ProMIS Neurosciences Identifies Novel Antibodies for Alzheimer's Disease with Selectivity for the Neurotoxic Form of Tau
Pipeline offers critical "one-two punch" in potential treatment arsenal for Alzheimer's disease
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, has identified several promising novel antibody candidates that selectively bind the toxic form of Tau.
The misfolded, toxic form of Tau, an otherwise normal protein in the brain, is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease along with the toxic oligomer of amyloid beta. Dual targeting of toxic forms of Tau and amyloid beta is currently one of the most promising areas of therapy development in Alzheimer's disease. ProMIS Neurosciences now has two potential therapy candidates that address both neurotoxic proteins.
ProMIS leveraged its proprietary drug discovery and development platform to identify several novel antibodies that selectively bind toxic oligomers of Tau. The platform produces antibodies that meet a key success factor for a viable Alzheimer's disease therapy: the ability to selectively target the neurotoxic form of a protein, while sparing the normal forms of the protein, a challenge that has contributed to recent late-stage clinical trial failures. The platform not only generates high-quality antibody candidates, it delivers powerful, validated candidates in months versus years. Used in combination with new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, researchers could dramatically improve the success and speed of future therapy development efforts.
"The ProMIS platform addresses a problem that has plagued the Alzheimer's drug development community: the inability to selectively target the neurotoxic form of Tau and amyloid beta," said Dr. Neil Cashman, a renowned researcher in protein misfolding diseases and Chief Science Officer of ProMIS Neurosciences. "A recently published scientific study from the team led by Nobel Laureate Stanley B. Prusiner M.D., shows that Alzheimer's disease is a double prion disorder1, 2, resulting from self-propagating amyloid and Tau prions. We're proud that our pipeline may offer the critical one-two punch to neutralize both of these toxic oligomers and offer potential disease-modifying therapy that this patient community so desperately needs and deserves."
ProMIS' novel Tau antibodies join a pipeline of antibody candidates that demonstrate selectivity for the toxic species of naturally occurring proteins in the brain. The pipeline includes:
Alzheimer's disease:
PMN310, an antibody clinical candidate that selectively targets the toxic form of amyloid beta
Novel Tau antibodies that are potential candidates selectively targeting the toxic form of Tau.
Parkinson's disease
Antibody candidates showing best-in-class selectivity for toxic forms of alpha synuclein compared to other therapeutic antibodies in development.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Antibody candidates targeting the toxic form of TDP43.
To learn more about Tau, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease therapy development efforts and the promise of new biomarkers, listen to the podcast, Saving Minds, at iTunes or Spotify.
About ProMIS Neurosciences ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines -ProMIS and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
Elizz and Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes caregivers of Canadian veterans with online tool
MARKHAM, ON, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - May marks Military Appreciation Month highlighting caregivers of veterans in the US. Elizz and Veterans Affairs Canada are ALSO recognizing veterans and caregivers of veterans with our online tool Caregiver Zone.
Caregiver Zone, powered by Elizz, is an innovative e-learning tool that provides instruction, education, videos and tools on a wide range of caregiving topics. It was co-designed with caregivers of Canadian veterans, military community members and Veterans Affairs Canada staff. Caregivers in Canada support 400,000 veterans.
"Families play a crucial role in caring for Veterans, often over many years. Together with Veterans Affairs Canada, we designed this program to recognize the family caregiver and provide them the specialized knowledge they need, and the support they deserve," says Allyson Kinsley, SVP, Strategy & Brand Experience of SE Health.
Family members who take care of veterans can use this resource to help them take care of their loved ones and themselves. Caregivers also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers about their shared experience and access the support of a caregiver coach. Caregiver Zone was developed with the unique Canadian military culture in mind and in respect to the distinct experience of caregivers of Canadian veterans.
#HearNowON seeks Ontario secondary student input on school mental health
Online survey, forums part of "ground-breaking" initiative by School Mental Health Ontario to hear student voice
HAMILTON, ON, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - School Mental Health Ontario - Santé mentale en milieu scolaire Ontario will engage secondary students across Ontario to hear student voices, improve youth engagement in school-based mental health programming, and inform a provincial student mental health leadership strategy. Through an online survey, and in-person forums, English and French students will have a voice in the development of mental health awareness and wellness promotion efforts in Ontario's publicly-funded schools.
