EMD Serono Receives Positive Recommendation for MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis from the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS)
This decision brings PrMAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) closer to broader access for eligible patients living with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in the province of Quebec
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, today announced that it received a positive recommendation from the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) for MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets). MAVENCLAD was approved by Health Canada in November 2017 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the progression of disability.i
With the positive assessment of the therapeutic value of MAVENCLAD from INESSS to Quebec's Minister of Health and Social Services, EMD Serono will now work with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux to include MAVENCLAD on the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) List of Medications. Once included on the RAMQ List of Medications, eligible patients living in the province of Quebec will have equitable access to MAVENCLAD as a treatment option for RRMS, which is currently reimbursed by most private drug insurance plans.
"We are delighted with the positive recommendation from INESSS, which recognizes the therapeutic value of MAVENCLAD and the need for this treatment option for eligible patients who live with RRMS," said Gaby Murphy, President & Managing Director, EMD Serono, Canada. "We welcome this as an important step to ensure broader and equitable access to MAVENCLAD in the province of Quebec."
"Some 20,000 people in Quebec alone are living with MS, and the INESSS recommendation for MAVENCLAD is great news for patients," said Louis Adam, Executive Director of the Quebec and Atlantic Division of the MS Society of Canada. "Having access to new and innovative treatment options is important for people living with MS in the province of Quebec, and we are delighted by this positive step forward."
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with one in 385 people living with the disease.ii EMD Serono, Canada is deeply committed to people living with MS, and to leading innovation within the MS space.
About MAVENCLAD MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets) is a short-course oral therapy that selectively and periodically targets lymphocytes thought to be integral to the pathological process of relapsing MS.iii In November 2017, Health Canada approved MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets) as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the progression of disability. MAVENCLAD is generally recommended in MS patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, one or more therapies for multiple sclerosis.
MAVENCLAD has been approved in over 70 countries including the United States, European Union (EU), Australia and Switzerland, for various relapsing MS indications.
The clinical development program of MAVENCLAD in MS comprises more than 12,000 patient years of data with over 2,700 patients included in the clinical trial program, and up to 10 years of observation in some patients. These clinical trials include the Phase III CLARITY, CLARITY extension and ORACLE MS trials, the Phase II ONWARD trial and the PREMIERE Long-term Safety Registry.
About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are inflamed and often damaged.iv It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people have MS worldwide.vCanada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world with one in 385 people living with the disease.vi While symptoms vary, the most common symptoms of MS include extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes.vii The relapsing forms of MS are the most common type at the time of diagnosis.viii
About EMD Serono, Canada EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology. Today, EMD Serono, Canada has more than 100 employees across Canada with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 56,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2018, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 14.8 billion in 66 countries.
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.
or to arrange an interview, please contact: Hibaq Ali, Weber Shandwick Canada, 416.642.7915, hali@webershandwick.com; Smita Devane-Bhan, Associate Director of Communications, EMD Serono Canada, 905.483.3860, smita.devane-bhan@emdserono.com
BioSteel Named Official Sports Drink of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center
BROOKLYN, NY, Feb. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc. ("BioSteel") has been named The Official Sports Drink of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, the company's first major partnership with a professional U.S. sports team.
The multi-year agreement includes significant BioSteel branding at Barclays Center for all Nets games, as well as signage integrated at HSS Training Center, the Nets' state-of-the-art practice facility in Brooklyn. Integration at these facilities will incorporate a variety of elements such as digital and static signage throughout the venues, including the media backdrops, and the centerhung scoreboard at Barclays Center. In the second year of the partnership, BioSteel will receive branding on the Nets' and visiting teams' benches during all of the team's home games.
Founded in 2009, BioSteel's focus on premium natural ingredients, product transparency, and identifying the essential nutrients needed to power physical activity has led to the brand achieving a reputation for being the hydration product provider of choice for high-performance athletes.
"The Brooklyn Nets have been using BioSteel products for years, and becoming our official sports drink partner is a natural evolution of our relationship," said Bryan Calka, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at BSE Global. "Sports nutrition is of the utmost importance to our team, and we are looking forward to expanding our work with BioSteel as it continues to lead the way in nutritional support for athletes everywhere."
