Ontario faces crisis as millions of eye exams in jeopardy
After 30 years of chronic underfunding, COVID-19 further strains access to eye care
TORONTO, June 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's optometrists are launching an urgent appeal to the Ontario government to end the 30-year neglect in funding for eye care. This chronic underfunding, coupled with the devastating impact of COVID-19 on optometrists' ability to see patients, threatens Ontarians' access to these essential health services.
With strict physical distancing and infection control guidelines, optometrists are returning to work with patient volumes reduced by 50 per cent, resulting in the loss of nearly two million comprehensive eye exams over the next 12 months.
"Optometrists can't reopen practices that have been financially devastated by COVID-19, only to provide OHIP-insured services at an even greater loss. If this happens, practices in both rural and urban communities will struggle to survive," said Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. "It's time for Ontario's elected officials to open their eyes to a crisis that's about to become painfully visible for all to see."
COVID-19 has strained health care workers and decimated small businesses, and local optometrists are both. A recent survey reveals the devastating impact of the pandemic on optometry practices in Ontario, with 95 per cent reporting a revenue drop between 75 and 80 per cent since the forced closure of clinics in mid-March.
But even before the pandemic, Ontario's optometrists were in a far worse position than most other health care providers. After decades of neglect by previous governments, optometrists now subsidize more than half of the province's eye care system, at a cost of $173 million a year.
To ensure Ontarians receive care, optometrists will be referring patients to alternate providers, such as family doctors and hospitals. This situation risks putting a strain on the health system at the worst possible time.
"We are fighting not just for our survival, but for a long-term solution that protects patients and public health," added Dr. Salaba. "We ask the government to come to the table with a commitment to succeed where previous governments failed. Either cover the true cost of eye exams or give optometrists more flexibility in our billings. Optometrists are ready to adapt to ensure Ontarians get the accessible and quality eye care they deserve."
For more information and to add your voice to the growing number of Ontarians calling on government to work with optometrists, visit www.saveeyecare.ca.
About the Ontario Association of Optometrists
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is the leading professional organization, representing over 1,700 optometrists. We are dedicated to helping our members provide the highest standard of eye health and vision care for Ontarians while driving the profession of optometry forward. For more information, visit optom.on.ca. Learn more about what optometrists can do for you here, or, find an optometrist near you.
Quick Facts
Due to strict physical distancing and infection control guidelines, patient volumes for optometry practices will be reduced by as much as 50%.
Nearly two million comprehensive eye exams will not be delivered over the next 12 months.
Ontario's optometrists subsidize eye care in Ontario, paying $173 million a year out of their own pockets.
95 per cent of optometrists saw revenues drop between 75 and 85 per cent since mid-March.
Quotes
"Optometrists are the front-line workers of the vision care system, and their services are at the heart of preventative screening for vision health in Ontario. With statistics showing that one in three Ontarians will encounter risk of vision loss by age 65, the government must work with optometrists to find a sustainable solution. The modernization plan includes properly supporting and expanding public coverage for routine eye exams; a crucial step in early detection of eye complications, avoiding irreversible vision loss."
Doug Earle, President and CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada
"With an aging population and increase in chronic sight-threatening disease, the need for optometrists will continue to grow. However, the recent spotlight on the poor economics of publicly funded eye care may pose a threat to access to care and the viability of the profession."
Dr. Stan Woo, Director, University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
SOURCE Ontario Association of Optometrists
MedicAlert Canada Announces Leadership Transition
Leslie McGill takes over from Françoise Faverjon-Fortin as President & CEO
TORONTO, June 15, 2020 /CNW/ - MedicAlert Foundation Canada's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie McGill to President & Chief Executive Officer. The Board made the decision to promote Ms. McGill as successor to Françoise Faverjon-Fortin following a rigorous selection process.
