Petition to decriminalize plant medicines launched with the goal of providing alternative mental health, addiction solutions Vancouver, B.C. (June 10, 2020):Decriminalize Nature Canada, a multidisciplinary coalition of scientists, mental health workers, healers and advocates has launched a national initiative to decriminalize plant medicines. Their goal is to garner the signatures of 500,000 Canadians by August 16, 2020.At least half of Canadians will struggle with their mental health before the age of 40. In any given year, one in five will experience a mental health issue. Resources for those suffering are currently incredibly strained, and alternative solutions are drastically needed.
A growing body of research shows that plant medicines could be a safe alternative to conventional medicine for those suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. Plant medicines are non-addictive and have been shown to help those suffering from addiction to abstain from drugs like opioids without experiencing the effects of withdrawal.
In the midst of Canada’s overdose and mental health crises, decriminalizing plant medicines would create greater access to much-needed treatment modalities informed by ancient and Indigenous knowledge, while reducing stigma and allowing practitioners who work with these medicines to come out of the shadows.
“In BC more people have died from overdoses since mid-March than from COVID-19,” said Paul Manly, the Member of Parliament who sponsored the petition. “We need new thinking around the treatment of addictions and mental health. These plants and medicines are rooted in thousands of years of indigenous teachings and cultural practices. Criminalization was part of colonization. It’s time to acknowledge that, and give these treatments the respect they deserve.”
“I have worked with hundreds of individuals who have been able to successfully free themselves from addiction and other mental health issues with the use of plant medicines,” said Trevor Millar, a Decriminalize Nature Canada team member and board chair of MAPS Canada. “Our goal is to galvanize support for decriminalizing these medicines, so that more Canadians can heal from the traumas that lead to depression, PTSD, and addiction.”
"Increasing scientific evidence and burgeoning clinical experience show that, in the proper context, the use of plant medicines can be a positive adjunct to healing, with lasting positive impacts on mental well-being,” said Dr. Gabor Maté, addictions expert in response to the petition. “In advocating for people's right to access these potentially beneficial traditional modalities, this petition is a step in the right direction.”To sign the federal petition to decriminalize plant medicines, visit www.decriminalizenature.ca. -###-
About Decriminalize Nature: Decriminalize Nature Canada (DCM) is a multidisciplinary coalition of scientists, mental health workers, healers and advocates committed to decriminalizing plant medicine and fungi at the national level. The group is eager to open the doorway to the alternative healing modalities associated with sacramental plant medicines so that Canadians suffering from mental health issues and addiction can access them safely and without fear or stigma. DCM has gained the support of organizations such as MAPS Canada and the recently launched Canadian Psychedelic Association, comprised of scientists, doctors, researchers, and practitioners. For more information visit: www.decriminalizenature.ca
TORONTO, ON (June 10, 2020) – HelloMD, the leading virtual healthcare platform for medical cannabis in Canada, is offering a new Senior Care service that gives 65+ patient community across Canada simpler access to medical cannabis support to help keep them informed and cared for during COVID-19.
HelloMD is the exclusive telehealth partner of Medical Cannabis by Shoppers, Shoppers Drug Mart’s online platform for the sale of medical cannabis. Through the partnership HelloMD provides patients in Canada with convenient access to practitioner-led advice about medical cannabis.
HelloMD’s new Senior Care service offers low-tech, high-touch access to educational content and licensed practitioners, all from the safety and comfort of their homes. The service offers seniors a simple 3-step process that connects them with an experienced practitioner and, if authorized, with a Medical Cannabis by Shoppers virtual pharmacists to assist with product prescriptions and fulfillment.
According to Statscan National Cannabis Survey seniors are the fastest growing age group utilizing cannabis. With more than a quarter of 65+ cannabis users new to cannabis, the need for education and services that cater specifically to them is clear.
"It’s no surprise that we see so many more seniors curious about using medical cannabis,” said Wendy Wiley, RN, MN, NP. "From my experience, this is a group more likely to present with symptoms resistant to first and second line treatment options, or to be experiencing intolerable side effects from other treatments. But cannabis is not a silver bullet; seniors need access to sound advice on how to use medical cannabis safely, in the context of their conditions and other currently prescribed medications," added Wiley.
The new Senior Care service also includes regularly updated educational content tailored around the needs of those seniors using or seeking advice on the use of medical cannabis.
