U.S. Military Gains Quicker Access to Migraine Relief through FDA-Cleared CEFALY Technology
A new partnership between CEFALY Technology and QB Medical puts wearable medical devices in the hands of health care providers and grants active military immediate relief from migraine headaches
NEW YORK, November 5, 2019 _ Move over lengthy approval process, a new partnership between CEFALY Technology and QB Medical, Inc. means waiting for migraine relief will be quicker, and less of a headache for active military and their dependents.
“We are excited to team up with QB Medical and help active military and their dependents more easily findmigraine relief,” said Jennifer Trainor-McDermott, CEO with CEFALY Technology. “It’s an honor to be able to offer these brave men and women less obstacles on their path to recovery.”
Prior to the partnership, active military and their dependents, had to navigate a lengthy approval process to obtain a device through TRICARE, a health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. From start-to-finish, a service member could be looking at several weeks of potential migraines before receiving their CEFALY device. Under the new partnership, health care providers will have the ability to have inventory on hand to provide patients’ during their scheduled appointments.
“This is a big difference that will be felt immediately among soldiers seeking help from migraine headache,” said Shawn Nelson, CEO with QB Medical, Inc., who completed his service as a healthcare provider for the US Navy and later started his Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). “The CEFALY device has proven to be instrumental to soldiers, particularly those that have to be careful what medications they consume or who simply cannot tolerate more drugs in their system.”
The CEFALY device is the first FDA-cleared medical technology of its kind for the treatment of migraine headaches. It is a non-invasive device placed on the forehead that uses two distinct programs (ACUTE and PREVENT) to stimulate and desensitize the area research identifies as a center for migraine pain, the Trigeminal nerve. Since CEFALY is not a drug, it can be used with an existing treatment or as a standalone option. Patients who use the device consistently show a decrease in migraine days and in intake of migraine medication.
It’s estimated that about one-third of returning soldiers have migraine pain in the first months after coming home, per the American Migraine Foundation1; and yet studies repeatedly show the condition is frequently underdiagnosed. In 2017, there were more than 15,000 active-duty soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center2, which is the Defense Department’s office of responsibility for tracking TBI data in the U.S. military. So far for 2018, more than of 3,600 cases of TBI have been reported for the first quarter3. Headache is one of the most common symptoms after TBI.
About CEFALY Technology
CEFALY Technology is a Belgium-based company, with US offices based in Wilton, Connecticut, specializing in electronics for medical applications. It has developed external cranial stimulation technology for applications in the field of neurology; in particular for treating migraines. For more information, visit https://www.cefaly.us.
About QB Medical
QB Medical, Inc. is a medical supply distributor located in Chula Vista, Ca. Founded in 2005, QB Medical services over 100 government-funded medical centers. QB Medical is passionate about discovering the most effective medical products for our military service members, veterans, government healthcare providers and patients. For more information, visit https://www.qbmedical.com.
TIPS TO BUST BURNOUT & BOOST ENERGY BEFORE, DURING, & AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
Holistic Nurse Shares How to Feel Your Best During the Season of Giving'Tis the season for family, friends, and....festive burnout!Officially classified as a medical condition earlier this year by the WHO, burnout is a growing mental health problem in America and it affects more people during the holidays than at any other time of year. It's understandable why our energy levels are depleted. The holidays bring an overwhelming array of seasonal demands (from shopping, baking, decorating, and entertaining, to traveling and excessive eating and drinking.) After the holidays we feel mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. But for many, the holiday blues peak even sooner. A survey from last year shows one in three Americans experience ‘Festive Burnout’ before Christmas even comes! According to Burnout expert Jennifer Marcenelle, it takes a concerted effort to replenish your energy this time of year but it is vital in order to avoid burnout."Burnout is a huge mental health problem this time of year and it needs to be taken seriously because it can lead to an assortment of health and wellness issues...." ...says Jennifer Marcenelle who has dedicated her career to combating the burnout epidemic. The term burnout is tossed around so casually today, it is difficult to know where normal stress stops and where burnout begins. It's true that the holidays bring on a number of festive commitments. We are all stressed. We are all tired, and we are all trying to balance our time against a growing to-do list. According to Jennifer, this is how burnout begins. It creeps in slowly and undetected. By recognizing the earliest warning signs and by replenishing your energy, it is preventable. We all know diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration are paramount to health. During the season of eating, moderation is key. It is important to balance indulgences with a bit of physical activity, nutritious food, and a lot of water. Fueling your body with fresh whole food will fuel your energy and it might sound counterintuitive, but expending energy through exercise will too. Avoiding burnout also starts with mindfulness. Taking a few minutes out of your day to clarify your intentions and be in the moment are helpful. Jennifer is also an advocate of other holistic techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and Gemstone and Diamond therapy. "The holidays are an opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and friends but if you are burned out, no one wins. With so many things depleting your energy it is important that you take time to recharge so you can sustain mental and physical health..."