TORONTO, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Registered Practical Nurses across Ontario today kicked off Nursing Week 2019 celebrations.
"While the Ontario Nurses' Association's (ONA's) 65,000 members face unprecedented uncertainty these days due to health-care restructuring, it is vital to put aside our anxieties and take the time to celebrate the passion, dedication and extraordinary knowledge of nurses," says ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN.
"Nursing Week is a chance to pause and share the pride with which we care for our patients, clients and residents. ONA's celebration of Nursing Week 2019 reflects the essence of what nursing is about," she says. "While we possess a great deal of knowledge, what makes us special is our "healing hands and caring hearts."
Nursing Week 2019 runs from May 6 to 12, and ONA members across Ontario will be participating in a wide range of events to celebrate their profession.
McKenna, First Vice-President Cathryn Hoy, RN and other ONA Board members will be visiting workplaces across the province this week to celebrate with members.
"Despite round after round of restructuring, cuts and other challenges, as nurses, we continue to be dedicated to providing high-quality patient care," says McKenna. "Whether we work in a hospital, long-term care, community care, public health, a clinic or industry, our goal is always to provide the best care possible. That is worth celebrating."
ONA is the union representing more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
Hundreds of Healthcare Workers Rally at Extendicare Head Office to Demand More of Their Profit be Invested into Resident Care
RICHMOND HILL, ON, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, 300 frontline healthcare workers represented by SEIU Healthcare rallied at Extendicare's head office in Markham, Ontario to demand that more of their profit be invested in resident care.
The healthcare workers entered Extendicare's head office requesting to speak with executives about the current working and living conditions in Extendicare long-term care homes, but were refused the opportunity by senior management.
Extendicare made a profit of $31.7M last year from tax-payer-funded government business, while paying their executives millions in compensation. Despite these high profits, the healthcare workers in Extendicare long-term care homes are constantly operating at critically low staffing levels.
"Extendicare is increasingly making it impossible for seniors to receive quality care," said SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart. "They have the profits to hire more staff, but to this point, haven't been willing to do so. If an executive is getting rich from government business, why doesn't a senior have the right to quality care?"
SEIU Healthcare continues its open invitation to the public to join with frontline workers who are calling on for-profit long-term care and retirement home corporations like Extendicare to invest more into resident care. To learn more about the "Tell Them To Care" public advocacy campaign, visit www.tellthemtocare.ca.
________________________ 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
Tried and True Tips for Those Who Have Sleep Problems
D’AO Labs, a leader in offering Chinese herbal medicine formulas, offers tips on how to get better sleep
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – (May 6, 2019) – May is considered Better Sleep Month, which is a month dedicated to encouraging people to improve their sleep habits. For those who struggle to get good sleep, they know all too well the negative impact that it can have on their life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night, or per 24 hour period, for the best health and wellbeing. However, they estimate that around 35 percent of adults do not get enough sleep each night, and it can lead to a variety of problems.
“Many people who can’t maintain consistent, quality sleep want to improve their situation, but they simply don’t know how,” explains John G. McGarvey, co-founder and chief executive officer of DAO Labs, a supplement and lifestyle company that makes Chinese herbal medicine formulas to help with a variety of conditions and improve overall wellbeing. “There are some things you can do to improve your sleep patterns, and you will be far better off once you do them and feel the positive direction it takes your life.”
The CDC reports that not getting enough sleep makes you more likely to be obese, physically inactive, and be a smoker. Not getting enough sleep also, they report, puts you at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, including heart attacks, coronary heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, depression, diabetes, and cancer.
Harvard Medical School reports that sleep and mental health are closely related, and that sleep deprivation affects your psychological state and mental health. They also report that there are more than 70 different types of sleep disorders, with one of the most common ones being insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep.
The good news is that being proactive and making the commitment to strive for better sleep can help you achieve just that. Here are 5 tried and true tips for those seeking quality, uninterrupted, consistent sleep:
Create the perfect space. The ideal sleep space should be dark, cool, and comfortable, and not have distractions. Make the bedroom the perfect sleep oasis. Determine what is needed to create the perfect space, which may include room darkening shades, removing the television from the room, or even upgrading to a larger bed.
