Trait Acquires Exclusive License to Apply These New Technologies to Cannabis, Hemp
LOS ALAMOS, NM, September 12, 2019 / - Trait Biosciences Inc. ("Trait" or the "Company"), a biotechnology leader in the cannabis industry, today congratulated its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Richard Sayre, and a team of industry scientists on the publication of the article “Fine-tuning the Photosynthetic Light Harvesting Apparatus for Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency and Biomass Yield" (the “Article”) in the September 2019 edition of Scientific Reports.
The work that led to publication of the Article was conducted by Dr. Sayre and the team at the New Mexico Consortium (“NMC”) on Camelina sativa (a plant that has a dense vertical canopy architecture similar to cannabis and hemp) over a 3 year period, through a grant from Bayer Crop Sciences.
The technologies developed resulted in a 40% increase of biomass production in field trials by fine-tuning the photosynthetic light harvesting apparatus in the plant to more efficiently utilize light.
“Photosynthesis has an overall energy conversion efficiency of 4%. By optimizing a plant’s light harvesting efficiency, we are approaching the theoretical efficiency limit of 12% resulting in substantial crop yield improvements and shorter growing cycles,” said Dr. Sayre. “These improvements will also reduce the need for supplemental light in greenhouse cultivation systems. Importantly, this breakthrough is applicable to all crops and enables a substantial gain in yield which is critical for reducing land use while maintaining crop output.”
Over 14 patents and patent applications have resulted from these efforts, including PCT/US2015/041617 “Improved Carbon Fixation in Plants and Algae”, PCT/US2015/060448 “Transgenic Plants with Engineering Redox Sensitive Modulation of Photosynthetic Antenna Complex Pigments and Methods of Making Same” and PCT/US19/24669 “The Enhancement of Photosynthetic Rates, Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Biomass Yield Through Expression of a C4 Plant Ferredoxin in C3 Photosynthetic Plants”.
Trait Acquires Exclusive License for Cannabis, Hemp and Tobacco Applications
Trait is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a patent license agreement (the “Exclusive License”) to acquire the exclusive rights to the Patents for use in cannabis, hemp and tobacco plants.
Under the terms of the Exclusive License, Trait will have the exclusive right to use the technologies contemplated by the Patents for use in cannabis, hemp and tobacco plants for the lifetime of the patent underlying the applicable technology.
Peter McDonough, CEO of Trait, commented: “We offer our most genuine congratulations to Dr. Sayre and his team on the publication of the article in Scientific Reports. It is a great accomplishment.” McDonough added: “We are extremely pleased to be licensing these technologies, which vastly enhance the photosynthetic yields of plants, and form one of the key strategies in our Trait Amplified technology. Trait Amplified promises to increase cannabinoid yields by more than 4x, and lower production costs in cannabis and hemp plants. What is more, these technologies lower the environmental impact of cultivating hemp and cannabis by reducing the inputs required to grow these plants.”
About Trait Biosciences
With a team of internationally recognized scientists who are applying best-in-class technology and agricultural science, Trait Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology leader in the hemp and cannabis industries. Its consumer technology platforms provide breakthrough IP and science which produce enhanced cannabinoids featuring predictable onset timing, superior bioavailability, extended stability, and improved taste. Trait's patent pending technologies include a process for generating water-soluble cannabinoids that does not rely on emulsion or nanotechnology. The company's agricultural technologies increase crop yields and plant safety, including ultrahigh yield Amplified™ plants which dramatically increase a plant's natural cannabinoid productivity, and its Defence™ RNAi crop protection technology, which eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides, providing higher quality, safer, CBD-infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Trait Bioscience Inc.'s (the "Corporation") strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “promises,” "will", "expect", "continue", "assess", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including material estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as at the date of this press release in light of each of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.
Any forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Canada leading developed countries in survival for lung and colon cancer
New data shows where Canada ranks internationally in survival for seven types of cancer
TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada has among the highest survival rates for lung cancer and colon cancer compared to other developed countries, according to new data published this month in The LancetOncology.
Data were gathered by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and are the most recent collection of survival statistics for seven types of cancer in seven countries: Canada, Australia, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. 3.9 million cancer cases were collected from cancer registries in 21 jurisdictions across the participating countries since 1995, including over 762,000 Canadian cancer cases from eight* provinces.
