One of the strongest protections for Ontarians is to keep health-care workers healthy and working during COVID-19 Pandemic
TORONTO, March 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontarians know that they can count on the commitment of the province's health- care workers to provide the best and safest care possible under challenging conditions, including under the current Pandemic COVID-19 outbreak. This is why nurses and other front-line health-care workers are calling on the Ontario Government to ensure health-care staff – and their patients – are kept safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, say the unions that represent more than 250,000 health-care sector workers in Ontario.
Patient care is the priority, but the unions say, health-care staff can only do that if they themselves stay healthy in order to continue to provide high-quality care. Front-line members are telling their respective unions that that personal protective equipment supplies are not readily available in some workplaces. It is imperative that front-line health-care staff have complete confidence in their own safety and access to full protective equipment and training in order to do the best for patients.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak spread to Ontario, the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have been urging the government and health-care workplaces that all precautions must be followed, and protocols for personal protective equipment for registered nurses and health-care workers must be implemented. Staff must be fully trained, equipped and supported.
Following a leaked document that showed the government is watering down guidelines regarding the appropriate level of personal protective equipment for front-line health-care workers, the union leaders released a joint statement yesterday (https://www.ona.org/news-posts/20200311-covid19-joint-statement/). The unions say they are deeply concerned about the lax guidelines issued and scarce availability and appropriateness of personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection during the pandemic.
Many Ontario health-care staff have lived through SARS and learned many lessons about infection control and best practices, and they have solutions and want collaboration and frankness with government during this difficult period, say the unions.
"As we learned all too well during SARS, without clear scientific evidence about transmission, every precaution must be taken to protect all front-line nurses and health-care workers," says ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. "When the science is conflicting regarding transmission of this virus, and dismissing our concerns risks repeating what happened during SARS – further spread and the death of two registered nurses – we simply cannot let history repeat itself."
OCHU/CUPE President Michael Hurley is urging the province to apply the precautionary principle and treat "COVID-19 as though transmission is airborne, which is a position supported by many credible, respected medical and infectious disease organizations. We must also ensure that there is a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment for health staff from nurses at the bedside to cleaners fighting infection. Our front-line members tell us that PPE supplies are not readily available in some workplaces. As this crisis deepens, it will be critical for the safety of the people who receive care that the health staff don't get sick themselves."
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says front-line health care workers need to be supported. "The government must provide the necessary tools and resources for our front line health care workers to protect and care for Ontarians during the COVID-19 crisis. I call on the Ford government to ensure these tools are made immediately available."
"As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, it is time for the Ontario government to stop issuing recommendations, and instead work with us to create clear and mandatory directions to all healthcare providers," says SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart. "Without that much-needed consistency, frontline healthcare workers, their families, and the people they care for, will continue to be put at risk."
SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association
Drake’s Organic Spirits Expands to Sunshine State
Leading distiller of organic spirits added to shelves at BJ’s Wholesale Clubs throughout Florida
Minneapolis, MN (March 11,2020 ) – Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today that its popular Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult pops and all-organic Bloody Mary combo packs will soon be available at 33 BJ’s Wholesale Club locations throughout Florida.
“We’re beyond thrilled to be part of the BJ Wholesale Club family,” said Drake’s Founder and CEO Mark Anderson. “BJ’s recognizes that the organic food and drink movement is booming. Consumers want cleaner options for their bodies and they want products that are friendlier to the planet. Drake’s accomplishes both.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States.
The chain offers members discounted prices on fresh items, sundries, paper goods, apparel, seasonal items, TVs, electronics, gasoline and much more.
The chain offers members discounted prices on fresh items, sundries, paper goods, apparel, seasonal items, TVs, electronics, gasoline and much more.
Drake’s Organic Spiked Iceä are handheld ice pops that feature 15% ABV and only 80 calories each. Spiked Ice comes in four flavors - Mango Rum Punch, Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Martini and Classic Mojito - and are made with Drake’s award-winning all-organic ultra-premium vodka and white rum.
Drake’s Bloody Mary Combo Packs feature one (1) liter Drake’s Organic Vodka and one (1) liter of Drake’s Organic Bloody Mary Mixer.
Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. The five certifications ensure a cleaner drinking option that comes only from the highest quality organic ingredients. Drake’s continues to be among the most environmentally conscious brands in the spirits industry and deeply committed to using ingredients and processes that lead to a more sustainable planet.
In 2019, Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit.
Proceeds from the sale of all Drake’s Organic Spirits products help fund Long Lake Animal Rescue, an animal rescue foundation that takes in animals in urgent need of a second chance at life.
About Drake’s Organic Spirits Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium spirits. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drakes Organic Spiced Rum offer a no-grain, no-gluten, no-gmo, ultra-premium and 12-times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands.
About BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 219 clubs and 144 BJ's Gas® locations in 17 states.
Media Statement: Health-Care Unions Call for Honest, Frank Collaboration from Ontario Government Regarding COVID-19 Protection for Health-Care Workers
TORONTO, March 11, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are calling for honest and frank collaboration with the Government of Ontario regarding guidelines for COVID-19 protection for health-care workers – and their patients – during the World Health Organization-declared pandemic.
A leaked document shows that the province is watering down guidelines regarding the level of personal protective equipment for front-line health-care workers. The unions say the precautionary principle – to err on the side of caution in protecting workers – must continue to be followed.
ONA, OCHU/CUPE, OPSEU and SEIU say the science is not clear regarding the droplet-versus-airborne spread of COVID-19 and believe the government is repeating mistakes made during SARS. With conflicting scientific evidence of how COVID-19 is spread, the precautionary principle – to err on the side of caution – must be followed, say the leaders. If there is a shortage of personal protective equipment that will impact front-line health-care workers, union leaders believe they can work with authorities to ensure the use of administrative measures and engineering controls to protect workers.
The vast majority of health-care workers impacted by the guidelines are female. The unions note that first responders, notably, the male-dominated EMS workers, currently have access to proper personal protective equipment even as they transport patients to unprotected female-dominated professionals in our hospitals.
ONA, OCHU/CUPE, OPSEU and SEIU jointly represent more than one-quarter of a million health-care workers in Ontario, who are dedicated to providing care and services to Ontarians during this pandemic. It is imperative that all organizations and government work collaboratively to protect health-care workers and their patients from the spread of COVID-19. If health-care workers are safe and free of disease because they are protected, then it is safe for the public to access health care.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak spread to Ontario, all health-care unions have been urging the government and health-care workplaces that allprecautions must be followed, and protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) for all nurses and all health-care workers must be implemented. Staff must be fully trained, equipped and supported. We are counting on the government to do the right thing.
CAE Healthcare to offer coronavirus simulation training scenario and webinars for healthcare providers
MONTREAL and SARASOTA, FL, March 12, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - CAE Healthcare announced today that it will offer complimentary webinars and a downloadable scenario throughout the months of March and April to help caregivers practice personal safety procedures and initial patient assessment related to coronavirus. These webinars and scenario will be offered free of charge for customers and healthcare providers. In addition, CAE Healthcare Academy is developing a simulation-based training course to help assess, diagnose, and treat patients with coronavirus and to help organizations ensure that staff are ready to don and doff personal protective equipment.
"The coronavirus presents a significant challenge to healthcare providers and CAE Healthcare is offering solutions to deal with the outbreak," said Amar Patel, Chief Learning Officer at CAE Healthcare. "This simulation-based training will allow healthcare professionals to practice patient assessment and manage the environment while keeping themselves and their patients safe in impacted areas."
"Simulation-based training is a key patient safety strategy that can help improve teamwork and communication amid unpredictable, rapidly unfolding situations," said Rekha Ranganathan, President of CAE Healthcare. "By offering realistic practice scenarios to caregivers before they enter high-stress environments, we can have a positive impact on outcomes."
The CAE Healthcare Academy's complimentary webinars and initial training scenario, titled Suspected COVID-19, can be accessed at https://caehealthcare.com/covid19/ A four-scenario training course, Pathogens of High Consequence, will be offered to healthcare providers and systems in the coming weeks.