"Leslie steps into her new role at a time when MedicAlert's mission is more vital than ever," said Doug Craig, Chair of the MedicAlert Board of Directors. "COVID-19 has taught us what it truly means to have life-saving information available for first responders. Canadians are being re-introduced to MedicAlert and the important work that we do. Leslie is a true innovator and entrepreneurial leader. She will continue to build upon Françoise's legacy, and lead MedicAlert to continued growth."
Leslie is a veteran of the health care sector both nationally and globally. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with a diverse range of companies, mission-based organizations, leading hospitals and innovative health-tech start-ups. Some of the dozens of organizations and companies she has worked with during her career include: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Merck, Astra Zeneca, Loblaw, Health Shared Services Ontario, Heart and Stroke, the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada, SickKids, University Health Network, CAMH, Sunnybrook, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
"I am delighted to be taking on the role of President and CEO for MedicAlert. I have been a subscriber since the age of 16 and understand first-hand the need for first responders to have access to critical health information at their fingertips. To lead this iconic organization and work directly with the first responder community on behalf of our subscribers is an honour. We have a steadfast mission and ambitious goals to protect as many Canadians as possible. I am looking forward to seeing our ideas come to life."
The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made to the organization by Mme. Faverjon-Fortin. Her unwavering leadership over the last 11 years as Board Director, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, has propelled MedicAlert to new heights as Canada's leading emergency health information services charity. She leaves the organization in a strong position for the future.
"Leaving an organization you love is always difficult," said Faverjon-Fortin. "It is harder still when your colleagues both at the board table and at the office are so dedicated and talented. It has been a tremendous journey and privilege to serve as CEO and Chair. From spearheading MedicAlert's transformation to consolidating our national and international presence, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and the culture we have created. I believe in our mission, and I have full confidence in our new CEO, Leslie McGill, and the dedicated MedicAlert team. I look forward to seeing the MedicAlert family continue to succeed in protecting Canadians as well as assisting first responders and health professionals in these unprecedented times and beyond."
SOURCE MedicAlert
Does Keto Boost Your Immune System?
By: Fresh n' Lean, the nation's #1 organic meal delivery company
SUMMARY
More and more people are adopting ketogenic diets. Does keto boost your immune system? Studies show it may help protect against certain viruses, and some keto foods can bolster immunity.
Fresh N’ Lean is the nation’s largest organic meal delivery service. Our tasty, chef-prepared cuisine is always fresh and never frozen, and we offer five convenient meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan. Choose Fresh N’ Lean for affordable nutrition, delivered to your doorstep.
Reaching your goals becomes a lot harder if you’re always out sick.
If you want to avoid falling victim to a cold or flu, you’ll have to maintain a healthy immune system. The keto diet is an eating plan that’s low in carbs and high in fat, and it’s been touted for its ability to foster weight loss and lower blood sugar. Does keto boost your immune system? Some studies suggest that it can.
Below, we’ll take a look at a keto diet’s effect on immune function. We’ll also suggest specific keto foods that work hard to ramp up immunity. Read on to learn how a keto eating plan can help your body fight off viruses and pathogens.
Keto and immunity
We’re living in the shadow of a global pandemic. ”Wash your hands,” we’re told, and toilet paper shortages are the order of the day.
Studies have shown that the keto diet is good for burning fat and lowering blood sugar, and it may improve the health of those who are at increased risk for conditions such as diabetes. Its benefits don’t end there: Keto may also be helpful in warding off certain viruses.
You may be wondering what impact keto has on the virus that’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue right now: COVID-19. To date, there hasn’t been any conclusive data presented on whether a ketogenic diet can mitigate the effects of this deadly illness.
Fighting the flu
However, the good news is that studies suggest a keto diet reduces the effect of another well-known virus: influenza. Research published in the journal Science Immunology shows that a keto eating plan may produce favorable outcomes for those who want to avoid catching the flu.
In this age of COVID-19, worrying about catching a cold or flu seems almost quaint. However, a common cold can knock you off your feet for days. Being out of commission for that long can slow down your productivity, setting you back as you work to further your career.
