UK’s COVID-19 response will shape digital health for years to come, says GlobalData
The UK National Health Service (NHS) has been forced to rapidly adapt its digital stance in the fight against the COVID-19. These digital shifts are not only a great way for Information Communication Technology (ICT) suppliers to showcase their capabilities but also provide an opportunity to create blueprints for other healthcare providers, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Stick or Twist: Digital Health after COVID-19’, highlights ten key ways in which the NHS is leveraging digital technologies in response to COVID-19 which includes data sharing, a new digital platform, Techforce19 funded innovations and virtual smartcards as well as analyzing which have the potential to engrain themselves into the DNA of the NHS after the crisis has subsided.
Jonathan Cordwell, Principal Analyst, UK Health & Social Care Technology at GlobalData commented: "The UK is accelerating the development of ICT innovations such as virtual smartcards, digital passports and contact tracing apps to assist in the national response. While some may be limited in their use cases outside of the pandemic, others are benefitting from the increased attention.
“Single sign-on solutions hit the headlines in January after the UK Government announced £40m of investment to reduce the amount of time wasted with staff accessing numerous ICT systems. NHS Digital recently procured a virtual smartcard solution with Isosec that aims to do just that and will prove vital in the new Nightingale hospitals opening up across the UK to tackle COVID-19.’’
No man is an island when it comes to pandemics and the COVID-19 response is no exception. The technology sector has witnessed several examples of high-profile partnerships to leverage individual areas of expertise for the greater good.
Cordwell continues: ‘‘One of the most impressive examples of collaboration in the UK is the consortium between tech giants Google, Amazon (AWS) and Microsoft, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Faculty and big data analytics enigma Palantir. The resulting data platform will help the NHS to efficiently deploy staff and equipment to meet the surge in demand.’’
The industry has also seen a relaxation in procurement policies, as well as less strict data security and privacy regulations. If successful, the bureaucracy of previous policies and regulations could be brought into question.
Cordwell adds: “The decision to process and share confidential patient information for disease surveillance or genomics purposes will greatly assist the UK’s fight against the coronavirus but could also potentially leave the system vulnerable to cyber-attacks, misuse or negligence amid the chaos.”
Assisting the NHS with new innovations or flexible commercial models will position vendors well for the projected increase in ICT procurement spurred on by the UK Government’s cancellation of £13.4bn historical NHS debt.
New iPSC Master Cell Banks to Accelerate Development of Novel Cell Therapies
panCELLa and CCRM collaborate to benefit academia and industry
TORONTO, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ -Toronto-based panCELLa and CCRM have executed a collaboration agreement using novel technology to generate commercial-use and clinical-grade iPSC lines which will be made available to academia and industry to enable the development of new therapies.
"panCELLa is an innovative company and a key partner in our local ecosystem. We're pleased to support their efforts to develop novel engineered cell lines that will enable multiple indications representing significant unmet needs," says Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM. "This collaboration will also support other companies in our network, as CCRM and panCELLa will work together to make these high-quality cGMP lines available to the global biotechnology community."
panCELLa, an early stage biotechnology company spun out of research conducted at the Sinai Health System in Toronto, will produce novel versions of the lines that are engineered for safety, and the ability to evade the immune system. CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies, will develop master cell banks in the Centre for Cell and Vector Production (CCVP), a cGMP facility that CCRM operates with the University Health Network. panCELLa and CCRM will both have the option to license these lines out to academic and industry partners interested in working with clinical grade iPSCs.
Dr. Andras Nagy, a co-founder of panCELLa stated: "The long-standing support and commitment of CCRM to our technology was a critical component to our success in raising funds. This has enabled panCELLa to advance its platforms, making them more widely available to the regenerative medicine market. We look forward to continuing this fruitful relationship."
Bringing together the expertise of both parties with a state-of-the-art processing facility will make this work possible. CCVP is the largest cGMP facility in Toronto focused exclusively on manufacturing cells and viral vectors for Phase I/II clinical trials. With 10 class B clean rooms, it is designed to be Health Canada, USFDA and EMA compliant.