The data show that Canada is among the world leaders in survival for most of the seven cancers observed, except for esophageal cancer and ovarian cancer. While Canada's overall average survival generally compares well, there is often more variation among the provinces than across the countries in this study.
The 2019-2029 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control and its action plans acknowledge this variation in survival rates across Canada and strive to promote equity of access to cancer care and quality cancer care for all Canadians.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) participates in the international study through chairing the program board and funding the collection and analysis of all contributing* provinces' data from their cancer registries for the Canadian data included in the ICBP paper.
Other findings include:
Overall, survival rates for the seven types of cancer studied are generally higher in Canada, Australia and Norway.
For all countries, survival for all types of observed cancer has increased across the 20-year reporting period.
Five-year survival from colon cancer has continued to rise considerably in all participating countries.
Pancreatic cancer continues to have among the lowest survival rates of all cancers in all participating countries.
This past June, the Partnership released the modernized Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. The Strategy is a 10-year roadmap to deliver world class cancer care to all Canadians, families and caregivers affected by the disease. The Strategy details necessary actions that will improve equity of access to high-quality care, and actions to ensure we have a sustainable healthcare system for the future. The Partnership is engaging with leading countries from the ICBP report, such as Australia, to learn more about their models of care and adapting approaches for Canada.
Quotes
"It's vital that Canadian researchers as well as cancer and health system leaders have data to compare our results in cancer treatment to other, similar health systems around the world. The ICBP continues to be an important collaborative body that shines a light on where countries and provinces are succeeding and where improvements are necessary to address this challenging disease," said Dr. Heather Bryant, Senior Scientific Lead, Population Health at the Partnership. "The Partnership has recently refreshed Canada's cancer strategy and working alongside our provincial and territorial partners, we will use the ICBP data to identify where action is needed the most in order to continue to see increasing cancer survival rates."
"Participation in this international research by all provinces has been gratifying, and reinforces the importance of Canada's cancer registries," said Dr. Geoff Porter, Expert Lead, Clinical Care at the Partnership. "In providing Canadian researchers and health system decision makers with information on cancer survival across our country, the ICBP data can point to specific areas of high performance and others where specific attention may be required. Studies of this kind have also provided an opportunity to focus on the importance of specific registry practices to further enhance comparability, as well as serving to maintain and enhance the community of cancer registries in Canada."
*Quebec contributed data, but it is excluded as cancer survival rates are only available from 2000 onward (analysis starts at 1995); Newfoundland contributed data but it is excluded as cancer survival rates are only available from 2005 onward; the territories did not contribute data.
About the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership The ICBP, led by Cancer Research UK, is an international partnership of clinicians, academics and policymakers seeking to understand variations in cancer survival between developed countries. The ICBP funds and produces high-impact, peer reviewed publications showing international cancer survival variation and differences in awareness and beliefs about cancer and the role of primary care in cancer diagnosis. The ICBP encourages other researchers to maximize data collected by the ICBP to further unpack factors that may be causing this observed survival variation. To learn more about what data is available, please contact the ICBP Programme Management team at icbp@cancer.org.uk.
About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy), the Partnership works with Canada's cancer community to take action to ensure fewer people get cancer, more people survive cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. This work is guided by the Strategy, which was refreshed for 2019 to 2029 and will help drive measurable change for all Canadians affected by cancer. The Strategy includes five priorities which will tackle the most pressing challenges in cancer control as well as distinct First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples-specific priorities and actions reflecting Canada's commitment to reconciliation. The Partnership will oversee the implementation of the priorities in collaboration with organizations and individuals on the front lines of cancer care – the provinces and territories, health-care professionals, people living with cancer and those who care for them, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments and organizations, and its funder Health Canada. Learn more about the Partnership and the refreshed Strategy at www.cancerstrategy.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Ontario Lung Association unmasks the risks of cannabis on lung health
The campaign was made possible by funding from Health Canada, encouraging young adults to follow the misguided adventures of a not-so-superhero called "The Toker"
TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ -Many young Canadian adults aren't aware of the lung health risks that come with smoking cannabis. That's why the Ontario Lung Association has created The Toker, a new comic-book inspired cannabis public health education initiative. Launched today, this initiative aims to reduce the lung health risks and harms associated with cannabis smoking for Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25.