"We commend the Brooklyn Nets for making a healthy choice by partnering with a sugar-free sports drink company," said Co-CEO, Co-Founder, and former NHLer, Michael Cammalleri. "With this alliance, BioSteel tips off one of many major US-based marketing initiatives that we will be rolling out this year as we rapidly expand our presence in the United States."
Originally formulated for professional athletes, BioSteel's products have gained mainstream popularity due to the authenticity of the brand's partnerships and the quality and efficacy of its products. This relationship allows BioSteel to continue to tell an authentic story that started in the locker room and is now spilling over to the mass retail market.
ABOUT BIOSTEEL BioSteel is a North American operated sports nutrition company that was built on the mandate of providing the safest, healthiest, and most effective line of nutritional products available. BioSteel's line of nutritional products ranges from a sugar and caffeine free sports beverage with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, to a line of proteins and everyday essentials. BioSteel products are currently readily available across North America, and globally with select retail partners or direct to consumers online, through www.biosteel.com.
ABOUT BSE GLOBAL BSE Global manages and operates Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, its NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets, and its NBA 2K League affiliate, NetsGC. The company also includes the WNBA's New York Liberty. Through programming, marketing, sales, and operations, BSE Global delivers dynamic content and experiences for audiences.
SOURCE BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc.
Survivors in Canada are Taking Steps to Reduce the Risk of Another Heart Attack. But is it Enough?
New Amgen Survey Shows Heart Attack Survivors in Canada Do Not Know Their Cholesterol Level or What It Should Be
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - In recognition of February as Heart Month, Amgen Canada ("Amgen") today released Canadian findings as part of a global survey1 that evaluated worldwide heart attack survivors' perceptions and awareness of the connection between cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) events revealing that 56 per cent of respondents in Canada do not consider high cholesterol to be a chronic condition requiring long-term management and care.2
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or "bad" cholesterol, is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for heart attack.3 Globally more than 40% of patients who have had a CV event, like a heart attack, will go on to have another within two years.4
The survey's findings show that while heart attack survivors are proactively trying to improve their cardiovascular health, they may not fully understand the importance of lowering high LDL-C to reduce their risk of another heart attack:
Sixty-two per cent of survey respondents report being mindful about what they eat, 60 per cent monitor their blood pressure and 55 per cent are conscious of their weight.5
However, confusion remains when it comes to lowering cholesterol. Only one in two heart attack survivors know both their current and target cholesterol level; and of survivors living with high cholesterol, 88 per cent do not consider it to be a leading risk factor for another event.6
"Cardiovascular disease remains one of the most significant health challenges in Canada where an estimated 63,200 adults will experience a first heart attack this year7," said Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego, Executive Medical Director at Amgen Canada. "This survey shows patients want to reduce their risk of another heart attack, but are unsure about the best actions to take. This Heart Month we're urging high-risk patients to talk to their doctor and learn more about the connection between high cholesterol and the risk of a repeat heart attack as well as how they can lower their cholesterol levels."
The survey of more than 3,200 heart attack survivors across 13 countries, including 250 people in Canada – revealed that patients might not be having the right conversations with their doctors. Additional key findings included:
Fifty-six per cent of surveyed Canadians do not believe high cholesterol is a chronic condition requiring long-term care.2
While 88 per cent of patients have had their cholesterol checked in the last year by a physician, only six out of ten patients have discussed the role of cholesterol in heart attacks with their healthcare professional.6
Globally, approximately 8 of 10 very high-risk adults are still unable to attain their LDL-C goal despite lipid-lowering therapy.8Professional cardiology societies around the world now recognize that lower cholesterol reduces the risk of another CV event, which is reflected in updated treatment guidelines for high-risk patients. Newer, more potent treatment options are the only way for these high-risk patients to achieve recommended cholesterol levels that can help reduce their risk of another heart attack.
Amgen encourages heart attack survivors or anyone concerned about their cardiovascular health to spend this Heart Month learning about cholesterol. But a heart-healthy lifestyle is an ongoing process, so talk to your doctor to learn more about how you can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of life-changing CV events.
