New research has discovered which countries are the most accessible for senior citizens wanting to participate in various sport and leisure activities, with the UK taking the top spot. 

The report conducted by the hearing aid specialists at ReSound, analysed the top 30 most developed countries around the world to discover which destinations are the most accessible to older generations wanting to participate in a range of outdoor and indoor sporting activities. 

The report scored each country based on: 

1. Green Spaces and National Parks
2. Gym classes for senior citizens
3. Senior swim sessions available
4. Health & Fitness clubs and gyms
5. Dance classes and clubs
6. Golf courses and clubs
7. Lawn bowls pitches and clubs
8. Number of allotments
9. Yoga and Pilates Studios

Ranked: 20 most accessible countries for retirees interested in sporting activities and hobbies:

The UK leads the way as the best country for retirees to participate in sports and leisure activities, with a total score of 99.5/110.

Gym classes and swimming sessions are the most readily available activities for senior citizens to enjoy in the UK. Pilates, yoga, dance classes and lawn bowling are also particular favourites with the older generation and are easily accessible to the population. 

If you would like to use this research, please credit ReSound with a link back to: https://www.resound.com/en-gb/hearing-loss/senior-sports-report

Below, I’ve pasted the report for more detailed insight:

SENIOR SPORTS REPORT
A NEW REPORT REVEALS THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS FOR RETIREES AROUND THE WORLD

• The Senior Sports Report analyses 30 countries around the world to determine which are the most accessible to the older generation, with the UK leading the way in first place with a score of 99.5/110
• The USA and Australia emerge as the second and third most inclusive countries for senior sports activities, with scores of 90.8/110 and 81.2/110 respectively
• Ireland tops the table as the country offering the most choice to golf fanatics of all levels, with 341 courses to choose from
• The USA is crowned the best country to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, with a score of 42.5/50
• The UK secures the title as the best country for its variety of indoor activities, with a score of 58.8/60
• The full Senior Sports Report can be found here: https://www.resound.com/en-gb/hearing-loss/senior-sports-report 

For those retirees looking to lead active lifestyles and enjoy partaking in a range of indoor and outdoor sports, the new Senior Sports Report from the hearing specialists at ReSound has determined which of the 30 most developed countries in the world are the most popular and accessible to older generations in order to stay social, and keep fit and healthy. 

After researching 30 of the most developed countries around the world, and analysing a number of factors including the number of green spaces, gym classes, swimming clubs, golf courses, allotments, lawn bowls, dance classes, swimming pools, cycle routes, and yoga studios in each country - a ranking score was then assigned to each location out of a possible 110. 

Top 10 Most Sport Inclusive Countries for Seniors: 

Source: ReSound

The UK leads the way as the best country for retirees to participate in sports and leisure activities, with a total score of 99.5/110.

Gym classes and swimming sessions are the most readily available activities for senior citizens to enjoy in the UK. Pilates, yoga, dance classes and lawn bowling are also particular favourites with the older generation. and are easily accessible to the population. 

The USA emerges as the second most inclusive country for senior sports activities, with an overall score of 90.8./110. 

Retired Americans can enjoy a range of indoor activities from swimming to pilates and yoga, or take advantage of a choice of outdoor activities, including lawn bowling and walks around the many green spaces found across the 50 states. 

Climbing the ranks to third is Australia, with a score of 81.2/110 for its variety of accessible sports and activities for its more mature residents. 

The Countries with the Most Golf Courses for Retirees to Enjoy

For many active seniors with an abundance of free time, a leisurely day out on the green is one of the most popular activities to enjoy and that’s why the Senior Sports Report reveals which countries are home to the most golf courses. 

Top 15 Countries for Golf Courses: 

Source: ReSound

Unsurprisingly, Ireland tops the table as the country offering the most choice to golf fanatics of all levels, with 341 courses to choose from. The island is home to some world-class golf clubs that offer up both stunning scenery and some of the most challenging courses for amateurs to conquer. 

Canada follows closely behind with its range of 336 golf courses that are definitely above par! The popular Cabot Cape Breton has a range of legendary courses, including Cabot Links, designed by golf course architect Rod Whitman, and boasting an oceanfront landscape and rolling fairways. 

Rounding up the top 3 is the UK, which offers 330 golf courses to explore for a day on the green. The Old Course at St Andrews Golf Links in Scotland is amongst the most elite courses in the world, with its famous features the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker that are recognised across the globe. 

Revealed: The best countries for older populations to enjoy outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are extremely popular amongst the older generation, whether it’s cycling, walking, golfing or bowling there’s plenty of activities that retirees can do, but which countries offer the best range of outdoor sports to the elderly?