“Since the start of 2020, we have seen more than 250% growth in demand from 65+ patients seeking practitioner advice on medical cannabis,” said Larry Lisser Senior Vice President of HelloMD. With the ongoing associated risks of COVID-19, seniors need access to safe and trusted sources for their health care needs; yet virtual health is new and sometimes can feel cumbersome for this community. That’s why we have re-engineered our processes and platform so that seniors can enjoy the safety and convenience of virtual health services, but without the frustration that technology can sometimes present,” Lisser added.
“We want seniors to have trusted access to the widest variety of medical cannabis products available in Canada today, “ said Ken Weisbrod, Vice President of Business Development, Shoppers Drug Mart. “Be it by way of simpler access to licensed practitioners, or our pricing programs designed to help seniors better afford their medical cannabis, we want to ensure that seniors have the support they need to streamline this aspect of their healthcare journey.”.
Medical Cannabis by Shoppers breaks down existing barriers for patients by providing convenient access to a broader range of options through a single source, alongside expert advice and counsel from trusted healthcare professionals.
HelloMD is a leading digital platform for alternative healthcare, and has facilitated more than 100,000 virtual consults between patients and licensed practitioners. With its mature tech platform, exceptional patient support and flexible business models, the company’s B2B solutions help pharmacies, clinics and producers onboard to deliver world-class, virtual care to existing and new medical cannabis patients. For more information please visit: https://seniorcare.hellomd.com/
The Warrior’s Meditation Shares Best-Kept Secret In Stress Relief And Self-Improvement
Portland, OR, June 10, 2020 — The Warrior's Meditation by Richard L. Haight, the award-winning author of The Unbound Soul, makes transformative meditation accessible to the masses, with short, daily sessions that don’t require periods of isolation.
“The Warrior's Meditation is unlike any other meditation. This method is flexible in application, which allows it to blend with whatever your day has in store,” Haight says.
Perfect for people of all backgrounds and skill levels, The Warrior’s Meditation teaches an instinctive, non-religious form of Samurai meditation that is both practical and extremely effective.
Through daily meditation, practitioners can experience the following cognitive and physical benefits, among many others:
1. Improved immune function; decreased cellular inflammation and pain.
2. Increased positive emotions; less anxiety, depression and stress.
3. Increased emotional intelligence and compassion; reduced feelings of insecurity.
4. Increased gray matter in areas related to paying attention, positive emotions, emotional regulation and self-control.
5. Improved memory, creativity and abstract thinking.
Life is busy, and few people have time to spend hours a day in meditation. With The Warrior's Meditation, readers can experience profound clarity and awareness wherever they are and eventually embody meditation as a way of being.
Author Richard L. Haight is a master-level instructor of martial, meditation and healing arts. He began formal martial arts training at age 12 and moved to Japan at the age of 24 to advance his training with masters of the sword, staff and aiki-jujutsu.
During his 15 years in Japan, Haight was awarded masters licenses in four samurai arts as well as a traditional healing art called sotai-ho. He is one of the world's foremost experts in the traditional Japanese martial arts.
Through his books, his meditation and martial arts seminars, Haight is helping to ignite a worldwide movement for personal transformation that is free of all constraints and open to anyone of any level. He now lives and teaches in southern Oregon.
The Warrior's Meditation: The Best-Kept Secret in Self-Improvement, Cognitive Enhancement, and Stress Relief, Taught by a Master of Four Samurai Arts
Publisher: Shinkaikan Body, Mind, Spirit LLC
ISBN-10: 0999210092
ISBN-13: 978-0999210093
Paperback available at all online bookstores.
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How to Make a Compact Home Gym for an Apartment
Whether your gym is temporarily closed or you do not like to work out in public, you do not have to let your restrictions stop you from exercising. Why not create your own home gym? You can easily put together a gym even when you are working with limited space. Use the following tips to create a compact gym in your apartment.
Designate A Space
The first thing you want to do is designate a space to your home gym. This way, you can determine what equipment is going to fit in your space. You may want to exercise near the window of your living room for natural light, or maybe you would prefer to use the corner of your bedroom for maximum privacy.
Gather Your Equipment
The next step is to start gathering the equipment you need for your gym. There is a chance your landlord is not going to allow large equipment in your apartment. However, you can still invest in an ab roller, a jump rope, kettlebells, dumbbells, and resistance bands. You can also invest in equipment for practicing yoga and meditation.
