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.
Being Single During Valentine’s Day Is Just a Chance to Shower Yourself With Self-Love
Columbia University Affiliated Neuropsychologist with Empowering Tips and Insights
Being single on Valentine’s Day is no longer the huge issue it used to be. More and more people are referring to Valentine’s Day as “Singles Awareness Day.”
“Times have changed,” says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a Neuropsychologist and Faculty at Columbia University. “The needle has moved on what being single means for people today. No longer are we moping around and longing for a relationship on Valentine’s Day. We can just celebrate our sense of self,” explains Hafeez. For many women, who have fulfilling careers, lifestyle, and financial goals, and those who are enjoying the single life, Hafeez says, “taking the day to celebrate yourself and your friends, or relax with family is perfectly fine.”
When Valentine’s Day rolls around, more single people want to treat it as one more reason to have some fun and pamper themselves. To keep the positive momentum rising, Dr. Sanam Hafeez shares six ways to celebrate singlehood this Valentine’s Day.
Plan A Vacation
Instead of spending all your money on expensive meals and subpar cocktails, plan a vacation for yourself or with friends. Many people make the decision to postpone travel until they have a significant other to accompany them, but “while waiting for prince charming to ride in or for sleeping beauty to wake up, they get caught up with work and life, and the traveling never happens,” warns Dr. Hafeez. The NYC neuropsychologist advises us to “Take opportunities when they present themselves. It’s better to have life catch up to you than to always feel left behind.” Going on solo vacations can be very liberating, and it can expose us to different cultures, experiences, and people without having to compromise on the itinerary. If done with friends, a vacation can be just as enjoyable, and it can revolve around bonding with those you hold dear.
Redecorate, Reorganize, Reconfigure
A great way to avoid dwelling on lost love or the journey of singlehood is to update your surroundings. Valentine’s day is so heavily marketed to make us want to be in a relationship and spend money, that sometimes we forget we can focus on our own space. “Spending a bit on an apartment update is a great way to express your style and showcase your home in the best possible light. Throwing away things you don’t need, integrating new throw pillows or wallpapers, and even taking side projects upcycling old furniture or statement pieces are great ways to bring a new spirit to your abode,” says Dr. Hafeez who says the space we live in adds energy to out day and contributes to our productivity and joy.
Host A Celebration For Your Entourage
Celebrating singlehood with other single friends on Valentine’s Day can be a blast! Dr. Hafeez recommends inviting people over to your newly redecorated place for cocktails, music, and food. “When we enter relationships, we sometimes grow distant from our friends. The relationship, in some ways, takes over. But single people who have a solid group of friends can always have fun together enjoying each other’s company and support. Anything that can bring these elements together is great, and why can’t it be on Valentine’s day?” says Dr. Hafeez.
Treat yourself
“When in doubt, pamper yourself,” says Dr. Hafeez, who recommends “scheduling a hair cut, a facial treatment, a deep-tissue massage, or any other relaxing and enjoyable activity that brings you peace and comfort.” Salons and spas, across the country, offer Valentine’s Day specials and packages for you and some friends to take advantage of. Some go as far as offering after-work treatments so you can go straight from work and indulge. “Treating yourself to a day of beauty or relaxation is a great way to tend to yourself. Single people have the time to focus on their beauty routines without anyone asking how much they spend on eyebrow waxing, facials, highlights, blow-outs, and anything else you choose to do,” Dr. Hafeez reminds us.
Go shopping
Be your own Valentine and purchase yourself a present or several presents; no one is counting! Perhaps there’s a nice dress, handbag, shoes, or fragrance that you’ve wanted to treat yourself to. Celebrate your singularity with a splurge. “Shopping releases a dopamine hit, hence the term retail therapy,” says Dr. Hafeez. The key is not to let it get out of control. When you avoid overwhelming your wallet, you also help save stress later on with your finances. “Set a budget and the intention to enjoy yourself. Buy yourself something that a significant other would typically gift you, such as jewelry. For women especially, there’s something very empowering about a woman buying herself a beautiful and symbolic piece of jewelry,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Who doesn’t love chocolate? You’re your own greatest Valentine! We tend to stress so much about our health, our dress size, and our calories, and it is amazing when you get to treat yourself and leave the guilt at the door. Grab yourself to your favorite Valentine’s Day candy box and allow a sweet treat. “Want an endorphin boost? Eat some chocolate. Endorphins are stress minimizers and help boost our immune systems,” says Dr. Hafeez.
