Sleep Country Canada celebrates World Sleep Day on March 13 with national giveaway

Canada's sleep experts to give away nap sacs to Canadians, reinforcing the importance of sleep 

TORONTO, March 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. ("Sleep Country" or "Sleep Country Canada" or the "Company") (TSX: ZZZ), is proud to celebrate and be a sponsor of World Sleep Day 2020 in Canada on March 13. The annual event was created to raise awareness about the importance of sleep with a call to action on establishing healthy sleep habits.

"For more than 25 years we've been dedicated to helping Canadians achieve their best sleep," said Christine Magee, Co-Founder & Chair of Sleep Country. "There are many factors that impact a good night's sleep, from your mood and stress level to the number of sleeping hours to finding the right products to suit your sleep style. We're seeing attitudes towards sleep change for the better and initiatives like World Sleep Day are reminders to invest in personal health and well-being, as we continue to work towards better sleep for all."

World Sleep Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of sleep and while Canadians recognize it is a priority, many don't get the benefit of a good night's sleep. Last year, 75 per cent of Canadian respondents to a Maru/Blue survey told Sleep Country Canada that they consider sleep as an important aspect when thinking about health and wellness. Yet, the Public Health Agency of Canada has found that one in two adults have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, and one in five adults do not find their sleep refreshing.

Sleep Country is committed to All for Sleep. Along with offering Canadians a full line of innovative sleep products and one-on-one access to trained sleep experts, available at 276 locations across the country, Sleep Country has compiled a list of helpful sleep tips to help Canadian's get their best sleep:

1. Practice relaxation, mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques and meditation before sleep (Public Health Agency of Canada)
2. Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps to regulate your body's clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night. (SleepFoundation.org)
3. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep, or remain asleep. (SleepFoundation.org)
4. Avoid electronics before bed or in the middle of the night. (SleepFoundation.org)
5. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy. (SleepFoundation.org)

World Sleep Day – All for Sleep Giveaway
To celebrate World Sleep Day in Canada, Sleep Country Canada is giving away nap sacs to 100 lucky winners, to help ensure Canadians are equipped for a good night sleep. The prize pack includes a Queen-size reversible comforter, one sheet set (fitted, flat and pillowcase) and pillow packed inside a high-quality reusable bag. Entrants can visit @sleepcountrycan on Instagram from March 13^th to 15^th to enter. For more information and full contest details visit Sleep Country Canada on Instagram at @sleepcountrycan

About Sleep Country
Sleep Country is Canada's leading omnichannel mattress and bedding retailer and the only specialty sleep products retailer with a national bricks and mortar footprint and an online presence. Sleep Country operates under three retail banners (the "Banners"): "Sleep Country Canada", with omnichannel operations in Canada excluding Québec; "Dormez-vous?" with omnichannel operations in Québec and "Endy", Canada's leading online mattress-in-a-box retailer. As of March 10, 2020, Sleep Country has 276 stores and 17 distribution centres across Canada. All of the Company's stores are corporate-owned, enabling it to develop and maintain a strong culture of customer service, resulting in a consistent and superior in-store and home delivery experience. Sleep Country also works closely with Canadian charities to donate new and gently used mattresses to families and children in need. 

SOURCE Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. Investor Relations

Startup competition returns to recognize top innovators in Canada's technology and aging sector

Winners will receive $20,000 in cash plus in-kind prizes

TORONTO, March 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Are you an entrepreneur or startup with a technology-based solution that can support the health and quality of life of seniors or their caregivers?

The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge is back for another run in 2020. 

This national competition recognizes top startups and supports entrepreneurship in Canada's technology and aging sector.

Finalists will pitch their innovative technologies and services to a panel of expert judges. Regional competitions will be held in Halifax, Toronto and Whistler, British Columbia.  

The winner at each competition will receive $20,000 in cash, plus in-kind prizes and a future opportunity to pitch to regional investors. 

The deadline to submit an application is April 17, 2020 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. (From these applications, five finalists will be selected for each regional competition.) 

To apply or find out more, please see the competition main page. 

"We're pleased to be running this competition once again and to be spotlighting top Canadian innovators whose products can positively impact older Canadians or their caregivers," says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Co-Director and CEO of the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE).

