ENCLEXTA® with Rituximab, a Treatment for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), now reimbursed in British Columbia
British Columbia is the second province to reimburse the combination treatment.
VENCLEXTA® + rituximab is a regimen that includes a targeted oral agent that should be continued for two years after initial five weeks ramp-up phase.
MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, today announced that VENCLEXTA® in combination with rituximab, a treatment for patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who have received at least one prior therapy, is now listed in British Columbia. VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab is an effective treatment option that has the benefit of a finite treatment approach, meaning patients stop their therapy after two years of treatment.
"CLL is a chronic cancer, meaning that patients may eventually relapse. This is why it is important to have access to new innovative therapies and combinations. With VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab, I am able to prescribe to my patients living with CLL an effective treatment with a clearly defined end-date, which is positive news for patients," explains Dr. Alina Gerrie, MD MPH FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Lymphoma Tumour Group, BC Cancer.
British Columbia Cancer in coordination with their Lymphoma Tumour Group has listed VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab on formulary for the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy.i
"The listing of VENCLEXTA plus rituximab in British Columbia is positive news for the people living with CLL," says Elizabeth Lye, Director of Research & Programs, Lymphoma Canada. "Receiving a diagnosis of CLL or any cancer is always shocking and overwhelming, therefore knowing that there are effective treatments available provides reassurance to people facing this uncertain journey."
Furthermore, VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab is listed as a Limited Use (LU) product on the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).ii
CLL, which is typically a slow-progressing cancer of the bone marrow and bloodiii, is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. In Canada, CLL accounts for approximately 1,745 newly diagnosed cases of leukemia each year and is responsible for more than 600 deaths a year.iv
VENCLEXTA continues to be investigated in CLL and other hematological diseases. VENCLEXTA is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.
About the MURANO Study A total of 389 patients with relapse / refractory (R/R) CLL who had received at least one prior therapy were enrolled in the international, multicenter, open-label, randomized (1:1) MURANO study (NCT02005471). The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VENCLEXTA in combination with rituximab (194 patients) compared with bendamustine in combination with rituximab (195 patients). The median age of patients in the trial was 65 years (range 22-85).v The MURANO study is unique in its design with the intention for patients to stop therapy after 24 months.
About AbbVie Care Canadians prescribed VENCLEXTA can be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature care program. The 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. For more information, please visit www.abbviecare.ca.
About AbbVie in Oncology At AbbVie, we strive to discover and develop medicines that deliver transformational improvements in cancer treatment by uniquely combining our deep knowledge in core areas of biology with cutting-edge technologies, and by working together with our partners – scientists, clinical experts, industry peers, advocates, and patients. We remain focused on delivering these transformative advances in treatment across some of the most debilitating and widespread cancers. We are also committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. AbbVie's oncology portfolio now consists of marketed medicines and a pipeline containing multiple new molecules being evaluated worldwide in more than 300 clinical trials and more than 20 different tumor types.
About AbbVie AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven 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.
Bunzl Canada Provides Electrostatic Disinfecting to Safeguard Hygiene At CFB Trenton
Loan of equipment to Canadian Border Services Agency assists repatriation flights operation
BURLINGTON, ON, Feb. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Bunzl Canada (bunzlcanada.ca) today announced its exclusive Clorox® Total 360® electrostatic disinfecting system has been used to disinfect equipment after Canadians arriving from China have been received at CFB Trenton facilities.
"Our support to customers in maintaining healthy, productive facilities is focused on providing the right products, state-of-the-art technology and best practices in cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting," said Bunzl Canada President, John Howlett. "We're proud to assist Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) in their efforts to maintain the highest levels of cleaning and hygiene."
The company provided urgently needed cleaning supplies and the loan of a Clorox® Total 360® electrostatic disinfecting unit for use at CFB Trenton, where Canadians returning from China are being received and housed while quarantined. The Total 360® system, pioneered in Canada by Bunzl, uses an electrode to introduce an attractive charge to the disinfecting product. An air compressor atomizes the solution, enabling the charged particles to reach and uniformly coat the front, back and sides of surfaces, disinfecting even the hardest-to-reach places.