About panCELLa Inc. Founded in 2015, panCELLa is a privately-held early-stage biotechnology firm based on the innovative technology developed in Dr. Andras Nagy's lab at the Sinai Health System (SHS). panCELLa has created platforms that allow for the development of safe, universal, cost-effective, "off-the-shelf" therapeutic cells and their source cell lines. panCELLa's mandate is to accelerate cell-based therapies to a broad range of diseases by providing safe therapeutic cell products. panCELLa has secured partnerships with several biotechnology partners to enhance its patent position and provide expanded access to its exclusive FailSafeTM and Stealth CellsTM and its in-licensed SAFE harbor technology. panCELLa aims to develop therapeutic products in the immunology, mesenchymal stromal cell and pancreatic islet space and to partner with other companies to develop novel products in other areas of regenerative medicine. panCELLa continues its internal R&D efforts to develop additional novel uses of its platform technologies in areas such as bio-production, cancer vaccination and tolerization. To learn more about panCELLa's FailSafeTM and induced Allogeneic Cell Tolerance, please visit https://pancella.com
About CCRM CCRM, a Canadian not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners, supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, strategic investors and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients, with specialized teams, funding and infrastructure. CCRM is the commercialization partner of the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the University of Toronto's Medicine by Design. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at ccrm.ca.
SOURCE panCELLa Inc.
World Animal Protection Says COVID-19 Shines Light on a Broken Food System and Animal Welfare
TORONTO, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ - COVID-19 has affected the economy on many levels, including the agricultural sector. Several meat processing plants in Canada and the United States have had to close their doors due to workers becoming sick from COVID-19. Some have even died. This has slowed down food production and raised issues about the lack of protection for workers during the pandemic.
And while COVID-19 is hitting that industry hard, it is also shedding light on the impacts that the mass production of animals raised for food can have says the global charity World Animal Protection.
On most farms, animals are kept in unsanitary, crowded conditions, where they are unable to express natural behaviours. This makes them stressed and puts them at risk for illness. The exploitation of 50 billion animals globally on factory farms not only causes suffering to animals, these systems are increasingly being implicated in heightened public health threats and disease risk to humans.
Sixty per cent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they originate from animals. And while COVID-19 can be traced to poor wild animal welfare, diseases such as swine flu and bird flu emerged from farmed animals. If we are to avoid further pandemics, and the crisis we are all living through today, we must also look at the role intensive farming systems play.
This is a very trying time and the agricultural industry will have to make difficult choices due to partial or complete plant closures and that could further affect animal welfare.
For example, the Beef Farmers of Ontario have recommended that producers delay the shipment of animals at the end of their productive life (called 'cull animals') to reduce demand on the system. These animals are often already in poor health and this has the potential to elongate their suffering. It can already take several days for these animals to be sold at auction markets and transported to slaughter in normal circumstances.
If challenges with the slaughter and processing systems continue to develop, World Animal Protection wants assurances that animal welfare in the agricultural industry is a priority.
"While some in the industry are making efforts to deal with the new reality, such as the Chicken Farmers of Canada's decision to reduce their flocks over the coming months to prevent farmers having to cull their flocks later, the bigger issue is the intensive agriculture system", says Lynn Kavanagh, Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection Canada. "When there is a demand for cheap meat, that depends on thousands of animals being killed and processed daily, there is little room for the system to adjust to crisis situations, as we are seeing with COVID-19."
She adds that, "In these difficult times, it may also be a chance for people to reflect on our food system and consider rethinking how we can make things better for farm animals. Canada's food guide already recommends eating less meat and dairy in favour of more plant-based proteins for health and environmental reasons. We can all play our part by eating less meat, choosing plant-based alternatives and demanding a better life for farm animals being raised for consumption."
It's clear now more than ever, the relationship between humans and animals needs to change.
World Animal Protection urges the industry and consumers to work together to transform the food system and end cruel factory farming by reducing meat intake, which will lower the demand for cheap, fast meat. Only then will animal welfare improve.
About World Animal Protection
From our offices around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Kenya and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. Last year, we gave more than 3 billion animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. More information can be found at www.worldanimalprotection.ca
SOURCE World Animal Protection
Ah, quarantine. It’s something many of us are already experiencing, and with Coronavirus spreading like wildfire across the U.S., it doesn’t seem like it’ll be long before we are all stuck inside for precautionary measure. But how can we make sure we maintain a healthy lifestyle during this time, especially when gyms are closed and the pantry is right next to your new desk (aka, the kitchen table)? Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough, a facial and nasal plastic surgeon and founder of McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic & Skin Center and Total Health Spa, has some ideas of how to do so. In his forthcoming book, The Gift You Give Yourself: Surgical and Other Choices That Enhance Your Appearance, Confidence, and Health, he explains that “the key to remaining healthier and more prosperous through good times and bad is to do the things that have been shown to be effective on all-the-time basis. With the unprecedented restrictions being imposed upon us by state and local governments, people are being confined to their homes and may become careless about doing the things that keep us healthier and happier. Here are several measures you can take to avoid falling into that trap.”