According to Science Immunology, mice fed a keto diet were shown to be less likely to contract the influenza A virus. The protective effect of this diet seems to stem from its ability to boost the production of gamma-delta T cells in the animals’ lungs. This encourages increased mucus production in the epithelial cells lining the airway. This mucus ultimately serves to contain the virus.
All this comes with one huge caveat: So far, these studies have been conducted solely on mice infected with influenza, not people. But researchers say these results provide a rationale for investigating whether humans on a keto diet are less likely to get the flu.
Now that we’ve looked at the keto diet’s effect on viruses, let’s examine the role certain keto foods have on the body’s immune response.
Keto immune booster #1: Poultry
In certain cultures, chicken soup is said to be worth its weight in gold when it comes to strengthening the immune system and protecting against colds and flu. Research suggests the healing power of this food isn’t just an old wives’ tale.
Chicken soup contains poultry. Poultry meat has a vitamin that improves immune response. That vitamin is B6.
Both animal and human studies show that B6 deficiency has a negative impact on the body’s immune response. Research also shows that adding B6 to your diet reduces inflammation, and this can bolster the body’s immunity.
Both chicken and turkey are rich sources of B6. Know that commercially raised poultry contains antibiotics that may harm your health. Choose organic poultry to experience maximum benefit from this immune-boosting food.
Organic poultry may be difficult to find in some places. Easily access this meat by subscribing to Fresh N’ Lean’s Keto meal plan. In that plan, you’ll find organic poultry in dishes such as our Roasted Turkey Breast and Cage-Free Chicken Parmesan.
Keto immune booster #2: Cod
Many of us grew up taking cod liver oil. As its name suggests, this is an oil extracted from the liver of the cod fish. For centuries, it’s been used to treat conditions such as joint pain and rickets.
It turns out that its oil isn’t the only valuable part of this fish. The flesh of the cod is also rich in healthy nutrients. Fatty fish such as cod are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can help the body mount a powerful immune response against invading pathogens. They also support immunity by working hard to reduce inflammation.
Get your weekly serving of cod by subscribing to Fresh N’ Lean’s meal delivery service. You’ll find this nutritious fish in our Keto meals such as Wild Cod with Pesto.
Keto immune booster #3: Almonds
Fats play a key role in the keto diet. Almonds are one of the healthiest fat sources you can find, and these nuts work heroically to bolster the immune system.
Almonds are packed to the brim with vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports immunity. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means it requires the presence of a fat for effective digestion. In addition to vitamin E, almonds contain lots of beneficial fats. This combination works to help your body make the most of vitamin E’s immune-boosting powers.
Increase your almond intake by signing up for our Keto meal plan. You’ll find this nutrient-dense nut in dishes such as our Almond-Crusted Sustainable Cod.
Next steps
The keto foods listed above may support your body’s immune response. Add them to your diet to garner extra protection from colds and flu.
Get these nourishing foods delivered to your door by signing up for Fresh N’ Lean’s Keto meal plan. It includes dishes that contain ingredients such as cod, almonds and poultry.
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DriSteem Announces the Release of a New Whitepaper “Using Humidification to Reduce the Transmission of Viruses”
Eden Prairie, MN – June 15, 2020 - DRI-STEEM Corporation (DriSteem), the leading manufacturer of humidification, evaporative cooling, and water treatment products, announced today the release of its latest whitepaper titled “Using Humidification to Reduce the Transmission of Viruses.”
The purpose of this white paper is to explain the role that humidification plays in reducing the transmission, infectivity and severity of COVID-19 and other viruses. It includes a review of current industry standards and presents strategies for implementing this safe and efficient approach to a healthy indoor environment.
