in the overarching context of healthy aging in 50+ and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones. This exceptionally strong, evidence-based guide emphasizes the importance of nurturing our mental health as we grow older.
Using easy-to-understand language, he explores common health-related conditions, how to recognize symptoms, practical approaches to treatments and his GAME PLANTMmethod for helping yourself and your loved ones, of any age, during times of distress or mental health crises.
For readers of any educational and professional background, 50+ and Healthy offers easily presented information and relatable case studies.
With this book, you can learn from a world authority about:
1. Healthy aging and mental health
2. Common mental illnesses, why people get them, how to identify them and how to manage them
3. Practical approaches for first aid and later interventions
4. Self-care for mental health and successful aging
If you are interested in healthy aging and how to help yourself, your family members and your friends with mental health, this book is for you. All proceeds from book sales go to a nonprofit organization engaged in mental health awareness education in the United States and India (www.nndcifoundation.org), founded by Dr. Murali Rao.
Author Murali Rao, MD, is a professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He specializes in liaison and emergency psychiatry. Additionally, he serves as a member of multiple professional bodies including the American College of Psychiatrists, the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, CINP, the Indian Psychiatric Society and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Dr. Rao has received multiple awards and fellowships, including Distinguished Life Fellow by the APA, Outstanding Academician Award by the Indo-American Psychiatric Association and the Master Teacher Award by the Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Rao has also had more than 80 journal publications, books and book-chapters. He has recently published trainee and trainer manuals on Adult Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Workplace Mental Health.
For more information, please visit www.nndcifoundation.org, or follow the author on Twitter at @MuraliRaoMD.
50 + and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones
Victoria, B.C., Canada. -- Wednesday, June 17, 2020 --DeeBee's Organics produces 100% organic treats with short label, clean ingredients ready to inspire moments of joy in every member of the modern family. For summer 2020, DeeBee's Organics releases in 12,000 retail stores across North America two utterly delicious products, including its plant-based Organic SuperFruit Freezie. In collaboration with Disney, its Organic Ice Wands feature packaging with characters Anna, Elsa and Olaf fromFrozen 2. DeeBee's Organics shelf-stable freezies are made from premium organic fruits with zero added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and are allergen-free of nuts, dairy, fish, wheat, and soy. Made for the everyday parent and child, DeeBee's Organics reinvents nostalgic treats with nourishing Non-GMO, organic fruits.
At the heart of DeeBee's Organics is Founder and Ph.D. Medical Scientist Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker, a Canadian expert on the impacts of environmental toxins such as pesticides -- especially in the food chain. As a renowned research scientist and mother of two children, Laslo-Baker quickly earned early praise in her field of maternal-fetal toxicology by winning an array of awards, including "Humanitarian of the Year" (Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto). By virtue of her breakthrough research and dedication to the science behind organic foods, DeeBee's Organics was born. Laslo-Baker cares a whole lot about healthy, ethically-sourced treats for her own kids, and yours.
While in the kitchen with her son and daughter, a spark of genius spawned with Laslo-Baker's family's idea for a line of "Tea-Pops." After initially getting this frozen product in several hundred stores, DeeBee's Organics pivoted to their shelf-stable Organic SuperFruit Freezie, and sales have grown triple digits year-over-year since 2017. DeeBee's Organics is on target to sell more than 30 million freezies in 2020.
"My goal for DeeBee's Organics is for every kid everywhere to have access to wholesome, clean-label treats," says Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker. "Families making memories while connecting over a simple, organic snack is what DeeBee's is all about. We want it to be effortless for parents to make conscious snacking really fun. We are proud to be a woman-owned B Corporation helping to empower women, children, and families as we thrive to be a force for good in the world. Our collaboration with Disney is of great importance to us as we unequivocally support films with strong women cast in lead-roles."
DeeBee's Organics sources its high mineral content water from the volcanic streams of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) where an artisanal food and wine scene has emerged. Organic produce is procured from organic Non-GMO farms with its manufacturing plant leveraging renewable energy; the production facility is also free from the top eight allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame, and wheat).
Detailed product information is listed below:
Organic SuperFruit Freezie DeeBee's Organics' SuperFruit Freezie is the first organic, freeze-at-home 100% organic fruit juice and puree that has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. DeeBee's Organics uses the finest organic fruit to craft exceptional plant-based freezies. In just a handful of years with Organic SuperFruit Freezie on the market, DeeBee's Organics has quickly become one of the leading natural shelf-stable novelty brands. Each bag of SuperFruit Freezie (10 freezies per bag) includes three delicious varieties the whole family can enjoy -- Tropical, Strawberry and Grape (Canada); or Blueberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemon and Mango Orange (USA).
