Canopy Growth provides update on international operations and activities

• Company enters multi-year agreement with Colombia-based Procaps to conduct advanced manufacturing in Latin America
• Spectrum Therapeutics receives new licences, certifications, and sales in international jurisdictions to advance Canopy Growth's global leadership position and build new revenue markets
• Company Now Licensed for over 35 million Square Feet of Production across Europe, Africa and South America

SMITHS FALLS, ON, June 17, 2019 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth" or the "Company") (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) is pleased to highlight recent developments that are fueling its international progress in emerging medical cannabis and CBD markets. The Company's global three-prong strategy includes a focus on building best-in-class global GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) infrastructure, advancing clinical research programs and best-in-class education and sales programs through its Spectrum Therapeutics medical division, and launching CBD products where regulatory environments allow. Recent highlights include:

Latin America: 

Furthering access to these new markets, Canopy Growth has entered into a multi-year agreement with Procaps S.A.S ("Procaps"), a global company based in Colombia. Procaps develops, manufactures, and markets over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements for a number of international pharmaceutical companies. Procaps exports to more than 50 international markets, including highly regulated jurisdictions such as the United States, where they are GMP certified by the US Food and Drug Administration ("US-FDA"). Through the agreement, Canopy Growth will leverage Procaps' industry-leading formulation and encapsulation capacity, which is especially critical in serving Latin American markets where there is a strong regulatory preference for oil-based products, including softgels. The agreement covers a number of different product formats.

In Colombia, Canopy Growth is licensed to produce over 13.6 million sq. ft. of THC or CBD dominant cannabis, making its Neiva license one of the largest in the world and positioning the Company to meet the emerging regional demand for medical cannabis and CBD products. While only a portion of the cultivation area is in use, the Company will scale operations as market demand dictates. The Company has also completed compassionate sales of Canadian-produced Spectrum Therapeutics products to both Chilean and Brazilian patients, validating the potential of serving patients through an import model while its Latin America operations scale and regional regulations advance to support greater market access.

Asia-Pacific:

In Australia, Spectrum Therapeutics received its first shipment of medical cannabis oil in April 2019 and shortly thereafter began sales to medical cannabis patients in May 2019. The medical market is expanding in Australia as regulations mature and patients have greater access to medical cannabis. Country-wide patient registrations have increased tenfold over the last year to more than 1,300 today. Spectrum Therapeutics intends to support Australian patients through imports until its domestic facilities are fully operational. Construction of its Victoria-based greenhouse and post-production facility is currently underway. 

Europe: 

In Denmark, Spectrum Therapeutics received the necessary licensing from the Danish Medicines Agency for its Odense facility, allowing the Company to grow, harvest, export and sell medical cannabis in dried flower form. To its knowledge, Spectrum Therapeutics is the first Canadian company to receive a federal production licence in Denmark. The facility, certified in both Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) as well as GMP designations, is the backbone of the Company's regional supply chain and will support the growing demand for Spectrum Therapeutics products across Europe. Additionally, following its acquisition of a licence to grow and produce cannabis in Spain, the Company is actively developing plans for its second site in Europe.

The Company also continues to integrate the recent strategic acquisitions of German-based Storz & Bickel, a global leader in medical device and vaporizer technology, German-based C3 Cannabinoid Compound Company, a leading European producer of Dronabinol, and UK-based ThisWorks. Integration of these global leaders into the Canopy product offering and global sales structure will increase revenues, accelerate intellectual property development, and further advance and expand clinical research.

Africa:

In Lesotho, Spectrum Therapeutics has been granted a medical production licence covering two facilities in the country, including 21 million sq. ft. of outdoor grow space and 322,000 sq. ft. of indoor, outdoor and greenhouse space combined, respectively, where CBD dominant and CBD-THC balanced varieties can be cultivated. With these licensed areas, Spectrum Therapeutics to its knowledge now owns one of the largest legal outdoor CBD cultivation sites on the continent of Africa, some of which is currently operational.

