New Study Blames Opioid Crisis on Pill-Sharing Between Family and Friends 

Addiction treatment expert disagrees with these findings and identifies the real culprit behind this public health crisis  

A new study from researchers at Penn State University has found that opiate addiction most commonly begins when a trusted friend or family member shares a pill with their loved one. 

The researchers say the study is important because: “When you talk to the average person on the street, they think it’s all about big pharma and that doctors are overprescribing. … Our findings show that the two top common sources for getting opioids are friends or family.”

However, addiction treatment expert Koorosh Rassekh disagrees with this take.

“The reason that the people have these opiates to give to their friends and family is directly because of big pharma and doctors handing out these prescriptions too liberally,” says Rassekh, who is the founder of the mental health and addiction treatment facility Evo Health and Wellness in Venice, Calif. 

Rasskeh says that the opioid crisis in this country (in which Americans are now more likely to die of drug overdoses than they are to die of car crashes, gun violence, and AIDS) is a public health issue that did not originate at the hands of the average American. 

“The very reason why people feel comfortable sharing their medications with loved ones is that they view the drug as a quick, reliable fix that comes from a doctor. Ergo, it must be safe,” continues Rasskeh. “They are sharing these pills not out of malice but out of concern and a desire to help their friend or relative feel better. They do this because they haven’t been educated and properly warned by the medical community about the risk of these prescriptions. They do this because the pharmaceutical company convinced the medical community that these drugs were safe and non habit-forming, and now with all evidence to the contrary, we are still seeing the pharmaceutical company developing these wildly powerful drugs.”

Rassekh points to the fact that the FDA just approved a new medication called Dsuvia which is 10 times stronger than fentanyl. While the addiction treatment expert says that the medication is only approved for hospital settings, he points out that it won't be long before the powerful medication finds its way out the back door and into our streets and homes. In addition, it could also end up in pain management clinics and other hospital settings, where it could be wrongly prescribed and create thousands of new addictions. 

"Rather than making stronger and stronger opioids, we need to ask ourselves why so many people have built up a tolerance to the existing opioids that we have," says Rassekh. “Is our pain getting worse? Or is our drug dependence getting worse?”

The addiction treatment expert concludes, “I don’t see that this new study from Penn State passes the buck from the doctor to the patient whatsoever. We are not getting a ‘friends and family’ introduction to opiates, we are being given a fast pass to addiction straight from the medical community itself. It’s time we place the blame where it belongs and prioritize public health before profit.” 

For more on this topic or to speak to Koorosh Rassekh, please contact me. 

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ABOUT KOOROSH RASSEKH, MMFT AND EVO HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Having confronted addiction in his own life, Koorosh Rassekh, MMFT  founded Evo Health and Wellness with the vision to break the stigma around mental health and create a world of healthier people, families, and communities. Evo Health and Wellness is a mental health and wellness center in Venice, California that specializes in addiction treatment. Evo's intensive alternative treatment program is designed to offer the highest level of individualized care. Evo’s evidence-based model draws from the latest research and thinking on driving causes and solutions to mental health issues.

As a trained therapist, Koorosh integrates a humanistic approach and mindfulness into his therapy and coaching work. At the Matrix Institute on Addictions, Koorosh specialized in working with young adults dealing with drugs, alcohol, and addiction issues. As Director of Mindfulness at Alternatives Behavioral Health, he helped develop a program to support clients to successfully renegotiate their relationship to substances or problematic behaviors. Koorosh holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California (USC).

He has undergone extensive training in multiple therapeutic approaches, including: Assertive Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA), Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Motivational Interviewing, and numerous meditation and mindfulness techniques.

 Riced, Not Rice! Seapoint Farms Introduces Riced — First-To-Market Line of Low-Carb & 100% Grain-Free Edamame-Based Rice Alternatives Packed With Deliciously Authentic Flavor & Essential Plant-Based Protein                      

Gluten-Free New Line Available in Two Varieties: Riced Edamame & Riced Medley (Edamame, Cauliflower & Sweet Potato)

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA., APRIL 23, 2019 – Fresh on the heels of launching a highly-successful new line of Organic Edamame Spaghetti and Organic Edamame Fettuccine alterative pasta products, Seapoint Farms today further reinforces its stature as a true health food pioneer with the introduction of the world’s first-ever edamame-based rice substitute: Riced.