CAE Healthcare offers integrated education and training solutions to healthcare students and clinical professionals across the professional life cycle, allowing them to develop practical experience in simulated environments before treating patients. CAE Healthcare's full spectrum of simulation solutions includes surgical and imaging simulation, curriculum, the CAE LearningSpace audiovisual and centre management platform and highly realistic adult, pediatric and baby patient simulators. Today, hospitals, medical schools, nursing schools, defence forces and societies in more than 80 countries use our training solutions to make healthcare safer. cae.com/healthcare
About CAE
CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. Backed by a record of more than 70 years of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force readiness and enhance patient safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with over 10,000 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. Each year, we train more than 220,000 civil and defence crewmembers, including more than 135,000 pilots, and thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide. www.cae.com
Follow us on Twitter: CAE_Inc.
SOURCE CAE INC.
Health care union annual convention postponed
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, March 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Amid growing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and the need to take constructive steps to control contamination, the Board of Directors of Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) has postponed indefinitely the union's annual convention, slated for April 1-3, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.
"This was a difficult call, but the right call for a union whose members are on the front lines of delivering care, as well as at risk to exposure," said HSA President Val Avery.
HSA represents many of the specialized health professionals who make up the health care team, including registered respiratory therapists and physiotherapists who are key to treating patients with respiratory infection and disease. The union also represents the health care providers responsible for diagnosis and recovery of patients.
"HSA's convention brings together upwards of 400 health professionals who are critical to the good health of British Columbians. Bringing them together at a time when what has now been confirmed as a global pandemic is on the rise, is just too risky for our members, and the general public they serve," Avery said.
HSA has been involved in regular briefings with the Ministry of Health, Deputy Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry, health employers, and other health care unions since January.
"We have been monitoring events closely. The situation is changing daily, and our priority must be to preserve the integrity of our public health care system by reducing risks to the health care workers British Columbians rely on for their good health," Avery said.
SOURCE Health Sciences Association of British Columbia
Vaping chemical creates toxic ketene gas, RCSI research
Researchers warn that vaping can cause health-damaging chemical reactions
DUBLIN, March 11, 2020 – A chemical found in some vaping products can produce a highly toxic gas when heated up, according to new research from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Led by researchers at RCSI’s Department of Chemistry, the study is published in the current edition of PNAS.
In August 2019, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increasing number of lung injuries following the use of some vaping products, and vitamin E acetate was identified as one possible cause. Though some patient lung biopsies showed signs of chemical burns that vitamin E acetate alone would not be expected to cause.
Vitamin E acetate, primarily found in illegally made THC-based vape liquids, is considered non-toxic in vitamin supplements and skin creams. This new research has now shown that heating up vitamin E acetate through vaping can produce ketene, a highly toxic gas.
Ketene is a colourless gas with a penetrating odour. When inhaled, it can cause serious damage to the lungs up to 24 hours after exposure. It is lethal at high concentrations, and at lower concentrations, it can irritate the eyes and lungs and impair the central nervous system.
The researchers connected a vaping device to a series of glass vessels, which allowed them to collect samples after simulating a person vaping vitamin E acetate from the device.
In addition to chemically trapping the toxic ketene gas, the researchers also found that heating up vitamin E acetate produces other carcinogens that are found in regular tobacco smoke.
“It should be noted, however, that these experiments were designed to determine the vaping effect on a single pure substance at the chemistry molecular level. Determining the exact relevance of these results to the direct cause of lung injury requires further studies due to the diversity in vaping devices, mixtures and their modes of use,” said the study’s lead author and RCSI Professor of Chemistry Donal O’Shea.
While vitamin E acetate is typically found in illicit street-bought vapes, the researchers warned against the potential dangers of the ever growing number of chemicals found in vaping products.
“The high temperatures created in vaping devices can lead to unforeseen chemical reactions. Therefore, other components of vape mixtures, including flavours and additives, also require investigation as they too may produce toxic and carcinogenic substances when heated,” said Professor O’Shea.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is ranked among the top 250 (top 2%) of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2020) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. It is an international not-for-profit university, with its headquarters in Dublin, focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
Canopy Growth and TerrAscend Canada Enter Debt Financing Arrangement
Canopy Growth completes C$80.5 million loan to TerrAscend Canada Inc.
SMITHS FALLS, ON, March 11, 2020 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth" or the "Company") (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) and TerrAscend Canada Inc. ("TerrAscend Canada"), a wholly owned subsidiary of TerrAscend Corp. ("TerrAscend") (CSE:TER, OTCQX: TRSSF), today announced they have entered into a loan financing arrangement in the amount of C$80.5 million (the "Loan") pursuant to a secured debenture (the "Debenture"). In connection with the Loan, TerrAscend has issued 17,808,975 common share purchase warrants to the Company (the "Warrants").