Bunzl's assistance during the coronavirus repatriation flights operation in Trenton was invaluable, according to the operations team at CBSA. The prompt, on-site delivery of additional protective masks, disinfectant liquids and wipes, and the loan of the electrostatic applicator to assist in the equipment clean-up phase enabled the team to remain focused on successfully executing their mandate of service and protection.
Bunzl Canada offers a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products, tools and equipment as well as a comprehensive line of head-to-toe personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection etc. The company supports their industry-leading products with training and education to facilities in healthcare, high traffic venues, educational settings and other commercial and institutional facilities across the country.
"We continually look for new ways to help our customers improve cleaning program effectiveness, safeguard the health of their employees and protect the environment" said Margo Hunnisett, VP Marketing and Communications at Bunzl Canada. "We're thrilled to have been able to assist CBSA in the vital work that they do."
Bunzl Canada Inc. (bunzlcanada.ca) provides the cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, safety supplies, food and retail packaging, and industrial supplies that keep over 45,000 Canadian businesses running optimally, every day. The company brings its customers the advantage of global sourcing, product innovation and national scale combined with responsive local service and deep category expertise. Bunzl Canada Inc. is a division of Bunzl Distribution USA, LLC.
About Bunzl Distribution
Bunzl Distribution USA, LLC (bunzldistribution.com), headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is the largest division of London-based Bunzl plc, an international distribution and outsourcing group. With more than 100 distribution centres throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, Bunzl supplies a wide range of products to food processors, supermarkets, retailers, convenience stores and other users.
SOURCE Bunzl Canada
Care comes first: SE Health welcomes changes to home and community care
Not-for-profit social enterprise believes new legislation will pave the way for new models of care that empower people, families and care providers
MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - "For years, patients, families and care provider organizations have been calling for improvements to home care. We are encouraged to see the Ontario government is listening," says Shirlee Sharkey, CEO of SE Health and a 28-year veteran leader in the home care space.
If passed, the new legislation will pave the way for innovative service delivery models and a more direct relationship between hospitals, home care, community services and primary health care. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, SE Health has been 'innovating around the edges' for years – working with health system partners to re-imagine home care, develop new programs and usher in the necessary changes to meet the needs of an aging population.
"It makes sense on so many levels but changing the status quo in health care is actually really hard." Sharkey sees the new legislation as a promising signal for the expansion of new programs that benefit communities, patients, families and the health system alike.
For example, SE Health is collaborating with AMS on a four-year project to implement a holistic model of care known as HOPE (Home, Opportunity, People, Empowerment). The model works to empower home care staff, patients and caregivers, while de-layering the system. According to Sharkey, this leads to a range of positive outcomes such as high patient and staff satisfaction, a reduction in emergency department visits and hospital readmissions, and increased quality of life.
The organization is also involved in several transitional care models like Southlake@Home and Sunnybrook's One ED Team, which see hospitals and home and community care providers partnering directly to tackle the issue of hallway healthcare. Early results show these programs are making a dent.
"So many solutions already exist in the system today," notes Sharkey. "The challenge now is moving them to scale in an accelerated way. By all counts, Ontarians are ready and waiting for a better, more customized home care experience. "
About SE Health SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise applying knowledge, vision and drive to impact how people live and age at home, today and into the future. With Canadian roots and 110+ years of expertise, the organization brings quality excellence and innovation to home care, seniors' lifestyle, and family caregiving. Through its team of 9,000 Leaders of Impact, SE Health delivers 21,000 care exchanges daily, totaling 50 million in the last decade alone. Visit us online at sehc.com.
SOURCE SE Health
$100,000 for more mental health services for youth in the Québec City region
QUÉBEC CITY, Feb. 24, 2020 CNW/ - Québec City Mayor Régis Labeaume, and Mr. Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada, today announced the creation of a $100,000 mental health fund.
Sun Life will invest $75,000 over three years and the City of Québec will donate $25,000. This investment stems from the commitment made last December by Mr. Jacques Goulet, who acted as honorary chair of the 9th Québec City Mayor's Bal, which raises funds for the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
The fund will be managed by the Fondation Jeunes en Tête and will help the foundation to intervene and invest in areas where the needs are most important:
Awareness through the foundation's junior high school program;
Early detection in schools;
Intervention to improve access to health care for adolescents in difficulty.