Healthy levels of humidification can help to reduce the spread of viruses which infect our respiratory tract; examples are, COVID-19 (SARS Cov-2) and H1N1 (Influenza A). While this applies to all buildings, facilities such as hospitals, clinics, senior living communities, and schools are amongst those that may benefit the most from the implementation of optimal humidity levels. The World Health Organization has called for non-pharmaceutical approaches to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and the addition of humidity is a safe, efficient and easy way to protect staff, patients, residents, teachers, and students. The full paper is available to all and can be downloaded following the link below: https://dristeem.pages.salesfusion.com/virus-reduction-white-paper
“At DriSteem we have been ramping up availability of data and resources to help people understand how humidification can help protect everyone in their buildings - employees, patrons, residents, students, and so on,” said Valerie Bradt, DriSteem Communications Manager. “We have been hosting free webinars and doing what we can to get the word out about recent studies showing humidification levels in a room can protect people from the spread of viruses like COVID. The whitepaper is one more tool to help spread the knowledge of how people can help keep themselves, their families, their employees and their customers safe.
About DriSteem:
DriSteem is a premier provider of humidification, evaporative cooling, and water treatment solutions for commercial and industrial applications. DriSteem offers custom systems for critical indoor environments such as health care, data centers, and other facilities requiring precise control of moisture in the air.
DriSteem’s 50-year history of development and innovation has resulted in multiple patented designs that not only meet, but anticipate, customers’ unique needs. DriSteem is a subsidiary of Research Products Corporation, manufacturer of Aprilaire®, the leading residential humidifier brand, as well as air cleaners, heat-recovery systems and HVAC accessories.
Bishop Barber to deliver message to America at National Cathedral: ‘We must refuse to accept death anymore’
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Social justice leader Bishop William J. Barber II will preach Sunday at the Washington National Cathedral on the nation’s history of ignoring the deaths of certain people, especially those who are poor or low-income and people of color.
Bishop Barber, president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, will preach “America! Accepting Death Is Not an Option Anymore” on Sunday, June 14. Worshippers are not allowed into the cathedral at this time, but the sermon will be live-streamed.
“As we deal with the on-camera murder of George Floyd by racist policing, we must also recognize many public policies have an ugly ‘DM’— death measurement,” Bishop Barber said. “When we look at their impact, these policies disproportionately kill black people and poor people. We must demand that inequalities be addressed by new policies. We must refuse to accept death anymore.”
This marks Bishop Barber’s first trip outside North Carolina since the state first issued stay-at-home orders to protect people from the pandemic. He previously delivered a sermon at the National Cathedral on June 3, 2018, which was published by Workman Publishing on June 9th as “We Are Called To Be A Movement.”
Bishop Barber is delivering the sermon as protests have engulfed the nation over the murder of George Floyd, who died on Memorial Day after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The video of the life draining from Mr. Floyd’s body as he cried “I can’t breathe” has enraged a country already straining from the deaths of other African Americans at the hands of white people and from the over 110,000 U.S. deaths from COVID-19, which has disproportionately infected and killed black people.
As co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, Barber will preach a vision for building a coalition for transformative change in American public life through a digital Mass Poor People’s Assembly on Saturday, June 20, sponsored by the broadest coalition of national and grassroots justice organizations to come together since a historic wave of protests erupted two weeks ago.
Repairers of the Breach is a nonpartisan not-for-profit organization that seeks to build a moral agenda rooted in a framework that uplifts our deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of our country. It was founded in 2015 by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II as a way to organize, train, and work with a diverse school of prophets from every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.
___
The Poor People’s Campaign: A national call for moral revival, is building a generationally transformative digital gathering called the Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington, on June 20, 2020. At that assembly, we will demand that both major political parties address the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism by implementing our Moral Agenda
No Fear of COVID-19: Patients Come For Plastic Surgeries as Soon as Borders Are Open
At international plastic surgery clinics, life is coming back to normal. Patients trust the safety measures of the clinics and are tired of waiting for their procedures. They start traveling for plastic surgeries as soon as quarantine measures are lifted and borders open.
June 12th, 2020. Recent survey of the USA plastic surgery market recorded positive attitude of patients toward plastic surgery during COVID-19 pandemic. 49% of people without previous experience of plastic surgery indicated their openness to cosmetic or reconstructive treatment in the future. The practice of Nordesthetics clinic - a leading international plastic surgery center in Kaunas, Lithuania, confirms the same trend in Europe. Patients come for surgeries as soon as borders open.