Cheers to you and cheers to being single.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C., a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with her via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or www.comprehendthemind.com
Takeda Canada Announces Significant Investment in First Collaborative Canadian Lung Cancer Research Project with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
FOR CANADIAN AUDIENCES ONLY
Takeda Canada will invest $2.4 million in this important study which aims to evaluate real world outcomes in lung cancer patients
TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to support the CAnadian CAncers with Rare Molecular Alterations (CARMA) - Basket Real-world Observational Study (BROS) - CARMA-BROS – in collaboration with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, part of the University Health Network. CARMA-BROS is the first Canadian national research study to evaluate real world outcomes in lung cancer patients with rare molecular alterations such as Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Exon 20 insertions. The study aims to collect data on Canadian cancer patients who have uncommon or rare changes in their tumours and to compare the overall treatment outcomes and treatment toxicities in patients with these rare molecular alterations over a five-year timeline.
Data from 400 participants across multiple cancer centres in Canada will be collected over a five-year period. Takeda Canada is investing $2.4 million in the CARMA-BROS study.
"Real world evidence is essential, especially in lung cancer patients with rare molecular alterations. This research partnership highlights the need and feasibility for collaboration between industry and academics to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients across Canada," said Dr. Geoffrey Liu, Principal Investigator, Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network.
About the CARMA-BROS Study CARMA-BROS is a Canadian, multicentre, ambispective observational study focusing on lung cancer patients with ALK, EGFR exon 20, ROS1, and BRAF rare genetic alterations / rearrangements identified in their tumours. The data collected from this study will create an ambispective cohort that encompasses the majority (if not all) of these types of cancers and will provide a good source for understanding the natural history of this disease in Canada and addressing the objectives of this study.
"Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada, which is why this collaboration with University Health Network is an important step towards the future of lung cancer care," says Francesco Di Marco, Head of Oncology, Europe & Canada, Takeda. "As an innovative pharmaceutical company committed to innovation and partnerships, we eagerly look forward to the results of the CARMA-BROS to help support Canadians directly and indirectly impacted by lung cancer."
About Takeda Canada Inc. Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, headquartered in Japan. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology (GI), Rare Diseases and Neuroscience. We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions.
Additional information about Takeda Canada is available at www.takeda.com/en-ca.
SOURCE Takeda Canada Inc.
Franny’s Farmacy Announces Online Public Offering for Manufacturing Fundraise
ASHEVILLE, NC - Following the success of one of the first online public offerings, Franny’s Farmacy CEO, Jeff Tacy and Franny Tacy, Owner of Franny’s Farmacy and the first female Hemp farmer in North Carolina, announced on Friday, January 31st, the launch of their third online public offering. The goal of this online public offering is to support the expansion of Franny’s Manufacturing, where all of its Franny’s branded edibles, topicals, lotions, treats, and more are made for the men, women, children, and pets they call loyal customers.
“Franny's Manufacturing is where the magic happens! All Franny's branded products are manufactured in small, custom-made batches in Asheville, North Carolina. We create the recipes and techniques that our customers know and love right here!” says Franny Tacy.
Fundraising for Franny’s Distribution, the family of companies’ first online public offering, sold out in a historic seven days, so Franny’s Manufacturing is offering big perks to those that invest within the first seven days of launch.
Expanding Franny’s Manufacturing’s capacity and capabilities enables the company to continue on its trajectory as one of the fastest growing Hemp brands. With six dispensaries already open, Franny’s Farmacy is on track to open 20-25 franchise dispensaries by the end of 2020.
“Franny’s Manufacturing is a critical component in our vertically integrated supply chain. To continue to build our manufacturing infrastructure, we’ve decided to turn to crowdfunding and give you, the investor, an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a quickly emerging industry.” says Jeff Tacy.
Franny Tacy, Owner of Franny’s Farmacy, is the first female hemp farmer in North Carolina. She has degrees in Forestry and Education. Jeff Tacy, CEO of Franny’s Farmacy, coordinated one of the first successful online public offering CBD company fundraises to sell out in 7 days. He has degrees in Engineering and Environmental Studies. Franny's Farmacy is a vertically integrated family of businesses that includes a farm, growers network, manufacturing, distribution, franchising, dispensary, wholesale, and eCommerce businesses based on years of experience and knowledge, providing value and CBD products you can trust.
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