OMA Urges Ontarians to Support Mental Illness Awareness Week
TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Mental illness can strike any one of us at any time. No one is immune.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, every Ontarian should take the time to understand mental illness and help reduce the stigma surrounding it.
As doctors, we see patients every day who are living with mental illness. And all of us – whether we know it or not – have friends and loved ones who are affected. There are still too many people experiencing mental illness who keep it to themselves and try to manage on their own. This needn't happen because help is available.
"On behalf of Ontario's doctors, I say to everyone, young and old, that if you are experiencing signs of mental illness or are concerned about a loved one, please reach out to your family doctor," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, President of the OMA. "We are here to help with supports, advice and treatment options. No one of us needs to meet this challenge on our own."
The Ontario Medical Association is a membership organization that represents the political, clinical and economic interests of doctors in Ontario. Our 41,000 members are practicing and retired doctors, residents and medical students.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
COPPER BRANCH INTRODUCES ITS ‘LET’S BEAT BREAST CANCER’ CAMPAIGN
The world’s largest plant-based restaurant chain will donate a portion of its sales to promote cancer prevention education in partnership with the PCRM
(October 3, 2019 – Montreal, QC)
For the entire month of October, Copper Branch, the largest 100% plant-based restaurant chain in the world, will donate a portion of the sales of its popular Organic Beet Hummus dish to support nutrition education and help reduce the risk of breast cancer to coincide with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The company, which operates over 65 locations around the world, will be working with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to raise money for breast cancer nutrition education and prevention. Further information on PCRM’s Let’s Beat Breast Cancer campaign can be found here
The importance of eating a balanced, healthy diet as it relates to preventing breast cancer cannot be overstated. Dr. Kristi Funk, Co-Founder of Pink Lotus Breast Center in Los Angeles states, “The healthiest meals are plant-based, low fat, and high fiber: an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains like brown rice and oats, non-animal proteins such as lentils, beans, and soy.” Copper Branch’s menu features 100% plant-based menu items which are never fried and consist of mainly organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Eating right is a philosophy that has been at the core of Copper Branch’s goal to bring healthy, delicious food to the masses since its inception in 2016. Rio Infantino, CEO of Copper Branch, explains, “Our mission has always been to empower, energize and make people feel their best. We are honored to work with these wonderful organizations to help combat breast cancer”.
According to Canada.ca, more than 26,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives and 5,000 will die from the disease. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 26% of all new cases of cancer in the country and in the United States roughly 1 of 8 women will battle breast cancer sometime in their lives.
Mr. Infantino adds, “We picked our Organic Beet Hummus because the rich red color of beets actually comes from the cancer-fighting antioxidant Betalain, which starves tumors and hinders cell division.
The campaign will run through the end of October at Copper Branch locations in Canada.
card, a portion of your order is directly donated to making youa h
ABOUT COPPER BRANCH
Started in 2014 and headquartered in Montreal, Copper Branch is a privately held company and holds the distinction of being the largest and fastest growing plant-based fast casual chain in the world. The company’s mission is to Empower, Energize and make people feel their Best; providing a convenient, plant-based dining experience without sacrificing taste, quality or satisfaction. The reasonably priced, 100% plant-based menu items are never fried and consist of mainly organic and non-GMO ingredients. For locations, menus and other details, visit https://www.eatcopperbranch.com/. Twitter and Instagram @copperbranch
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Rights 4 Vapers Responds to Proposed Changes to Nova Scotia's Tobacco Access Act
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's leading vapers' rights association, Rights 4 Vapers, today responded to proposed changes by Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston to Nova Scotia's Tobacco Access Act.
"Rights 4 Vapers is the voice of Canadian adult vapers, 98 percent of whom are former smokers. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we understand the need for the Government of Nova Scotia to take action to reduce access to vaping products to youth, particularly with the news reports of vaping-related illnesses. I would also like to stress that we support fair and reasonable regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure consumer safety," said Professor Chris Lalonde, a leading expert on vaping and academic advisor to Rights 4 Vapers.