Here are Dr. McCollough’s top 10 ways to stay healthy while under quarantine:
1. Keep a positive attitude. Think healthy and productive thoughts. Remember, “Your body is the servant of your mind.” The mind that harbors negative thoughts usually causes its body to function in negative ways.
2. Exercise vigilance and safety. Follow the protocols that health organizations have published. Contact your personal physician if you should develop the signs and symptoms of Coronovirus: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Then follow your doctor’s recommendations.
3. Keep your mind active. Learn more about things you’ve always wanted to know or master. Read books you’ve put aside for such times.
4. Keep your body active. Exercise the muscles of your body every day and throughout the day, whether walking up and down stairs, jogging in place, and performing calisthenics.
5. Get in touch with your spiritual side. Meditate or pray every day for yourself and your fellowman.
6. If possible spend at least 30 minutes outdoors in God’s Grand Cathedral, on your balcony, terrace, yard, or nearby woods or beach.
7. Take nostalgic trip into the past. Review old photographic albums, scrapbooks, and journals.
8. Write a manuscript for the book or memoir you’ve always wanted to publish. Don’t worry about getting it right. Just begin writing down your unfiltered thoughts. There’ll be time, later, for editing and formatting.
9. Pick up the phone and call friends, family, and customers you’ve neglected. Write letters or emails to everyone who you owe a “thank you”—co-workers, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches and mentors.
10. Review and revise your “bucket list.” Peruse the internet for vacation and educational packages. Make tentative plans for the trip(s) you’ve always wanted to take and places you’ve always wanted to visit.
Jewish General Hospital Foundation launches $5M COVID-19 Campaign: Three Quebec women are leading the way with gifts totalling $1.3M
An additional $500,000 in gifts will be matched.
MONTREAL, April 21, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - A comprehensive COVID-19 campaign has been launched by the Jewish General Hospital Foundation and already has the support of three major Quebec philanthropists:
Sharon Azrieli - C.Q., D.Mus.
Sophie Desmarais – recipient of the Quebec National Assembly Medal of Honour and
Lisa Mierins on behalf of the Mierins Family Foundation - former JGH Foundation Board member
The three women have proudly stepped up to fund the front-line fight against the worldwide pandemic today, tomorrow and well beyond the peak of the novel coronavirus. They are asking for those who can, to join them.
Dr. Sharon Azrieli has generously contributed $563,000 to fund the Sharon Azrieli Creative Space which will be equipped initially with three state-of-the-art industrial 3D printers. "In our tradition, we believe strongly in the proverb - Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. I conceived of the Creative Space with this in mind. Not only will the JGH be able to prototype ventilators now but once they have helped battle COVID-19, they will be able to create other critical equipment for the future," said Dr. Azrieli of the first-in-Quebec space she personally made possible. "I honestly believe in this idea, and if the community likes it too, I ask that they give generously. I will match whatever additional amount is raised up to $500,000," said the Montreal born-and-raised opera singer and creator of the Azrieli Music Prizes.
For her part, Sophie Desmarais has made a $500,000 gift towards COVID-19 research at the JGH. "The Jewish General Hospital is one of the top Hospitals in Quebec, and when they informed me of these projects, I immediately decided to get involved. I am compelled to support our hometown research and expertise in the face of this global pandemic. We are all in this together. We need to come together and support the exceptional efforts made by medical professionals and researchers. It is essential everyone contributes what they can. Together we will get there," said Ms. Desmarais.
The $250,000 donation of Ms. Lisa Mierins, on behalf of the Mierins Family Foundation, is directed to the immediate COVID-related equipment needs of the JGH. "It is not an option to do nothing when there is so much need. Whether big or small, we all must step up. Our family has benefited in many ways over the years from the hospital's incredible doctors and medical services. It is our pleasure to help the hospital and the JGH Emergency Department deal with the COVID-19 crisis during these unprecedented difficult times," said Ms. Mierins.
