As COVID-19 Cases Spike, Nurses Need More Than PPE. They Must Also Protect Their Inspiration.
Rich Bluni, RN, offers seven simple, yet powerful tactics for reconnecting with meaning and purpose in these dark times.
Pensacola, FL (June 2020)—Across the U.S., coronavirus infection rates are surging, with no end in sight. If you're a nurse, you may feel like you're sinking. Sure, you soldier on, working long shifts, comforting desperately ill patients, grieving losses, and protecting yourself as best you can. But Rich Bluni says all the PPE in the world can't protect a nurse's spirit.
"It's that sense of purpose and meaning, of calling, that keeps nurses going in incredibly traumatic times," says Bluni, himself an RN with over 25 years of experience in the ER, Trauma, and ICU and author of best-selling books Inspired Nurse (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9749986-7-1, $24.95) and Inspired Nurse Too(Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-6221804-6-2, $28.00). "If they lose touch with that, they can quickly find themselves in deep trouble."
There are no easy solutions to what nurses are facing right now. Bluni doesn't pretend otherwise. But he does believe reconnecting to the sense of mission that has always driven nurses on a heart and soul level can give them the strength to keep going.
"That doesn't 'just happen' even in good times; it's a choice we must make every day," he says. "If we don't, we will quickly get overwhelmed by pain, fear, and negativity."
Bluni—who recently shared some stories and tactics from Inspired Nurse in short video segments—says hard times can deeply inspire us if we make a point of staying open to them. But we have to get intentional about doing so. Here, he offers a few tips for reconnecting with your inspiration when you're struggling:
Take 10 minutes to relive a moment when you made a real difference. "At any moment when you're feeling crushed and exhausted, close your eyes and be right back there when you did something incredible," suggests Bluni. "Relive your greatest moment. Your mind doesn't know the difference between it really happening and the memory."
Write down your gratitude... Even in a pandemic, there are things to be grateful for. Maybe a patient you thought was going to die actually recovered. Maybe a coworker paid for your lunch. Maybe the cafeteria had that carrot cake you love. Charting moments of gratitude (however big or small) helps you remember why you chose this deeply meaningful line of work.
"Write down three things about your work that you are thankful for," says Bluni. "Each day, look it over and add to your list. You almost cannot be in a state of gratitude and negativity at the same time, but you can choose."
...then, share it with others. Chances are, some of the "things" you find yourself writing on your gratitude list are actually people. Maybe it's the coworker who always jumps in to help, the unit secretary who runs your labs for you when you're swamped, or the food service employee who always remembers your lunch order.
"Extend your gratitude to someone every day," advises Bluni. "Give them a thank-you note, or tell them face-to-face—even if it has to be from 6 feet away while wearing full PPE. Not only will you feel better, you'll help others feel better at a time when most likely they really need it."
Make a self-care plan. "Get out a journal and write the following labels on five separate pages: Mind, Body, Spirit, Love, and Prosperity," suggests Bluni. "Under each title, come up with just two things that you can do every day that would impact that part of your being. In the 'Body' category, you may write, 'walk a mile,' 'eat more green veggies,' and 'drink eight glasses of water.' It may feel strange to focus on improving your life when the world seems to be falling apart, but now is when we need to be at our best."
Get intentional about who you spend time with. Who do you chat with on breaks during your shift? Who do you vent to when times are tough? Often, we don't make these decisions consciously. The problem is, we might be hanging out with psychic vampires who drain our life force and break us down with their negativity.
"Your two most valuable resources are your love and your time," Bluni says. "So if you're spending them on people who spread fear, or hold grudges, or don't act in ways that are kind and compassionate, I encourage you to become more intentional about your relationships. The company you keep has a big impact on your attitude and well-being."
Stop blaming yourself for others' difficult behavior. All nurses have plenty of experience dealing with the occasional patient or family member who is grouchy, demanding, or even downright mean. Too often we may take their difficult behavior personally.
"Realize that 99 percent of the time, difficult patients aren't reacting to you but to their circumstances," Bluni reminds. "The real antagonist is their pain, fear, lack of mobility, etc.—and as a caregiver, you've simply been caught in the crossfire. Try not to take their bad mood personally. Most of us are scared right now. Knowing that gives you a different perspective."
Realize that you don't rent your life. You own it. Do you let bad situations and other people's negativity dictate how you feel about your work life? If you do, then you're renting, says Bluni.
"You can't wait around for someone to rescue you or to fix how you feel," he asserts. "Start by practicing gratitude and improving yourself. Connect with other people every chance you get. Opportunities to do so exist around each corner in healthcare. Look for inspiration today. Look for ways to give. Own your life—especially right now."
"It's when times are toughest that we learn the most valuable lessons and experience the biggest leaps in our personal growth," says Bluni. "If there's one thing that has been made abundantly clear throughout all of this, it's that nurses are the most resilient, compassionate, and inspiring people on this earth.... That's one bright spot we can be grateful for."
