Calm Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Transform The World
New feature documentary from meditation expert,
Tom Cronin, takes an inside-out approach exploring
how everyday people overcome challenging obstacles.
NEW YORK (September 24, 2019) – Mangurama, a partnership between Abramorama and Giancarlo Canavesio’s Mangusta Productions announced today the acquisition of North American theatrical rights to Tom Cronin and Jacqui Fifer’s, groundbreaking documentary THE PORTAL.The film will be released in theaters across North America starting November 1, 2019.
"The time is certainly ripe for The Portal,” stated Abramorama CEO Richard Abramowitz, "The film’s healing potential is exactly what we need at this moment.”
Directed and written by first-time Australian director, Jacqui Fifer, and written and produced by international meditation expert, Tom Cronin (The Stillness Project) the captivating film has inspired crowds throughout the world and audiences across North America will get their chance to experience THE PORTAL this fall.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the amazing team at Mangurama to help bring THE PORTAL to cinemas across North America,” said Cronin. “The film facilitates a collective shift on the planet that takes us into a new era of united living; it had to be groundbreaking, unique, and go viral.” “THE PORTAL is truly a film for everyone. Its commercially viability raises the genre bar while remaining true to its core message,” Cronin continued.
Mangurama brings THE PORTAL, accompanied by the book of the same name, to theaters opening on November 1st at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles and on November 15th at TheVillage East Cinema in New York City with additional nationwide engagements to follow. The film will also be released in Australia and New Zealand around the same time.
THE PORTAL ASKS: As the doomsday clock ticks progressively louder: What would happen if 7 billion people meditated? Could it shift the trajectory of our planet?
THE PORTAL IS: An immersive, cinematic experience that answers the question: How can we really change the world?
Through heart-opening contemplation and shared experiences of transformation on a personal scale, with global implications, six ordinary people (and a robot) show how stillness and mindfulness can unlock personal change and ignite a planetary shift, providing hope to humankind.
Filmed in the USA, Canada, Australia and a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, THE PORTAL is richly visual and sonically powerful. Mesmerizing cinematography and the raw intimate stories draw the audience in, while the immersive soundscape breaks ground in film history with its use of binaural beats in an already evocative score.
“I believe real-time change is possible, and that through the poignant personal stories and ideas unfolding and weaving together in this way we've got a portal to our greatest potential,” said Fifer. “This project has been a catalyst for many of us and I’m seeing it jump-start a lot of other people too. I couldn’t have found a more perfect project for my first foray into feature docs and directing. I’ve spent my life preparing for this film, without realizing, and watching many facets of me emerge and harmonize in order to weave it together–the filmmaker, the musician, the dreamer, the feminine and so on–has been a fun process.”
A Diverse Cast and Crew from Across the Globe Featuring an impressive and diverse cast and crew, led by people from all over the world and all walks of life from military veterans, to scientists, performers and more,KITRA CAHANA (HEY TED, DANCING TOWARDS THE LIGHT), JAMES DOTY, RON BOODA TAYLOR and DUE QUACH, the highly relevant thought provoking film will appeal to global audiences.
ENTER THE PORTAL
Supported by insights from three of the world’s foremost futurists and philosophers, THE PORTAL opens hearts and minds to an exciting vision for humanity transformed. Said Cronin, “This is not sci-fi—this is real life. Humankind is staring into an abyss, yet within us all we have the capability to bring ourselves (and our species) back from the brink. We're part of a growing movement of game-changers to create a reimagined global future—I think people are ready for something different."
THE PORTAL weaves a captivating and vibrant tapestry of technology, love, existentialism, human potential, brain-hacking, stillness and inner peace. It is an experiential and genre-defining approach to personal change as we embark on the next phase of human evolution.
"It's clear we just can't play by the same old rules anymore when there's an urgent need for meaning, connection, and harmony staring us in the face,” said Fifer, “We wanted to create a gateway to experience those missing pieces.”
Is an enlightened planet possible? Enter THE PORTAL and see.