Stick to a routine. Setting a routine will get the body in the habit of getting good sleep. Pick an ideal bed time and create a relaxing routine that is done before going to bed each night. Whether it involves doing some stretches, reading for half an hour, or whatever it is, opt for something that gets your body ready to rest and relax. Repeat the routine every night.
Check your electronics. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, reports that use of technology in the bedroom an hour before bed is prevalent and it is associated with a large number of sleep problems. They state that technology is a contributing factor to sleep disturbances. The bottom line is that it’s better to keep the technology out of the bedroom and stop using it an hour before going to bed, so that it doesn’t have a negative impact.
Get daily exercise. A study published in the journal Advances in Preventative Medicine, reports that there is mounting evidence that physical exercise is an effective intervention for those who do not experience sleep quantity or quality. Getting physical exercise each day will improve sleep habits. The CDC recommends getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise.
Try Chinese herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years. DAO Labs offers two Sleep Series Chinese herbal medicine formulas that help you maintain quality, consistent sleep, rather than simply helping you fall to sleep (like many of the sleep supplements currently available.) They are not habit-forming formulas, and have been created to help people sleep throughout the night and not be mentally foggy the next day. Many people have found Chinese herbal medicine formulas to be helpful in improving sleep patterns.
“We have given this advice to many people who have seen wonderful results and now have good sleep patterns,” added McGarvey. “A good sleep pattern doesn’t just happen, it’s something you have to set out to create, and then stick with and see it through. Only then will it become like second nature.”
The Sleep Series offered by DAO Labs includes Physical Tranquility and Mental Tranquility. The first has been designed for the irritable and overheated sleeper, as well as those who experience restlessness and twitching. It’s particularly helpful for women in the menopause phase of their lives. The latter formula has been designed for the person who has a racing, spinning mind that is stressed out in the night, anxious, leading them to disrupted sleep. These herbal formulas are melatonin free and non-habit forming.
DAO Labs offers a range of traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas to help a variety of conditions. In addition to their Sleep Series, they also offer formulas for achieving superior digestive health, boosting immunity naturally, and a variety of women’s menstrual and fertility health as well. All formulas are designed by Dr. Eric Karchmer, PhD, L.Ac. a doctor of Chinese medicine, who spent nearly six years training in China and is now a leading academic in the field.
DAO Labs’ mission is to deliver wellness through the healing powers of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and believe that healing begins with nature. DAO Labs strives to deliver wellness through the wisdom of traditional Chinese herbal medicine and the healing powers of their innovative products. With a core belief that healing begins in nature, not in a lab, the company is committed to sustainable sourcing practices. To this end, DAO Labs supports WildAid, a non-profit that is fighting the illegal wildlife trade. One percent of all revenue goes to WildAid. To learn more about DAO Labs and their Chinese herbal medicine powders, visit the site at: https://mydaolabs.com.
About DAO Labs
DAO Labs has a mission of bringing the many benefits of traditional Chinese herbal medicine to today’s wellness explorer. Founded by a team of Chinese herbal medicine experts, the company offers a variety of formulas that help with a variety of conditions impacting health and wellbeing. Their herbal formulas aim to help balance the mind, body, and spirit. To learn more about DAO Labs, visit the site at: https://mydaolabs.com.
4 Benefits of Implementing an Exercise Routine You Actually Enjoy
Many people find it difficult to begin an exercise routine. Key factors that can affect this are lack of motivation or boredom. You can gain plenty of benefits from exercise you actually enjoy.
Better Overall Health
When you enjoy your exercise routine, you will be more likely to stick with it. Exercise is proven to have many benefits. If you have some extra weight to lose, it can kick start the process. It will help you burn more calories throughout the day even while you are resting. It will also reduce your risk of chronic disease, specifically diabetes and heart disease. It may also help with existing conditions and aid in other treatment programs. For example, someone with kidney disease may benefit even more when adding exercise in their routine along with home kidney dialysis machine treatment.