Spectrum Therapeutics has also acquired 12 hectares of land located in the Atlantis Economic Zone in the city of Cape Town in order to establish licensed production operations in South Africa. The Company has submitted the necessary applications for a cultivation and post-harvest processing facility licence, which will complement its current production capabilities in Lesotho.

For years, Canopy Growth has taken the long-view, leveraging its substantial cash position to lay the foundation for a global, revenue-generating network. These latest milestones, from world-wide land acquisitions and partnerships, facility developments, licence accreditations, crop cultivation - and sales - validate the Company's efforts and strategic investments, strengthening its position as the global leader, poised to capitalize on emerging markets. 

Wondering about North America? Stay tuned for further updates in the coming days.  

Here's to Future Growth (on the global stage).

About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.

Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.

Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.

From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 4.7 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to international operations and expansion. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the Company's ability to satisfy provincial sales contracts or provinces purchasing all cannabis allocated to them, and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 27, 2018 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation

UBC launches Canada's first graduate blockchain training path

VANCOUVER, June 11, 2019 /CNW/ - The University of British Columbia (UBC) is launching Canada's first blockchain and distributed ledger technology training path for graduate students. The initiative aims to build capacity for existing master's and PhD students in this area and help scale Canada's blockchain industry while also tackling some of the world's most complex socio-technical issues. 

Set to become the world's most multidisciplinary blockchain training path, the unique initiative will provide students with next-generation tools and applications to address issues in FinTech, engineering and computer science, and information governance through its disciplinary streams.

"As the country's first graduate blockchain learning path, the initiative is transformative to the blockchain sector in Canada and beyond," said Victoria Lemieux, UBC iSchool associate professor and Blockchain@UBC cluster lead. "The initiative will allow students to develop the skills around emerging technologies that are in high demand as well as drive economic growth as graduates fill the void in the industry."

The training path will focus on four primary sectors: health and wellness, clean energy, regulatory technology and Indigenous issues, and aims to train 139 students over six years. The initiative is supported by 15 industry partners from a wide range of sectors who will be offering students high-value internships in collaboration with Mitacs. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. will be a flagship partner, providing funding to support research at the intersection of blockchain and healthcare.

"We are proud to be part of a collaboration that is considered to be the first in Canada offering multidisciplinary graduate education in blockchain technology, developing the next generation of innovators," said Uli Brödl, vice president, medical and regulatory affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. "This collaboration will allow us to grow the knowledge base and expertise of scientists to leverage the value of blockchain technology in healthcare."

Mitacs will provide $1.324 million over six years to match industry funding on an annual basis for up to 18 master's and eight PhD internships, including skills training and capacity for international experience. This represents a combined potential value of over $2.44 million for 156 internships and post-doctoral training projects.

"Mitacs is pleased to support UBC's graduate blockchain initiative, which will foster innovation and the training of highly skilled talent to strengthen Canada's leadership in this emerging area of multidisciplinary research and business transformation," said Mitacs CEO and Scientific Director, Alejandro Adem.

The initiative will be taught by UBC faculty from diverse disciplines, all of whom are well connected with the local community as well as blockchain research centers around the world. As part of the learning outcomes, students can expect to critically analyze blockchain solutions as well as explore innovative areas where blockchain can be applied to achieve business, social and technical benefits.

The training path will officially launch in January 2020.

For more information, visit: https://blockchain.ubc.ca/

Quick facts:

• In recent years, blockchain has emerged as a powerful method of providing security and trust in handling data, with countless technical, economic, social and political applications. 
• Blockchain is designed to enable frictionless peer-to-peer interaction without the need for a trusted middleman. 
• Yet, there is little overlap between academia and industry as well as a critical shortage of qualified professionals in the industry. 
• Victoria Lemieux, UBC School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, is the founder of Blockchain@UBC and co-leads the cluster with Chen Feng, from UBC-Okanagan School of Engineering. Their interdisciplinary collaboration recognizes the value of a multidisciplinary approach to blockchain and distributed ledger technology development and the need to span both natural science and engineering (NSE) and non-NSE disciplines to leverage this emerging technology in the best interests of all Canadians.