"The renewal of international flights and the relaxation of quarantine measures are the only important factors," said Justina Bartkute, the director of Nordesthetics clinic. "As soon as borders open with some country, we have patients coming in. Some patients even use this opportunity to reschedule their procedures for some earlier time. There are patients asking for delays, but again - their concern is uncertainty of travelling conditions, not the risk of the virus. So, in general, we see regrouping of patients, but no retreat."
According to Ms. Bartkute, the variety of patient nationalities is also entirely dependent on the opening of borders. Presently, most patients come from Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland and Switzerland. It can be expected that patients from Spain and Ireland are soon to follow as borders with these countries have just been opened or are in the process.
These trends indicate no anxiety of patients over the health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Patients are not anxious, they are tired of waiting," confirmed Ms. Bartkute. "They see that the COVID-19 spread will continue as long as there is no vaccine. But people cannot delay their health issues for that long. They see that they have to move on with their lives, even with planned procedures. And they trust the clinic, too. We operate in Lithuania - a country which has been very successful in containing the COVID-19 pandemic."
During the quarantine, Nordesthetics clinic took important precautions against the COVID-19 spread, which are still ongoing. All patients coming for consultationshave to disinfect their hands, measure their body temperature, wear face masks and gloves. Consultation times and number of visiting patients are limited. Before surgeries, all patients have SARS-CoV-2 tests in addition to other pre-surgical testing. Accompanying persons or visitors are not allowed at the clinic.
Every year Nordesthetics clinic hosts over 2.000 patients. 90% of them are medical tourists looking for quality procedures abroad. The clinic offers tummy tuck, liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and other popular plastic surgeries. Apart from the qualified doctors and medical staff, the patients receive logistical support and personal assistance while they visit Kaunas, Lithuania, including transfers to and from the airport.
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ABOUT NORDESTHETICS
Nordesthetics is a private plastic surgery clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, part of Nordclinic, offering high-quality services and focusing on foreign patients. It is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. Medical professionals at the clinic speak fluent English and show personal attention to every patient. www.nordesthetics.com/en/
DECN READIES ITS 2NDEUA AMENDMENT WITH THE FDA FOR ITS GENVIRO! SWIFT PROFESSIONAL COVID-19 :15 TEST KIT, AND ALSO ANNOUNCES ITS FURTHER SUPPORT FOR MORE AND CONTINUED WORLDWIDE COVID-19 TESTING
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 12, 2020 / Decision Diagnostics Corp. (OTC PINK:DECN) through its subsidiary Pharma Tech Solutions, Inc., today announced its continued support for additional COVID-19 testing on a worldwide level, as the company prepares a Second Amendment to its Emergency Use Application (EUA) that was completed and first submitted to the FDA on April 3, 2020.
This Amendment specifically addresses what the company believes are positive changes in the FDA Guidance and/or platforms (EUA updates 4 and 5) initiated on May 4 and May 11, 2020, respectively. The company believes that both of these guidance additions/changes help us as we present our GenViro! Swift :15 Kit and prepare it for commercial sale in anticipation of securing regulatory approval. In addition, the company emphasizes its ongoing support for increased testing as the US is experiencing a substantial uptick in the number of Covid-19 infections in approximately 20 states and the critical need to increase testing worldwide.
Keith Berman CEO of DECN commented, “It is clear from the data and in pronouncements from the vast majority of public-health experts that we need more testing, its accuracy needs to improve, and we need faster results. That’s exactly what we are working on with our Covid -19 :15 Swift Kit and why we are filing this 2nd amendment with the FDA.”
Leading outlets such as The New York Times have said the current state of testing is not sufficient, calling it “The Wild West”. In a late April article the Times also highlighted the fact that “The FDA must stick to its normal process for review but expedite it by giving top priority with its reviewers and bring more on if necessary.” Berman continued, “We agree and also believe that this will certainly support smaller, innovative companies with potential game-changing technologies like ours who remain anxious to demonstrate in the market alternative testing solutions.”