Top 10 Best Countries For Elder Populations To Enjoy Outdoor Activities:

Source: ReSound

The United States is crowned the best country for the older generation to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, with a total score of 42.5/50.

Residents in America can visit a number of green spaces to enjoy a leisurely stroll or take in the scenic sights of the country on two wheels on one of its many cycle routes. Keen bowls players will also be in their element in the US, as it has a range of lawn bowling locations to play at. 

Following closely behind in second place is the United Kingdom, scoring 40.7/50 for its outdoor activities for the elderly. Avid gardeners are in luck in the UK, as it is home to a number of allotments where senior citizens can grow everything from fruit and vegetables, to their favourite plants and flowers. 

France earns its spot as the third-best country for retirees to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, with an overall score of 36.6/50. Senior cyclists can take advantage of the many cycle routes around France that offer up picturesque views of canals, coastlines, mountains and historic villages. 

The Countries Offering The Best Indoor Activity Options For The Elder Population

Indoor sports can often be more accessible to the elder population, as activities can be enjoyed without the interference of wind noise that impacts hearing quality, and they are often less active and physically demanding than outdoor activities. 

Many countries offer an extensive choice of sporting activities from yoga and pilates to swimming, dancing and gym classes, but which country takes the crown for the best indoor activities?

Top 10 Countries Offering The Best Indoor Activity Options: 

Source: ReSound

The United Kingdom secures the title as the best country for its variety of indoor activities for older members of the public, with a total score of 58.8/60. Active senior citizens in the UK can enjoy a range of indoor exercises from swimming solo to group activities like gym classes, dance classes, yoga and pilates. 

Australia emerges in second place for its indoor activity offerings for retirees with a score of 53.2/60. With a wide range of dance classes on offer, senior residents in Australia can enjoy everything from Zumba and salsa to ballroom dancing. 

Taking the final spot in the top three is the United States with a score of 48.3/60, for its indoor activities for mature active members. Health and fitness clubs, yoga, pilates and swimming are amongst the most popular activities on offer for elderly residents in America. 

Methodology and data sources: 

The Senior Sports Report by the hearing aid specialists at ReSound discovers which sporting activities and hobbies undertaken by senior citizens (60+) are the most popular around the world and determines which countries are the most inclusive to retirees.

Taking a seed list of the top 30 developed countries around the world, the report discovers how accommodating each country is for senior sports and retirees, by analysing the following metrics: 

1. Number of Green Spaces and parks
2. Number of gym classes for senior citizens
3. Number of senior swim sessions available
4. Number of Health & Fitness clubs and gyms
5. Number of senior citizen dance classes and clubs
6. Golf courses and clubs
7. Lawn bowls pitches and clubs
8. Number of allotments
9. Yoga and Pilates Studios
10. Number of swimming pools 
11. Number of cycle routes
    

Sources: 

http://swimia.com/ 

http://bikemap.net/ 

Overcome Joint Dysfunction and Move Pain-Free Through Life

West Palm Beach, FL, June 15, 2022 — Built from Broken: A Science-Based Guide to Healing Painful Joints, Preventing Injuries, and Rebuilding Your Body, from Scott Hogan, provides a proven, corrective exercise system and step-by-step process to help readers conquer joint pain naturally and rebuild their bodies from the ground up. 

“All the injuries, pain, limitations, and setbacks you’ve experienced aren’t merely obstacles preventing you from achieving your ideal body. They are the actual pieces you build with,” Hogan writes in the introduction. “In this book, I’ll show you how to identify, understand, and assemble them into a unified system.”

In Part 1 of his book, Hogan (a certified personal trainer and certified orthopedic exercise specialist) covers the principles and strategies of rebuilding your body (and the way you think about it). He breaks down the primary causes of declining joint health, how to manage it naturally and how to build healthy connective tissue structures. He also teaches readers how to develop their own exercise programs to address specific needs. 

Part 2 takes the foundational principles a step further and provides a complete training program that folds all the concepts from Part 1 into a tactical plan with comprehensive templates and instructions.

Key concepts within Built from Broken include:

- The five primary causes of joint pain

- How to prevent the “Big 3” injuries that trap you in the pain/injury cycle

- Three natural pain relief techniques that actually work

- How to identify and fix muscle imbalances that lead to tension, pain and injuries

- Natural injury recovery strategies that improve healing time and tissue repair quality

- The ideal training schedule to maximize muscle recovery and connective tissue repair 

- Corrective exercises

- Cutting-edge connective tissue training techniques

“This book systematically dissects the common causes of joint pain, dysfunction and degeneration, and gives you a complete road map for conquering pain, healing your body, preventing injuries and building a body that stands the test of time,” Hogan adds.

