Fight back against Text Neck: Six exercises to realign your spine
World Spine Day 2019 is October 16 and this year’s theme is #GetSpineActive, a chance to focus on the importance of movement in maintaining healthy spine alignment.
Unfortunately, most Canadians spend hours each day staring at our phones. We're feeling the effects of our sedentary habits and addiction to mobile devices. Text neck is one of the most prevalent and fast-growing spinal health issues, especially among young adults, who spend up to 4 hours (or more) daily on their mobile devices.
The human head weighs 10 to 12 pounds when it’s upright, but when you bend our neck and hold your head at a 45-degree angle to stare into a smartphone screen, the weight and pressure increase to almost 50 pounds on the cervical spine. Each time you move your head down an inch, the pressure on the spine doubles.
Over time, this pressure takes a toll on your neck and spine, and that’s when text neck sets in. Text neck can cause harmful symptoms such as neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, chronic headaches and increased curvature of the spine. In fact, a high profile study done in Australia found 41% of young adults and 33% of the general population shows evidence of bone spurs growing on the back of their skulls – the body’s attempt to compensate for the damage caused by sustained, terrible posture.
Over the long term, untreated text neck can result in inflammation of the neck ligaments, muscles and nerves leading to permanent arthritic changes. It can also cause long term damage including flattening of the spinal curve, the onset of early arthritis, spinal misalignment and degeneration.
Anyone who uses a smartphone is at risk, but most of us don’t know how to prevent it. Some of the easy, immediate lifestyle changes that can help include:
Look at your phone with your eyes only, not your entire head.
Hold your device up higher and with two hands, and make sure you take regular breaks to look up and connect with your surroundings.
While sitting, align the neck and spine by checking that the ears are over the shoulders and the shoulders are over the hips.
Simon Paige, GoodLife Fitness Personal Trainer, Head of Physical Performance and Analysis at the Canadian Rugby League and Fascial Stretching Master Trainer, recommends six stretches and preventative exercises to strengthen shoulders and promote correct spine alignment to help minimize the effects of text neck and prevent longer-term structural damage and pain.
T-fly: Prevents you from being hunched over. Strengthens muscles in your upper back, rhomboids, upper traps, rear deltoids
Bird dog: Works on your deep-lying core muscles stabilizes the spine - strengthens lower back and traps
Glute bridge: Stabilizes spine and pelvis
Dead bug: Trains your spinal stabilizers to work isometrically, while arms and legs are moving
Hip hinge: Works hamstrings, glutes and lower back muscles - keeps the pelvis and lower back in alignment.
Scapular wall slide: Activates the rhomboids to help pull your shoulders back and improve overall posture.
Simon Paige and other fitness professionals in your area are available to talk more about the effects of text neck and some of the stretches, exercises and yoga moves that target the muscles of your back, shoulders, and neck, to keep Canadians in proper alignment and out of pain.
Montmed announces positive clinical trial data on SiteSmart™
Results of a randomized controlled trial presented at Diabetes Canada's 2019 Professional Conference demonstrate the clinical value of the novel SiteSmart™ pen needles educational concept.
MONTREAL, Oct. 4, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Montmed, Inc., a company dedicated to enabling people with diabetes to do more without adding to the burden of managing their diabetes, announced the presentation of positive results from a randomized controlled trial on its SiteSmart™ insulin pen needles, during an oral poster presentation at the Diabetes Canada 2019 Professional Conference, Oct 2-5, 2019. SiteSmart™ is a novel pen needle designed to favor adherence to a healthy injection site rotation regimen amongst insulin users. Each package of SiteSmart™ contains 100 insulin pen needles distinctively marked with 4 colors, along with educational messages and an association tool labeled directly on the packaging that allows the user to create a personalized structured injection site rotation plan, in which each of the four colors of pen needle is associated with an injection area, seamlessly instructing the insulin user where to inject.
The data highlight the impact of SiteSmart™ on injection site rotation habits of established insulin users, as compared to the currently available conventional insulin pen needles.
