FitSpirit Celebrations welcomes more girls to build self-esteem through sport

Scotiabank returns for the second year as title sponsor of the FitSpirit Celebrations

MONTRÉAL, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Beginning on May 7^th, with the support of Scotiabank, FitSpirit Celebrations will be held in eight cities across Ontario and Québec to inspire girls to come together and rediscover the joys of physical activity through a range of exciting challenges and activities. The Celebrations are open to girls ages 12-17 and are designed to encourage physical fitness, regardless of athletic abilities.

New this year, FitSpirit welcomes non-partner schools and girls who haven't participated in FitSpirit activities in the past to join in on the experience.

"Going to a FitSpirit Celebration can help spark an interest in an active lifestyle for every girl," says Claudine Labelle, President and Founder of FitSpirit. "The event that is the culmination of the year's efforts for some can also be the starting point of the adventure for others. At FitSpirit we encourage every girl to go at her own pace."

FitSpirit kicked off the year by welcoming Tessa Virtue to the team as its Annual Mentor. She joined Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, official spokesperson for FitSpirit, as the organization seeks to raise public awareness around the problem of declining participation in sport among pre-teen and teenage girls.

"Physical activity is a powerful tool that equips teenage girls to rise to the challenges of today and tomorrow by improving their psychological well-being, mental health, social skills, cognitive abilities and academic success," explains Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. "FitSpirit activities offer all those and more, making a real difference in the participants' lives," adds Tessa Virtue, who speaks about her personal experience growing up as a figure skater.

Last year, Scotiabank became the title sponsor of the FitSpirit Celebrations, helping the organization expand its presence within Canada.

"At Scotiabank, we know that when given the opportunity to participate in organized activities, that young people will develop life-long skills and values that will support their growth into healthy, contributing adults," says Gillian Riley, Executive Vice President, Scotiabank and President and CEO of Tangerine. "Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. We know that how we support young people today, can prepare them for tomorrow, and that's why we want to provide opportunities to help them reach their infinite potential."

From 2017 to 2018, the number of partners tripled from 11 to 35 partners, creating opportunity to add new towns to its tour and enhancing the experience at existing events. 

FitSpirit Celebrations will take place in the following locations:

• May 7, Windsor - Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, Windsor, Ontario 
• May 9, Toronto - Downsview Park, North York, Ontario 
• May 14, Ottawa/Gatineau - Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario 
• May 16, Montréal - Centre de la nature, Laval, Québec 
• May 22, Québec City - Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy, Québec City, Québec 
• May 24, Rimouski - Parc Beauséjour, Rimouski, Québec 
• May 28, Sudbury - Kivi Park, Greater Sudbury, Ontario 
• May 30, Abitibi-Témiscamingue - Cité étudiante La Polyno de La Sarre, La Sarre, Québec

For more information about the Celebrations, please visit https://www.fitspirit.ca/participate/celebrations.

About FITSPIRIT
FITSPIRIT help teenage girls to be physically active throughout their lives by offering them a new way to experience sport. With the support of its inspiring and committed community, FITSPIRIT transform every activity into a memorable experience for girls 12 to 17. Every FITSPIRIT activity centred on: friends, role models and fun! This winning combination has allowed FITSPIRIT to mark the lives of more than 150,000 girls since it's creation in 2007. Learn more at fitspirit.ca.

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world. 

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank

SKIN CARE TIPS FOR GYM RATS

www.drmanishshah.com

With Memorial Day fast approaching, many are even more focused than usual on their bodies and getting them into tip-top shape at the gym. While exercise has multiple benefits, very often workouts and great looking skin don't go together.  We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Board-Certified Denver plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, to give tips on how you can get the six-pack and still have glowing, acne free skin.

Sweat Itself Does Not Cause Acne 

First, "It is important to know that sweat itself does not cause acne," says Dr. Shah. He explains, "Professional sportsmen are predisposed to accumulating dirt and bacteria in their pores during and after workout periods. If left without proper cleansing this can cause worsening in skin conditions like acne and dermatitis."

Avoid Makeup

These days a gym visit almost doesn't seem to "count" unless one Instagrams it. This often leads women to wear makeup to the gym. Just don't. Dr. Shah says, "Most makeup will clog pores by not allowing the skin to breathe naturally during workouts. A better option is a tinted moisturizer if you are self-conscious about your skin tone."

