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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Did You Know That These Face Washing Mistakes Can Age You?
Skincare is a unique process for everyone. Beauty routines range from the systematically meticulous to borderline nonexistent. But the truth of the matter is that no matter where you lie in the skincare spectrum, you could be making mistakes that cause your skin to age simply by washing your face incorrectly. We spoke to Dr. Manish Shah, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert in Denver, Colorado. He counsels patients on cosmetic procedures, maintaining results, optimizing their skincare, and preventative measures. "While skin treatments, injectables, and surgery can help maintain the visual appearance, your basic skincare goes a long way toward preventing premature aging.
You Are Washing Your Face Incorrectly If You Do The Following:
Using too much toner
Facial toners are an essential part of any beauty routine. However, using too much toner can dry out the skin and may even lead to more sebum production as your glands attempt to overcompensate. If you find your skin feeling tight or irritated after applying toner, you may be using too much, and this is especially true if you have sensitive or combination skin. Some toners come in a spray bottle, which is great for applying a light layer over the skin after cleansing. If not, simply pour a few drops of toner on a cotton pad and gently glide it across the face.
Also, many toners have alcohol-based ingredients, such as denatured alcohol, in them. Avoid toners with these ingredients at all costs -- as they will dry the skin completely and remove natural oils needed to keep the skin moist and healthy.
Products that are too harsh
As consumers become more sophisticated, they inquire about ingredients such as retinol. They know it is super hydrating and great for the skin, but they don't understand that skincare needs to be sustainable, so they ask for the strongest, most active form of prescription retinoid. "This is a mistake," says Dr. Shah, "any credible doctor will first assess the condition of your skin alongside the products and treatments you are already using in order to determine if you need prescription retinol or if a less active form sold over-the-counter is better for you."
Dr. Shah explains that "retinol in less active forms will have similar effects without irritating the skin as much, which will be helpful to you as you continue using a product on your skin over time."
Scrubbing too hard
Instead of rubbing and scrubbing your face to try to get it squeaky clean, your motions with your cleanser should be as gentle as possible. Your hands should not be doing all the work! Scrubbing the skin too harshly or with materials that add exfoliation can cause micro-tears in the skin as well as excessive elimination of essential oils which leave the skin dry.
Over exfoliating
While gently exfoliating a few nights a week can do wonders for the skin, it's easy to go overboard. What keeps your skin looking fresh, young, and hydrated is preserving the outer layers glow by lightly helping it shed old skin cells and moisturizing to help cell turnover. However, "the danger is that many people don't think to consider their loofah or washcloth as an exfoliation tool. Even if you are only using an exfoliant a few days a week if you are scrubbing with a harsher material every day, you could be exfoliating more than you intend and that can cause dryness, red patches, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation," warns Dr. Shah.
Washing with hot water
Though it might feel good, using hot water to cleanse your face can actually dehydrate it. Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky. This can also lead to acne flare, breakouts, and skin irritation. For best results, rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water - not cold either - to help constrict blood vessels. Dr. Shah also points out that "hot water enlarges your pores, and this can affect the oil production of the skin as well as the texture of it."
Washing more than twice a day
You may be thinking, the cleaner, the better, right? Think again. Over-washing your face can actually damage the skin's natural protective system, which then can affect how easily the environment irritates your skin, how efficiently you retain moisture, and—over time—cause you to show early signs of aging such as fine lines and dry patches. "As a general rule of thumb, you should not be washing your face more than twice a day. If you have an activity like working out or an outdoor sport in the middle of the day, try to use a bland soap or cleanser to wash away dirt and sweat without further irritating the skin," advises Dr. Shah.
Forgetting to follow up with a moisturizer
"The best time to apply moisturizer is after the shower or after applying toner. This will help prevent excessive dryness, and it will help to skin retain moisture," says Dr. Shah. Moisturizers also come with a combination of vitamins and lipids that help the skin heal irritations, strengthen its protective functions, and look smoother and healthier.
Washing with whatever soap is available.