In the study, 208 adult insulin users with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were randomized to either use Montmed's SiteSmart colored coded pen needles or their current, conventional pen needle for one month to evaluate the effect of SiteSmart™ on injection site rotation habits amongst established insulin users. The study also evaluated the impact of SiteSmart™ on pharmacists' knowledge and comfort in discussing injection site rotation with their patients. In this study, the sole dispensing of Montmed's SiteSmart™ by a retail pharmacist resulted in a significant improvement in injection site rotation (p=0.00546) compared to conventional pen needles, delivering a 134.7% increase in the likelihood to improve site rotation over conventional pen needle.
"These data are very exciting in that they demonstrate that a simple, yet innovative, intervention like SiteSmart™ can help insulin users easily learn and adhere to a healthy injection site rotation regimen which should, in turn, reduce the risk of lipohypertrophy and the associated impact on glucose control and insulin use," said Lori Berard, RN, CDA, Study Investigator and Chair of the Canadian Forum for Injection Techniques. "I believe this is an easily-implemented intervention that doesn't add any cost to the healthcare system, and that has the potential to deliver important clinical and health-care outcomes."
Amir Farzam, chief executive officer of Montmed, commented, "These data support our belief that SiteSmart™ has the potential to transform the utility of an insulin pen needle from a simple delivery device, to a clinically valuable tool. SiteSmart™ can play an important role in proper insulin use and diabetes control by helping insulin users easily and seamlessly integrate a healthy injection site rotation routine in their daily lives, and therefore, have an important impact on the healthcare system."
Additional results of this study looking at pharmacist's ability, level of comfort, and willingness to teach site rotation to their insulin using patients, as well as patients satisfaction using SiteSmart™ will be the subject of publication at a later date.
About Lipohypertrophy Globally, hundreds of millions of people live with diabetes and it is estimated that more than 40 million people depend on the daily administration of exogenous insulin to help control their blood glucose levels and prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes. Insulin users inject themselves anywhere from 1 to 6 or more times daily. This daily repeated administration of exogenous insulin, a growth hormone, combined with the repeated trauma of needle micro-injury, can lead to a serious complication called lipohypertrophy, observed in as high as 65% of insulin users, defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat underneath the surface of the skin1. Lipohypertrophy has been shown to have important repercussions on glycemic control, such as an elevation in HbA1C, increased glucose variability, increased unexplained hypoglycemia as well as an increase in insulin requirements2. Studies also indicate that the most important risk factor for the development of lipohypertrophy is a failure to rotate injection sites3. As such, proper injection site rotation is a key recommendation of diabetes guidelines worldwide.
About SiteSmart™ Montmed has developed SiteSmart™, a pen needle that brings clinical value by helping insulin users seamlessly adopt a healthy site rotation routine, which can reduce the risk of lipohypertrophy and help improve insulin action. The SiteSmart™ package contains 100 insulin pen needles distinctively marked with 4 colors (4X25), along with an association tool labeled directly on the packaging and on a web app, that allow the user to create a personalized structured injection site rotation plan, in which each of the four colors of pen needle is associated with an injection area. Once the plan is developed by the insulin user or with the help of a health care professional, the user simply picks a pen needle in the box, and injects in the area corresponding to color of the pen needle on his /her plan. And that's it! No tracking, no logging, no need to remember where the last injection was given. The simplicity of SiteSmart™ makes it easy for any insulin user to get the most out of their insulin by integrating a healthy injection site rotation routine without adding to the cognitive burden associated with diabetes management. The SiteSmart™ packaging also serves as a counseling tool to favor a rapid and concise educational intervention on site rotation by health care professionals, including prescribers, diabetes educators, and retail pharmacists. SiteSmart™: Change Colour, Change Site™.