Tom Cronina former finance expert with a longstanding successful track record in business as well as meditation is founder of The Stillness Project, a global movement to inspire one billion people to sit in stillness, daily. He is passionate about reducing stress and chaos in people’s lives. Tom’s ongoing work in transformational leadership and cultivating inner peace through meditation takes him around the world presenting keynote talks in such countries as Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico and the USA; hosting retreats; mentoring clients across the globe; teaching in schools; writing books; hosting mindfulness courses in the corporate sector; and creating THE PORTAL film-book experience, all as part of his commitment to the current planetary shift.
ABOUT JACQUI FIFER
Jacqui Fifer has had a dynamic career in the film industry line producing such films as BETTER WATCH OUT(2016), The OSIRIS CHILD (2016) and INFINI (2015) as well as producing the multi-award-winning dramatic feature CONCEALED(2017). She also co-directed the 2012 and 2013 “Dones en Art” (Women and Film) festivals in Spain. An advocate of human capacity development, Jacqui is thrilled to turn her hand towards a subject that is close to her heart. THE PORTAL is her feature directorial debut.
ABOUT MANGURAMA
Mangurama, a partnership between Abramorama and Giancarlo Canavesio’s Mangusta Productions, brings films that celebrate “consciousness” to the big, medium, and small screen. Mangurama’s films and episodic programs are the next generation of mind, body, spirit documentaries, covering not only spirituality, eastern philosophy, yoga and meditation, but also economics, politics, philosophy, sexuality and other aspects of the human existence. The company distributes and invests in the completion of paradigm challenging and consciousness expanding visual content. Released and upcoming feature documentaries and episodic series include Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake’s award-winning Weed The People, Adam Schomer’s The Road To Dharma - Riders of The Himalayas, Randall Wright’s Summer In The Forest, Bruce Parry’s TAWAI – A Voice From The Forest, Raz Degan & Appian Way’s presentation The Last Shaman, and Tao Ruspoli’s Monogamish. New paradigm docs on DMT, channeling indigenous wisdom, the metaphysics of Blockchain, and new conscious capitalism are in various stages of development and production for release in 2019/20. Mangurama provides invaluable alternatives to filmmakers and content owners, is an industry leader in the marketing, promotion, global rights management and distribution of “consciousness themed” films and continues to trail-blaze exciting new pathways for filmmakers to find their audience. For more information visit www.mangurama.com.
ABOUT SUPERHUMAN INTERNATIONAL (SHI)
SHI is pushing the boundaries with this unique and transformational hybrid feature film experience, The Portal. SHI is an Australian company registered in the state of New South Wales. Tom Cronin is the company director. The project qualifies with the Australian Documentary Foundation for tax concessions.
Tia Health Enters into a Partnership Agreement with an Online Pharmacy
TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Tia Health, an online virtual care clinic providing telemedicine to Canadians across the country, announced today that they have entered into a partnership agreement with Well.ca to offer virtual medical services through Well.ca. Tia Health will also provide its patients the opportunity to choose Well.ca Pharmacy for free same-day and next day prescription delivery in Toronto.
"As virtual healthcare becomes a primary means of healthcare delivery in Canada, timely delivery of prescriptions has become critical." said David Del Balso, Co-Founder and CEO of Tia Health. "We want to eliminate any barriers to timely care for all Canadians, especially those with limited mobility, access, or time, to visit a clinic or pharmacy. Now, even for medications that a patient needs to start immediately, they won't have to rush to a pharmacy to get it, Well.ca is bringing it to them, allowing them to complete their entire healthcare experience without leaving home."
About Tia Health: Tia Health is a trusted source of virtual medicine that is changing the way healthcare is provided in Canada. Through the Tia Health platform, patients can connect with Canadian licensed doctors through video chat and phone consultations. Tia is the only platform in Canada to offer true continuity of care by giving patients the choice of which doctor they want to speak with. Patients can choose between doctors with different specialities, languages, and genders. Appointments are available both immediately and can be booked in the future. Tia also offers access to naturopaths, psychotherapists, dieticians and more. Visit Tia Health at https://tiahealth.com for more information.