About the Author

Scott Hogan is an NCCA accredited Certified Personal Trainer (American Council on Exercise) and Certified Orthopedic Exercise Specialist. He is also the founder of SaltWrap.com, an online resource for therapeutic sports nutrition and fitness. 

For more information, visit https://saltwrap.com/, or follow the author on Instagram (saltwrap) or Facebook (saltwrap).

Built from Broken: A Science-Based Guide to Healing Painful Joints, Preventing Injuries, and Rebuilding Your Body

Publisher: SaltWrap

ISBN-10: ‎1735728500 

ISBN-13: ‎978-1735728506 

Available from Amazon.com

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A Gentle, Sustainable Path to Weight Loss for People Who Love Great Food

Albany, NY, May 23, 2022 — Amy Freinberg-Trufas has tried every weight loss strategy and fad diet under the sun, and has lost and gained more than 1,000 pounds over the course of her life. But the last time she lost the extra weight (150 pounds to be exact), she kept it off. And it wasn’t by depriving herself of great food or spending hour after hour in the gym.

“It’s really easy to talk about losing weight; putting it into practice is a completely different thing,” she said. “I failed for years — decades — and nothing worked for me. What I did do felt like punishment.”

After more than four decades of suffering the mental and physical burden of obesity — including stints at fat camps, failed attempts at fad dieting, patterns of destructive eating, fat-shaming, body dysmorphia and self-loathing — Freinberg-Trufas found her personal “why.” How? When the simple words her father spoke on his deathbed resonated with her and allowed her to imagine, create and ultimately celebrate a new relationship with food. She now joyfully eats with ease every day.

Freinberg-Trufas shares with the world her “why” and how she finally made peace with a lifetime of food addiction in her new book, Food: Eat with Ease Every Day. 

Part memoir, part mindset guide, Food: Eat with Ease Every Day is an honest, raw account written with vulnerability, compassion and humor. By sharing her empowering story, Freinberg-Trufas hopes to help readers begin to see their own way out of anything holding them back from living a joyful life. 

“It’s not a shallow repeat of every other food guide, fad diet or recipe book,” she added.  “In fact, it’s barely about food at all.”

About the Author
Amy Freinberg-Trufas is the No. 1 Amazon International Bestselling author of Food: Eat with Ease Every Day. She cracked the code for major weight loss after heeding her father’s deathbed advice. Taking her weight-loss journey one step at a time, she lost 150 pounds in a gentle, sustainable way without fat diets, crazy workouts or lots of money. And in the process, learned to love herself.

As a trauma-aware wellness advocate, her mission is to support and empower people who feel emotionally and physically burdened by their weight (or anything else keeping them from feeling aligned with their best life) to create ease around food, allowing them to live healthy lives full of passion, purpose and joy.

Freinberg-Trufas has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America, PBS, NBC/WNYT’s Health Beat with Benita Zahn, WAMC, SHEFINDS, Slate Magazine, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, The Times Union, Berkshire Home Style Magazine, ChopTalk, Rise Today, The Stephanie Kornelia Show, and numerous other newspapers and podcasts.

For more information, please visit www.amyfreinberg.com, or follow the author on Facebook (amy.freinbergtrufas) or Instagram (amy_freinberg).

Food: Eat with Ease Every Day
Publisher: Eat with Ease Publishing
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8497566970 (paperback
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8752386275 (hardcover)
Available from Amazon.com

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400,000 Canadians Could Have Celiac Disease Without Knowing It

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month in Canada – May 16th is International Celiac Awareness Day

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Celiac Disease Awareness Day, the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) says as many as 400,000 Canadians could be living with the auto-immune condition, undiagnosed.

“I’ve got this brain fog …”

“Why am I so tired all the time?”

“My whole body aches – but my doctor can’t say why. I’m so frustrated!”

These are the kinds of situations being endured by possibly thousands of Canadians. The question that should be asked more often: “Could it be celiac?”

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition where your body sees gluten as an invader, causing your immune system to fight back to destroy the gluten protein found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Over time, this immune reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed into your body. This can lead to a wide variety of complications and symptoms, and even serious long-term illness.

“We call celiac the ‘chameleon disease,’ because it can manifest itself in so many different ways, causing symptoms which might seem completely unconnected to the digestive system,” said Melissa Secord, National Executive Director of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA).

Because of its wide range of symptoms, people with celiac disease might not even consider it as the cause of their ailments, and it’s often not top-of-mind for physicians trying to diagnose the problem. It’s estimated that 85 per cent of Canadians who have celiac disease have not been diagnosed – representing more than 400,000¹ people – even though a simple blood test could identify it.