However, any changes to the Tobacco Access Act should also take into consideration the thousands of adult smokers who have chosen vaping as a way to quit smoking and reduce their risk of the particular health problems smoking will cause.
An essential factor in a smoker's decision to transition to vaping is taste. The flavoured vaping products give smokers a reason to move away from the burnt-tobacco taste of cigarettes. Flavours must remain available.
The role of flavours is something that adult vapers have confirmed.
In the largest survey of Canadian adult vapers, with over 4000 respondents, Rights 4 Vapers found that the clear majority of vapers use flavoured products like fruits and candy. Also, 94 percent say that they have quit smoking because of vaping and 98 percent say that they smoke less because of vaping.
"This is a good thing," said Professor Lalonde. "Why would the Government of Nova Scotia want to put barriers up to prevent smokers from moving to vaping products? There has to be a way to both prevent youth from vaping and give smokers the products that best help them to quit."
Nova Scotia is not the only province considering expanded vaping regulations. British Columbia and Alberta are also considering new regulations.
About Rights 4 Vapers Rights 4 Vapers is an organization of vaping advocates dedicated to the advancement of Canadian-based research on vaping. Dr. Chris Lalonde is an academic advisor.
SOURCE Rights 4 Vapers
Avicanna (TSX: AVCN) Announces First Commercial Sale of the Pura Earth Derma-Cosmetics line of CBD Products
Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics expected to be available in approximately 59 retail locations throughout Colombia later this month
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") (TSX: AVCN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of organic and sustainable plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce the first completed commercial sale of its Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics line of CBD products.
The sale was completed through Avicanna's wholly owned subsidiary, Avicanna LATAM S.A.S., to Percos S.A. ("Percos"), Avicanna's exclusive distributor of Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics products in Colombia. The initial order from Percos included Avicanna's Anti-Aging Treatment, Anti-Aging Serum, Clear Skin Treatment and Intensive Skin Conditioning Treatment, which are expected to be available for purchase in approximately 59 retail locations throughout Colombia later this month. Avicanna expects to launch the Pura Earth™ brand in additional international jurisdictions in early 2020.
The Pura Earth™ products were produced with Avicanna's proprietary formulations using cannabidiol ("CBD") isolate extracted by the Company's majority owned subsidiary, Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S. ("SMGH"), from cannabis grown and cultivated by SMGH in Santa Marta, Colombia.
"This initial commercial sale of our Pura Earth™ line of CBD products is a significant step towards validating Avicanna's vertically integrated business model and demonstrating our ability to take a product from concept, through the development stage and into the commercialization stage." stated Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer. "We conceptualized the Pura Earth™ brand, and then our scientists developed and optimized the final line of products, which contain CBD sourced directly from our subsidiaries, and we are now marketing these products to retailers and distributors. Most importantly, these are science based products that we have tested in human trials lead by Avicanna."
"We believe that this initial sale of Pura Earth™ products marks a significant step towards commercialization and maturity of our company as we reach our goal of building a global organization focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of organic and sustainable plant-derived cannabinoid-based products." concluded Mr. Azadian.
About Pura Earth™
Pura Earth™ is Avicanna's derma-cosmetic line which utilizes a combination of purified cannabidiol (CBD) and other synergistic botanical ingredients designed to naturally regulate and nourish the skin. The Pura Earth™ products are formulated with CBD cultivated under organic and sustainable conditions by Avicanna's subsidiary in Santa Marta, Colombia in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Pura Earth™ product line was designed by Avicanna and optimized in partnership with the University of Toronto using Avicanna's proprietary formulations. The Pura Earth™ product line is manufactured by Altea Farmaceutica S.A. ("Altea") under Good Manufacturing Practices standards. In addition, Centro de Atención e Investigación Médica CAIMED S.A.S. is currently completing clinical studies on selected Pura Earth™ products in order to demonstrate their effectiveness with specific cosmetic endpoints, such as reduction of fine lines associated with aging, efficacy as a moisturizer for eczema prone skin, and reduction of sebum and redness attributed to acne.
About Avicanna
Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments, cultivation and research and development.