Higher Motivation
Get motivated for success by doing what you love. Find something you thrive at and stick to it. You might feel inspired to improve yourself in other areas of your life. This may include eating healthier, performing better at work or obtaining higher college grades. Commit to a lifestyle that suits you. Be more grateful on a daily basis for the life you’ve been given.
More Energy
Regular exercise naturally gives a person an energy boost, but enjoying it can make it more effective. This is proven because positivity energizesthe body. It can be easier to jump, run or do numerous other vigorous exercises. Positivity helps a person sleep deeper and longer. This will reinvigorate your body for the day ahead. You might even gain the energy you need to go travelling, learn a new hobby or volunteer for a worthy cause.
Have Fun
Make it fun by doing activities you want to do. Try out a new sport like water skiing, baseball or swimming. If you’re a nature lover, go hiking or biking to view the scenery. Spiritual techniques that may be beneficial are yoga, meditation or karate. Spontaneously take your dog out for a walk. Express your unique personality by wearing your favorite workout clothes, or purchase eco-friendly ones to support the environment. Use a jump rope, yoga mat or dumbbells to make your routine more interesting.
You can get creative by putting together an exercise routine that’s right for you. Consider educating yourself on your options by reading fitness magazines or speaking to a fitness trainer. Make progress in your daily life by committing to self-improvement and taking control of your life.
CorHealth Ontario Marks First National Heart Failure Awareness Week with Ontario's Integrated Heart Failure Care (IHFC) Roadmap
Key Learnings from the Integrating Heart Failure Care Initiative (IHFCI) to Improve Patient Care in Ontario
TORONTO, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - From 2017-2019, CorHealth Ontario partnered with Health Quality Ontario and three (3) Early Adopter Teams, to begin the Integrating Heart Failure Care Initiative (IHFCI), a model that integrates heart failure care delivery with quality standards for a localized population of persons suffering from heart failure. For Canada's inaugural Heart Failure Awareness Week (May 6-12), CorHealth Ontario is launching the Roadmap for Improving Integrated Heart Failure Care in Ontario and supporting resources online. CorHealth has translated the experiences gained from the IHFCI into resources that begin to integrate care more broadly – an approach that can be expanded beyond cardiac disease into other chronic illnesses and population health management overall.
The learnings from the three (3) Early Adopter Teams, as well as input from a Provincial Heart Failure Roadmap Task Group, including clinical, administrative and patient representation, informed the Roadmap and a Toolkit for use by other care teams to provide more integrated heart failure care to their patients. According to Dr. Robert McKelvie, Cardiologist, St. Joseph's Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre, and member of the Provincial Heart Failure Roadmap Task Group, "common and recurring issues, such as readmission and patient care gaps, often result from a lack of organization and communication among health care providers, caregivers and supports – better integrated care across all care levels is a strong, patient-centred solution." The Roadmap provides guidance and critical considerations to care providers across Ontario, who are also interested in better heart failure care and outcomes for their patients. "The use of the integrated heart failure care model advances patient care by improving access to evidence-based care and patient experience through seamless transitions in care, including between specialty and primary care providers or between hospital and home," says Dr. McKelvie.
In the current landscape, as care teams work towards better connected care and look to the future of Ontario Health Teams, the learnings from the IHFCI "provide a base from which to grow a more comprehensive population based model," says Debbie Korzeniowski, Executive Director, Prince Edward Family Health Team and member of the Provincial Heart Failure Roadmap Task Group. "Integrating heart failure care can help keep patients out of hospitals and improve their quality of life at home. Success hinges on a person with heart failure being part of the comprehensive care team - understanding their condition, what to do to help feel better, and when to seek supports when conditions change."