“Too many people are suffering and frustrated, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Secord says. “More people need to ask their doctor, ‘Could it be celiac?’”

REAL LIFE CELIAC STORIES

Canadian speed skater Christine Nesbitt is an eight-time World Champion the winner of two Olympic medals. As a high-performance athlete, she spent her career under the watchful eyes of coaches, doctors and nutrition specialists. Yet she endured pain and discomfort caused by celiac disease for five years before anyone spotted it.

“As an elite athlete, I was always physically and mentally pushing myself. I experienced a lot of digestive, nutritional and skin issues, but they were always thought to be from the fatigue and rigour of training, and the stress of racing,” Nesbitt said.

“I thought, ‘my iron is low because I train so much and I need to eat more iron-rich foods,’ or ‘I'm fatigued and maybe I'm not eating well enough’ or ‘I pushed myself too hard in some of my training sessions.’ Being tested for celiac disease wasn’t on anyone's radar for years and years.”

For Sonia Pereira, a Vancouver writer and content creator, celiac disease impacted her neurologically. She had episodes of not being able to speak properly or being unable to read her computer screen. It also affected her balance and coordination. Sonia saw a multitude of specialists, trying to identify what was wrong.

“I was mis-diagnosed as having had a stroke. It almost went from ‘you’ve had a stroke’ to ‘we have no idea’ and ‘maybe it’s something like migraines,’” she says.

It took more than four years and 30 doctors to finally diagnose Pereira with celiac disease. “Even the doctor that figured out my disease, that wasn’t his number one, it was number three on his list of three things … that’s why, for anyone who’s on the ‘what’s wrong with me spectrum,’ get them to run the (blood) test.”

Pereira says within two weeks of removing gluten from her diet, she was “back to being myself.”

If you think you might possibly have celiac disease, visit the CCA website at www.celiac.ca and use the online diagnostic tool. The information it provides can help facilitate a more informed discussion with your doctor. The blood test to screen for celiac disease is covered under all public health insurance plans in all provinces except for Ontario where it is temporarily covered under a pilot program until March 31, 2023.

While there is no cure for celiac disease, it can be effectively managed by eliminating gluten from the diet. The Canadian Celiac Association has partnered with Promise Gluten Free to help promote options for people with celiac disease.

“Going gluten-free isn’t the end of the world anymore,” says Mohamed Safieddine, Commercial Director, Canada for Promise Gluten Free. “There are great tasting, fibre-rich breads, tortillas, pitas and more out there to help you eat well and stay healthy.” Promise Gluten Free is the official sponsor for Celiac Awareness Month.

CELIAC AWARENESS DAY – “SHINE A LIGHT” ILLUMINATION LOCATIONS
On Monday, May 16th iconic buildings all over the world will be lit up in green to raise awareness for International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. Canadian sites that will be bathed in green light are:

City Hall – Dieppe, NB (all of May)
City Hall – Charlottetown, PEI
Ottawa Sign (ByWard Market), Shaw Centre – Ottawa (May 16-20)
Toronto Sign, CN Tower – Toronto 
Niagara Falls (10 p.m. May 16)
Cambridge Sign – Cambridge, ON
Winnipeg Sign (Forks), Manitoba Legislature - Winnipeg
High Level Bridge, Hotel McDonald, Epcor Tower – Edmonton
Sherwood Park Community Centre & Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
Calgary Tower – Calgary
BC Place, Science World, Burrard Bridge, City Hall - Vancouver

About the Canadian Celiac Association
The Canadian Celiac Association’s vision is to see every Canadian with celiac disease is diagnosed and empowered. Since 1973, the CCA has been increasing awareness of the disease, investing in research and providing programs to support people with gluten disorders with help from local chapters across Canada in most major cities.

About Promise Gluten Free
Promise Gluten Free offers an irresistible range of gluten free breads, crafted using a unique bread-making technique that delivers excellent taste and quality. From Soft White Loaf to its tantalising Brioche Loaf Promise Gluten Free offers the finest, delicious, nutrient-rich, baked goods that everyone will love.

All produced from the Promise Gluten Free family-run, dedicated gluten free bakery which has over 50 years of craft baking expertise and are available in Canada Nationwide via our online shop, Real Canadian Superstore; Avril; IGA; Saskatoon CO OP; Farm Boy; Food Basics; Thrifty Foods; Sobeys Urban; Safeway; Freshco; Foodland and some Metro’s and Wholefoods.
To find out more details please check out our website www.promiseglutenfree.ca

1. It is conservatively estimated that 1% of the population has celiac disease, or 386,815 Canadians. Of them, only 15% (58,002 people) are diagnosed, leaving 328,793 Canadians who likely have celiac disease but are not yet diagnosed.