About UBC

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

About Blockchain@UBC

Blockchain@UBC is a multidisciplinary UBC research cluster focusing on blockchain technology as a central component in investigating the broader research question "How can emerging technologies be leveraged to benefit Canadians?"

We engage in both research and education to advance the design, development and adoption of blockchain technologies. Our research initiatives bring academics and industry partners together to explore pressing issues and advance the emergence of blockchain technologies. Our teaching initiatives span undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels to advance the knowledge and qualifications of students and professionals interested in blockchain technologies. Blockchain@UBC receives support through UBC's Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters program.

About Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. 

Improving the health of humans and animals is the goal of Boehringer Ingelheim, a research-driven pharmaceutical company. In doing so, the focus is on diseases for which no satisfactory treatment option exists to date. The company therefore concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can extend patients' lives. In animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim stands for advanced prevention. 

Family-owned since it was established in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the top 20 companies in the pharmaceutical industry. Some 50,000 employees create value through innovation daily for the three business areas of human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceuticals. In 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of around 17.5 billion euros. R&D expenditure of almost 3.2 billion euros, corresponded to 18.1 per cent of net sales. 

As a family-owned company, Boehringer Ingelheim plans in generations and focuses on long-term success. The company therefore aims at organic growth from its own resources with simultaneous openness to partnerships and strategic alliances in research. In everything it does, Boehringer Ingelheim naturally adopts responsibility towards mankind and the environment. 

The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 600 people across Canada.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found at www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca or in our annual report: http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com. 

About Mitacs

Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from the best academic institutions at home and around the world. For over 20 years, Mitacs has worked with federal and provincial governments to build partnerships that support industrial and social innovation.

Media contacts:

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus 
Jess Werb 
Email: jwerb01@mail.ubc.ca 
Tel: (604) 822-0116 

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. 
Jennifer Mota 
Email: jennifer.mota@boehringer-ingelheim.com 
Tel: (905) 631-4739 

Mitacs 
ErinRose Handy 
Email: ehandy@mitacs.ca 
Tel: (604) 822-4476

SOURCE University of British Columbia

How Damaging Can an Eating Disorder Be When Exercising?

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia can be highly detrimental to the human body. They’re often accompanied by obsessive attitudes toward exercise as well. Combining intense calorie restriction with overexertion can often trigger seriously destructive consequences.

Lower Heart Rates

Eating disorders can make people a lot more susceptible to lower heart rates or “bradycardia.” This is in many cases a reaction to losing weight in an unnaturally speedy manner. People who have lower heart rates may develop body temperatures that are that way as well. If you have an eating disorder and exercise in an immoderate fashion, you may be subject to unpleasant heart rate changes.

Stress Fractures

Eating disorders and immoderate workout sessions can also make people a lot more vulnerable to the development of stress fractures. These fractures frequently show up on the bottom half of the legs or on the feet. That’s because they’re body parts that have to do a lot of carrying work. If you do a lot of aerobics, then you may get many stress fractures. If you notice that your body hurts any time you even attempt to exercise, a stress fracture could be the root cause.

Amenorrhea

A woman has amenorrhea if her menstrual periods have stopped out of nowhere. If you’re a female who is no longer menstruating for a mysterious reason, an eating disorder combined with inordinate workout sessions could be responsible. This condition can arise any time a woman sheds pounds in an abnormally speedy manner. It can bring on all kinds of hazardous bone-related issues as well. A couple examples of these are both osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Emotional Distress

Exercise fixations and eating disorders can bring on emotional distress. If an individual has an eating disorder and a rigid workout routine, she may feel intensely ashamed any time she has no option but to avoid exercising. People who have obsessive attitudes toward exercise often work out regardless of how ill they feel. Some people even enter panic mode if they’re unable to get to the gym for any reason. For example, in-patient eating disorder treatmentcan aid individuals who are trying to recover from the emotional scars that are associated with eating disorders.

Eating disorders can be devastating to the people who suffer from them. They can be devastating to the caring people who are in their lives as well. Workout sessions and eating disorders can trigger a host of diverse concerns.