Avicanna's two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta, Colombia are the base for Avicanna's cultivation activities. These two companies are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Avicanna's research and development business is primarily conducted out of Canada at its headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. Avicanna's scientific team develops products, and Avicanna has also engaged the services of researchers at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for the purpose of optimizing and improving upon its products.
Avicanna's research and development and cultivation activities are focused on the development of its key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and Extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates), with a goal of eventually having these products manufactured and distributed through various markets.
Stay Connected
For more information about Avicanna, visit www.avicanna.com, call 1-647-243-5283, or contact Setu Purohit, President by email info@avicanna.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include but are not limited to the number of retail locations at which the Pura Earth products are expected to be available and the timing for the launch of the Pura Earth products both in Colombia and internationally. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's long form final prospectus dated July 8, 2019. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company.
SOURCE Avicanna Inc.
October Is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. "This is a good time to be aware that, despite its expansion into cyberspace, bullying in the classroom has not gone away. It still happens, and administrators and teachers still ignore it, whenever it's possible. And usually, it only becomes impossible when it's too late. Bullying destroys lives." So says Stacey J. Miller who experienced bullying when she was in middle school. It never goes away for her -- partly, because bullying, and its consequences, are in the news every day.
"Those of us who were bullied at school and have never fully recovered from that trauma may feel as powerless as we did when we were kids, and -- even decades later -- we may still be living with the fear and stress that bullying in the classroom brought us," she says. "Telling ourselves that bullying is no big deal and it happens to nearly everyone doesn't mean the trauma will just evaporate if we do nothing. In fact, if we ignore the pain that we experienced from childhood bullying, the consequences can become even more serious."
National Bullying Prevention Month suggests that we can prevent bullying in the classroom, and someday, maybe we can prevent all children from being targeted by bullies. But, as Susan P. Limber, Dan Olweus Professor of Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life at Clemson University told the "Today Show," there is no instant fix.
Bullying is here, and we have to deal with it. The pain of childhood bullying doesn't simply evaporate because we mature and, eventually, leave school behind us. Bullying stays with us until we find a way to heal.
The good news is that there is a 4-part program to help adults recover get beyond the pain of bullying at school. "I developed the healing strategies myself after living, for decades, with the aftermath of the residual trauma associated with the bullying I experienced. It involves telling your story, planning to be found by people from your past, putting the former bullies into perspective, and connecting with former bullies to gain closure and peace," Miller shares.
Her book is called, "Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School." Please let me know if you'd like to receive evaluation copy. Stacey Miller is also available for interviews. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Book:
Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School
Don’t Sacrifice Your Workout Routine: How to Stay Safe When Running Alone
You might love going for your daily run, but you could be worried about your safety when you head out on your own. You shouldn’t sacrifice your daily workout routine just because of safety purposes, of course. Instead, follow these tips to keep yourself safe.
Pick a Safe Place
First, make sure that you pick a safe place to run. Of course, bad things can happen anywhere. If you choose a place that is well-lit and well-populated, though, you can feel a lot safer.
Carry a Weapon
It’s not a bad idea to bring along a weapon on your runs so that you can protect yourself. Women’s concealed carry leggingsmake it possible for you to conceal a weapon, for example. Even a can of pepper spray can serve as a good weapon to protect yourself in a bad situation. Just make sure that you’re aware of the laws in your area about carrying a weapon so that you can protect yourself but still avoid getting into any legal trouble.
Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings
Although you might like to zone out when you’re running, it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings. If you ever feel frightened or uncomfortable for any reason, don’t be afraid to duck into a business, head for a more populated area or call for help.
Bring Your Phone
Make sure you bring your phone with you when you go on a run. Keep it close by so you can grab it and call for help if you need to. As an added bonus, you can use many smartphones to listen to music and track your progress while you’re running, which can make your workout that much more fun and effective.
Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
It’s not a bad idea to let a roommate, friend or family member know where you are going to be running and approximately how long you will be gone. Then, if your loved one does not hear from you in a reasonable amount of time, he or she can take action by going to look for you or calling for help.You should definitely be focused on your personal safety, but this does not mean that you should sacrifice your workout routine. Instead, keep the tips above in mind so that you can enjoy running while still feeling comfortable
Filter cigarettes still on the rise globally despite 57% of smokers wanting to quit, says GlobalData
Health concerns related to conventional tobacco products combined with campaigns such as the NHS’s Stoptober encouraging people to quit smoking, have led to around *57% of smokers having the desire to give up smoking. Consumers that feel they cannot stop completely are instead turning to cigarette alternatives that have reduced risk and contain fewer common toxins such as tar. However, despite the efforts and changing trends, the filter cigarette market is still expected to grow between 2018 and 2023, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Cigarettes account for a large majority of spending in the tobacco industry. Overall tobacco products represented $707bn in global spending in 2018 and cigarettes were the largest category, having generated $654bn. China is the largest cigarette market by volume, almost eight times larger than Indonesia, which ranks second. Filter cigarettes are the only segment that is expected to grow between 2018 and 2023 by volume, while all other segments are expected to decline - with chewing tobacco expected to see the largest fall at 5.4%.
Tobacco users are more drawn to natural ingredients than current e-cigarette users. Therefore, smoking alternatives looking to convert tobacco smokers should employ natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals.
Mitsue Konishi, Senior Innovation Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “One important reason for smoking cited by traditional cigarette users is relaxation. Novel ingredients that provide a relaxing or refreshing feeling will be important to explore. In this vein, cannabidiol (CBD) has been widely used in recent innovations in the US and Europe. Cigarette alternatives can also capitalize on this new ingredient.”
Globally, the majority of smokers (*a57%) are more concerned about quality than cost when considering tobacco and smoking alternatives, and are willing to pay more for better-quality products. It will be a challenge for many brands and manufacturers to communicate product quality, particularly for cigarettes, as many markets have some restrictions on packaging.
Konishi adds: “Taste and other sensory attributes cannot be compromised. Latin America is quality-driven, while North America is price-sensitive. Premiumization can be effective in the former market, but the price point of new innovations in tobacco and smoking alternatives must be carefully considered in the latter.
“Heat-not-burn (HNB) has been hugely popular in the East, particularly in Japan, and there is now an interesting migration of HNB markets in the West. Manufacturers of HNB state that the toxins are lower risk than conventional cigarettes, meaning HNB can be a potential product for smokers seeking an alternative to tobacco. However, there is a legal challenge for manufacturers to not attract consumers that cannot legally smoke.”
* GlobalData 2015 Q1 Global Consumer Survey *a GlobalData 2018 Q4 Global Consumer Survey
OCTOBER IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE & DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH:
"How I Conquered My Depression & Addiction & You Can Too."
AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF BEATING DEPRESSION, DRUGS, & THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL “They thought I was a jock who just loved to party...but I was doing it to numb my severe depression...” ...says Ethan Fisher reflecting on his teenage years. From the outside looking in, Ethan Fisher had the world at his feet. A popular high school student-athlete, he was the captain of his basketball team and a fun-loving friend who loved to party. But years of untreated depression, peer-pressured substance abuse, and negative self-talk enveloped his impressionable mind and led him down a destructive and tragic path. Sadly, this is something all too common. According to the CDC, approximately 1.9 million children have diagnosed depression and by 12th grade, about two-thirds of students have tried substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.Growing up in a family that did not speak openly about mental health, Ethan spent his teenage years secretly battling clinical depression while he publicly received accolades for his uncommon talent on the basketball court. He began to self-medicate, leading to a years-long battle with alcoholism and substance abuse. After failing out of several college basketball programs, several attempts with suicide, and one horrific car accident, Ethan found himself in prison with a daunting 3-year sentence. While in prison, surrounded by negativity, he just knew he had to make a change when he got released. "Students of all ages are abusing alcohol, drugs at an alarmingly high rate. In today’s society, peer pressure from social media can lead