Canopy Growth initially co-invested in TerrAscend in November 2017. On November 30, 2018, Canopy Growth announced the completion of a restructuring transaction with TerrAscend pursuant to which TerrAscend restructured its share capital by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
"TerrAscend Canada has proven its ability to thrive and this loan is a strong signal that Canopy Growth is confident in their ability to execute over the long term," said David Klein, CEO, Canopy Growth. "We are encouraged by TerrAscend's strong performance and we view the team's experience as an important contributor to its continued success."
"We are pleased to receive this loan from Canopy Growth as we enter into the next stage of TerrAscend's growth and expansion," said Jason Ackerman, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO. "We look forward to continuing to work with Canopy Growth as new opportunities emerge and the regulatory landscape evolves."
Use of Proceeds
The net proceeds are expected to be used by TerrAscend Canada for general corporate purposes and the funding of its Canadian operations, its Arise Bioscience U.S. hemp division, international expansion and the repayment of indebtedness. The funds cannot be used, directly or indirectly, in connection with or for any cannabis or cannabis-related operations in the United States, unless and until such operations comply with all applicable laws of the United States.
Transaction Overview
The Debenture will bear interest at a rate of 6.10% per annum and will mature on March 10, 2030 or such earlier date in accordance with the terms of the Debenture and all interest payments made pursuant to the Debenture are payable in cash by TerrAscend Canada. The Debenture is secured by the assets of TerrAscend Canada, is not convertible and is not guaranteed by TerrAscend. The Warrants are comprised of 15,656,242 common share purchase warrants (the "First Tranche Warrants") with each First Tranche Warrant entitling Canopy Growth to acquire one common share of TerrAscend at an exercise price of $5.14 per share, subject to adjustment in certain events and 2,152,733 common share purchase warrants (the "Second Tranche Warrants") with each Second Tranche Warrant entitling Canopy Growth to acquire one common share of TerrAscend at an exercise price of $3.74 per share, subject to adjustments in certain events. The Warrants will be exercisable by Canopy Growth following changes in U.S. federal laws permitting the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana or to remove the regulation of such activities from the federal laws of the United States. The First Tranche Warrants expire on March 10, 2030 or such earlier date in accordance with the First Tranche Warrants and the Second Tranche Warrants expire on March 10, 2031 or such earlier date in accordance with the Second Tranche Warrants.
About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.
Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics, is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting-edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.
Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.
From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 10.5 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to the use of proceeds, management's belief of TerrAscend's ability over the long term and the expectation that the Loan will enable TerrAscend to fund and execute on its Canadian, U.S. hemp and international businesses. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including regulatory and licensing risks, the ability of the Company to exercise the Warrants and the occurrence of changes in U.S. federal laws regarding the cultivation, distribution or possession of marijuana, changes in the use of proceeds, changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets, the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change, risks relating to anti-money laundering laws, compliance with extensive government regulation and the interpretation of various laws, regulations and policies, risk associated with divesting certain of investments, public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry, and such risks contained in the public filings of the Company filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the issuer profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Company's annual information form dated June 25, 2019. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation
AbbVie Announces New Formulary Listings for SKYRIZI® in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
SKYRIZI® is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor used for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.1
In clinical studies, SKYRIZI® significantly improved levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and maintained clearance at one year (52 weeks).1
Non-Insured Health Benefits program lists SKYRIZI® on its formulary effective February 21, 2020.
Manitoba lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective March 02, 2020.
SKYRIZI® is the only IL-23 inhibitor to arrive at a positive conclusion with the pCPA and is currently listed on the formularies of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
MONTRÉAL, March 11, 2020 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, announced today that SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) is now listed on the formularies of the Non-Insured Health Benefits program (NIHB) and the province of Manitoba for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This announcement comes just three months after AbbVie successfully reached an agreement with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), bringing a much-needed treatment to patients living with psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, including 1 million Canadians, and many patients despite treatment still do not reach their goals or lose treatment response over time.2-4 The most common form is plaque psoriasis, which affects approximately 90% of patients. 5
SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally.
