eyeforpharma Awards Recognize Two ACTO Use Cases as Finalists
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Two of ACTO's use cases have been nominated as finalists in the eyeforpharma Awards, which focus on recognizing genuine, truly innovative and meaningful approaches to excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. AstraZeneca has been nominated in the 'Most Promising MVP/Pilot' category for its ACTO use case. ACTO has been nominated in the 'Most Valuable Data & Insights Initiative' category for its work with Philips Respironics.
"We are truly honored that the esteemed eyeforpharma judges have recognized ACTO as a finalist in the eyeforpharma Awards," said Parth Khanna, CEO of ACTO, "In order to adjust to industry changes such as a shift towards value-based care, life sciences companies need to think differently and adopt novel solutions. These eyeforpharma nominations validate that ACTO is indeed the out-of-the-box solution that life sciences companies need today to promote on clinical value."
The 'Most Promising MVP/Pilot' category recognizes initiatives by life sciences companies that have the potential to disrupt the status quo. With the life sciences industry witnessing a shift towards value-based selling, AstraZeneca seized the opportunity and leveraged ACTO's cutting-edge technology to break into an untapped market, making the AstraZeneca-ACTO use case a befitting finalist in this category.
"At AstraZeneca, we are focused on creating a culture of learning where everyone has the ability to grow and develop in the flow of work," said Spencer Holt, Head of AstraZeneca's Commercial Learning Innovation Centre, "We are pushing the boundaries of science and putting patients first in everything we do. ACTO is a key partner in helping us in our evolution of developing new skills, being relevant to our customers and ensuring learning is a strategic driver to performance."
The pilot was successfully launched in a record time of 4 months and achieved a notable adoption rate of 98% amongst reps. ACTO has helped reps promote on clinical value and has given AstraZeneca's commercial leaders deep field intelligence on what strategies are or are not working in the field.
ACTO is nominated in the 'Most Valuable Data & Insights Initiative' category, which recognizes initiatives that harness data (internal or RWD), AI, ML or analytics to reveal valuable insights, ultimately resulting in new opportunities for better patient care. In the past, many coveted awards such as the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards and the LTEN Excellence Awards in Innovation have recognized ACTO's work with Philips Respironics. The ACTO-Philips Respironics partnership revealed to the life sciences industry that it is possible to draw a relationship between commercial learning and development data (CL&D) and sales performance data.
By consolidating their training, sales, and marketing tools onto the ACTO Commercialization Cloud, Philips Respironics was able to both equip their reps to more effectively communicate their clinical data and messaging, and identify opportunities in real-time to coach their reps. With ACTO, Philips Respironics harnessed deep field data to draw insights on their top reps' behaviours and create a blueprint of success not just for commercial learning and development, but for the entire commercial unit.
Eyeforpharma will announce the winners at the eyeforpharma Awards 2019 ceremony taking place in Philadelphia, USA, on December 11, 2019. More details about the eyeforpharma Awards and the lists of finalists are available at https://www.eyeforpharma.com/awards-evening/
About ACTO
ACTO is disrupting how drugs and devices are promoted and brought to market. ACTO's technology is the only unified cloud platform designed for life sciences that delivers field effectiveness and powerful data insights by combining micro-learning, sales enablement, video coaching, and live events in a single, engaging app.
With ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences, global pharmaceutical and medical device companies promote on clinical value to increase sales, drive brand alignment, and reduce compliance risk. For more information on the ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences, visit acto.com
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business delivering medicines to patients through innovative science and excellence in development and commercialization. The company's purpose is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life‐changing medicines. AstraZeneca wants to be valued and trusted by its stakeholders as a source of great medicines over the long term.
About Philips Respironics
Philips Respironics, a global leader in the Sleep and Respiratory markets, is passionate about providing solutions that lead to healthier patients, healthier practices, and healthier businesses. Philips Respironics believes that effective sleep and respiratory management empowers patients to rediscover confidence and the freedom to live a fulfilling life by restoring their ability to sleep and breathe naturally.
About eyeforpharma
eyeforpharma's mission is to make pharma more open and valued. To do this, eyeforpharma provides a hub for senior-level pharma executives, patient groups and other health stakeholders to exchange ideas and observe shifting trends and practices. It provides commentary, events, reports, and other expert-driven content. One of eyeforpharma's biggest strengths is to be able to gather advice, examples and understanding on the best industry work, articulate this across multiple channels, and create a mass movement to help improve the pharmaceutical industry at large.
SOURCE ACTO Technologies, Inc.
Let's be clear, THC vapes or other non-regulated, non water-soluble devices are not classified as "e-cigarettes"
The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) Responds to Canadian Medical Association Journal study on a vaping-related disease diagnosis in an Ontario teen
TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2019 /CNW/ - The CVA is aware of a disturbing lung illness diagnosis that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Thursday, November 21. Cases like this are very unsettling, particularly given that it and the other illnesses in the United States are clustered within the last five months. This pattern suggests, and the CMAJ infers, that other substances, such as THC, vitamin E acetate or other non-sanctioned chemicals, have been inappropriately introduced into the product. As the report suggests, more testing is needed and needed soon.