About the Survey
The research was commissioned by Amgen and conducted by KRC Research, an independent global public opinion research consultancy. A total of 3,236 online surveys were completed by post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients aged 40 or older in 13 different countries. Two hundred and fifty heart attack survivors were surveyed in Canada. Participating countries included the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, China, South Korea, and Japan. The survey included approximately 250 MI patients from each participating country. Data collection took place from June 21 to July 18, 2019.
About Heart Month
February is Heart Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health, and what we can do to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.9
Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults, and is the second leading cause of death in Canada.10
About Amgen Canada
As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ont.'s vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.
References
_____________________________________
1 Amgen "Global Cholesterol Disease State Education Survey: Understanding Patient Attitudes Towards Risk of Recurrence and Cholesterol Management, 2019".
2 Amgen "Global Cholesterol Disease State Education Survey" Country Highlights: Canada. Page 8.
8 Gitt A, Lautsch D, Ferrieres J, et al. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a global cohort of 57,885 statin-treated patients. Atherosclerosis. 2016 Dec;255:200-209
The world of advertising and social media has brought physicians' names to the public continuingly. Years ago, if a doctor called him/herself a cosmetic surgeon, the patient knew precisely what that term meant. Doctors in various sub-specialties such as dermatologists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and even dentists are performing cosmetic surgery procedures. This can leave prospective patients utterly confused about how to find the best and most qualified surgeons But how, wonders Dr. Manish Shah who is an Ivy League educated Board-certified Plastic Surgeon in Denver, "is a prospective patient to know who is a diligent, excellent, caring physician and who is a charlatan?" Dr. Shah wants to disseminate information the public can use and heed as caution when selecting a cosmetic surgeon in a country now brimming with doctors who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons."
"Public law and policy do not necessarily protect us from unreasonable and untrue claims," says Dr. Shah. "A physician needs to be licensed in medicine -- which means earning a recognized medical degree, From that point, he or she can hang out a shingle in any specialty he/she chooses; the state does not control what area of medicine he/she practices or which type of specialist they claim unless there are complaints and they are brought before the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Often, by then, it is too late."
What can we look for before placing ourselves under a physician's care to ascertain the qualities and qualifications of that physician? There are four basic areas that must be investigated to determine the qualifications of physicians. These are: a physician's training; a physician's certification; a physician's associations; and a physician's attitude toward his or her patients and the medical community at large.
"A physician should have and be willing to provide evidence that he or she has trained in the area of their expertise," says Dr. Shah. "For example, patients want to locate a plastic surgeon who trained in plastic surgery, which means a post-surgical residency fellowship in the sub-specialty. Each residency or fellowship program gives a certificate certifying the dates of service as well as the hospital and department in which the physician trained." Physicians are usually quite proud of their achievements and keep these and many other framed diplomas in their offices. If they are not available, then at least a curriculum vitae or a brochure describing a doctor's training should be available and should be carefully examined by the patient. "If a physician is either unable or unwilling to disclose this information, it becomes a clear issue of 'medical consumer beware,' says Dr. Shah.
After training in their chosen field, each medical or surgical sub-specialty has a certifying board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS). After spending the requisite number of years training, a physician has to take an examination in order to be certified. After being certified, a surgeon often applies to the American College of Surgeons for a fellowship. These credentials can be checked in libraries, hospital libraries, and online.
"For example, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists and neither are a host of other so-called 'boards,' advises Dr. Shah, who is board-certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery which is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the ABMS. A gynecologist, ENT or general surgeon may be an exquisitely trained physician--but if they did cosmetic surgery, where did they learn to do it? Was it on-the-job training, or an online or weekend course? How often do they go for a refresher course? Are they affiliated with a certified hospital in case of an emergency? "
Dr. Shah advises the would-be medical consumer "not to be impressed by a P.C. after the physician's name--it only means that they are incorporated. Jane Doe, M.D., F.A.C.S.', on the other hand, actually tells one something about the qualifications of the physician." It means, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) It indicates to the patient that the surgeon has passed a thorough evaluation of both professional competence and ethical fitness.