"It's been very rewarding to see my psoriasis patients on the biologic SKYRIZI® respond so favorably. In my patients, I witness both a durable skin response and an improvement in quality of life and well-being," states Dr. Marni C. Wiseman MD FRCPC, Dermatologist from SKiNWISE DERMATOLOGY. "There currently is a need for treatments with longer dosing intervals for patients located in remote communities. I am so pleased that Manitobans and Canada's Indigenous population will have better access to this treatment," adds Dr. Wiseman.
According to the 2016 census, Aboriginal peoples in Canada totaled 1,673,785 people, or 4.9% of the national population.6 Of these, 223,310 Aboriginal people live in Manitoba, making up 18.0% of that population.7
For the Non-Insured Health Benefits program (NIHB), SKYRIZI® is effectively listed on NIHB's Limited Use formulary as of February 21, 2020 and criteria details will be featured in their next bulletin update.
Information regarding the Manitoba provincial criteria may be found by consulting the following link:
About SKYRIZI® SKYRIZI® is a novel, humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit IL-23, a naturally occurring cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses.1 On April 17, 2019, SKYRIZI™ received a NOC from Health Canada for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, based on results from clinical studies showing significant improvement in levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and at 52 weeks with every 3-month dosing in more than 2000 adult patients.1 Four pivotal Phase 3 studies, ultIMMa-1, ultIMMa-2, IMMvent and IMMhance evaluated more than 2,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.4 Canadians living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were well represented in all four of the pivotal clinical trials leading to Health Canada's approval, showing the Canadian leadership in this clinical development program.
About AbbVie Care The AbbVie Care program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment journey. For more information, consult www.abbviecare.ca.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
References:
1.
SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) [Canadian Product Monograph]. AbbVie Corporation, April 17, 2019.
Award-Winning Parma! Vegan Parmesan Offers Cheese Lovers A Delectably Nutritious Range of Dairy-Free, Protein-Rich Condiments Ideal For Main Dishes, Salads, Pizza & More!
Parma! Debuts Bold New Website As Company Continues Major Expansion
MEDFORD, OREGON, MARCH 11, 2020 - With just the right condiment, a plain salad becomes a festival of flavors, a plate of vegetables transforms into a delectable stroll through a country garden, and an ordinary bowl of pasta becomes a savory work of art. And perhaps no condiment covers as many different foods and as many different cultures as classic Italian Parmesan cheese.
Unfortunately, for vegans or anyone following a dairy-free and/or calorie-conscious diet, parmesan cheese has always been not only off limits but one of the most difficult of life’s little indulgences to forego. If only someone, somewhere, could create a non-dairy parmesan cheese alternative so authentically delectable that even the most discerning cheese lovers would never miss its conventional counterpart ever again!
Well, luckily for countless millions of us, someone has. Welcome to the next revolution within the booming vegan cheese category – Parma!
Created in Oregon just over 15 years ago by Sister River Foods’ founder Shannon Schnibbe (with Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott as an ongoing Advisor), Parma! was established in response to a rapidly-growing need within the vegetarian marketplace for a breakthrough allergen-free parmesan alternative.
Comprised of four deliciously distinct varieties – including Better Than Bacon Parma! –voted Favorite Bacon-Flavored Product in 2017 by VegNews magazine – Parma! is a plant-based umami superfood line of convenient and affordable products that are Paleo and Keto-friendly, a complete protein, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and Certified Kosher.
In addition, all four raw nut and seed-based Parma! flavors contain whole raw ingredients, are low in sodium, heart-healthy, packed with essential B vitamins and trace minerals, replete with beneficial animo acids and an excellent source of healthy oils.
Enjoying its most successful period of growth to date in terms of both distribution and revenue, Parma! this week introduces an ambitious new website featuring easy navigation, boldly colorful images and graphics, exciting new recipes and convenient shopping options.
Bringing Italy A Whole Lot Closer
Available in health stores nationwide as well as on the brand new www.eatparma.com site, Amazon, VitaCost and other online retailers, Parma! is ideal for environmentally conscious consumers, vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and all health conscious eaters. Unlike some other vegan cheese alternatives, Parma! has also proven highly appealing to mainstream cheese aficionados who are ready to eschew traditional cheese so long as a healthier option boasting authentic flavor, aroma and texture is available.
