Strange Noises Our Bodies Make and Why

You didn’t hear that, did you?

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

Imagine you are presenting a motivational speech to your sales force and you can’t stop hiccupping,  or you’re on that first date and you lean in for a kiss and a big burp escapes from your mouth! Still worse, what if you are a celebrity like Whoopi Goldberg whose microphone captured the sound of her passing gas on “The View?” Celebs are not immune from strange sounds our bodies make at the most inopportune times and neither are you.  Here’s why these noises occur and what to do if they are chronic as explained by Dr. Niket Sonpal who is both an internist and gastroenterologist in New York City.

1. Hiccups

“Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and other muscles that see air coming in and striking the voice box,” explains Dr. Sonpal.  Less than a second after your vocal cords close shut creating the hiccup sound and the air remains in the diaphragm. Some causes are thought to be eating too quickly or excessively, an irritation of the stomach or throat brought about by indigestion. Hyperventilation and conditions of the respiratory system like the lungs and more. 

Not to be alarmed, most cases of the hiccups are just temporary and can be treated with home remedies like holding your breath for a few seconds or drinking water. 

1.               Jaw Clicking

Our jaw is connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is made up of ligaments and tissue among other things and a disc that sometimes changes shape especially if stretched too much. In some cases, people will suffer from TMJ Dysfunction which will cause pain and cracking noises. This condition is an umbrella term for wear and tear of the temporomandibular joint and in extreme cases, if the bone or disc in the area become concave, patients may have difficulty fully closing their mouth. 

What to do? Seek an oral health expert like a dentist or oral surgeon if the cracks get sharper and louder, if you cannot close your mouth completely and/or if you are having bothersome pain and lockjaw. 

1.               Burping 

Burping or belching are two words to describe the noise our body makes when we expel gas from our upper digestive system out through our mouth. This happens because there is an excess of air and gas that often doesn’t even get to the stomach before we belch it out. Burping is harmless and happens as a natural result of swallowing air while drinking, eating or talking. Drinking carbonated soft drinks and smoking can give you more urges to belch.  

What to do? Take your time when eating or drinking. Avoid sugary carbonated drinks. They release carbon dioxide gas. Treat Heartburn symptoms with proper over the counter medication like antacid chewables. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause burping but the belching is usually accompanied by clearer signals of that particular disease like acidic heartburn, nausea followed by sour liquid regurgitation among other things.  If your symptoms are that extreme visit your doctor or gastroenterologist for prescription strength medication. 

1.               Whistling in your nose

This is nothing to be alarmed about. Mucus accumulates in the nasal cavity and then hardens as we breathe through our nose. “This is what scientists refer to as, boogers,” quips Dr. Sonpal. If the hardened mucus circles your nasal cavity only leaving a small narrow space for the passage of air, then it creates the whistling effect much like our lips create a narrow space for air to flow through when whistling through our mouth. 

What to do? If the whistling is accompanied by cold or FLU symptoms, then a decongestant will help. If you are suffering from allergies, an antihistamine is best. If your only discomfort comes from the hardened mucus, use a saline spray to moisten the discharge before implementing cotton swab to clean your nasal cavity ones the matter is soft and won’t cause bleeding when removed. 

1.               Ringing in your ears

If you are experiencing ringing in one or both of your ears you probably are dealing with tinnitus. This condition is caused by infections, aging and general degeneration of the eardrum and loud noises that damage cells in the inner ear. This effect causes the “cochlea to send signals to your brain, regardless of there being high pitched ringing or not.” says Dr. Sonpal.

What to do? If phantom sounds linger for two days or more and are paired with pain, or loss of balance, see your general doctor or an otolaryngologist in order to make sure you aren’t suffering infection or hearing loss. 

1.               Stomach Rumbling

Burbling sounds in your digestive tract after dinner is not uncommon. Food recently ingested is being moved around along with liquid and air swallowed. As food digests, gases begin to fill the intestine until flatulence helps them exit the body. Conversely, if you are hearing your empty stomach grumble, Dr. Sonpal explains some of the science behind that, “your empty gut is clearing out leftover food and fluids and soon it will be time to replenish your body with a meal,” he says. 

What to do? In some cases, if you are going through high pitched grumbling accompanied by pain or nausea, but no bowel movement, going to your doctor would be a good idea. These are symptoms of issues in the GI tract and could signal partial bowel obstruction. 

1.               Passing Gas

“The science is pretty clear for this one,” chuckles Dr. Sonpal. The body produces intestinal gas as the enzymes in our digestive system breakdown what we have ingested. Once this gas is inside the body, it needs to be released somehow. It is usually expelled through the anus as flatulence or out of the mouth as a burp.