SPF

If you're going to be outdoors, apply a light moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin protected from UV rays.  Make sure to choose a lightweight product as not to clog up your pores. Look for words like "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to know that your sunblock won't cause acne.

Don't Touch Your Face at the Gym!

Cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, these all breed bacteria. Touching them and them wiping beads of sweat off your face is a sure way to spread bacteria that can create new breakouts. Make sure to bring a towel for this instead of using your hands.

A Flowing Mane of Hair is Not Your Friend During a Workout

When you are working out it is a good idea to keep hair out of your face by styling it into a bun or rocking a dry and clean sweatband. Sweat and dirt can get transferred from your hair onto your face. If you haven't washed your hair and you use hairspray or other hair products, these can also splash onto your pores along with perspiration. This can cause irritations and breakouts.

How to Choose the Right Gym Towel

An old rag won't be effective at absorbing sweat. However, you don't want a gym towel that is as absorbent as a bath towel you would use to dry off your body after a shower at home. Dr. Shah says that "The gym towel should be a happy medium — absorbent enough to keep your face dry during a workout, but not so thick it clings to bacteria even after a wash."

Wear Loose and Comfortable Gym Clothes

"Spandex is tight clothing that can lead to skin infections from bacteria and fungi," warns Dr. Shah. "Wear loose attire that will also help wick away the sweat preventing it from being absorbed by your skin." Just google "sweat-wicking workout clothes."

Reduce the Redness

Calm down a flushed face with your redness control remedy made up of a little bit of iced green tea and a spray bottle. "You'll cool down your skin and add in a few extra anti-oxidants in the process," says Dr. Shah.

After your workout

Dr. Shah stresses, "Wash your face immediately after your workout. You don't want a mixture of dirt, oil, and bacteria clinging to your skin, affecting its pH, and clogging your pores. If you are exercising in a park where there is no sink, bring cleansing facial wipes with you."

Moisturize Post Workout

No matter your type of skin, after cleansing you must moisturize. Dr. Shah says that "Skipping this essential step can unknowingly dehydrate your skin causing your oil-producing glands to overcompensate by producing an oversupply of oil. Use a moisturizer that's been produced for your specific skin type and condition immediately after cleansing for the best results."

Skip the Hot Shower

Sure, your muscles are sore, and you're in the mood for a hot shower after a workout. Dr. Shah points out that, "Hot water strips skin of vital oils, leaving you with dry, itchy, dull skin." Exfoliate more often to avoid "Bacne." Breakouts on your back or chest are particularly common for "gym rats." To avoid this, use a gentle body scrub three times a week. Dr. Shah says, "This will keep pores clear and skin functioning well."

Save Your "Superhero" Products for Night

Save serious treatment products for bedtime. Dr. Shah points out that, "Even seemingly normal skin can experience much more sensitivity right after a workout.  You may want to wait until redness decreases by bedtime to use your super-active acne or anti-aging treatment products."

About Dr. Manish Shah

www.drmanishshah.com

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time, he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!

Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.  He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.

Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Sohail Gandhi Begins Term as President of the Ontario Medical Association

TORONTO, May 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Dr. Sohail Gandhi has begun his one-year term as President of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), and will continue to serve as Director of the OMA's Section of General and Family Practice. His induction took place at the OMA's Council meeting this weekend in Ottawa.

"Every day, Ontario's doctors care for more than 320,000 Ontarians. I am truly inspired by our members, their hard work, perseverance and commitment to our patients," said Dr. Gandhi. "It is vital that we have strong physician leadership in the government's health transformation agenda. Physician leadership is essential to the success of Ontario Health Teams. I have faith that we have the members, the strength and the passion to support meaningful health systems transformation in Ontario."

Dr. Sohail Gandhi has practiced rural Family Practice in Stayner, Ontario since 1992 and continues to hold hospital privileges at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Dr. Gandhi is currently an assistant clinical professor at Queen's University Medical School and a lecturer in medicine at the University of Toronto. He has held leadership positions at both the OMA and in the community, including Medical Staff Executive and Chief of Family Practice at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, and Chair of the Board of the Georgian Bay Family Health Team. Dr. Gandhi has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Dedicated Service to Peers and the Community, and the Award of Excellence from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. 