Sold in 3.5 and 7-ounce bottles, Parma! can be savored on pasta, lightly steamed vegetables, pizza, salads, potatoes, avocado toast, popcorn and countless other hor d'oeuvres, main dishes and desserts. For suggested recipes, please visit https://eatparma.com/category/recipes/.
Parma! varieties include:
Original Parma! – Featuring an irresistiblycheesey umami flavor. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.
Better Than Bacon Parma! – Voted Favorite Bacon FlavoredProduct by VegNews and featuring a smokey cheesey umami bacon flavor. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Ground Paprika, Organic Dried Onion, Natural Flavor, Organic Brown Sugar, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Smoked Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds.
Chipotle Cayenne Parma! – Blessed with a smokey umami flavor akin to the most popular barbeque potato chips, with a slight cayenne kick at the end. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Ground Chipotle Pepper, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Ground Cayenne Pepper.
Garlicky Green Parma! – Distinguished by acheesey umami Italian herb flavour complemented by nutritiously delicious kelp, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Ingredients: Nutritional Yeast, Organic SunflowerSeeds, Walnuts, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, OrganicDried Garlic, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Kelp Powder, Organic Dried Basil, Organic Dried Oregano.
For parmesan lovers in Europe (in other words – just about everyone!), Parma! also offers a specially branded line called Shake! Original featuring a mouth-wateringly cheesey umami flavor and such ingredients as nutritional yeast, raw organic sunflower seeds, raw walnuts, raw organic pumpkin seeds, raw organic hemp seeds, and Himalayan crystal salt.
Parma! is expected to introduce a bold new line of products to the U.S. marketplace later this year.
Only The Beginning
Founded in 2004, Parma! has steadily grown to its current status as a leader in the dairy-free cheese alternative arena and a key player in the multi-billion-dollar global vegan food category.
Looking back on the origins of the Parma! brand, Sister River Foods’ co-founder and CEO Shannon Schnibbe recalls that it all started as the result of her severe allergies and effort to find foods that might give her relief. Introduced to raw foods, she was soon inspired to begin making what is now Parma! for herself, friends and family. After moving to Oregon and becoming pregnant with her first baby, she decided to combine her passion for healthy eating with her corporate experience and turn her hobby into an actual business. The vegan parmesan revolution had begun!
Today, Shannon takes special pride not only in the rave reviews, industry honors, new distribution channels and increased sales Parma! has enjoyed in recent years, but in her brand’s ability to provide a more nutritious yet equally delicious alternative for those who have been missing out on one of life’s true culinary pleasures – parmesan cheese.
According to Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott, "Like Tofurky, Parma is an authentic, trailblazing brand with deep roots that took hold when the plant-based world was very young. I love that it is a family owned business run by kind, passionate people producing a wholesome vegan food with exceptional flavor."
Adds Shannon, “Parma! gives you that cheesey flavor without all the dairy baggage. It provides an excellent food source of high-quality vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, omega 3’s and trace minerals, along with the natural goodness of hemp, and it tastes great! We’re deeply grateful for the exceptionally warm reception our brand has received from consumers and industry leaders since our very first days on the market and look forward to continuing to shake up the dairy-free industry for many, many years to come.”