The company had previously announced that separate Emergency Use Applications (EUA) had been filed and have received Pre-EUA Acknowledgement letters from the U.S. FDA for device (serial number) PEUA200232, GenViro Covid-19 Swift Kit for professional use in commercial and group settings and device (serial number) PEUA200947, GenViro Covid-19 Screening Kit for at- home use.
Decision Diagnostics through its Pharma Tech Solutions, Inc. subsidiary is an 18-year old diabetes testing products firm, high-level manufacturer, quality plan administrator, FDA registered medical device customer support organization, and exclusive worldwide sales and regulatory process agent for its own proprietary regulated medical devices. Subject to FDA authorization of its GenViro! Swift kits, DECN anticipates adopting its further developed impedance technology, first utilized for its diabetic testing products, to implement the manufacturing and distribution of its GenViro! Covid-19 :15 Swift test kits in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide.
Mr. Berman continued, “While we will continue working with the FDA for an authorized EUA for our GenViro! Covid-19 :15 Swift Kit for both professional and at-home uses, we will not sit on the sidelines while the FDA reviews our game changing technology, and are proceeding with separate efforts overseas. We have identified and interviewed distribution organizations for International territories including the Russian Federation where we are at the agreement drafting stage, a second territory that includes India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, also at the agreement drafting stage, and we have begun an interview process for a territory in the EU by talking to a UK based distributor and a group in Denmark associated with a large Euro based pharma. We also expect to interview several more EU based companies in the next several weeks.”
ABOUT DECISION DIAGNOSTICS CORP
Decision Diagnostics Corp. is the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of diabetic test strips engineered to operate on legacy glucose meters. DECN's products are designed to operate efficiently and less expensively on certain glucose meters already in use by almost 7.5 million diabetics worldwide. With newly inspired technology diabetic test strips already in the final stages of development, DECN products compete on a worldwide scale with legacy manufacturers currently selling to 71+ percent of a $15+ billion at-home testing market. The company's new GenViro!™ product designed to test for Covid-19, is not yet available in the United States or Puerto Rico, but Emergency (EUA) Waivers are in process with the U.S. FDA.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This release contains the company's forward-looking statements which are based on management's current expectations and assumptions as of June 11, 2020, regarding the company's business and performance, its prospects, current factors, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results. ###
Health Canada Issues Notice of Compliance for Bausch Health's DUOBRII™
TOPICAL COMBINATION IMPROVING THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PLAQUE PSORIASIS IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS FORMULATED WITH PROPRIETARY PRISMATREX™ TECHNOLOGY i
LAVAL, QC, June 11, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bausch Health, Canada, which is part of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC) (TSX: BHC), ("Bausch Health" or the "Company") has announced that Health Canada has approved the use of DUOBRIITM (0.01% w/w halobetasol propionate and 0.045% w/w tazarotene) lotion, a topical prescription medicine indicated for improving the signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.i
A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the regeneration of skin cells, psoriasis affects its patients not just physically, but also emotionallyii. Studies suggest that about one million Canadians are impacted by this skin disease, with 90% of those affected suffering from plaque psoriasis.ii
DUOBRII is the first and only complementary retinoid-steroid combination of two ingredients – halobetasol propionate, which helps with the inflammation associated with psoriasis; and tazarotene helps with the normal growth of skin cells and by reducing inflammation.i DUOBRII is formulated with a unique and proprietary technology called Prismatrex, a polymeric emulsification system which provides a stable condition of the product where emulsion droplets retain their distribution across time and temperature.iii
"With Health Canada's approval of DUOBRII, patients suffering from plaque psoriasis will soon have an innovative topical treatment option that uniquely combines two well-known ingredients, halobetasol propionate and tazarotene with established safety profiles, into a single lotion offering the complementary benefits of a retinoid with a steroid for the first line treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis," said Richard Lajoie, President and General Manager, Bausch Health, Canada. "Since psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, patients require continuous treatment in order to achieve optimal control of their symptoms. Now, with DUOBRII, Canadian health care professionals and their patients have a new topical treatment option that can help achieve those long-term goals. We remain committed to bringing forward new medicines, like DUOBRII to meet the varying treatment needs of patients with psoriasis."