The announcement was made today by Kevin Cross and Laura Cross, co-founders of Seapoint Farms (www.seapointfarms.com), the largest  importer and manufacturer of edamame products in the United States.

Easy to prepare, packed with essential plant-based protein, truly delectable   and every bit as versatile and absorbent as traditional high-carb rice, Seapoint Farms’ new frozen Riced products are offered in two mouth-watering varieties: Riced Edamame and Riced Medley, featuring edamame, cauliflower and sweet potato.                                           

Offered at a MSRP of only $3.39, Riced products will be available beginning in mid-February at leading supermarkets and health food stores nationwide. Riced will also be sold on Amazon.combeginning in March.

Healthy Eating In The Very Best of Taste!                                                                                                                                          

With more and more consumers gravitating toward grain-free, plant-based protein and low-carb diets that require foregoing white rice (and even its healthier brown rice counterpart), the demand for a viable alternative that faithfully replicates the taste, texture and convenience of rice has never been greater.

Specially prepared to not only capture the timeless attributes of rice but to showcase the natural flavor and protein-rich benefits of edamame in a whole new way, 100% veggie-based Riced products are low in sodium and calories; high in protein; verified Non-GMO; vegan; and free of gluten, grains, trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. In addition, both new Riced varieties are rich in vitamins, with Riced Edamame containing 70mg or calcium and 440 mg of potassium per 85g serving; and Riced Medley containing 20 mg of calcium, 200 mg of potassium and 530 mcg of Vitamin A per 85g serving.

Ideal for home cooks yearning to prepare healthier alternatives to high-carb rice dishes, both Riced products can be enjoyed on their own or with a wide variety of main dishes, veggies and sauces.  

Commenting on the launch of the new Riced line, Seapoint Farms’ President Laura Cross said, “After exhaustive development both internally as well as with outside chefs and nutritionists, we believe Riced is a perfect alternative for any rice lover who’s looking to cut back on carbs and benefit from a more plant-based diet without sacrificing the flavor, versatility, affordability and convenience that’s made rice such a universal favorite for generations.”

Has Consumption of Rice Reached A Boiling Point?                                                                                                                  

Though a staple for centuries in Asia, many Western consumers have found white rice to be a poor choice when trying to maintain a healthy diet. Often over-processed to the point of losing virtually all of its nutritional value and mineral richness, white rice is packed with simple (or bad) carbs. What’s more, white rice can quickly spike up blood sugar levels and in turn cause sugar crashes and even overeating. 

Since white rice starch is also viscous (having a thick and sticky constituency), it’s harder to digest and can cause digestive discomforts, fatigue, and indigestion. In addition, white rice is also low in dietary fiber – an essential nutrient that aids in digestion and prevents heart disease. 

Nature’s Recipe For Healthier Eating                                                                                                                                  

Increasingly popular for its flavor, versatility and nutrition profile, edamame (ed-ah-MAH-may) are small green soybeans that come in pods like peas. Packed with all of the essential amino acids, edamame is an excellent   source of protein – especially for those who follow a plant-based diet. Better still, studies suggest that increasing consumption of plant-based foods such as edamame can help decrease the risk of obesity, heart disease  and diabetes.

Using only non-GMO soybeans,Seapoint Farms ensures that all of its products retain their naturally-occurring levels of healthful Isoflavones and include the same soy protein proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol.

About Seapoint Farms                                                                                                                                                                   

Since debuting in 1996 as the first American company to introduce edamame into American supermarkets and health food stores, Southern California-based Seapoint Farms has been instrumental in educating an increasingly health-conscious public about the many benefits of edamame and the numerous ways it can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, snack or dessert.

Today, Seapoint Farms is the largest importer and manufacturer of edamame products in America, offering a diverse array of premium-quality, great-tasting and convenient edamame vegetable products and snacks. For more information, please visit www.seapointfarms.com.                           

Canopy Growth acquires established skincare and well-being company This Works®

London-based firm will be an integral part of Canopy Growth's entry into the natural wellness industry and further strengthens the Company's international presence

SMITHS FALLS, ON and LONDON, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) (the "Company" or "Canopy Growth") has finalized an all-cash transaction to acquire This Works for a purchase price of £43 million (CDN $73.8 million). Founded in 2004, This Works has cemented itself as a global leader in natural skincare and sleep solutions with a devout customer base spanning 35 countries.