"Psychological distress among young people is a major problem in our society," said Québec City mayor Régis Labeaume. "With this investment fund, Ville de Québec is going a step further to help teens who are struggling. We sincerely believe that every action can give vulnerable youth hope and make a real difference in their lives."
"The funding announced today will enable the Fondation Jeunes en Tête to strengthen its impact where the needs are most urgent. With intervention right from childhood, Sun Life is helping provide young people with the tools they need to develop resilience for decades to come. This is part of Sun Life's actions towards building sustainable and healthier communities, which reinforces our purpose to help people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives," Mr. Goulet stated.
"The youth support ecosystem is alive and well in Québec; even so, it's important to mobilize and raise awareness to better align prevention, awareness and access to care efforts so that youth in distress no longer fall through the cracks," stated Catherine Burrows, Associate Executive Director with the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
About Fondation Jeunes en Tête Created from the merger between the Mental Illness Foundation and the Fondation Québec Jeunes, the Fondation Jeunes en Tête's mission is to prevent psychological distress in youth aged 11 to 18 in Québec. The Fondation accomplishes its mission by reaching out to teenagers in schools through its Partners for Life program, and by supporting recognized community organizations that complement its work. The Fondation also creates synergy among all youth advocates and stakeholders in order to maximize their joint impact on young people. To find out more about the Fondation and the Portrait of Youth Wellbeing, visit fondationjeunesentete.org/fr and https://fondationjeunesentete.org/data/1-ensemble-du-quebec-definitif.pdf
Sun Life in the community Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organisation can help build a positive environment for their Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention and care initiatives through its Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through its award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. Read more about Sun Life in the community.
$100,000 for more mental health services for youth in the Québec City region
QUÉBEC CITY, Feb. 24, 2020 CNW/ - Québec City Mayor Régis Labeaume, and Mr. Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada, today announced the creation of a $100,000 mental health fund.
Sun Life will invest $75,000 over three years and the City of Québec will donate $25,000. This investment stems from the commitment made last December by Mr. Jacques Goulet, who acted as honorary chair of the 9th Québec City Mayor's Bal, which raises funds for the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
The fund will be managed by the Fondation Jeunes en Tête and will help the foundation to intervene and invest in areas where the needs are most important:
Awareness through the foundation's junior high school program;
Early detection in schools;
Intervention to improve access to health care for adolescents in difficulty.
"Psychological distress among young people is a major problem in our society," said Québec City mayor Régis Labeaume. "With this investment fund, Ville de Québec is going a step further to help teens who are struggling. We sincerely believe that every action can give vulnerable youth hope and make a real difference in their lives."
"The funding announced today will enable the Fondation Jeunes en Tête to strengthen its impact where the needs are most urgent. With intervention right from childhood, Sun Life is helping provide young people with the tools they need to develop resilience for decades to come. This is part of Sun Life's actions towards building sustainable and healthier communities, which reinforces our purpose to help people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives," Mr. Goulet stated.
"The youth support ecosystem is alive and well in Québec; even so, it's important to mobilize and raise awareness to better align prevention, awareness and access to care efforts so that youth in distress no longer fall through the cracks," stated Catherine Burrows, Associate Executive Director with the Fondation Jeunes en Tête.
About Fondation Jeunes en Tête Created from the merger between the Mental Illness Foundation and the Fondation Québec Jeunes, the Fondation Jeunes en Tête's mission is to prevent psychological distress in youth aged 11 to 18 in Québec. The Fondation accomplishes its mission by reaching out to teenagers in schools through its Partners for Life program, and by supporting recognized community organizations that complement its work. The Fondation also creates synergy among all youth advocates and stakeholders in order to maximize their joint impact on young people. To find out more about the Fondation and the Portrait of Youth Wellbeing, visit fondationjeunesentete.org/fr and https://fondationjeunesentete.org/data/1-ensemble-du-quebec-definitif.pdf
Sun Life in the community Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organisation can help build a positive environment for their Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention and care initiatives through its Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through its award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. Read more about Sun Life in the community.