If patients are still confused, Dr. Shah advises them, "check a third area: A physician's associations and affiliations. If a physician is on the staff at a well-respected local teaching hospital in the department that is appropriate to their qualifications, then patients at least know that his or her qualifications have been appropriately researched by the hospital's committees and should, therefore, be valid and current. "Today, however, because of skyrocketing hospital costs, the trend is toward more out-patient surgery and care," says Dr. Shah. "Because of this, physicians have moved further away from the hospital. This may be good for the patient from a cost standpoint, but a well-qualified physician--especially a surgeon--should maintain a relationship with a hospital just in case there is a problem with a patient that requires hospitalization." Dr. Shah further advises patients to remember that, "when a physician is outside of an institutional setting, there is no quality control or peer review other than what the physician sets for himself."
Patients must look into many areas of a physician's training, especially certification, association, and personality prior to allowing a medical professional to manage their health care. "If you do your homework well," says Dr. Shah, "you should end up with a compassionate well-trained competent physician with whom you feel totally at ease and in whom you have the utmost confidence."
Since 1937, the ABPS has issued 9,499 certificates to plastic surgeons who met high standards in training requirements and successfully passed the examinations covering the breadth of Plastic Surgery. Approximately 6,900 are actively practicing.
About Dr. Manish Shah
Plastic Surgeon Colorado | Dr. Manish Shah, M.D. | Denver
Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
Dr. Shah is a past Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center based at Denver Health Medical Center, the Rocky Mountain region’s only academic Level I trauma center. He is a past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. He also maintains a private practice in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery on the Dry Creek Medical Center campus (DTC/Denver) and up in the Aspen Valley (Basalt – in the office of MDAesthetics – Tim Kruse, M.D.).
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Arthritis Research Canada shows lupus patients who take their medications at lower risk for type 2 diabetes
VANCOUVER, Feb. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - An Arthritis Research Canada study has revealed good news for patients with lupus - showing that those who take their medications as prescribed, have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to lupus patients who do not.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects several parts of the body. It's considered "the disease of a thousand faces" because symptoms change often and vary from person to person. Currently, there is no cure for lupus. Medications for lupus are primarily focused on easing a patient's symptoms and reducing inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine a medicine used to treat malaria and for patients dealing with lupus flares, also has the ability to potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Using British Columbia health data that includes information on prescriptions, healthcare visits, and hospitalizations – Arthritis Research Canada research scientist, Dr. Mary De Vera and her team studied lupus patients over four years. They found that compared to those who did not take their medications as prescribed, namely hydroxychloroquine, those who did - had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"This research suggests a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes among lupus patients who took their medications as prescribed, in terms of following the dosing instructions and staying on the medication," De Vera said.
"This study is important because although we know from our prior research that an average of 43% to 75% of lupus patients do not take their medications as prescribed," she states, "There is actually limited evidence on how this impacts patient outcomes."
The study targeted type 2 diabetes as a known complication of lupus and is the first study to evaluate the link between non-adherence to antimalarial medication (hydroxychloroquine) and lupus patients. This is definitely important information for all people with lupus, to help improve their health and the quality and length of life.
About ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA: Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. With four centres across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec (Laval and McGill Universities), Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
CAE supports state-of-the-art healthcare training at the MUHC
A global leader in training is helping to build Canada's best skilled team in healthcare
MONTREAL, Feb. 5, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation and CAE are pleased to announce a collaboration that offers innovative solutions to transform patient care. The Montreal-based worldwide provider in healthcare education and training is donating $500,000, including state-of-the-art training simulation equipment and curriculum, in support of the MUHC's visionary project to elevate lifesaving skills and teamwork through its new Interprofessional Skills & Simulation Network.
Contributing to building Canada's best skilled team at the MUHC is all part of CAE's mission to make healthcare safer. From augmented reality to patient simulators, they are working with the MUHC's expert clinicians and renowned simulation educators to improve healthcare outcomes.
"At CAE, we are driven by our mission to make healthcare safer and are committed to improving clinical education and patient safety through simulation-based training solutions," says CAE's President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Parent, who sits on the MUHC Foundation's Board of Directors and is Co-Chair of the MUHC Foundation's Dream Big Campaign. "We are honoured to help equip the MUHC with the best technology and tools they need so they can practice the most advanced forms of medicine and provide the best patient care in the country."
Recognized internationally as a leading teaching hospital, the MUHC trains thousands of medical students, residents, nurses, allied health professionals and researchers the essential skills to serve patients across Quebec, Canada and around the world. With the Interprofessional Skills and Simulation Network, all of these medical professionals will train together in their own clinical environment to create effective interprofessional healthcare teams.