Notes Dr. Kathy Short, Executive Director of School Mental Health Ontario, "Schools are an excellent place to promote student mental health, to build knowledge about social-emotional skills, and to identify and support students early who may struggle with a mental health problem. Young people have already let us know that they have something to say about how this happens in schools. That's why #HearNowON is ground-breaking — we will learn first-hand what secondary school students want to know about mental health, how they prefer to learn this information, and how they want to be engaged in mental health leadership. All of that can do so much to help us, and all Ontario school districts, to better promote the mental health of students."
The work of #HearNowON will be conducted with Wisdom2Action and the initiative protocols have been approved by the Dalhousie University Research Ethics Board so that findings can be summarized and shared widely.
The project is supported by the Ontario Student Trustees' Association (OSTA-AECO). Says Taylor Dallin, Operations Coordinator, OSTA-AECO, "Students want to learn more about mental health and mental illness. They want to know how to cope with stress, and how to recognize when things are starting to get off track, for themselves or their friends. They want to know how to help, and they want to get involved. #HearNowON is so important—we get to make a difference in this work. We really encourage every Ontario secondary student to make their voice heard".
Highlights Short, "While there are many products, speakers, and resources designed to support mental health awareness in schools, not all of these are evidence-based, co-created with youth, and aligned with the systematic work underway within Ontario school districts. School Mental Health Ontario is committed to the use of resources that are not only evidence-based and implementation-sensitive, but also student-centred. #HearNowON will help us to raise up the voices of students to inform the development and/or selection of mental health awareness, promotion initiatives and resources in coming years."
Says Short, "Our partners involved in this initiative, and more broadly across Ontario, are critical to the success of #HearNowON. School board mental health leadership teams, child and youth mental health organizations, and other education and health sector stakeholders understand the importance of supporting good mental health at school. They know the need for authentic youth voice to inform and complement existing evidence-based mental health promotion efforts."
#HearNowON Online Survey The online survey launches on June 3rd and will remain open until July 12th. The survey will be focused on student mental health knowledge needs and preferences. The survey can be accessed at https://www.wisdom2action.org/hearnowon/
#HearNowON Regional Forums Regional forums will provide an opportunity for students to think together about ideas for promoting student mental health in Ontario schools, and how students can be engaged as leaders in school-based mental health initiatives. Forums are taking place in London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Toronto. Mental health support will be available at all forums.
Thunder Bay – Saturday, June 1st
London – Saturday, June 1st:
Toronto – Saturday, June 8th
Ottawa – Saturday, June 15th
Those interested can follow the conversation on Twitter #HearNowON @SMHO_SMSO
School Mental Health Ontario works with Ontario school districts to support student mental health.
Wisdom2Action is a national social enterprise dedicated to youth engagement, knowledge mobilization and research
OSTA-AECO is the largest student stakeholder in Ontario education, representing approximately 2 million students in the public and Catholic schools in Ontario. The association also provides world-class professional development to student trustees across Ontario.
Note to media : Due to the sensitivity of the topic, the regional forums are not open to media.
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Allergan To Voluntarily Recall Textured Breast Implants in Canada
TORONTO, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Allergan Canada has made the decision to voluntarily recall textured breast implants from the Canadian market as a result of Health Canada's suspension of the BIOCELL® textured implant licence. Health Canada's decision is in contrast to public rulings and positions by other regulatory bodies and societies around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent position. Allergan continues to stand firmly behind the benefit / risk profile of its breast implant products, and the Company plans to explore options to appeal this decision with Health Canada.
As part of this voluntary recall, any unused BIOCELL saline-filled and silicone-filled textured breast implants (medical device licences 3112, 72262, 72263, 87277 and 87279) will be removed from the Canadian market and no longer be sold. NATRELLE smooth implants and tissue expanders are not impacted by this licence suspension and voluntary recall.
Patient safety is Allergan's highest priority. This decision will raise many questions for Canadians who have textured breast implants. Patients are advised to have a thorough discussion with their plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits of their implant type should they have any concerns with their implants. Allergan is committed to working with Health Canada to implement a communications plan to inform surgeons, hospitals, government organizations, medical and healthcare professional associations and patient groups to ensure patient needs are met.