References1. Blanco M, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of lipohypertrophy in insulin-injecting patients with diabetes. Diabetes Metab. 2013;39(5)445-53. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2013.05.006. 2. Frid A, et al. Worldwide Injection techniques questionnaire study. Mayo Clinic Proc. 2016;91(9):1212-1223. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.011. 3. Forum for Injection Techniques (FIT). http://fit4diabetes.com
SOURCE Montméd
Gastro-Tourism is Changing the Travel Industry
ENV Travel focuses on culinary experiences around the world.
Food is a vital part of every cultural celebration. In tourism, food travel has evolved to become a separate segment in the industry called “gastro-tourism”. Gastronomy tourism is a phrase that is more romantically used in Europe, and it describes an enhanced culinary travel experience. Culinary tourists are in the pursuit of authentic cultural tours that guide them through cooking classes, festivals, and unique dining experiences while learning about local and seasonal ingredients. Gastro-tourism does not just focus on the eating and drinking, but also the behind-the-scenes adventures of being a part of the food’s origin, such as a tour of a farm or vineyard, exploring local markets, and the cooking process right in the kitchen.
With food tourism, food became more than just a delightful byproduct of a trip, but instead, trip planning began to include memorable food and drink events. With social media and cooking shows, food travel expanded the experience from merely dining, to immersing in local cultures to find and prepare the best food. Now, gastro-tourism prioritizes food as the primary focus for travel, and the destination and other attractions become the added “cherry on top” in planning a trip in food travel.
ENV is a travel company that creates unforgettable gastro-tourism experiences around the world. Each trip takes travelers to destinations around the world with cruises and adventures that allow travelers to learn from locals and insiders. The private, hands-on activities will have tourists in the kitchen, rubbing shoulders with chefs, winemakers, and other culinary experts. With amazing food, comes an amazing cultural experience as travelers explore local streets, farms, kitchens, and more.
ENV Travel started in Napa Valley by Karen Rowley. The business was inspired by Napa’s food and wine scene, along with Rowley’s many contacts from her culinary experience. She began to create magical travel adventures around the world, designing the perfect journeys for her clients.
Rowley says, “We love designing magical travel experiences and sharing authentic culinary adventures around the world with our guests. Whether it’s individuals or groups, we know the best local chefs, guides, cooking locations, and how to travel in comfort to any destination. With our global partners, we create authentic, local culinary encounters that immerse our clients in cultures. “
As gastro-tourism continues to alter the travel industry, ENV travel continues to lead enthusiastic food and wine aficionados on culinary experiences around the globe.
Karen Rowley
Karen owns Many More Travels, along with ENV Travel, and has a 22-year background in travel, including Director of Sales and Marketing at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a position she held for over eight years. Visiting 61 countries and counting, she focuses on luxury, culinary, and wine travel. She holds a degree in English Literature and belongs to the prestigious Virtuoso Network of the most accomplished travel designers in the world with a special designation as a Virtuoso Culinary Expert. She is also a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier an invitation-only philanthropic organization of women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.
An isometric exercise or workout is a type of training where the muscle length or joint angle doesn’t change. Simply put, the body stays static while it applies force. Some isometric exercise examples can be as simple as pushing your palms together or be as intense as holding a barbell at the peak of a curl. This is why they are so convenient and safe; people can perform them anytime, anywhere with an almost zero chance of injuries.
Shoulder Press
Stand up straight and bend your left elbow by your side, fist up.
Place your right palm on top of your left fist. Your right arm should be parallel to the ground with your elbow bent about 90 degrees.
Press your right palm into your left fist and hold this for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Do this complete exercise 10 times.
Trunk Rotation
Place your left palm on your right shoulder.
Keep your right arm relaxed by your side.
Keep your back straight and both hips square. Rotate your torso to the left as you push your left palm into your right shoulder.
Hold this for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Do this complete exercise 10 times.
Chair Pose
This classic yoga pose works your entire body. Combined with isometric holds, it is an effective, efficient way to get in a full-body exercise in just a few minutes.
Stand up with your knees and feet touching.
Extend both arms in front of you.
Slowly squat down as if you’re sitting in a chair.
Squeeze your thigh muscles together and contract your abs.