It is important to take a step back and redefine nicotine e-liquid vaping. This form of vaping is defined as water-soluble nicotine delivery through an electronic device, a process that has been strictly regulated provincially and federally, with no incident of illness for over a decade. The generalization of the terms "vaping" or "e-cigarettes" to include unregulated, black market, including those containing THC, is highly misleading. In the case of THC vape products, vitamin E acetate has been identified as the cause of the lung illness outbreak seen across North America this past summer.
Based on a preliminary review of the CMAJ findings, the CVA urges caution around the premature conclusions stated in the study. The nature of the bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, diagnosis in the study is merely speculative, and based on a single patient diagnosis. In fact, by the authors' own admission, the study has several limitations. The authors admitted they were unable to pinpoint the causative agent(s) responsible for the patient's pulmonary illness, as he vaped a variety of substances of which more than one may be a causative agent for harm.
"The fact that this new study is based on one case, with several limitations, calls into question the conclusiveness of any of the findings. The distinction between this particular case and the wider EVALI diagnosis doesn't isolate e-liquid nicotine vapes as the causal agent of this particular Ontario teen's symptoms." said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director and Lead Advocate of The Canadian Vaping Association. "In fact, the most significant takeaway from the report is that further testing is needed into the root cause of the Ontario teen's illness, as well as other vaping-related illnesses diagnosed across Canada."
The study also highlights the need for tighter regulation of the vaping industry, including marketing, age-restricted sales and rigorous testing of vape products; the CVA has been vocal in its advocacy with the federal and provincial governments and health agencies for these very measures. It is important that vaping-related regulations are updated on a measured and evidence-based approach.
The federal government is also working on toxicology and emissions testing of vaping products. The CVA supports the development of testing standards to ensure Canadians can continue to have access to this life-saving product, and are protected from black market and oil-based vape products that are extremely dangerous to their health. Approximately 40 million people worldwide have found vaping as the most successful harm reduction alternative to combustible tobacco over the past decade. An outright ban on flavours would drive those who rely on vape products as a harm reduction alternative either to the unregulated and unsafe black market for vaping products or back to combustible tobacco.
The correlation between diacetyl and its formation over time in e-liquids containing acetoin - a flavouring replacement used by the flavouring industry to replace diacetyl and acetyl propionyl - is noted in the CMAJ study. To ensure consumer safety, CVA members ensure that expiry dates are clearly labelled on all product packaging of e-liquids, based on their shelf life of two years.
About the Canadian Vaping Association
The Canadian Vaping Association (thecva.org) is a registered national, not-for-profit organization, established as the voice for the burgeoning Canadian vaping industry. Founded in 2014, the CVA represents over 300 retail and online vaping businesses in Canada. Our membership does not include tobacco companies or affiliates. The association is the primary liaison with the federal and provincial governments on all legislative and regulatory issues related to the industry. The primary goal of CVA is to ensure that government regulation is reasonable and practical, through the strategy of professional proactive communication and education supplied bilingually to health officers, media, and elected officials.
SOURCE The Canadian Vaping Association
Health Experts Warn Black Friday Shoppers About Wireless Devices for Kids with National #PracticeSafeTech Campaign
(November 21, 2019) - Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, doctors and scientists warn parents about their children’s safety when choosing wireless holiday gifts. Leading think tank Environmental Health Trust (EHT) is promoting safer use of cell phones, laptops and iPads. EHT urges parents and grandparents not to buy their children so-called “smart” phones or watches or other wireless toys as holiday gifts.
“I spent my whole career in the technology sector. I’ve seen some tremendous benefits. I’ve also seen if not used properly technology can be harmful. I believe the way we deploy wireless devices today is harmful,” said Frank Clegg, former President of Microsoft Canada and CEO of Canadians For Safe Technology.
“Parents might be preparing to buy their child a smartphone, virtual reality headset, wearable fitness tracker, or Wi-Fi toy, yet they are unaware that these devices expose their children to radiofrequency wireless radiation,” stated Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of EHT.
A 2015 survey four years ago found that on average American children get their first cellphone when they're only 6 years old. A recent report from Common Sense says teens now spend more than six and a half hours per day on screens.
"The scientific evidence is now clear and compelling. We need to give our children toys and tools to grow and learn, not toys and tools which could harm them. The Cincinnati Children's study found higher screen time associated with underdeveloped brain regions in preschoolers- the very parts of the brain that support language and literacy skills, imagery and executive function,”said Dr. Devra Davis, EHT President.