"New technology is disrupting medicine and the MUHC wants to take full advantage of it. We are transforming the way we teach using simulation as well as virtual and augmented reality, and AI-enhanced technologies to elevate lifesaving skills and teamwork," says Dr. Elene Khalil, Director of Education and Medical Co-Director Emergency Preparedness at the MUHC. "The MUHC is seizing the lead in developing tomorrow's essential healthcare skills, and in so doing we'll improve care not just for MUHC patients, we'll help to advance skills acquisition across Canada and beyond."
The MUHC Foundation is raising $10 million to create the MUHC Interprofessional Skills & Simulation Network as part of its Dream Big Campaign, co-chaired by Marc Parent, Suzanne Legge Orr and Jean Charest.
"This generous donation will allow the MUHC and Montreal to take the lead in transforming the education model to better respond to the new hospitals of the future," says Jean Charest. "With CAE's training expertise, the hospital will be able to set benchmarks, test emerging tools, and ultimately improve patient care."
This donation marks a unique partnership between industry and healthcare that represents a trend in hospital innovation.
"CAE Healthcare's commitment to improving the safety of patients through simulation-based training is evidenced in this partnership," says Suzanne Legge Orr. "Our hospital, our patients, and our community are going to be the first to see the impact."
Norman Steinberg, Chairman of the Board of the MUHC Foundation thanks CAE and Marc Parent for taking a leadership role in the Dream Big Campaign, which has already raised more than $52 million to support clinical research. "This campaign is not only about the health of Montrealers, but about making the MUHC a nationwide example for excellence in patient care, and having a global impact in healthcare innovation."
*** CAE and the MUHC Foundation are proud to present a video about the impact of simulation-based training on health professionals' readiness and patient outcome: https://www.cae.com/mediakit/
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is one of the best university hospitals offering tertiary and quaternary (complex) care. With the medical leadership of its founding hospitals, the MUHC offers multidisciplinary care, exceptional quality, focused on the needs of the patient in a bilingual environment. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and at the head of RUIS-McGill, the MUHC contributes to the evolution of pediatric and adult medicine by attracting scientific and clinical leaders from around the world, by evaluating cutting edge medical technologies and training the health professionals of tomorrow. In collaboration with our partners, we are building a better future for our patients and their families; for our employees, professionals, researchers and students; for our community and most importantly, for life. www.cusm.ca
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation The MUHC Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the MUHC. The $10 million Dream Big: Build Canada's Best Skilled Team project will accelerate health care education and recruitment by establishing the MUHC Interprofessional Skills & Simulation Network. This project is part of the Foundation's larger Dream Big Campaign, which is working to change the course of lives and medicine and establish the MUHC and Montreal as a hub for innovation in health care and research across Canada. www.muhcfoundation.com
About CAE Healthcare 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 center 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.
4 Ways to Get Fit When You Don’t Have Free Time
Your goals to get fit may get forgotten when your schedule heats up. While you may have other responsibilities to manage, there is no reason to let your body fall apart. Whether you are building a successful career or raising a family, you can use these four strategies to squeeze some fitness in when you just don’t have much free time.
Walk Instead of Drive
You might be tempted to hunt for the closest parking space when you are short on time. You might also decide to drive places that are within walking distance such as your child’s school or the neighbor’s house. While these things might save you a little time, they rarely shave off enough minutes to make a difference. Instead, choose that parking spot on the edge of the lot, and choose to walk anytime it’s feasible.
Maximize Your Workouts
You may be under the impression that you need to spend hours working out every week to get in shape. However, this is not the case. Fitness training that is designed to target your muscles while also building your cardiovascular system can help you to fit more of a workout into less time. For instance, combining kickboxing with traditional exercises can give you a full body workout in about half an hour. Being able to squeeze an effective workout session into your lunch break or after work makes it possible to utilize those few spare moments more effectively.
Get More Out of Chores
People tend to overlook just how many calories are burned during their daily chores. Consider throwing on some ankle weights as you sweep the floor. Or, consider sitting on a fitness ball while you pay the bills to strengthen your core muscles. You can also do a few squats while you wait for that pot of water to boil during your dinner prep. Little changes can make a big difference when you throw in some exercises during your daily chores.