As Canada's Technology and Aging Network, AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

"AGE-WELL is propelling forward the technology and aging sector to ensure that technologies have an impact on people's lives, and generate social and economic benefits for Canadians," says Dr. Mihailidis. 

Regional competitions are scheduled for Summer and Fall 2020. Please note that due to ongoing developments with COVID-19, the date and format for any events related to the competition are subject to change.

Sponsors of the competition are: BC Seniors Living Association, CARP, IBM, Impact Centre, Innovacorp, Innovation PEI, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Ontario Brain Institute, Spectrum Health Care, and YouAreUNLTD. 

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca.

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)

Rojo Resources Ltd. Announces Closing of Subscription Receipt Offering, Salvation Botanicals Closes Sidecar Private Placement – Aggregate Gross Proceeds of $6,000,000 Raised

VANCOUVER, March 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Rojo Resources Ltd. ("Rojo" or the "Company") (TSXV: RJ:H) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced private placement of subscription receipts.  The private placement was over-subscribed and raised gross proceeds of $5,745,000 (the "Offering"). In addition to proceeds raised by Rojo under the Offering, the target company of Rojo's proposed reverse takeover Salvation Botanicals Ltd. ("Salvation") has also completed a non-brokered private placement of 1,020,000 units ("Units") for gross proceeds of $255,000 (the "Sidecar"), for aggregate gross Offering and Sidecar proceeds of $6,000,000. 

Rojo issued 45,960,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.125 per Subscription Receipt ($0.25 per Subscription Receipt on a post-consolidation basis, with reference to the Company's previously announced 2:1 common share consolidation).  The gross proceeds from the Offering will be held in escrow by Computershare Trust Company of Canada and will be released upon completion of the escrow release conditions, which include completion of the Company's acquisition by plan of arrangement of Salvation, which includes Salvation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Numinus Wellness Inc. ("Numinus"). The entity resulting from the acquisition is referred to as the "Resulting Issuer".

The Resulting Issuer aims to operate at the forefront of the transformative change in treating the growing prevalence of mental health issues and desire for greater overall wellness through regulated alternative medicine therapies including the use of cannabinoids and, subject to regulatory approval, psychedelic drug treatments. The Resulting Issuer has an established and integrated treatment and healing centre with the goal of creating a model to scale globally.

The Resulting Issuer proposes to deploy the additional working capital provided by the substantial oversubscription of the Offering and Sidecar to: 

In connection with the plan of arrangement, pursuant to which Rojo will acquire Salvation (including its wholly-owned subsidiary Numinus), the Company will prepare and file a filing statement on TSX Venture Exchange Form 3D2 (the "Filing Statement"). When available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, investors are encouraged to review the entirety of the Filing Statement for greater detail in respect of the business of the Company, business of Salvation, the proposed business of the Resulting Issuer and the use of proceeds discussed above.

As a result of the 2:1 common share consolidation, each two Subscription Receipts represents the right to automatically receive, upon closing of the Company's proposed plan of arrangement, one unit of the Resulting Issuer, each unit comprising one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant (the "Warrants"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire for a period of 2 years, one common share at a price of 50 cents per share, subject to accelerated expiry. The Warrants contain an accelerator clause whereby, if at any time after the date of issuance and prior to the expiry of the Warrants the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares exceeds 75 cents for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, the Resulting Issuer is entitled, at its option, to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by delivering written notice to the holders of Warrants, to a date that is not less than 30 days following the delivery of such written notice. The Salvation Units issued under the Sidecar are each comprised of one common share of Salvation, and one warrant of Salvation having the same terms as the Warrants. All securities of Salvation issued in the Sidecar will be included in the previously announced acquisition of Salvation by Rojo on a 1:1 basis.

The Company has agreed to pay certain finder's fees in connection with the Offering. The finder's fees are not payable until the escrow release conditions are met, being the closing of the Company's acquisition of Salvation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Rojo Resources Ltd.