Some intestinal gas comes from the air that people swallow when they are eating, chewing gum, drinking through a straw, or smoking.  Undigested carbohydrates are a common cause of gas because the intestines can’t break that food down. The leftover carbohydrates move into the large intestine, where your intestinal bacteria breaks them down, resulting in intestinal gas.

What to do? “Flatulence is not a bad thing. It is actually the mechanism by which our body relieves itself from excess gas. Passing gas is a key component of digestion and aids in reducing the feeling of being bloated,” explains Dr. Sonpal. What you need to observe is the frequency, circumstances and accompanying factors of your flatulence says the New York Gastroenterologist. If you have frequent flatulence or if you notice that certain foods make you violently gassy and your gas is paired with pain or discomfort you should talk to your doctor to rule out things like Celiac disease, lactose intolerance or any form of irritable bowel disease. 

1.               Vaginal Queefing

This sound occurs when a pocket of air is pressed out of the vagina. Air can easily gather in the vagina when the opening closes during physical activities like exercising, dancing, getting a pelvic exam, and commonly during intimacy. Many women feel embarrassed by the occurrence of queefing but it is not something abnormal. 

What to do? Some exercises, like Kegels, strengthen the pelvic floor and may help in reducing the frequency with which air gets trapped in the vagina.  

If your vaginal flatulence coincides with bad smells, increased urinary urges discharges, or pain then seek the attention of a doctor for a more in-depth checkup. 

1.               Joints Popping

Our joints have fluid that helps reduce friction in our between bone and cartilage during movement. This is called Synovial Fluid and as we exercise or move to sit or stand or walk the movement causes bubbles to form out of this liquid and when these bubbles pop we hear a cracking sound. 

What to do? Most often, this noise is not a sign of a bad problem “but like many things in this list if it comes paired with pain or locking of the joint this may call for a doctor’s visit as these issues could make you unstable and cause falls, which are dangerous for older generations,” explains Dr. Sonpal.

In late middle age or once we’ve reached senior citizen status if you are experiencing these sort of noises with discomfort or a grinding sensation in the joint you may ask your doctor about osteoarthritis. 

About the Expert: Dr. Niket Sonpal

Dr. Niket Sonpal is Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn and on the board of the NY‐ American College of Physicians (NYACP). He is completing his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Lenox and has spoken and presented at over 25 national and regional conferences on his research and is a regular participant in national courses.

Inspired by Terry Fox's legacy, Canadian cancer centres join forces for the first time

For images, videos, backgrounders and more information on the launch of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, please visit: www.marathonofhopecancercentres.ca/launch

ST. JOHN'S, NL, April 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Inspired by the legacy of Terry Fox, today the Terry Fox Research Institute and partners launched a new national network to bring together, for the first time, leading cancer hospitals and research universities across Canada to accelerate precision medicine for cancer patients. The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network is named in honour of Terry's journey to raise funds for cancer research, which began in St. John's on this day 39 years ago.

"Terry said the Marathon of Hope must continue without him and he would be very proud to see this happening in this highly collaborative and inspired way," said Darrell Fox, on behalf of the Fox family. "We are grateful to the millions of Canadians who have kept his dream alive and to the research and funding partners that are making this precision medicine network possible. You are bringing new hope to cancer patients."

The network will be created with the support of up to $150M over five years from the Government of Canada, announced as part of Budget 2019 on March 19. Five regional consortia, representing cancer research and care institutions in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, are expected to participate in the network once fully operational. 

Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of the Terry Fox Research Institute, said that under this new Terry Fox research network centres and researchers will form a Team Canada of Cancer Research, sharing knowledge, harnessing technology and championing collaboration. "We will apply new technologies such as genomics, advanced imaging and artificial intelligence, so that no matter where they live in Canada, cancer patients will have access to precision medicine – so the right treatment can be given to the right patient at the right time."

The federal investment will be matched with funds raised by the network partners, their foundations and The Terry Fox Foundation. With funding from TFRI and regional partners, pilot projects for precision medicine are already under way in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

"This announcement today of the creation and kickoff of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres by the Terry Fox Research Institute is historic," said Dr. Brad Wouters, executive vice-president, science and research, University Health Network (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) in Toronto and a network partner in Ontario. "The federal government's investment in this initiative means that Canadians across the country, patients and researchers are going to be able to come together to institute a new era of precision medicine, a new era of co-operation and, most of all, an opportunity to create real impact on our progress against this disease."