Should any Canadian patients or healthcare professionals have questions about BIOCELL® textured breast implants, you can contact our Medical Information team: MR-MedicalInformation@Allergan.com or 1-800-668-6424.
Health Canada's decision is not consistent with regulatory agencies and professional societies including the FDA, the Italian Ministry of Health, Spanish Ministry of Health, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency, Argentina's National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices, and the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), which have been systematically reviewing the status of textured breast implants in the context of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). These agencies and societies have determined that textured implants remain available to ensure that choice is not limited for surgeons and their patients. Specifically, they have stated that there is a need for more evidence gathering and information to make a fully informed determination regarding textured breast implants.
There continues to be no recommendation from any health authority, including Health Canadai and the FDA, for asymptomatic patients to have their textured breast implants removed or replaced prophylactically. As there is risk associated with all surgeries, patients are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare professional.
BIA-ALCL has been reported in patients with an implant history that includes Allergan's and other manufacturers' textured breast implants with various surface properties, styles, and shapes. As per Health Canada, the exact cause of BIA-ALCL is unknown.i
Whether mammaplasty, breast reconstruction or breast augmentation procedures; breast implants play a vital role in a patient's physical and psychological health. Surgeons need a variety of implant types to address the variable nature of breast anatomy and pathology to meet the needs of individual patients. With every medical procedure, there are benefits and risks. Allergan supports informed consent for patients.
"The safety profile of Allergan's breast implants is supported by extensive pre-clinical device testing and more than a decade of worldwide clinical use, as well as, a large number of peer-reviewed and published studies," said Dr. Carmen Enciu, Director, Chief Medical Office, Allergan Canada. "Allergan is committed to on-going evaluation, understanding and research surrounding breast implant effectiveness and safety."
About Allergan plc Allergan plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical leader. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical and regenerative medicine products for patients around the world.
Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories.
Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, a model of research and development, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. With this approach, Allergan has built one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry.
Allergan's success is powered by our global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what is right.
With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives every day.
For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective on existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; the impact of uncertainty around timing of generic entry related to key products, including RESTASIS®, on our financial results; uncertainty associated with financial projections, projected cost reductions, projected synergies, restructurings, increased costs, and adverse tax consequences; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Allergan's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Throughout the decades, brow looks come and go. Full, bushy brows evoke 80s-era Brooke Shields. Super skinny brows scream the late 90s. Recently, the perfectly painted “Insta Brow” has been having a major moment.
For 2019, a more easy-going, lower-maintenance, the natural brow is trending. To achieve this look, we tapped brow guru Umbreen Sheikh for her best tips. As a licensed cosmetologist and Founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen is a bonafide brow savant. Here’s how she – and her teams at Wink’s multiple locations in New York City, Brooklyn, and London – are helping clients live their best brow lives.
Umbreen Sheikh’s Top 6 Brow Tricks
1. Assume the position
While you might think you need to park yourself thisclose to the mirror to precision-groom your brows, that isn’t actually the case. “Standing too close can throw-off your brow proportions, and make you lose perspective on the overall shape,” says Umbreen. “For best results, stand at least one foot away.”
2. Break out the brush
Short on time? At the very least, give your brows a thorough brushing. Stroke up and over, and then anchor your arches with a dab of brow gel or clear mascara. (More on brow gel shade-selection below.) FYI, the Wink tool of choice has an angled side and a spoolie on one end, so consider investing in a brow brush of similar quality. You’ll be using it every day, so it will pay for itself in no time.
3. Select your ideal shade
Picking the perfect, slam-dunk shade of gel, pencil or powder is crucial, so this is where you need to spend real quality time. As a general rule, you’ll want to match your hair roots, which are typically one shade lighter than your brows. “Most women want their brows to add definition to their face, and not ‘read’ as harsh or aggressive,” says Umbreen. “Matching your brows to your roots does that.” With one exception, Umbreen cautions. “If you’re blonde, go a shade darker than your roots. Otherwise, you’ll look washed-out.” NOTE: If you opt for professional brow tinting, which lasts for up to four weeks and is among Wink’s most popular services, you can skip this shade-selection tip altogether. How easy is that?