Choose Active Leisure Activities
Your free time may be limited, but you most likely still have a few hours each week when you engage in leisure activities. When possible, try to do active things during these times such a riding your bike around the neighborhood with your kids. You could also go swimming, hiking or organize a group soccer game at the park to turn your break times into fun ways to burn some calories.
Working out doesn’t have to invade your schedule. In fact, shorter workouts can add up to big fitness gains when you figure out how to maximize every moment. Finding ways to get some exercise into each day allows you to build more strength and stamina to manage your hectic schedule.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
Providen Expands Central Fill Offering In Western Canada With Federally Approved License
- Providen Pharmacy Logistics introduces new wholesale license at its central fill facility located in Calgary -
CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Providen is pleased to introduce a new drug establishment license (DEL) at its central fill location in Calgary, Alberta. The wholesale approval from Health Canada allows Providen to possess, sell, and delivery control drugs, narcotics, and targeted substances to its B2B central fill pharmacy customers in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
"With the new DEL in place, we can now offer a complete packaging solution that includes narcotic, controlled drugs, and targeted substances," said Providen Chief Operations Officer Trent Lane. "Prior to this license approval, we could only package regular medications. Now with the federal license in place, it allows for us to package the patients' complete list of chronic medications."
Providen currently provides central fill and medication adherence solutions to over 50 community pharmacies in western Canada. Community pharmacies are able to order compliance cards, strip packaging, vial filling, and manual pick (e.g. creams, inhalers) to Providen for assembly, verification, and delivery back to their pharmacy for patient pickup. When coupled with a proactive refill system such as MedSync®, pharmacists are able to transition to an appointment-based model. This practice frees up pharmacist time in order to provide newly enabled clinical services to their patients.
About Providen Pharmacy Logistics As pharmacists begin to transition from a traditional product-based practice to a clinical orientated model, Providen provides a seamless backend prescription workflow and fulfillment solution. This allows pharmacists to spend less time checking prescriptions and more time with their patients.
About MedSync® MedSync® is a web-based application developed by Providen Pharmacy Logistics. This proactive refill model is designed to natively work with pharmacy management systems to enhance medication adherence. MedSync® synchronizes medications and provides electronic patient notifications. Uniquely, Providen's MedSync® can be associated with a central filling site furthering workflow efficiencies.
For more information, please see our web sites at www.providen.ca and www.medsync.ca or call us toll-free at 1.855.220.6922.
SOURCE Providen Pharmacy Logistics
Ready to break up with exercise? Here’s how to keep the relationship going.
If you asked many Canadians about their relationship with exercise, they’d say ‘it’s complicated.’ It’s ironic that during the month of love, too many people fall out of love with physical activity. According to Scott Leith, a data scientist and behavioural psychologist with GoodLife Fitness, a relationship with fitness follows patterns that mimic being in a romantic relationship – the challenge is that once you move past the honeymoon phase it’s important to find strategies to make exercise a habit and life-long love. Stage 1: Everything is wonderful (attraction/honeymoon phase)As the new year begins, we’re optimistic about exercise and we get to the gym regularly and push ourselves every time. We’re keen to work at all costs, we ignore the flaws and don’t think too far into the future (if we did, we might see the potential for burnout) Stage 2: Get me out of here (reality)By late-January and early-February we’re starting to realize that regular exercise takes more planning and support than we thought. It’s getting difficult to fit regular workouts into our schedule, we haven’t achieved a full transformation as quickly as we hoped we would, it’s cold and dark and our couch beckons. Stage 3: OK, I can make this work (stability)Leith says falling in love with exercise, and making it a habit, requires a mindset shift. Here are his recommendations to establish stability.Don’t think of exercise in terms of a 'quick fix'. Instead of doing the minimum to achieve unrealistic results (lose 20 pounds in just 4 weeks, have the body of your dreams by spring break) try thinking of exercise as something that will better your life. Approach exercise as a way to feel good. It’s not about finding perfection, it’s about finding the best version of yourself.Pursue activities you enjoy and set a goal to be active in some way every day. Mix it up so you have lots of options. Just like pursuing fun activities on a romantic date, exercise should have enough variety to keep you engaged and coming back.Focus on the immediate benefits (stress relief, better sleep, stronger and more confident), and not as much on the longer-term results (losing weight, heart health, increasing stamina etc). Known as operant conditioning, our minds are programmed to reproduce actions that make us feel good right away.Think of yourself as an athlete. A positive mindset and additional confidence will help you ‘walk the walk’, push past obstacles and address the issues that would have stopped you before. Research shows that people with a strong exercise identity are more motivated to keep exercising because it’s linked to their self-image.Stage 4: Together forever (commitment)After enough time in the stability phase, exercise becomes a habit and part of your lifestyle. You start to feel weird when you DON’T exercise. Leith adds the key is to aim for consistency over quantity. Once you’re truly motivated, you can give yourself permission to skip a few workouts and it won’t change your overall habit.