“Young children learn and love best through face to face connections. We want to spread the message of healthy use of technology this holiday season,” stated Davis. EHT’s holiday campaign encourages parents to become informed about how to minimize children’s screen time and use technology in safer ways because published research associates wireless radiation exposure to memory damage, behavioral problems and cancer.
EHT has developed Super-Smart and Safe Technology Tips and factsheets for parents looking for common sense recommendations to navigate this holiday shopping season and ensure their children are safe and healthy.
Seven Super-Smart and Safe Technology Tips for shoppers:
Infants need cuddles and laps (not iPads and Apps)
Choose real books and imaginative hands-on toys for young children instead of screens. Ideas include building materials and toys/dolls for creative play.
If technology is a must have then 1. buy safer tech with wired capability -instead of wireless- and 2. always use Airplane/Flight Mode with the device on a table (not lap) if handing a screen to a child.
Be aware of toys that expose your child to wireless radiation.
Cell phones are not safe for children and they are not toys.
Get serious about managing screen time for yourself and for your family
Spread awareness to your friends and family
Holiday gifts that expose your children to wireless radiation
Cell phones and smartphones
Smart watches
Virtual reality headsets
Wireless headsets
Wi-Fi or cell phone connected dolls and stuffed animals
Wi-Fi Tablets
Wireless gaming systems
Wirelessly-operated drones
Virtual assistant speakers
Wearable tech like fitness trackers
Environmental Health Trust Factsheets for Parents:
Over 800,000 Canadians are experimenting with recreational or illegal cannabis products for their health
OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2019 /CNW/ - According to Statistics Canada, there are 811,000 Canadians taking recreational or illegal cannabis products for their health without a doctor note/prescription. These are not products that have been approved by Health Canada as over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) or natural health products (NHPs). Until Health Canada changes the law that prevents the manufactures of OTCs and NHPs from seeking their approval, they never will be.
Consumer Health Products Canada recognizes that cannabis is being embraced as a health product globally. Right now, Canada has an opportunity to demonstrate to the world how to manage, in an evidence-based manner, the risks associated with recreational cannabis use while supporting research into its potential health benefits.
Not all cannabis ingredients are addictive. Cannabidiol (CBD) which is found in both recreational cannabis and hemp has been recently studied by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO (2018) CBD Critical Review Report of their Expert Committee on Drug Dependence concluded, "in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential". Cannabis ingredients that are shown to have no addiction potential should be regulated the same way as any other OTC or NHP. However, Health Canada has not recognized the WHO's conclusions. This has led to potential medicines being sold as recreational products, putting Canadians at risk as they are forced to take treatment into their own hands.
Medicines should not be sold next to recreational products. The current government approach is forcing health-seeking Canadians into retail models designed to sell recreational products. For many, this represents an unwelcome exposure to recreational cannabis. Health Canada must continue to safeguard the well-being of all Canadians, including those that are seeking cannabis health products. Regulation of these products utilizing the existing framework for OTCs and NHPs will help ensure that consumers seek access to medical experts such as pharmacists in the appropriate retail setting. This is an important part of the safe, effective use of these products and in enabling Canadians to make informed decisions.
OTC and NHP regulations have long provided Canadians with protections, which do not exist for recreational cannabis. Most importantly, every product goes through an approval process with Health Canada where evidence must demonstrate that the product's health benefits outweigh any risks to the consumer. This is a fundamental protection within health product law, which would enable approved cannabis health products, like CBD, to be sold where other medicines are sold.
The strong interest in cannabis-derived health products represents an important opportunity to leverage existing laws. Mitigating the public health implications of recreational cannabis use should start with providing Canadians safe and effective cannabis derived health products where other medicines are sold.
Servier Canada and Innovative Medicines Canada Announce Scholarship to the CHUM's School of Artificial Intelligence in Health
MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Servier Canada and Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) announced today, a $50,000 scholarship for the School of Artificial Intelligence in Health (SAIH) of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) through the Fondation du CHUM. IMC has dedicated $25,00o to the School, in honour of outgoing IMC Board Chair and Servier Canada CEO Frédéric Fasano. In addition to IMC funding, Servier Canada has made a matching pledge of $25,000.
"This scholarship, provided in recognition of Mr. Fasano's service to our industry, will enable SAIH to expand its reach and generate greater awareness among healthcare professionals and their stakeholders about the opportunities of applying AI technologies towards better patient outcomes," said Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada.
Launched in November 2018, SAIH has over 1,500 students and nearly 20,000 people have participated in its activities. Created in partnership with more than 150 stakeholders, SAIH trains practitioners working in or for the healthcare field, including partners or companies working directly or indirectly for the well-being of patients. The school enables its community to develop and apply AI to healthcare; to measure its impacts on patients, care teams, and the health system; and to expand knowledge and skills internationally.