4. Get a little nosey
One of the very best things about next-level brow grooming, whether you master it yourself or pop by Wink for professional assistance, is that it allows you to visually alter the shape of your nose. Thinner, wider – whatever nose look you’re after, beautiful brows can help you get there. If you’re opting for thinner, Umbreen recommends drawing an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your nose to the beginning of your brow and then focusing your shade-filling right there at the start. To make your nose appear wider, do the opposite and focus your shade-filling at the end of your brow, not the beginning.
5. Pencil (or powder) it in
Whichever shade format you choose, the absolute key to success is to follow the basic shape of your existing brow. Go easy, and only add color between hairs, as needed. “The idea is to shade, not ‘draw’ your brows on from scratch,” says Umbreen. “The goal is a soft, subtle look that lends definition. Straight, hard lines are to be avoided at all costs.”
6. Between brow appointments, “cheat” with concealer Pressed for time?If you can’t make it into Wink or carve-out 15 minutes to do a thorough DIY bathroom brow-grooming sesh, Umbreen recommends adding a dab of concealer on the most unruly hairs. “Whatever you do, resist the temptation to just yank them out,” she says. “Brows add so much structure and personality to your face that you really want to take your time, and groom properly. Or better yet, head to Wink, and let us help.”
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Peace and Embrowerment to all!
ABOUT UMBREEN SHEIKH, FOUNDER + CEO
The #BossLady of Brows, London-born / New York-based Umbreen Sheikh is on a mission to embrower every woman she comes in contact with.
A second-generation cosmetologist, Umbreen learned the ancient technique of threading from her mother, who owned several London salons. In transferring this centuries-old knowledge to her curious, capable daughter, little did Umbreen’s mother know that she was setting the stage for a brow-centric beauty empire.
Of course, there were plot twists along the way, namely Umbreen’s decision to attend University at King’s College London and obtain a degree in Biomedical Sciences. But it was a post-University move to Manhattan that would eventually bring Umbreen, full-circle, right back to brows.
After marrying in 2003 and relocating to New York with her seasoned financier husband, Umbreen spent time in the publishing world, as the PR Director for a niche magazine. Simultaneously, she was starting a family of her own. By 2011, she had two children. And once her tots were securely tucked away in school for most of their day, Umbreen knew it was time to get cracking on her career.
But what to do?
Like all visionary entrepreneurs, Umbreen started with what’s known in the biz world as a Need-Gap Analysis. What product or service was she – and busy, demanding, like-minded women just like her – missing?
It wasn’t long before Umbreen landed on next-level organic threading as the ultimate unmet beauty need. By 2014, she’d developed the concept for Wink Brow Bar. And ever since, she’s been in full-on growth mode – adding locations, services, and products at breakneck speed. Seguing from luxury threading studio to immersive beauty brand, today’s Wink is covering all the bases.
In addition to caring for her family and running her business, Umbreen is heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors. As a committee member of Developments In Literacy, she has helped educate 27,000 Pakistani girls. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The AsiaFoundation, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for women throughout Asia.
Umbreen resides with her family in New York City.
Valens Signs Multi-Year Cannabis Extraction Agreement with Tantalus Labs
Kelowna, B.C., May 28, 2019 – Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (OTC: VGWCF) (the “Company” or “Valens”), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arm’s length binding multi-year extraction services agreement (the “Agreement”) to provide cannabis extraction services to Tantalus Labs (“Tantalus”), a leading British-Columbia-based cannabis producer.
The Agreement has an initial 2-year term from the date of the first shipment from Tantalus. Valens will process the cannabis biomass provided by Tantalus on a fee for service basis into premium quality resins and distillates using the Company’s leading proprietary extraction processing methods. The Agreement contains provisions under which it may be terminated with 180 days written notice after the one-year anniversary. Valens expects to receive and begin processing the first shipment from Tantalus early in fiscal Q3 of 2019 and currently holds all required licensing from Health Canada to carry out its obligations under the Agreement.
“Tantalus aspires to deliver unprecedented vaporization experiences to a discerning user base,” said Dan Sutton, CEO of Tantalus Labs. “Valens is absolutely our best in breed partner to formulate these experiences with.”