HOW TO AVOID ILLNESS AND OTHER MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES WHILE TRAVELING THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer.  According to AAA, more than 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend by car, plane, or train. Nothing ruins a long-awaited vacation faster than getting sick or being in medical distress.  We turned to Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC internist and gastroenterologist for some tips on how to avoid health consequences will traveling. 

Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. For travelers, this can happen on long haul trips where you are not moving. Dr. Sonpal recommends if you are flying or on a train, to move around the cabin to get the blood flowing in your legs. If you are driving, take a break at a rest stop and walk around. Compression socks are also another option to prevent DVT. 

Don’t Get Nauseous

People can experience motion sickness on virtually any mode of transportation. To combat this, Dr. Sonpal suggests Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals, Dramamine®'s first non-drowsy formulation. It contains the clinically tested ginger dosage required for preventing and treating motion sickness. Other sources of ginger, including candies, gums, or ginger ale, may not contain a full clinical dose. For someone who is already experiencing nausea while traveling, it is a good idea to keep Emetrol on hand which is an over the counter nausea medication that does not cause drowsiness. 

Avoid Bloating on a Plane

If you get gassy on a plane, you’re not alone! Dr. Sonpal explains that, “As the pressure around you decreases, the gas in your belly isn’t constrained as much and it expands. This can make you feel bloated or become distended.” It is essential to avoid foods that cause gas or have salt. Skip the tomato juice in flight and stick with non-carbonated water. Avoid alcohol, cruciferous vegetables, dairy and high sodium snacks such as salted peanuts or pretzels. Foods that are protein packed, magnesium-rich and high in Vitamin C are good options. 

Sanitize Your Surfaces

Planes and trains are a breeding ground for illness.  The former is awful due to re-circulated air. Most travelers would be appalled if they really knew how germy their tray tables are! Dr. Sonpal suggests sanitizing wipes for your tray table, seat belt clip and hand rests of your seats on planes and trains. When you exit a restroom on a plane or train and touch the door handles, be sure to use hand sanitizer even if you already washed your hands. 

Get Your Shots Before Traveling Abroad! 

Before you even book your trip, make sure you’re up to date on your shots. If you’re traveling to an area where you’re at risk for picking up an illness like malaria, you might be prescribed preventative medication. Dr. Sonpal suggests that, “People should use the CDC website for recommended vaccines for travel abroad or see a travel clinic. The health risks posed to Americans vary based on the country they are traveling to.” 

Don’t Touch the Ice!

When traveling to a different country, most people are very cautious about only drinking bottled water.  Many folks forget that ice is simply frozen water and put it into their soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Contrary to what one might think, freezing water does not kill bacteria. The only way to be sure it is safe is if you boiled the water and then froze it. 

Avoid Jet Lag

Even a relatively short time change from EST to PST (3 hours) can cause jet lag. With some international travel from the United States, the time difference can be as much as twelve hours. If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Dr. Sonpal suggests that, “If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Go to bed one hour later for several nights if you're flying west. If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them at your destination. Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are.”

Essential Medicine/Supplies to Travel With

Dr. Sonpal stresses never to check your medication with your baggage, always keep it in your carry on. Have a fresh re-fill on prescription medication with extra doses in case you get stuck at your destination. In addition, here are some essential over the counter meds/supplies to travel with:

Benadryl- For allergic reactions such as insect or bee bites.

Pepto Bismol- For diarrhea

Laxative such as Dulcolax

Anti-biotic ointment such as Neosporin

Common cold/sinus remedies such as Mucinex or Claritin 

Pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin

Anti- Nausea medication such as Emetrol

Motion Sickness medication such as Dramamine. If you are the driver, be sure to take the non-drowsy version. 

Electrolyte tablets for dehydration 

Hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching from rashes, bites, poison ivy etc. 