End-to-end solution in psychedelic therapies establishes Numinus as leader in emerging space
One of the first companies licensed to test, produce, sell and deliver psychedelic therapies in Canada
VANCOUVER, Feb. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - With momentum building for the use of psychedelic substances in the treatment of mental illness, addiction and trauma, Vancouver-based Numinus Wellness Inc. ("Numinus") is now one of the first in-market, fully integrated companies in the psychedelic space in North America.
Numinus is an operating company at the forefront of the transformative change in treating the growing prevalence of mental health issues and desire for greater wellness. The company was created from the merger of Salvation Botanicals and Numinus Wellness Inc. and aims to go public via an RTO with Rojo Resources in Q1 2020, subject to exchange approval. Psychedelic therapies have been designated breakthrough therapy status by the FDA due to their promising therapeutic potential.
"While we are excited about the future of psychedelics, these substances will not be approved for recreational use; this is not cannabis," says Numinus CEO and Founder Payton Nyquvest. "Psychedelics are therapeutic, where the application of these substances will only happen in safe, controlled treatment environments."
Through Salvation Labs (a Numinus subsidiary), Numinus has a dealer's licence which allows Numinus to test, possess, buy and sell MDMA, psilocybin, psilocin, DMT and mescaline. Numinus is seeking to expand the licence to include activities such as import/export, testing and R&D. The expanded licence will allow Numinus to support the growing number of studies on the potential benefits of psychedelic therapies through the supply and distribution of these substances.
Numinus is currently operating a stand-alone centre offering patients integrative health solutions to help heal, connect and grow. A purpose-built facility is planned for Vancouver in 2020.
The company's goal is to create and operate a network of wellness centres offering a unique set of treatments that can be specifically developed for each individual. In future and when approved for use by appropriate regulatory bodies, Numinus aims to guide suitable candidates in the use of psychedelics. Numinus would conduct these therapies working in partnership with various health and research organizations.
Numinus is led by Payton Nyquvest and Stacey Wallin, proven entrepreneurs and business leaders who have benefitted from transformative therapies in their own lives. The pair has built a strong network of executives, advisors and partners to take Numinus to the market.
"The societal costs of mental illness, addictions, trauma and unmet human potential are much too high," Nyquvest says. "New approaches, new treatments and new ways of thinking are required — solutions where the world of health care and technology collide — to help individuals and communities heal, discover meaning and make deeper connections."
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, municipal, local or other licenses and any inability to obtain all necessary governmental approvals licenses and permits to operate and expand the Company's facilities; engaging in activities which currently are illegal under Canadian federal law and the uncertainty of existing protection from Canadian federal or other prosecution; regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including federal and provincial legalization, due to inconsistent public opinion, perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry, bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies or any other reasons; any other factors or developments which may hinder market growth; the Company's limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; the Company's requirements for additional financing, and the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability, including closing of the financings contemplated herein; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and the need to secure and maintain corporate alliances and partnerships, including with customers and suppliers. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.
SOURCE Numinus
Smokers: try nicotine vaping and get a free starter kit from DashVapes Inc.
TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadians who would like an alternative to smoking tobacco products, especially cigarettes, can try vaping instead. The introductory program, called "Start Your Journey," is made available to new customers of DashVapes Inc. on their first order only.
"Start Your Journey" is based on medical research published by Public Health England (PHE) showing that nicotine-based vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
DashVapes will supply new customers with their choice of vaping device, for free, if they buy either CDN$30 or CDN$90 of e-liquid. In addition, new customers also get a free bottle of e-liquid; there are hundreds of flavours.
The offer is good for both in-store and online purchases; Canadians must be 19 years of age to participate; 21 years in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. DashVapes verifies a purchaser's age through Equifax at purchase, and via Canada Post on delivery.
"DashVapes subsidizes the vaping devices, also called starter kits, for new customers who would like to quit smoking," says Shai Bekman, president of DashVapes.
In 2018, 15.8% of Canadians aged 12 and older (roughly 4.9 million people) smoked cigarettes either daily or occasionally, according to Stats Canada data, released June 25, 2019. And cigarettes are the "worst offenders," much worse than pipe tobacco and cigars.