Allen Morishita
President and Chief Executive Officer 

For further information contact: 

Michael Tan 
Chief Operating Officer at Salvation/Numinus 
1-855-420-8617

About Salvation 

Since 2016, Salvation Botanicals Ltd. has been committed to helping customers create safe and reliable products through analytical services and full-spectrum testing. Based in Nanaimo, B.C. Salvation operates out of a state-of–the-art 7,000 sq foot facility that is one of the largest labs in Western Canada. Salvation deploys acclaimed scientists and lab technicians devoted to research and building intellectual capital in the cannabis and psychedelics sectors to advance intelligence in the alternative medicine field for the treatment of many illnesses and for general wellness. For more information regarding Salvation go to: www.salvationbioscience.ca. Through its subsidiary Numinus Wellness Inc., Salvation intends to provide alternative medicinal services and tested products at its healing centre. For more information about Numinus go to: www.numinus.ca.         

Statements in this press release regarding Rojo which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the acquisition of Salvation (the "Transaction").  Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties such as the risk that the closing may not occur for any reason.  Statements made in this press release regarding Salvation and Numinus are based on information provided to Rojo by Salvation and Numinus management.

Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors such as: (i) the decision to not close the Transaction for any reason, including adverse due diligence results and TSX Venture Exchange refusal of the Transaction; (ii) adverse market conditions; (iii) the need for additional financing; and (iv) change in laws and regulations regarding the industry in which Salvation operates.  Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update any changes to such statements.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Rojo should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Rojo Resources Ltd.

U.S Airlines and America on Thin Ice with COVID-19
By Don Trumbull, former Air Carrier owner

Short of living on a giant petri dish, you’ve be hard pressed to find a more ideal environment for the spread of germs than a pressurized airline cabin that hauls thousands of passengers each day. Knowing that the COVID-19 Coronavirus is highly contagious under normal circumstances, it may be virtually impossible for it NOT to spread on an airplane if one or more people have that virus.

Currently, the novel coronavirus is exhibiting a low mortality rate, but we now hear it may have mutated into a second strain. We have no idea if this could be worse than the first, but the airline executives are scrambling with 3 main challenges: 1) Calm public fears of flying. 2) Mitigate risk by improving sanitization efforts and boarding procedures that can help with social distancing. 3) Continue to make a profit and avoid the worst-case scenario. 

And what is the worst-case scenario? Higher death tolls. Rapid spread. More unknowns. These are the game changers: A deadly pandemic would shut the airlines and the airports down. Any significant changes to the death rate, spread, or unknowns, creates an unfixable problem. The airlines become a health hazard. They elevate community spread. Business model fails. 

Higher death rates with rapid community spread will not only shut down the airlines, it will shut down all modes of public transportation. The cascading effect of one sinister mutation that makes the next COVID-19 strain worse is very plausible, and if it happens now, the American people will be forced to quarantine in place. Given the worst-case scenario, not only will our transportation industries fail, but the supply chains fail, and the American people will fail too.

While the airlines scramble to mitigate risk, there’s only so much they can do. Worst-case – no options. Airplanes grounded. But what about our basic survival? What about our families? What about the ability for America to recover? We all know this risk is unmitigated and the American people can’t survive a sudden national lockdown. No reserves. No supply chains. Reliant on government alone.   

Someday, sooner or later, we may have to lockdown the nation. We might have to stay in our homes to avoid mass contamination and spread. Whether a deadly pandemic, biowarfare, EMP, solar flare, or cyber warfare, our supply chains can get knocked out quickly and we need community reserves on hand. Stockpiling in response to panic is irresponsible and reckless. Sound, preventive measures that prepare us for the worst-case gives us hope for tomorrow, and strength for today.