"The SAIH is the first of its kind. It is a bold combination of education, research and innovation programs developed to accelerate the integration of AI in healthcare for the benefit of the population. We believe in the value of collective intelligence and in the power of innovation. With this grant from IMC and Servier Canada, the SAIH will be able to further connect healthcare and AI stakeholders through education and innovation initiatives. It will help generate and disseminate knowledge and support our community," added Nathalie Beaulieu, director of SAIH.
"I am extremely proud to support the pioneer work of SAIH, which supports and accelerates the transformation of healthcare through application of AI technologies," said Mr. Fasano. "AI has the potential to shift the paradigm in terms of early detection of diseases, quicker diagnosis, faster identification of drug candidates, faster patient recruitments in clinical trials and development of personalized medicines."
Following every two-year term, as a symbol of thanks to its outgoing chair, Innovative Medicines Canada presents a scholarship to the institution of his/her choice. Mr. Fasano served as Chair of IMC from 2017 to 2019.
ABOUT SERVIER CANADA
Servier Canada is an affiliate of the Servier Group, an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France. Servier is committed to therapeutic progress to serve patient's needs. In Canada, Servier works assiduously to provide patients and the medical community, innovative therapeutic solutions in the fields of Oncology, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic venous disease as well as Diabetes. Servier Canada partners with various players in the life science ecosystem including researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and innovators. In addition, the International Center for Therapeutic Research (ICTR) located in Laval, leads preclinical and clinical development activities in Canada. More information is available at www.servier.ca
ABOUT INNOVATIVE MEDICINES CANADA
Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.
ABOUT FONDATION DU CHUM
Its mission is to provide a complementary source of funding for the CHUM. The support of a foundation is required in order for a healthcare institution to have the capacity to expand its local, national and international reputation and influence, and to accelerate its technological developments. The Fondation du CHUM serves as a catalyst and a driving force in carrying out the CHUM's mission, with its numerous initiatives, fundraising activities and its capital fundraising campaign.
SOURCE Servier Canada Inc.
Peanuts Rise to Superfood Status Research Shows Reduced Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes with Peanut Consumption
Albany, Ga. (November 2019) – When it comes to the peanut, it’s true that big things come in small packages. The peanut is a nutrient-rich powerhouse. In fact, based on a mountain of research, this mighty legume deserves superfood status.
Numerous studies have found that the consumption of small amounts of peanuts or peanut butter has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In fact in just the past year alone, new research has shown that those who regularly consumed peanuts had a lower risk for four kinds of cancer – breast, colorectal, esophageal and pancreatic cancers [1-4].
“Studies conducted in the United States and around the world reveal that eating peanuts regularly helps prevent disease, improves life expectancy and delivers positive effects throughout the body,” says Samara Sterling, Ph.D., director of research for The Peanut Institute. “Peanuts qualify as a superfood because they’re nutrient-dense, delivering superior health benefits in a very small serving. When you compare peanuts to kale, it’s a stark difference in terms of the amount you need to consume to reap the food’s benefits. For example, one serving of peanuts contains six times as much protein as a serving of raw kale and eight times as much niacin.”
A serving of peanuts is one ounce or approximately 35 peanuts. According to Dr. Sterling, the recommended daily serving is a handful of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Peanuts as a Superfood
Peanuts are a superfood that comes in many forms such as peanut butter, peanut oil and peanut flour. In the United States, peanuts and peanut butter are perennial favorites and account for 67 percent of all nuts eaten.
That’s good news because peanuts pack a super punch.
A one-ounce serving of peanuts, which is about a handful, is close to 170 calories and contains:
7 grams of protein – An important macronutrient that helps you feel full and can contribute to lower blood sugar.
19 vitamins and minerals, many of which fight heart disease – The heart-healthy vitamins and minerals delivered by peanuts include vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, copper and potassium. Peanuts are also a good source of magnesium, copper, vitamin E and biotin and an excellent source of niacin, manganese and molybdenum.
Bioactive compounds – Polyphenols, phytosterols and antioxidants are plant substances that offer health benefits beyond vitamins and minerals. They’ve been shown to help reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, lower inflammation and cholesterol and improve blood flow.
Healthy fats – The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in peanuts, like those in olive oil and avocados, help decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
Fiber – Studies have shown that diets high in fiber can contribute to lower levels of LDL cholesterol. Plus, high-fiber diets are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Protective Power of Peanuts
Recent studies have shown that consumption of peanuts or peanut butter helps decrease the risk of chronic diseases.
Reduced Risk of Cancer –Results from the Netherlands Cohort Study published in 2018 found that eating peanuts daily was associated with a decreased risk of a hard-to-treat type of breast cancer in postmenopausal women [3]. Another Netherlands Cohort Study published in 2018 found that men who consumed a teaspoon or more of peanut butter a day had a lower risk of pancreatic cancer [2].
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease – A study published in the Current Atherosclerosis Reports in 2018 found those who consumed peanuts regularly had a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease [5]. A 2017 study that examined more than 200,000 participants showed that regular peanut consumption was associated with a 15% reduced risk of coronary heart disease [6].