Contact:
Bob Reid
Canadian Celiac Association
bob@broadwaystrategy.com
416-258-2856

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

Redpath Waterfront Festival Returns to Toronto with a Splash!

The annual festival announces 2022 dates and programming

TORONTO, April 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Redpath Waterfront Festival (RWF) today announced its return to Toronto’s waterfront with its first in-person festival after two years. From September 17-18, 2022, visitors are invited to a ‘Water Weekend’ which will take place in HTO Park and Sugar Beach. The Festival will celebrate the last weekend of summer by featuring unique on-land and on-water programs including Parks Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy and Theodore TOO Tugboat.

Last year, due to COVID-19, the Redpath Waterfront Festival was reimagined into a two kilometer socially distanced trail featuring augmented reality, art installations, and local promotions, called the Redpath Waterfront Trail. This year, the festival’s co-producers are excited to return to their roots with a unique two-day festival that will celebrate all-things water.

“After a challenging two years for everyone, we are thrilled to return to Toronto’s waterfront for a weekend of fun, alongside our amazing partners and local waterfront businesses,” said Lea Parrell, Co-producer of the Redpath Waterfront Festival. “From live entertainment to Theodore TOO, this year’s festival will show that the best of times are when you just add water!”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: 

• See an exciting lineup of local talent on the RBCxMusic Stage in HTO Park and the Bayside Village Stage in Sugar Beach.
• Say ‘Toot Toot’ to Theodore TOO Tugboat, the 65-foot working replica of the original TV character.
• Visit with the Parks Canada team to learn about protecting the ocean and snap a selfie with their giant inflatable Beaver.
• Meet the Royal Canadian Navy crew and learn about what it takes to be a sailor.
• Enjoy interactive cultural activities with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Moccasin Identifier and Indigenous Tourism Ontario.
• Enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks at the Billy Bishop Airport Picnic Lounge.
• More details and programming to be announced in the coming months.

2022 festival partners include: Redpath Sugar, The Waterfront BIA, Tridel, Hines, First Capital, RBC Royal Bank, Billy Bishop Airport, Porter Airlines, Westin Harbour Castle and CTV. 

Visit TOwaterfrontfest.com in the coming weeks for announcements and details. Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and use #AtTheWaterfront and #WaterWeekend.

ABOUT REDPATH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL:
The Redpath Waterfront Festival (RWF) is an annual summer event that provides on-land and on-water programming with the goal of promoting Toronto as a premiere waterfront destination. With music, food, nautical programs and entertainment, the festival has something for everyone to enjoy. Every three years, the event welcomes a fleet of majestic tall ships to Toronto.

ABOUT WATER’S EDGE FESTIVALS & EVENTS:
Water's Edge Festivals & Events (WEFE) is an Ontario not-for-profit organization created in 2011 with a mandate to be the driving force behind the successful Redpath Waterfront Festival and Sugar Shack TO in Toronto and promote waterfront destinations throughout Ontario with nautical festivals and events.

THE TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL CELEBRATES THE 55^THEMERALD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARADE WITH AN EXCITING LINEUP OF EVENTS 

(TORONTO, ON – April 20^TH, 2022) After two years, it’s time to reconnect, celebrate, and embrace diversity with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s (TCC) return. Celebrating the 55^th Emerald Anniversary of the Parade, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival introduces a brand-new theme for the 2022 festival season - EMBRACE THE CARNIVAL IN YOU. 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival invites everyone to come and experience the joy and freedom that permeates each of the Festival Events. The ethos is built on celebrating Caribbean culture through carnival arts, music, costume, dance, and cuisine. The Grand Parade is returning to Exhibition Place on July 30, 2022, with Mas Bands, Steel Pan Players, Calypsonians, and Traditional Mas artists.

An exciting lineup of band launches showcasing the new costumes for 2022 takes place across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) from April until May. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to play mas in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival with the following bands: Atlantic Mas, Costume Creations Cultural Arts, Carnival Nationz, EPIC Carnival, Fantazia Carnival, Freedom Mas, Saldenah Carnival, Sunlime, SugaCayne, Toronto Revellers, Tribal Carnival, and Venom.

Described as a living art form, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival showcases colorful, striking costumes and Caribbean art to reflect the past and present. The steel pan players liven up the streets with the melodies from the only instrument created in the 20^th century, including Mas Bands, steel pan players, calypso artists, stick fighting, and stilt walkers. 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival celebrates freedom, diversity, and inclusion. A tradition in which recently emancipated ex-slaves organized themselves in bands and portrayed masquerade characters. Every year, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival takes place on Emancipation Day weekend, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. 

