Beekeeper’s Naturals Is Continuing to Disrupt The Health Industry With The Extension Of Their Propolis Powered Throat Soothing Lozenges
Two New Flavors are the Latest Additions to The Propolis Powered Collection New York, NY - February 14, 2022 - A leader in revolutionizing the wellness industry with propolis based, clean and effective products, Beekeeper's Naturals is adding two new flavors to their bestselling B. Soothed Lozenge family, Peppermint Eucalyptus and Ginger Lemon,which will be available for purchase on February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.comB.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus is like a breath of fresh air, combining the most powerful throat soothing ingredients, honey and propolis, with peppermint and eucalyptus to help ease congestion and a stuffy nose. B.Soothed Ginger Lemon, also powered by honey and propolis,is zesty and refreshing, providing antioxidants and vitamin C to support overall immune health and aid in relief from an upset tummy. Each B.Soothed Lozenge, also originally available in bestselling Elderberry and Honey, are uniquely clean and non-toxic, containing zero sugar, gluten, or artificial flavors. These tiny but mighty all-natural germ-fighting lozenges, also including ingredients like zinc and vitamin D, are the ultimate immune-boosting superfood you need in your medicine cabinet and bag for travel. “Our mission has always been to provide cleaner alternatives to traditional remedies, and this was no exception. Traditional cough drops can be laden with sugars that mask symptoms, however, at Beekeeper’s Naturals we’re delivering natural, effective and chemical-free health experiences that empower consumers to stay well without sacrificing their long-term health.” – Carly Stein, Founder Beekeeper’s Naturals is committed to reinventing the medicine cabinet by creating clean, effective products powered by propolis and backed by science. B.Soothed Lozenges not only naturally and effectively calm scratchy throats, but they provide a boost of Immune support with every drop. The B.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus and B.Soothed Ginger Lemon retails for $9.99 and will be available February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.com. About Beekeeper’s Naturals:Founded by Carly Stein in 2017, Beekeeper's Naturals is an innovative company on a mission to reinvent the medicine cabinet. Using unique remedies from the beehive (like royal jelly and propolis), the beekeeper-led team is committed to providing the cleanest, most powerful solutions to modern health issues—like brain fog, chronic stress, poor sleep, and scratchy throats. Unlike competitors, they apply scientific rigor to their product development and commit to third-party pesticide testing to ensure they’re creating natural remedies that actually deliver. They’re also a brand on a mission. By working exclusively with sustainable small-scale apiaries, partnering with leading bee research institutions, and prioritizing pesticide-free hive health above all else, Beekeeper’s Naturals works tirelessly to raise awareness and create a better environment for our world’s most important pollinators—the bees. For more information, please contact: beekeepers@michelemariepr.com
The B.Soothed Peppermint Eucalyptus and B.Soothed Ginger Lemon retails for $9.99 and will be available February 14, 2022 on BeekeepersNaturals.com, Amazon and Whole Foods.
Postmenopausal Canadian women experiencing vaginal dryness and painful intercourse have a new oral once-daily prescription treatment, Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) from Duchesnay
Now available across Canada, the first oral once-daily treatment launched by the company’s new ownership and executive team: an oral once-daily option to manage two of the most bothersome postmenopausal symptoms
BLAINVILLE, Quebec, Feb. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duchesnay Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in women's health and part of the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group based in Blainville, Quebec, is proud to announce the first treatment launched by its new ownership and management team to help postmenopausal women across Canada who are suffering from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Osphena® (ospemifene tablets), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) now available across Canada, has been approved by Health Canada as a once-daily prescription treatment for this indication.
Osphena® has been shown in phase II and III clinical studies to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and/or vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women, which are symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), a component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
“In our culture, the issue of painful sex is often ignored but it is a sad reality for many women, particularly in menopause,” said Dr. Michelle Jacobson, an obstetrician, gynecologist and menopause specialist at Women’s College and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. “Having a once-daily treatment option to help these women and their partners is exciting news for them and their physicians. The more we can individualize therapy, the better we can impact quality of life and functioning.”