As a former air carrier owner, I understand painfully well the dark challenges our U.S airlines face. In 2001, after September 11^th, I went from the scheduled airlines to building an on-demand airline that serviced worldwide travel on executive jets. In 2008, I developed defensive measures to secure emergency air travel in the grid-down environment. Today, I am well aware of the difficulties we face as a result of covid-19 and our overconfidence on U.S supply chains. As a result of that experience, I developed a countermeasure platform called the Safe State Project. It is built for the loss of our critical infrastructures, to provide rudimentary safeguards of statewide community food reserves which is precisely what America needs to weather the storm of deadly pandemic. Mass quarantine in-place may be coming. Relying on government alone won’t work.  Better to do the unthinkable: Plan on voluntary self-quarantine in communities of like-minded people now. More information is available at https://safestateproject.com/

Realizing that most people are unable or unwilling to embrace Safe States survival communities, and choose to continue flying on commercial airlines, here are some six quick helpful tips:  

1. Knowing that all sorts of bacteria and viruses can live and spread from sufaces in the aircraft cabin, what makes it worse, the cabin air is recirculated and replenished many times per hour. Most commercial airliners have a HEPA filter system that works well to trap biological contaminates, but we still don’t know if it stops SARS and Covid-19 effectively. No definitive testing. We know covid-19 is considered transmittable at 6 feet. Original SARS was 2 feet. Commercial airlines have no social distancing built into the business plan, and they’re only profitable when the passenger cabin is full. So, again, wear a mask. With SARS, Air China Flight 112 gives us a good example. In a flight from Hong Kong to Beijing, it was discovered that one passenger in a middle row had SARS. 8 days later, 20 passengers and 2 Flight Attendants got infected. 5 died. Again, wear a mask. 
2. Most difficult vulnerability: Surface contamination along with coughing and sneezing. Experts say Covid-19 may remain on surfaces for several days. Airlines make money when they’re efficient. Fast turnarounds. They usually hire 3^rd party cabin cleaners and they can only clean so much. No FAA regulations on cleaning/sanitizing, so we’re at the mercy of the last cleaning crew who are always in a rush. Bring hand sanitizer and use it.
3. The CDC says pick a window seat and keep the overhead vents pointed away from you. Throw a feather up and see what happens. The CDC says… pick a window seat. As long as you’re 2 rows away from any potentially infected individual, and as long as your flight is less than 8 hours, you should be okay. As for the restroom, try to hold it. 
4. Elderly and those with compromised lungs should avoid travel altogether.
5. Wash your hands. Wash/sanitize your hands. Don’t touch face. Clean/disinfect your seat area.
6. Do your best to maintain “social distance”, wherever possible, while waiting to board, deplaning, etc. 

ABOUT DON TRUMBULL…

DON TRUMBULL is an author and a former air carrier president and director of operations. 

Following a ten-year mission exploring the vulnerability of our U.S. air carriers/supply chains to the catastrophic threat of solar flare/electromagnetic pulse, in 2019 his broader findings inspired a civilian countermeasure system called the SAFE STATE Project. https://safestateproject.com/

An achievable on-site defense for individuals, communities, and emergency services, the SAFE STATE countermeasure is a low-cost alternative to hardening the critical infrastructures.

Patients in the 'Fight for Our Lives' call on Parliament to STOP the PMPRB!

As the world comes together to fight coronavirus, Canadians with life-threatening rare and common diseases will march on Parliament Hill to ask for the same support in the 'Fight for Our Lives'

OTTAWA, March 9, 2020 /CNW/ - THE ISSUE: The federal government's draconian new patented drug pricing rules to be implemented by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) prevent life-saving treatments from coming to Canada. It's already happening – remarkable new treatments for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease are now available elsewhere but haven't even been filed for approval here.

THE EVENT: The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) is leading a contingent of Canadian patients with rare and common diseases to Parliament Hill to "Fight for Our Lives" and to deliver one common message to their Members of Parliament: "Stop the PMPRB!"  

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 12 pm

WHERE: Centennial Flame, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Leaders of CORD and representatives of Canadians with cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease are available to explain the crisis facing Canadian patients.

"The federal drug price controls are a death sentence for many patients." – Chris McLeod, Chair of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Society and a CF patient.

"For decades, there have been no effective treatments for sickle cell disease. We now have a revolutionary new drug that can prevent the root cause of the disease, but it won't be made available to Canadians any time soon." – Biba Tinga, President and Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders

4 Health Essentials That Make Your Workouts Easier 

Exercise doesn’t always have to be so strenuous. Your workouts can be made easier with greater progress toward your fitness goals if you practice the right lifestyle habits and have the right essentials in order. Having these four health essentials in order will make your workouts easier.

Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule

The time that you go to sleep and the time that you get up for the day should be kept consistent so that your body will be more ready to handle each workout. Altering your sleep schedule regularly could cause you to feel more tired and less motivated to exercise. It’s also important to get enough sleep so that your body can recover faster after working out.

Be Mindful of Your Nutrition

Eating healthy is a key component to reaching your fitness goals. Your diet should include enough carbohydrates for energy and protein to build muscles. Processed foods that are high in calories, fats and sugars should be avoided so that you can continue to maintain a healthy weight and build muscle without poor nutrition hampering your progress. Plan 7 Coaching and similar services can put together an individualized nutrition plan that gives your body ample fuel and provides additional health benefits that will help you build the body that you want.

Stay Disciplined with Workouts

You’ll need a strong sense of self-discipline if you plan to reach your fitness goals, and keeping your workouts on a routine schedule will be important. You should also make sure that you’re devoting enough time and energy to each exercise session if you want to see results. If you’re having trouble staying disciplined with your workouts, you can try incorporating fun activities like dancing or rock climbing into your routines so that you’ll be more eager to exercise.

Maintain Hydration

Staying hydrated is especially important when exercising regularly. Fluid levels in your body can deplete rapidly during vigorous workouts, and you’ll want to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. It’s advisable to drink 17 to 20ounces of water or another hydrating fluid two to three hours prior to a workout session and then another eight ounces 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising. For every 10 to 20 minutes of exercise, it’s best to drink around 10 ounces while working out. Eight more ounces should be consumed within 30 minutes after your workout session. It’s also recommended to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or other drinks that could leave you dehydrated.

You’re sure to notice a big difference in how you function and feel during your workouts when you’re mindful of these essentials. By exercising smart, you’ll be able to avoid certain pitfalls that some people face during their training sessions.

Canadians suffering from diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D) have a new clinically proven option approved by Health Canada

• Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates of IBS in the world – estimated at 18% compared to 11% globally.¹
• IBS-D accounts for 40% of all IBS cases.¹

LAVAL, QC, March 9, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bio-K Plus International Inc. (Bio-K Plus) is pleased to announce the availability of Bio-K+ IBS Control – a new, clinically proven probiotic for diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D). IBS affects a significant number of Canadians and its prevalence continues to grow. However, Canadians suffering from IBS-D have limited options to help manage this challenging condition. 

Bio-K Plus has been committed to working diligently with the scientific community to demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of this latest innovation in the fight against IBS-D. The confidence to pursue this new indication is grounded in over 20 years of clinical research on Bio-K+, comprised of three unique probiotic bacteria strains: L. acidophilus CL1285^®, L. casei LBC80R^® and L. rhamnosus CLR2^®.

"We have known for a long time that our probiotic strains contribute significantly to re-establishing the health of the intestinal microbiota," said Mathieu Millette Ph.D., Mcb. A., Scientific Director, Bio-K Plus. "Following substantial anecdotal evidence from our customers suffering from IBS, a clinical study was undertaken in collaboration with American specialists to test the efficacy of our product in this patient population. Trial endpoints focused on improved Quality of Life (65% improvement), Stool Consistency (90% improvement), and Stool Frequency (65% fewer diarrhea episodes)."²

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 113 IBS sufferers over 12-week sessions. The trial was conducted by Dr. Syam Gaddam, a Gastroenterologist practicing out of Garden Grove, California. Dr. Gaddam has over 30 years of experience in Gastroenterology and was a natural choice to run this trial, which included three hospital locations in the United States. 

Originally published in 2018 in Beneficial Microbes,² the trial results formed the basis for Health Canada's approval of the following indication: improvement of Quality of Life in patients suffering from IBS-D. Additional data supporting the efficacy of Bio-K+ IBS Control has since been published in the prestigious American Journal of Gastroenterology³ and presented at IDWeek 2019.

"Bio-K+ IBS Control is the only probiotic indicated for improvement in Quality of Life in patients with IBS-D. The results have been nothing short of remarkable and we are incredibly pleased to bring this important new product to Canadians in need," said Isabèle Chevalier, Chief Executive Officer, Bio-K Plus. "This approval marks our third clinical indication and demonstrates our commitment to innovation. We are proud to continue establishing Bio-K Plus as a leader in the biotech industry."