There are about 600 ingredients in cigarettes. When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic, according to the American Lung Association. Some of these industrial chemicals are ammonia, arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, lead, and toluene.
"With nicotine-based vaping, Canadians are reducing their harm. You are still ingesting nicotine, which is addictive, but you are not ingesting those other toxic chemicals," says Mr. Bekman, himself a reformed smoker. For 13 years, he used to smoke up to two packs of cigarettes a day.
"For every Canadian who quits smoking, that means not only less cost to provincial healthcare systems, but more importantly, improved health and a better quality of life," says Mr. Bekman, who has also lost weight recently and has become more health-conscious.
The so-called "Vaping Crisis" of fall 2019 that caused lung-related injuries in 2,800 people and killed more than 60, mostly in the United States, was caused by people vaping THC e-liquid [cannabis] bought on the Black Market, and not admitting it to their doctors or the police.
Further, the culprit of lung-related injuries [EVALI] was identified as vitamin E acetate, contained in illicit THC e-liquid, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
"Importantly, prior to the 'Vaping Crisis,' millions of people around the world had been using nicotine-based vaping to reduce their harm for 10 years, without any incident," says Mr. Bekman.
DashVapes is also an environmentally responsible company, with modular and refillable vaping devices.
"There is no point filling up landfills with single-use, plastic vaping devices. It is completely unnecessary," says Mr. Bekman.
About DashVapes Inc.
DashVapes Inc., Canada's largest independently owned e-cigarette company, operates 12 vape retail stores in Ontario and British Columbia. In addition, DashVapes operates an international website that serves customers in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Australia.
DashVapes operates two ISO-9001, cGMP, HACCP certified, purpose-built laboratories for the manufacturing of Nicotine e-Liquid, with manufacturing facilities in Markham, Ontario, and Burnaby, British Columbia.
SOURCE DashVapes, Inc
TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadians who would like an alternative to smoking tobacco products, especially cigarettes, can try vaping instead. The introductory program, called "Start Your Journey," is made available to new customers of DashVapes Inc. on their first order only.
"Start Your Journey" is based on medical research published by Public Health England (PHE) showing that nicotine-based vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
DashVapes will supply new customers with their choice of vaping device, for free, if they buy either CDN$30 or CDN$90 of e-liquid. In addition, new customers also get a free bottle of e-liquid; there are hundreds of flavours.
The offer is good for both in-store and online purchases; Canadians must be 19 years of age to participate; 21 years in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. DashVapes verifies a purchaser's age through Equifax at purchase, and via Canada Post on delivery.
"DashVapes subsidizes the vaping devices, also called starter kits, for new customers who would like to quit smoking," says Shai Bekman, president of DashVapes.
In 2018, 15.8% of Canadians aged 12 and older (roughly 4.9 million people) smoked cigarettes either daily or occasionally, according to Stats Canada data, released June 25, 2019. And cigarettes are the "worst offenders," much worse than pipe tobacco and cigars.
There are about 600 ingredients in cigarettes. When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic, according to the American Lung Association. Some of these industrial chemicals are ammonia, arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, lead, and toluene.
"With nicotine-based vaping, Canadians are reducing their harm. You are still ingesting nicotine, which is addictive, but you are not ingesting those other toxic chemicals," says Mr. Bekman, himself a reformed smoker. For 13 years, he used to smoke up to two packs of cigarettes a day.
"For every Canadian who quits smoking, that means not only less cost to provincial healthcare systems, but more importantly, improved health and a better quality of life," says Mr. Bekman, who has also lost weight recently and has become more health-conscious.
The so-called "Vaping Crisis" of fall 2019 that caused lung-related injuries in 2,800 people and killed more than 60, mostly in the United States, was caused by people vaping THC e-liquid [cannabis] bought on the Black Market, and not admitting it to their doctors or the police.
Further, the culprit of lung-related injuries [EVALI] was identified as vitamin E acetate, contained in illicit THC e-liquid, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
"Importantly, prior to the 'Vaping Crisis,' millions of people around the world had been using nicotine-based vaping to reduce their harm for 10 years, without any incident," says Mr. Bekman.