About Well.ca: Well.ca is a proudly Canadian company that's passionate about our customers, our business, and the products we offer. At Well.ca, we believe that Canadians should never have to compromise on the health, wellness, baby and beauty products that they choose for themselves and their families. With over 40,000-curated products, thousands of peer reviews, and Canada's largest assortment of green and natural brands, we make it easy to make choices you can trust.
SOURCE Tia Health
FDA Approves Clinical Trial of a New approach to treat millions suffering from Enlarged Prostates
Urotronic, Inc. is maker of innovative Optilume BPH Catheter System
Plymouth, MN ( September 24, 2019 ) - Urotronic, Inc., a medical device company pioneering a new solution that could dramatically change the way millions of men around the world with enlarged prostates are treated, announced today it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin its US pivotal study for the Optilume BPH Catheter System.
The FDA-approved clinical trial, known as PINNACLE, will be conducted at 20 medical facilities around the country. More than 12 million American men are reported to suffer from enlarged prostates or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and over 750,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
“The Optilume BPH balloon pairs innovative design with powerful drug therapy to provide a simple, anatomy sparing in-office procedure that doesn’t surgically cut, burn, lase, steam or leave anything behind in the prostate like the other BPH technologies,” said Dr. Steven Kaplan, Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Director of the Men’s Wellness Program, Mount Sinai Health System in New York and the principal investigator of PINNACLE “. This technology holds tremendous promise.”
Kaplan says the Optilume BPH balloon is also the first minimally invasive in-office therapy to provide symptom scores and flow rates similar to the more invasive gold standard known as TURP – (transurethral resection of the prostate).
Millions of men struggle to deal with the symptoms of BPH, including frequency, nocturia, intermittency, urgency, weak stream and straining to urinate as a result of being refractory or non-responsive, or unwilling to deal with the side effects of medical therapy, or reluctant to undergo an invasive surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia.
"We are excited about the accomplishments our team has made," said Urotronic CEO David Perry. “FDA approval is really a validation of our work to this point highlighting Urotronic’s potential to truly transform the urology market through an innovative approach and treatment for men suffering from BPH.”
The Optilume BPH procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that gives urologists the opportunity to offer an office-based or outpatient treatment option that may provide relief to men who are looking for an alternative to currently available BPH treatment offerings.
Dr. Kaplan and other investigators will monitor the progress of the PINNACLE clinical trial, which will get underway shortly and will follow the patients for a period of five years. The FDA will monitor the progress as well.
“This technology is very disruptive, and the end beneficiary is going to be the patients,” said investor and company board member Doug Kohrs. “Urotronic has embarked on an anatomy sparing approach to treating BPH that no one else has ever taken.”
The Optilume BPH Catheter System is an investigational device, not available for sale. CAUTION- Investigational Device. Limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use.
The prospective PINNACLE U.S. trial markets will include but will not be limited to; Advanced Urology Institute; Daytona Beach, Fla - Arkansas Urology; Little Rock, AR - Chesapeake Urology Associates; Baltimore, MD - Cornell University : New York, NY - Regional Urology, LLC; Shreveport ,LA - Sheldon Freedman Urology LTD: Las Vegas, NV - Western New York Urology Associates; Cheektowaga, New York- Associated Urologists of NC; Raleigh, NC -AUUA (Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona); Phoenix, AZ- Carolina Urology Clinical Research (CUCR) ; Myrtle Beach, SC - Carolina Urology Partners; Charlotte, NC - Mount Sinai; New York, NY- Urology of Virginia; Norfolk, VA - Chesapeake 2; Baltimore, MD - Integrated Medical Professionals; Long Island, NY
About Urotronic, Inc. Urotronic, Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, is an early stage medical device company currently conducting clinical trials to support global commercialization of their products. The Optilume™ drug-coated balloon technology provides a low cost, minimally invasive treatment option for men suffering from urinary tract conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral and ureteral strictures, and bladder neck contractures (BNC). The prevalence of BPH and lower urinary tract issues rises markedly with increased age. The drug-coated balloon technology under clinical investigation creates a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions. For more information on Urotronic and our products, please visit us at http://urotronic.com/ or to schedule interviews with any of these stakeholders contact publicist Robb Leer 612.701.0608
CANNA BATH CO. LAUNCHES NATIONAL CBD WELLNESS LINE
Oakland-based entrepreneur Jessica Bernardo releases her line of handmade, all-natural bath salts, bombs, and lotions to stores across the U.S. for the wellness consumer who doesn’t want to visit a cannabis dispensary
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPT. 24, 2019 Perfect for those who wish to enjoy the pain relieving medicinal effects of the cannabis plant without any of the psychoactive elements of THC, Canna Bath Co. announces that its new line of CBD-infused products is now at some 100 outlets across the U.S.