“In line with Duchesnay’s long-lasting commitment to women’s health, we strive to further consolidate treatment options for physicians, and are pleased to bring this important new therapy to Canadian women who are experiencing these debilitating symptoms due to VVA,” said Dany Hallé, Vice-President, Commercial Affairs, Duchesnay Inc. “Osphena® has been available from Duchesnay USA for several years where it has been both commercially successful and well received.”
First product launch from new ownership team Osphena® is the first new treatment originating from Duchesnay since a change of ownership of the company last year. “As we deploy the first part of the company’s strategic plan, we are hoping to bring two other innovative treatments to Canadian patients in the coming months. This paves the way of Duchesnay’s bright future while changing paradigms around women’s health, all made possible with the support of our partners at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Bank of Montreal (BMO) whom I wish to thank,” said Éric Gervais, President.
Common menopausal symptoms Dyspareunia and vaginal dryness are among the most common and bothersome symptoms of VVA due to menopause, which impacts approximately half of postmenopausal women. Before menopause, estrogen helps maintain the thickness, elasticity and lubrication of vaginal tissues. However, as women age, estrogen levels drop, causing changes in these tissues, which can lead to dryness, itching, burning and painful intercourse.1
According to a U.S. survey of 1,858 postmenopausal women, approximately half of participants rated the severity of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (painful intercourse), the two most common bothersome moderate-to-severe symptoms of VVA.2 Both conditions are components of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), caused by significant changes to vaginal tissues secondary to local estrogen deficiency.3,4
Osphena® is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that is believed to work in a similar way as estrogen in the vagina. It does this by increasing the thickness of the vaginal walls and restoring appropriate levels of acidity in the vagina.3
Duchesnay Inc. acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Osphena® from Shionogi Inc. in 2017, after it had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2013. Osphena® is included in the guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)5, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS)6 and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC).7
About Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) Osphena® (ospemifene tablets) is approved by Health Canada for use in postmenopausal women for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), a component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It is taken orally, once daily with food.3
Osphena® is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: known hypersensitivity to ospemifene, any of the tablet or container components; undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia; active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or a history of these conditions; active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and myocardial infarction) or a history of these conditions; severe hepatic impairment; pregnant or may become pregnant.3
Taking Osphena can increase the risk of developing a thromboembolic stoke (artery is blocked by blood clot), a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in your brain from a torn blood vessel) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the deep veins of the leg or arm). There is a potential increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens.3
The Health Canada approval of Osphena® was based on the results of four multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled clinical studies which showed statistically significant improvement in women treated with Osphena® versus placebo.3
About the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group The Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, with its affiliated companies, is headquartered in Blainville, Quebec. The group consists of five pharmaceutical companies to meet the needs of patients in Canada, the U.S., and abroad. The companies are Duchesnay and Duchesnay USA, both dedicated to women's health; Médunik Canada and Medunik USA, which provide treatments for rare diseases; and Analog Pharma, an American generic drugs company, specializing in authorized generics and orphan drugs. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Duchesnay can export its innovative treatments to more than 50 countries.
Duchesnay and Medunik, through their proprietary research and development, and through partnerships, offer innovative treatments for a variety of medical conditions in women's health, urology, oncology as well as for rare diseases. The group of companies recognizes the dedication and professionalism of its employees and promotes a positive culture and flexible work environment. It is deeply committed to environmental responsibility and giving back to the community through the support of various charitable organizations. For more information, please visit duchesnay.com, medunik.com and analogpharma.com.
Kingsberg SA et al. The women’s EMPOWER survey: Identifying women’s perceptions on vulvar and vaginal atrophy and its treatment. J Sex Med 2017;14:413-24.
Duchesnay Inc., Osphena® Product Monograph, July 2021.