Through a series of humorous videos shared through digital platforms and on-campus activations at different universities across Canada, the Toker will illustrate his failure to "save the day" due to symptoms he experiences as a result of cannabis smoking. Canadian influencers will also be incorporated into the videos to help bring the story to life. Canadians will be directed to TheTokerOnline.ca where they can access videos and educational resources to learn more.
"In a lighthearted way, the Toker highlights the impact that smoking cannabis can have on one's lungs, as many people aren't aware that it contains many of the same toxic ingredients as tobacco smoke — like tar, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide," says George Habib, President and CEO of the Ontario Lung Association. "The goal of this national education effort is to protect the health and safety of young Canadians by giving them the knowledge they need to make informed choices."
The campaign is funded by Health Canada as part of an ongoing initiative to implement national and community-based projects that raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis.
A national cannabis survey conducted by Leger on behalf of the Ontario Lung Association revealed that smoking is the most common form of consumption (87 per cent) for Canadian cannabis users between ages 18 and 25, and 64 per cent say they wish they knew more about the impact on their lungs.1
Studies have shown that heavy or long-term smoking of cannabis may lead to chronic bronchitis and a worsening of chronic lung disease symptoms including cough, excessive sputum, wheezing and a decline in lung function.2
Prioritizing lung health is crucial to preventing future health problems. Canadians are encouraged to visit TheTokerOnline.ca to follow the misguided adventures of the Toker and learn more about the effects of smoking cannabis on lung health.
About the Ontario Lung Association
The Ontario Lung Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping all Canadians breathe. Our community of donors, patients, researchers, volunteers and professional staff work to ensure Canadians have healthy lungs, bodies and clean air necessary to breathe. We achieve this by promoting healthy breathing, supporting those living with lung disease and finding future solutions. All of this is done with the goal of delivering a future of better breathing for all.
New international study: The hidden burden of diabetes on family members revealed
New international study shows 64 per cent of family members of people with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - People living with diabetes are not the only ones impacted by the condition. According to a new international study of 4,300 family members of people with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia or 'hypos', can place a significant burden on them too.1
Low blood sugar or "lows" as they are often referred to by people living with diabetes, are a well-known side-effect of diabetes treatment, especially when using insulin, and they can be very unpleasant and dangerous if not managed properly.
To further understand how low blood sugar affects families living with diabetes, Novo Nordisk conducted a series of filmed experiments. In the experiments the person with diabetes and his/her family members were asked similar questions about their experiences with, and feelings about, low blood sugar in two separate rooms. After the interviews, they were shown each other's answers. The films are available at www.TalkAboutHypos.ca, along with materials that could help improve conversations about low blood sugar within the family, as well as with doctors.
Hamilton resident Nicole Cleaver and her family participated in the global study. "It's not often that people with diabetes think about the impact that hypoglycemia can have on the entire family," says Nicole. "Understanding the risks low blood sugar can have is important. I have done my best to make sure that my family is aware of my diabetes and that there is nothing for others living with diabetes to be ashamed of. My family is all aware of what needs to be done when I have a low blood sugar reading and they take great care of me."
Until now, there has been very little research into the impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes. The results from this new international TALK-HYPO study, published today in Diabetes Therapy, show that up to 64 per cent of family members of people with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar,1 highlighting the significance of this burden for the whole family.
"We frequently hear from people living with diabetes and their caregivers that they fear a hypoglycemic event," says Seema Nagpal, vice president of Science & Policy with Diabetes Canada. "It changes how people participate in activities and negatively impacts quality of life. Listening to individuals living with diabetes and their families is an important part of optimizing management."
Dr. Stewart Harris, Professor in Family Medicine/Division of Endocrinology/Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and lead investigator for the TALK-HYPO study said: "There has been little research undertaken on the wider impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people living with diabetes. But something as simple as having an open and honest conversation can be incredibly beneficial. This study suggests that family members may be an important catalyst for more conversations about low blood sugar both within the family, as well as with healthcare professionals, and that these conversations may help improve the lives of people with diabetes."