Reduced Risk of Diabetes – A 2016 study from Harvard University showed that substituting a serving of animal protein for a serving of plant protein like peanuts and peanut butter significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes [7]. Another landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had previously shown that peanut butter consumption reduced type 2 diabetes risk by 21% in women [8].
Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s – Peanuts have high levels of niacin and are a good source of vitamin E, two nutrients that have long been known to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.One study showed that, in almost 4,000 people 65 years or older, niacin from food slowed the rate of cognitive decline [9]. Another study highlighted that vitamin E intake could delay functional decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease [10].
Miracle Cure for Malnutrition
There are more than 50 million children in the world who suffer from malnutrition. Peanuts have been helping to fight childhood malnutrition all across the world since 2005 in the form of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). The RUTF product is a peanut paste that also contains skimmed milk powder, vitamins and minerals. This combination is blended together in just the right proportions to help malnourished children recover in weeks.
As malnutrition continues to affect millions of children, peanut-based RUTFs continue to be one of the most effective ways to treat it.
New Research on Peanut Allergies
Research indicates that the early introduction of peanuts in children can safely prevent peanut allergies later in life. The LEAP Study (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) showed that children exposed to peanut foods between 4-11 months of age had an 86% percent reduced risk of a peanut allergy at the end of five years [11].
“It was Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who famously said, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food.’ I am excited that as a society we are in a place where we are realizing that eating a tasty snack like peanuts is not just a way to stop hunger pangs; this superfood can deliver powerful benefits to our bodies that help to maintain and restore health,” says Dr. Sterling.
# # #
Based in Albany, Ga., The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization supporting nutrition research and developing educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. The Peanut Institute pursues its mission through research programs, educational initiatives and the promotion of healthful lifestyles to consumers of all ages. As an independent forum, The Peanut Institute is uniquely positioned to work with all segments of the food industry, the research community, academia, consumer organizations and governmental institutions.
1. Lee, J., et al., The relationship between nut intake and risk of colorectal cancer: a case control study. Nutr J, 2018. 17(1): p. 37.
2. Nieuwenhuis, L. and P.A. van den Brandt, Total Nut, Tree Nut, Peanut, and Peanut Butter Consumption and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2018. 27(3): p. 274-284.
3. van den Brandt, P.A. and L. Nieuwenhuis, Tree nut, peanut, and peanut butter intake and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: The Netherlands Cohort Study. Cancer Causes & Control, 2018. 29(1): p. 63-75.
4. Yanjie, Z., et al., Peanut consumption associated with a reduced risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case–control study in a high-risk area in China. Thoracic Cancer, 2018. 9(1): p. 30-36.
5. Coates, A.M., A.M. Hill, and S.Y. Tan, Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.Curr Atheroscler Rep, 2018. 20(10): p. 48.
6. Guasch-Ferre, M., et al., Nut Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2017. 70(20): p. 2519-2532.
7. Malik, V.S., et al., Dietary Protein Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women. Am J Epidemiol, 2016. 183(8): p. 715-28.
8. Jiang, R., et al., Nut and peanut butter consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Jama, 2002. 288(20): p. 2554-60.
9. Morris, M., et al., Dietary niacin and the risk of incident Alzheimer's disease and of cognitive decline. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 2004. 75(8): p. 1093-1099.
10. Shinohara, M. and M. Yamada, [Vitamin E and Alzheimer's Disease]. Brain Nerve, 2015. 67(12): p. 1509-13.
11. Toit, G.D., et al., Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy. The New England journal of medicine, 2015. 372(9): p. 803-813.
New Report Reveals Major Gaps in Quality of Care for Canadians with Rare Lung Disease
Burden of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Canada report sheds light on barriers to treatment and resources for Canadians living with this debilitating condition
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - A new report released today reveals gaps in quality of care for Canadians living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The Burden of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Canada report reveals major disparities in access to treatments, resources and support services, as well as significant burdens placed on the health care system and patients. Developed in collaboration with the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) and Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, with input and guidance from a committee of IPF experts, the report concludes that immediate action must be taken to make meaningful changes that will help alleviate the considerable burdens associated with the condition.1
IPF is a chronic, debilitating condition that causes irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The cause of IPF is unclear; however, as the disease progresses, the scarring typically worsens and makes it more challenging to breathe.2 Although the prevalence of IPF is higher in Canada than many other developed countries and leads to the death of 5,000 Canadians each year, the disease frequently goes undiagnosed for many years.3,4,5 IPF symptoms can be mistaken for other lung ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).6
"IPF is difficult to diagnose, and some patients can be symptomatic for years before they receive a correct diagnosis," said Dr. Martin Kolb, Professor of Medicine, Division of Respirology at McMaster University, and contributor to the report. "Since IPF symptoms can be attributed to common ailments, awareness remains low. Few physicians are trained to identify IPF at first instance, creating a delay in the diagnosis that can lead to patient suffering. Increasing awareness and understanding of the disease are critical to help prevent late diagnosis, reduce the cost of care and ultimately improve patient outcomes."