Embrace Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is a lifesaver when creating a gym in your apartment. Use self-adhesive hooks for your jump rope and resistance bands. A narrow shelving unit can be used for lighter equipment, such as your yoga mat and towels. Place your heavier equipment on the bottom shelves or floor under your jump rope and resistance bands.
Rent A Bigger Space
If you are looking to rent a bigger space, you may want to look into two bedroom apartments in your area. The second bedroom can be used as your home gym. This way, you have plenty of space to organize your equipment into zones and even add a wall mirror. It also gives you the privacy you desire when working out at home.
Purchase An Area Rug
There are certain accessories that make a big difference when putting together a gym. One example is an area rug. The rug can stop your equipment from sliding around as you use it, and it also protects your carpet from sweat as you work out. You can also use the area rug as a visual marker when designating a space for your gym.
It is easy to put together your own gym when living in an apartment. All you need is enough space and the equipment that works for you. This way, you can stay in shape without heading to a public gym.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
4 Life Changes That Make the Biggest Difference in Your Fitness Efforts
It can be difficult to get fit. However, if you make simple changes, then you will likely notice a major difference in your health. There are several ways that you can improve your fitness.
Do HIIT Training
You are probably well aware of the fact that you will have to exercise on a regular basis in order to get fit. However, there are some types of exercise that are more effective than others. High-intensity interval training, or HIIT training, is one of the most effective ways to get in shape. HIIT training involves doing short bouts of intense exercise followed by a recovery period. You do a less strenuous exercise during the recovery time. HIIT training sessions typically last 20 to 30 minutes, so they are ideal for people who are short on time.
Eat Healthy
It is nearly impossible to get in shape if you are not eating healthy. It is estimated that 80 percent of your fitness goals come from your diet. You should eat four or five servings of vegetables per day. You should also get plenty of lean protein. Good lean protein sources include beef, beans and poultry. If you have trouble following a healthy diet, then you can work with a nutrition specialist like those at Plan 7 Coaching.
Move Throughout the Day
Even if you exercise a lot, you could still be hurting your fitness goals if you spend several hours a day sitting. That is why it is important for you to move throughout the day. If you work at a desk, then you can do calisthenics at your desk. You can also walk around the office several times a day.
Switch It Up
You can quickly get bored if you do the same exercises every day. You are also likely to hit a plateau, which is a point where you stop seeing any progress. You will need to switch up your routine on a regular basis. This will keep your workouts fun and engaging. You will also have an easier time reaching your goals.
Getting in shape and staying in shape can be incredibly difficult. However, you can make it easier by doing HIIT training. You will also need to make sure that you follow a healthy diet. It is important for you to keep moving throughout the day. Furthermore, you will need to change up your routine frequently so that you keep exercise fun.
Why a Fitness Trainer Can Help You Get Healthy and Lose Weight
Probably a majority of people in this country are trying to lose weight and get in shape. Studies show that many diets and exercise plans fail for various reasons. Even when they work, some people stop following an eating plan or exercising regularly and get out of shape again. Here are some reasons why a fitness trainer can help you shed unneeded pounds and become healthier.
Knowledge
A certified fitness instructor has studied specific courses and techniques to learn how to achieve fitness and help others do the same. Trainers can earn certain types of higher education degrees or become certified at various levels in their understanding and practice of fitness techniques. Working with a trainer means that you will be helped by someone who is well educated in the field of physical fitness and has the skill to teach you how to become healthy and fit by losing weight if needed.
Accountability
Research shows that working with a partner to achieve important health goals is often more effective than trying to do it alone. A fitness trainer can help you set reasonable goals that are suitable and safe for your age and current health condition. You may be advised to get your doctor’s consent before starting a new fitness program. Meeting with a fitness expert on a regular basis will help you to become accountable in maintaining the agreed-upon schedule of exercises to help you get in shape. The instructor will know if you have been keeping up and respond accordingly by adjusting your training schedule and activities.
Consistency
Since many people abandon the eating plans and exercise schedules they develop for themselves, a fitness trainer can help to provide consistency. The trainer knows how long you should be doing certain workouts and techniques, and which are best for your body type, health conditions, and fitness goals. The instructor will work with you to develop your individual fitness training plan that can lead to successful outcomes when you work consistently with the trainer.