"We continue to champion and steward provincial and local efforts to integrate heart failure care," says Karen Harkness, Clinical Strategist, Heart Failure, CorHealth Ontario. "The launch of the Roadmap and supporting resources is an important step towards a more integrated health care system, starting with heart failure care," Karen continues. The new IHFC resources can be found on the CorHealth Ontario website www.corhealthontario.ca/ihfc.
For anyone interested in implementing this model in their region or would like additional information, guidance, and/or the opportunity to connect with the Early Adopter Teams, please contact CorHealth Ontario at service@corhealthontario.ca.
Background
National heart failure guidelines recommend that care for patients with heart failure be organized within an integrated system of health care delivery where patient information and care plans are accessible to collaborating practitioners across the continuum of care. In 2017, CorHealth Ontario released a guidance document around the requirements for an integrated model of heart failure care, entitled the Minimal Requirements and Key Clinical Services for Heart Failure Programs within a Spoke-Hub-Node Model of Care. CorHealth took a phased approach to implementation, starting with 3 Early Adopter Teams from London-Huron Perth, the Ottawa area, and Guelph.
About CorHealth Ontario
Since June 2017, CorHealth Ontario was formed by the merger of the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario and the Ontario Stroke Network. With a mandate that spans cardiac, stroke and vascular through the entire course of care, including secondary prevention, rehabilitation and recovery, CorHealth Ontario proudly advises the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Local Health Integration Networks, hospitals and care providers on improving the quality, efficiency, accessibility and equity of care for patients by using data, evidence, and, consultation with stakeholders as the foundation for all decision making.
SOURCE CorHealth Ontario
Mental health issues in the workplace. What employers can do to support better balance.
Mental health affects all of us, and it’s not something that can just be ‘shut off’ when we go to work. Personal problems can affect how we perform at the office, and, when the day ends, workplace stress can follow us into our home lives, affecting our quality of life.
Seven in 10 Canadians report that their work experience affects their mental health, while roughly eight in 10 (78%) say their primary reason for missing work is related to mental health. Additional research found that 500,000 Canadians are unable to work each week due to mental health problems or illnesses. Workplace wellness is no longer just focused on physical health. Employers are recognizing the continuum of employees’ physical and mental health and reacting accordingly – offering more mental health resources and supports, and constantly adapting as employee requirements evolve. And employees are keen to see more mental wellness resources in the workplace. Nearly three-quarters of employees say they want their managers to champion mental health and well-being in the workplace. GoodLife Fitness workplace wellness consultant Linda Lewis-Daly says there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to workplace mental health supports but encouraging open communication and offering customizable supports can go a long way to helping employees find help when they need it. Lewis-Daly suggests these tips for employers looking to build more mental health supports into their workplace wellness programs: Put your commitment in writing. A mental wellness policy outlines the organizational outlook on mental health and how it plans to take action to support employees. Lead by example. Leaders can encourage open dialogue by sharing their personal stories and demonstrating their own commitment to mental and physical wellness. Invite employee input. Gather input and suggestions from employees then provide regular opportunities for feedback and measurement. Address stigma. Employees are often handling their day-to-day tasks while trying to hide their symptoms. Opening up more dialogue around mental health issues is the only way to address stigma and normalize mental health conditions. Encourage resilience. Many people are reluctant to admit they’re experiencing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Instead of spotlighting the problems, reframe mental health in a more positive light and show employees what to do. For example, GoodLife Fitness created a Plan for Resilienceworkbook with resources and strategies to help employees bounce back after a potential health, personal or work crisis. Open lines of communication. Offer training and tools to help managers understand how to recognize mental health conditions and handle different types of situations. Lewis-Daly cites the Do you know what to do?guide she helped develop for GoodLife managers with specific conversation starters to kick off important discussions with employees facing mental health challenges. Above all, managers need to be available and accessible to offer help. Offer accessible learning tools. Online learning modules or at-work seminars can address the basics of mental health, how to recognize someone who is facing a mental health issue, or what to do if you or someone else in your workplace need help. Lewis-Daly is available to talk more about the evolving nature of workplace wellness programs and how employers can take steps to introduce mental wellness supports within their workplaces. Please let me know if you’d be interested in connecting with her for an interview.
