Swoop Announces Support for Canada's Healthcare Workers Through The Frontline Fund
CALGARY, June 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Swoop announced a new charitable initiative with The Frontline Fund, raising funds in support of Canada's healthcare workers and hospital foundations.
Beginning Thursday, June 4, Swoop will be making disposable masks available at check-in, for a suggested minimum donation of $2.00, with 100 percent of after-tax proceeds going directly to The Frontline Fund until August 31, 2020. Additionally, Swoop will donate $5.00 per traveller, per booking from new bookings made during the month of June1.
"As Canadians, we owe the health care professionals who protect our communities a debt of gratitude and our continued support in the battle against COVID-19," says Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. "Swoop is proud to offer our support by contributing to funding for supplies, support and research."
Since the onset of the pandemic, Swoop has relied on the guidance of public health professionals, implementing enhanced measures to ensure a healthy travel and work environment. Faced with the question of how best to support the health care workers that protect our communities, Swoop turned to the Frontline Fund: a coalition of 165 hospital foundations enabling Canadians and Canadian corporations to support in ways big and small.
"On behalf of The Frontline Fund and the participating hospital foundations from coast to coast, we are so grateful to corporate donors like Swoop for supporting us in the fight against COVID-19," says Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO of Trillium Health Partners Foundation and a member of The Frontline Fund steering committee. "We also thank Swoop travellers who will support the cause and, in turn, support fellow Canadians who are frontline workers."
The Frontline Fund was created as a way for all Canadians and Canadian corporations to help arm frontline healthcare providers as they battle this public health emergency and to support northern communities and Indigenous health. Organizations, such as Swoop, are providing their support for the unanticipated incremental costs that continue to climb as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, adding pressure to healthcare budgets that are already strained.
The funds raised go towards supporting three main areas:
Supplies – personal protective equipment like masks, disinfectants, and disposable clothing; ventilators, diagnostic and testing equipment, digital infrastructure needed to enable virtual patient care;
Supports – Peer-to-peer mental health support, counselling, accommodation and food for healthcare workers that need to self-isolate, recognition and appreciation initiatives;
Research – Support for clinical and basic research, COVID-19 clinical trials, and vaccine development.
1 Swoop pledges to donate $5.00 CAD per traveller, per booking on new, web bookings made between June 1 (12:01 a.m. MT) and June 30 (11:59 p.m. MT), up to a maximum donation of $50,000 CAD to The Frontline Fund.
About The Frontline Fund
The Frontline Fund was created by leaders in the healthcare fundraising sector who formed a national coalition to help leading Canadian hospitals and foundations raise urgently needed funds to support the highest priority needs of participating hospital foundations, including to support COVID-19 and support for the Northern Territories and Indigenous health. The goal is to provide Canadians with an easy, streamlined way to support hospitals in the form of financial assistance. The hope of this national collaborative effort is to raise awareness for this urgent need and to provide an easy, one-stop solution for Canadian individuals and businesses who want to help. To learn more, visit FrontlineFund.ca.
About Swoop
Established in 2018, Swoop is Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, offering point-to-point scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Swoop offers completely unbundled products and services, creating the unique opportunity for travellers to control their costs and customize their experience by purchasing only the extras they desire.
Swoop operates a modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Swoop's mobile app allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight. For more details on Swoop, visit FlySwoop.com.
SOURCE Swoop
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU RETURN TO YOUR FAVOURITE SPA/ SALON!
TORONTO, ONT – THE PUBLIC IS CONFUSED! THE PUBLIC IS SCARED! AND THE PUBLIC IS ALSO EXCITED! but they don’t know what to do, what to think and what will happen when their favourite Spa and Salon reopens.
Much has been made of the new norm as businesses begin to open their doors to the public. We have already experienced significant impacts on our modified behaviour in examples such as self-distancing lines at checkouts, no return policies, enforced wearing of masks, interacting with staff behind shielded plexiglass and other containment measures.
“The hands-on services and treatments provided by hairdressers, aestheticians, manicurists and massage therapists are going to be especially challenged to adopt similar restrictions in an effort to protect their staff and clients,” states Jeff Alford, president of The CBON Group, Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products.