Founded in Jessica Bernardo’s Oakland kitchen (and bathtub!) in 2015, Canna Bath Co. originally paired its therapeutic grade essential oils and salts with THC extract for pain relief. Still federally illegal but permitted in many states, THC is the psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis and is a regulated product sold only in dispensaries. Bernardo soon found that her customers didn’t want to have to visit a cannabis dispensary to receive the relief her products offer.
Switching to hemp-derived CBD this year helped demand for Canna Bath Co.’s products to explode across the nation as stores try to keep up with consumer interest in CBD-infused products. A recent Acosta study found that 28% of all consumers use CBD in one form or another daily.
A unique line of bath bombs, salts, and lotions made of all-natural ingredients, scented with essential oils, and blended with intuition and grace, Canna Bath Co. products are for those seeking a luxurious bath experience, softer skin, and pain relief but who don’t want to use a THC product. CBD, a palliative derived from the hemp plant that has no psychoactive properties yet can offer pain and stress relief, is the perfect solution.
Infused with CBD derived from legally grown and tested North American hemp, Canna Bath Co. products include a blend of Epsom and Himalayan CBD Bath Salts to help you relax, breathe more clearly, and soothe sore muscles.
Scented with a variety of natural essences such as lavender, bergamot, jasmine, coconut, lime, ylang ylang, vanilla, rosemary, or peppermint, Canna Bath Co.’s CBD Bath Bombshelp you to sleep, reduce anxiety, energize, and soothe sore muscles.
The proprietary line of after-bath CBD Lotions offer muscle relief and smooth dry skin.
Canna Bath Co. works with Nardo’s Naturals and sources essential oils to produce clean, holistic bath and beauty products perfect for today’s wellness practitioner and those looking to enjoy self-care at home.
Trained as a massage therapist, founder Jessica Bernardo, 34, has always had an interest in health and natural remedies. Making her own CBD-infused bath products with natural holistic ingredients that offer pain relief and produce glowing skin was a logical step.
“When I was in massage school, my focus was on helping people feel better without harsh pain medicine,” she says. “I was already playing around with bath products and supplements using apple cider vinegar, lavender, rosemary, and other natural ingredients. This is the perfect combination of my two passions.”
Handmade with essential oils and therapeutic-grade CBD that has been third-party lab tested for quality and potency, Canna Bath Co. products are available at cannabathco.comand at select stores across the U.S.
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ABOUT CANNA BATH CO.
Canna Bath Co is a woman-owned business based in Oakland, CA, whose products are all sourced for sensitive skin. We believe in holistic healing approaches and offering the benefits of the hemp plant in a form everyone can enjoy. Learn more: cannabathco.com and @cannabathco #plantsoverpills #cbd #womanownedbusiness #bossbabe #cbdbathbomb #soakitup
Vaping crisis: Journalists encouraged to keep asking tough questions during vaping crisis
TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - DashVapes Inc., Canada's largest independently owned e-cigarette company, is concerned about the recent spread of misinformation and the holding back of accurate and important information in regard to recent vaping-related illnesses and deaths, in Canada and the USA.
"We ask all stakeholders in the vaping industry to make sure they fully answer media questions," said DashVapes President Shai Bekman.
"Further, we ask all stakeholders and public health agencies to not mislead the media, similarly to what has been done by the Middlesex-London Health Unit; and through them, mislead the Canadian public, health and marketing regulators, government officials, people who vape, and importantly, the families and friends of vapers who worry, based on current negative news coverage," said Mr. Bekman.