As one of the largest festivals in Canada, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival brings in thousands of people worldwide, taking place over four glorious weeks for an all-out spectacle of visual and performing arts. Participants are encouraged to "free up" and enjoy themselves!

The Festival Management Committee, producers of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, have curated an exciting program of events leading up to the Grand Parade:

• Toronto Caribbean Carnival Official Launch - July 7, 2022
• Junior King and Queen and Junior Steelpan Showcase - July 10, 2022
• Junior Carnival - July 16, 2022 
• OCPA Calypso Showcase - July 24, 2022 
• King & Queen Showcase - July 28, 2022 
• OSA Pan Alive - July 29, 2022
• Grand Parade - July 30, 2022
• Carnival Flavours - July 31, 2022
• Awards Gala - September 17, 2022

For more information on the 2022 calendar of events or participating with a Mas Band, please visit https://torontocarnival.ca/. 

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is recognized as a significant international cultural festival, the largest of its kind in North America. The Grade Parade was first established in 1967 as part of Canada's 100th Anniversary celebrations by Caribbean immigrants as a cultural gift to Canada. Produced by the Festival Management Committee, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is “On de Road Again” this year to celebrate the Parade’s 55^th anniversary, showcasing the best in Caribbean Arts.

Surgeon Reveals Steps That Speed Up Recovery and Ensure Lasting Results After Knee Replacement

Photo credit: Pexels

Knee replacement is still one of the most common orthopedic surgeries. However, to protect the new prosthesis post-op and recover faster, orthopedic patients need to have certain pre-surgery examinations and not rush into high-impact activities after the procedure.

April 4, 2022. The demand for knee replacement surgeries continues to surge with over 700Korthopedic surgeries performed in the U.S. alone each year. However, the rising numbers of the procedure also call for making sure people are able to benefit from a well-functioning prosthetic joint and improved quality of life for long years.

Prof. Sarunas Tarasevicius, a surgeon at Nordorthopaedics Clinic, a leading international orthopedic center in Kaunas, Lithuania, offered insights for orthopedic patients on what speeds up post-op recovery and how to take care of the new joint. 

Pre-surgical examinations—the first step to a speedy recovery 

The surgeon emphasized the importance of pre-op examinations that contribute to a fast post-surgical recovery and a longer prosthesis life. One of these measures for primary or revision knee replacement surgery is long-standing X-rays—an examination of the entire limb with a fully extended knee joint.

According to prof. Sarunas Tarasevicius, this type of examination allows the surgeon to have a better view of the mechanical axis and gives the idea of how to restore it. At the same time, it helps the surgeon to make more precise cuts, resulting in a much more accurate reconstruction of the knee. 

What (not) to do after knee replacement surgery

People who undergo knee replacement procedures should be aware that the longevity of their new prosthetic joint and overall post-op well-being depends largely on individual recovery plans. The surgeon’s first advice is to be patient about the recovery and not to rush the healing process.

“The surgery reduces the knee pain but the recovery is quite long, and the first three months post-surgery might be quite difficult for a person—they might experience some swelling, redness, certain levels of pain, and some mobility issues,” prof. Sarunas Tarasevicius said. 

However, the discomfort is temporary as soft tissues surrounding the knee require time to adapt to the prosthesis. Therefore, on the first days after the surgery, the person should actively control pain and swelling, and keep the operated limb extended and elevated when sitting. Afterward, they should slowly ease into active knee flexion and extensions exercises. Also, it is important to build self-confidence in walking with crutches so as to incorporate daily exercises and speed up the recovery process. 

At the same time, orthopedic patients should avoid certain activities that might reduce the implant functioning period—high-impact sports involving jumping up, landing, and pivoting. Also, the surgeon urged orthopedic patients to keep up with their physiotherapy sessions.

“Foregoing physiotherapy is one of the biggest mistakes after knee replacement surgery, and, unfortunately, many people are guilty of this due to pain and reduced mobility,” prof. Sarunas Tarasevicius added. “However, continuous range of motion in the knee joint highly affects the well-being and successful results after the procedure. When the knee joint is not flexed enough, it causes scarring and painful joint contractures.”

Therefore, to prolong the implant's functioning duration, the surgeon urged to continue with life-long muscle strengthening exercises that keep the muscles moving and help the new implant to work better. However, before engaging in any physical activity after knee replacement surgery, people should consult with their physicians.

ELNA Medical Enhances Virtual Care Offering and Adds 34 Points of Care with Investment in Ontario Telemedicine Services Leader MD Connected

The integration of MD Connected's telemedicine services supports ELNA Medical's omnichannel growth strategy, while providing Canadians with greater access to comprehensive medical services. 