“One thing consumers do know is that they will likely be encountering a very different world when salons and spas start once again to take appointments,” continues Alford. The professional beauty industry is in turn going to be welcoming back a very different kind of client, one that is more aware, more educated and more scrutinizing of workplace environments and sanitizing practices in place to keep them protected. “The new norm in the age of coronavirus is going to be accompanied by social awareness where consumers assume greater responsibility for their own physical safety and personal welfare”.
The general public has witnessed protective measures imposed on them by retail stores, restaurants, banks, transit, etc. However, they have also exercised their own personal safety responses by wearing masks and gloves, shopping online, avoiding busy store hours or simply just staying at home. When salons and spas do re-open, consumers can continue taking measures to reduce the risk of infection when getting a haircut, manicure, facial or a massage.
Here are tips from Alford that he suggests the public can look for as they return to their favourite salon or spa.
Advanced Awareness of Salon/Spa Policy Changes
Even before you book an appointment, you should be aware of what measures your salon or spa are taking to keep you safe while in their care. Their website, social media channels or email notifications should be announcing changes in policy that might include, required use of face masks, restrictions in services (like no hair drying), reduced (or extended) hours, no walk-ins, no waiting areas, no outside food or drinks, etc. Become familiar with those policies and make sure you’re comfortable with them before making a booking. You do not want to become a social media sensation by causing a scene when you show up and are potentially taken by surprise.
Communicate with Your Professional Beauty Facility
Perhaps your local salon or spa isn’t all that tech savvy with making updates through digital media. You can also give them a call when booking your appointment and inquire about changes in policy. You can ask if staff will be wearing masks, what additional cleaning and disinfection practices are in place and whether they are undertaking any screening measures (e.g. checking for flu-like symptoms, temperature taking or filling out forms). This knowledge will give you the confidence to continue with your booking or contemplate an alternative destination. Safety is not only about you, but the practices enforced upon the people around you as well.
Before You Enter…
Before entering your salon or spa, you should see notification of any changes communicated through signage or posted letters at the door or window. This will let you know that policies are being universally applied to everyone. Remember, the risk of infection does not just come from within the facility but also from other patrons.
Reception, the First Line of Defence
A salon or spa’s primary objective during this outbreak is to prevent the introduction of viruses that can lead to infection. Larger establishments may have a designated greeter at the door who can screen clients before they enter the premises. Smaller salons or spas should have a physical barrier or reception desk that prevents clients from freely entering before being processed. Hand sanitizing gel, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, disposal of outside coffee cups, form-filling, etc. may all be part of the new norm. If these measures are not in place, you may need to ask yourself why and what other precautionary steps are not being taken to keep you safe?
Social Distancing is Possible
While maintaining distance may not be possible when obtaining professional beauty services, your salon or spa should still be taking measures to respect the 2-meter separation rule whenever possible. This may include removal of waiting areas, limiting capacity and by-appointment-only service to avoid over congestion. It may also involve removal or decommissioning of every other workstation, shampooing sink, blow drying area, etc. to ensure distancing. If your salon or spa do not have these precautions in place, you may be exposing yourself to a higher risk of infection through exposure to other customers in close quarters.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
Your professional beauty provider should clean and disinfect their workstations and treatment areas between every appointment. All disposable items used with a client should be discarded. Any manicure/pedicure tools should be high level disinfected in a soaking tray. All points of client contact including work surfaces, chairs, treatment beds, face cradles, magnifying lamps, etc. should be disinfected with a Health Canada approved hospital grade disinfectant for the requisite contact time. Some products may take as long as 10 minutes to do their job, so you should be prepared to wait in between appointments. If your salon or spa has fast client turnover that does not allow for proper sanitizing protocols to take place, you should be aware of the heightened exposure to infection you may be facing.