"We are delighted with the federal government's momentous decision to invest in world-class cancer research by collaborating with the Terry Fox Research Institute and the major cancer centres across Canada," said William Pristanski, Board chair of The Terry Fox Foundation. "This network will bring us closer to achieving Terry's dream of a world without cancer."

ABOUT THE MARATHON OF HOPE CANCER CENTRES NETWORK:

The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network is the realization of a long-standing vision of the Terry Fox Research Institute. Inspired by Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope, the network represents a powerful collaborative platform that will close the gap between research in the lab and patient care in the clinic. Just as Terry Fox united Canadians with his run and dream to end cancer, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres will unite our cancer researchers to pursue that same goal with precision medicine.
www.marathonofhopecancercentres.ca 

ABOUT THE TERRY FOX RESEARCH INSTITUTE 

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), established in 2008, invests in world-class, collaborative cancer research teams and partnerships. Together with its research and funding partners, TFRI is working to inspire the transformation of cancer research in this country by bringing together leading cancer research and treatment organizations in Canada and empowering them under the framework of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. www.tfri.ca

ABOUT THE TERRY FOX FOUNDATION

The Terry Fox Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. To date, over $750 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry Fox's name. The first Terry Fox run was held in 1981, with The Terry Fox Foundation being created in 1988. Its national headquarters are located in Burnaby, BC and it has offices in 9 provinces. www.terryfox.org

SOURCE Terry Fox Research Institute

For further information:

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Curwin, Chief Communications Officer, Terry Fox Research Institute, kcurwin@tfri.ca; o: 604-675-8223; c: 778-237-8158

4 Ways to Improve Your Health through Swimming

Swimming is one of the best fitness activities for overall health. Regardless of your age, body type or any physical limitations you might have, there are many ways to enjoy swimming that can help you reach your wellness goals. Here are just four ways to approach your wellness goals through swimming. 

Try Water Aerobics 

Instead of breaking a sweat in a gym, you can perform water aerobic exercises and get a great cardiovascular workout. One of the best aspects of water aerobics is that it’s a low-impact fitness activity that’s easier on bones and joints. Most organized group workout sessions last an hour and are led by a qualified instructor who guides participants through a series of exercises to help burn calories, tone muscles and improve blood circulation. Water aerobics are generally considered a safe and effective way for beginners to start working out. The best way to get into water aerobics would be to contact your local rec center or public pool and ask about lessons that they may offer.

Use a Swim Spa 

If you want the feeling of swimming in an open body of water without having to go to a public pool, a lake or the ocean, a swim spa may be right for you. The swimming action in these types of spas from Marquis Spasand other top manufacturers is created by smooth currents that flow against your body as you perform swim strokes. This gives you all of the benefits of swimming against a current in a lake or river, but without the health risks that come with river and lake water being deep and unfiltered. Current flow and water temperature can be adjusted to achieve realistic effects while maintaining healthy temperatures.

Incorporate Relaxation Techniques 

Along with giving your body a good workout, you can use the water to aid you as you try different relaxation techniques to calm your body and mind. HowStuffWorks.com suggests trying progressive muscle relaxation, yoga or mindful meditation to achieve the desired results. You can perform these relaxation exercises in a temperature controlled pool or spa. There might also be classes in your area at a health club or public swimming pool that teach these techniques. Even basic laps and other swimming exercises in heated water can be incredibly beneficial to your muscles, as the heat helps keep them relaxed while you work out to avoid cramping, straining, and encouraging your body’s natural detoxification processes.

Swim Laps 

Simply swimming some laps in a pool can help keep you fit. If you’re really serious about fitness, you can visit a local public pool that’s Olympic-sized and find out when they have sessions open for lap swimming. Swimming laps regularly will be especially helpful if you ever want to eventually enter swim meets to compete against others. During your laps, you can perfect techniques in your crawl stroke, backstroke or butterfly stroke as you channel your inner Michael Phelps. Swimming laps not only builds up your core muscles, but it also helps strengthen your lungs and heart.

Swimming doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional activity. By adding some variety to your aquatic workouts, you can get into better shape and live a healthier lifestyle in more ways than you’ve probably imagined.

Questions about your Health? Pharmacists Can Provide Your Perfect Rx     

Fairleigh Dickinson University, April 11, 2019 – Have you ever had a question about your health and wanted an answer in a quick and convenient manner? If the answer is yes, it turns out you are not alone. A majority of Americans nationwide routinely tap the expertise of pharmacists and online health-related websites.