MONTREAL, March 29, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal-based ELNA Medical ("ELNA"), Canada's largest integrated network of medical clinics, announced today its investment in MD Connected, a leading telemedicine service provider that connects patients with medical practitioners via a wide range of systems. 

Founded in 2017, MD Connected's unique model includes fully digital and human-assisted telemedicine clinics, virtual care and COVID-19 testing at 34 clinics located within Rexall Drugstores, Metro and other well-known pharmacies in Ontario.

"This investment in an important virtual care provider supports ELNA's omnichannel growth strategy, while expanding access to integrated medical services for hundreds of thousands of Ontarians," said Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical.

ELNA Medical operates in Ontario under the banner of its wholly owned subsidiaries Medicentres Canada and York Medical, acquired in December 2020.

"Providing our patients with the very best in easily accessible quality care has always been the cornerstone of our mission. With other upcoming openings in the pipeline, MD Connected's extensive reach makes it an optimal fit for ELNA, and our partnership will allow it to scale rapidly beyond Ontario," added Laurent Amram.

"With a longstanding tradition of excellence in primary and specialty care, ELNA's broad Canada-wide network will allow for the continued expansion of MD Connected's virtual and telemedicine services across the country.  We are proud to partner with ELNA to leverage one another's expertise and bring our collective patients a best-in-class personalized healthcare experience," said Venky Weylagro, CEO and President of MD Connected.        

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is Canada's largest integrated network of medical clinics. Focused on comprehensive care, ELNA offers a vast array of primary and specialty medical services, therapies and procedures at 95 clinics and points of care. ELNA combines its extensive medical offering with access to over 1,500 diagnostic tests, thanks to its sister company, CDL Laboratories, a leader in round-the-clock medical diagnostics for three decades. Treating more than 1.4 million Canadians every year, ELNA is true to its innovative spirit and mission of providing easily accessible and personalized medical services of the highest quality. Leveraging state of the art technologies, and strategic partnerships with renowned industry leaders, ELNA strives to provide better healthcare outcomes for Canadians.

About MD Connected

MD Connected Ltd. launched in 2017 with a mission to reduce barriers to accessing exceptional healthcare for all Canadians. MD Connected Ltd. is a virtual healthcare provider that uses advanced technologies, highly trained medical practitioners, and a secure telecommunications platform to conveniently unite healthcare professionals with patients. MD Connected has over 30 locations and has conducted hundreds of thousands of virtual visits to date.

SOURCE ELNA Medical

Find Your Voice as a Patient or Advocate to Reduce Medical Mistakes

New York, NY, March 29, 2022 — The first thing a person should do if they or a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness is consider themselves “unofficially part of their care team,” advises Melissa Mullamphy. “You can’t put a price on advocacy and family.”

As hospitals recover from staffing shortages and other COVID disruptions, it’s more important than ever for patients and their loved ones to find their voices and use them, adds Mullamphy, whose own mother’s cancer battle was fraught with frustration, medical missteps and endless bureaucracy. 

Not in Vain, A Promise Kept is Mullamphy’s candid account of her mother’s journey and the family’s roller coaster of emotions. Readers will witness the mistakes that compounded their pain, the small victories that gave them hope, and above all, the love that kept them going during an indescribably difficult time.

Each chapter in Not In Vain, A Promise Kept represents one month from her mother’s diagnosis to her passing. Mullamphy recalls the experiences with vivid detail (the names of doctors and nurses have been changed), hoping to prompt others to ask the tough questions and learn by her example.

“My goal in writing this book is to keep the promise that I made to my mom … to share her story so others don’t go through what she and my family went through,” Mullamphy says. “You can have input, control and make a difference in your loved one’s healthcare.”

Mullamphy shares shocking lapses in her mother’s care, including blood clots the doctor fails to notice, the confusion surrounding her mother’s DNR order, the time she found her mother wearing another patient’s bracelet and the unspeakable heartbreak of learning that all along, the hospital had used the wrong type of chemotherapy drug for her mother’s specific cancer.

Not In Vain, A Promise Kept is not without moments of hope, such as when the family is told the tumor has shrunk and when her mother’s last-ditch surgery to remove the tumor is declared “wildly successful.” 

Ultimately, Not In Vain, A Promise Kept pays homage to a life well-lived and a woman well-loved, and it’s Mullamphy’s aim to help other patients and their loved ones find their voices, understand their rights and learn how to navigate a deeply complex, imperfect healthcare system. 

“Use your voice, and remember that you are not there to make friends,” she adds. “Sometimes you have to be the biggest mouth in the room, but speaking up can save your loved one’s life.”