...says Marcenelle whose firsthand exposure to the day-to-day stresses of critical care nursing opened her eyes to the burnout epidemic that ravages Americans. As a result, she experienced personal, professional and spiritual burnout, and after a near-suicide, she became her own critical care patient. Now she is on a mission to help others take their life back from burnout. Jennifer Marcenelle is urging awareness for mental and emotional health. She is sharing tips and actionable advice people can use to avoid and combat festive burnout, improve mental wellness, and have a happier, healthier holiday.IN AN INTERVIEW OR ARTICLE JENNIFER MARCENELLE CAN DISCUSS:Insight and actionable advice people can use to avoid and combat burnout during the holidaysWarning signs of burnout and the difference between normal stress and a serious problemTips for improving mental, physical and emotional health during the holidaysMulti-dimensional holistic solutions for stress and anxietySeasonal strategies for burnout ABOUT JENNIFER MARCENELLE: Jennifer Marcenelle MBA, BSN, RN, HBC-HN is a Board-Certified Holistic Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical industry. She currently holds degrees in nursing and business, with a specialization in Holistic Healing for burnout. As an energy medicine practitioner and the Founder and CEO of Burn Bright Today, she helps people improve mental wellness and recover from burnout and other challenges. A certified Gemstone and Diamond Therapy Practitioner, Marcenelle has dedicated her career to helping people move from Burning Out to Burning Bright.For More Information Visit:https://burnbrighttoday.com
Christie Innomed and Hitachi Healthcare Americas Announce Exclusive, Strategic Partnership
Through this alliance, Christie Innomed expands its imaging portfolio to become a key player in the ultrasound market and a premier destination for medical imaging solutions across the country.
MONTREAL, Nov. 1, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Christie Innomed is appointed by Hitachi Healthcare Americas as the exclusive nationwide distributor for its diagnostic and surgical ultrasound imaging systems in Canada. Together with its multivendor experience servicing ultrasound, Christie Innomed now becomes more than ever a true, one-stop, independent resource for Canadian healthcare facilities.
"Christie Innomed's long-standing experience in diagnostic imaging sales, technical service and clinical support makes them the ideal partner to grow our market share in Canada." said John Waddell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Hitachi Healthcare Americas. "Moreover, both our companies share the same patient-centric approach and customer-first philosophy, ensuring customers will receive expert support and service, as well as great customer care".
"We are proud to partner with Hitachi Healthcare Americas," said Martin Roy, President and CEO, Christie Innomed. "Hitachi is a recognized pioneer in the ultrasound industry and has advanced the standard of real time imaging by developing cutting-edge ultrasound technology to meet the needs of every user— from innovative transducer design, high-performance consoles to advanced clinical applications. The addition of the Hitachi ultrasound systems to our current portfolio fits well with our mission to offer the best-of-breed technologies to the medical community so they can deliver the best patient care possible."
Among the offerings Christie Innomed will make available throughout Canada is the latest Arietta 850 system, which features breakthrough wide-broadband 4G CMUT transducer performance and new eFocusing transmission and reception technology that enhance the ultrasound image, allowing healthcare providers to see more clinical detail. The platform also features a robust set of applications ranging from radiology and general imaging, to obstetrics, gynecology (OB/GYN), and expanding clinical versatility. Christie Innomed plans to market the system as a primary model for premium shared-service ultrasound diagnostic systems.
Current state-of-the-art ultrasound solutions from Christie Innomed will be demonstrated at the upcoming Société de Radiologie du Québec 2019 (SRQ 2019) annual meeting in Montreal on November 1-3, 2019 and at Radiological Society of North America (RSNA 2019) in Chicago on December 1-6 2019. To learn more about Hitachi's Ultrasound products visit Christie Innomed at the SRQ annual conference or Hitachi Medical Systems at RSNA booth # 1911 South Hall.
Not attending SRQ or RSNA? Contact Christie Innomed for a demo!
About Christie Innomed
Christie Innomed develops, distributes, integrates and supports medical equipment and software solutions to improve the performance of Canadian healthcare institutions.
Founded in 1954, Christie Innomed is a leader in offering best-in-class, innovative Medical Imaging solutions and in managing the lifecycle of a full range of technology assets for over 1,500 hospitals and clinics.
With more than 250 experts providing vendor-agnostic sales and service from seven locations nationwide, Christie Innomed empowers facilities across Canada to achieve greater efficiencies and deliver more reliable patient care.
Hitachi Healthcare Americas delivers best in class medical imaging technologies for healthcare providers. Hitachi's MRI, CT and Ultrasound along with Agfa HealthCare's Digital Radiology provide speed, comfort and quality for both physicians and patients and play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease while driving social innovation into healthcare. Hitachi's VidiStar image and reporting platform enables healthcare professionals to create value-based reports leveraging a cloud-based image management and analytics platform for improved communication across the healthcare organization. Physicians can grow their business into pediatrics, orthopedics and other unique patient populations while exploring new areas to compete. With an optimized and patient centric approach healthcare providers can deliver strong value into their communities and Hitachi will be there to support them. Our customer first philosophy compels us to make customer support one of the most important things we do. Innovating Healthcare, Embracing the Future.