Ask Your Professional Beauty Practitioner
The coronavirus outbreak has required beauty professionals to brush up on their germ and infection prevention knowledge. Some may have already had sanitizing best practices in place prior to COVID-19, but additional training and education may now be required. There are numerous online courses available to the cosmetology trade with opportunities to receive certification. So, you should be able to engage with your professional and have them address any health-related questions. Better still, he or she should start your appointment by letting you know what measures they have in place to keep you safe prior to the commencement of any treatment or service and conclude with “do you have any questions or concerns before we get started?. If your facility is not doing this or is unable to respond to your infection prevention questions, how safe should you feel?
In the new norm, social awareness will play an increasingly larger role to ensure you’re using the services of a salon or spa that is well positioned to protect you from the risk of infection. This is true during a pandemic like coronavirus but also during seasonal flu outbreaks or to prevent everyday infections associated with the spread of viruses, bacteria and fungi in personal care establishments. Social awareness will not only be practiced at a facility but also through word of mouth, online reviews, social media engagement, etc. to ensure your friends and family also have the same level infection prevention knowledge and monitoring. Only then, can we all know and be confident that we’ve done everything possible to contain the risk of an outbreak resurgence and keep everyone safe and protected.
ABOUT THE CBON GROUP
The CBON Group is Canada’s Leading supplier of infection control products for the Beauty industry. For over a Decade the company has been educating professionals online and offline in all infection control protocols. For more information, please visit, www.thecbongroup.com
Episode 1: I Have A Lot To Say
Welcome To The Train It Right Life. My name is Alicia Bell. I am an IFBB Figure Pro. I live in the greater Toronto area. Burlington to be exact. I am a Kinesiologist and an Online Coach. And I have a lot to say. Find out more about me, being a pro athlete, training, health, food, fitness, sex and life on this podcast as I bring you through my thoughts and experiences.
After Pivoting into Online Workouts, Longevity Fitness Reopens While Continuing to Bring Their Signature Fitness Philosophy to Customers Via Virtual Sessions
After the coronavirus pandemic swept across the U.S., fitness centers have begun cautiously reopening their doors. Longevity Fitness in Charleston, South Carolina, long known for its pristine and spa-like setting, has been on the forefront of the movement to protect the health and well-being of their clients while offering them a wide range of ways to stay fit. The fitness studio (one that counts Bill Murray amongst its loyal clients) is kicking off a phased reopening while offering a wide variety of online workouts – from classes to private training sessions. It’s all part of Longevity’s mission to help its clients stay in optimum shape both physically and mentally. The boutique club reopened the first phase of its physical studio for private sessions and access to the open gym floor by appointment only. As of June 1st, Longevity Fitness began adding back reduced class sizes of its Pilates and group training. The phased reopening is just another step in Longevity’s successful navigation of a pandemic that has thrown many fitness clubs for a loop. Since its inception in 2015, Longevity Fitness has built a dedicated following as a boutique fitness club known for its cleanliness, spa-like elements, alluring scent, and open and airy feel. When coronavirus caused the center to temporarily shutter, owner Jennie Brooks and her team quickly pivoted to find a way to offer signature Longevity training sessions at home. Since then, the studio has hosted a wide variety of livestream classes led by their certified personal trainers, Pilates and yoga instructors. Online classes feature workouts that can be done from home with minimal equipment (a mat, dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.). Classes include a variety of Pilates mat-based workouts, Stretch, HIIT and strength-focused routines, TRX, and more. Anyone can access Longevity Live classes via the private Longevity Fitness Charleston LIVE Facebook group. Donations for the classes are appreciated and can be made by signing up for a class through the Mindbody App or Longevity Fitness Charleston website. The team at Longevity Fitness is also continuing to add to their library of Longevity On Demand workouts that are available via subscription. Subscribers get access to the full selection of Longevity On Demand classes, including a special “Body By Bill” TRX workout video featuring Murray himself. In addition to online classes, Longevity Fitness’ trainers will continue to offer live, private virtual sessions with clients to help them stay accountable, connected and on track – even if they opt to do so from home. Longevity Fitness owner Jennie Brooks founded the club to have a boutique hotel vibe with a focus on wellness as a lifestyle. She and her team of dedicated staff are looking forward to continuing to build a happy, health-conscious base of clients across the country – whether they opt to visit online or in person. To learn more about Longevity Fitness, visit www.longevityfitnesscharleston.com.