Author Melissa Mullamphy has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has worked in psychiatric emergency rooms and step-down houses. Forever a student of mental health, she has also worked with many nonprofits, including those benefiting military veterans. For almost 20 years, she worked as a domestic operations manager for a major corporation. Following her experience with her mother’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, she began blogging about current events as they relate to healthcare. 

For more information, visit http://www.melissamullamphy.com, or follow the author on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/melissamullamphy/.

Not in Vain, A Promise Kept 

ISBN-10: ‎ 1734802634 

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1734802634 

Available from Amazon.com, BN.com, http://www.melissamullamphy.com and many other online outlets

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APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

Tips to Slay Stress

www.drhaleyperlus.com

Since 1992, April has been Stress Awareness Month. As a nation, we have good reason to be stressed. We have reached the two-year anniversary of the Covid 19 Pandemic, war rages in Ukraine, gas prices are off the charts, many of our cities are filled with violence, and corporations are understaffed, forcing many of us to work longer hours. This is the perfect recipe for stress that  

can eventually impact multiple aspects of the body and mind. Learning how to cope with stress while finding healthy ways to deal with challenging situations can lead to a positive life. Long-term stress can cause more than mental issues. Anything ranging from headaches to stomach disorders and depression, even severe issues like stroke and heart disease, can be rooted in stress.

How should you manage stress when you begin to feel overwhelmed? 

Our expert, Dr. Haley Perlus, sports and performance psychology Ph.D. outlines ways to slay stress. 

Find your purpose

One way to manage stress is to find your purpose and recognize what speaks to you. If you want to follow your passion for photography, start a page that displays your work. Build a community around you based on shared interests. Surround yourself with positive people. Turn hurt into healing, if you had a tough childhood, volunteer to become a big brother/sister. 

Your stress levels can decrease significantly by finding something you enjoy and taking advantage of it. 

Shut off that Smartphone 

Many of us are overly dependent on our phones or computers. Using them too much or too long can increase stress levels, and studies have shown this. Excessive smartphone use has been linked with mental health disorders and depression. When used too close to bedtime, it can impede falling asleep. 

Exercise

Exercise is nature’s drug. All too often, when we are stressed out, people tell us to rest and relax. While there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes, what we need to do is get moving. There is science beyond why exercise reduces stress and even anxiety. It reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. It kicks up the production of endorphins which are mood elevators. That is why you often hear the phrase, “runner’s high.”

Learn to let go

It's important to recognize when a situation is out of your control and shift your focus to something you can control. For example, if you're waiting to hear back on a job opportunity, there's no longer anything you can do but wait to hear from the employer. Instead, shift your focus to things you can control, like cleaning your space, clearing your head and continuing to pursue other jobs in the meantime. 

Accept what you need

What situations make you feel mentally and physically frustrated or uneasy? Learn how to recognize your triggers and how you can avoid them. Once you become self-aware, you can avoid them when it's reasonable and cope when you can't.

Manage time

Prioritizing activities you enjoy can help you make the most out of your time. Creating a day-to-day schedule can help ensure you don't feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks and deadlines while allowing yourself to make time for what you enjoy doing. This can help create a healthy balance between work and fun!

Practice relaxation

Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are good ways to calm yourself. When you take time to focus on your needs and get a mental break, you can look at things from a fresh perspective. Taking a break when necessary to refocus can benefit you in the moment and in the long run.

About Dr. Perlus:

www.drhaleyperlus.com 

Dr. Haley Perlus knows what it takes to overcome barriers and achieve peak performance. As an elite alpine ski racer, she competed and trained with the best in the world, pushing herself to the limits time and time again. Now, with a PhD in sport psychology, Haley continues to push boundaries and drive peak performance, helping athletes and Fortune 100 executives reach their goals. 

Haley works with individuals and teams to manage and expand their energy capacity while increasing resilience, focus and drive. Dr. Perlus is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, professor, author and consultant to Division I athletes. She has spoken at many events some of which include VISTAGE, Tec Canada, Elite Fitness and Performance Summit and Trilogy Athletes. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado lecturing on applied sport and exercise psychology at the graduate level. She has authored several books including The Ultimate Achievement Journal and The Inside Drive and her articles have been featured in publications such as Thrive Magazine, Fitness Magazine, IDEA Fitness Journal, EpicTimes, Telluride Inside, MyVega and BeachBody®. 

Dr. Perlus earned her PhD at the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis on social psychology of sport and physical activity, her MS at the University of Florida in sport pedagogy and her bachelor’s degree at the University of Western Ontario in kinesiology. Haley loves both water and snow skiing, and hiking. Her favorite meal is anything that requires only chopping or blending.