Having friends, coworkers, or family members participate in a walk to raise money for a cause is an awesome experience. It truly allows you to see the difference that teamwork can make in your local community. If you want to motivate a group for an upcoming walkathon, here are some stellar ways to do so.
Inform Them About the Cause
We all like to know the reason behind why we’re doing something. It helps us to stir up passion inside to perform at our best. Take some time to learn about what the fundraiser is for and try to present it in a way that provokes emotion in your group members. For example, if the walkathon is for children with cancer, then schedule a time for your group members to go visit the kids that they’ll be helping.
Get Custom Apparel
One great way to help your group feel more like a team is to have custom team logo apparelmade. It will make each member feel special and as if they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. It doesn’t matter if you have custom t-shirts, hats, or hoodies. Just have some sort of team apparel that will make your group unique.
Make It A Competition
You should sit down with your group members and decide on a fundraising goal. Competition is a great way to bring your group members into the walkathon ready to make a difference. Set a specified amount of money that your group wants to receive for the charity during the walkathon. Once you get a goal set, you may be surprised at just how many of your group members will come up with friends or acquaintances that will donate more money to the cause.
Offer Incentives
You can opt for offering incentives to the various group members as an extra push to get them motivated for your upcoming walkathon. Incentives can be given for those who come up with the monetary supports or something alike. You can make these a cash prize, a customized logo shirt, or something that will make your group members want to work hard to receive it.
When it comes to prepping your group for a walkathon, motivation is one area you cannot leave out. The more motivated you can get your team, the more fundraising they’re going to do. The above are just four of many ways you can choose to employ to motivate your walkathon group today.
Life hacks, DIY tricks, and at home devices that are meant to “mimic the effects of in-office skin care treatments are all the rage right now. They are posted on Instagram, YouTube, and all over the Internet. While some are very constructive and budget-friendly, others are ineffective or downright dangerous. We asked Dr. Gretchen Frieling, who is a Boston area Dermatopathologist, to highlight several highly publicized methods that should bear the warning, “don’t try this at home.”
Dermaplaning- Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin. The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles and deep acne scarring, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth. It usesan exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.
The Risks- Anecdotally, the risk of infection, complications, and experiencing pain during home dermaplaning is higher when you do it yourself. “If you have acne, there is a chance that the blade could nick a pimple,” says Dr. Frieling which means it would take longer to heal. In addition, the tool used for dermaplaning is not a safety razor like what we ladies shave with. The device or tool used to accomplish the dermaplaning on the face is made of a sharp blade with a handle or wand.
At home “Derma-Rollers” for MicroNeedling” Aestheticians and dermatologists use derma rollers on clients to increase elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and help with discoloration. Professional treatment can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per session. According to Marketwatch, “A trend report for 2018 from lifestyle site Pinterest says it’s seen a 345% increase in posts for the “derma-roller” over the past year.” Dr. Frieling is not in favor of using the tools at home because, “the needles aren’t big enough to penetrate the proper holes into the skin, so you’re essentially damaging your face for no reason. And without proper sterilization, derma rollers can harbor harmful bacteria causing infections, breakouts, and can trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, which causes redness and bumps on the face; eczema, itchy inflammation spots; and brown patches on the skin.”
Injecting Botox or other “Black Market” Filler into Your Face- First, even if you were able to get your hands on “real” Botox or filler such as Juvederm or Restylane® it’s almost like putting a firearm in the hands of someone untrained at shooting. There is no safe way to give yourself Botox. You can’t trust what you’re buying, and even if you could, no amount of YouTube-ing will ever adequately teach you the skills you need to inject it. First, you need to know where to inject the substance. The answer is not to point the needle at the fine lines. After all, you’re relaxing muscles, not filling in wrinkles. Injecting Botox requires an understanding of facial muscles. You need to know which muscles should be relaxed for the desired results and where to target them. Second, you need to know how deeply to insert the needle and how much of the mixed substance you should apply in any given location.
Incorrect injection practices can lead to a host of complications, including eyelid drooping (ptosis), excessive swelling, excessive bruising, and a greater risk of infection. In fact, the infection may become so severe that it becomes a staph infection, an infection that spreads throughout the body and causes a variety of diseases. In any case, recovery will be longer, and the results may not be what you intended.
Lip Plumper Suction Devices- We have Kylie Jenner to thank for these! They aremuch less expensive than filler in the lips but with a far shorter shelf life. Dr. Frieling’s verdict: “Overuse of suction cup lip plumpers can cause misalignment of the teeth due to the outward pressure of the suction. Devices such as these can also cause swelling and bruising of the lips (and sometimes permanent scarring) when used excessively. The advice is to use these devices sensibly and with caution.”