In addition to the concern of delayed diagnosis, the report highlights important disparities in quality and access to health care services at the national level, with drastic differences from province to province. Key challenges around equal access to treatment include limited availability of interstitial lung disease (ILD) speciality clinics and respirologists, as well as eligibility and access to supplemental home oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.7 These gaps can negatively affect health outcomes for Canadians living with the disease.
"It is never easy to receive a life-altering diagnosis like IPF, and it can be a scary and isolating experience to face challenges on your treatment journey," said Sharon Lee, Executive Director of the CPFF. "By shedding light on the challenges that people with IPF face in Canada, we hope to encourage policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize support for Canadians living with this disease, and ensure that all patients, regardless of which province they call home, have access to the high quality of care they deserve."
The burden of IPF extends beyond diagnosis, treatment and survival. Poor prognosis, uncertainty of disease course and symptom burden severely impact quality of life for patients and their support partners.8Depression is also highly prevalent in patients with ILD due to impaired health and increased financial stress as many patients can no longer work full-time.9The economic burden of IPF on the Canadian health care system is also significant, with increased hospital visits and in-hospital end of life care.10 The direct cost of IPF is comparable to or higher than that of asthma, COPD and lung cancer in Canada.11
To address these significant burdens and challenges, the report provides easy-to-implement workable solutions that aim to increase awareness and understanding of this rare disease, lay the foundation for consistent and better quality of care across provinces, reduce economic burdens, and contribute to better outcomes for patients.12
The full Burden of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Canada report and its recommendations are available at FightIPF.ca.
About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, debilitating condition that causes irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. As the disease progresses, the scarring typically worsens, making it more challenging to breathe. More than 14,000 Canadians currently live with IPF, equal to about the number of men (14,900) and women (14,500) diagnosed with lung cancer every year in Canada.13,14 Several thousand among those living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) will die from it each year. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in improving the poor three-to-five-year median survival rate associated with this disease, and due to an aging population and increase in incidence rates, the overall mortality rate has increased in the past 20 years.15,16
For more information about IPF, visit FightIPF.ca, an online resource designed to inform and empower Canadians diagnosed with IPF and their families. Additional information about the disease, resources and support can be accessed through the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at cpff.ca.
About Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche) Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Roche Canada was founded in 1931. The company employs over 1,000 people across the country, with its pharmaceuticals head office located in Mississauga, Ontario, and diagnostics division based in Laval, Quebec. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities, investing in charitable organizations and partnering with healthcare institutions across the country. For more information, visit www.rochecanada.com.
3 Hopkins RB, Burke N, Fell C, Dion G, Kolb M. Epidemiology and survival of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from national data in Canada. European Respiratory Journal, 2016;48(1):187-195.
4 Hewson T, McKeever TM, Gibson JE, Navaratnam V, Hubbard RB, Hutchinson JP. Timing of onset of symptoms in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Thorax. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-210177
10 Lindell KO, Liang Z, Hoffman LA, Rosenzweig MQ, Saul MI, Pilewski JM, Gibson KF, Kaminski N. Palliative care and location of death in decedents with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. CHEST, 2014. Doi: 10.1378/chest.14-1127
11 Tarride JE, Hopkins RB, Burke N, Guertin JR, O'Reilly D, Fell CD, Dion G, Kolb M. Clinical and economic burden of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Quebec, Canada. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 2018;10:127-137.
13 Hopkins RB, Burke N, Fell C, Dion G, Kolb M. Epidemiology and survival of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from national data in Canada. European Respiratory Journal, 2016;48(1):187-195.
15 Olson AL, Swigris JJ, Lezotte DC, Norris JM, Wilson CG, Brown KK. Mortality from pulmonary fibrosis increased in the United States from 1992 to 2003. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2007;176(3):277-284.
16Lee AS, Mira-Avendano I, Ryu JH, Daniels CE. The burden of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An unmet public health need. Respiratory Medicine, 2014;108(7):955-967.
SOURCE Roche Canada
PEAR Sports Receives Phase I Contract from the United States Department of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
PEAR to Now Pursue a Phase II Contract for Up to $1.5 Million in Matching Funds to Provide A Custom Digital Fitness Program for Airmen Physical Training and Readiness
NEWPORT BEACH, CA -- November 20, 2019 - PEAR Sports, creators of the PEAR Health & Fitness Platform that delivers digital smart coaching technology, today announced it was awarded a Phase I SBIR contract to investigate how the PEAR Coaching Platform can be used to solve some of the Air Force fitness readiness challenges. The PEAR Coaching Platform is a customized solution for building and delivering dynamic, on-demand coaching and workout sessions through its app and online portal.