Many people are guilty of this one. People may think that soap is soap and a clean face is just a clean face, but you could be damaging your skin and aging yourself by washing the face with any available hand soap. Soaps with fragrances can be especially irritating to the skin. Overall, these soaps are not made for the face, and while this may be a minimalist approach, it borders on detrimental as hand soaps are dehydrating and lack many of the ingredients that optimize your skin's complexion.
About the Expert:
Dr. Manish Shah
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 is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center teaching cosmetic surgery to the plastic surgery residents. He is a past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. He also maintains a private practice in Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Cherry Creek.
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, and the Rhinoplasty Society.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Norgen Biotek Offers First-Class Products to Assist Researchers in the Study and Molecular Diagnosis of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
THOROLD, ON, Feb. 18, 2020 /CNW/ - Norgen Biotek Corp., an innovative privately held Canadian biotechnology company focusing primarily on advancing powerful tools for nucleic acid and protein stabilization and purification, today announced that they are offering a number of products to the scientific and medical community to support the study of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19, formerly 2019-nCoV) outbreak in humans. These include products for the collection, stabilization and transport of samples suspected to contain virus, kits for the purification of the viral RNA, as well as primers, controls and Master Mixes for use in detection of the virus. These products can be viewed on Norgen's website at www.norgenbiotek.com/coronavirus.
This novel coronavirus has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently termed COVID-19. The outbreak started in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has now spread throughout the world to many different countries. Accurate diagnosis of COVID-2019 infection is through the use of real-time RT PCR (rRT-PCR) assays for the in vitro qualitative detection of the virus in respiratory specimens and sera. The CDC has published full guidelines on their website for the collection, storage and handling of specimens, nucleic acid extraction, quality control, the rRT-PCT detection assays and interpreting test results (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/rt-pcr-detection-instructions.html).
Norgen Biotek is offering a number of products to researchers studying COVID-19. Norgen's Swab Collection and Total Nucleic Acid Preservation System (Cat. 68800) is designed for the collection, ambient storage and transport of total nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from samples collected using a swab, including nasal, buccal, saliva, fecal, skin, surfaces and more. Once collected, the swabs are placed into Norgen's Swab Preservative, which preserves the RNA at room temperature for up to 2 months and allows for the samples to be handled and shipped safely. Norgen also offers our market-leading RNA isolation kits, based on our proprietary resin, to isolate the preserved RNA from these samples. As well, Norgen is also offering the 2019-nCoV Primer & Probe Mix (Cat. TM67101) to researchers. This product includes all 4 CDC 2019-nCoV probe/primers in individual tubes, which are premixed to the working concentrations recommended by the CDC. The protocol provided by the CDC can then be followed for viral detection. We also offer the 2019-nCoV RT-PCR Positive Control (Cat. PC67102). The control plasmid contains the CDC 2019-nCoV markers (N1,N2,N3) and RNase P gene which are compatible with the CDC 2019-nCoV specific primer/probe sets. In addition, we also offer our 2X One-Step RT-PCR Master Mix (Cat. 28113) to be used with the probe & primer mix and positive controls. All of these products are manufactured under Norgen's ISO 13485:2016 quality system.
"We are pleased to be able to do our part in the world-wide fight against this newly emerging Coronavirus. As experts in sample collection and preservation, nucleic acid isolation and molecular diagnostics, we are happy to offer these first class products to the scientific community." said Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad, President & CEO of Norgen Biotek.
About Norgen Biotek Corp. Norgen Biotek Corp., an ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 registered company, and we're committed to providing innovative products and services to the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry. Norgen is applying its proprietary technologies to develop best-in-class products for the stabilization and purification of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as for molecular diagnostics.
SOURCE Norgen Biotek Corp.
4 Gentle Exercises That Can Help with Back Pain
Back pain can be frustrating, debilitating, and affect all aspects of your life. Most adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, and it is the leading cause of disability across the world. While doctors used to prescribe rest, they now know that movement is one of the best things for back pain. Light exercise such as walking, stretching, and yoga is ideal for loosening the muscles in the back and easing pain. Here are our four favorite gentle exercises that can help get you back to living pain free.