to depression, suicide and self-medicating abuse with Alcohol and Drugs.Unless something tragic happens, they do not have to face the dire consequences of their decisions. That is where my life and keynote presentation comes into play... "...says Fisher who is now an alcohol, drug, and mental health awareness keynote speaker. Sober since 2004, Ethan went on to become the first athlete in Colorado to play college basketball on inmate status and was recognized as an All-Conference and MVP. He graduated summa cum laude, was awarded the entrepreneurship student of the year award and was the recipient of the President's award. Ethan’s experiences became a catalyst for his devotion to inspiring others. "Kids open up to me about their deepest darkest issues because I tell them my own deepest darkest issues." The letters I get from kids fuels me every day to inspire change and encourage kids to speak out about mental health," boasts Fisher. Ethan Fisher is on a mission to prevent students and student-athletes across the country from making poor choices and bad decisions while changing their perspective about alcohol and drugs. IN AN INTERVIEW OR AN ARTICLE, ETHAN CAN DISCUSS:His incredible story of beating depression, drugs, and the downward spiral.Warning signs of mental health issues or addictionWhat to do if you know someone who needs helpWhat people can do today to help the cause and fight depression and substance abuseTechniques for channeling desire into purposeful action.ABOUT ETHAN FISHER:Ethan Fisher is a keynote speaker, author, and mental health advocate who draws from his life experience to challenge, motivate and inspire students and people of all ages. From star high school athlete, to prison inmate, to the recipient of an MBA with honors, Fisher's life is a lesson in accountability, passion, and perseverance. A raw and passionate speaker, Fisher has shared his story in hundreds of cities, motivating and engaging almost 75,000 audience members to take hold of their lives and pursue their dreams. Fisher is also the founder of Life CONsequences,a non-profit to support education and prevention for students and student-athletes. Fisher was featured in the best-seller, The Heart Led Leader (which was #1 Wall Street Journal, #8 New York Times, #1 Amazon Business) newspaper articles, as well as podcasts, radio, and television shows.FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.ethan-fisher.com
Campaign launched to improve quality of life for people with severe dementia
TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2019 /CNW/ - A campaign launched today on National Seniors Day and the International Day of Older Persons aims to improve quality of life for people with severe dementia who live in long-term care by sharing best approaches for evaluating and managing pain in these residents.
"Pain is under-assessed and under-treated in long-term care because people with severe dementia have limited ability to communicate what they are feeling," says Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, who holds a Research Chair in Aging and Health at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
Under-recognized pain can have serious consequences. Pain in dementia can lead to agitation and aggression. When these types of behaviours are misattributed to a psychiatric problem, people are often given psychotropic rather than analgesic medications, says Dr. Hadjistavropoulos. Research has shown that psychotropic medications may increase the risk of earlier death in these individuals, he says.
To raise awareness, he created a social media campaign in collaboration with national and provincial organizations as well as older adults, caregivers and health-care professionals. #SeePainMoreClearly includes a video and a website with information and resources, such as a pain checklist for seniors with limited ability to communicate, developed by Dr. Hadjistavropoulos's team.
Dr. Hadjistavropoulos says he took the unorthodox step of launching a grassroots campaign because he wanted to go directly to health professionals, family caregivers, people with dementia and the general public. Typically, he says, it takes many years to disseminate research findings in a way that they become part of widespread practice.
"We want to share evidenced-based practices now to optimize the quality and frequency of pain assessments. Overworked frontline staff want to do the best for their patients but are constrained by limited resources. Moreover, there's a clear need for continuing pain education for staff to make sure everyone is familiar with the newest methods." The website also has links to resources for families and patients.
Filmed with actors in Regina, the video depicts a scene involving health professionals and a long-term care resident living with dementia. It is based on Dr. Hadjistavropoulos's research and work in applied health psychology. The video campaign is supported by AGE-WELL and the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. The Canadian Association on Gerontology and the Chronic Pain Network are partners in the campaign as well.
"By raising awareness, we have a real opportunity to make sure that people with late-stage dementia get the treatment they need, when they need it."
Dr. Hadjistavropoulos points to studies that indicate that people living with severe Alzheimer's are less likely to receive an analgesic medication than older adults in general.