The TALK-HYPO study shows the importance of having more conversations about low blood sugar at home with the family, as well as with doctors, as 76 per cent believe that these conversations could lead to improvements in the life of their family member with diabetes.1 The respondents also feel that conversations can help bring them closer together, and increases their understanding of how they can better help to manage the low blood sugar that their family member with diabetes experiences (85 per cent).1
Another interesting finding is that worrying about the risk of low blood sugar can also have a negative impact on the social life of the family members. Almost three in four (74 per cent) of the respondents that were helping their relative with diabetes to manage low blood sugar, said that they spend less time on, or completely miss out on, other activities such as hobbies, holidays or being with other friends or family as a result.1
About the TALK-HYPO study1 The TALK-HYPO study was funded by Novo Nordisk and aimed to understand the burden of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes, and how conversations about low blood sugar can contribute to diabetes care.
The questionnaire was completed by 4,300 relatives (37 per cent were parents/step-parents and 18 per cent were spouses/partners) of people living with diabetes (type 1 or type 2, taking insulin and/or secretagogues) across nine countries.
TALK-HYPO study methodology: On behalf of Novo Nordisk, Ipsos interviewed 4,300 participants online. All participants were adult family members of people aged 18 and above with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have been taking insulin or a secretagogue for at least 12 months. The survey was carried out across nine countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK, US and Denmark. Fieldwork took place from April 8 to May 6, 2019.
About diabetes and low blood sugar Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from food being eaten into the body's cells where it can be used for energy.2
About hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is defined when blood sugar levels are too low and cannot provide the body's organs with the energy they need. Hypoglycemia is most frequent in people with type 1 diabetes, followed by people with type 2 diabetes managed by insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes managed by sulfonylureas. Low blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms including trembling, sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, difficulty with concentration, and in severe cases it can lead to seizures or a coma.3
About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 41,700 people in 77 countries and markets its products in more than 165 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, YouTube.
References
Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, Ehsan Parvaresh Rizi, Stewart B. Harris. Family members: The Forgotten Players in the Diabetes Care Team (The TALK-HYPO Study). Diabetes Therapy. September 9, 2019. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13300-019-00687-y
L’Oréal Paris Announces Viola Davis as Newest International Spokesperson
NEW YORK - L’Oréal Paris, the #1 global beauty brand, proudly announces actress, activist and humanitarian, Viola Davis as the brand’s newest spokeswoman. In her new role, the 54-year-old joins an esteemed roster of diverse spokespeople including Celine Dion, Helen Mirren, Eva Longoria, Elle Fanning, Aja Naomi King, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Camila Cabello, among others, in representing the brand. The appointment builds on the brand’s mission to reflect the diversity of the modern world through spokeswomen, encouraging beauty inclusivity, self-worth and empowering people everywhere.
“As a young girl, I wasn’t always told that I was smart, beautiful, or worthy. I worked tremendously hard to get where I am today – overcoming feelings of doubt to become a woman who truly believes I am ‘worth it’ in every way. I believe it’s so important to build confidence in women from a young age, and to role model diverse perspectives of beauty. To now be part of a brand that has been championing women’s worth for more than 40 years and to use my voice to help empower others is truly surreal,” saysViola Davis.
Making her brand debut at an event in New York City yesterday, Viola will appear in TV, print and digital advertising campaigns for Age Perfect beginning later this month.
Viola spent most of her early life on stage, honing her craft with a theater degree from Rhode Island College followed by four years at Julliard. Since then, she has been paving her way for over 30 years, with powerful performances on Broadway, in film, and on television. Today, an acclaimed actress and the first black actor to do so, Viola has won the “Triple Crown” of acting, which includes an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. Recently nominated for her sixth Emmy Award, the sixth and final season of her hit show How to Get Away with Murder premieres later this month.