Mr. Bekman went on to add "the recent media hysteria has driven droves of people back to combustible tobacco. It's made people believe that e-cigarettes are just as harmful as cigarettes, which is a public health disaster. Adult smokers should know that if they smoke, they could vape to reduce their harm by at least 95 percent according to Public Health England."
DashVapes asks the media to do three things:
Do not "scalp" the stories created by other journalists. Do your own reporting, ask your own questions, and do your own fact checking, especially with medical professionals.
Further, we urge you to go beyond "correctly attributed opinion" of designated spokespeople. Check what they tell you.
Do not roll over for stonewalling. DashVapes understands the need for some privacy, but that's no excuse for "sources and experts" making statements that damn our industry and refuse to back them up with facts and information. Patient confidentiality cannot outweigh what is in the public interest and public safety.
Be cynical and suspicious. Journalists regularly work with a mix of cynicism, suspicion and doubt in regard to businesses and business people involved in a controversy. You dig into what we say, and look for errors or exaggerations.
"Follow the money" is your favourite phrase.
DashVapes asks you to apply this same digging and reporters' research into your anti-vaping sources. Just because a person in a lab coat is sitting at a table in front of TV cameras does not mean the complete truth is being delivered.
DashVapes will help you avoid being called out for stories that mask openness or raise questions about accuracy, or let anti-vaping factions mislead journalists, and through them, Canadians.
The Canadian Vaping Association is establishing an official association-wide communications protocol. For official comments and information on vaping, please contact The Canadian Vaping Association. Darryl Tempest, Executive Director, (647) 274-1867. dtempest@thecva.org
You can expect to hear from DashVapes when we think we can help your stories, and we look forward to your calls, emails and messages, when you think we can help your understanding.
DashVapes' YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel will post stories to keep the media and other stakeholders up to date.
About DashVapes Inc.
DashVapes Inc., Canada's largest independently owned e-cigarette company, operates 12 vape retail stores in Ontario and British Columbia. In addition, DashVapes operates an international website that serves customers in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Australia.
DashVapes operates two ISO-9001, cGMP, HACCP certified, purpose-built laboratories for the manufacturing of Nicotine E-Liquid, with manufacturing facilities in Markham, Ontario, and Burnaby, British Columbia.
DashVapes was founded in 2013 by President Shai Bekman, who smoked 40 cigarettes per day (1.5-2 packs) for 13 years. While he wanted to quit smoking, nothing worked for him until he tried vaping. He started DashVapes to give smokers the choice of a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
SOURCE DashVapes, Inc
Avicanna (TSX: AVCN) Aras Azadian, CEO & Co-Founder to speak at the 12th Annual International Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference About Organic CBD Skin Care and Pura Earth™ in Berlin, Germany
/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, Sept. 23, 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 that its CEO and Co-Founder Aras Azadian will be a highlighted speaker on the global organic cosmetics industry and the use of CBD in cosmetic products and specifically Avicanna's organic CBD cosmetic line Pura Earth at a leading industry conference in Berlin, Germany. The 12th International Natural & Organic Cosmetics Conference is an industry leading event at which executives from global cosmetics companies will focus on essential topics and current industry trends in presentations, panels and discussion groups.
Panel Discussion Details:
Organic Cosmetics - Newcomers & Best Practices Tuesday, September 24th 3:15 – 3:45pm Ellington Hotel, Berlin Germany
As a result of Avicanna's upcoming global launch of its Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics products, Mr. Azadian brings extensive knowledge related to this years' "What's Next" Key Topic: Cannabidiol as a Cosmetic Ingredient. Aras co-founded Avicanna with the vision of establishing a bio-pharmaceutical company focused on medical and pharmaceutical applications of cannabinoids.
"As a front runner in the development, and commercialization of plant-derived organic and sustainable cannabinoid-based products Avicanna has been instrumental in the evolution of the CBD cosmetics market through unprecedented quality standards and an evidence based approach, and I look forward to sharing our expertise with my global colleagues. This platform is an excellent forum to meet like-minded executives and discuss how we operate in this hypergrowth industry and the current gaps related to CBD consumer products" stated Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer.
The cosmetics industry is actively evaluating CBD products however, due to its infancy, regulatory limitations, lack of data to substantiate claims and the current low-quality products in the market certain regions have progressed with significant hesitancy. Avicanna's extensive knowledge generated through years of R&D work with cannabidiol and through the development and optimization of its Pura Earth™ line of derma-cosmetics will educate participants to understand how CBD is working on a molecular level in cosmetics, what to look out for when evaluating CBD products and how this ingredient will influence the cosmetics industry in the future.
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 subsidiaryin 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 will be 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. Pura Earth is expected to be launched originally in Colombia in Q4 2019 followed by the European Union in early 2020.
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 completion of the speaking engagement and the expected timing of the launch of the Pura Earth products. 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.
WALMART ENDS SALES OF VAPING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Walmart just banned the sale of all handguns and tobacco products including vaping products.
Discussing this topic is Joshua Mansour, M.D, board-certified hematologist/oncologist who is conducting a national educational tour on the dangers of vaping.
Q&A:
What do you think about Walmart’s decision to end sales of vaping and tobacco products?
Answer: I applaud their decision and hope other retailers voluntarily follow suit. There remains a façade that this isn’t as dangerous as smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, however e-cigarettes have many other dangers as further discovered recently. To further elaborate, patients thus far have experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, coughing and even severe lung disease leading to lung collapse. In addition, several of the symptoms of nicotine include, but are not limited to tremors, increase in heart rate, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and even seizures
Tell us about the government’s recent deadline for e-cigarette makers to change their marketing practices.
Answer: The federal government has been lenient on these manufacturers in allowing them until 2022 to submit their plans for preventing underage access to their products. However now The FDA said it requested that JUUL provide a written response describing its corrective actions and its plan for maintaining compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), including its plan to prevent the same or similar violations in saying that it is safer than cigarettes. Failure to do so, it warned, “may result in the FDA initiating further action, including, but not limited to, civil money penalties, seizure, and/or injunction.
The underage vaping problem has escalated in recent years as the providers of vaping products claimed vaping was safer than cigarettes, yet the whole vaping craze addicted millions of young people to nicotine who had not been cigarette smokers prior. Besides addiction, what other dangers are associated with vaping?
Answer: To further elaborate, patients thus far have experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, coughing and even severe lung disease leading to lung collapse. In addition, several of the symptoms of nicotine include, but are not limited to tremors, increase in heart rate, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and even seizures. Further cardiovascular strain can occur and as you mentioned addition. There are also several other dangers that we are unfortunately learning about from many impurities that are being found in cartridges.
4. How damage can frequent vaping do to underage people?
Answer: Recent studies and statistics have shown that approximately 20% of users are underage. As described above there are several detrimental effects that these electronic cigarettes can have at any age. By starting younger, people are exposing themselves to a
What are some ideas that you have for limiting the underage access to vaping products?
I think that Walmart has taken a big first step in eliminating the selling of these products from their stores all together. In order to limit much of the underage access, there will need to be further enforcement on the products and how they are obtained. I think that changing the marketing strategies as well as banning the flavors will also make the products less appealing to the younger population.
Why do people think that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes?
Answer: Many of the possible side effects that we have seen with conventional cigarette smoking, which is now marketed and outwardly displayed to the public, is not done so with electronic cigarettes and devices. This of course can be because not enough time has passed to show a correlation or causal relationship. This doesn’t mean that the it doesn’t exist though. It took decades before doctors believed that there was a case against cigarettes. It is now known to be the deadliest artefact in the history of human civilization
What do you recommend that people should do if they are already addicted to nicotine through vaping—should they switch to paper cigarettes?
Answer: NO! If patients are addicted to nicotine through vaping at this time, they should discuss this with a healthcare provider. Several resources and steps to help patients with addiction can be discussed. Some of these include a nicotine gum program or a patch, similar to what is used with patients addicted to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Dr. Joshua Mansour is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist working and in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy in Los Angeles, California. In June 2019 he was a recipient of the ‘40 Under 40 in Cancer’ award. Abstracts, manuscripts and commentaries by Dr. Mansour have been published in U.S. News & World Report and more than 100 other esteemed journals and media outlets.
4 Ways to Maintain Healthy Skin While Exercising
Frequent exercise will help you to have a healthy body and to maintain the appropriate weight, but physical activity can detrimentally affect your skin. Fortunately, there are great ways to care for your skin to avoid having any problems that can lead to cancer, wrinkles or acne. Here are four ways for you to maintain healthy skin while you are exercising.
Protection from the Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays
If you are exercising outside, then you must protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Look for sunscreen lotions or creams that are water-resistant so that they will remain on your skin even after a day of hard exercise and sweat. Make sure to reapply the sunscreen products according to the package’s label to avoid having sunburned skin. Protecting your skin from sunlight can prevent skin cancer.
Proper Cleansing After Exercising
When you are exercising, you will perspire more, and your skin will also produce additional oils. This means that you must clean your skin frequently to avoid having blemishes that include pimples or blackheads. Look for facial and body skin cleansers that are appropriate for your skin’s type so that you won’t have greasy or dry skin. After physical activity, make sure to shower or bathe right away to avoid having a foul odor.
Professional Facial Services
At a medical spa, you can request professional facial services to have beautiful skin despite exercising intensely. There are several types of facials available, including exfoliating dry skin tissue or removing sebum from the skin’s pores. You can also undergo laser treatments to lighten skin discolorations. An aesthetician can also inject fillers to improve your facial appearance, or you might prefer an injection of a neurotoxin to reduce skin wrinkles.
Drinking Enough Water
Your skin needs hydrationto remain healthy and attractive. When you aren’t drinking enough water, you will feel terrible, and it will often affect your skin. The average adult requires a minimum of eight glasses of water each day, but if you are engaging in physical activity, then you will need much more than this. Begin your day by drinking a glass of water and make sure to carry bottles of water with you while you are exercising. If you can, find water bottles that you can clip onto a bicycle’s frame or that will attach to a belt around your waist.
Inspect Your Skin
After exercising, make sure to inspect your skin for any problems that can include having blisterson your feet or chafing around your waist. These are common skin problems that are caused by excessive skin rubbing when you are perspiring.Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChapl
Addition of KISQALI® to drug plan in Quebec expands access to treatment for metastatic breast cancer
Provincial reimbursement provides public access to treatment that may delay the progression of advanced breast cancer
DORVAL, QUEBEC, September 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce that Quebec will now reimburse KISQALI® (ribociclib) for eligible patients in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) under the province's public drug program for first-line treatment of postmenopausal women living with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.1
For women living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain.2 It may happen before or after treatment, or it may develop from reoccurring breast cancer.3 Although there have been advancements in early detection and treatment, there is still no cure for metastatic breast cancer.4 While overall 5-year survival rates for female breast cancer are relatively high, at 87%, women with advanced breast cancer face a 22% survival rate over 5 years.5
"The public reimbursement of KISQALI® for metastatic breast cancer in Quebec represents a promising milestone for women living with metastatic breast cancer," said Dr. Nathaniel Bouganim, Medical Oncologist, McGill University Health Centre. "Now, patients will have access to more options to potentially help slow disease progression."
"We are thrilled to see the province of Quebec grant access to therapeutic options that help improve the quality of life of women living with metastatic breast cancer," said Nathalie Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
KISQALI® belongs to a family of medications called protein kinase inhibitors. These medications work by stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing. KISQALI® received Health Canada approval for use with letrozole on March 2, 2018, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer as first-line endocrine-based therapy based on findings from the pivotal MONALEESA-2 trial. When given together with letrozole, KISQALI® may help slow down the growth and spread of breast cancer cells.6
"Novartis is committed to bringing innovative therapies that can improve the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer," said Daniel Hébert, Country Medical Head Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "The reimbursement of KISQALI® is a testament to the ongoing need for public access to this treatment, and we continue to work collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure patients from across Canada with metastatic breast cancer and their healthcare providers have public access to KISQALI®."