"We aim to address under-recognized pain and, in turn, this will mean improved quality of life for long-term care residents, fewer incidents of agitated behaviour and lower stress levels for hard-working staff and for families."
As part of his work with the AGE-WELL network, Dr. Hadjistavropoulos co-leads a research team that is developing technology-based solutions to improve pain management in long-term care residents who are living with dementia. This includes knowledge mobilization efforts using social media.
About AGE-WELL:
AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca.
SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
There are endless winter health myths that we have heard from well intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold hard facts. Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus. Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the frosty months. In order to do so sensibly, we turned to Board Certified NYC internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal.
Myth: Allergies go away in the winter
Allergies might be the real source behind your stuffy nose and scratchy throat this season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five people suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies, and the indoor variety can actually be worse in the winter. Dr. Sonpal cautions that, “If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or ease up after taking an antihistamine, it might be time to visit an allergist.”
Myth: I wash my hands all the time with hand sanitizer, so I should be fine.
Hand sanitizer will kill most viruses, but not all. You must make sure you use the right amount of hand sanitizer and let it dry completely. Dr. Sonpal points out that,” Some viruses, like norovirus, which causes vomiting, is not killed by hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best to get rid of all bacteria and viruses, but the hand sanitizer is better than nothing at all.”
Myth: It’s cold out, I don’t need sunscreen.
The sun’s rays are just as strong in the winter months as they are in the other seasons. Snow and ice can reflect even more sunlight, up to twice as much. Grab the SPF 30 and put it on, regardless of the temperature. Don’t forget those sunglasses to keep your eyes safe as well.
I’ll just drink some alcohol to keep myself warm.
Although it may feel like drinking alcohol is making you warmer, it does not. Dr. Sonpal says that, “when you drink, the blood vessels dilate or get bigger, and blood flows to your skin and away from your internal organs. So, it may feel like you are getting warmer, but you are not.”
Myth: The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu
According to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and Rite Aide, 44 percent of American women view the flu as a serious threat to their health. Yet nearly half (49 percent) do not intend to get a flu shot this year because they believe the vaccine can give them the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for anyone older than 6 months of age. Dr. Sonpal stresses that, “The shot does not contain a live virus, making catching the flu from it impossible.”
Winter weather makes you store fat and gain weight
Our bodies do not go into some kind of winter hibernation mode, stockpiling every ounce of fat to use for the lean times. It seems logical, like a throwback to our days living in caves foraging for food, but in reality, any weight gain comes from our winter habits. Dr. Sonpal points out that, “we tend to exercise less in winter. We eat more hearty meals and comfort foods, including more sugary snacks and desserts (especially around the holidays).”
Myth: You Lose Most Heat Through Your Head
The saying goes “we lose 90 percent of our body heat through our heads.” But a 2006 study found that the head accounts for about 7 percent of the body's surface area, and that heat loss in the region is fairly proportional, according to LiveScience."Your head is another extremity, and it's susceptible to cold, so you should wear a hat, but it doesn't lose any more heat than another part of your body," says Dr. Sonpal.
Myth: Chicken Soup Will Cure Colds
Many cultures teach us to drink warm liquids like tea, hot apple cider, and soups when we’re dealing with colds. It’s true that something like chicken soup may help soothe and ease congestion, but much like vitamin C, hot soup won’t do immediate wonders.
Myth: Being Cold Gives You a Cold
No matter what your grandma might have told you, spending too much time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. One study found that healthy men who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems. In fact, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs are easily passed.
Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever
Dr. Sonpal says that, “This is another myth that comes from a time when people didn't understand the science of body chemistry. The thought was that if you had a cold, food would warm you up. Conversely, if you had a high fever, not eating would cool you down. This is just patently bad medical advice. In both cases, good nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to fight infections and recover from an illness. When you have a fever, your body is burning energy at a rapid rate, and that needs to be replenished. So, by all means feed your cold; but also feed your fever, or any other illness. Even if you have stomach issues, find a way to take in lost fluids and electrolytes.”
About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookldale University medical center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
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