At home acne extractors- The county has become obsessed with popping pimples thanks in part to the success of the TV show “Dr. Pimple Popper.” Acne extractors sold online, and people are using them at home. But should they? Picking causes scars or scabs by ripping off the top layer of skin, whereas extracting by a professional pulls out the fluids or solids inside a pimple. It's far more sterile, sanitary, and cleans the pore of the extra debris. Why can’t you simply do this yourself? Acne extraction, be it white or blackheads, is a ‘don’t try this at home procedure.’ It’s a one-way ticket to scarring, infection and even more breakouts. Only through a professional facial will your skin be prepped and steamed correctly for extractions – by the hands of a trained, licensed esthetician. Skin that has not been adequately prepped for extractions may be resistant, requiring more pressure and manipulation. If used too aggressively, the pressure of the extractor tool can inflame and even bruise the skin. Additionally, a skin care professional is well-practiced in gentle and efficient movements to maximize results while minimizing potential harm.
Cuticle Cutters-Trimming or cutting cuticles during a manicure is purely cosmetic and doesn't benefit the nail in any way. In fact, it's actually harmful to your nails. “The small area of skin is there to protect your nails from infection. When this skin is removed, your nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Dr. Frieling recommends pushing back the cuticles by applying cuticle remover on each nail.
Chemical Peels- Chemical peels are designed to work by removing part of the top layer of skin to reveal fresher skin for a more youthful appearance. Many products containing low concentrations of acid are sold through beauty retailers and drug stores and are often safe to use. People also are treated with peels using a higher concentration at medi-spas or doctor’s offices. When it comes to alpha hydroxy acids or (AHAs) like salicylic and glycolic acids, a concentration of 10 percent or less is safe for home, and more than 30 percent should be reserved for a professional environment, according to a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel. Like many substances, illegal concentrations of chemical peels can be purchased online for substantially less than they would cost in a doctor’s office. But what price do you pay for a “bargain?” According to Dr. Frieling, “the dangers of experimenting with a medical grade peel at home are numerous and can include: extreme pain in the form of stinging, actual burns to the skin, blistering, scarring, changes in skin color, infection.” What’s more, a skin care professional will determine if you are even a candidate for a chemical peel and possibly rule you out if you have taken the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months, have a dark complexion, have a personal history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids), have abnormal skin pigmentation, have a history of frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores.
Dr. Frieling says that there are worthwhile “skin care hacks,” DIY recipes for the skin, and some at home devices that are safe and effective. Before buying into the latest Instagram sensation, consult with your doctor first to make sure that you are a good candidate and that what you are considering is safe and effective.
Board Certified Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling
Dr. Frieling is a medical doctor with over 10 years of experience as a leader the Dermatopathology field. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable, ‘show-stopping’ results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Dr. Frieling has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and re-establishing volume. She will listen to your requests and concerns. She will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She is never in a rush and will spend as much time as you desire to discuss these options.
After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.
In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.
Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!
Board Certified Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling
Dr. Frieling is a medical doctor with over 10 years of experience as a leader in the Dermatology and Pathology fields. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable, ‘show-stopping’ results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Gretchen has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and re-establishing volume. She will listen to your requests and concerns. She will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She is never in a rush and will spend as much time as you desire to discuss these options.
After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.
In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.
Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!
Your Ultimate Winter Wellness Retreats for Christmas and New Year
Winter is coming. Our 50° to 59° latitude mean long dark nights and cold wet climates which seep into our bones, but it’s not all doom and gloom, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has the panacea. From safari adventures in South Africa and spiritual healing on the tropical island of Bali, to candle-lit treatments in Puglia and tropical hiking in Costa Rica, discover where to head this winter for a wellness retreat during the Christmas and New Year period. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, zen yogi, or spiritual gansta, ditch the ordinary, take time-out from the traditional and head wherever your wellness whims take you. With a host of exotic locations for you to visit, let’s beat those winter blues and give yourself or your loved ones the gift of well-being with these healthy holidays.