Outgoing President Dr. Nadia Alam provided significant leadership throughout the OMA's efforts to negotiate an arbitrated physician services agreement and will continue to serve on the OMA Board of Directors as Past-President. The OMA thanks Dr. Alam for her dedicated service over the past year.

Dr. Samantha Hill was elected by the OMA Council as President-Elect. Dr. Hill is a cardiac surgeon located in Toronto, and is a Clinical Associate at, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Hill has held several positions within the OMA, including Board Director (2018-19), Cardiac Surgery Delegate (2017-18), Member of the Human Resources Committee, Member of the Issues Task Force Committee, Audit Committee Member, and District 11 Delegate. Dr. Hill is a two-time recipient of the Fitzgerald Teaching Award (2015 and 2017).

About the OMA

The Ontario Medical Association is a membership organization that represents the political, clinical and economic interests of doctors in Ontario. Our 41,000 members are practicing and retired doctors, residents and medical students.

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

Amgen invites the general public to help set an official Guinness World Records™ title for the most osteoporosis screenings within 24 hours and help increase awareness about osteoporosis

Osteoporosis-Screening Events to Take Place in Ten Countries 
on May 5th, 2019 in Conjunction with Guinness World Records^™

Local event to be held 11 am – 7 pm at Square One Shopping Centre, 
100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada has joined forces with YouAreUNLTD to educate the public about the risks of osteoporosis, and to encourage them to think about if they are at risk of having the disease and suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Amgen will attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for the most osteoporosis screenings in a 24-hour period, as part of a health awareness campaign. An official adjudicator from Guinness World Records will be on site at the Amgen-sponsored May 5th, 2019 event, to verify the number of screenings conducted.

"Amgen is a science-based company, so it is important to us to involve the Guinness World Records organization to endorse the count of osteoporosis screenings that will be conducted during our 'Break Records, Not Bones' health awareness campaign," said Sebastian Sorsaburu, Amgen Vice President, Medical, for Amgen's Intercontinental Region. 

Amgen Canada and YouAreUNLTD will be onsite today at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga from 11 am – 7 pm. The mall is located at 100 City Centre Dr. in Mississauga.

Osteoporosis – the Silent Disease

Throughout a woman's life, estrogen plays an important role in replacing older porous bone with newer denser bone. However, during menopause, her body starts to produce less estrogen.ⁱ Over time this can lead to osteoporosis — a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.ⁱⁱ

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent" disease, because bone loss can't be seen or felt. As a result, many people don't know they have it until they break a bone.ⁱⁱⁱ

During their lifetime, at least one in three women and one in five men will suffer a broken bone from osteoporosis.^iv

"Even when you're feeling great on the outside, your bones could be telling a different story on the inside," said Dr. Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego, Executive Medical Director, Amgen Canada. "If ignored, osteoporosis can jeopardize your ability to do things you love and get around on your own, particularly when bone breaks occur in critical parts of the body, including the hip, pelvis and spine."

Once a woman breaks a bone due to osteoporosis, she is much more likely to break another bone within her lifetime.^{v vi vii viii ix}

Approximately 30,000 hip fractures occur in Canada each year, and over one quarter of these occur in men.^x 

"Even what seems like a minor fracture, such as one in the wrist, can be a sign of more debilitating fractures to come — like those in the hip or spine," Dr. Motsepe-Ditshego added. "It's not just a fracture, it's a warning sign. No fracture should be ignored; instead, talk to your doctor about your osteoporosis risk, and how you can take charge of your bone health." 

About Amgen

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be the world's largest independent biotechnology company, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. 

For more information, visit www.amgen.ca

About Guinness World Records

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual Guinness World Records books have sold over 141 million copies in over 40 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 4 million copies to date. 

Guinness World Records' worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than 3.7 million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 328 million views per year. The GWR website receives over 20.5 million visitors annually, and we have over 15 million fans on Facebook. 

The Guinness World Records commercial sales division provides customized consultancy services for some of the world's top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events. 

About YouAreUNLTD 

YouAreUNLTD is purpose-driven publishing brand aimed at creating a movement to inspire all people to believe in the positivity of aging.  We are changing the conversation around aging through the creation and distribution of content that bust myths, informs and educates our audience on the amazing products, services and solutions that empower powerful aging. 