DashVapes is also an environmentally responsible company, with modular and refillable vaping devices.
"There is no point filling up landfills with single-use, plastic vaping devices. It is completely unnecessary," says Mr. Bekman.
About DashVapes Inc.
DashVapes Inc., Canada's largest independently owned e-cigarette company, operates 12 vape retail stores in Ontario and British Columbia. In addition, DashVapes operates an international website that serves customers in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Australia.
DashVapes operates two ISO-9001, cGMP, HACCP certified, purpose-built laboratories for the manufacturing of Nicotine e-Liquid, with manufacturing facilities in Markham, Ontario, and Burnaby, British Columbia.
SOURCE DashVapes, Inc
Rare Disease Day initiative celebrates Canadians' differences, shines light on Canadians living with rare diseases
Public invited to attend What Makes You Rare? event at Brookfield Place on February 28, 2020
TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Josie Dye's six-year-old son, Cole, lives with Sotos Syndrome, a rare disease characterized by overgrowth in childhood that is typically accompanied by learning challenges.
Since Cole's birth, Josie and her family have lived through many of the challenges common to families coping with a rare disease. Some of these challenges can include finding an accurate diagnosis, the availability of treatment and gaining access when therapies are approved, and securing the ongoing care needed to support health and quality of life.
As a radio host, broadcaster and mom, Josie is sharing her family's experience in the hopes of increasing awareness about rare diseases in Canada, as well as helping combat the feelings of isolation many patients and their families feel. It's an important message for the estimated one in 12 (or more than three million) Canadians who live with a rare disease, two-thirds of whom are children.i
"Families need to remember that you're not alone," says Josie. "Sometimes we feel like we're sinking, and that we're the only ones struggling, but there are so many out there who are living with a rare disease. Being able to connect with others, who either share your experience or are willing to offer support, is absolutely crucial to long-term wellbeing."
What Makes You Rare?
With the goal of bringing attention to this remarkable and resilient community, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), in partnership with Sanofi Genzyme, is helping to highlight the stories of these patients and families to mark Rare Disease Day 2020.
"It is critically important to share the stories of those living with rare diseases in Canada," says Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO, CORD. "When we listen to their experiences, we are more educated about, and more empathetic to, the challenges these individuals and their families encounter every day. In turn, we can each become champions of the rare disease community, helping to advocate for the services and support they need."
To encourage this national storytelling, CORD and its patient group partners Answering TTP Foundation, Canadian Association of Pompe, Canadian Fabry Association, Canadian MPS Society, and The National Gaucher Foundation of Canada, are posing the question "What makes you rare?". The question is meant to inspire Canadians to think about and articulate their own unique stories and share them as a sign of solidarity and support for the rare disease community. Canadians are encouraged to share their own answers via social media on the "What Makes You Rare?" Facebook event page.
Rare Disease Day 2020 Event:February 28, 2020, 8 AM to 6 PM, Brookfield Place (downtown Toronto)
In a further effort to help educate the general public about rare diseases and engage Canadians in a conversation about living with a rare disease in Canada, Josie, CORD, the partner patient associations and Sanofi Genzyme are hosting an interactive "What Makes You Rare?" event on February 28, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Brookfield Place in downtown Toronto.
At the event, visitors can engage with the different stories of Canadians in the rare disease community through original photography and videos.
"Rare Disease Day is a wonderful opportunity to become more educated about rare diseases and their impact," says Josie, "but it can't stop there. It's important to remember that we live with these rare diseases 365 days a year. For us, every day is Rare Disease Day."
About Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders. CORD works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada. For more information, visit www.raredisorders.ca
L’Oréal Paris announces the esteemed Canadian honorees of their fourth annual Women of Worth program
On International Women’s Day, $110,000 in charitable grants will be bestowed to ten Canadian women who selflessly volunteer their time to drive change and make a meaningful difference in their communities
TORONTO, ON – L’Oréal Paris Canada today announced the remarkable recipients of its fourth annual Women of Worth program. Each year, the philanthropic initiative strives to recognize and honour a diverse group of unstoppable women who work passionately to identify problems, foster solutions and champion change. These ten extraordinary changemakers commonly advocate for those less fortunate and make deep-rooted and inspired contributions to our world.