Musical Savant Inspires Heartbroken Pianist In Return Of The Song
San Antonio, TX, June 3, 2020 — Caroline Carlyle, a gifted pianist, has abandoned her unfinished compositions and traded her old ambitions for the comfort and familiarity of being the town’s favorite piano teacher. The music that once filled her heart died along with her fiancé in the floodwaters of Guatemala six years ago. Struggling with aching loss and a splintered faith, she has long since given up on rediscovering the inspiration that once came so easily.
Until, that is, a prodigious, musical savant enters Caroline’s life, shattering her glass cocoon, capturing the attention of many of the townsfolk, and awakening Caroline’s courage and sense of purpose. Inspired by her new acquaintance, Caroline embarks on a quest to track down the beloved rare piano she played as a child. Her search leads her to Rockwater, the Kentucky estate of a wealthy gentleman who will forever alter the trajectory of Caroline’s life.
Return of the Song is the compelling first book in the Rockwater Suite series from Phyllis Clark Nichols. Readers will find themselves immersed in the fictional town of Moss Point, Georgia, where quiet glimmers of romance and undercurrents of mystery complement the town’s Southern beauty and charm. They will discover the hope of life after loss and the rekindling of love and purpose.
With change in the air at Moss Point, secrets will be revealed, events will converge and characters will collide — all of it building to an unexpected crescendo. Who will ultimately help Caroline find the real music of her heart again?
Author Phyllis Clark Nichols weaves her faith and her Southern culture into character-driven stories that bring hope and light as they explore profound human questions. A classically-trained musician and retired cable executive, she enjoys art, books, nature, cooking, travel and stories about ordinary people who live extraordinary lives. In addition to the Rockwater Suite series, Phyllis is the author of the Family Portrait series and the inspirational Christmas novels, Christmas at Grey Sage and Silent Days, Holy Night. She and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country. Please visit her at www.phyllisclarknichols.com.
Study: Brain Exercises Provide Breakthrough Treatment for Geriatric Depression
SAN FRANCISCO — For the first time in a randomized controlled trial, brain exercises were shown effective in addressing depression in treatment-resistant older patients, who had previously used anti-depressive drug therapy without success. The exercises were shown to improve not only mood, but also the often-unaddressed cognitive deficits associated with geriatric depression. The study used neuroplasticity-based exercises from BrainHQ, the brain training app from Posit Science, plus two new exercises designed for the study.
“These study results seem particularly relevant at a time when a record number of seniors are being asked to maintain social distance, which we know is not good for mood, nor for cognitive performance,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “This study joins a half-dozen prior studies in showing that neuroplasticity-based brain exercises can improve mood and address depressive symptoms.”
“This study also provides promising new evidence that patients who could not be helped by drug therapy may be helped by this very different kind of intervention,” Dr. Mahncke continued. “Depression can drive cognitive deficits, and cognitive deficits can drive depression, feeding on one another in a downward spiral. Here, there’s evidence of gains in both areas generating an upward spiral to improve quality of life.”
This double-blind study was led by researchers at the Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry and enrolled 36 older (aged 60-89) patients with major depressive disorder, who had failed to achieve remission after at least eight weeks of treatment with anti-depressive drugs. Participants were randomized into a neuroplasticity-based brain exercise intervention group or into an active control group engaged in computerized education with equivalent time demands and support. Each group was asked to complete 30 hours of their activity within 4-5 weeks. The results were published this week in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
The researchers found that 58 percent of the treatment-resistant patients in the brain exercise group showed remission in depression as compared to eight percent in the control group.
“We’ve come to recognize the role of brain chemistry and brain plasticity in depression,” Dr. Mahncke noted. “These exercises are designed to stimulate the neuro-modulatory systems that naturally control mood. The exercises are attentionally demanding and filled with novelty and rewards in an effort to stimulate the production of acetylcholine, norepinephrine and dopamine, which help with brain plasticity, learning, and mood.”
The researchers also found the intervention group improved significantly in cognitive performance measures as compared to the control group. In addition, the intervention group also experienced a significant reduction in a measure of their disability resulting from the depression.