For more information visit: www.youareunltd.com          Social media: @youareunltd 

SOURCE Amgen Canada

Healthcare Workers Rally at Revera Retirement Homes to Demand More Investment In Resident Care

RICHMOND HILL, ON, May 4, 2019 /CNW/ - On Saturday, May 4, 2019, hundreds of SEIU Healthcare members rallied in front of various Revera Inc. retirement homes across Ontario during their national open houses and raised awareness about the need for more investments in resident care.

SEIU Healthcare, a union that represents 60,000 frontline healthcare workers including staff at several Revera homes, is calling on Revera to increase their staffing levels immediately.

"Understaffing at long-term care and retirement homes in Ontario has become an epidemic," said SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart. "Without adequate staffing levels at these homes, the residents, who are paying thousands of dollars of month, are not getting the quality care they deserve."

Residents and their family members have expressed that the issues arise as a result of a lack of staffing. SEIU Healthcare is calling on the public to send a letter to Revera's CEO Thomas G. Wellner at www.tellthemtocare.ca to insist Revera invest more of their profits into resident care.

_________________________
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. SEIU Healthcare has a strong track record of improving wages, benefits and working conditions for healthcare workers, supporting the training and development needs of its members, and strengthening standards in the management and delivery of patient and client care. www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE SEIU Healthcare

Waterloo Region Takes Women's Health to Heart by Wearing Red on June 7th

Manulife extends a RedDAY giving challenge, matching contributions dollar for dollar up to $200,000

WATERLOO, ON, May 3, 2019 /CNW/ - Each year, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation hosts RedDAY to raise awareness of the serious risk of heart disease in women, rallying people, workplaces and community leaders from across Waterloo Region to mark the day by wearing red and sharing images on social media with the hashtag #RedDayFriday. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Canadian women. Every year, heart disease claims the lives of roughly 25,000 women – more than the five most prevalent cancers combined. Surprisingly, many women are still unaware of the contributing risk factors, and their ability to control them through everyday lifestyle choices.

A longtime supporter of cardiac care in Waterloo Region, Manulife is once again extending a giving challenge to the community with an offer to match every donation made to RedDAY, up to $200,000. This means donors can have their generosity matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact they can make to help raise much-needed funds to support services at St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre.

"At Manulife, we're committed to helping people live healthy lives. Since 2013, we have partnered with St. Mary's to raise awareness of cardiac health among women in the Waterloo Region and help raise important funds for St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre," said Mike Doughty, President and CEO of Manulife Canada.

"This community recognizes the need to invest in the delivery of healthcare, and we are thrilled that Manulife is rallying their support with this inspiring RedDAY giving challenge. What an amazing endorsement of the excellent care provided by the physicians and staff of St. Mary's," says Susan Dusick, President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation.

Fueled by an ever-expanding and aging population, the number of people in Waterloo Region living with heart disease is increasing.  This increased patient volume is placing significant demands on the facilities of St. Mary's Cardiac Care Centre.  St. Mary's currently operates with two catherization suites.  Funds raised through RedDAY and the Manulife match will be directed to the establishment of a third catheterization suite at St. Mary's.

"Th­e volume of procedures performed through catheterization at St. Mary's has grown over the last number of years and will reach well beyond 6,500 this year. This is comparable to what other centres accomplish with three or four suites. Our resources are stretched beyond capacity. With procedures projected to grow substantially in the next five years, there is a significant risk to patient care unless a third catheterization suite is added." states Dr. Brian McNamara, Chief of Cardiovascular Services at St. Mary's Cardiac Care Centre.

Catheterization facilities form the essential foundation of a cardiovascular program. During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery and threaded through blood vessels to the heart. This procedure is fundamental in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.

For more information on how to register, participate or donate to RedDAY, visit www.redday.ca.

About St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation
St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care at St. Mary's General Hospital through the funding of vital equipment and programs. In addition to larger capital projects, St. Mary's General Hospital relies upon the Foundation to provide the necessary funds each year to cover costs related to on-going replacement and enhancement of standard equipment which is not covered by Government funding. Over the past 10 years the Foundation has transferred over $50 million to the hospital, enabling innovative patient-centered care, delivered with compassion and respect.

About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2018, we had more than 34,000 employees, over 82,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving almost 28 million customers. As of March 31, 2019, we had over $1.1 trillion (US$849 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $29.4 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States are where we have served customers for more than 100 years. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

SOURCE St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation

Study: ADHD Drug Abuse Can Permanently Alter the Brain 

Addiction treatment specialist discusses new study and how parents should talk to their children about these growing risks 

With finals approaching, many kids are going to turning to 'study buddies' like Adderall and Ritalin. But, experts warn even short-term use of these prescription drugs can lead to permanent damage. 