Psoriasis is a difficult condition to treat," said Dr. Neil H. Shear, MD, FRCPC, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "Because psoriasis typically appears on visible parts of the body, it has a significant effect on how my patients feel and interact with others. Without question, achieving clear skin is the goal of patients and physicians alike. DUOBRII, which combines a corticosteroid and a retinoid, is the first new topical treatment option for psoriasis in many years, with encouraging results that can be seen in as early as two weeks. As well, it is the only topical treatment that provides extended clearance post-treatment."
Clinical trials and studies demonstrated that DUOBRII was statistically significantly more effective than Vehicle Lotion in achieving treatment success in the IGA at Week 8, defined as at least a 2-grade improvement from Baseline and a score of Clear or Almost Clear in the studies.i According to Dr. Shear, while other products containing steroids used for treating psoriasis have a limit to the length of time for their usage, DUOBRII has no treatment duration limitation. "Patients can use it until their skin is clear and can re-initiate treatment as needed."
"Having access to a new, first-line topical treatment is an important advance for patients with plaque psoriasis," said Rachael Manion of the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients (CAPP). "The psoriasis community welcomes the addition of this new once-daily topical treatment optioniv to the psoriasis treatment toolkit, especially in light of reduced treatment options for some people living with psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic."
It is expected that DUOBRII will be commercially available in Canada in late summer 2020.
DUOBRII is manufactured for US and Canadian patients at Bausch Health's Laval, Quebec manufacturing facility.
About Bausch Health Companies Inc.
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health.
In Canada, the Company's prescription product portfolio is focused on eye health, dermatology and cardio-metabolic conditions. More information can be found on the Company's website at bauschhealth.ca.
Theories about how COVID-19 spreads varies with emerging markets more likely to believe myths
More people globally believe COVID-19 can live on surfaces for days over other theories
Paris, France June 10, 2020 — Theories about how the coronavirus can spread varies across 16 countries with some myths holding more prominence in regions like emerging markets, according to the latest survey by Ipsos.
In global poll of nearly 16,000 people conducted from May 28 to 31, more people believe COVID-19 can live up to three days on surfaces over all other theories presented with a majority of respondents saying this is true in 11 of the countries.
People in Canada and the United Kingdom (69%), Australia (66%), Spain and Brazil (61%) are most likely to believe this, while those in China (32%), India (26%), Germany and South Korea (25%) and Italy (24%) are most likely to say it’s false.
But at the same time, people are more divided on whether COVID-19 can be spread by boxes and packages sent from other countries where the virus is present.
Respondents in emerging markets of India (54%), South Africa (50%), Brazil (45%) and China (42%) are most likely to believe this, while those in Italy (66%), Russia (61%) and Germany (55%) are most likely to disagree.
Exposure to drugs and temperature
In terms of treatment for COVID-19, a majority of people in 11 countries do not believe that hydroxychloroquine is a cure for the virus with those in Canada and the U.K. (80%), Australia (73%), the United States (69%) and Spain (67%) most likely to say this is false.
But people in India (37%) are mostly likely to believe the drug is a cure for the illness. Indians are also among the most likely to say that if a test for antibodies shows you have already been exposed to COVID-19, you cannot get the virus again. Those in Germany are also mostly like to say this is true at 28%, followed by 20% in Russia.
Meanwhile, those in South Korea (70%), Japan and China (68%) are most likely to say this is false.