Hold this pose for 10 seconds, then return to a standing position.
Do this 10 times.
"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
Functional Medicine University & GoChiroTV announce planned partnership in educating patients
Functional Medicine University has announced that they will be offering GoChiroTV and SceneStudio™ Wellness to all its graduating students. Founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti, D.C., Functional Medicine University is the oldest online Functional Medicine certification training school, serving healthcare professionals from 81 countries and all 50 US states. Functional Medicine emphasizes scientific diagnosis of an individual’s unique biochemical relationships, then encouraging the body to rebalance itself naturally instead of through surgery or drugs.
GoChiroTV/ SceneStudio™ Wellness are video platforms designed to educate patients and consumers about the benefits of functional medicine and other care provided by primary care providers. GoChiroTV is tailored to chiropractic practices while SceneStudio™ Wellness is tailored to medical, osteopathic, acupuncture and other providers. Through their dynamic, informative and entertaining format, these video platforms present patients with information updated weekly.
“Offering advanced information tools to our graduating practitioners is very exciting,” says Dr. Grisanti. These will educate patients in the comfort of the practitioners’ office. The high quality and attention to detail in their product is what makes them the perfect tool for our members.”
“We are excited to help educate patients and consumers about the power of functional medicine,” remarked Dave Hastie, President of Ridgelogic Development which produces the videos and maintains the video programming. “In addition to functional medicine content, our video platforms provide doctors with hassle-free programming that is tailored to their individual practice.”
FMU is constantly looking to improve marketing mechanisms for its members. Graduating with honors is not a guarantee for success, however, with the implementation of GoChiroTV/ SceneStudio™ Wellness in our practitioners’ offices, patients will now become aware of the many different products and services offered. With this new partnership, Functional Medicine practitioners will have more options in educating their patients, initiating conversations between doctors and patients, and most importantly, these video platforms will motivate patients to seek the additional care they want and need.
About Ridgelogic Development
Ridgelogic Development, is a leading provider of end to end DOOH technology and on premise marketing platforms, providing professionally created relevant content and managed services that include brands like GoChiroTV and SceneStudio™ Wellness. For more information call 1-888-748-3462 or go to: www.ridgelogic.com/fmu
Health Canada approves CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) for adult patients with previously-treated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Approval of the highly selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor in MCL marks AstraZeneca's entry into the treatment of blood cancers
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 8, 2019 /CNW/ - AstraZeneca Canada today announced the Health Canada approval of Calquence® (acalabrutinib) as an oral therapy for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. A Notice of Compliance for Calquence was granted based on positive data from the ACE-LY-004 trial which demonstrated an 81% overall response rate for patients with relapsed or refractory MCL.1
MCL is a rare B-cell form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma most common in men over the age of 50. Usually diagnosed in the late stages, MCL often spreads to other organs including the bone marrow, spleen and liver. Many MCL patients initially respond to treatment, but a high rate of relapse may lead to poor prognosis.2
"The results of the ACE-LY-004 trial are very promising for MCL patients," said Dr. John Kuruvilla, Hematologist and Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto. "Calquence is highly selective in targeting BTK and its minimal interactions with other targets means it can offer the potential for reduced toxicity and improved efficacy."
Calquence is a selective inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Calquence binds irreversibly to BTK to inhibit its activity, and has demonstrated this with minimal interference to other immune cells or kinases in pre-clinical studies.1,3,4,5
About Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) MCL is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with poor prognosis.2 MCL accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of new NHL cases in Canada each year, with an annual incidence of 0.5 per 100,000 people in Western countries.2,6 The median age at diagnosis is 68 years, and occurs more often in men than women.6 While MCL patients initially respond to treatment, there is a high frequency of recurrence.6
About Calquence Calquence (acalabrutinib; previously known as ACP-196) is a selective inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Calquence binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity, and has demonstrated this with minimal interactions with other immune cells in pre-clinical studies.1,4,5 In B cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.1 The recommended dose of Calquenceis one 100mg capsule taken orally twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart), until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.1 Calquence may be taken with or without food.1
About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of primary and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on three important areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease; Oncology; and Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In Canada, we employ more than 675 employees across the country and our headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.astrazeneca.ca.