There are more than 100 published studies of the exercises in BrainHQ which have shown benefits, including gains in standard measures of cognition (attention, speed, memory, executive function, social cognition), in standard measures of quality of life (mood, confidence and control, managing stress, health-related quality of life) and in real world activities (gait, balance, driving, everyday cognition, maintaining independence). BrainHQ is now offered, without charge, as a benefit by leading national and 5-star Medicare Advantage plans; by the Department of Defense to every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine; and by hundreds of clinics, libraries, and communities. Consumers can also try BrainHQ for free at http://www.brainhq.com.
This Courageous Young Woman’s Story Is Testament That One Life Really Can Impact The World
Fort Wayne, IN, June 3, 2020 — One thing most of us can’t get enough of right now are inspiring stories that put all the stress, fear and worry of the current pandemic into perspective. How about a story of an incredible young woman who lived a life without limits and managed to enrich every life she touched – regardless of the fact she had a rare and incurable disease? Brittany Moser and her best friend, her dad, set out on the journey of a lifetime and their unforgettable adventure became the backdrop for Philip Moser’s book, Free and Fearless: The Amazing Impact of One Precious Life.
“This book is not about the grief of losing a child, but about making the most out of what we are given and living our lives positively and not out of fear,” writes author (and Brittany’s father) Philip Moser. “Brittany inspired me, an ordinary farm boy, to explore life, to climb mountains and to write a book.”
In 2015, Brittany was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a rare condition that can lead to adrenal failure. She passed away in 2017.
The book is an honest, poignant account of Brittany’s legacy and the ripple effect that her outlook on life had on those around her. Among Brittany’s valuable life lessons that Philip shares with readers are:
1. How precious life is and how we can affect the people around us; 2. How an open mind and a positive attitude can inspire us to do things we never thought possible; 3. How to move out of our comfort zones and into a challenging existence that can turn each day into an exciting gift to be explored; 4. How to not let fear control us, and to use our abilities to seek unique, positive and inspiring adventures; 5. To embrace change as a natural part of life; 6. And finally, that we won’t be remembered by our things or our savings accounts, but by how we made other people feel.
“I want to share the same inspiration that I received for 32 years,” Philip added. “In the end, love truly does conquer all, and Brittany wanted us to know that.”
Author Philip Moser grew up on a farm in Angola, Indiana. After high school, he began working in different aspects of the grocery business, a career that continues to this day. He and his wife, Marilyn Wells, raised two incredible daughters, Camille and Brittany.
Zeulide Depot™ is now Covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program for Patients Living with Prostate Cancer
TORONTO, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc. is pleased to announce that as of May 29, 2020, Zeulide Depot™ (Leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), a hormone therapy for the palliative treatment of prostate cancer, has been added as a General Benefit through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program.
Zeulide Depot™ is a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) that reduces testosterone levels in patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. LHRH is the treatment of choice for physicians across North America and Europe for its proven ability to lower testosterone levels, which can help to slow or stop the progression of this cancer.
"LHRH therapy such as Zeulide Depot™ is a proven option for the treatment of prostate cancer," said Dr. Neil Fleshner, Verity Pharma's Chief Medical Officer. "With ODB coverage, physicians and their patients will have broader access to this new therapeutic option, and the latest in LHRH drug delivery technology."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, with one in nine being diagnosed in their lifetime. It is critical for Canadians to have access to effective treatments.
"Today marks an important day for those living with prostate cancer in Ontario," said Howard Glase, Chief Executive Officer, Verity Pharma. "ODB coverage will allow these patients to have access to a safe, clinically proven, cost effective treatment option for a disease that has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. We commend the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for adding Zeulide Depot™ to the Formulary and look forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with prostate cancer have access to Zeulide Depot™."
With its patented microsphere controlled-release technology and demonstrated efficacy, Zeulide Depot™ provides physicians and their patients with an innovative treatment option, while also being the most cost-effective prostate cancer therapy in Canada.