The 2020 Women of Worth honourees have all been selected for the significant impact their actions have had across a suite of causes and initiatives. Each honouree will join an accomplished alumnus of women across North America who all live their lives with tremendous purpose. These women altruistically offer their time and lend their expertise to positively effect their respective causes, local communities and our world at large. On International Women’s Day, a $10,000 grant will be presented to each honouree towards her charity at an awards gala held in Toronto that same day.
“These exceptional women selflessly and tirelessly strive for and champion change; lifting up their communities and bringing people together,” saidMilan Mladjenovic, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris Canada. “We are humbled and inspired by their contributions to dream, learn, and ultimately do more, for the betterment of our world.”
The 2020 L’Oréal Paris, Women of Worth Canada Honourees are:
(in alphabetical order)
Kehkashan Basu, Green Hope Foundation in Toronto, ON built a networking platform, specifically designed for children and youth, with a focus on sustainable development and mitigating climate change; actively promoting gender equality, youth empowerment and social upliftment.
Sara Champagne, CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation in Montreal, QC strives to alter preconceived notions of beauty and champion acceptance for all, through a photographic exposition and social media campaign dedicated to driving awareness to those living with facial differences - more precisely, Moebius syndrome - a rare form of paralysis that affects facial expression and eye movement.
Rabiah Dhaliwal, One Blood for Life Foundation in Surrey, BC educates the next generation of blood and stem cells donors in Canada through a variety of humanitarian efforts including the development of programming designed to aid with cultural and language barriers and enable donor recruitment accessibility for everyone.
Tanya Hayles, Black Moms Connection in Toronto, ON actively provides a safe and encouraging environment for black mothers, through an online global village to connect on shared cultural experiences and provide relevant tools, resources, support and friendship, within the community.
Donna Hreys, Knitted Knockers Alberta in Calgary, AB provides lightweight and soft breast prosthetics for daily use and activities, including swimming, knitted by volunteers, for Canadian women who have had mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures, free of charge.
Gina Jones-Wilson, Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association in Upper Hammonds Plains, NS has dedicated 40 years of volunteering to support the various needs of urban youth and seniors within her community, including areas related to housing, health care, educational programming and access to public transit.
Glori Meldrum, Little Warriors in Edmonton, AB brought her vision to life of building a specialized, intensive treatment centre dedicated to children and their families, victimized by sexual abuse from across Canada.
Karen Sherbut, Safe Haven Foundation of Canada in Calgary, AB advocates for homeless and at-risk girls by providing them with a safe, supportive and stable home where they can focus on rebuilding their lives and becoming self sufficient.
Dr. Laura Whyte, Covered By Hope House in Sydney, NS developed a multi-faceted, therapeutic live-in recovery home for women struggling with challenges associated drug and alcohol addiction. Through an approach based on their motto ‘to hope, to honour, to heal’, the program provides women with support, tools and growth opportunities to work towards becoming substance-use free.
Bev Woods, Gift from the Heart in Codrington, ON provides compassionate dental hygiene care for Canadians in need; raising awareness about access to oral health care and the critical importance of accessibility for all.
From now until March 4, Canadians can visit womenofworth.ca to learn more details about each honoree and cast their vote to elect the 2020 National Honouree – who will be awarded an additional $10,000 grant towards her non-profit charity. One submission per email address, per day will be accepted. The public vote is a core factor in the judging panel’s selection of the 2020 National Honouree.
About L’Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris, the world’s no.1 beauty brand, is dedicated to empowering women and men by offering the most luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. For most, the name “L’Oréal” is immediately evocative of the brand’s signature phrase, “Because I’m Worth It.”— the tagline behind the legendary advertising campaign for the Superior Preference® hair colour launch in 1973. Today, it represents the essence of the L’Oréal Paris brand as a whole, a spirit which is about helping every woman – and man - embrace their unique beauty while reinforcing their inner sense of self-worth. For more than 100 years, L’Oréal Paris has held an unparalleled commitment to advancement in technology, innovation and research, providing ground-breaking, high-quality products for women, men, and children of all ages and ethnicities in five major beauty categories: cosmetics, skincare, hair color, haircare, and men’s grooming.