UNIQUE APPROACH TO COMBAT NURSING BURNOUT
Former ER Nurse Provides Insight to the Alarming Epidemic & Shares How Gemstone Therapy Can Help-giving nurses a glimmer of hope- Nurses across America have been making national headlines these past few weeks and it's not just because May 6th kicks off National Nursing Week. A Washington State Senator sparked a huge wave of backlash after remarking that some nurses spend portions of their day "playing cards." Nurses across the country rallied together and made the hashtag #nursesplayingcards go viral. This was just on the heels of an alarming report that was released in April with shocking statistics about nurse burnout - a growing epidemic in America. According to the report, 15.6% of all nurses reported feelings of burnout, with the percentage rising to 41% of “unengaged” nurses. Nursing burnout is not only a human rights issue but also a business issue. Burnout-related turnover may cost healthcare systems up to $1.7 billion annually for hospital-employed physicians and up to $17 billion across the entire nation, crippling an industry that is needed more than ever.Jennifer Marcenelle, a former ER nurse who personally had a health crisis and near suicide from burnout at age 44, is urging people to pay attention to the alarming epidemic and find holistic ways to combat it.Defining nursing burnout isn’t simple and according to Marcenelle, it's not merely a diagnosis rather, it is a complex set of symptoms caused by a karmic injury. The Western medicine model is based on outcomes, or how well a patient does through their hospitalization or surgery. Unfortunately, by focusing on outcomes, the responsibility for healthcare has increasingly shifted onto nurses – where it doesn’t belong. Because of this industry standard, it’s not shocking that nurses are highly susceptible to mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. And if this fatigue doesn't go away with proper rest and attention, it can easily transform into burnout."Over time, negative experiences can become cumulative, overpowering our coping mechanisms, and leaving us feeling utterly helpless," says Marcenelle. Marcenelle's firsthand exposure to the day-to-day stresses of critical care nursing opened her eyes to the burnout epidemic that was and still is ravaging the entire healthcare system. As a result, she experienced personal, professional and spiritual burnout, and after a near-death suicide, she became her own critical care patient.Marcenelle overcame this serious trauma with a unique approach to wellness: Gemstone & Diamond Therapy. Once considered new-age and radical, the ancient practice of Gemstone and Diamond Therapy has made its way to the mainstream and the rise in popularity has been rapid and recent. Gemstone and Diamond Therapy are complementary natural healing methods that address the underlying energetic causes and contributing factors of illness and lack of wellness. The therapeutic benefits of gemstone energies run far and wide. Evidence suggests that different stones send out different vibrations which can resonate with the frequency of healthy cells in a specific part of the human body, and they may help bring back unhealthy cells to vibrating at the same level as healthy cells. Gemstones have been used for hundreds of years to cure ailments, to increase prosperity, and most importantly, enhance inner peace - making it a perfect fit for combating nursing burnout. Jennifer is on a mission to help medical professionals take their life back from burnout. She has fascinating information on Gemstone & Diamond Therapy and advice on how to combat the burnout epidemic. INTERVIEW / ARTICLE TALKING POINTS:The #1 cause of burnout in the medical industry and how to fix it Research and insight to the nursing burnout epidemic Unique approach to combat the nurse burnout epidemic: Gemstone and Diamond TherapyThe research behind this ancient practice and why it is effectiveJennifer's personal health crisis and experience with nursing burnout ABOUT JENNIFER MARCENELLE:
Jennifer Marcenelle MBA, BSN, RN, HBC-HN is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical industry. She is a certified Gemstone and Diamond Therapy Associate Practitioner. At the age of 44, she had a health crisis and near suicide from burnout. She’s the founder and CEO Of Burn Bright Today and has dedicated her career to helping people move from Burning Out to Burning Bright.For More Information Visit:https://burnbrighttoday.com
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 7th, 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
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.
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."
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
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