Bio-K+ probiotics are currently available at major pharmacy chains and health food stores across Canada, with Bio-K+ IBS Control to be distributed at more than 2,500 points of sale by the end of 2020.

About Bio-K Plus International Inc. 
Founded in 1994, Bio-K Plus International Inc. (Bio-K Plus) is a family-owned, Quebec-based biotech company located in the Laval High-Tech Science Park. With more than 130 employees, Bio-K Plus is a pioneer in the research, manufacturing and distribution of premium quality probiotics. Investing over 6% of gross revenue in research and development annually, the company is strongly committed to developing new, innovative therapies that improve the health of people around the world.

Bio-K Plus offers probiotics indicated to help prevent or manage serious health conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, Bio-K Plus produces daily use, premium quality probiotics to maintain the health of the intestinal microbiota. The company distributes both capsules and drinkable fermented products across North America, Europe and Asia. Its products are trusted by thousands of healthcare professionals and dispensed in over 200 hospitals throughout Canada and the United States. For further information, please consult biokplus.com. 

References: 
1.  Lovell RM et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012;10:712-21.
2.  Preston et al. Beneficial Microbes 2018;9(5):697-706.
3.  Ship et al. Am J Gastroenterol 114. Suppl Oct(2019):S296-S297.

SOURCE Bio-K+ International Inc.

Health Canada approves fast-acting mealtime insulin, Fiasp®, for children with diabetes

Health Canada also expands Fiasp^® approval to include insulin infusion pumps 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 9, 2020 /CNW/ - Fiasp^® (insulin aspart injection), a faster acting mealtime insulin, is now approved in Canada for pediatric patients aged 2 years and above giving Canadian families managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes an effective treatment option to support optimal mealtime glucose control.¹ Health Canada has also expanded the approval of Fiasp^® (10 mL vials) to include use in insulin infusion pumps for the improvement of glycemic control. 

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and youth.² Managing diabetes can be challenging for parents and caregivers given it is hard to know exactly how much or how quickly their children will eat, making mealtime insulin dosing difficult.^3,4,5  Missed meals, illness and increased physical activity without a corresponding reduction in insulin or increase in carbohydrate consumption can lead to significant diabetes management complications for children.⁶

"Children living with diabetes face significant challenges in managing their disease.  Just being a kid and factoring common daily events like mealtime, school, travel, activities, play and sick days can dramatically impact hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia," said Dr. Karen McAssey, Pediatric Endocrinologist at McMaster Children's Hospital.  "As a clinician who treats pediatric diabetes patients daily, it's essential to have effective, fast-acting mealtime insulin options to support optimal disease management and care." 

Fiasp^® for adult and pediatric type one and type two diabetes management - First approved by Health Canada in January 2017 for the treatment of adult patients, Fiasp^® is absorbed faster than conventional insulin aspart (e.g. NovoRapid^®) appearing twice as fast in the bloodstream after injection,⁷ which leads to improved glycemic control after a meal.^8,9  Fiasp^® is now indicated for treatment of adult and pediatric patients (>2 years old) with diabetes mellitus who require mealtime insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.¹⁰

Fiasp® pump use - Fiasp^® (10 mL vials) may now be used for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in pump systems that are licensed in Canada for insulin infusion. An insulin pump may provide greater lifestyle flexibility and convenience particularly with regards to meal schedules and travel.  Both CSII and multiple daily insulin injection therapy are effective means of implementing intensive diabetes management with the goal of achieving near-normal levels of blood glucose and improved lifestyle flexibility. Use Fiasp^® in accordance with the insulin infusion pumps' instructions for use.  Patients should be trained on using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy and to administer insulin by injection with alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure. Refer to the insulin infusion pump manufacturers' user manual to see if Fiasp^® can be used.¹¹

"We welcome the pediatric approval of Fiasp^® for younger Canadians, providing greater choice for effective disease management to support easier, healthier and safer lives for young people with type 1 diabetes," said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.