The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society 2020;27(9):976-992
Shifren JL et al, The North American Menopause Society Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women, Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, Vol. 21 No. 10, 2014, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause / Symptomatic Vulvovaginal Atrophy, Recommendations for Clinical Care, #4, p. 8, http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2014/nams-recomm-for-clinical-care.pdf
PATHWAY HEALTH PROVIDES UPDATE ON MILESTONES AT ITS SILVER PAIN CENTRE
TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2022 /CNW/ - Pathway Health Corp. (TSXV: PHC) (Frankfurt: KL1) (formerly Colson Capital Corp.) ("Pathway" or the "Company"), an integrated healthcare company that provides products and services to patients suffering from chronic pain and related conditions, is pleased to provide an update on its flagship Toronto clinic, the Silver Pain Centre. Silver is the largest private interventional pain clinic in Canada. With more than 14,000 patient visits per year, this 20,000 square foot Level 2, Out-of-Hospital Premise (OHP) is located in North Toronto where it provides patient-centred, interdisciplinary pain management services to thousands of chronic pain patients each year. Staffed by 13 trained pain specialists and other healthcare providers, Silver provides a comprehensive suite of interdisciplinary, evidence-based solutions.
"We're pleased to report that we added two more physicians to our team of pain specialists at Silver in 2022 that we expect will translate into more patient visits and an increase in provincial billings," said Ken Yoon, CEO at Pathway Health. "Furthermore, Silver has successfully completed its OHP Inspection Program in compliance with the rigorous standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Successfully passing this inspection allows us to continue our interventional patient care at Silver for five more years until the next clinic audit. We have also added a second fluoroscopy suite at Silver that will allow our pain specialists to treat more patients using real-time diagnostic imaging, allowing for more precise treatments."
Health Canada estimates the total number of individuals living with chronic pain will increase by 17.5% from 2019 to 2030 due to population growth and aging1. Preliminary projections indicate as many as 8.3 million Canadians may live with chronic pain by 2025 and as many as 9.0 million by 20301. By 2030, the estimated direct costs will rise to approximately $23 billion and indirect costs to $31.5 billion1. "The increase in prevalence of chronic pain in Canada, combined with Pathway Health's growing reputation as a provider of superior patient care, has allowed us to achieve year-over-year growth of 10% in patient visits across all our clinic divisions, including at Silver, and we expect to see a continuation of this trend as we expand our clinical presence across Canada," said Yoon.
About Pathway Health Pathway Health is an integrated healthcare company that provides products and services to patients suffering from chronic pain and related conditions. The Company owns and operates nine community-based clinics across four provinces where its team of health professionals work together to help patients through a variety of evidence-based approaches and products, including medical cannabis. Pathway Health's patient care programs utilize an interdisciplinary approach that is guided by trained pain specialists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Pathway is also the leading provider of medical cannabis services in Canada and has established itself as the leading partner with national and regional pharmacy companies for the delivery of medical cannabis services to their customers. The Company is working with several pharmacy companies on the development of Cannabis Health Products (CHPs) for OTC product distribution through retail pharmacy locations across the country following anticipated changes to the Cannabis Act.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive applicable approvals; and the results of operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Pathway disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press Release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Towards Excellence in Return to Work/Disability Management Professionalization
PORT ALBERNI, BC, Feb. 14, 2022 /CNW/ - On August 13, 2021, the Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, the Hon. Carla Qualtrough, announced the "Towards Excellence in Return to Work/Disability Management Professionalization" initiative to NIDMAR, with funding provided under the Government of Canada's Sectoral Initiatives Program.
Federal support for improved Return to Work (RTW) and Disability Management (DM) knowledge, programs and practices.
We are now able to provide details on this initiative which is designed to support improved Return to Work (RTW) and Disability Management (DM) knowledge, programs and practices, and promote Disability Management professionalization across Canada (with the exception of BC which developed its own similar initiative), and mirrors major efforts currently underway across the UK, Belgium, Malaysia and other jurisdictions.
People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by much higher poverty and unemployment rates than almost all other sectors in our society. As over 80% of mental and physical health impairments occur during someone's working life, effective accommodation efforts made by workplaces can play a pivotal role in workers maintaining, what are often good quality jobs, rather than entering the disability social security system (whether public or private) and all the associated obstacles of trying to successfully re-enter the workforce at a later stage.
Building a Culture of Accommodation and Inclusion through early intervention and a workplace commitment towards creative and collaborative solutions in the accommodation process are key to maintaining equitable and gainful attachment to the workforce.