Over 6.4 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. The number of kids on ADHD drugs continues to rise, along with the number of young adults and adults who now take prescription drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta for the condition.  

“Prescriptions for these stimulants are on the rise, meaning millions of people now have easy access to these medications, either via their own prescriptions or those of friends and family,” says addiction treatment specialist and drug expert Koorosh Rassekh, MMFT. 

Sadly, research has shown that ‘drug-sharing’ among young people is common, especially on college campuses where drugs like Ritalin are used as a study aid. 

Now, a new study has found that abuse of these drugs can lead to permanent structural changes in the brain. 

“Researchers discovered that chronic abuse of stimulants like Ritalin and Vyvanse can lead to potentially permanent inflammation in the brain,” says Rassekh, who is the founder of Evo Health and Wellness, a mental health recovery center in Venice, California. “Areas of the brain which are responsible for motivation were discovered to be structurally impacted even after students ceased taking the drug. In other words, abusing these so-called ‘study drugs’ can harm young people long into the future.” 

The results, which were published in the current issue of Journal of Neural Transmission, speak to a larger issue about drug abuse in this country.

“It’s important for parents to be aware of the growing risks which can be associated with these drugs,” says Rassekh. “Even if your child is not prescribed ADHD medication, they more than likely will know several children who have. They will probably attend parties or live on college campuses where abuse of Ritalin and other such drugs is common. And yet, when we talk about drug abuse with our kids, we focus on things like street drugs, rather than the very real threat right in front of them.” 

Rasskeh says parents need to help kids understand that abusing such medication can lead to long-term side-effects as demonstrated by this study. He also points to previous research which has shown that abusing ADHD medication is actually not useful as a study aid. 

“Not only can abusing these stimulants have a long-term impact on their brain, but studies have shown that if you don’t have ADHD, then these medications are actually not useful in helping your ability to study or perform at school,” says the addiction expert. 

“In fact,” says the founder of Evo Health and Wellness, “It may do just the opposite. Abusing these drugs can actually impair your brain’s ability to function and your ability to memorize and retain information.”  

All in all, Koorosh Rassekh, MFMT, says “These drugs are seriously powerful and yet due to the ever-growing number of kids who are being prescribed these stimulants, we have a generation of children who are taking a completely casual attitude towards these prescriptions. They see them as a harmless way to improve grades or as a party drug, rather than as a drug which can change the way their brain works forever. As medical professionals, parents and educators, we need to do better in educating our kids to make smart choices.” 

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

########

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.

New Research Study Proves Canadians Are Turning to Cannabis for Relaxation & Wellbeing

VANCOUVER, May 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - According to "The Future of Cannabis in Canada", a new study conducted by Insights West for Resonance Consultancy in partnership with Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (OTC: VGWCF), the Canadian cannabis consumer may choose to partake in the drug for a wide variety of reasons, including health benefits such as reducing anxiety, helping with sleep, and relieving stress.

Although most cannabis users don’t have a medical prescription for cannabis, their reasons for using cannabis are often related to health and well-being. The top four reasons for consuming cannabis are to relax (79% regularly/occasionally), have fun (74%), relieve stress (69%) and help sleep (60%). (CNW Group/Valens GroWorks Corp.)

"Our study found that almost 80% of Canadians are turning to cannabis for relaxation and well-being even though the majority of users don't have medical prescriptions. Clearly, even without clinical research, Canadians believe cannabis has a positive impact on their health and LP's should take note," said Everett Knight, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Investments for Valens GroWorks.

Among Canadian cannabis users, the top two reasons for consuming cannabis are to relax (79% regularly/occasionally) and for fun/recreation (74%), followed by to relieve stress (69%) and to help users sleep (60%). More than half of users (55%) regularly/ occasionally consume cannabis to reduce anxiety, while half (50%) use it to provide relief for a medical illness/condition, and 46% use cannabis to help them escape.  When considering the general population, 21% of Canadians have consumed cannabis for recreational purposes, with 10% stating they do so weekly. Almost 1-in-6 Canadian residents (17%) have consumed cannabis for medicinal reasons, with 10% stating they do so weekly.