Leith is available to talk more about how we fall in love with exercise and how to push through to the commitment stage. Fitness experts in your region can also suggest ways to switch-up your workouts and find exercises that will keep you healthy and happy over the long term.
Avoid the Flu with These 8 Food Tips
By: Fresh n' Lean, the nation's largest organic meal delivery company
Dek: An immunity-boosting diet featuring yogurt, salmon and oranges can help you prevent the flu.
Meta Description: Flu season is here, so grab an apple and get some sunlight.
Flu season is here – and food is one of your best ways to fight back.
More than 2.6 million flu illnesses are estimated nationwide so far this flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
While the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu or weaken its impact, an immunity-boosting diet is also beneficial.
Here are eight dietary tips to help you avoid getting the flu.
The sunshine vitamin
Soak up the sun to keep the flu away.
Vitamin D, which is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight, promotes bone health by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. It’s also known to boost the immune system.
But that’s not all. A study published in 2017 showed Vitamin D supplementation helped protect against respiratory tract infections such as flu.
Beyond sunshine, fresh fish and eggs are also good sources of Vitamin D, and supplements can help you improve your Vitamin D levels.
An apple a day…
… Yes, it really can help to keep the doctor away.
Apples contain soluble fiber, which can build up immune health and reduce inflammation, and tons of antioxidants.
Other foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, barley, and citrus fruits such as oranges, which contain Vitamin C and can help you bounce back quickly if you get sick.
Yogurt
The best way to boost your immune system is through your gut.
It’s estimated that 70-80% of our immune system cells are in our GI tract, and probiotic-rich yogurt with live and active cultures is a great food to promote gut health. Just as washing your hands helps to limit invaders from entering the body, eating healthy can help provide essential nutrients for our GI tract cells and the bacterial lining, which can directly influence our GI health, systemic inflammation and our immune system.
Stock up on salmon
Oily fish such as salmon are effective in reducing inflammation because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. Other foods rich in omega-3s include anchovies, oysters and walnuts.
Beyond being anti-inflammatory, omega-3s may also reduce anxiety – a key aspect to maintaining health.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has shown antiviral and antimicrobial properties due to one of its primary components, Lauric Acid. It can be used for cooking and as a replacement for butter in recipes.
Additionally, coconut oil is commonly used to support good dental health and many pediatricians use is topically to help with skin issues.
Make sure to look for coconut oil that’s cold-pressed and produced organically without the use of hexane, an oil-extracting chemical.
Skip the sugar
Treat sugar like fuel for bad health. Excessive sugar intake can increase inflammation, reducing the body’s ability to ward off viruses such as influenza.
Sugar is naturally found in many foods such as fruit (fructose) and dairy (lactose).
The problems escalate with added sugar, the kind found in candy and junk food.
Veggies are your friends
If it’s green, it’s probably good for you.
Cruciferous veggies like kale, broccoli and cauliflower are especially beneficial because they aid our detox systems.
Focus on the colors in healthy foods – they’re part of the plant’s immune system, so eating the rainbow in your diet increases your phytonutrient intake and boosts nutrients to help support your immune function.
Drink your water
Hydration is vital, even in the cold of winter.
Regularly drinking water can help you maintain and improve your immune system.
Water helps to fuel the body’s metabolic processes.
And if you end up coming down with the flu, drinking water and other clear liquids will help you avoid dehydration.
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