COVID-19 related initiatives funded by the $5M campaign include projects such as:
The first of its kind in Quebec:
The Sharon Azrieli Creative Space equipped initially with three state-of-the-art industrial 3D printers, where the JGH will begin prototyping 3D ventilators and other medical equipment
High-impact research to keep our healthcare professionals ahead of COVID-19 such as:
Creating a biobank that will make predicting optimal treatment for COVID patients possible
Using artificial intelligence to predict where the coronavirus will hit and warn at-risk people
Investigating what makes this new coronavirus transmit so rapidly and what drugs could combat it
Reducing the time and space required to diagnose COVID-19
Important mental health programs – such as telepsychiatry to help people through pandemic-related distress
Patient-centred eldercare – aiding the most vulnerable members of our community using technology like ESOGER1, an online tool used to evaluate the socio-geriatric situation of a specific elderly person
Critical resources for now and beyond COVID-19 – including:
COVIDOM, an e-health application that allows patients who are COVID-positive (or suspected) to benefit from home monitoring
"The JGH is part of a global community and there are no borders when it comes to COVID‑19. We are striving to strengthen efforts in the face of this virus. These three women and those who join them will change the course of this worldwide pandemic saving thousands of lives," said Bram Freedman, President and CEO of the JGH Foundation.
About The Jewish General Hospital Foundation Since 1969, the Jewish General Hospital Foundation has led a dynamic fundraising program in support of the Jewish General Hospital (JGH), one of the province's largest and busiest acute-care hospitals. A McGill University teaching hospital, the JGH is renowned for the excellence of its healthcare and the calibre of its medical and research staff. Thanks to our passionate and generous donors, volunteers and supporters, the JGH can continue to deliver awe-inspiring medical breakthroughs and keep pushing forward, improving lives and patient-centred care. Our donors and supporters can be proud: Newsweek Magazine rated the JGH the #1 hospital in Quebec, #5 in Canada and among the top hospitals in the world.
SOURCE Jewish General Hospital Foundation
SEIU Healthcare Files Applications to Ontario Labour Relations Board Due to Failed Safety Protections for Healthcare Workers
Union taking further steps to enforce existing health and safety laws because the provincial government refuses to take action to protect healthcare workers in long-term care
RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, has filed urgent applications with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to protect workers who have been put at unnecessary risk because the provincial government refuses to take action to protect healthcare workers at three long-term care facilities.
SEIU Healthcare's urgent applications claim that Altamont Care Community owned by Sienna Senior Living, a publicly-traded company, as well as Anson Place and Eatonville Care Centre, private, for-profit nursing homes owned by Ryyka Care Centres, have failed to:
provide proper equipment, materials and protective devices in accordance with OHSA and regulations.
provide information, instruction and supervision to the Union's members to protect the health or safety of the workers and residents.
take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.
SEIU Healthcare has brought these emergency applications under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act asking the Labour Board to address the serious deficiencies in the responses of these corporate employers to this crisis, to protect the health and safety of the union's frontline healthcare workers, and to protect the safety of the residents and their families.
SEIU Healthcare is seeking immediate emergency measures on behalf of its members, including but not limited to:
An Order directing the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to immediately place the Employers under its control until such time as the Board is satisfied that the employees and residents are being sufficiently protected.
An Order directing the Employers to immediately provide sufficient PPE to employees, including (but not limited to) medical gowns, gloves, N95 or surgical masks, and face shields, and to implement a universal masking policy and to require staff screening visitors to wear gowns, gloves, face shield and any other appropriate PPE.
An Order directing the Employers to ensure the Employer is properly staffed.
An Order directing the Employers to immediately ensure all employees are trained on infection control and proper PPE use and other practices and procedures to minimize the spread of Covid-19.
An Order that the Employers are required to be transparent with the Union and the public about the true situation at their homes.
An Order that the Employer properly enforce social distancing amongst the residents.
As of Tuesday, April 21, over sixty-eight (68) residents have died at these three homes, one staff member has tragically passed away, and there remain hundreds of resident and staff infections. It is clear that the responses of these companies are failing the residents and workers, so the Labour's Board immediate intervention is necessary to save lives.
STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:
We reminded every healthcare operator in Ontario weeks ago of their obligations as employers to keep workers safe. Now, because the government is not using their powers under the Long-Term Care Homes Act to get control of the COVID-19 crisis, our union is forced to call on the Labour Board to enforce health and safety laws already on the books.
We are witnessing what happens when hollow words are met with failed action. That is why we are seeking an emergency hearing before the Board for immediate relief to our frontline members.