About Zeulide Depot™
Zeulide Depot™ (Leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), is a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Analog, indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced and/or metastatic prostate cancer. It has been approved for use in Europe for several years and recently received Heath Canada Notice of Compliance for use in this country.
Lowering a patient's testosterone levels can slow or reverse the progression of prostate cancer. Along with proven efficacy for lowering testosterone to super-castrate levels of ≤1.7 nmol/L, the innovative, patented microsphere technology within Zeulide Depot™ provides a unique solution for the controlled and sustained release of leuprolide acetate. In a recent study, the sustained duration of castration was significantly longer with Zeulide Depot™ compared to a leading leuprolide acetate formulation.
About Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Verity Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on providing therapeutically relevant agents to the Canadian healthcare community. Our mission is to provide access to prescription products that are in short supply or have not yet been made available in Canada. Zeulide Depot™ is just one of a number of important Verity products now available in Canada or planned for launch in 2020 and 2021.
SOURCE Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Why is COVID-19 less severe in children than in adults? Why does the virus get exponentially worse in older adults? There are many unanswered questions that have been confounding health officials globally. Our scientists continue to work hard. We all need to unlock the seemingly “random” pieces of the COVID-19 puzzle, particularly the HOW and WHY different people are so badly affected. In my experience with science, I have found there is usually little randomness, but rather a lack of understanding. Thankfully, some recent studies could help shed some light on what might be happening.
What is generally understood now about COVID-19
Antibodies in our blood are essential to neutralize and kill viruses and bacteria. Both the immunocompromised and the elderly populations have been found to have lower levels of antibodies and they are more susceptible to COVID-19. It is also well documented that chronic conditions that cause a lot of inflammation (diabetes, heart disease, stroke, allergies, asthma, etc.) can make COVID-19 even deadlier. A few of the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 are mucus production and blood clotting, which can lead to suffocation and stroke, respectively. Weak immune systems and chronic inflammation can both increase your risk but they do not fully explain how COVID-19 is selecting some of its victims. There is still a missing piece to the puzzle that we do not understand yet. The answer may be walking around in young asymptomatic spreaders.
A new piece to the puzzle: antibody-dependent enhancement
New research suggests that COVID-19 is causing an antibody-dependent enhancement reaction (ADE). To summarize a lot of science talk, it generally means that the amount of neutralizing antibodies in your body from a previous infection can either help or hurt you. In order to ensure these antibodies remain protective, we need to maintain them at a high level in comparison to the virus, at a higher ratio, so that they are able to surround and neutralize the amount of virus in the body. On the other hand, if you dip below this ratio, your body can harm itself by overreacting with excessive inflammation that can damage your lungs, leading to potential suffocation or even stroke.
A good analogy for antibody-dependent enhancement is an over/under sports bet. In a basketball game there is a +13 point spread that the Raptors are going to beat the Warriors. If the Raptors win by 13 or more points you win (high antibody levels = you don’t get sick), but if the Raptors don’t beat the spread and win by less than 12 points, you in fact lose (low antibodies = you get sick). But how is there even an antibody spread to COVID-19 when we have never had it before? What could be priming our immune systems to have a bad reaction to COVID-19?
What about a common cold, another coronavirus?
The coronavirus family is the second leading cause of the common cold in humans, making up 15-20% of all cases, and has been suggested to have a 30-40% similar genetic sequence to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Common cold coronaviruses circulate the globe annually and generally only cause minor symptoms. It is quite possible that a cold (coronavirus) is priming our immune systems, acting as friend or foe, causing cross immunity to COVID-19 for youths, where antibody levels are high, while harming elderly when levels are low.
We have seen in the past how a virus from one species can provide cross immunity in another. In humans, the smallpox virus was deadly for centuries with a death rate of around 30%. It wasn’t until 1796 that Edward Jenner discovered that milk maids, who had acquired cowpox, did not show any symptoms of smallpox after they encountered the deadly virus. This discovery, that milk maids were immune to smallpox via exposure to cowpox, actually led to the concept and invention of the vaccine.