Over 63% of Air Force service members are considered overweight or obese. That’s according to a 2018 RAND report that surveyed 18,000 participants across each military service branch. Furthermore, as of March 2019, over 6,000 active duty Airmen had failed their physical fitness tests, and many more are at risk of failing. It is very costly for the Air Force to discharge well trained, technically proficient Airmen for failing to meet physical fitness standards. At this time, the Air Force does not have a universally adopted exercise program that coaches Airmen about how to exercise safely and effectively to achieve results.
According to Lt. Col Adam T. Keith, Director of Operations for the 1st Operations Support Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis VA, “Large squadrons at Langley Air Force Base need to improve group physical training knowledge and resources in order to maintain unit readiness. This is not a problem local to my squadron, but one that is shared with every large unit that takes fitness seriously. As leaders, we have a responsibility to give our Airmen the tools to maintain physical fitness standards for the Air Force and for their own well-being.”
The PEAR Coaching Platform being offered to the Air Force is based on 25 years of science and experience working with thousands of athletes, and it was developed through commercial partnerships with companies like Samsung, Life Fitness, Bose and TRX. When implemented, Air Force Fitness Facilitators will simply assign access to the coaching system, and the PEAR AI Coach will create a personalized training plan based on each individual Airman’s profile. The patented AI software platform takes a 360-degree view using multiple context readings to provide adaptive workouts for each individual that delivers faster results and at a lower cost to the Air Force.
Janet Gund, Health Promotion Coordinator, USAF 11th Wing, Washington’s National Capital Region (NCR), said, “We are very encouraged at the prospect of deploying the PEAR Coaching System to provide an effective, smart digital coaching solution to address the 11th Wing fitness initiatives. It is exciting to pilot a program that uses artificial intelligence to achieve optimal results for both individual and group exercise regimens to improve Airmen readiness and overall fitness measures.”
After meeting with Air Force leaders in June, Tom Davin, PEAR Sports Board Director and a former US Marine Corps Infantry Officer, Reconnaissance company commander and tactics instructor, said, “It is clear that the Air Force has an immediate need for a proven solution that will allow Air Force end-users to build and deliver customized digital fitness training programs for individuals and groups. We are excited about the interest that has been shown in the PEAR Coaching Platform, and we look forward to demonstrating the benefit of our solution to improve Airmen fitness and readiness.”
Phase II of the program provides 1-1 matching funds on private investments and 2-1 on government investments up to $1.5M. This award also establishes the company as “sole source eligible”, allowing for easier contracting within the military. More information about the SBIR program can be found at https://www.afwerx.af.mil/sbir.html.
About PEAR Sports
PEAR Sports is perfecting the personalized delivery of digital health, wellness and fitness programs. Our platform and solutions deliver smarter customized coaching that creates great experiences for users and enterprises. For more information, visit www.pearsports.com.
About Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX
AFRL and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research process in an attempt to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Beginning in SBIR 18.2, and now in 19.2, the Air Force has begun offering “Special” SBIR topics that are faster, leaner and open to a broader range of innovations.
Psychiatrists, Impeachment, and Justice
by: Jane M. Orient, M.D.
After a period of silence, Dr. Bandy Lee and her committee of mental-health “experts” have again burst onto the scene, angling to participate in the impeachment of President Trump. They are defying the Goldwater Rule, which holds that it is unethical for physicians to diagnose patients they have not personally examined. They claim that President Trump is a such a serious threat to the nation that they are allowed to violate rules.
“We don’t believe there is the need for any further evaluation, and we are making ourselves available for the impeachment hearing because we believe that mental health issues will become critical as pressures from the impeachment hearings mount,” Dr. Lee told the Washington Examiner. “In other words, the more successful the impeachment proceedings become, the more dangerous the psychological factors of the president will become.”
Obviously, the thing to do is to increase the psychological pressure on a person you declare to be unstable.
Dr. Lee’s “medical assessment” of the President’s “mental capacity to fulfill the duties of his office” includes the examination of tweets, public appearances, and the 448-page Mueller report. “There is very little that a personal examination will add,” Lee said.
She denies that she is actually making a diagnosis. Indeed, “unfitness for office” is an opinion, a conclusion that is not in the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of currently defined psychiatric diagnoses.
Regardless of one’s opinion about President Trump, this self-appointed “Independent Expert Panel for Presidential Fitness” should concern all Americans. Where does a group of academic experts get the ability or the authority to determine whether the President is “capable of keeping the country safe”?
The U.S. Constitution provides several methods of “regime change,” which is what Congressional Democrats, the mainstream news media, and this Panel seem
determined to achieve. The first is elections. In 2016, Americans voted for a change from the policies of Obama and Clinton and the imbedded bureaucracy. Ever since then, the losers have been seeking to nullify this result. Attacks on the President by the press have been unrelenting. Unlike Abraham Lincoln or Woodrow Wilson, this President has not imprisoned any journalists or shut down any newspapers. But he does make sarcastic remarks—and his opponents would like to deny him the forum of social media.