Organic Ice Wands Featuring Disney's Frozen 2 DeeBee's Organics introduces individual freezie packaging inspired by the beloved characters Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Disney's Frozen 2. DeeBee's Organics is thrilled to collaborate with Disney to produce the new Organic Ice Wands in adherence to the rigorous Disney Nutrition Guideline Criteria. Certified Organic and made with real fruit juice and a touch of organic cane sugar, DeeBee's Organic Ice Wands featuring Disney's Frozen 2 contain nothing artificial and have no added colors. The product has under 5g total sugars and 20 calories per pop.
About DeeBee's Organics Launched outside their hometown in 2014, DeeBee's Organics innovates clean, short-label, chemical-free, delicious fruit-based treats for today's modern family. A certified Women-Owned B Corporation, DeeBee's Organics is run by Ph.D. medical scientist Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker whose dedicated her renowned science career to the advancements of maternal-fetal toxicology. In 2017, DeeBee's Organics' flagship Organic SuperFruit Freezie hit the U.S. grocery marketplace to huge success. In four quick years, DeeBee's Organics has exponentially grown to be available in more than 12,000 stores across North America, including Kroger, Wegmans, Loblaws, Walmart, Albertsons/Safeway, and Whole Foods locations.
DeeBee's Organics has amassed nearly 20 distinguished awards, including "B Corporation -- Best for the World Award" from Changemakers (2017, 2018) and Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker is the only Canadian entrepreneur selected for the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women(TM) North America Class of 2019. DeeBee's Organics has garnered national accolades from the Wall Street Journal ("One of the Five Foods You Will Soon Be Eating"), Reader's Digest ("14 Kid Foods You Should Still Be Eating"), Good Morning America ("Top 13 Products at Summer Fancy Food Show"), and many other notable media outlets.
In 2020, DeeBee's Organics announced its employee-driven charitable initiative Dreamlauncher, which weaves staff members' "dreams of giving" into the fabric of the business. Dreamlauncher unites staff around thinking beyond themselves and utilizing DeeBee's Organics' platform for a greater good. Each team member champions a special cause that is personally meaningful to them. DeeBee's Organics supports their efforts with paid time for volunteering, in-kind donations, and contributions from their employee stock program.
DeeBee's Organics' Board of Advisers includes former Vega executives Derek Chan (former CFO) and Anthony Rosenthal (former VP of Marketing). Brian Braden (former VP of Sales, Clif Bar) has joined DeeBee's Organics as Chief Operating Officer.
Whistleblowers’ Vindicated in Novartis Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Case
$300 Million to be Paid for Bribes and FCPA Violations in Greece
Washington, D.C., June 25, 2020. Today, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced settlements with the global pharmaceutical and healthcare company Novartis AG (“Novartis”) for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). Novartis, headquartered in Switzerland, agreed to pay over $225 million to settle the Department of Justice FCPA charges for bribery in Greece. The SEC sanctioned Novartis approximately $85 million for Greek related bribery. The total sanctions, with interest, are over $300 million.
“The confidential and anonymous Greek whistleblowers who documented these crimes are heroes. They put their reputations and careers at risk to inform law enforcement about widespread bribery schemes in Greek healthcare programs. Even today, their safety is under threat from corrupt officials who stole from the health care system and took bribes,” said whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn, a founding partner in the qui tamwhistleblower law firm of Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto.
Kohn, who is the U.S. based attorney for the Greek whistleblowers, said: “The government of Greece must immediately stop retaliatory actions against the people they think are the whistleblowers. Instead the Greek government must publicly hail the whistleblowers as the heroes they are.”
In Greece, the whistleblowers were represented by the law firm of Pavlos K. Sarakis & Associates, who are also issuing a statement today.
“The SEC and DOJ sanctions should serve as a wakeup call throughout Europe and the entire international community. Whistleblowers can confidentially and anonymously report bribery and hold multinational corporations accountable. The time has come for the millionaires and billionaires, who profit from bribery and undermine the rule of law by corrupting democratic institutions, to be held fully accountable,” Kohn continued.
“The SEC and DOJ worked effectively with the whistleblowers. This case once again demonstrates the effectiveness of the Dodd-Frank Act and U.S. whistleblower laws in holding corrupt officials and corporations accountable,” Kohn said.
Based on the sanctions issued today, the total breakdown in fines and penalties paid by Novartis for FCPA violations in Greece are as follows:
SEC: $85.667 million
DOJ - $225 million
Total: $310.667 million
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