Take a break from your frantic Christmas preparations and enter the jungle sheathed paradise in Bali. Don’t start the new year frazzled, instead, welcome 2020 radiant with this rejuvenation programme that combines holistic spa therapies and sustaining nutrition to help you reclaim your natural glow. Sit back, relax and let COMO’s signature treatments work its wonders. With specialised consultations, you won’t be leaving empty handed—you’ll return home with the right tools for a new and healthy beginning.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at COMO Shambhala Estate from £3,920pp or £5,445 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Swap tradition for something more memorable this year. Journey to South Africa for a one of a kind ‘spafari’ experience set in a beautiful 3,500-hectare nature reserve. When you’re not out spotting diverse wildlife or afoot cascading waterfalls, spoil yourself with an unlimited selection of daily spa treatments including body scrubs, facials, herbal baths and massages. Here, there are no schedules to contend with, so you can enjoy every offering at your own pace, whether it be relaxing at the spa, going on private safari tours or celebrating with delectable healthy cuisine.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Karkloof Safari Villas from £4,335pp or £5,665 for single occupancy. Price is all-inclusive, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
What better way to transition through the end of the decade than with a reinvigorating cleanse? Give your body and mind the gift of replenishment with a detox retreat set in the coastal town of Estoril. This programme combines bespoke nutrition to amend your dietary habits and specialist spa treatments to further enhance your body’s natural cleansing process and reduce mental clutter. On top of your daily detox juice, enjoy holistic activities including sunrise yoga and fresh morning walks along the beautiful Estoril coast.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Palacio Estoril from £1,200pp or £1,575 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing wellness getaway that includes everything from fitness, nutrition and mindfulness, this retreat has you covered. No experience is the same in this tropical infused programme, tailored for everyone’s goals and perfect for a flexible transition to an effective lifestyle change. Following an active cleanse and food-as-medicine philosophy, the retreat champions the power of movement to help you lead a healthier life. Guests can choose to be as active as they wish with a multitude of fitness classes or as relaxed with massage treatments, meditation and mindfulness workshops.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Phuket Cleanse from £1,625pp or £2,165 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
With all the Christmas treats up for grabs, it’s harder to keep your diet on track. Beat the Santa belly this festive season with a weight management retreat at this luxury wellness hideaway in South Africa where game drives and detoxing are not mutually exclusive. The programme is designed to improve your metabolism using specialist detox treatments and bespoke nutrition. It also aims to correct eating habits by working through your emotional triggers on lifestyle and nutrition workshops, giving you the right tools to continue your weight-loss journey long after your stay.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Phuket Cleanse from £3,280pp or £3,905 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
A million miles away from the classic white (or let’s be honest with ourselves, grey) Christmas in the UK, Oman offers warmer weather, private sandy beaches and spectacular mountain views. With customised training, the functional fitness programme focuses and delivers on personal goals whether it be toning, fitness, strength or flexibility. Enjoy an array of exhilarating experiences as you swap the daytime TV for trekking and tandem paragliding, then bring the New Year in in style with a chartered yacht or sunset cruise for the winter holiday of your dreams.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from £4,350pp or £7,370 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Set in a rural castle in beautiful Puglia, Italy, this decadent retreat finds itself quietly removed from the frantic buzz of city life. Experience wellness in the lap of luxury with private fitness sessions, lavish spa treatments and a healthy gastronomy for the senses. Following a holistic approach, indulge in an extensive list of natural body care therapies to soothe you into deep relaxation. Candle-lit walkways spread throughout the grounds, multiple restaurants suit any taste buds and an array of health and wellness facilities accommodate a wealth of complimentary activities.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £2,415pp or £3,475 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
A luxury hotel turned dedicated wellness resort, Amatara has become a benchmark for luxury wellness in Phuket over the years. Set atop a cliff overlooking Cape Panwa, almost every corner of the retreat is bound to jaw-dropping ocean views and extraordinary sunsets. De-stress in the most idyllic surroundings while sampling a range of relaxing spa therapies, including the world’s first Thai Hammam. Backed by ‘wellness cuisine’ and a variety of functional fitness activities, it’s the ideal healthy break that checks all your boxes.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Amatara from £2,320pp or £2,810 for single occupancy. Price includes full-board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Give yourself the gift of winter wellness this festive season during a holiday of yuletide yoga in India. With private yoga sessions tailored to suit your goals and skills, this specialist yoga retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis alike. Including instruction in asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing) and meditation, start your New Year feeling physically renewed and mentally inspired. As well as daily yoga practice, allow your body to be nurtured with personalised Ayurvedic spa therapies and nutritious, organic cuisine from the on-site farm.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Atmantan from £2,815pp or £3,780 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, full board, a Yoga programme and transfers.
Reconnect in Costa Rica this winter on a holistic holiday, set upon a quartz mountain with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. Reduce stress with The Retreat’s organic farm-to-spa therapies and regain the balance of a healthier lifestyle with nutritionally dense, clean cuisine. Begin Christmas Day with a reviving yoga session and forest hike, before swapping the traditional turkey for a superfood smoothie and fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Enjoy a healthier, more relaxing winter holiday, where spiritual connectedness, healthy living and self-care are the ultimate focus.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at The Retreat from £1,270pp or £1,840 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and transfers.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph and Adam Heathcote as a result of their passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.
Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™ BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com
Cocktail proves toxic to leukemia cells Rice University, MD Anderson research points toward better personalized therapy
HOUSTON – (Oct. 31, 2019) – A combination of drugs that affect mitochondria — the power plants inside cells — may become the best weapons yet to fight acute myeloid leukemia, according to Rice University researchers.
A study led by Rice bioscientist Natasha Kirienko and postdoctoral researcher Svetlana Panina found that mitocans, anti-cancer drugs that target mitochondria, are particularly adept at killing leukemia cells, especially when combined with a glycolytic inhibitor, while leaving healthy blood cells in the same sample largely unaffected.
Their open access paper, a collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, appears in the Nature journal Cell Death & Disease. The research could lead to new ways to personalize treatment for patients with leukemia.