References
_______________________
1
AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Calquence® (acalabrutinib), Product Monograph. August 2019.
Covey T, Barf T, Gulrajani M, Krantz F, van Lith B, Bibikova E, et al. Abstract 2596: ACP-196: a novel covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitor with improved selectivity and in vivo target coverage in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Cancer Res. 2015;75(15 Supplement):2596.
4
Byrd JC, Harrington B, O'Brien S, Jones JA, Schuh A, Devereux S, et al. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196) in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(4):323–32.
5
Harrington BK, Gulrajani M, Covey T, Kaptein A, Van Lith B, Izumi R, et al. ACP-196 is a second generation inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with enhanced target specificity. Blood. 2015;126(23):2908.
Maternal obesity speeds up offspring aging, which increases likelihood of diabetes and heart disease
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
It has long been known that obesity impairs our metabolism and predisposes to diabetes and heart disease. New research published today in The Journal of Physiology has shown that the effects of maternal obesity even pass across generations to offspring, accelerating the rate of aging of metabolic problems that occur in normal life.
Researchers at the Salvador Zubiran National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, in Mexico City and University of Wyoming at Laramie, studied offspring of obese rat mothers. They observed the offspring throughout their lives (puberty, early adult life, late adult life and early aging) to determine the rate at which they aged. Offspring of obese mothers had more body fat and showed early prediabetic signs such as an early rise in insulin resistance, increasing susceptibility to diabetes.
Offspring of the obese mothers also showed impaired function of their mitochondria, the power stations of cells that generate the energy cells need to function properly. These changes make it more likely that organisms will develop heart disease. Interestingly, some of the unwanted outcomes resulting from maternal obesity were different in males and female offspring. The reason for this is not clear, but it is thought to be hormonal in nature.
Encouragingly, exercise by the offspring improves many of the poor offspring outcomes that result from maternal obesity. These new findings add to the accumulating evidence for the influence of conditions in the womb and early life, on the physiology of the offspring, which thus impacts their susceptibility for diseases and the rate at which they age.
Elena Zambrano, senior author on the study, commented on the research saying:
“This reinforces the link between maternal obesity and the aging of offspring, specifically around the increased likelihood of developing diabetes and heart disease. Encouragingly, in previous studies we have shown that exercise by the offspring can off help offset the risks brought about by maternal obesity.”
The Journal of Physiology publishes advances in physiology which increase our understanding of how our bodies function in health and disease. http://jp.physoc.org
The Physiological Society brings together over 4,000 scientists from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports. www.physoc.org
Insception Lifebank Recognizes World Cerebral Palsy Day
Free collection and storage of umbilical cord blood for families who have a child with cerebral palsy
TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - To mark World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6th, Insception Lifebank is sharing a family story that shines a light on the potential impact umbilical cord blood stem cells may have in treating this debilitating condition.
Nosheen and Abdul from Milton, Ontario have two children, Armaan (four) and Anaya (one). Armaan has been diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy (CP). In July 2018, the family's obstetrician suggested the collection of baby sister Anaya's umbilical cord blood so that it may be used to treat Armaan's CP in the future. Research in several different countries has shown cord blood treatment could be promising for children with CP.
In July of this year, Armaan was infused with Anaya's cord blood at Duke University under the FDA-approved Expanded Access Programiwhich enables cord blood stem cell therapy for children with various brain disorders.
Nosheen reports that for Armaan, the impact of the cord blood stem cells infusion has been encouraging. "Since the (cord blood) infusion, we have seen positive changes in Armaan's upper body strength, his vision, and his coordination. Now, when he looks at us, he is more connected and can hold his eye contact for longer. Armaan is showing better grasp control and can curl his fingers to hold our hands, which he could never do before. These changes may seem small, but they are important to us, and represent a hope of a better quality of life."