Cat/Cow
This is a classic yoga warm-up move that will stretch and strengthen your back muscles. Start on your hands and knees with your spine in a neutral position. To get into cat pose, round your back, tuck in your tailbone, and drop your head toward the floor. For cow pose, lift your head, press your chest forward, and drop your stomach to the ground.
Bridges
Bridges not only strengthen your back, but your buttocks and hamstrings, which are vital in back support. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Gently raise your hips while your shoulders remain on the floor, holding the position for five seconds and squeezing the buttocks. Do three sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Knee to Chest Stretch
While lying on your back, lift your left leg and wrap your hands around your knee, pulling it gently toward your chest. Engage your abs and press your spine to the floor, holding for five seconds. Do 10 repetitions and repeat with the right side.
Lower Back Spine Stretch
This stretch relieves tension and pain in the lower back while working the core muscles. Lie with your feet on the floor and knees bent. Roll both bent knees over the ones side while your upper body remains on the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, and gently roll to the other side.Your back pain treatment will be specific to you, but gentle exercises are a great place to start. Other recommended back pain treatment includes cold and heat therapy, light exercise, over-the-counter medications, massage, and chiropractic care. It is also important to maintain good posture and lift heavy things properly. For more exercises, check out theseten stretches to strengthe
Skincare is a unique process for everyone. Beauty routines range from the systematically meticulous to borderline nonexistent. But the truth of the matter is that no matter where you lie in the skincare spectrum, you could be making mistakes that cause your skin to age simply by washing your face incorrectly. We spoke to Dr. Manish Shah, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert in Denver, Colorado. He counsels patients on cosmetic procedures, maintaining results, optimizing their skincare, and preventative measures. "While skin treatments, injectables, and surgery can help maintain the visual appearance, your basic skincare goes a long way toward preventing premature aging.
You Are Washing Your Face Incorrectly If You Do The Following:
Using too much toner
Facial toners are an essential part of any beauty routine. However, using too much toner can dry out the skin and may even lead to more sebum production as your glands attempt to overcompensate. If you find your skin feeling tight or irritated after applying toner, you may be using too much, and this is especially true if you have sensitive or combination skin. Some toners come in a spray bottle, which is great for applying a light layer over the skin after cleansing. If not, simply pour a few drops of toner on a cotton pad and gently glide it across the face.
Also, many toners have alcohol-based ingredients, such as denatured alcohol, in them. Avoid toners with these ingredients at all costs -- as they will dry the skin completely and remove natural oils needed to keep the skin moist and healthy.
Products that are too harsh
As consumers become more sophisticated, they inquire about ingredients such as retinol. They know it is super hydrating and great for the skin, but they don't understand that skincare needs to be sustainable, so they ask for the strongest, most active form of prescription retinoid. "This is a mistake," says Dr. Shah, "any credible doctor will first assess the condition of your skin alongside the products and treatments you are already using in order to determine if you need prescription retinol or if a less active form sold over-the-counter is better for you."
Dr. Shah explains that "retinol in less active forms will have similar effects without irritating the skin as much, which will be helpful to you as you continue using a product on your skin over time."
Scrubbing too hard
Instead of rubbing and scrubbing your face to try to get it squeaky clean, your motions with your cleanser should be as gentle as possible. Your hands should not be doing all the work! Scrubbing the skin too harshly or with materials that add exfoliation can cause micro-tears in the skin as well as excessive elimination of essential oils which leave the skin dry.
Over exfoliating
While gently exfoliating a few nights a week can do wonders for the skin, it's easy to go overboard. What keeps your skin looking fresh, young, and hydrated is preserving the outer layers glow by lightly helping it shed old skin cells and moisturizing to help cell turnover. However, "the danger is that many people don't think to consider their loofah or washcloth as an exfoliation tool. Even if you are only using an exfoliant a few days a week if you are scrubbing with a harsher material every day, you could be exfoliating more than you intend and that can cause dryness, red patches, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation," warns Dr. Shah.