“We started with the idea of finding an underlying connection between types of cancer and their sensitivity to specific kinds of chemotherapeutics, mitochondria-targeting drugs,” Kirienko said. “Our bioinformatic analysis, which included 60 cell lines from nine different cancer types, showed that leukemia cells are particularly sensitive to mitochondrial damage.”
The researchers exposed the cell lines to multiple known mitocan molecules. They found low doses of a mitocan/glycolytic inhibitor cocktail killed all of the leukemia cell lines they tested at concentrations lower than what was necessary to kill healthy cells. Conversely, they reported that solid tumor cells, like ovarian cancers, proved highly resistant to mitocans. Glioblastoma cells were sensitive to mitocans, but unfortunately more resistant than healthy blood cells.
In their best experimental results, 86% of targeted leukemia cells were killed, compared to only 30% of healthy blood cells. “A number of drugs currently used in the clinic have some cancer preference, but here we're talking about a five-fold difference in survival,” Kirienko said.
The researchers also showed a significant correlation between how efficiently mitochondria can turn energy from incoming oxygen into useful adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and how resistant they are to treatment.
“The more efficient they are, the more resistant they will be to mitochondria-targeting drugs,” Kirienko said. “If this holds true, doctors can perform a relatively simple test of this specific parameter of mitochondrial health from a patient's sample and predict whether the treatment would be effective.”
Panina said computational models led them to think the glycolysis pathway could be enlisted to help mitocans. “Glycolysis also provides ATP, so targeting that will decrease energy as well as block the precursor for energy production in mitochondria, which mitocans will exacerbate further,” she said. “It led us to believe this combination would have a synergistic effect.
“Cancer cells are usually more metabolically active than normal cells, so we predicted that they be might be more sensitive to this combined strike, and they are,” Panina said.
Kirienko said a presentation of the research she and Panina gave at MD Anderson’s recent Metabolism in Cancer Symposium drew a large response. “People were very interested, and they immediately started asking, ‘Did you test my favorite drug or combination?’ and ‘Are you going to test it in a wider panel of cancers?’”
That work is well underway, Panina said. “We’re currently doing high-throughput screening of these potential synergistic drug combinations against leukemia cells,” she said. “We’ve gone through 36 combinations so far, building landscapes for each one.”
“And we found some that are more effective than what's reported in this paper,” Kirienko added. “But we’ve also found some that are antagonistic — two drugs that negate each other’s effects — so it's also important to know what therapeutic cocktails should not go together.”
Co-authors of the paper are postdoctoral fellow Natalia Baran; Marina Konopleva, a physician-scientist and professor in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson; and Rice graduate student Fabio Brasil da Costa. Kirienko is an assistant professor of biosciences.
The Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, the Welch Foundation and the National Institutes of Health supported the research.
Microscope images taken at Rice University show acute myeloid leukemia cells before (top) and after treatment with a combination of a mitocan cancer drug and a glycolytic inhibitor at concentrations lower than what was necessary to kill healthy cells. Two dyes were used to stain the cells: Blue dye stained all of the cancer cells while a red dye stained only dead cells, which show up as purple in the bottom image. (Credit: Kirienko Lab/Rice University)
Rice University bioscientists Natasha Kirienko, left, and Svetlana Panina found a cocktail of cancer-fighting mitocan molecules and a glycolytic inhibitor is effective at fighting acute myeloid leukemia. The discovery could lead to better personalized treatment of the disease. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 4 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
Two weeks remaining for 2020 Commonwealth Youth Awards entries
31 October 2019For immediate releaseYoung people wishing to apply for the 2020 Commonwealth Youth Awards have two weeks left to submit their entries. The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work are free to enter and recognise exceptional young people in the Commonwealth who are making a difference in their communities through development work. Entries must show the tangible impact of the work linking to one of the 17 sustainable development goals. Winners will be selected based on the impact, sustainability, and level of innovation in their work.Layne Robinson, the Commonwealth’s Head of Social Policy Development, said: “We extended the deadline to midnight on 14 November 2019 in response to the high demand and interest shown by young people. The extension will give them more time to prepare their application that will reflect their amazing work.“Our young people have creative ideas, passion for the communities and a commitment to making a difference. These awards will put a global spotlight on the best of the Commonwealth’s young people and provide funds to help them scale-up the scope and reach of their projects.”Sixteen finalists will each receive a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 in cash. From 16, four regional winners will be awarded an additional £2,000 and will be invited to London to receive their award at a ceremony during Commonwealth week in 2020.The top regional winner will receive the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year and a total cash prize of £5,000.The awards are open to all nationals of Commonwealth countries from the ages of 15 to 29 who have been engaged in the development sector for at least a year either as a professional or a volunteer.Click here for more information about the awards, and to apply or nominate someone.Entries must be received online via the link by midnight on 14 November 2019.Learn more about the Commonwealth Youth Awards
Hospitals across the country celebrate improvements to patient safety
TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - During this year's Canadian Patient Safety Week, hospitals from across the country are celebrating important improvements to patient safety.