We will not stop until every worker is protected and every senior receives the care they deserve.
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
Ontario Doctors Fight for Patients by Sustaining Community Health Care
TORONTO, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ - Last evening, the Ontario Medical Association's Board of Directors unanimously voted to reject the government's proposal to offer advance payments to Ontario's physicians in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Board resolution stated, advance payments are "totally deficient in meeting the needs of the health care system for future sustainability, including income stabilization and infrastructure support." Advance payments will not maintain a sustainable and accessible publicly funded health care system.
The OMA formally notified the Minister of Health in a letter earlier today.
"We are worried about our patients. We are worried about increasing wait times and worsening hallway medicine. We are worried about the sustainability of Ontario's community healthcare infrastructure. Advance payments will not meet these needs. That is why we continue to advocate for the relief necessary to protect Ontario's health care infrastructure," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, President of the OMA. "For the sake of our patients, we are eager to find a solution that provides Ontario's doctors with the support needed to keep our practices open now, and after COVID."
Closing doctors' offices could mean that hundreds of thousands of patients could have no access to a doctor, in addition to the 800,000 Ontarians who do not have a family doctor now. Up to half of the approximately 4800 doctors who completed a recent OMA's survey said they will have to close their clinics completely, either for as long as three months or permanently.
Although doctors are an essential service and are paid by the province, many doctors do not receive a salary but operate as independent small businesses. When a patient comes in for a test, exam or consult, OHIP pays for this service. Upwards of 30 percent to 50 percent of OHIP payments are used to fund community-based health system infrastructure including salaries for nurses and secretaries, rent, utilities, diagnostic equipment, medical supplies, electronic medical records and other professional costs. According to an independent third-party analysis, many doctors do not qualify for COVID-19 relief programs.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, ÉTICA HAS SHIFTED PRODUCTION TO FIGHT COVID-19
Creating medical and non-medical grade masks for purchase and donation to hospitals, shelters and first respondersPUEBLA, MEXICO, April 22, 2020 - In the midst of crisis, the fashion industry is banding together to help the healthcare industry. ÉTICA, a sustainable lifestyle brand, has shifted their production line to exclusively producing FDA Approved medical and non-medical grade masks and PPE. Their factory in Puebla, Mexico has been transformed into a sterile facility and deemed an essential business. With an overwhelming need for masks and PPE, the factory has produced over 4,000,000 units for various governmental and health agencies since first cutting in late March and is now expanding capacity to meet additional demand in the U.S. as well. The highest in demand are triple layer masks made with two layers of spunbond polypropylene with a meltblown polyester filler that protects against penetration from bacteria, fluids, and micro-particles, typically used by hospitals, first responders and essential workers. The factory's high efficiency Mactec drying and Jeanologia G2 Ozone technology are being employed to sterilize materials. With increased capacity, ÉTICA has also developed branded, washable, non-medical grade masks, using deadstock fabrics. These masks will be available to purchase on eticadenim.comstarting late April. With every purchase, ÉTICA will make a donation of the medical grade masks to U.S. hospitals and shelters in need. "Social responsibility has always been a core component of our mission here at ÉTICA. We will continue to do everything we can to support our community, and we are happy to be of service during this time. It takes a lot to make these shifts at the production level and we are truly inspired by all the fashion brands out there who reacted so quickly to step in and help during this crisis. It really gives us hope to see everyone banding together like this."
Download high-res imagery here. About ÉTICA:ÉTICA is a sustainable lifestyle brand focused on premium denim and knits. Employing advanced technologies to minimize waste, water and energy consumption, the brand is on the cutting edge of sustainability. With industry-leading equipment, advanced wash techniques and sustainable sourcing, ÉTICA dramatically reduces water usage by 90%, energy consumption by 63% and chemical usage by 70% versus industry standard. ÉTICA proudly exceeds fair labor standards, providing living wages, benefits and ability-inclusive opportunities for its workers. ÉTICA recycles its water for local farmland, compresses used wash stones into bricks for low-income housing and partners with organizations committed to workers' rights and environmental initiatives around the world. Taking a directional approach to design and construction, ÉTICA offers truly special pieces with premium fabrics and refined fits, proving that fashion and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Available on their website, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
No More Excuses: 4 Small Changes to Make in Your Life for Weight Loss
Many people around the world struggle with weight loss. It's a common problem that is more complex than it seems, as different approaches work better for different people. If weight loss is one of your goals, making these four small changes to your lifestyle can deliver results over time.