Aloe to soothe sunburned skin 

Band-Aids 

Digital Thermometer

Nasal Spray to prevent clogged ears while flying 

Tweezers

Eye Drops

Epi-Pen if you are prone to severe allergic reactions 

How to Find a Reliable Physician if you are Traveling Abroad

The US embassy in your destination country (http://www.usembassy.gov/) can help you locate medical services and will notify your family and friends in the event of an emergency. When selecting a doctor, make sure that he or she can speak your language. The following resources provide lists of doctors and clinics that can care of travelers:

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org; membership required, but it is free)

Joint Commission International (www.jointcommissioninternational.org)

The International Society of Travel Medicine (www.istm.org)

Travel Health Online (www.tripprep.com; gets information from various sources so quality is not guaranteed)

 About Dr. Sonpal 

Dr. Niket Sonpal is an internist and gastroenterologist. He is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at 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.

Worth the Investment: 4 Benefits of Gym Memberships

Are you wondering whether you should join a local gym? There are a whole lot of reasons why you should. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to argue against getting a gym membership. This article can illustrate a few great reasons why you should start researching gyms to join.

Increased Motivation

Technically, you could do all of your workouts at home. You might have seen those late- night infomercials where “regular” people went from “flab to fab” using a simple exercise device. While ab rollers are pretty cheap, working out by yourself can get pretty lonely. When you join a gym, you’ll get fit among people who share a similar passion for health and wellness. When you arrive at the gym for your workout, seeing people who have worked hard to achieve their fitness goals can be just the thing to get you fired up to exercise.

More Opportunities for Making New Friends

When you join a gym, you’ll be surrounded by fit, healthy people who love looking and feeling great. For example, you can enroll in fitness classesthat your gym holds and find people who want to lose weight, get their pre-baby body back, or just want to feel good emotionally and physically. Many gyms also have juice bars on their premises. You can invite someone who you initially hit it off with for a smoothie after a class or a workout.

Increased Concentration

As stated before, you could do a complete workout at your home. But you could do a lot of other things when you’re home, too. If you’re at home, your boss could call or someone could knock at your door five minutes into your squats. Kids are a whole other issue to worry about when you’re trying to get fit at home. When you take the time to go to the gym, the only thing you need to concentrate on is your workout. You can ignore the world as you kick butt in your spin class.

Access to Trained Professionals

According to the National Institute for Fitness & Sport, one of the best reasons why you should consider joining a gym is that you’ll have more access to professional trainers. You just can’t duplicate the experience of getting help and guidance from certified trainers working out in your residence.

If you live in a medium-sized city, you have plenty of options for selecting the type of fitness center you want to join. But even when you live in a tiny town, owning a vehicle can give you access to over a dozen gyms. By looking into the gyms in your local area, you can put your health and well-being at the forefront of your life.

MORE THAN 200,000 TEENS HAD PLASTIC SURGERY LAST YEAR: AND THE CULPRIT IS… SOCIAL MEDIA

www.drmanishshah.com

For many years now, a popular high school graduation gift has been a nose job or otoplasty (ear pinning). In more recent times, that evolved into breast implants. Since the inception of Instagram in 2010, plastic surgery has seen an enormous rise in teens requesting lip fillers, Botox, and buttock augmentation.  Teens seeking to morph into someone else is fueled by studies that show that “The average millennial takes over 25,000 selfies in his or her lifetime, which is astronomical and one of the major reasons for the self-esteem issues in this age group.” More than 40% of surgeons in a recent American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery survey said looking better in selfies on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook was an incentive for patients of all ages undergoing surgery.  Dr. Manish Shah is a Denver board certified plastic surgeon. He wants to help teens, and parents of teens navigate this world of teens and plastic surgery to discuss what is appropriate and at what age in a culture where it can seem as if everyone is having something done.  He understands this quandary as he is not only a plastic surgeon but a father of 3 teenagers.

Breast reduction

Some teens suffer from Juvenile Breast Hypertrophy. This often results in teasing, name calling, difficulty with exercise and clothing selection. It is reasonable to perform breast reduction surgery on these girls after the age of 16. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the breast tissue is sent off for pathological evaluation. Recovery tends to be less than two weeks with minimal overall risks.

Otoplasty (ear pinning)

Kids get teased for having "Dumbo ears" quite routinely. We become aware of the "other" in our lives after the age of 6. Otoplasty can be done at any age after 6. It is a safe surgery that can be easily performed in the office under local anesthesia. 