National and international evidence clearly indicates rapidly declining long-term employment prospects for those with mental or physical health challenges that being one year on social security leads to a less than 1% chance of sustained future employment, a fact which is also supported through research.
Workplace knowledge, skills and education in a range of RTW/DM program, policy and accommodation practices are critical first steps in maintaining equitable employment for the disabled worker, while fostering a workplace culture of inclusion where the hiring of persons with disabilities from outside the organization no longer has the level of disability stigma which we still see all too often across the country and around the world.
This initiative recognizes that employers and workers jointly have a key role to play in achieving much improved socio-economic outcomes, which are reflected in successful efforts across Canada and comprehensive strategies in other jurisdictions. The various elements of this unique initiative include:
Support for DM/RTW Continuing Education (delivered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences – www.pcu-whs.ca)
Scholarship opportunities in the Bachelor of Disability Management (delivered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences – www.pcu-whs.ca)
Support to obtain Professional DM Designations
Support for workplaces to have an Assessment completed of their DM program
In addition to funding support from the Government of Canada, this initiative was formally endorsed and actively supported by the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council of Canada, CPHR Nova Scotia, as well as many other organizations across Canada which offered active encouragement and program design input.
Detailed information regarding these opportunities can be found at: www.nidmar.ca
SOURCE National Institute of Disability Management and Research
Ontario Brain Institute Releases New Dataset to Accelerate Research on Depression
Standardized, cleaned, and curated data from a CAN-BIND study examining Major Depressive Disorder are now available for the global research community on Brain-CODE
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2022 /CNW/ - During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health have increased, while calls for collaboration and open science across the research community have grown louder. Enter the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND), one of the Ontario Brain Institute's six Integrated Discovery Programs, from which a detailed and multi-modal dataset has just been made accessible to the global research community.
"As Ontario, along with the rest of the world, has contended with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important to support research and innovation in the province's health care sector, including advancements in mental health," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "Throughout the pandemic, the Ontario Brain Institute has played a valuable role in connecting clinicians, researchers, industry and patients with an open science approach, tearing down health care silos, and building new partnerships to help rethink the way we deliver better care to Ontarians."
CAN-BIND's foundational study features a deeply phenotyped cohort of 211 people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 112 healthy individuals across six Canadian clinical sites. Data have been standardized, cleaned, and curated to allow maximum utility for analysis across disease and across platform, and are now available on Brain-CODE, the neuroinformatics platform of the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). This is the fourth clinical data release on Brain-CODE since the platform was launched early 2021. The first three sets focused on neurodegenerative conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and concussion.
Tom Mikkelsen, OBI's President & Scientific Director, says that data sharing has the potential to help improve the health of the one in three Canadians living with a brain disorder.
"We believe that Brain-CODE is the much-needed tool to accelerate brain health research and innovation, bringing benefits to both patients and the economy. In terms of mental health, this means that by collecting, standardizing, and releasing this depression dataset, through CAN-BIND, we are discovering ways to identify the right treatment for the right person in order to help individuals with depression get well quickly and stay well."
During the CAN-BIND foundational study, participants with MDD received escitalopram, an antidepressant, for eight weeks. After eight weeks, if depressive symptoms did not improve, participants then received escitalopram in combination with aripiprazole, an augmentation treatment often used to treat MDD, for a further eight weeks. Throughout the study, participants were assessed with 29 clinical instruments and questionnaires, structural and functional MRI, resting state and task-based EEG, and genomic and molecular measures. The aim of the study is to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response in people with depression. This data release contains baseline data for all participants.
According to Dr. Sidney Kennedy, lead investigator for CAN-BIND: "The detailed and multi-modal nature of the dataset provides unique opportunities to identify integrated biomarkers that predict individual treatment response."
Brain-CODE, OBI's neuroinformatics platform, is a strong example of how the international research community can share data on a global scale, leading to improved care.
"As the tool that allows researchers to ask questions that span disorders, disciplines, and sectors, in the open science landscape, Brain-CODE has the potential to tell a story unheard of before," explains Dr. Mikkelsen. "Data sharing is truly the missing link to breaking down barriers in research."