Cerebral palsy is a life-long disability and while there are numerous interventions and therapies that may help reduce its impact, there is no cure for the condition as yet. In recent years, scientific research has focused on demonstrating the potential of cord blood in the management of CP. Whilst cord blood is not currently an approved treatment for CP, clinical trials and Duke's Expanded Access Program are bringing Canadian families closer to viable treatment options.
"The emerging research of umbilical cord blood as a potential treatment for cerebral palsy is encouraging," said Dr. Ian Rogers, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, and Insception Lifebank's Scientific Director. "Published clinical trials have reported promising results in both cognitive and motor function measures, with investigations ongoing."
Nosheen and Abdul stored Anaya's umbilical cord blood via Insception Lifebank's free Cerebral Palsy Sibling Collection Program. The program offers free umbilical cord blood collection and storage for newborn babies who have a sibling with CP and aims to provide children with CP and their families access to treatments in current clinical trials.
Mr. Frank Cashen, General Manager of Insception Lifebank said: "We are pleased to offer free compassionate collection and storage of cord blood to families impacted by CP to facilitate access to clinical trials and approved treatments. To date, over 300 families have accessed our CP collection program."
When asked about their experience, Nosheen said: "If you are expecting or plan on becoming pregnant, I encourage you to consider this option. Banking cord blood is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and prepares you in the event it may one day help your child."
For more information about storing umbilical cord blood or the Cerebral Palsy Sibling Collection Program, please contact Insception Lifebank at 1-866-606-2790 or visit www.insception.com.
About Cerebral Palsy:
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. It is estimated that one out of every 400 Canadian babies, and up to one in three premature babies, are affected to some extent. There are more than 50,000 Canadians with CP.ii Interventions include a variety of approaches to reduce the severity of the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy and assist with pain, movement, communication, and learning.
About Cord Blood:
Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in a baby's umbilical cord and placenta. It is a rich source of blood stem cells and other important cells that can only be collected at birth for potential future use.
About Insception:
Founded in 1996, Insception Lifebank is Canada's largest and most experienced cord blood program. Insception Lifebank operates with the highest quality standard in Canada (Health Canada, AABB and FACT).
NOBEL PRIZE RESEARCH OPENS UP NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ANAEMIA AND CANCER
2019 WINNERS “PUT PHYSIOLOGY FRONT AND CENTRE”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Physiological Society has congratulated Nobel Prize winners William G. Kaelin Jr., Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe and Gregg L. Semenza.
It was announced today (Monday 7 October) that they have been awarded the Nobel Prize for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.
While the fundamental importance of oxygen has been understood for centuries, this research focuses on understanding how cells adapt to changes in levels of oxygen.
Sir Peter Ratcliffe is a former Editor of Journal of Physiology, a journal published by The Physiological Society.
Responding to the Nobel Prize announcement, President of The Physiological Society, Bridget Lumb, said:
“This year’s Nobel Prize puts physiology front and centre. It shines a light on the vital research carried out by physiologists.
“Cutting edge physiological research such as this is improving our understanding of how our bodies work and thereby helping keep us healthy.
“Thanks to this research we know much more about how different levels of oxygen impact on physiological processes in our bodies. This has huge implications for everything from recovery from injury and protection from disease, through to improving exercise performance.”
Commenting on the research, Professor Cormac Taylor of University College Dublin’s Conway Institute, said:
“Our evolution has depended on our ability to use oxygen to make energy and to adapt when oxygen levels are low.
“Humans require a constant supply of oxygen to live, but we often encounter situations where the amount of oxygen we have is low. This is the case for extreme situations, such as mountain climbers, but is also faced by people with diseases such as cancer or anaemia.
“The discovery of the HIF pathway answered the question about how our cells adapt to low oxygen and allow cells, tissues and whole bodies to adapt. This is a key and vital piece of understanding the physiology of how our bodies work.
“Targeting the pathways identified by this research opens up new treatment options for people with diseases such as anaemia or cancer.”
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