Forest Park City Council votes in favor of new zoning ordinance, opening the door for neighbors and families to once again purchase fresh vegetables from school’s garden
February 18, 2020 -- Forest Park, GA. A City Council meeting held in Forest Park, Georgia on Monday night was a sea of green as parents, children, teachers, neighbors and community members came dressed in various shades of the color to show their support for the Little Lions Farm Stand at Little Ones Learning Center. They were there to urge City Council to vote yes for a new zoning ordinance which would make it possible for their farm stand to be back in business.
The city ordered the farm stand to cease sales last fall due to the fact that the school was located in a residential area not zoned for farm stand sales. Almost overnight, the school gained national media attention – and people from as far away as Australia voiced their concern on social media, urging the city to come to an agreement with the center so that operations could continue.
On February 6, after months of negotiations, school leaders and farm stand organizers took a huge leap towards a lasting solution when the Forest Park Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously passed a new zoning ordinance allowing sales of locally grown produce in residential areas, with certain stipulations. The unanimous decision by the commission made it possible for the vote to be brought to the council. The ordinance was passed with a majority 4-1 vote in favor.
“This vote brings the farm stand one step closer to the day we’ve been working towards. We feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to everyone who has spoken up on behalf of the farm stand,” said Little Ones Learning Center Executive Director Wande Okunoren-Meadows. “Now the real work begins. We’re hopeful that a door has been opened to engage with our elected officials on a new level and we welcome opportunities to help further educate them on the benefits of locally-grown food.”
Before it can open for business again, the farm stand will have to apply for a conditional use permit. “After we attend two council meetings, they decide if we meet the requirements for the conditional use permit,” said Okunoren-Meadows. “Once the city grants it, it stays with the resident or business in perpetuity. There is no fee attached and there is no annual application.”
Many organizations and people have voiced their support for the farm stand. Among those in attendance Monday night were two state representatives whose districts include Forest Park, Valencia Stovall (D-74) and Sandra Scott (D-76); School Board Member Judy Johnson (D-7); Captain Planet Foundation; Wholesome Wave Georgia; Small Bites Adventure Club; and a professor with students from Turner Environmental Law Clinic at Emory University School of Law.
Support also comes from Atlanta nonprofit Food Well Alliance, a collaborative network of local food leaders that has provided the learning center with grant funding for their food and wellness initiatives. Last year, the Alliance launched a new City Agriculture Planning process that is currently being piloted in the City of East Point. “As our cities grow and redevelop across metro Atlanta, local governments need more tools and resources to better prioritize urban gardens and farms in their policies, zoning and plans. Forest Park is a great example of the very real need for a platform that empowers city leaders to work directly with local growers and residents to develop inclusive policies that make it easier for communities to access fresh, healthy food,” said Food Well Alliance Executive Director Kim Karris. “Our goal is that all 54 cities in our metro Atlanta service area will develop a City Agriculture Plan, so that we may ignite a regional coalition that begins working together to build thriving gardens and farms for our communities.”
Little Ones Learning Center exists to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool and school age children in Forest Park, GA. Since 1994, our Quality Rated and NAEYC accredited school has provided a stimulating early care and education experience which promotes each child's social/emotional, physical and cognitive development. Little Ones Learning Center is dedicated to helping children and families learn about healthy food choices through their Jazmin Greene Community Garden. The garden not only provides fresh vegetables for the children at Little Ones, but also teaches families about farming, growing vegetables and why healthy food choices are important.www.littleoneslearningcenterga.com
Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local leaders working to build thriving community gardens and urban farms that enhance the health, vitality, and resilience of communities across metro Atlanta. The creation of Food Well Alliance was made possible through funding from our founding benefactor, the James M. Cox Foundation and through the vision of Jim Kennedy and Bill Bolling. Together, they saw an opportunity to connect members of Atlanta's local food movement to collectively build a healthier community. Food Well Alliance exists to bring this vision to life.www.foodwellalliance.org
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