The Ontario Brain Institute is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation, benefiting both patients and the economy. Our collaborative 'team science' approach promotes brain research, commercialization, and care by connecting researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders. Funding provided, in part by, the Government of Ontario.
The Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND) is a national program of research and learning carried out in partnership with OBI. The community includes persons with lived experience, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, government agencies, industry partners, and mental health advocates who are working together to achieve mental wellness for all Canadians.
Brain-CODE is OBI's state-of-the-art neuroinformatics platform where data streams from OBI's six research programs is assimilated, stored, and analyzed. OBI's Brain-CODE is a "shared brain" for researchers in Ontario and beyond.
CFPDP Celebrates Diversity Leadership on Canadian Corporate Boards and Paralympic Medal Winners Receive Award, Funding at 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) launched its “A Seat at the Table” initiative in 2019, the organization was unable to find a single person who identified as being disabled on a corporate board. That has since changed.
At the 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala, being held virtually from Toronto on Feb. 12, 2022, CFPDP will celebrate two Canadian companies that each have a highly qualified person with a disability on their Boards of Directors: American Express Canada and OpenText.
Both American Express Canada and OpenText will receive CFPDP’s 2022 Corporate Award, which recognizes exemplary contributions of Canadian companies and organizations in support of people with physical disabilities. Lisa Kalhans, President and CEO of American Express Canada, and Mark Barrenechea, Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OpenText, will join the gala broadcast to accept the awards.
Following an extensive search process that identified a diverse group of highly skilled candidates, Gaurav Upadhya, a top executive at Foresters Financial living with a disability, was appointed to the American Express Canada Board in July 2021.
“To reaffirm our commitment, remain transparent, and hold ourselves accountable in creating a deeper sense of belonging and community across our organization, it was important that we started at the top with our Board of Directors,” said Annette Kingsley, Vice President, Colleague Experience at American Express Canada. “A diverse Board brings diverse perspectives and leads to transformation, growth, and helps us better serve our customers, colleagues, and the communities we live in.”
Major-General (Ret.) David Fraser was appointed to the OpenText Board in 2018 but until recently hid his disability – significant hearing loss that resulted from his service as an infantry officer during the Yugoslavian civil war. Today, feeling valued and accepted in the diverse, supportive environment at OpenText, he is talking about his disability for the first time to help end the stigma that others with invisible disabilities may feel. OpenText is a wonderful example of all that is possible when you build a culture that recognizes and values people of all abilities.
Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chair of the “A Seat at the Table” Selection Committee, will provide a further update about how CFPDP’s efforts are helping corporate Canada to diversify their Boards and recruit candidates from the significant pool of talent in our disability community.
Additionally, Canada’s 16 medal-winning athletes from the Tokyo Paralympic Games are being honoured during the 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala. They will receive the 2022 King Clancy Award, presented annually to celebrate outstanding personal achievement and important contributions in support of Canadians who live with disability. In partnership with Scotiabank, CFPDP is also providing these outstanding athletes with podium cheques to fill a decades old void when it comes to rewards and financial support for our country’s best performing amateur athletes. Rob Snoek, a three-time Paralympian, world champion medalist, Canadian record holder, renowned broadcaster and Director of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, will join us to present this award.
Tim Rose is the recipient of the 2022 Honorable David C. Onley Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions as a changemaker, advocate and positive role model. In his current role as Senior Consultant, Accessibility within CIBC’s Client Experience Team in Toronto, Rose is advancing inclusion, accessibility and diversity initiatives, both within the company and in the communities it serves.
The 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala is presented by Scotiabank along with Platinum sponsor Deloitte. The honorary gala co-chairs are Stephen Liptrap, President and CEO of LifeWorks, and Raj Viswanathan, Group Head and Chief Financial Officer at Scotiabank. Our gala chair for 2022 is Tony Wight. Award-winning journalist Suhana Meharchand, a national anchor with CBC News Network, is back once again as the gala’s emcee, a role she has volunteered in for more than two decades.
The evening's entertainment will be provided by award-winning musician Martin Deschamps, a popular Quebec rock singer who has performed across Canada, in France, at the Kennedy Center in Washington and at the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games.