“We are honored to be recognized by Tantalus, one of the industry’s most respected players currently providing exceptional flower products to both medical and recreational users here in Canada,” said Tyler Robson, CEO of Valens GroWorks. “We look forward to working closely with the team at Tantalus as they broaden their product portfolio under the anticipated new regulations this fall.”
About Tantalus Labs Tantalus Labs is committed to Sungrown cultivation of world class cannabis products. Owned and operated in British Columbia, their team is a group of specialized scientists, engineers, and designers committed to the advancement of agricultural science. They believe that passion for natural, Sungrown cultivation methods will usher in a brighter future for clean cannabis.
About Valens GroWorks Valens GroWorks Corp. is a research-driven, vertically integrated Canadian cannabis company focused on downstream secondary extraction methodology, distillation and cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing with three wholly-owned subsidiaries located in and around Kelowna, BC. Subsidiary Valens Agritech (“VAL”) holds a license to cultivate cannabis and produce cannabis oil under the Cannabis Act, as well as a license to conduct analytical testing for the cannabis industry. VAL currently has extraction processing and supply agreements with various leading producers across Canada. Subsidiary Valens Labs is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant Based Science. Subsidiary Valens Farms is in the process of becoming a purpose-built facility in compliance with European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the product from this facility can be exported anywhere in the world where Cannabis is nationally legal for medical or adult usage purposes. For more information, please visit http://valensgroworks.com. The Company’s investor deck can be found specifically at http://valensgroworks.com/investors/
Physical Inactivity Pandemic - Evil of the Century
QUEBEC CITY, May 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The idea to produce a documentary was inspired by a 2014 article published in Maclean's magazine, which touted Quebec as one of the areas with the lowest levels of obesity in North America.
TALK Encounters, a Quebecois firm, is currently producing a documentary illustrating the growing problems caused by physical inactivity in today's youth. In the United States, over 36% of children under 12 years old suffer from obesity. We find the culprit to be physical inactivity and not junk food.
TALK Encounters
Karl Andre Talbot of TALK Encounters has been marketing advisor to the administrative counsel of PHIT America for the past 5 years. Recently, TALK Encounters has produced a series of films and videos for PHIT America. This American NPO has been devoted to fighting chronic inactivity in children throughout many schools for over 7 years now. PHIT America has offered GO Grants to over 600 schools rebuilding PE and other physical activity programs helping over 300,00 children become much more physically active. Recent studies have shown that by incorporating a daily physical activity (60 minutes/day) in schools, a striking impact is observed not only in the physical health of students, but also on their academic results, as well as their attention in class and the need for medication related to hyperactivity. PHIT America even managed to get the Personal Health Investment Today Act(PHIT Act) passed by the US House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress.
According to the WHO, if the situation does not change, more than 55% of the American population will be obese in 2045. Canada is not immune either. The financial burden of healthcare related expenses, medications, increase of illnesses, absenteeism and poor performance at work, are issues that could potentially devastate the economy.
Despite an increase in the obesity rate in Canada, Quebec has one of the lowest obesity rates in North America. The determining factor is undoubtedly the regular practice of physical activity in school settings and extra-curricular activities. Measures taken by the Quebec government, as well as campaigns such as Le Grand Defi Pierre Lavoie (LGDPL) achieve very positive results which fully represent the exact values that PHIT America promote to the American government.
Investing in physical activity programs for all schools demands sustained and well-choreographed efforts from numerous partners, both public and private. It is essential to apply efficient and valuable strategies and follow them diligently, as doing so is a major investment in our future. It is noteworthy to mention that only one quarter of 1% of the American military budget would suffice to finance all American schools to counter and even reverse the problem. Unfortunately, less than 50% of American schools receive assistance to favor physical activity in youths. As far as so-called elite schools, the annual budget is less than $800.00/school. What more is there to say?
The producers of TALK Encounters want to use implemented Quebec fitness strategies as a model to eradicate childhood obesity. Many Canadian/Quebecois and American athletes will bear witness to the impact that access to physical activity in school settings had on them. The documentary, currently in production, is set to premiere in 2020. It will be presented at different international film festivals, which will serve as our launching platform to demonstrate that our children's obesity is, in large part, avoidable. It is up to each and every one of us to make the required efforts to put in place school politics that favor the practice of physical exercise.