Progression
In creating a personal workout routine, you may think it works fine and then stick with it indefinitely. But a fitness trainer knows that to reach goals, you will need to adopt an increasingly more rigorous workout program. The instructor can help you safely and comfortably build your skills to finally meet and maintain your weight loss and fitness goals.
Working with a fitness trainer may make the difference between success and failure. Find out what a fitness expert can do to help you meet important health goals.
Episode 2: The Train It Right Life - Just Get Started
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Train It Right Life. Just Get Started. On todays episode I talk about how passionate I am about achieving goals and how you can achieve anything you want if you simply just get started!
Find Therapeutics, a new drug development company dedicated to breakthrough therapies against rare diseases launches in Montreal
The new company raises initial capital to develop transmembrane peptides against GPCRs to address high unmet needs.
MONTREAL, June 8, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - CTI Life Sciences, along with partners adMare BioInnovations, Domain Therapeutics and PeptiMimesis Pharma, have come together to establish a new Montreal-based drug discovery and development company, Find Therapeutics, dedicated to the development of the next generation of GPCR allosteric modulators to treat rare diseases.
Now being launched with seed funding from CTI Life Sciences, adMare BioInnovations and Domain Therapeutics, and with an initial focus on inflammatory and fibrotic diseases of the airways, liver and gastrointestinal systems, Find Therapeutics is based on a set of novel technologies that capitalize on deciphering disease-modifying GPCR pharmacology: modulation by transmembrane peptides, precise ligand signalling, disease-contextual cellular systems and advanced molecular design. GPCRs represent one of the most important druggable target classes, yet their full potential remains underexploited due to poor understanding of their cellular signalling.
"We are very excited about building this new company based on an innovative approach to discover transmembrane GPCR drugs. We believe this approach will enable the discovery of new therapies that we will first apply to rare disease indications," said Dr. Laurence Rulleau Partner, CTI Life Sciences Fund, and President, Find Therapeutics. "We are also very proud of this partnership with members of the life science ecosystem bringing together multiple talents."
Find Therapeutics sourced an original transmembrane peptide-based-technology developed by PeptiMimesis Pharma in France, and a first transmembrane peptide product discovered at the University of Illinois in Chicago. The company will also benefit from bioSens-AllTM, a proprietary GPCR technology platform of Domain Therapeutics, operated by its Montreal-based site, which revolves around the spatiotemporal monitoring of GPCR proximal events directly linked to GPCR activation. The result is a unique drug discovery engine that forms the foundation of Find Therapeutics.
Gordon C. McCauley, President and Chief Executive Officer of adMare BioInnovations, commented, "As Canada's global life sciences venture, an essential part of adMare's mission is to source therapeutically and commercially promising research from leading academic and biotech partners to create new companies of scale. This global partnership is an excellent example of how our model of collaboration is advancing new therapeutics and driving the growth of our Canadian life sciences industry."
"We are extremely pleased by the creation and financing of Find Therapeutics, which will use two technologies, developed under the leadership of Domain Therapeutics in France and in Quebec, to discover a novel class of therapeutic agents for the benefit of the patients," said Dr. Pascal Neuville, Chief Executive Officer of Domain Therapeutics. "As a major shareholder of PeptiMimesis Pharma, we are convinced that the transmembrane-peptide approach will be efficiently further developed in the rich biotech ecosystem of Montreal, a region which holds very valuable actors in the field – and the incorporation of Find Therapeutics is a nice illustration of this dynamic."
Dr. Marjorie Sidhoum, Chief Executive Officer of PeptiMimesis added, "As the first developer of the GPCR transmembrane peptide technology, PeptiMimesis is glad to see the advancement of this innovative therapeutic approach pursued by Find Therapeutics. All PeptiMimesis stakeholders are very excited to join this endeavour."
Dr. Youssef Bennani, Chief Scientific Officer of adMare BioInnovations, will also act as Find's Interim Chief Executive Officer of the company. Dr. Bennani brings a solid experience in pharmaceutical R&D, as well as business acumen and corporate governance tenure (Chairman of the BOD at Domain Therapeutics, and Board member at Bellus Health). Trained as chemist, he most recently retired from Vertex Pharmaceuticals as Site Head and VP-R&D (Vertex Pharmaceuticals Canada), prior to which he had served as VP-Drug Innovation at Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Cambridge, MA. He also had tenures at Athersys, Abbott (now AbbVie) and Ligand Pharmaceuticals. He can be reached at ybennani@findtherapeutics.com.