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In these uncertain times, The Stanford Inn and Resort provides a sanctuary from Urban areas and offers customized resources to enhance one's immunity and general well being
At this quiet haven graced with clean ocean air, the Pacific, and redwood forests, guests learn to cook plant-based meals, use nutrition to enhance immunity, and discover inner calm to build long-term healthy living habits – All just north of the San Francisco Bay MENDOCINO, CA /March 10, 2020 _The Stanford Inn and Resort, is offering travelers a chance to escape their constant concern regarding the coronavirus and focus instead on what they can do - boost their immunity. ”Our immune systems reflect our mental state and overall health, explains Jeff Stanford, who with his wife, Joan, own the Inn.. “We think of the immune system as a gauge to well-being,” “This getaway is a unique opportunity at a crucial time. We’re told the virus doesn’t affect all demographics equally and seniors, particularly those with other health issues, tend to be the most vulnerable,” said Sid Garza-Hillman, the Wellness Programs Director and Certified Nutritionist. Garza-Hillman is the author of Approaching the Natural: A Health Manifesto. “While it’s always the right time to adopt healthy habits, moments like these really stress the importance of taking charge of your health and stress and we’ve been teaching people how to successfully do this for decades.” Sid teaches the whole food, plant-based, cooking and nutrition workshops in which guests don aprons and use fresh produce from the resort’s GROW BIOINTENSIVE® educational farm. Joan Stanford, a Registered Art Therapist offers a creative play workshop. She adds, “When we’re engaged in creative activities our brains exhibit patterns seen in the brains of children at play. We all benefit from expressing ourselves creatively – experiencing less stress and more joy, boosting wellbeing.” The experience are truly rejuvenating. Jeff, a meditator since he was 18, discusses a practical and doable approach to meditation which destresses while at the same time encourages self-knowing. An iconoclast he believes that we were born to meditate and that many techniques increase rather than relieve stress. “Meditation is easy and leads to insight, self-knowledge, and beyond. It’s not a chore, it is fun and lightens our load.” Those who’ve been considering changing habits but feel overwhelmed will find compassionate guidance at the Stanford Inn and Resort. ”Creating a new habit is a process and can be overwhelming and ineffective if not done correctly,” Sid explains. “We’re here to help each guest with their individual goals and give them the tools to make long-term, permanent improvements to their lives. We encourage and demonstrate actual lifestyle changes, not quick-fixes.” The skills and techniques guests take home are manageable and sustainable. The information is science-based. The Immune System Boost vacation package is available as an add-on to a three-night minimum stay any time of year! The classes/sessions are taught at the resort over the course of the three days with plenty of down-time to play and explore the breathtaking Mendocino coast, wander the resort’s vast property and or head out on one of the resort’s redwood outrigger canoes; pets are welcome. In fact, the resort has created the only specifically-designed doggie-and-me canoe. The Immune System Boost vacation package includes:A customized Boost Your Immune System Cooking Class (please let us know particular health conditions in advance)Personalized Art & Creativity ClassHealthy Living Class/Nutrition ClassAn exploration of the process of meditation for health and developing a sustainable health-promoting mindset.Boosting Immune System Through Healthy Habits ClassA newsletter including discussions of meditation and health issuesCopy of Sid Garza-Hillman’s books - Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and aThriving Family & Approaching the Natural: A Health ManifestoCopy of The Art of Play: Ignite Your Imagination to Unlock Insight, Healing, and Joy by Joan StanfordThree DinnersThis add-on package costs $775/couple + tax (call for single guest pricing). Taxes, gratuities and lodging are additional; a minimum 3-night stay is required. This package is subject to availability; please contact the Stanford Inn and Resort to verify your dates before making your reservation. About Stanford Inn and ResortNestled atop a meadow that overlooks Mendocino Bay, The Stanford Inn and Resort is a luxurious and sustainable destination providing recreation opportunities from nature tours to yoga, and canoeing and kayaking to massage. AAA Four Diamond rated, family owned and operated, the Resort is unique and a great base for exploring the Mendocino Coast while guests may never leave the property, which offers an indoor saltwater pool, full bar, magnificent gardens, award-winning restaurant, and extensive wellness experiences. In addition to being home to a one of a kind Wellness Center with Chinese medicine, nutrition and cooking classes, Massage in the Forest, creative play shops, and various exercise and meditation options, the Inn features a USDA Organic certified farm which provides produce for the Resort’s Ravens Restaurant. The award-winning restaurant serves organic plant-based cuisine that is conscientiously prepared with respect for the land. Family-friendly and pet-friendly, the Stanford Inn Resort offers an array of life-enhancing experiences. All rooms bask in the glow of warm pine, complete with wood-burning fireplaces and private baths. The Resort is also the site of a GROW BIOINTENSIVE® educational farm, attracting students from around the globe to learn how to sustainably grow a complete diet in the smallest amount of space possible. The Resort also hosts the Environmental Leadership Field School, an intensive hands-on and classroom experience that mobilizes future leaders from different fields to support and enhance the environment, biodiversity, and equitable relationships. Stanford Inn and Resort is located at 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, POB 487, Mendocino, CA 95460; on Facebook at facebook.com/stanford.inn.mendocino.
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