"One of the big insights from the survey was the obvious market potential for cannabis-infused wellness products, especially once 'the second legalization' of edible cannabis products arrives in Canada in the fall," says Resonance Consultancy President Chris Fair, one of the report's authors. "The market for women-focused cannabis wellness products is also poised for growth, given that current cannabis use among our respondents skewed much more male (55%) than female (44%)."

Among Canadians overall (cannabis users and non-users), nearly 8-in-10 agree that marijuana has long been used to treat illnesses – now that it's legal, more people are able to use it to feel better (79%) and that the marijuana industry will create new jobs for Canadians (79%). When considering the potential benefit "taxing the adult use of marijuana will generate revenues that can be used to benefit all residents", 70% of Canadians agree. However, over 6-in-10 Canadian residents (64%) disagree with the idea that "legalizing marijuana for adults will make it harder for children to have access to the drug", with 35% strongly disagreeing and 29% somewhat disagreeing.

Interestingly, our research shows that cannabis has a much better reputation than alcohol among cannabis users. More than 6-in-10 cannabis users think cannabis is healthier than alcohol (63%) and has fewer side effects (63%), while 57% believe cannabis is less addictive than alcohol. When considering which substance is superior at making them feel better, 54% of cannabis users chose cannabis. For all aspects, roughly one-third of cannabis consumers feel cannabis and alcohol are about the same. Cannabis users aged 35 to 54 are more likely to think cannabis is less addictive than alcohol (62%), while those aged 55+ are more likely to think cannabis makes you feel better than alcohol (58%).

The data for The Future of Cannabis in Canada report will be featured in a webinar on May 16, 2019, more details to come.

Get your free copy of the report HERE.

About Resonance Consultancy:
Resonance Consultancy specializes in research, development strategy, place branding and place marketing that shapes the future of countries, cities, and communities. Based in Vancouver and New York, the 18 employees at Resonance have completed more than 100 research reports, development strategies, business plans and branding projects for real estate developers, tourism organizations and governments in more than 75 countries.

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. 

About Insights West:
Insights West is a progressive, Western-based, full-service marketing research company. It exists to serve the market with insights-driven research solutions and interpretive analysis through leading-edge tools, normative databases, and senior-level expertise across a broad range of public and private sector organizations. Insights West is based in Vancouver and Calgary.

About this Release:
Results are based on an online study conducted from December 13 to December 21, 2018, among 1,001 adult Canadians and 1,500 past-year Canadian cannabis users. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 2.5% 19 times out of 20 for the 1,500 past-year cannabis users, and +/- 3.1% 19 times out of 20 for the 1,001 general population Canadians.

THE TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL PRESENTS BEYOND THE MAS

(TORONTO, ON) - The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is pleased to introduce an exciting new event to the 2019 festival lineup – Beyond The Mas. Take a step back in time to experience the magic of ole masquerade at the Riviera Banquet Hall on July 26^th, 2019. 

This year, Beyond The Mas will replace the Carnival Gala to bring a new and exciting twist to the festival lineup, its a cultural celebration showcasing the artistic creativity of traditional carnival satire through masquerade. 

The inaugural event will be filled with dance, entertainment, and music featuring performances by Hummingbird Tassa Drummers, an Indo-Caribbean ensemble and Cajuca Mas Arts, a costume design group specializing in traditional masquerade characters. 

Get ready to dance the night away with the sounds of DJ inVINCEable, Ossie Gurley and the Truth, an award-winning producer with hit songs “Who Let the Dogs Out” and Nigel Lewis “Follow the Leader.”

Be dazzled by a show of intricately designed costumes – old, new, and unexpected. Attendees can design or purchase their own costumes as a throwback to ole masquerade. Special prizes will be presented throughout the evening for the best costume designs. 

Tickets are on sale now for CAD $150.00, please visit www.torontocarnival.ca for more information, or call the Festival Management Committee Office at 416-391-5608.

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival, formerly known as “Caribana,” was established in 1967 as part of Canada’s 100^th Anniversary celebrations by Caribbean immigrants as a cultural gift to Canada. 

The Festival Management Committee produces the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, it is the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America and recognized as a major international cultural event.

The Caribbean Canadian community that inspires and gives life to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival is comprised of Canadians with heritage taken from Barbados, Bahamas, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad, and the other territories of the Caribbean.