"Three years ago, hospitals from seven provinces joined forces to raise awareness among pharmaceutical suppliers of what our hospitals needed to help safeguard our patients," said Spencer Tuttle, Director, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services. "By working with industry, we have made important advancements in barcoding, advance notification of product changes and new products that can help mitigate medication errors and make the supply chain more efficient."
The pan-Canadian effort was coordinated through HealthPRO, the national group purchasing organization that over 1,300 healthcare facilities leverage to maximize their buying power on healthcare contracts.
"It was our honour to amplify the needs of member hospitals through the Transforming Together campaign," says Christine Donaldson, Vice President, Pharmacy at HealthPRO. "Through the dedication of so many pharmacists and many others across the country, we have collectively moved the needle forward to improve the safety of patients."
Successes achieved to date include:
20% increase in barcodes on a medication's unit-of-use; Barcodes on an injectable medication's unit-of-use (vial, ampoule, pre-mixed bag) can help safeguard against errors at the most vulnerable stage of the medication use process – during administration to a patient. In fact, evidence shows that scan verification of the medication at the bedside can help reduce patient error in hospitals by up to 41%1.
Prior to the launch of this campaign, many of the commercial products delivered to hospitals did have barcodes on the external packaging or box, but not on the unit-of-use, the format that would ultimately be administered to a patient. The absence of this feature critical for verification, can introduce risk and the need for hospital pharmacy staff to assume the task of creating and applying barcodes, often a manual and time-consuming undertaking.
The campaign propelled a 20% increase in barcodes on the unit-of-use by the supplier, minimizing the risk of medication errors.
Implemented a national protocol for the advance notification of product changes;
Hospitals are increasingly automated facilities, featuring a wide array of technology from robotics, automated packaging and labelling machines, to optical verifiers and compounding pumps.
This automation is designed to enhance resource efficiencies and contribute to medication safety – however when changes are made to pharmaceutical products that interface with these technologies without sufficient notice, unexpected and sometimes serious consequences can occur, including medication errors.
To mitigate such consequences, many pharmaceutical suppliers now provide at least 60 days' advance notice of product changes to HealthPRO, who in turn communicates them to hospitals across the country to adjust their automation protocols. This advance notification can help mitigate a cost to the system which simply cannot be measured.
Helped introduce 36 new commercially available medications that meet patient safety objectives Through this collective effort, hospitals helped accelerate the development of fit-for-purpose medications to facilitate appropriate and accurate dosing. These are new products, such as lower strength medications in the actual dose required by patients, that suppliers have produced based on the specific needs of hospitals across the country which enhance patient safety and bring efficiency to the internal hospital supply chain.
HealthPRO is committed to supporting hospitals in delivering on the next level of success for their patients. This fall, HealthPRO hosted another event which brought over 200 representatives from pharmaceutical companies and hospital leadership together. This time, the challenge was — how do we strengthen the health of our Canadian drug supply chain and minimize drug shortages?
Drug shortages are a complex, global problem, but ideas generated during this most recent session show great promise. In fact, 99% of attendees agreed that ideas generated during this event have the potential to improve the drug supply chain.
About HealthPRO
HealthPRO is Canada's group contracting provider for healthcare.We put decades of knowledge and the purchasing volumes of more than 1,300-member healthcare facilities across Canada to work. Our members count on us to reduce the cost of high-quality products and services they use, improve patient safety, help maintain assurance of supply and pursue new ideas and innovations. The outcome is unprecedented buying power and market influence for Canadian healthcare facilities. For more information, please visit www.healthprocanada.com.
About Canadian Patient Safety Week
Canadian Patient Safety Week is a national, annual campaign that the Canadian Patient Safety Institute started in 2005 to inspire extraordinary improvement in patient safety and quality. As the momentum for promoting best practices in patient safety has grown, so has the participation in Canadian Patient Safety Week. Canadian Patient Safety Week is relevant to anyone who engages with our healthcare system: providers, patients, and citizens. Working together, thousands help spread the message to Conquer Silence. For more information, please visit www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca
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1 Poon EG et al. Effect of Bar Code Technology on the Safety of Medication Administration. N Eng J Med 2010; 362:1698-1707)
SOURCE HealthPRO Procurement Services Inc.
Spectrum Therapeutics and Tree of Knowledge Announce Partnership to Educate and Support Healthcare Professionals
SMITHS FALLS, ON, Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - Spectrum Therapeutics, the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth") (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Tree of Knowledge International Corp. ("Tree of Knowledge") (CSE: TOKI) (OTC: TOKIF) to provide education and support for patients and their healthcare professionals working within the Tree of Knowledge healthcare network across Canada.