About CTI Life Sciences: Based in Montreal, CTI Life Sciences Fund L.P. was created in 2006. The firm makes venture capital investments mostly in innovative high-quality biotech companies at the pre-clinical and clinical development stages, in North America, and primarily in Canada. Since its second mandate in 2014, CTI Life Sciences Fund manages $245 million of assets. www.ctisciences.com
About Domain Therapeutics: Domain Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of new drug candidates targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), one of the most important classes of drug targets. With teams at work in France and Canada, Domain operates multiple technologies aimed at validating targets and discovering first-in-class therapies (small molecules or antibodies), creates a pipeline of high-value programs in immuno-oncology, neurology and rare diseases which are developed as proprietary programs up to early clinical phases or in collaboration with pharma partners. www.domaintherapeutics.com
About adMare BioInnovations: adMare BioInnovations is Canada's Global Life Sciences Venture, building the Canadian life sciences industry from sea to sea. We do this by sourcing therapeutically and commercially promising research from leading academic and biotech partners to create new companies of scale, providing specialized expertise and infrastructure to help existing companies scale up, and driving the growth of those companies into Canadian anchors by training the next generation of highly-qualified personnel. www.adMarebio.com
About PeptiMimesis: PeptiMimesis is a start-up company dedicated to the identification and development of peptide based therapeutic approach as allosteric modulators of membrane receptors such as RTK and GPCRs. Its proprietary technology acts via a cutting-edge mode of action and is originated from University of Strasbourg. PeptiMimesis made the demonstration of its added value particularly for the family of GPCR targets. www.peptimimesis.com
SOURCE adMare BioInnovations
INTRODUCING NOURISH MASK: A SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE FOR HAIR AG Hair expands award-winning Natural line with deep conditioning, vegan, silicone-free hair treatment
Vancouver, B.C. (June 8, 2020): We fill our bodies with nourishing ingredients to help replenish and stay healthy, so why not extend that same regimen to our hair? Vancouver-based haircare company AG Hair is expanding its award-winning Natural Line with the Nourish Mask snow mushroom deep conditioning treatment — a vegan superfood smoothie for hair formulated with over 98% plant-based and naturally-derived ingredients.
Nourish Mask ($26, 5oz) is full of ingredients good enough to eat, including mango butter, avocado, carrot, pumpkin, chia seed and coconut oils, which are blended in a rich, creamy shea butter base that restores dryness and helps hair feel soft. Snow mushroom, the hero ingredient, has been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese medicine; holding up to 500 times its weight in water, this superfood extract delivers intense hydration.
With its rosemary mint fragrance, Nourish is ideal for those seeking a more natural option to remedy dry or damaged hair. This lightweight mask complements AG’s Natural Line perfectly, offering a silicone-free deep conditioning solution to expand your self-care regimen. DIRECTIONS: Massage into clean, wet hair. Leave on for five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Leave on longer for more intense conditioning.
Nourish Mask will be available on June 15 for purchase online through aghair.com and amazon.com
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About AG Hair Known for its meticulous selection of natural ingredients, AG creates a new standard of beauty through handcrafted products that deliver on their promise. Founded in 1989 in Vancouver, Canada by John and Lotte Davis, AG has become a name synonymous with integrity and a brand whose devotees can't help but 'Use. Love. Repeat.' A portion of every bottle sold supports One Girl Can, a registered charity that provides educational opportunities to girls living in Kenya. Aghair.com
Artist Releases Coming-of-age Memoir Detailing Her Journey With Mental Illness And Disability
Long Island, NY, June 8, 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.
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Vancouver, B.C. (June 8, 2020): We fill our bodies with nourishing ingredients to help replenish and stay healthy, so why not extend that same regimen to our hair? Vancouver-based haircare company 
With its rosemary mint fragrance, Nourish is ideal for those seeking a more natural option to remedy dry or damaged hair. This lightweight mask complements AG’s Natural Line perfectly, offering a silicone-free deep conditioning solution to expand your self-care regimen. DIRECTIONS: