Geyser Brands Announces TSX Conditional Approval of Solace Management Group Acquisition
Acquisition will boost Geyser Brand's product portfolio and financial profile.
/THIS NEWS RELEASE, PROVIDED PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS ABSENT REGISTRATION OR APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS./
VANCOUVER, Aug. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Geyser Brands Inc. (TSXV:GYSR) ("Geyser Brands" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's press releases February 11, 2019, March 11, 2019 and May 28, 2019, the TSXV Exchange (the "Exchange") has conditionally approved Geyser Brands' acquisition of Solace Management Group Inc. ("Solace"). For details regarding the acquisition, please refer to the aforementioned press releases and the definitive agreement filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. The Company expects the transaction to complete by the end of August 2019, subject to the terms of the definitive agreement, satisfaction of any Exchange enquiries and receipt of final approval from the Exchange.
About Solace
As reported in previously disseminated news releases, Solace leverages its brands, intellectual property and proprietary formulations in the hemp and CBD markets by licensing distribution and production arrangements.
Solace's brands and assets include among other things, the Apawthecary Pets line of products which are leading all-natural hemp-based pet treats with formulations for human grade, all-natural pet treats, salves and oral drops. Apawthecary Pets products are currently being sold in pet stores and veterinarian clinics across Canada, including Bosley's, PetLand, Pharmasave, Buckerfields, Shoppers Drug Mart, Global Pet Foods and Pet Planet to name a few. Solace's product portfolio currently comprises of 23 products and 57 SKU's of both pet and consumer healthcare goods. All products are currently utilizing organic, unrefined, cold-pressed hemp seed oil extracts.
As part of the Solace's continued growth, it has recently moved to a new 7,500 sq. ft. facility built to (GMP) Good Manufacturing Practices. The new facility is anticipated to increase Solace's production capacity significantly in order to meet the growing demand and will allow the development of new products and formulations.
The Company's CEO, Andreas Thatcher, stated, "The management team at Solace has an exemplary track record in building businesses in the health-related cannabis industry. This conditional approval brings us one step closer to our intended goal of extending these businesses into the regulated cannabis space, and into world markets. Geyser Brands will be proud to associate with and support the team that continues to lead the Cannabis industry through innovation and customer loyalty."
Shareholder Approval
As previously announced, the Proposed Transaction is not an "arm's length transaction" as such term is defined in the Exchange's Policy 1.1 and therefore constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101").
Although the Company is exempt under MI 61-101 in respect of minority shareholder approval and formal valuations, in accordance with the Exchange's Policy 5.3, the Proposed Transaction constitutes a "reviewable transaction", and, as the number of shares issuable to "Non-Arm's Length" parties exceeds 10% of the number of common shares issued and outstanding in the capital of the Company, the Exchange requires the Company to seek approval of a simple majority of the Company's shareholders, excluding certain insiders, including those Non-Arm's Length parties. The Exchange has approved the Company's proposal to obtain evidence of shareholder approval by way of written consents from the Company's shareholders. The Company is in the process of obtaining written consents directly from the Company's shareholders and will provide updates once a simple majority has been reached.
ABOUT GEYSER BRANDS Geyser Brands Inc. builds health-based hemp CBD consumer products in the nutraceutical, cosmetics, food & beverage and pet sectors world-wide. Geyser Brands owns a Health-Canada approved Licensed Producer (LP) in Port Coquitlam, B.C. that holds cultivation and processing licenses and is anticipating its R & D and sales licenses. Geyser Brands will utilize both of its GMP- licensed facilities in British Columbia for the manufacturing and distribution of its hemp and CBD-based products internationally. For more information, visit Geyser Brands' website atwww.geyserbrands.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Andreas Thatcher Director and CEO
CAUTIONARY AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward‐looking statements or information. Forward‐looking statements and information are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "appear", "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "approximate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "would" and similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward‐looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the marijuana industry in general such as operational risks in growing; competition; incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and government regulations. In addition, the proposed acquisition of Solace Management Group Inc. remains subject to the execution of a binding definitive agreement and other conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. There is no assurance that the proposed acquisition of Solace will be completed as described in this news release, or at all. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward‐looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
LUCA Biologics Launches to Develop Live Biotherapeutics for Women’s Health Starting with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Emerging from 15 years of Dr. Jacques Ravel’s vaginal microbiome research, LUCA’s pipeline targets UTI, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and preterm birth (PTB)
TORONTO, ON – August 6, 2019 – LUCA Biologics, a biotechnology company co-founded by Dr. Jacques Ravel, announced today it will develop live biotherapeutics for widespread, unmet medical needs in women’s health. Ravel will serve as LUCA’s Chief Scientist.
The company’s first therapeutic targets urinary tract infection (UTI), estimated by the World Health Organization to impact half of women globally, and is the most common bacterial infection in the United States. FDA trials are anticipated to be led by Harvard Medical School faculty and conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. Patient recruitment will begin this fall.
Antibiotics are currently the only frontline treatment despite patient side effects, failure to prevent recurrence, and the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. Persistent, prophylactic antibiotic use has both contributed to the increase in causative pathogen resistance and been linked to collateral damage in the gut and vaginal microbiome. The FDA has also actively advised against the use of several antibiotics for community-acquired UTI, leaving patients with few viable options.
Ravel’s research is foundational to the current understanding of the vaginal microbiome and how microbes may prevent or treat pervasive conditions in gynecology, urology, infectious disease, and reproductive medicine. “There is an urgent need for innovation in women’s health,” said Ravel, a leading scientist in the NIH’s Human Microbiome Project. “While our research started with metagenomic sequencing to generate large comparative data sets, we can now translate our findings into safe and effective treatments for widespread conditions that stigmatize and devastate millions of women each year.”
With a strain bank and gene catalogue isolated over 15 years from longitudinal, Gates Foundation and NIH-funded research, the company has built a metagenomic and metatranscriptomic platform to identify and validate strains that modulate the vaginal and urogenital microbiome. LUCA’s pipeline includes therapeutics for UTI, preterm birth (PTB), and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
“We have an unparalleled opportunity to make a true impact in women’s health and translate breakthroughs in microbiome science into innovative therapeutics,” said Luba Greenwood, LUCA co-founder and board member. “We are targeting areas of high unmet medical needs to revolutionize treatment for often poorly treated conditions that affect millions of women across the world.”
The company’s Board of Advisors is comprised of a consortia of experts across vaginal health, microbiology, reproductive medicine, microbial genomics, and mucosal immunology, including Dr. Marina Walther-Antonio (Mayo Clinic), Dr. Douglas Kwon (Harvard Medical School, MIT), Dr. Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello (Rutgers), Dr. Anne Dunlop (Emory School of Medicine), Dr. Gregor Reid (Western) and Dr. Indira Mysorekar (Washington University). Dr. Greg Sieczkiewicz (MPM Capital) and Raja Dhir (Seed Health) will serve as board members.
LUCA LAUNCHES OUT OF SEED HEALTH FOUNDRY LUCA is the first biotechnology company to emerge from Seed Health, a microbial sciences company accelerating breakthrough science into live biotherapeutics and consumer innovations. Through its foundry model, Seed Health partners with leading scientists to provide capital investment, regulatory and IP guidance, biofermentation scale-up, and efficiencies in clinical trials through its academic partnerships. Seed Health was founded by Ara Katz and Raja Dhir to realize the potential of microbes to target pervasive, unmet medical needs for which microbial therapies may become or replace the primary standard of care.
“Launching LUCA represents a turning point in women’s health and reflects our commitment to pioneer live biotherapeutics as the next frontier in modern medicine,” said Dhir, co-CEO and co-founder of Seed Health.
About LUCA Biologics LUCA Biologics is a biotechnology company developing a new class of living medicines targeting the vaginal microbiome to impact reproductive and urogenital health. Emerging from the lab of Dr. Jacques Ravel, a leading scientist in the vaginal microbiome division of the NIH's Human Microbiome Project, the company has built a metagenomic and metatranscriptomic platform to identify and validate strains to modulate the vaginal and urogenital microbiome. luca.bio
About Seed Health Seed Health is a microbial sciences company pioneering applications of bacteria to impact human and environmental health. In collaboration with leading academic partners, Seed Health’s foundry model accelerates breakthrough science to develop live biotherapeutics and consumer innovations. The portfolio targets some of the most pressing, pervasive conditions for which microbes can become or replace the primary standard of care. seedhealth.com
4 Tips for Preventing Injury while Exercising
Learning ways to prevent exercise injuries can help keep yourself from becoming sidelined. Having an injury may hinder your workout routine and cause a major roadblock in your fitness journey. To prevent any injuries while exercising, try following these four tips.
Don’t Increase Workout Intensity Too Quickly
If you try to increase your workout intensity by a lot before your body is ready to handle the extra load, you could be setting yourself up for injury. This is especially true if you recently started a fitness routine after not exercising for an extended period. It’s best to start off doing three 20-minute exercise sessions per week at moderate intensity and build up from there. Verywell Fitalso suggests using the perceived exertion scale, which can determine how well your body responds to exercise.
Warm Up Correctly
Jumping into high-intensity exercises at the beginning of your workout can lead to muscle strains and tears. Light stretching can help the body become more limber so that it’s better prepared for the physical demands of exercise. Doing a slow jog or bike ride can also help you warm up properly. Other exercises that can warm up muscles include T pushups, high kicks and lunges with upper body twists.
Develop Proper Muscle Balance
Muscle imbalances can result in stronger muscles overpowering weaker ones when trying to engage in certain physical activities, and any imbalance could put undue strain on the weaker muscles and cause injuries. One of the best ways to correct muscle imbalances is with the muscle activation technique, which involves strengthening the weaker muscles so that the surrounding muscles don’t experience excessive tension or tightness as they try to compensate for the strength differences. Working with a personal trainer who’s experienced in correcting muscle imbalances can help you develop the proper exercise methods.
Eat Enough of the Right Foods
Not eating enough throughout the day could put you at greater risk for injury when it comes time to exercise. Muscles that don’t receive the proper nourishment often don’t function as efficiently and can be more vulnerable to strains and other problems. Your energy levels may also be depleted from not eating enough, and this can make you feel lethargic and more prone to getting hurt. In addition to eating meals that are high in essential vitamins and nutrients, it’s best to consume yogurt, an energy bar or another carbohydrate-rich snack 30 to 60 minutes before a workout.
Keeping yourself out of harm’s way is possible with the right strategies to prevent injuries during exercise. By making additional efforts to keep yourself healthy while getting into better shape, you’ll have an easier time achieving your fitness goals.
Research reveals potential care gap for pregnant women with lupus
VANCOUVER, Aug. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - A new study by Arthritis Research Canada has found that almost 30 per cent of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus discontinue their antimalarials (especially in the first trimester) despite these medications being safe and recommended during pregnancy.
Women with lupus have a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm labour and fetal growth restriction. As a result, the findings of this research are concerning.
"In order to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal and neonatal outcomes, it is important that pregnant women continue managing their disease," said Dr. Mary De Vera, a Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology at Arthritis Research Canada and lead researcher on the study.
The findings of this research point to the importance of educating women with lupus who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, about the benefits and risks of medications during pregnancy.
"Considering that antimalarials are considered safe and recommended for managing disease activity during pregnancy, the relatively high discontinuation rates prior to and during pregnancy are alarming," Dr. De Vera said. "They may indicate a care gap that needs to be addressed by health care providers and an information gap for women with lupus."
Few prior studies have examined medication use in pregnant women with lupus and showed varying frequencies of use prior to conception, during pregnancy, and post-partum.
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in one or more parts of the body and systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form. It is estimated that 1:1,000 Canadian men, women and children are affected by the disease. And between the ages of 15 and 45, women are eight times more likely than men to be diagnosed with lupus.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life issues.
To obtain a full copy of the paper, please contact:
There are 47 million Instagram hashtags for #DIY. It’s a hot topic for everything from home décor to crafting, and of course beauty. DIY skincare is hyped as a safe and affordable alternative to store-bought products. Just because it can grow in your backyard or exists in your medicine cabinet, doesn't mean it's good for your skin. Looking into cleaner cosmetics isn't a bad idea, but some natural ingredients YouTube and Instagram sensations swear by can cause adverse side effects. Dr. Gretchen Frieling, a board-certified Boston Area Dermatopathologist, warns us about the most touted DIY skincare ingredients and why you should never put them on your face.
Take these products off of your skincare DIY List
Toothpaste for acne spots Treating pimples with toothpaste is backed by many who have extolled its drying properties. While it can dry the pimple out, Dr. Frieling explains, "it can also cause irritation, redness, and even peeling." The trend most likely started because toothpaste contains ingredients such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which are drying. "This is no better than any over-the-counter products," she adds "and may make the problem worse." The chemical and ingredients in toothpaste that fight bacteria are made for your teeth, not your skin!
Citric acid (lemons and limes) as toners You may have seen DIY exfoliators or toners featuring lemon juice as an ingredient -- but you should really avoid putting this on your face. Dr. Frieling shares, "Because of its high acidity, lemon juice can disrupt the natural pH levels of your skin leading to irritation and hyperpigmentation." While this reaction is not the same for everyone else, it's best to stay away from lemon juice, as you the acidity varies for every lemon.