“We are delighted, as always, to honour the organizations and people who are making a real difference in supporting people with disabilities,” said Honourable Vim Kochhar, Chair of CFPDP. “As well, we are incredibly thankful for the backing of our loyal patrons, donors, sponsors and attendees who continue to support our efforts year after year. Together, we are helping to make Canada the best country in the world for people with disabilities, raising awareness, furthering opportunities and creating more inclusive communities.”
The 38th Annual Great Valentine Gala will broadcast via YouTube on Sat., Feb. 12th at 7 p.m.virtualgala.cfpdp.com.
About the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons:
Founded in 1984, the goal of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) is to consistently seek to put the emphasis on a person’s abilities — rather than disabilities — and to recognize and celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. Since then, CFPDP has initiated dozens of important projects and events, raising over $35 million. Learn more at https://www.cfpdp.com/.
Russell Alexander Law Firm Says Unvaccinated Parents Risk Losing Custody of Their Children Judges across Canada are continuing to side with parents who choose to vaccinate
TORONTO, Ontario—Citing several recent cases, Ontario family lawyer Russell Alexander issued a new warning that parents who have not received the coronavirus vaccine or are not up to date on their vaccinations for Covid-19 may be at risk of losing custody or other access to their children.
In one notable recent case, a judge in New Brunswick ruled in favor of a mother while the unvaccinated father lost custody of his children, including his immunocompromised 10-year-old. Justice Nathalie Godbout said it was necessary for the child’s health and ruled the mother could vaccinate the children without the father’s consent. A similar outcome was ordered in Alberta and Ontario.
“Judges are continuing to make decisions about who gets custody of the children based on whether the parents are vaccinated because they feel having parents protected from Covid is in the best interest of the children,” said Alexander, founder of the Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers which has offices throughout Ontario. “No matter your parental involvement, by refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine you’re taking a risk that a judge may rule against you in a custody case”
Alexander said that there are exceptions, such as when a parent has had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past, but he said those people should get ahead of any potential legal trouble by getting a note from their doctor and being able to document their reasons should it come up in a legal hearing.
He added that vaccinations could also affect travel, as some are increasingly being asked to show proof of vaccination; work, as many federally regulated industries and some colleges are requiring vaccination; and entertainment, as theaters and professional sports groups are considering vaccination requirements.=
“Unvaccinated parents are putting themselves in serious risk of losing time with their children, unless they are eligible for exemptions,” said Alexander. “A parent who is not following the medical advice of their family doctor and putting their children at risk unnecessarily, is going to be questioned by a judge for their reasoning and face potentially grave impacts on their child custody case.”
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RussellAlexander Collaborative Family Lawyers Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Lindsay, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Peterborough and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://www.russellalexander.com
Top NYC Doc Preventing Blindness in People of Color
New York, NY, February 8, 2022— Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans and people from the Caribbean, but there is a simple way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits, advises Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York.
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components:
1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping
2. Loss of visual field
3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG)
In most cases of glaucoma, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision.
People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Black people, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes.
Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass have become the best options to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.
All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam that includes gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients.
If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with checkups.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses,” Dr. LaRoche says. “As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.”
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
Dr. Laroche is also the author of the new young adult book, How to Become a Successful Black Man, which educates and empowers young boys and men of African descent about their history, heritage and legacy. Dr. Laroche connects history to the present-day life experiences and challenges of the Black Man to instill self-confidence and personal growth to succeed. The book helps to address health and wealth disparities and can be ordered here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Successful-BlackMan/dp/0578841770/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=daniel+laroche&qid=1623702468&sr=8-2.
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Valentine’s Day Tribute: Memoiron Spousal Grief and Single Parenting Proves Love Endures All
Mobile, AL, Feb. 8, 2022 — Author and political advocate Jason Fisher will release his memoir and testament to true love, To Where You Are, on Valentine's Day 2022. This moving tribute to his late wife details Fisher’s story of discovering unconditional love, dealing with grief and trauma after losing his wife and soulmate unexpectedly, becoming a single parent of a child with a rare disability, and forging a new path forward.