Incremental Increases In Exercise
Beginning a new exercise routine can be daunting and difficult to maintain, which is why many people attempt to start one only to fail later. The secrets to success are to not overdo it and to find ways of exercising that you enjoy. For example, playing a sport is a fun way to exercise. When it comes to workout routines, start small and gradually increase intensity and duration to experience the best possible outcome.
Drink More Water And Fewer Sugary Drinks
Sugar isincreasingly viewed as a significant culprit in weight gain and retention. Plain water, on the other hand, has significant health benefits without the added calories. It improves mental cognition, organ function, blood pressure and, yes, weight loss. The simple change of reducing the amount of sugary drinks you consume and replacing them with water is almost guaranteed to help you shed at least some pounds.
Eat A More Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet that contains reasonable portions of grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy is another small change you can make to help control your weight. You will feel full longer and be less tempted to snack, therefore consuming fewer calories. Most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables especially, so these are areas to focus on. Another diet-related change that can help includes eating several small meals a day instead of fewer big ones.
Substitute Healthier Choices
A final small change you can make is to replace things like salad dressings, dairy products, mayonnaise and snack foods with lighter alternatives. This can include low-fat or no sugar added products. You can substitute things like carrots, hummus or whole grain breads as well. In some cases you might not be able to taste the difference or even prefer the healthy alternative, which can be a great boon to your weight loss strategy. Enlisting adoctor to help can be an excellent option for crafting a diet plan that works for you.
Losing weight can seem an insurmountable challenge, but it's important to remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. Small changes are much easier and more sustainable to make than larger shifts, so it is smart to employ them wherever possible. Over time, the odds are good that you will start to see results.
How to Recognize and Treat Pronating Feet
Pronation is a condition where your feet turn inward as you walk, twisting your ankles as you go. While this may seem like an obvious condition that can be immediately spotted by the person walking, the twisting and turning is so subtle that most people don’t even realize they’re doing it for months. The condition can especially be overlooked by those who are exercising frequently and mistake the ankle pain for working too hard. If your symptoms line up with those discussed here, however, you’ll want to consider pronating as the cause and get evaluated.
Watch How You Walk
First you should consider how you are stepping. If you are walking on one side of your foot more than the rest, you are likely pronating or supinating (when the foot turns outward.) You can watch yourself walk in the mirror, study your footprints in sand, or examine the wear on your shoes. If the wear is uneven, then you are walking incorrectly.
You can also detect pronating by the pattern of pain throughout the day. If the pain in your ankles starts out minimal in the morning, but gets worse the more you walk, then it is likely that you are doing something to put strain on them, like pronating. If the pain is constant throughout the day, however, then there may be nerve damage instead.
Consider New Activities for Causes
Think about what you’re doing differently that may be causing you to walk incorrectly. If you’ve recently started a new sport or activity, such as horseback riding, soccer, yoga, and so on, then you may be performing incorrectly and training yourself to step in a way that is harmful to your ankles. Whenever beginning a new sport or activity, it is generally advised that you consult with a professional who can help you learn the proper forms and movements required. Otherwise, you may be setting yourself up for long-term injury.
See a Therapist
If you notice persistent pain in your ankles, it is generally advised for you to see a physical therapist or orthopedic physician. Some doctors can spot pronating just by watching a patient take a few steps, particularly when the pronating is severe. Not only can a physician properly diagnose your condition, but they will be the ones that can help you learn how to reverse the effects. Techniques include stretches, shoe inserts, special exercises, and more. When caught early, pronating can be easily reversed and your ankles will be able to heal quickly. If left untreated for long enough, however, the bad habits you have formed in how you walk can become difficult to shake and the damage difficult to reverse.
Wear the Right Shoes
Along with seeing a physician, it is also important that you wear the right style of shoes to support your ankles. Many high quality running shoes include a feather known as motion control, referring to higher ankle supports that help encourage you to walk properly with every step. Other important features include arch support and adequate shock absorption. While these are important for runners and those who spend a great deal of time on their feet, these shoes are also helpful for those working to reverse pronating or supinating in their steps.
If your ankles are hurting every day you’re on your feet, don’t brush it off as normal strain. The body was made to withstand long hours standing and walking, and the ache should be in your muscles and soles of your feet—not your joints. When facing problematic pain, get help as soon as possible and seek solutions so your body can stay healthy.
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