Second is the 25th Amendment, which provides for the removal of a President for incapacity. This might have removed Woodrow Wilson after a devastating stroke had it been in existence at the time. It requires action by the Vice President and a majority of executive officers or a body appointed by Congress—not a few activist academics. This has so far been a non-starter.
Finally, there is impeachment, for “high crimes and misdemeanors.” In American jurisprudence, proceedings are supposed to be triggered by a crime—not by the Soviet KGB method of “show me the man, and I will name his crime.” Or worse, “KGB Plus”—show me the man, and I will invent his crime.
In a world where there are so many ever-changing rules that everyone might be inadvertently committing “three felonies a day,” anyone could be prosecuted. But one is at least supposed to have certain rights: confronting the accuser, assistance of counsel, access to all the evidence, the right to call and cross-examine witnesses. And knowing exactly what the charges are.
Why should psychiatrists be intruding themselves into this legal process? Are there Thought Crimes that they have a special ability to discern?
Ordinary Americans should be very concerned. If this can happen to the President, it can happen to them. And it does.
One alarming example is the “fitness for duty” evaluations to which physicians may be subjected by people who for some reason want to destroy them. There are virtually no due-process rights. The examiner has the status of a physician, but no obligation to act in the “patient’s” (target’s) best interest. Some psychiatrists may presume to have god-like power to judge a person’s emotions, intentions, and capacity—asserted in the name of safety or “security.” “Red flag” laws are another example.
President Trump may be right in saying: “They’re not coming for me. They are coming for you. I’m just in the way.”
Bandy Lee and associates are showing us a method to remove undesirables if legal process fails.
###
Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. She completed an internal medicine residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals and then became an Instructor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a staff physician at the Tucson Veterans Administration Hospital. She has been in solo private practice since 1981 and has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) since 1989. She is currently president of Doctors for Disaster Preparedness. She is the author of YOUR Doctor Is Not In: Healthy Skepticism about National Healthcare, and the second through fifth editions of Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis published by Wolters Kluwer. She authored books for schoolchildren, Professor Klugimkopf’s Old-Fashioned English Grammar and Professor Klugimkopf’s Spelling Method,published by Robinson Books, and coauthored two novels published as Kindle books, Neomorts and Moonshine. More than 100 of her papers have been published in the scientific and popular literature on a variety of subjects including risk assessment, natural and technological hazards and nonhazards, and medical economics and ethics. She is the editor of AAPS News, the Doctors for Disaster Preparedness Newsletter, and Civil Defense Perspectives, and is the managing editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.Unsubscribe
Homewood Health Centre Appoints New Chief of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Yelena Chorny
Award-winning physician to guide Canada's leading addiction treatment program
GUELPH, ON, Nov. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Dr. Yelena Chorny, a member of the Homewood Health team since 2014, is the new Chief of Addiction Medicine at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, Ontario. She joins the senior management team at Homewood Health Centre and assumes the leadership role for an addiction medicine program that has been at the heart of Homewood's mission since it opened its doors in 1883. Chorny will also continue to practice medicine across the Homewood organization as well as continue seeing her own patients.
"After working with Dr. Chorny for the last half-decade, it was clear that a leadership role like this was inevitable for her," says Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health Inc. and Homewood Health Centre. "She's one of Canada's rising stars in addiction medicine."
Previously a staff physician at Homewood Health Centre's inpatient Addiction Medicine Service and the lead physician for the Rapid Access Addiction Clinics in Waterloo-Wellington, Chorny is certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. She received the 2018 Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada for her role in developing community-based addiction medicine services in Guelph.
"This new role is a real privilege," says Chorny. "I am proud to be part of Homewood's addiction medicine service, which is made up of truly dedicated and caring professionals. I hope to support the team so that they can focus on what they do best- helping as many people as possible get back to being their best selves." An adjunct assistant clinical professor with the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University, Chorny will continue Homewood's emphasis on research and education in concert with clinical care. "I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues inside and outside Homewood to continuously develop and optimize treatment approaches and to prepare the next generation of addiction medicine specialists."
Before joining Homewood Health Centre, Chorny served as a family physician and addiction medicine physician in Toronto, Guelph, Sioux Lookout and Cat Lake First Nation. She is currently a member of the Alcohol Use Disorder Quality Standards Advisory Committee for Health Quality Ontario and of the Addiction Medicine Program Committee of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
About Homewood Health Centre Homewood Health is the Canadian leader in mental health and addiction services. With more than 135 years of experience, Homewood achieves outstanding outcomes through its national network of more than 4,500 employees and clinical experts. The Homewood Health Centre in Guelph is one of Canada's largest and leading facilities for medical treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. Homewood Health is redefining mental health and addiction services to help Canadians live healthier, more productive and more fulfilling lives.
SOURCE Homewood Health Inc.
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