One or many of the common cold coronavirus strains could be our “cowpox” in this COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment may be complicated as it appears that it might be very concentration dependent. If true, simply giving a vaccine could become deadly if we do not perform follow up blood work to ensure everyone maintains neutralizing antibody levels above an acceptable threshold that is yet to be determined. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, this level may be a moving target as higher levels of inhaled virus should require even higher concentration of neutralizing antibodies. This could help to explain why we have seen healthy young healthcare workers getting seriously ill and even dying with COVID-19. They may have just been exposed to and inhaled too much virus.
If you take a tiny sip from a pint filled with virus you might have enough antibodies to neutralize it. On the other hand, if you chugged the whole pint, even individuals with strong immune systems and high amounts of neutralizing antibodies may succumb to the virus. In the sports bet example above, drinking “a pint of virus” could be like raising the point spread to +35 differential, it would be very tough to win that bet. As is usually true, it would be better if we never made a bet in the first place. The problem is since everyone has had the common cold before, we likely have all made a bet already, but we just don’t know what bet we placed!
We all need to wear masks in public
How do we rig the bet with COVID-19 and fix it so we win? The easiest and quickest answer is: MASKS SHOULD BE MANDATORY IN PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. Sorry, the caps are to attract attention and not meant to appear that I am frustrated and yelling… much. The truth is masks help to reduce the amount of virus we breathe in, but more importantly the amount of virus that is exhaled from those symptomatic or asymptomatic spreaders out there. Think of a cold day... what do you notice comes out of your mouth when you exhale? Tiny water droplets that gently float away, drifting off, despite the fact that they are freezing and likely becoming heavier. Now imagine how many water particles, containing COVID-19 virus, are being exhaled in a busy grocery store, a department store or a local pharmacy frequented by the infected. Recent studies suggest that the virus can float around in these tiny water droplets in the air for up to 2-3 hours. The only way to help prevent the amount of virus being both exhaled and then inhaled by others is to WEAR A MASK IN PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. Sorry, again not yelling just trying to drive home my point.
Still not convinced? Let's look at the countries that immediately made masks mandatory in public at all times. One example is South Korea, which is situated right next to China and had some of the earliest cases reported. Yet, they have limited the spread of the virus and their death rate more effectively than pretty much anywhere else. In fact, according to June 2nd stats, as displayed on worldometers.info, Canada has 11 times more relative cases and 39 times more relative deaths than South Korea. The USA has even more grim stats as they have 25 times more relative cases and an astounding 65 times more deaths. Again the major difference is that South Korea has MANDATORY MASKS IN PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. Masks reduce the spread of the virus, but more importantly they reduce the death rate of COVID-19.
This hilarious social media meme sums a great analogy to why we need to all wear masks, enjoy.
I was recently asked by friends on how to explain the importance of wearing masks to youth, particularly teenagers, so they understand as they generally are not directly affected by COVID-19 much. I thought of a loaded gun analogy for COVID-19 spread. Everyone starts off as an empty gun that has a very sensitive trigger and is prone to fire randomly. Unbeknownst to them, if they do not practice social distancing and wearing a mask in public, they could encounter COVID-19 and become loaded. By accident, now as a loaded weapon, they could inadvertently shoot others, their mom, dad, friends, grandparents and even pass along COVID-19 to load other’s guns. If not careful their bullets could harm or even kill those they love. The fact they didn’t know they were loaded doesn’t help the shooter’s sense of guilt. After all, hindsight is always 2020 (pardon the pun). Would haves, should haves, and could haves can become consuming thoughts as grief of a loved one passing and feelings of responsibility or remorse sinks in.
I know we are fatigued and tired of the social distancing. We are excited that businesses, our economy, are slowly starting to open again. The weather is nice, the sun is out, but if we do not follow the same social distance rules we might be in line for a large 2nd bubble of COVID-19. Just last Friday I went to the local grocery store and was shocked to discover that I was the only customer wearing a mask. On my drive home I saw a group of 8 teenagers hanging out in a circle on their lawn, no distancing, no masks. I saw 3 mothers with strollers walking shoulder to shoulder while 7-8 children bicycled in very close proximity around them, again no masks. It looks like we are already back to our pre-COVID-19 world, how exciting, did we beat the virus? What’s that you say, it isn’t over? Oh shoot, we all better start wearing masks and social distancing again soon as we might start to see cases spread in the next few weeks.