Rhinoplasty

There are few things a teen can do to hide a nose that they are not happy with or get teased about. Teens can have rhinoplasty surgery, but only after their faces have completed growing. For girls that can be as young as 14 years old, and for boys, it is typically around 17 years old. Often, teens have additional problems with nasal obstruction from trauma as kids. This can be fixed at the same time as the cosmetic surgery. Insurance will often cover the medical portion of the surgery, but the cosmetic portion is usually an out of the pocket expense. 

Liposuction

Liposuction for teens is not a common procedure. For most teens, they can achieve healthy bodies via proper diet and exercise. Frankly, this is better for them. After 15 years of practice, I can say that I have never performed liposuction on anyone younger than 18 years old. 

Butt Implants-

Butt implants are not a procedure that teens have performed. I reserve this procedure for patients older than 22 years old who have failed exercise as a method for gluteal muscle enlargement and are not candidates for a fat transfer to the butt (Brazilian Butt Lift).

Breast Implants-

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that breast implants, especially silicone implants, not be used in patients less than 22 years of age. This is primarily for reasons of patient maturity and possible early family planning. In my practice this has been the case typically; however I have placed silicone implants in patients as young as 18 years of age because they were financially independent, mature, and already had children of their own. 

Botox in the Forehead and Crow’s Feet

With today's access to technology, everyone is squinting to look at tiny screens. Over time, this increases complaints of eyestrain, headaches, and wrinkles. I think neurotoxin can be injected for patients as early as 18 years old, and earlier if treating for migraines. I started injecting my youngest daughter when she was 16 years old because of migraines. The treatment has helped her tremendously.

Chin Implant

Chin implant surgery can be performed in teens after their faces have finished growing. It is a procedure that is often combined with rhinoplasty, and/or chin liposuction to create a better jawline in those whose jaws are underdeveloped. If a patient is not a candidate for jaw surgery by their dental surgeons, they often seek out plastic surgeons for this combination of procedures.

Lip Fillers-

Lip fillers are not really something I perform in those younger than 18 years old. There isn't a significant justification for lip augmentation in this population. After they turn 18 years old and are legally adults, then I have no problem injecting filler as the risks are better understood at this age.

Lasers

Lasers for teens are common in two particular scenarios: laser resurfacing for acne scar reduction and laser hair removal. Since teenage acne is ubiquitous, scarring is the big problem afterward. Once teens get their acne under control with the help of a dermatologist, they can undergo laser treatment to soften the scars and reduce pigment. When excess facial or body hair is a source of emotional distress for a teen, laser hair removal treatments can be used to reduce the problem. Both procedures can be performed after the age of 16 years old with parental support and consent.

Filler in the Cheeks-

I don't recommend that teens get fillers unless it is to balance off major facial asymmetries. 

What makes some teens ready for cosmetic surgery and why would you turn away others?

For a teen to be ready for cosmetic surgery, it is necessary that they have family support, both emotionally and financially. They need to display a level of maturity that shows that they have done their research and understand the pros and cons of having a particular procedure. When I turn a teen away, it is most often because they clearly don't exhibit a level of maturity, understanding, and rationality necessary to make a good decision for themselves. Their ability to consent to treatment is impaired. Often, there is a power struggle between the teen and the parent that clues me into the fact that they are not ready for surgery.

Are there specific procedures you just won't’ do under a certain chronological age, and if so, which procedures are they?

Honestly, most of the body procedures are off limits in my practice until the patient is at least 18 years old. I will perform breast surgery on patients with congenital breast deformities before the age of 22 years old. However, routine cosmetic breast surgery can wait until the patients are more mature. Outside of rhinoplasty and chin implant surgery, most facial procedures aren't appropriate before a patient is in their twenties.

In summary, Dr. Shah feels strongly that, “Parents need to have frequent conversations with teens who seem obsessed with selfies and plastic surgery. Adolescents must understand that their idols like Gigi and Bella Hadid, The Kardashians,  Cardi B, and others make their living off their face and bodies. They represent only 1 % of the population.  Parents need to stress that while looks do count, so too do brains, ambition, personality, good choices, and talent. In general, the bulk of cosmetic surgery should be reserved for adults who are fully actualized people and want to make  tweaks with realistic expectations and motives.”

HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE DURING THE SUMMER AS A SINGLE PERSON

www.comprehendthemind.com 

www.comprehendthemind.com

Summer can be one of the toughest times to be single.  There’s nothing worse than looking at Instagram or Facebook and seeing your married/couple friends off on vacation in the South of France or spending the weekend at a BBQ in the Hamptons while you stare longingly at your dog in your cramped apartment wishing your fire escape could morph into the Caribbean Sea or a gondola in Venice. If you haven’t met Mr. or Ms. Right by Memorial Day Weekend how can you salvage your summer? Dr. Sanam Hafeez is an NYC Neuropsychologist who also happens to be a single mom of two boys.  This is no trivial matter. Loneliness can literally be a killer! It can lead to depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and other destructive behaviors. Here she shares some ideas to socialize without a significant other during the dog days of summer. 

Take A Daycation

There is something called www.resortpass.com. While this is not yet available in every city, it does allow people to book day passes at luxury hotels and use their beach, pool, spa, and amenity facilities in some cases for as little as $25.00 per day!  Hotels such as Kimpton, W, Westin, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton, St. Regis and many others offer this. Not only does soaking up Vitamin D makes us feel good, who knows, your lounge mate could turn into an evening date! 

Try a Meet Up 

Meetup is about connecting people with something in common. From activities you love and hobbies you want to try, to ways you identify yourself and who you want to be, a Meetup group is a community. A community of people who come together because they care about the same thing. Mountain climbers, first-time parents, aspiring kite surfers, chefs, coders… you name it, there’s a good chance there’s a Meetup group for it.  You can join online or through the app and find a Meet Up group that fits your exact interest. 

Don’t Let Being Single Ground You or De-Rail Your Travel

Let’s face it, unless you are an extraordinarily confident and independent person, it can be unsettling to travel solo to a foreign country and eat meals alone and wander around with nobody to converse with. This need not be the case! There are many travel groups that build their business around single travelers who are more mature than Club Med. Once such company is https://www.singlestravelintl.com  Their vacations run the gamut from weekends, cruises, adventure travel, and international travel. And they are just one of many companies who do this. 

For the Single Person in Recovery From Drugs or Alcohol

Very often, “Singles Vacations” can mean party time and this can be challenging for those in recovery.  There are hundreds of thousands of people who fall into this category, and that’s why sober vacations exist. https://sobervacations.com is one company that has been around since 1987, however numerous others exist. 

Summer Camp for Adults

If you were lucky enough to go to summer camp as a kid, doesn’t that bring back great memories of camp fires and roasting smores? You can recreate that experience in a co-ed environment! Adult summer camps are a “thing” and they are popping up all over the country. www.campbonfire.com is an example where the activities are so varied and sundry from rock climbing, pool parties, Thai massage, kickball, survival skills, or doing nothing at all! 

Volunteer

What do you like? Pets? Art? Kids? Try any place where they can be found, like a shelter, museum or hospital. It really gives you a boost to give unconditionally.

Find an Extra Job Doing Something You Really Enjoy 

Only do so if it won’t add unwanted stress to your life.  Look up freelance opportunities in your area doing what you're skilled at. The extra income will make you feel better and give you more cash to spoil yourself. 

Swap Your Home/Apt With a Friend Temporarily

It beats the cost of a hotel and can certainly get you out of a rut and in front of new people! Perhaps, you’re a woman living in New York and are not feeling it with the men in the big apple. Maybe you have a friend in LA  you can swap homes with to see how you vibe with the pace and the people on the west coast. It gives you a chance to feel things out without making a long-term commitment. 

“The bottom line,” says Dr. Hafeez, “is that with some well thought out planning, you need not be single and lonely during the summer months. You can fill your time with people, sun, fun, adventures, new cultures, and in the process of doing so, you just might find “the one.”