Headquartered in London, England, This Works offers a range of high-quality natural skincare and sleep solution products that have rewarded the company with a loyal following of customers purchasing their best-known products including deep sleep pillow spray, morning expert hyaluronic serum, and skin deep dry leg oil. 

Through their unique approach of formulating solutions that work in harmony with the 24hr body clock, This Works has evolved its product lines beyond a traditional viewpoint to a more complete regimen that maximizes skin – and overall wellness – at every phase of the day, starting with a good night's sleep. This acquisition is a key aspect of a multi-faceted hemp and CBD strategy as Canopy Growth continues to build upon its vertically-integrated production and marketing platform, that currently includes thousands of acres of hemp production across several continents, hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment into hemp-derived CBD production and processing, rapid expansion across the European Union and other key regions, and the introduction of new CBD-infused products and brands to the global beauty, wellness, and sleep solution space.

This Works CEO, Dr. Anna Persaud, will remain at the helm of business operations post-acquisition to continue moving the company forward. Since joining the company in 2009, Dr. Persaud has worked arduously to develop targeted skin solutions, which combine the brand's knowledge of the body clock with modern lifestyle learnings, all backed by science. This approach to product development is best evidenced by This Works' award-winning natural sleep solutions, with 4.2 million pillow sprays sold across Europe, the United Kingdom, China and the United States since the brand's first deep sleep pillow spray launched in 2011. Together, Canopy Growth and This Works will continue to support all of This Works' current operations with an accelerated focus on global expansion and product development to include a new line of skincare and sleep solution products infused with CBD. 

"Since 2004, This Works has been committed to creating highly effective, natural skin solutions which are rooted in science and proven to work. We are excited about this new chapter in our company's history and the opportunity to join Canopy Growth, the world's leading diversified cannabis and hemp company," shared Dr. Anna Persaud. "As a leading wellness brand and a pioneer in sleep beauty products, we are passionate about the opportunity CBD offers beauty consumers. Canopy Growth will provide the expertise, research, scientific rigour and quality assurance that will allow This Works to drive the agenda in wellness beauty's ever-evolving market."

"We were struck by how loyal and satisfied the This Works customer base is, which is a testament to the integrity rooted in the company and how confidently they can stand behind their name," said Bruce Linton, Chairman & Co-CEO, Canopy Growth. "We believe CBD has the potential to disrupt the cosmetic and sleep solution industries and have been working for years to build and establish the right entry point into this opportunity. As soon as we met with Dr. Persaud and her team, we knew they were the right partner to embark with on this journey."

In addition to strengthening Canopy Growth's product offering, bringing This Works "under the canopy" will enhance the Company's international footprint and operations within the United Kingdom. In January 2019, the Company announced Spectrum Biomedical UK, a joint venture between Canopy Growth Corporation and Oxford-based research company Beckley Canopy Therapeutics to address the need for high-quality cannabis-based medicinal products in the UK.

Here's to Future (Cosmetics, Sleep, and overall Wellness) Growth.

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 the Company'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. The Company has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.

The Company'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. 

The Company 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 ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 4.4 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 such as "This acquisition is a key aspect of a multi-faceted hemp and CBD strategy as Canopy Growth continues to build upon its vertically-integrated production and marketing platform, that currently includes thousands of acres of hemp production across several continents, hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment into hemp-derived CBD production and processing, rapid expansion across the European Union and other key regions, and the introduction of new CBD-infused products and brands to the global beauty, wellness, and sleep solution space". 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

MEDEC Rebrands to Medtech Canada

TORONTO, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ - MEDEC, the association representing Canada's medical technology companies, is very pleased to announce that it has rebranded to become Medtech Canada. 

This new brand identity reflects the ever-evolving nature of the medical technology industry, which is contributing to enabling the digitization of health care, providing more connected care and providing opportunities for more patient-centred care in community settings. 

"As health care systems in Canada are increasingly focused on achieving more digital and patient-centred approaches to care, the medtech industry is there to provide safe and effective technologies and solutions that can make significant contributions to achieving these goals and enabling patients to live the lives they want to live," says Brian Lewis, President and CEO of Medtech Canada. "The work of our association has adapted in lockstep with these changes, working collaboratively with our health system partners towards improving patient care and our new brand identity reflects this."

Medical technologies are a vital part of every facet of health care including ever-advancing cardiovascular devices, orthopaedic implants and diagnostic imaging equipment, which are just a few examples of this broad and patient-focused industry. 

Medtech Canada is a member-driven association, with committees focused on subsector-specific issues, as well as broader, industry-wide topics in areas such as promoting strategic procurement and funding reforms, regulatory affairs and championing the Canadian medical technology eco-system. The association also brings together a variety of stakeholders through such avenues as its annual MedTech Conference and its Hospital to Community Collaborative. 

"The medical technology industry has a very important role to play in enabling value-based health care and we are working closely with our partners to advance this shift, which will enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the sustainability of our publicly-funded health care system," says Mr. Lewis.

About Medtech Canada

Medtech Canada is the national association representing the medical technology industry in Canada. Our association advocates for achieving patient access to leading edge, innovative technology solutions that provide valuable outcomes. Our members are committed to providing safe and innovative medical technologies that enhance the quality of patient care, improve patient access to health care, and help enable the sustainability of our health care system. The medical technology industry in Canada employs over 35,000 Canadians in approximately 1,500 facilities across the country. www.medtechcanada.org

SOURCE Medtech Canada

Canadian Institute of Actuaries recommends increase in target retirement age

An in-depth look at this and other subjects in the current issue of the Morneau Shepell News & Views

TORONTO, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell has released the May 2019 issue of its monthly newsletter, News & Views, in which the company looks at the following topics: 

• Canadian actuaries issue public statement recommending increase in retirement age – On April 18, 2019, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) issued a public statement recommending that the federal government, with the consent of provincial governments, increase the target retirement age from 65 to 67 under the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans and Old Age Security. The public statement is intended to engage all Canadians in a discussion of changing societal needs and the best retirement program designs to support those needs. It encourages Canadians to consider starting their pension income later and to recognize that these programs are an excellent method for ensuring income security in later retirement. 
• Pension and benefit matters included in 2019 Ontario budget – The 2019 Ontario budget, introduced on April 11, 2019, included a number of items relating to pensions, benefits, executive compensation in the public sector and the funding of mental health initiatives. Specifically, the budget addressed target benefit pension plans, treatment of excess pension plan contributions, electronic communications for pension plans, retirement age in universities, and mental health funding, among other measures. 
• Ontario proposes regulations addressing variable benefits and discharge upon annuity purchase – The Ontario Ministry of Finance proposed two regulations affecting pension plans on April 11, 2019. The first draft regulation sets out rules for the payment of variable benefits to Ontario retired members from the defined contribution provision of a pension plan. The second amends the rules for obtaining a discharge upon purchase of an annuity to satisfy a defined benefit pension plan's obligation to pay a pension to an Ontario retiree or surviving spouse. 
• Risks of predatory marriages highlighted in recent case – A recent case in which an Ontario court voided a couple's marriage based on a claim of incapacity highlights the risk that predatory marriages can pose and the complexities they can raise for pension and benefit plan administrators. In Hunt v. Worrod, a court declared a marriage void, finding that the applicant did not have the mental capacity to consent to a marriage after having suffered a traumatic brain injury following an ATV accident. 
• Tracking the funded status of pension plans as at April 30, 2019 – Morneau Shepell describes the funded status of pension plans over the first four months of 2019 based on three typical investment portfolios. A graph shows the changes in the financial position of a typical defined benefit plan since the end of 2018. A table shows the impact of past returns on plan assets and the effect of interest rate changes on solvency liabilities of a medium duration pension plan. 
• The impact of pension expense under international accounting as at April 30, 2019 – Morneau Shepell has shown the evolution of the pension expense for a typical defined benefit pension plan. Since the beginning of the year, the pension expense has increased by 14 per cent (for a contributory plan) due to the decrease in the discount rates, despite the good returns on assets (relative to the discount rate).

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to well-being through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing everything our clients need to support the mental, physical, social and financial well-being of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement and benefits consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs almost 5,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

CBD: 10 Must-know Science-based Facts

By Eddie Fatakhov, M.D.

Cannabidiol is quickly becoming a household name better known as CBD. This marijuana plant-derived, non-psychoactive, natural remedy is being adapted to treat a wide variety of ailments from anxiety and pain to various seizure disorders. So what is this “miracle drug” and why should you care?

Here are 10 science-based CBD facts that everyone needs to know.

1.) CBD has been the subject of intense scientific study

There are over 85 cannabinoids in what we call cannabis, of which CBD and THC are the most recognized. Because of this, these two cannabinoids have benefitted from the greatest amount of scientific study. 

2.) CBD can’t get you “high”

CBD, unlike its psychoactive sibling THC, doesn’t possess the properties that get you “high.” Unlike THC, which binds to your CB1 and CB2 nerve receptors to create different heady and bodily sensations, CBD is binding free. That is why CBD is usable by anyone, even those who are in professions that require serious mental clarity. 

3.) CBD is therapeutic 

Pharmaceuticals help to treat medical and health conditions all over the world, but often the side effects can diminish or even outweigh the benefits. This is where CBD can excel. CBD is considered non-toxic and almost completely side effect free so, for some it can take the place of other medications.

4.) CBD is Legal

CBD is a naturally product that can be derived from industrial hemp plants. Though the legal use of cannabis is different depending on location, CBD is free from these regulations due to the minuscule THC content that industrial hemp plants contain (less that .3%).

5.) CBD stimulates important CB1 and CB2 receptors

When taken CBD affects two main cannabinoid receptors in the body. There is CB1, which is primary located in the brain and central nervous system (nerves of the brain and spinal chord) and CB2, which is located in our immune system cells, gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral nervous system (nerves extending to the rest of the body from the brain and spinal chord). 

This is important because the effects of activating these receptors can be quite noticeable. For instance, some studies have found that activation of CB2 receptors can rid the brain of beta-amyloid protein – a plaque found in people with Alzheimer’s disease while activation of CB1 receptors can positively impact depression, reduce fear and paranoia, and lower intestinal inflammation and blood pressure. CB1 receptor activation can even give relief to one of the most prevalent mental disorders in the United States – anxiety. 

6.) CBD works well for anxiety

Anxiety is most commonly treated through the administration of medication, psychotherapy, or both. A 2018 survey in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research states that over 60% of cannabidiol users reported they were taking CBD to treat a medical condition. The most prevalent conditions these users reported were pain, anxiety, and depression. 

7.) We naturally produce cannabinoids

We naturally produce cannabinoids in our endocannabinoid system – one affecting multiple bodily processes such as mood, appetite, pain, and varying cognitive functions. One of the most beneficial endocannabinoids is anandamide (the bliss molecule). 

Anandamide is important because it activates our CB1 receptors. These receptors help to:

• Relieving depression
• Known to stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells
• Lower intestinal inflammation
• Decrease occurrence of Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Lower blood pressure 
• Decrease anxiety, fear, and paranoia 
• Benefits for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While anandamine works to activate our CB1 receptors our bodies release an enzyme called FAAH that break down anandamide. The reason CBD is beneficial is because it inhibits FAAH’s ability to do its job. 

NOTE: CBD also activates PPAR-gamma receptors (PPAR-gamma receptors play a role in lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, dopamine release and the degradation of beta-amyloid plaque which can positively affect diseases such as diabetes, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s). 

8.) CBD can positively affect Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)

People with CECD produce a lower amount of natural cannabinoids. The negative effectsof this decreased production could be:   

• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Migraines
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Autism

As stated before, the pharmaceuticals prescribed for these conditions can cause side effects worse than the symptoms. This is another area where CBD can naturally, and side effect free, increase cannabinoids in the body to promote greater health. 

9.) CBD is safe

According to the World Health Organization CBD is generally tolerated by most humans.  It has a good safety profile and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has even approved an oral CBD product, Epidiolex, as a treatment for Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes – two severe childhood-onset seizure disorders. 

10.) CBD can naturally help those suffering from seizures and epilepsy

Given the safety profile of Epidiolex the DEA has reclassified the drug from Schedule I (no medical use such as heroin) to a Schedule V (low potential for abuse such as cough medicine) drug. This is great news since studies have shown that CBD positively affectspeople plagued by multiple daily seizures.

This is just more evidence that CBD might be the natural pharmaceutical substitute we have been looking for. 

About the author…

MORE THAN 50,000 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND WOOFSTOCK, NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST FESTIVAL FOR DOGS 

TORONTO – Woofstock, North America’s largest festival for dogs, wags its way into its 16^thseason on the heels of two milestones – donating more than $50,000 to canine rescue charities since 2017, and being named Best Public Event/Fair or Festival in Canada at the 2019 Canadian Special Events Industry Awards. Woofstock will celebrate these achievements at its annual festival on Saturday, May 25^thand Sunday, May 26^that Toronto’s Woodbine Park.  

“We are excited to mark our Sweet Sixteen and to continue bringing together dogs and dog lovers in the spirit of animal awareness,” says Woofstock owner Michael DiSchiavo. “On top of our attractions, entertainment, products and food for dogs and their human owners, we are proud to continue fundraising for local rescue groups and helping rescue dogs find their ‘forever homes.’” 

Woofstock debuted at Toronto’s Distillery District in 2003. From day one, Woofstock charmed Torontonians with its focus and celebratory atmosphere. As the festival grew, its venue grew as well. Woofstock has hosted more than one million attendees. 

This year, Woofstock will showcase more than 150 “paw-some” exhibitors to meet public demand for new and unique canine products. Crowd-favourite events will be returning, like the Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, Canada Pooch Fashion Show, an upgraded Children’s Village, Wiener Dog Races, Running of the Pugs, Frenchie Flash, Chihuahua Chase and last year’s sensational debut event, the Puppy Prowl.  

New and exciting additions this year include the Rescue Run, a fun-run for under-35-lb. rescue dogs taking place in the Crumps’ Arena. There’ll be an intimate meet-and-greet with “InstaFamous Dogs” – celebrity dogs of Instagram fame with hundreds of thousand of online fans. Musically, Woofstock will be getting down with a unique morning jazz/Celtic/classic concert for dogs, starring the event’s blue-chip house-band Three Dog Day. “The canine-tailored concert is another way to bond and celebrate our longest, lasting friendship,” says Entertainment Producer, Bianca Kapteyn.  

At Woofstock 2019, sponsors like Dyson will give away prizes throughout the weekend. Open Farm’s Food Truck for Dogs, Canada Pooch and Pawsie will be great attractions at the event. There will also be a new dog food launch/product-sampling by NOOD.  Kijiji will be back with their fan favourite grooming activation and we’re also grateful to the natural food seller Crumps’ Naturals, who are for their second year installing the “Crumps’ Arena,” where many Woofstock highlights will take place. 

Other notable temptations are The Ultimutts, The Furtastic K9’s, and SuperDogs. Tito’s Vodka, Pelee Island Winery and Black Lab Brewing will be livening up the Licensed Lounge, where you will also be able to bring your dog in for a cold “Pooches Hooch”. 

For the third straight year, proceeds from Woofstock will be donated to canine rescue groups in the GTA. 

Dogs and dog lovers agree – it’s going to be a very Sweet Sixteen for Woofstock! 

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:WOOFSTOCK 2019 

WHERE:  Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St E Toronto, ON M4L 1G7) 

DATES & TIMES: Saturday, May 25^th, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, May 26^th, 10am to 5pm 

TICKET PRICE: $12 online (weekend pass); $15 at the event gates (weekend pass); Dogs and Children under 10 are FREE.     

Proceeds from this year’s Woofstock ticket sales will be donated to all dog rescue organizations that have partnered with Woofstock in 2019 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Please call 416-234-WOOF or visitwww.woofstock.ca  

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For media inquiries, interview requests, and additional information, please contact:Melissa Grosser, Uplevel PR, 416-294-5499, melissa@uplevelpr.com

AbbVie Launches ORILISSA™ (elagolix) 200 mg BID Dose for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Pain Associated with Endometriosis

• Endometriosis affects up to one in 10 women of reproductive age in Canada.¹
• 7 out of 10 women being managed for endometriosis have unresolved pain throughout the month.²

MONTREAL, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company, in cooperation with Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX), announced that ORILISSA™ (elagolix) 200 mg twice daily is now available. ORILISSA is the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr) antagonist, for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.³

"Endometriosis is a misunderstood and often mismanaged disease. It has been estimated that on average, it takes 9-10 years for a woman to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. This is often because patients themselves and physicians normalize the pain these patients are experiencing. This can have a huge impact on their quality of life, relationships and work productivity. Even diagnosed women who suffer from it tend to normalize their pain and downplay the effects it has on all aspects of their lives," says Dr. Jamie Kroft MD, MSc, FRCSC, Assistant Professor, Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery, Core Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "The women I see in my practice always have a lot of questions, especially around appropriate medical management. I take the time to explain their options so they can make an informed decision. Therefore, the more options that are available, for example ones that are hormone-free and can be customized to my patients' needs, the better I can treat them. Women should not suffer in silence, especially not when there are new treatment advances."

ORILISSA (elagolix) is a novel, orally administered, highly potent, short-acting, selective, non-peptide small molecule GnRHr antagonist that blocks endogenous GnRH signaling by binding competitively to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. Administration of ORILISSA results in dose-dependent suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) levels, leading to decreased blood levels of the ovarian sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone. LH and FSH suppression begins within hours of administration and is readily reversible upon discontinuation of ORILISSA.³

"At the Endometriosis Network Canada, we encourage our members to become informed and empowered. Having an accurate diagnosis and getting treatment from an endometriosis expert are important steps in attaining relief from their symptoms. Although endometriosis is currently incurable, there are effective treatments available and in partnership with their healthcare professionals, patients can work on a treatment plan that works for them. Ultimately, we know what people living with this debilitating disease want is to live fulfilling and pain-free lives, where they are able to pursue any endeavour, both professionally and personally," explains Philippa Bridge-Cook, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Endometriosis Network Canada.

Endometriosis causes chronic pelvic pain and is sometimes associated with infertility. It affects up to one in 10 women of reproductive age in Canada.¹Furthermore, 7 out of 10 women being managed for endometriosis have unresolved pain throughout the month. ²

The approval of ORILISSA is supported by data from two replicate studies in the largest endometriosis Phase 3 study program conducted to date, which evaluated nearly 1,700 women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain. Clinical trial data demonstrated ORILISSA significantly reduced the three most common types of endometriosis pain: dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain and dyspareunia. A higher proportion of women treated with ORILISSA 150 mg once daily and 200 mg twice daily were responders for daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain compared to placebo in a dose- dependent manner at month three.  Women were defined as responders if they experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain with no increase in analgesic use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or opioid) for endometriosis-associated pain.³

Both ORILISSA treatment groups showed statistically significant greater mean decreases from baseline compared to placebo in daily menstrual pain and non-menstrual pelvic pain at month six. Women in the Phase 3 studies also provided a daily self-assessment of their endometriosis pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and women taking ORILISSA 150 mg once daily and 200 mg twice daily reported a statistically (p <0.001) significant reduction from baseline in NRS scores compared to placebo at month three. Clinical trial data also demonstrated women taking ORILISSA 200 mg twice daily showed statistically significant greater reduction in pain during sexual intercourse from baseline to month three compared to placebo. The most frequent (≥10%) adverse reactions reported in clinical trials with ORILISSA (elagolix) were hot flush, headache and nausea.³

The recommended duration of use for ORILISSA is up to 12months for the 150 mg once daily dose and up to six months for the 200 mg twice daily dose, as it causes a dose-dependent decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). BMD loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible after stopping treatment.³

"We are proud to launch the ORILISSA 200 mg strength. With this dose, we are able to offer physicians the unique ability to individualize the care of their patients. Women with endometriosis now have a hormone-free choice that is customizable based on their unique needs," says Stéphane Lassignardie, General Manager of AbbVie Canada. "AbbVie is committed to women living with endometriosis as we strive to fill the unmet medical need by providing a safe and efficacious treatment."

About AbbVie Care
Canadian women prescribed ORILISSA will have the opportunity to be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature support program. The program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout their treatment. For more information, please visit www.abbviecare.ca. 

About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience.  In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

About Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
Neurocrine Biosciences, a San Diego based biopharmaceutical company, is focused on developing treatments for neurological and endocrine related disorders. The company discovered, developed and markets INGREZZA® (valbenazine), the first FDA approved product indicated for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. Discovered and developed through Phase II clinical trials by Neurocrine, ORILISSA™ (elagolix), the first FDA-approved oral medication for the management of endometriosis with associated moderate to severe pain in over a decade, is marketed by AbbVie as part of a collaboration to develop and commercialize elagolix for women's health. Neurocrine's clinical development programs include opicapone as an adjunctive therapy to levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors in Parkinson's disease patients, elagolix for uterine fibroids with AbbVie, valbenazine for the treatment of Tourette syndrome, and NBI-74788 for the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). For more information and the latest updates from Neurocrine, please visit www.neurocrine.com. 

SOURCE AbbVie

Natural Partners Fullscript announces $25M Series B Funding led by Kayne Partners

Leading Health Technology Company specializing in practitioner in-office and patient direct dispensing software to leverage funds to set a new standard of care for nutraceutical prescribing

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Natural Partners Fullscript, the leading nutraceutical prescribing platform for healthcare practitioners that utilize an integrative approach to patient care, today announced a $25M Series B financing led by Kayne Partners, the growth equity group of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., focused on enterprise software and tech-enabled business services companies. 

With the funding, Natural Partners Fullscript will focus on scaling its online technology platform, Fullscript™.  Fullscript enables healthcare practitioners in the US and Canada to dispense professional-grade nutritional supplements to their patients through an e-prescribing platform. Patients fulfill their prescription online and practitioner-recommended products are shipped direct, minimizing the need to manage a large physical inventory. 

In recent months, Fullscript has begun to expand its reach by integrating with a growing number of Electronic Health Record partners - a strategy the company believes will help make nutraceuticals a more broadly utilized intervention within the conventional medical standard of care.  By expanding their growing list of integration partnerships the company will build a robust database of nutritional supplement research linked to ingredients and conditions, including drug-nutrient depletion and interaction tooling that will inform practitioners how to safely and effectively use nutraceuticals.

"We are thrilled that Kayne has chosen to partner with us. Their support enables us to accelerate our technology and talent investments, helping us achieve our vision of putting wellness at the center of healthcare." said Fran Towey, CEO of Natural Partners Fullscript.  "As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, our focus is on delivering product and services designed to help practitioners provide better care, and support a patients' personalized path to wellness. With innovations in point-of-care reference materials and evidence-based decision support tools, we believe we can change the way health is prescribed."

"Natural Partners Fullscript provides tremendous value for the professional-grade supplementation ecosystem, demonstrated by the rapid adoption of its platform by practitioners and leading professional-grade supplement brands," stated Leon Chen of Kayne Partners. "We are excited that our partnership empowers Natural Partners Fullscript to more aggressively pursue the growth happening within the integrative medicine industry by providing healthcare practitioners with a platform to achieve better health outcomes for patients."

The company looks forward to leveraging its deep knowledge of the healthcare practitioner market and significant experience in customer experience, supply chain, and supplier relations to bring its technology and content platform to more practitioners and patients across North America.

About Natural Partners Fullscript:

In June 2018 Natural Partners and Fullscript merged and began work towards their dream of creating a single platform for practitioners seeking extensive supplement access, research, education, and tools for prescribing and adherence to improve patient outcomes. Natural Partners Inc., a 24-year-old specialty wholesale distributor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that has been providing healthcare practitioners with easy access to a wide range of carefully vetted professional-grade supplements since 1995. Fullscript, an eight-year-old tech startup based in Ottawa, Ontario, revolutionized the supplement industry by building an online dispensing solution that eliminates the need for practitioners to rely solely on physical inventory. 

For more information, visit naturalpartnersfullscript.com

About Kayne Partners:

Kayne Partners, the dedicated growth private equity group of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., is a leading provider of capital and connections to privately held, high growth, enterprise software and tech-enabled service businesses in North America. The Kayne Partners team has invested approximately $500 million in platform investments and add-on acquisitions together across four funds. Kayne Partners seeks to partner with driven entrepreneurs and provide capital to high growth companies at a transformative point in their life cycle in the following industries: security & compliance, supply chain & logistics, financials, business process automation, healthcare, and media & telecom.

For more information, visit kaynepartners.com

SOURCE Fullscript