Finally - The Cravings Solution KETO, Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Dieters Have Been Waiting For
Made without wheat, dairy, soy, or added sugar, Good Dee’s baking mixes deliver full flavor to satisfy sweet cravings guilt-free!
NEW YORK – (May 27th, 2019): Great taste meets good health in a decadent line of low-carb, sugar-free Good Dee’s baking mixes. Born out of a love for baked goods and a passion for healthy living, Good Dee’s proudly uses only the highest-quality, innovative ingredients to deliver low-carb mixes with all of the flavor and no added sugar. Safe for gluten, soy and dairy-free diets, one woman’s lifelong quest to “have her cake and eat it, too” results in a KETO friendly solution the whole family will gladly devour.
For years, Good Dee’s creator and founder Deana Karim searched high and low for the perfect cookie. A lifelong struggle with weight gain and a family history of diabetes limited Karim to low-fat options, which lacked the full flavor of traditional baked goods while hiding some undesirable ingredients of their own. Unable to find an alternative that could satisfy sweet cravings and help maintain a healthy lifestyle, Karim resolved to create her own.
“I realized that if I kept depriving myself and thinking I was on a diet, I would fail,” explains Karim. “I embraced going low-carb and sugar-free and looked up alternative sweeteners. Through months of trial and error, I made a cookie that, after numerous taste tests, got a giant thumbs up.” With overwhelming approval by eaters of all different diets and lifestyles, Karim knew she had something special.
After the birth of Karim’s second child, she set to work launching Good Dee’s. The company featured a variety of baking mixes, from brownies to pancakes to cookies. A first-generation Middle Eastern immigrant who grew up watching her father start and run a successful business, Karim immediately took to entrepreneurship. Now with an expanded collection offering everything from cracker biscuit and grain-free cornbread to blondies and chocolate chip cookie one-bag mixes, Good Dee’s proves that a healthy lifestyle and good eats really do mix.
Shop the full line of mouthwatering grain, wheat, gluten and sugar-free mixes, including all-new coconut and lemon snack cake flavors, just $11.99 each at GoodDees.com. Also try the nut-free collection of brownies, cakes, and muffins. Learn more about this fast-growing company and its founder, Deana Karim, at GoodDees.com. Get inspired by innovative recipes and baking ideas to satisfy every craving on Instagram @GoodDeesMix.
About Good Dee’s:
Created and founded by native Texan-turned-New Yorker Deana Karim, Good Dee’s proves that health-conscious living and decadent indulgence really do mix. Give in to cravings guilt-free with Good Dee’s complete collection of baking mixes designed for low-carb, restricted, and special diets. The tasty solution to a lifetime of deprivation and struggle with weight gain, Good Dee’s offers innovative, full-flavor mixes free of gluten, soy, dairy, wheat, and added sugar. Also available in nut-free brownie, blondies, chocolate snack cake and muffin mix. Learn more and shop all flavors and varieties, priced at just $11.99 each, online at GoodDees.com. Find inspirational recipes and baking ideas on Instagram @GoodDeesMix.
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Fruit and vegetables lower risk of clinical depression
Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables people eat lowers their risk of clinical depression, new research has found.
The study discovered that eating, for example, four extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day can boost people’s mental health to such an extent that it can offset half the negative psychological impact of divorce and a quarter of the psychological damage of unemployment.
Other studies have used people’s subjective responses to surveys to discover a link between eating fruit and vegetables with improved wellbeing.
But this is one of only a few studies that has found objective evidence of the association between fruit and vegetables and psychological health.
Redzo Mujcic, of Warwick Business School, author of the paper alongside Andrew Oswald, of the University of Warwick, said: “This is an interesting finding and makes the case for an empirical link between fruit and vegetables and improved mental wellbeing more powerful.
“The effect is not small as well. If people eat around seven or eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day the boost in mental wellbeing is as strong as divorce pushing people the other way, to a depressed state.
"We found being made unemployed had a very bad and significant effect on people’s mental health, greatly increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. But eating seven or eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce that by half.
"And the effect is a lot quicker than the physical improvements you see from a healthy diet. The mental gains occur within 24 months, whereas physical gains don’t occur until you are in your 60s.
“This is an important preliminary finding as governments and healthcare policymakers are currently more interested in the determinants of mental ill-health, such as clinical depression and high levels of anxiety, rather than people’s subjective assessment of their wellbeing as used in previous research.”
Dr Mujcic and Professor Oswald used data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, which has been done annually since 2001.
In it respondents are asked if they have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety along with several questions about their diet and lifestyles.
The study used a representative sample of 7,108 respondents who answered they had not been diagnosed with depression or anxiety in 2007, to see if their diet could predict their chance of depression two years later.
The results revealed an inverse relationship between fruit and vegetables and future depression or anxiety – ie the more fruit and vegetables people ate the less likely they were to be diagnosed with a mental illness in later periods.
“If people increase their daily intake of fruit and vegetables from zero to eight they are 3.2 percentage points less likely to suffer depression or anxiety in the next two years,” said Dr Mujcic.
“That might not sound much in absolute terms, but the effect is comparable to parts of major life events, like being made unemployed or divorced.
“We tested for reverse-causality – ie whether it might be that depression or anxiety leads to people eating less fruit and vegetables – but we found no strong statistical evidence of this.
“However, the next natural step is to do a randomised controlled trial to examine the causal relationship between diet and psychological wellbeing in society.”
BC PharmaCare Expands Use of Biosimilar Medicines
First Province to Implement Large-Scale Biologic Switching Program
TORONTO, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Biosimilars Canada, a national association representing Canada's biosimilar medicines industry, today congratulated the Government of British Columbia for announcing a program in which patients taking originator biologic drugs will be "switched" or transitioned by their clinicians to a biosimilar biologic drug within a six-month period.
Biologic medicines have revolutionized the treatment and prevention of many disabling and life-threatening diseases over the past 50 years, but they are also very expensive and are a significant driver of increasing prescription drug costs. Just 1.7 per cent of Canadian prescriptions were filled with biologic drugs in 2018, yet the cost of these prescriptions represented 29.9 per cent of Canada's total prescription drug costs that year.
Public and employer-sponsored benefit plans want to provide patients with access to innovative new medicines. Biosimilar medicines present an important way to manage costs while also supporting positive patient outcomes.
"Biosimilar medicines have an important role in supporting health care sustainability and patient care, and Biosimilars Canada congratulates the Government of British Columbia for its Canadian and North American leadership in promoting and expanding the use of biosimilar medicines," said Michel Robidoux, Chair of Biosimilars Canada and President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada.
While the use of biosimilar medicines has been well-established in Europe with more than 700 million patient days of use over the past decade, the uptake of these medicines in Canada for chronic treatments has been much slower as public and private payers have not actively implemented policy levers to support their use beyond naïve or new patients. Canadian payers are now beginning to recognize that enhanced policies are needed to fully realize the value of biosimilar medicines.
"Switching or transitioning patients from original biologic treatments to their corresponding biosimilar medicines is the responsible choice for those who manage drug budgets, and will help to ensure patient access to essential treatments for years to come," said Jim Keon, President of Biosimilars Canada.
The evidence supporting such a policy is clear. By the end of 2017 there were 90 studies involving the "switching" or transitioning of 14,255 unique patients that provide real world evidence confirming the safety and efficacy of this practice. The BC PharmaCare announcement is also consistent with Health Canada's recommendation that such a decision should be made by the treating physician in consultation with the patient and taking into account available clinical evidence and any policies of the relevant jurisdiction.
About Biosimilar Medicines A biosimilar biologic drug, or biosimilar, is a drug demonstrated to be highly similar to a biologic drug that was already authorized for sale.1 Health Canada evaluates all the information provided to confirm that the biosimilar and the reference biologic drug are similar and that there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy between them.2 Health Canada's rigorous standards for authorization mean that patients and health care providers can have the same confidence in the quality, safety and efficacy of a biosimilar as any other biologic drug.3
About Biosimilars Canada Biosimilars Canada is a national association representing the biosimilar medicines industry in Canada. Its member companies are at the forefront of the global development and marketing of biosimilar medicines. Biosimilar medicines are approved by Health Canada as being as safe and efficacious as their reference biologic drugs, and are developed to the same quality standards. Biosimilar medicines present a significant opportunity to embrace cutting-edge therapies while addressing the cost-effectiveness demands on healthcare systems in Canada. Biosimilars Canada is a division of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association. Visit us at www.biosimilarscanada.ca.