As part of the two year agreement, Spectrum Therapeutics will collaborate with Tree of Knowledge's partner clinic, Jack Nathan Health, to launch several e-learning modules on its online education platform for healthcare professionals practicing in Jack Nathan clinics. In addition, Spectrum Therapeutics will host live webinars presented by leading Canadian experts on medical cannabis including: Dr. Kevin Rod, director of Toronto Poly Clinic multidisciplinary pain management clinics and Tree of Knowledge's Chief Medical Officer; Canopy Growth's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Ware and its Director of Global Medical Services, Dr. Danial Schecter. Topics that will be covered include an overview of medical cannabis and best practices for prescribing and dosing as well as chronic pain management and opioid reduction.
Through its partnership with Jack Nathan Health, Tree of Knowledge will offer Chronic Pain Management and Medical Cannabis education programs in Jack Nathan clinics, which are located in 74 Walmart stores across six Canadian provinces and, on a combined basis, have more than 1.5 million patient visits annually. Jack Nathan Health also has six clinic locations in Mexico which are ideally positioned to support the opening of the Mexican medical cannabis market while leveraging Spectrum Therapeutics' global expertise in patient and physician education.
"Continuing to invest in training and education programs remains a priority for us as a gap in knowledge still exists for many healthcare professionals when it comes to medical cannabis," comments Dr. Mark Ware, Chief Medical Officer, Canopy Growth. "By partnering with Tree of Knowledge we're able to deliver these initiatives at scale which will provide more patients with access to knowledge on the potential of cannabis to address their needs with the guidance of a doctor."
Spectrum Therapeutics and Tree of Knowledge will also work together on patient education including an animated video series and a customized patient dosing diary. Education programs will focus on topics like multidisciplinary pain management and opioid reduction programs.
"The need for patient and provider cannabis education has grown substantially since legalization one year ago," said Michael Caridi, Chairman of Tree of Knowledge. "This strategic partnership with a global leader like Spectrum Therapeutics places focus squarely on educating patients in a medical setting. This partnership will launch targeted educational campaigns for patients in addition to providing training and support to their health care providers."
About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.
Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.
Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.
From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 10.5 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com
About Spectrum Therapeutics Spectrum Therapeutics, the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED, NYSE: CGC), is dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, furthering the public's understanding of medical cannabis and its various applications, and cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Founded in Canada, Spectrum Therapeutics operates in Australia, South America, Africa and across Europe. Its products are available in a wide range of potencies and formats designed to simplify the dialogue around strength and dosage by applying a colour-coded spectrum to categorize medical cannabis according to THC and CBD levels.
Spectrum Therapeutics' offerings include whole flower cannabis, oils and new innovations such as Softgels in addition to single cannabinoid medicine Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics. Through product simplification, robust clinical research and ongoing education of healthcare professionals, Spectrum Therapeutics is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients around the globe.
About Tree of Knowledge With its head office in Toronto, and operations in North York, Ontario and Spokane, Washington, TOKI currently has three primary business segments: (1) Multidisciplinary specialty pain clinics with a focus on the treatment of chronic pain, including controlled applications of medical cannabis in Canada, (2) Development of formulated products for therapeutic purposes and natural health product alternatives at its manufacturing facility in Spokane, which provides formulations for the Company's products and for third parties equivalent to GMP standards, and (3) Distribution and sale of hemp-based cannabidiol ("CBD") products in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil and Australia. Through its Toronto Poly Clinic, the Company has gleaned extensive expertise from being involved in one of the largest observational clinical trials on medical cannabis and from its ongoing direct patient experience. The Company has developed and implemented MCERP (Medical Cannabis Education, Research and Best Practice Platform) and MCORP (Medical Cannabis Opioid Reduction Program) with great success. Currently, the Company has research agreements with multiple universities for medical cannabis research and new medical grade products development. TOKI's CBD product line contains EVR Premium Hemp Oil, which is an organically grown and handled, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, synergistic compound that is derived from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved industrial hemp grown in the United States. TOKI currently offers several CBD products, which may be used in connection with the treatment of a number of ailments and for general wellness purposes. https://www.tokicorp.com/
About Jack Nathan Health®Jack Nathan Health® is a privately owned and operated Canadian company—and a proud partner of Walmart Canada—dedicated to improving access to healthcare by partnering with highly-qualified medical professionals and delivering consistent, easy-access, patient-centric quality care in state-of-the-art medical and dental clinics conveniently located inside Walmart Supercenters, with 70-plus locations across Canada. Clinics are independently owned and operated under license by Jack Nathan Medical Inc., and not affiliated with Walmart. Jack Nathan Health® is a registered trade-mark of Jack Nathan Medical Inc. All representations contained herein are made solely by Jack Nathan Health® or its licensed owner operators, and not independently verified by Walmart. All Walmart trademarks are the property of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and are used under license. For more information, virtual clinic tours, and social media links, visit www.jacknathanhealth.com.
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include "will host live webinars presented by leading Canadian experts on medical cannabis" and "will also work together on patient education including an animated video series and a customized patient dosing diary". Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the development and delivery of educational content, and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 25, 2019 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Spectrum Therapeutics
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