Hang in there. If the science is proven and this theory is true, we could soon start to develop blood tests to monitor antibody concentrations and determine a safe over/under threshold and ensure everyone is above it. If scientifically proven and ethically approved we could distribute a live strain of the common cold coronavirus to maintain our antibody levels well above any set threshold. This would be analogous to the smallpox situation that was eradicated with cowpox. Some might prefer a few weeks of the sniffles if it means we get protection against COVID-19. I cannot stress it enough that this needs to be confirmed first through science and not experimented by the public.
I will repeat again, everyone should wear a mask out in public at all times. Masks lower both the risk of transmission and the amount of virus we could get. If we all cooperate and work together we might soon be able to regain control over this pandemic. A semblance of normal life may not be so far off after all. I originally believed it would be years before we are able to open up our economies fully, now it might be much quicker. By far the most important benefit, however, would be to reduce the pain and suffering the world has had to endure, the loss of loved ones. Hopefully the time for healing is right around the corner.
In the meantime, Stay Healthy, Stay Home.
And remember when in public #ShowMeYourPublicFace
Survey: Children’s Screen Time Above Recommended Amount During COVID-19
New international poll reveals over 60% of children spend more than the WHO-recommended hours on screens under quarantine.
Compared to the recommended 2 hours per day, children under 18 years old spend at least 3 hours on screens during quarantine on average.
21% of parents report that their children spend over 6 hours on screens.
Side-effects of too much screen time include childhood obesity, sleep problems, negative behavioural and emotional impacts, and lower academic performances.
43% of parents reported a decrease in children’s off-screen activitiesduring the COVID-19 outbreak.
More than 50% of parents agree that children have experienced signs of anxiety, sadness, and worry as a result of self-isolation.
Berlin, Germany, May, 2020 - Interactive audioplayer specialist Tonies.com has released a new dataset revealing how the COVID-19 outbreak influenced children’s screen time habits and sentiments. With experience providing children with off-screen entertainment options, Tonies.com has helped children find an alternative to screens by innovating audiobooks and storytelling. As the pandemic continues to shut down schools and limit children’s leisure activities, parents have relaxed screen time rules to maintain a sense of normalcy at home. However, imbalanced media uses for children comes at the cost of an impaired attention span and cognitive development. Restricted activities can also bring out feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and frustration. To better understand how children today are coping with the coronavirus outbreak, Tonies.com has conducted a poll asking parents about the change in children’s digital habits and emotions.
How the study was conducted:
An anonymous opinion poll was sent to respondents over the age of 18 in the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States between 21 April 2020 - 10 May 2020 GMT +1. Parents were asked a series of key questions on their child’s recent behavior pattern under quarantine pertaining to screen consumption, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
The questions are as follows:
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Compared to BEFORE the COVID-19 pandemic started (13 March, 2020)...
The children living with me have been eating less healthily
The children living with me spend more time watching TV or other screens
The children living with me spend more time playing (NOT computer games)
The children living with me have shown more signs of anxiety, worries and/or sadnessRespondents were given the opportunity to respond on a 5-point scale ranging from: “Completely Disagree”, “Somewhat Disagree”, “Neither Agree nor Disagree”, “Somewhat Agree”, and “Completely Agree”. A separate question was asked concerning the number of hours children spent on screens:
During the last seven days, how much time do the children living with you spend daily watching any kind of screen- including TV, computer screens, mobile phones etc.Respondents were given the opportunity to respond on a 4-point scale ranging from: “0 Hours”, “0-3 hours per day”, “3-6 hours per day”, and “more than 6 hours per day”.
This is an excerpt from the full press release. Since this document exceeds the limit allowed via email, please visit this link to view the PDF version of the entire press release, including graphs and data tables: https://datawire.press/wp-content/uploads/Tonies/Tonies_Screentime_Study.pdf. If you prefer to receive the file as an attachment, let me know and I can send it to you in response.
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