“We are thrilled to welcome Viola as a member of our family. Viola’s tenacity, authenticity and bold spirit resonate with and inspire so many people. She challenges the status quo in all aspects of life and her drive to succeed has proven itself time after time – she leads by example and is the perfect conduit to elevate our core message, ‘Because I’m Worth It’,” says Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President of L'Oréal Paris
She devotes her time off-screen to her family and is an ardent activist. Viola is recognized internationally for her support of human rights and equal rights for women and women of colour. Together with her husband, Julius Tennon, Viola founded JuVee Productions, which develops and produces independent film, television, VR and digital content across all spaces of narrative entertainment, with an emphasis on diverse and inclusive storytelling. Additionally, her empowering public speaking engagements serve as inspiration to people everywhere. About L’Oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris, the world’s no.1 beauty brand, is dedicated to empowering women and men by offering the most luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. For most, the name “L’Oréal” is immediately evocative of the brand’s signature phrase, “Because I’m Worth It.”— the tagline behind the legendary advertising campaign for the Superior Preference® hair colour launch in 1973. Today, it represents the essence of the L’Oréal Paris brand as a whole, a spirit which is about helping every woman – and man - embrace their unique beauty while reinforcing their inner sense of self-worth. For more than 100 years, L’Oréal Paris has held an unparalleled commitment to advancement in technology, innovation and research, providing ground-breaking, high-quality products for women, men, and children of all ages and ethnicities in five major beauty categories: cosmetics, skincare, hair color, haircare, and men’s grooming.
Counsellors and Psychotherapists Mark 2019’s World Suicide Prevention Day
OTTAWA (September 10, 2019) Today, we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day, an impactful day which raises awareness about the risks of suicide and discusses prevention activities. The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) proudly recognizes the significance of this day and acknowledges the important role mental health professionals play in helping save lives.
4,000 Canadians die every year as a result of suicide, according to Statistics Canada. Many of these individuals were dealing with a mental health problem or illness. Death by suicide is found to be higher among men, Indigenous Peoples, and those in the LGBTQ2+ community.
“Death by suicide affects Canadians of all backgrounds, and we as a society need to help those most at risk,” said George Maringapasi, CCPA Director for Nova Scotia. “We recognize that suicide is a significant problem in our society and that we have a responsibility in our profession to take part in this global initiative.”
World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual campaign organized by the International Association for Suicide (ISAP) which is dedicated to suicide prevention and to alleviating the effects of suicide. In conjunction with ISAP, individual organizations from across the world, including CCPA, come together to educate the public on the realities and complexities of mental illness and suicide prevention. The campaign accomplishes its goals through social media, public awareness campaigns, a strong digital presence, and community events.
“Our organization continues to advocate for more timely and accessible mental health services across Canada. We want to ensure people get access to the right resources,” said Siri Brown, CCPA Director for British Columbia and the Yukon.
If you or someone you know is looking for support, please go to www.ccpa-accp.ca where you can learn more about CCPA and search for a counsellor or psychotherapist in your region.
If you are looking for therapeutic support, go to www.ccpa-accp.ca, where you can search for a Canadian Certified Counsellor in your region.
-30-
The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) is a national bilingual association providing professional counsellors and psychotherapists with access to exclusive educational programs, certification, professional development and direct contact with professional peers and specialty groups. CCPA promotes the profession and its contribution to the mental health and well-being of all Canadians. For more information on the counselling and psychotherapy profession, please visit www.ccpa-accp.ca.
Nature’s Perfect Drink for All Ages and Stages of Wellness, Powered By Doctor-Recommended Curcumin
New from LivTru Wellness, Antioxidant Water that Helps Refresh and Focus Features Turmeric for Improved Health and Better Quality of Life
LOS ANGELES, California – (September 10, 2019): New from LivTru Wellness, Refresh and Focus Super Antioxidant Turmeric Water offers the healing benefits of Curcumin (the active ingredient in Turmeric) in an all-natural beverage engineered to fight bodily inflammation resulting in poor health and chronic disease. Integrating cutting-edge technology with leading health science, LivTru is committed to improving the quality of life of all people, no matter their age or stage of wellness. All-new LivTru Refresh and Focus Super Antioxidant Turmeric Water with proprietary Curcumin Complex provides a uniquely bioavailable form of Turmeric for faster therapeutic results and better overall health with every sip.
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune system response to bacteria, viruses, and other abnormal invaders. Chronic (or ongoing) inflammation is linked to a host of serious health problems such as autoimmune disorders, IBS and digestive issues, diabetes, obesity, neurological and cardiovascular diseases, even certain forms of cancer. Curcumin - an extract of multi-tasking Turmeric powder - is one of the most potent, all-natural anti-inflammatory compounds on Earth. For centuries, ancient civilizations relied on this medicinal herb, proven to battle inflammation at the molecular level by blocking the inflammatory signaling molecule Nf-kb.