"A small splash of lemon juice on an acne scar or blemish is said to reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin. But, you may leave your skin with a bigger problem if you go in the sun." Dr. Frieling explains that citric acid in its natural form contains a phototoxic compound called psoralens, which can cause a severe chemical burn when exposed to UV rays. Thankfully, this compound can be extracted from lemon juice through processing, so just because a product contains citric acid doesn't mean you should always avoid it.
Rubbing alcohol to dry acne At the crux of germ-fighting products, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol cleans wounds, disinfects, and sanitizes the skin. You think it would be great for your face too, right? Think again! "Repeated exposure to isopropyl alcohol on the face strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, oils, and irritates the skin." shares Dr. Frieling. While rubbing alcohol works great to remove bacteria, it's not always what is causing acne breakouts. "Good acne products treat all aspects of the problem," she adds, not just the surface of the skin. "They should target the inner layers of the skin and protecting it's natural pH levels in ways rubbing alcohol can't," says Dr. Frieling.
Baking soda as an exfoliator Baking soda is an alkaline, meaning it attempts to neutralize acidity. When it comes to healthy skin, Dr. Frieling says it should have a pH level of around 5.5. "Baking soda (a pH of 9) can alter the outer layer of skin and actually cause it to break down," she adds, "leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and worsening the condition." Baking soda, much like salt or sugar, is also used as a physical exfoliator. Although it can be useful in removing dead skin cells, Dr. Frieling does not recommend using baking soda on the face as over-exfoliation causes irritation.
Raw eggs in your face mask Anyone tell you not to eat raw eggs? Claims of salmonella and stomach issues would persuade you against it, but what about your face? While egg whites are definitely the cheaper alternative to most serums, Dr. Frieling says it should not go anywhere near your face. "If you have a scratch or unhealed blemish on your face, putting raw egg whites on your face can cause infection, not to mention possible allergic reactions," she explains. "Egg white masks are said to tighten pores and brighten the skin, but any pore-tightening properties just get wiped away when washed off."
Coconut oil as a moisturizer or cleanser It's excellent for food, hair, and even the legs, but coconut oil needs to stay far away from your face. Some claim it does wonders for their skin, making it brighter and smoother, others not so much. "Coconut oil is extremely comedogenic," says Dr. Frieling "it can't be absorbed into the skin, clogging your pores, and causing more breakouts." But what about as a cleanser? "Even after washing off, coconut oil leaves a thin layer of film left behind which can suffocate your pores." adds Dr. Frieling. As an alternative, other plant-based oils like Argan oil are anti-comedogenic are great for removing makeup.
When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic procedures, Dr. Frieling has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines, wrinkles and re-establishing volume with a minimalistic approach. She is the founder and CEO of the GFaceMD luxury medical skincare line. GFaceMD is a unique, boutique, client-focused aesthetic practice, with a mission to optimize beauty through advanced microenhancement techniques with utmost professionalism, education, and confidentiality. Services include injectables from neurotoxins to dermal fillers, fat dissolving treatments, collagen-stimulating treatments, laser treatments, medical facials, microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and more. Along with splitting her time as a practicing Dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is an avid philanthropist, serving as a judge in the Miss Pink Organization, an active member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and a contributor to many non-profit organizations, including My Life My Choice and St. Jude.
Allergan Released a Recall for Breast Implants
The world of breast augmentation features more technology than ever before, not to mention more knowledge about breast implant creation. As medical knowledge increases, technology adapts to make implants safer than ever before. After gaining more insight into the safety standards of textured breast implants, news came out concerning health risks associated with them.
After being banned in Europe and facing FDA inquiries, Allergan has announced a global recall on their textured Biocell breast implants. The recall is centered around an increased risk for a rare form of cancer known as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Globally, a total of 537 reported cancer cases are linked to the implants.
All patients who received breast implants are urged to check with their plastic surgeons to find out the type of implants they received. If you were given Allergan Biocell implants, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and book an explant procedure.
Explanting 101
An explant procedure is the act of removing breast implants, and it’s typically followed by one of several procedures that ameliorate the look of implant removal. If your breast implants are recalled, then the first step to make is to have your implants removed.
Explanting is typically done under general anesthesia.
The type of explant procedure that needs to be performed is called an “en block capsulectomy.” This removes the entire implant, along with its casing, in a single swoop. By keeping the implant intact and removing the capsule alongside it, the risk of being exposed to the cancer-causing elements gets decreased and natural tissue pliability is maintained.