About KISQALI®(ribociclib) KISQALI® is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, a class of drugs that help slow the progression of cancer by inhibiting two proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These proteins, when over-activated, can enable cancer cells to grow and divide too quickly. Targeting CDK4/6 may play a role in ensuring that cancer cells do not continue to replicate uncontrollably. KISQALI® was developed by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.
About Novartis in Advanced Breast Cancer Novartis tackles breast cancer with advanced science, collaboration and a passion for transforming patient care. We've taken a bold approach to our research by including patient populations often neglected in clinical trials, identifying new pathways or mutations that may play a role in disease progression and developing therapies that not only maintain, but also improve, quality of life for patients. Our priority over the past 30 years and today is to deliver treatments proven to improve and extend lives for those diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2018, the company invested $52 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
5 Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Statistics, a 2018 special report on cancer incidence by stage. Available at: www.cancer.ca/Canadian-Cancer-Statistics-2018-EN. Accessed on July 15, 2019.
108 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for When You’re Stressed Out,
Anxious, or Overwhelmed
By Liza Kindred
THE HANDS-ON MANUAL OF HEALING AND SELF CARE FOR BUSY PEOPLE AND SKEPTICS LIVING IN A STRESSFUL WORLD
You already know that you should meditate, and that meditation will make you happier and healthier. But you’re tired and irritated, and every time you try to meditate, your mind races and you can't stop thinking about your to-do list. You’re constantly told that if you stop, try to get balanced and refocus, everything will be OK. But that sounds even more stressful. Can you relate?
Turn to EFF This! Meditation: 108 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for When You’re Stressed Out, Anxious, or Overwhelmed [Rock Point Press, October 22, 2019] by meditation teacher and sought-after global keynote speaker, Liza Kindred. This hands-on manual for living in a stressful world can be integrated into your daily life and features easy, quick – and often free – things we can do to alleviate our own stress. Half of the exercises can be done in five minutes or less. Learn to celebrate the small victories in life with a “to done” list. Release yourself from phone addiction with a digital detox plan. Get your body out of stress mode by practicing diaphragmatic breathing. Be transported, and open your heart with a pick-me-up playlist. These are just a few of the simple, practical strategies that will help you find your center.
“Something has happened out there in the world where even when we are trying to find wellness, we are being told we need to constantly fix or heal or improve ourselves—as if something inside of us is inherently broken; as if the problems live inside of us, and not out there in a world that has nearly lost its collective mind,” says Kindred. “If you feel crazy, or anxious, or sad, or depressed, or overwhelmed, that makes sense. It is not because you are broken or can’t cope—it’s because the world is in a state right now. But that state is not us. And just because we are stressed to the max and freaked out doesn’t mean that we have to live like that. You can find the place of beauty, calm, and equanimity that already exists inside of you.”
The book draws upon a Shamatha (mindfulness-awareness) practice rooted in radical compassion for self. The 108 tips, tricks, and ideas presented in Eff This! are all centered on the idea that, as humans, we might not be “finished,” but we are complete. Everything you need to attain enlightenment is already contained within you, and you can use meditation—and these practices—to connect with it.
“This, right here, is your permission to be gentle with yourself, no matter what,” adds Kindred. “This is your permission to make taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health a top priority.”
About the Author:
Liza Kindred is the creator of EFF THIS! Meditation, where she offers mindfulness practices to cynics, skeptics, and busy people. She is also the founder of Mindful Technology™ where she teaches companies how to build tech that values humans more than machines. Kindred is a licensed minister, a level two reiki practitioner, and a terrible but passionate surfer.
As a meditation teacher and sought-after global keynote speaker, Kindred has taught and spoken on five continents, from huge events like SxSW and Web Summit to intimate gatherings on living room floors. Her clients include companies like Vogue Magazine, Microsoft, Hearst, and FedEx. She has appeared in The New York Times, Wired Magazine, Well+Good, The Telegraph, and Entrepreneur Magazine.
EFF This! Meditation:108 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for When You’re Stressed Out, Anxious, or Overwhelmed releases on October 22, 2019 and is available on Amazon and other retail outlets.
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