The approval of Fiasp^® in pediatric patients is based on Health Canada's review of data from the onset 7 clinical trial, which confirmed the efficacy and safety of Fiasp^® in children.¹² The label change for use in insulin infusion pumps is based on Health Canada's review of data from the onset 5 clinical trial, which confirmed the efficacy and safety of Fiasp^® when used in insulin infusion pumps in adults with diabetes.  The pump should be programed based on guidance from healthcare providers and the pump maker's instructions.¹³

"At Novo Nordisk, we are continuously researching innovative solutions to improve diabetes management and address critical unmet needs," said Vicky Chan, Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. "We are pleased to offer Fiasp^® – a trusted and effective mealtime glucose control treatment – to the pediatric diabetes community in Canada allowing for choice and convenience in supporting diabetes management goals." 

About Fiasp^®
Fiasp^® is a rapid acting mealtime insulin, developed by Novo Nordisk with the objective of achieving a faster initial absorption, to improve glycemic control after a meal, in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.¹⁴ Fiasp^® is insulin aspart, a molecule with more than 20 years of clinical experience,¹⁵ in an innovative formulation, in which two excipients have been added, Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to increase the speed of absorption, and a naturally occurring Amino Acid (L-Arginine) for stability.¹⁶

Low blood sugar is the most common adverse effect of insulin products, including Fiasp^®. If low blood sugar or high blood sugar reactions are not treated, they can cause loss of consciousness, coma or even death. Blood sugar levels should be monitored for all patients with diabetes.¹⁷ 

About Novo Nordisk 
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 42,700 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, or YouTube.

References

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

New National Drug Terminology Adds Value to Canadian Digital Health Solutions

TORONTO, March 5, 2020 /CNW/ - A national drug terminology created by Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) and Health Canada is enhancing medication safety and providing value for patients, health care providers and health systems across Canada.

The Canadian Clinical Drug Data Set (CCDD) is a national drug terminology that enables the sharing of drug data between different systems for e-prescribing, medication profiles and secondary use such as adverse drug monitoring. The CCDD ensures the consistent representation of medication characteristics such as ingredients, strengths and forms.

The CCDD was developed by terminology experts at Infoway and the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada, who engaged an advisory group of vendors, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, safety organizations and jurisdictional representatives to transform and enhance existing Health Canada drug content.

The CCDD has been rapidly deployed into digital health systems across the country, including electronic medical records (EMRs), pharmacy management systems (PMS) and drug information systems (DIS). The terminology is updated monthly, in English and French, and is available at no cost through Health Canada.

"The CCDD can support digital health initiatives such as e-prescribing, e-medication reconciliation, hospital discharge reports and adverse drug reaction reporting," said Jamie Bruce, Executive Vice President, Infoway. "For prescribers and pharmacists who are using PrescribeIT^®, Canada's national e-prescribing service, the CCDD is improving clinical workflows and it's also increasing patient safety by supporting drug interaction checking and allowing prescriptions to be sent to provincial DIS."

For more information about the CCDD, go to https://infocentral.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/standards/canadian/ccdd  or contact clinicaldrug@infoway-inforoute.ca. 

About Canada Health Infoway

Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Visit www.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/.

About PrescribeIT^®

Canada Health Infoway is working with Health Canada, the provinces and territories, and industry stakeholders to develop, operate and maintain the national e-prescribing service known as PrescribeIT^®. PrescribeIT^® will serve all Canadians, pharmacies and prescribers and provide safer and more effective medication management by enabling prescribers to transmit a prescription electronically between a prescriber's electronic medical record (EMR) and the pharmacy management system (PMS) of a patient's pharmacy of choice. PrescribeIT^® will protect Canadians' personal health information from being sold or used for commercial activities. Visit www.prescribeit.ca/.

Media Inquiries: 

Karen Schmidt                                                                                    
Director, Corporate/Internal Communications
Canada Health Infoway
416.595.3167
Email Us
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Inquiries about PrescribeIT^®

Tania Ensor
Senior Director, Strategy, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations, PrescribeIT^® 
Canada Health Infoway
416.595.3411
Email Us

Follow @PrescribeIT_CA

SOURCE Canada Health Infoway