Washing with hot water
Though it might feel good, using hot water to cleanse your face can actually dehydrate it. Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky. This can also lead to acne flare, breakouts, and skin irritation. For best results, rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water - not cold either - to help constrict blood vessels. Dr. Shah also points out that "hot water enlarges your pores, and this can affect the oil production of the skin as well as the texture of it."
Washing more than twice a day
You may be thinking, the cleaner, the better, right? Think again. Over-washing your face can actually damage the skin's natural protective system, which then can affect how easily the environment irritates your skin, how efficiently you retain moisture, and—over time—cause you to show early signs of aging such as fine lines and dry patches. "As a general rule of thumb, you should not be washing your face more than twice a day. If you have an activity like working out or an outdoor sport in the middle of the day, try to use a bland soap or cleanser to wash away dirt and sweat without further irritating the skin," advises Dr. Shah.
Forgetting to follow up with a moisturizer
"The best time to apply moisturizer is after the shower or after applying toner. This will help prevent excessive dryness, and it will help to skin retain moisture," says Dr. Shah. Moisturizers also come with a combination of vitamins and lipids that help the skin heal irritations, strengthen its protective functions, and look smoother and healthier.
Washing with whatever soap is available.
Many people are guilty of this one. People may think that soap is soap and a clean face is just a clean face, but you could be damaging your skin and aging yourself by washing the face with any available hand soap. Soaps with fragrances can be especially irritating to the skin. Overall, these soaps are not made for the face, and while this may be a minimalist approach, it borders on detrimental as hand soaps are dehydrating and lack many of the ingredients that optimize your skin's complexion.
About the Expert:
Dr. Manish Shah
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 is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center teaching cosmetic surgery to the plastic surgery residents. He is a past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. He also maintains a private practice in Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Cherry Creek.
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, and the Rhinoplasty Society.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
AOC Dingbat, Trump Superhero in New Kids’ Book - Socialism 101 for Tots
A new children’s book casts Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a gum-popping, bored, selfie-taking amateur while President Trump, donning a MAGA-red superhero cape, swoops in to save an elementary school from the evils of socialism.
Help! Mom! The Swamp is in My School! written by bestselling author Katharine DeBrecht, is described as a “hilarious and fun way to explain socialism to kids.” DeBrecht, author of the bestseller Help! Mom! There are Liberals Under My Bed! says the book is needed to balance what she believes is institutionalized indoctrination of children by leftists. “Kids are spoon-fed the glories of socialism from the minute they enter public education. By the time they reach college, they are heralding mass murderers such as Che Guevara and Joseph Stalin as heroes and pioneers,” says DeBrecht. She points to a recent study that found 70 percent of millennials would vote for a socialist candidate.
AOC, who is referred to as OIC (Oh…I see!!!) in the book, is only one of a slew of leftists targeted. Others include Speaker Queenosie, Congressman Schifty (whose turtleneck eerily resembles a number two pencil), a one-percenter Senator Bernie sporting a top hat, Senator Pocahontas with a headdress, and Vice President Buyme who digresses to his time at the French Revolution when he told Winston Churchill to “tear down this wall!”
DeBrecht calls the full-color illustrated book a “YUGE lesson in socialism and MAGA.” The story chronicles brothers Tommy and Lou and other kids from Bradford Plymouth School as they run a bake sale to earn money for their school supplies. After a series of usual leftist suspects start forcing their socialist policies on their bake sale, the kids turn to Donaldus Magnus (President Trump in his signature blue suit with a red cape) to make the school great again.
Even what DeBrecht calls the “complicit legacy media” is not spared. Rachel Maddow and Chuck Toddie wear Pravda name tags and the recent row over “fake news” between the satirical site The Babylon Bee and CNN appears in the background in an illustration.
DeBrecht goes further, touching on the recent impeachment trial of President Trump, as Congressman Schifty finds out sixth hand about a phone call overheard by a hamster. She points out a little kangaroo that appears throughout the book “as a subtle reminder of the kangaroo court that presided over the worst witch hunt and hoax in American history.”