Using proprietary technology, LivTru Turmeric Water with Curcumin Complex delivers a more bioavailable form of Turmeric than black pepper, providing the highest therapeutic effects on the market today. Offering anti-inflammatory therapeutic benefits in an advanced, easy-to-digest and tasty performance drink, itis the ideal choice for endurance athletes seeking proper muscle recovery, those suffering from ongoing pain, and anyone looking to reduce bodily inflammation for optimal health and wellness. Experience the therapeutic effects of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich Turmeric water immediately.
Made with all-natural ingredients like Chinese Kucha Tea Extract and heart-healthy Theanine, LivTru Turmeric Water is safe for kids and adults alike. Try new artisanal, lightly sweet flavors of LivTru Wellness Refresh and Focus Super Antioxidant Turmeric Water in Peach Ginger and Strawberry Lemon - the perfect lunchtime, post-workout, or anytime beverage - exclusively at www.DrinkLivTru.com (get a 12-pack for just $3.99 per bottle). Sign up with email and save 20% on your first order. Find healthy lifestyle habits and inspiration for everyday wellness @LivTru.inc on Instagram and join the movement with #DrinkLivTru.
If you would rather not receive future communications from P2R Inc., let us know by clicking here. P2R Inc., 31567 Wildwood Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 United States
Displaying art in workplaces can reduce stress levels and mental fatigue by up to 40 per cent, a South Australian study has shown.
University of South Australia researcher Bridgette Minuzzo has shown how artworks in offices can reduce stress.
The three-year study by University of South Australia researcher Bridgette Minuzzo involved 91 people across 18 work sites where there were no windows or direct views of nature. It included offices at three university campuses, a student breakout space and workstations in a busy Adelaide hospital.
The mental wellbeing of participants was measured before each trial with changes in their mental fatigue and stress levels surveyed over the next month.
Minuzzo said previous research showed that access to experiencing nature – even through a window – reduced stress but she wanted to test if artworks could have a similar effect.
She said her research differed from previous attention restoration studies that were usually set in a simulated environment such as an office in a lab with simulated work tasks and views.
“I also used original artworks because my focus was particularly on looking at how people might engage with an artistic representation of a view and how that might differ from having a window,” the PhD student said.
“There’s also a lot of spaces in cities where you might have a window but the view will be into a corridor or a neighbouring building or road.
“We can’t easily change those places but you can introduce something into that environment very easily that can help bring about a 20 to 40 per cent reduction in stress and mental fatigue.
“The participants reported that landscape paintings evoked fond memories of holidays and time spent in nature. Looking at the scenes rejuvenates tired brains and helps workers to refocus on tasks.”
Minuzzo is also an Adelaide-based visual artist with more than 20 years’ public art experience and painted the landscapes for the study herself.
She worked with a neuroscientist on the project to examine the intricacies of what happens when we are looking at nature or a realistic artistic representation of it.
Her studies found that viewing a landscape painting for as little as one to five minutes cut stress and fatigue levels.
“We all have a lunch break and a coffee break but we’ve got hours between them when we’re just sitting there and our work focus tires after 25-55 minutes,” Minuzzo said.
“If you’ve got lack of sleep, deadlines, workplace restructures and all these other stressors, sometimes you need your working brain to rest for a bit and one minute is enough for you to rejuvenate a tired working brain.”
Some of the paintings used in the study were circular, providing portal views to the natural world, while others were more ...