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About the Author: Rich Bluni, RN, is the author of the best-selling books Inspired Nurse, Oh No...Not More of That Fluffy Stuff!, and Inspired Nurse Too. He has an active and popular Facebook page called Inspired Nurse.
Rich has been an RN since 1993. He has worked as a nurse in Adolescent Oncology, Pediatric ICU, and Trauma ICU departments as well as serving as a pediatric flight and transport nurse. He has served as an ED nursing manager as well as a senior director of risk management, quality, and patient safety.
He came to Studer Group in 2007 as a coach working with dozens of healthcare organizations and leaders to drive outstanding results. He is presently a senior director with Huron and a Studer Group national speaker, having traveled across North America to speak in front of hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers and leaders in hundreds of healthcare organizations, large healthcare conferences, as well as virtual webinars.
About the Books: Inspired Nurse Too (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-6221804-6-2, $28.00) and Inspired Nurse (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9749986-7-1, $24.95) are available from major online booksellers and the Huron|Studer Group website.
Cook Delicious, Healthy Food That Actually Makes You Feel Better With The Recipes In My Pinewood Kitchen
Nashville, TN, June 30, 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 foods 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
By Mee McCormick
HCI BOOKS / $26.95
ISBN: 9780757323522
Available wherever books are sold
Welcome back to The Train It Right Life! On this weeks episode I talk about how to be grateful, podcast feedback and WTF Men. I am always here to keep it real, raw and relatable! Please give this podcast some stars and a review if you loved it! Happy Canada Day and Happy July 4th!
RCSI begins clinical trial for potential drug therapy for severe COVID-19 infection
DUBLIN, June 29, 2020 -- Clinician scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have begun a clinical trial of a promising therapy for critically ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care.
In a paper published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the team, led by RCSI Professors Gerry McElvaney and Ger Curley, describe changes in the body’s normal inflammatory response in patients infected with COVID-19, in particular among those who require admission to intensive care.
The team has begun a randomised double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of alpha-1-antitrypsin to treat critically ill patients mechanically ventilated in ICU with COVID-19 associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a naturally occurring human protein produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream which normally acts to protect the lungs from the destructive actions of common illnesses.
RCSI Professor of Medicine Prof. Gerry McElvaney said: “As of late June, more than 9.5 million laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been documented globally, with over 490,000 deaths. These numbers continue to grow substantially. In Beaumont Hospital, we have had over 500 patients admitted to the hospital, and nearly 50 patients requiring admission to intensive care.
“The current management of severe COVID-19 remains supportive, focusing on supplemental oxygen and ventilator support in the event of acute respiratory failure. Despite the implications for global health, the inflammatory characteristics of patients with COVID-19 are not yet fully understood. A greater understanding of how the body’s inflammatory mechanisms are impacted upon by COVID-19 could open the door to several potential therapies including antiviral medications and targeted immune-modulators such as alpha-1-antitrypsin.”
Prof. Ger Curley, RCSI Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care and Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care in Beaumont Hospital explained that “we know from in-hospital studies that many COVID-19 patients in ICU develop severe inflammation throughout the body with a disproportionately high rate of progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, shock and heart arrhythmia.”
In a collaboration between the Departments of Medicine and Critical Care and Anaesthesia, a team of clinician scientists led by Prof. McElvaney and Prof. Curley sought to ascertain the type of inflammation affecting the COVID-19 patient in ICU, and to determine whether there was a relationship between this type of inflammation and the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation.
The study showed that a number of highly inflamed proteins were all increased in infected patients compared to healthy controls. There was also a difference in the profiles of patients in ICU and those who were infected but stable.
Prof. Curley explained, however, that the most unanticipated differentiating factor between patients with stable and severe disease was not the degree of increase in inflammatory proteins, but rather the relative decrease in levels of an anti-inflammatory protein which indicates that the patients’ anti-inflammatory mechanisms were failing.
“This finding suggests to us that a therapy which augments the body’s own inflammation resolving mechanisms might have a positive impact. Alpha-1 protects the airway from damage during acute pulmonary infection. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory and acts to protect the immune system. Of particular relevance to COVID-19, it has been shown to modulate the production and activity of several key pro-inflammatory proteins”, explained Prof. Curley.
“We are confident that this clinical trial will demonstrate the potential for Alpha-1 to improve the outcomes for patients with the most severe COVID-19 induced respiratory difficulties.”
This is the first Investigational Medicine Product trial to be approved in Ireland to test a therapy to treat COVID19. The trial is being sponsored by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and is coordinated by the RCSI Clinical Research Centre. Beaumont Hospital is the first site to recruit patients and other sites in Ireland will also participate. This investigator initiated study benefited from generous support from Grifols, a Barcelona-based multinational healthcare company and a leading global producer of plasma-derived medicines, which provided access to the alpha1-proteinase inhibitor study drug.
Ranked number one globally for Good Health and Well-being in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2020, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an international not-for-profit university, with its headquarters in Dublin.
RCSI is exclusively focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. It is among the top 250 universities worldwide in the THE World University Rankings (2020) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
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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