When it comes to myths around exposure to the sun and temperatures to prevent contraction of COVID-19, people in India (35%), Russia (29%) and South Africa (27%) are most likely to believe this, while those in the U.K. (73%), Canada (70%) and Australia (63%) are most likely to say this is false.
Children, animals, food and technology
In terms of human transmission, a majority of people in all the countries disagree with the theory that children cannot get COVID-19 with this sentiment highest in the U.K. (93%) and Canada (91%). Mexico is the only country where nearly one in five (17%) say this is true.
People are more divided on whether pets can transmit the virus to humans. Those in hard-hit countries like Italy (83%), France (60%) and Spain (59%), followed by Mexico (58%) and Brazil (56%) are most likely to say this is false, while more than a third of respondents in Asian nations of China (40%), India (36%), South Korea (35%) and Japan (33%) said it is true.
When it comes to what you can eat to prevent infection, people in India (34%) and South Africa (14%) are most likely to say that eating garlic protects against infection of COVID-19. But, a majority of people in 15 countries said this is not true.
Lastly, there is consensus that 5G mobile technology cannot spread COVID-19 with a majority in all 16 countries saying this is false. People in the U.K. (88%), Canada (84%) and Germany (82%) top the list on this.
These are the results of an Ipsos survey conducted May 28th to 31st, 2020 on the Global Advisor online platform among 15,872 adults aged 18-74 in Canada and the United States and 16-74 in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Where available, tracking results from previous studies conducted through March and April, as well as selected results from February, are referenced by date.
The sample for this study consists of approximately 1,000 individuals in each country. The samples in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and the U.S. can be taken as representative of these countries’ general adult population over age 16 or 18 (as above) and under the age of 75. The sample in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa is more urban, more educated and/or more affluent than the general population and should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of the population. The data is weighted so that each market’s sample composition best reflects the demographic profile of the adult population according to the most recent census data.
Where results do not sum up to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don't knows or not stated responses. The precision of Ipsos online polls is calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website (www.Ipsos.com).
60 minutes of endurance training is enough to shift body clock in mice
New research published today in The Journal of Physiology shows that just one 60 minutes bout of exercise shifted the muscle clocks of mice by around an hour in either direction. If this research is replicated in humans, it makes a case for prescribing exercise for night-shift workers and for treating diseases like heart disease, both of which can result in disrupted clocks throughout the body.
Clocks exist in virtually all our cells to temporally coordinate cell specific functions. The setting of our clocks are sensitive to cues like changes in light throughout the day, or our time of eating. Researchers at the University of Florida found that the clocks in muscles of mice were “listening” to information from their muscle contractions during exercise.
This means that exercise is a cue for setting the clocks in muscles. The researchers determined this by studying mice that ran in different phases of the day: in the middle of their rest phase, an hour before starting their active phase, and in the middle of their active phase. Active and rest phases in mice are equivalent to day and night in humans. They then looked at how the amount of a primary clock protein changed over the course of multiple days following muscle contractions. Their results showed that depending on the timing of contractions the clocks shifted about an hour to either an earlier or later time and that this does not require circulating hormones or the central clock.
In other words, the timing of exercise during the day, can rewind or fast forward our muscle body clocks, so fine-tuning this could allow precise treatment of conditions where the body clocks either is running ahead or behind.
Researchers carried this research out in mice rather than humans as it would require multiple muscle biopsies, which are invasive procedures. Although this research has been done in mice thus far, it can be taken forward in patients without the need for clinical trials, as it calls for a prescription of exercise timing for certain conditions, such as heart disease.
Christopher Wolff, a co-first author on the study said:
“This research is really important because it highlights the effect exercise can have on our body clocks. If this is replicated in humans it means that night-shift workers can use exercise to help shift their body clocks. We may also be able to use exercise as a treatment for a ‘body clock disorders’ that can occur in many chronic diseases such as heart disease.“
The Journal of Physiology publishes advances in physiology which increase our understanding of how our bodies function in health and disease. http://jp.physoc.org
The Physiological Society brings together over 4,000 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports. www.physoc.org
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