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Bio: Katharine DeBrecht is a bestselling author, proud Deplorable and mother of three. Known for her insightful, yet witty commentary, she has appeared on national television and radio across the globe. As a self-syndicated writer, Katharine's opinion pieces have been distributed in the national print media, including The Los Angeles Times and online magazines such as Human Events and World Net Daily. Her Help! Mom! books have been profiled on national media and throughout the world.
PEAR Sports Acquires Functional Solutions to Strengthen a Full Featured Platform in Digital Fitness and to Expand to New Markets
Functional Solutions’ Group Exercise Programming Will Be Integrated into PEAR’s Coaching Platform to Provide Fitness and Wellness Providers with Enhanced Digital Solutions for Members
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - February 20, 2020 - PEAR Sports, creators of the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform that delivers smart digital coaching technology, today announced it has acquired Functional Solutions. Functional Solutions is a leader in the fitness industry in visual programming and distribution of custom fitness content for individual and group training experiences.
PEAR will merge Functional Solutions’ technology into its enterprise SaaS solution to offer full client engagement for guests and members at gyms, in hotels and resorts, at active aging centers, and other locations. The ability to match PEAR’s personalized audio coaching, symbiotic music and adaptive biometric workouts with Functional Solutions’ unique content distribution technology will enhance the user experience and increase engagement. Applications for this powerful instructional coaching content are prevalent in education, medical and therapeutic clinics, corporate wellness and military training.
Functional Solutions, founded by fitness industry veteran Dave Hannum, is a digital fitness platform that simplifies the creation and delivery of visual workout programming for facilities and individual users. The platform delivers a catalog of functional movement video snippets that can be arranged in custom sequences, allowing users and trainers to create workouts on the spot while integrating their unique programming style and brand. Workouts can be distributed through TV display, mobile app, text or QR code (See attached QR Code for a sample Workout of the Day). Current partners include Life Fitness, Chuze Fitness, Spenga, and Club Fitness.
The PEAR Health & Fitness Platform enables enterprises to build and deliver state-of-the-art digital fitness and wellness programming. PEAR’s proprietary solutions combine the best in mobile and wearable technology with interactive audio coaching, voiced by world-class athletes. PEAR’s Training Intelligence®creates adaptive workouts in real-time, utilizing biometric markers and contextual inputs that balance training to optimize results. Additionally, PEAR Pro Coach with human-touch tele-coaching allows trainers to quickly customize individual and group workouts with smart guidance for proper sequencing, training load, and recovery balance. Companies can choose from PEAR’s extensive library of expert-guided sessions,or use their own custom content. Operators leverage PEAR’s enterprise management tools to identify exercise trends and user behaviors to make better informed decisions about programming and equipment purchases.
Bob Allison, Founder of PEAR Sports, said, “We are proud to have the Functional Solutions team join PEAR to expand our knowledge of the gym and boutique fitness markets. Dave Hannum spent over 16 years leading U.S. technology at TechnoGym, and now after founding Functional Solutions, he has successfully partnered with some of the best brands in the fitness sector. We know our combined product offerings will allow PEAR to increase market reach.”
“Digital engagement with members is now a requirement in the fitness industry and others,” said Functional Solutions Founder and CEO, Dave Hannum. “I’m fired up about combining our leading visual exercise content distribution technology with PEAR’s adaptive audio coaching and biometrics to maximize the choices and benefits for all our customers.”
Functional Solutions will retain its brand name and headquarters in Newport News, Virginia. PEAR Sports Development Lab is located in Solana Beach, California.
About PEAR Sports
PEAR Sports is perfecting the personalized delivery of digital health, wellness and fitness programs. Our platform and solutions deliver on-demand customized coaching that creates great experiences for customers and enterprises. www.pearsports.com.
About Functional Solutions
Functional Solutions provides an easy way to create unique, dynamic digital workout and wellness content to distribute anywhere, anytime. The company’s product solutions range from TV display to mobile apps and focuses on customized visualization and simplicity. Functional Solutions’ client base spans across the US and Europe. www.functionalsolutions.io.
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