During the process, a small incision is made in the same area where implants were first placed in. Then, the doctor goes in through the incision to remove the implants. After the implants are removed, the incision is closed.
All Patients are then given a customized aftercare plan, and will see a full recovery in three to four weeks.
Option 1: Replacement
The most common option people choose is a replacement option for their implants. This involves choosing a new pair of implants that offer a similar (or better) result, and inserting them in the empty space left by the now-gone implants.
The replacement operation is done at the same time as explanting, and typically involves minimal extra recovery time. You and your surgeon will work together to choose the right implants or procedures for you.
Option 2: Mastopexy
At times, patients won’t want to replace their implants after an explant procedure. This leaves excess skin and space where the implants once rested. If left alone, this could cause sagging. To fix this issue, plastic surgeons offer mastopexies.
Mastopexy procedures are done under general anesthesia, often right after explanting. The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the skin around it. This gives breasts a lifted, smoother appearance.
Option 3: Auto-Augmentation Breast Lift
In a traditional mastopexy, excess tissue is removed in order to lift and tighten the base breast tissue. This inadvertently causes the patient to lose breast tissue, which isn’t something that is always desirable. One of the procedures that offers a natural, tighter appearance without loss of breast size is auto-augmentation mastopexy.
During auto-augmentation mastopexy, the surgeon begins by removing the excess tissue through incisions specific to the patient’s breast size. Then, he will use the excess tissue to reshape and augment the breasts. This preserves the breast size, while giving breasts a firmer, lifted shape.
Option 4: Mastopexy with Fat Grafts
At times, the excess tissue alone is not enough to give implant-free breasts a lifted and youthful look. When this is the case, surgeons will use liposuction to remove fat deposits from another part of the body, sanitize the fat, and the graft it onto the breast tissue. The surgeon will then tighten skin around the breast and close incisions.
Mastopexies performed with fat grafts are typically done concurrently with explants. At times, it is performed in conjunction with other surgeries like liposuction or arm lifts. This cuts surgery time and also makes it easier to recover from everything without excess resting periods.
One thing that patients should know is that regular fat grafts do lose a certain percentage of their volume after transfer. When you heal, it’s normal to see a slight reduction in volume. So, excess fat will be inserted in order to make up for the loss that will happen while breasts heal.
Option 5: Mastopexy with Alternative Fat Grafting Technique
One of the newest methods to offer implant-free, lifted breasts uses “Biocharged” fat grafts. These fat grafts undergo a special treatment to ensure they last longer and are more likely to stay at their full size. The procedure is almost identical to standard fat grafts, but includes a special treatment to improve the quality of fat. Learn Your Options
Allergan’s global recall on Biocell breast implants is a serious one, and can impact the health of recipients.
Dr. Trovato discusses the matter on the New Theory Podcast here:
New CDC statistics showed that 10 million Americans vape on a regular basis and 3 million of these users are under the age of 18 years old. Marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking cigarettes, the widespread use of vapes has dramatically increased since its introduction in 2003.
Is vaping really much better than smoking cigarettes? Recent news of teens being sent to the hospital after experiencing nicotine-induced seizures has sparked controversy on the subject more than ever before. KMR Communications represents Dr. Niket Sonpal, a NYC gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, who can address the risks of vaping.
What it is: Vapes are hand-held battery-powered devices (e-cigarette) that mimic the actions and sensations of smoking a cigarette. They have a heating component, which atomizes tiny liquid particles (e-liquid), which turns into vapor. The exact composition of ingredients vary depending on the e-cigarette, but most contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and other flavoring additives.
How it’s different from cigarettes: The most significant difference between vaping and smoking cigarettes is there is no tobacco or combustion involved.
Why vapes are alarming: E-liquid in vapes are found to contain levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals, as stated by the FDA. Many of these toxic chemicals that cause lung diseases are also found in cigarettes.
Risks of vaping: Nicotine is the primary element in vapes, which we all know, is highly addictive and has been known to cause certain cardiovascular diseases. It constricts the blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. In teens primarily, nicotine affects the development of the brain, leading to behavioral determinants such as anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and other mood disorders.
Potential side effects:
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Toxin exposure
Nicotine overdose
“Popcorn lung”
Gateway to other addictive substances
About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University Medical Center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
Thelander is available to speak to PAACS’ 23-year history of training male and female African physicians to become surgeons in their home countries, as well as the success PAACS has had with its female surgeon graduates.
Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:
“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”
“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries is the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”
Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:
“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”
“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history that has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries is the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty-one countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase and continue to implement strategies to achieve that goal. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”
ThePan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa. We are a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become surgeons who are willing to remain in Africa to meet this need. PAACS also disciples these residents to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with their patients. The surgical and spiritual training of these residents is offered at several well-established mission hospitals in Africa, under the direction of experienced, board-certified missionary surgeons.
Do You Know Where Your Cannabis Comes From? This Family-Owned Farm Encourages, Empowers Customers to “Know Thy Source”
Committed to purity, sustainability, Autumn Brands’ sixth-generation Dutch farmers encourage, empower customers to “know thy source”
LOS ANGELES, California – (August, 2019): As consumer awareness and concern rises over the health and environmental impacts of commercial farming, Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation family-run, farm-to-consumer agricultural business. The first to receive a California Provisional Annual Cultivation license in Santa Barbara County, Autumn Brands is a 50% woman-owned company known for its holistic focus and artisanal approach to producing powerfully potent strains of pesticide-free cannabis. Today, the same sustainable farming practices which originated with the Brand family in Holland over a century ago produce the premium, estate-grown cannabis that is reshaping the future of plant medicine.
In an age of expansive, complicated supply chain operations, where consumers must work hard to pinpoint the source of their food or medicine, Autumn Brands encourages and empowers medicinal and recreational cannabis users to “know thy source.” A recent study reports that over 60% of American consumers actively research the source of their food. Concerns about environmental impact as well as personal health benefits are greatly affecting the way consumers think about what goes into their bodies and how it connects to the greater good.
With the meteoric rise of commercially-farmed cannabis, government agencies are working harder than ever to keep up with explosive demand, leaving room for troubling quality control and environmental impact issues. Fortunately, companies like Autumn Brands, committed to both sustainable, quality cultivation practices and production transparency, are making it easier than ever for consumers to know and trust the source of their cannabis.
“We respect cannabis as a powerful earth medicine - one which offers untold benefits to so many people in every walk of life and lifestyle” explains Hans Brand, fifth-generation farmer and co-founder of Autumn Brands, “But with that power comes the responsibility to uphold clean cultivation practices and, above all, source transparency. It’s important for our customers to know what they’re putting in their bodies, and with our premium products, buyers can have peace of mind that they absolutely do.”
Autumn Brands brings an uncompromising work ethic, informed by generations of family farming, to the task of producing hand-selected, sun-grown buds, each hang-dried, hand-trimmed and cured to preserve maximum potency and full healing benefits. Determined to stand out in a fast-growing cannabis industry, the company aims to deliver sustainably sourced, farm-to-consumer cannabis to an eager health and wellness market. Visit www.AutumnBrands.com to learn more and discover their full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for new product releases and updates.
About Autumn Brands:
Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visit www.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.
Portable ECG monitors next to hit US market driven by 27% of the population owning a wearable device by 2024, says GlobalData
Innovative technology companies such as Apple, AliveCor, Qardio and Withings are pushing to release electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring devices to access the growing US wearables market. However, these ECGs will not replace doctor’s visits until technology improves and more clinical evidence has been gathered for data accuracy, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Wearable devices are gaining huge traction. GlobalData estimates that 13.8% of the US population aged 12–100 owned a wrist-worn wearable in 2018, and that this ownership will almost double to reach 27% by 2024.
Ashley Young, Medical Device Analyst at GlobalData, says, “This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2018 and 2024, driven by an increased focus on patient-centered, preventative healthcare.”
ECG tests are usually carried out in hospitals, physician offices or lab clinic settings to detect heart abnormalities. Portable ECGs allow patients to self-monitor the heart’s electrical activity.
Young continues, “In 2012, AliveCor received FDA 510(k) clearance for its medical device and smartphone app combination that was designed to record, store, transfer and evaluate single-channel ECG readings. Since then, AliveCor has added more diagnostic functionality, and is FDA approved to detect atrial fibrillation (Afib), brachycardia and tachycardia. It is being sold across North America and Europe.”
More recently, Apple has entered the portable, personal ECG market with its Apple Watch Series 4. It received FDA 510(k) clearance for ECG functionality in 2018.
Young adds, “The advantage of Apple’s device is its integration with other built-in health features such as an activity tracker, a fall detector and a menstrual tracker. However, since it is newer to market, the Apple Watch ECG function is currently only commercially available in the US and some countries in Europe, with further global releases planned in the future.”
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!