Many Older Hospitalized Patients with Cancer Experience Malnutrition
Results from a new study indicate that older hospitalized patients with cancer may have a high risk of being malnourished and experiencing symptoms such as no appetite and nausea, according to findings published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.Many individuals with cancer experience malnutrition, which can negatively affect clinical outcomes during treatment. To study the issue, Nivaldo de Pinho, PhD, MSc, of the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva, in Rio de Janeiro, and his colleagues evaluated the prevalence of malnutrition across different age groups in patients with cancer in Brazil. They also examined symptoms that interfere with obtaining sufficient nutrition, or “nutrition impact symptoms.” The study included 4,783 patients with cancer who were hospitalized in November 2012 in public hospitals in Brazil. The average age of patients was 56.7 years. The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 45 percent, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged 65 years and older (55 percent) and a lower prevalence in those aged 50 years and younger (36 percent). According to results from a questionnaire that assessed nourishment, patients with a high score—indicating a critical need to improve nutrition—had a higher prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms, with no appetite being the most prevalent (58.1 percent), followed by nausea (38.3 percent), dry mouth (37.1 percent), and vomiting (26.0 percent).The results highlight the need for assessments of malnutrition and underlying risk factors soon after patients with cancer are hospitalized, in order to take steps to ensure that patients have adequate nutrition. “With these findings, we can indicate to professionals that intensive nutritional counseling from the age of 50 years and older is needed to prevent and treat symptoms of nutritional impact. This can improve caloric and protein intake and prevent malnutrition and weight loss so common to these patients,” said Dr. de Pinho.Additional InformationNOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. A free abstract of this article will be available via the Cancer News Roomupon online publication. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact:Penny Smith +44 (0) 1243 770448 (UK) newsroom@wiley.com Follow us on Twitter @WileyNewsFull Citations:“High prevalence of malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms in older patients with cancer: results of a Brazilian multicenter study.” Nivaldo B. de Pinho, Renata B. Martucci, Viviane D. Rodrigues, Cristiane A. D’Almeida, Luiz C. S. Thuler, Claudia Saunders, Harriet Jager-Wittenaar, Wilza A. F. Peres. CANCER; Published Online: September 9, 2019 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32437). URL Upon Publication: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/cncr.32437Author Contact: The communications office at the National Cancer Institute. José Alencar Gomes da Silva, at imprensa@inca.gov.br. Dr. de Pinho’s email address is npinho@inca.gov.br. About the Journal CANCER is a peer-reviewed publication of the American Cancer Society integrating scientific information from worldwide sources for all oncologic specialties. The objective of CANCER is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of information among oncologic disciplines concerned with the etiology, course, and treatment of human cancer. CANCER is published on behalf of the American Cancer Society by Wiley and can be accessed online.Follow us on Twitter @JournalCancerAbout Wiley Wiley drives the world forward with research and education. Through publishing, platforms and services, we help students, researchers, universities, and corporations to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to all of our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at www.wiley.com.
Calling on all federal parties: Canada needs a fully-funded national dementia strategy
Alzheimer Society campaign encourages Canadians to speak out
TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2019 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society is urging Canadians to get involved in the federal election by writing their candidates and asking them to commit to supporting a fully-funded national dementia strategy.
This past June, the Government of Canada released the country's first-ever national dementia strategy to address the overwhelming scale, impact and cost of dementia in Canada. The 2019 federal budget included a commitment of $50 million over five years to support the strategy's implementation.
"Canada's national dementia strategy is an important first step toward making life better for the more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today," says Pauline Tardif, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "But like any strategy, it must be fully-funded to make a difference. The federal government's initial investment is a good start, but much more is needed in order to bring the strategy to fruition."
No matter which party forms government this fall, dementia must remain a top priority. Each year, dementia costs the economy and health care system more than $10.4 billion. As our population ages, we simply cannot afford to ignore dementia.
"In less than 12 years, the number of Canadians living with dementia—and the cost to care for them—will nearly double," says Tardif. "Family members, hospitals and long-term care homes are already stretched beyond their limits. We need to start implementing the national dementia strategy right now to ensure that the growing number of Canadians affected by dementia receive the care and support they deserve."
As part of the campaign, the Society has provided an online letter-writing tool along with other resources for Canadians to speak out and let their candidates know that they will be voting with dementia as a priority this October. Visitors to the website can also read stories from researchers and people with lived experience on how the national dementia strategy will make a difference.
About the Alzheimer Society The Alzheimer Society is Canada's leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in communities across Canada, the Society provides information, programs and services, and raises funds for research to better understand the causes of dementia, improve treatment and care, and to find a cure.
Quick facts
Today, over half a million Canadians are living with dementia.
In less than 12 years, this number will nearly double to almost a million.
Women over the age of 65 account for 65 per cent of all Canadians living with dementia.
For every person with dementia, there are one or more family members who provide care.
Canadians spend over $10.4 billion each year in direct and indirect costs to care for those with dementia. This number is expected to jump to $16.6 billion in less than 12 years.
In 2011 alone, caregivers devoted 19.2 million hours of unpaid care, representing a value of $1.2 billion.
SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!