“I spent many years summoning the emotional courage to write this book—our love story. It kept calling to me, and I never gave up because it was a story worth telling,” says Fisher. “The memories that I made with my wife, particularly in the short time we were together with our daughter as a family, are priceless to me.”
The heartache following his young wife’s sudden death led Fisher on a tumultuous journey as a widower and a single father to a 2-year-old daughter with special needs, requiring him to adapt to a world he had never imagined facing. Through his grief and pain, Fisher is reminded of “how special my wife, Mandi, was as a person. She was the brightest star in my universe and taught me so much about the meaning of unconditional love.
“Life is unpredictable and can give you incredibly difficult challenges at times,” he continues. “The road to healing after facing a crisis is rarely straight or paved smoothly. Surrounding yourself with people who amplify the best version of yourself and give you that confidence boost when you need it most is paramount.”
Now seeing the world through a different lens, Fisher committed himself to speaking out when he saw things that needed to change. As he realized the considerable support needed to work full-time and care for a child with a disability, Fisher began to see that changes were needed in government legislation to make a positive, more meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Awakened by a new sense of purpose, Fisher ran for the United States Senate in one of modern history's most watched races. “I wanted to use my personal experience, along with my academic and professional skill set, to give back in a more meaningful way. Mandi was an indirect catalyst and strong motivator for that happening,” he says.
“Through writing this book, and through watching my daughter grow and persevere, I have gained a measure of closure that eluded me for so long,” Fisher adds.
ABOUT JASON FISHER
Jason Fisher is a nonprofit executive, a passionate community advocate and a proud father to his daughter, Mackenzie, who has a rare chromosomal disorder and accompanying disabilities. He was married to his wife, Mandi, for nearly six years before she passed away unexpectedly at the age of 30. You can find him online on Instagram:@towhereyouarebook; Facebook:@JasonFisherToWhereYouAre; or on his website: www.towhereyouare.org.
Dying to Survive: Not in Vain, A Promise Kept ExploresLife and Death Impact of Patient Advocacy
New York, NY, Feb. 8, 2021 — They were killing her mother with negligence, Melissa Mullamphy recalls. And eight months later, Mullamphy’s mother succumbed following a cancer battle fraught with frustration, medical missteps and the endless bureaucracy that goes hand in hand with navigating our complex healthcare system.
Not in Vain, A Promise Kept isMullamphy’s candid account of her mother’s journey and the family’s roller coaster of emotions. Readers will witness the mistakes that compounded their pain, the small victories that gave them hope, and above all, the love that kept them going during an indescribably difficult time.
Each chapter in Not In Vain, A Promise Kept represents one month from her mother’s diagnosis to her passing. Mullamphy recalls the experiences with vivid detail (the names of doctors and nurses have been changed), hoping to prompt others to ask the tough questions and learn by her example.
“My goal in writing this book is to keep the promise that I made to my mom … to share her story so others don’t go through what she and my family went through,” Mullamphy says. “You can have input, control and make a difference in your loved one’s healthcare.”
Mullamphy shares shocking lapses in her mother’s care, including blood clots the doctor fails to notice, the confusion surrounding her mother’s DNR order, the time she found her mother wearing another patient’s bracelet and the unspeakable heartbreak of learning that that all along, the hospital had used the wrong type of chemotherapy drug for her mother’s specific cancer.
Not In Vain, A Promise Kept is not without moments of hope, such as when the family is told the tumor has shrunk and when her mother’s last-ditch surgery to remove the tumor is declared “wildly successful.”
Ultimately, Not In Vain, A Promise Kept pays homage to a life well-lived and a woman well-loved, and it’s Mullamphy’s aim to help other patients and their loved ones find their voices, understand their rights and learn how to navigate a deeply complex, imperfect healthcare system.
“Use your voice, and remember that you are not there to make friends,” she adds. “Sometimes you have to be the biggest mouth in the room, but speaking up can save your loved one’s life.”
Author Melissa Mullamphy has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has worked in psychiatric emergency rooms and step-down houses. Forever a student of mental health, she has also worked with many nonprofits, including those benefiting military veterans. For almost 20 years, she worked as a domestic operations manager for a major corporation. Following her experience with her mother’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, she began blogging about current events as they relate to healthcare.