In a survey of adults nationwide, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Madison, New Jersey asked Americans about their use of pharmacists for information when they have a question about their health. Over half of all Americans consult with the pharmacist on duty when they visit a pharmacy (55%). A quarter (28%) do so routinely, with 27 percent who do so less often. 

The survey finds that most speak with pharmacists only about prescription drug use, even though they can get other health related information from them. Two-thirds (65%) seek prescription drug counseling, with significantly fewer asking about over-the-counter drug usage and side effects, injectable vaccines and immunization delivery or medical devices (15% combined). Among those who do not regularly engage with pharmacists, a majority say they simply don’t need their assistance (66%). 

“The fact that so many say they don’t need the assistance of a pharmacist speaks to the public’s unawareness of the pharmacist’s role in healthcare. Pharmacists are easily accessible and can provide reliable, patient-specific information tailored to the needs of the individual,” said Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu, an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  “With pharmacists becoming increasingly relied upon as a source to receive healthcare services, more people will recognize the role of pharmacists and seek them out to meet their health-related needs in the coming years. Pharmacists routinely check for drug interactions, make medication recommendations to other healthcare providers and patients, provide medication counseling, ensure patients are taking their medications safely, assist in navigating insurance drug coverage or suggest a more affordable medication option, and immunize.”

According to national polls, pharmacists consistently remain among the most trusted and ethical healthcare professionals. 

“The ability to access a pharmacist for the provision of medication information without an appointment at no cost and at any time gives credence to the value and positive role they play in helping everyone lead healthy lives,” said Barbara Rossi, Assistant Dean at FDU School of Pharmacy & Healthy Sciences.

Online sources

The same survey asked about whether and to what extent people trust online sources for health information. It turns out that sources such as WebMD, disease specific sites, and sites affiliated with medical centers provide somewhat of a mixed bag for Americans who use them. Around half (51%) use them overall, with women (54%) significantly more likely than men to visit a website (43%), and older Americans (60 and older) the least likely (11%). WebMD or other general purpose health websites attract the most visitors (40%), with hospital affiliated sources (20%), and other conditions or disease specific sources (15%) used less often. Despite widespread use, there’s some evidence that online sources bring with them some degree of skepticism. 

Among those who use online sources with some regularity, their usefulness rates about a seven on a scale of one to ten, with ten indicating the highest degree of usefulness. When asked why they don’t go online for general health and symptom inquiries, a fifth (19%) say they avoid them because they don’t trust the information, find the information contradictory, or feel anxious when they read what they find. Most (53%), however, go directly to a doctor or other health professional when they have a question.

“Online resources can be useful tools to learn about general health-related topics. It is important for consumers to know that the information gained from online searches may not have the same level of applicability to every individual. Also, any written material is open to misinterpretation and online health websites are not immune to this,” said Elif Özdener, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “I am excited to see that over half of those who read online health sources use the information to have discussions with their healthcare providers. Patient-centered healthcare is a significant factor in achieving positive health outcomes. People that research and read health information can have productive conversations with their providers and increase the likelihood of achieving their health-related goals.” 

Methodology – The National Health Survey was conducted by The Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll on behalf of the FDU School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. A random sample was drawn of adults nationwide, including in Alaska and Hawaii, and interviews were conducted on landlines and cellphones between January 28 through February 13, 2019. Respondents were screened in order to interview an adult, 18 or older. 

A total of 1000 interviews were administered by ReconMR in San Marcos, Texas. 296 interviews were conducted on landlines and 704 were conducted on cellphones by professionally trained interviewers using a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. All interviews were conducted in English. Telephone numbers were purchased by ReconMR through Marketing Systems Group. 

Results for the total sample have a margin of sampling error of +/- 4.03 percentage points, including the design effect. 

Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. 

Weighting was applied to the sample to more accurately treat the respondents are representatives of the total population of the United States. 2019 estimates of the U.S. population by Claritas were used to weight the data. In this case, the proportions of three characteristics were used; Race, Age and Gender.  Each respondent falls into one, and only one, set and no respondent is left out.

For the second year, the FDU poll received an “A” rating from statistician Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight blog. The ratings measure both accuracy and bias for all major polling services in the United States, providing an update to similar research the poll watchers conducted in 2014. FDU’s “A” rating puts it in the top 15 of the more than 380 polling institutes reviewed and graded from A+ through F. The FDU poll was found to have a 94 percent accuracy rate for predicting election results, and is one of only three A-rated polling institutes with zero bias to their rankings. 

Tables 

Have you been to a pharmacy in the last few months? 

1 Yes    74%

2 No     26%

8 DK (vol)   0 

9 Refused (vol)   0

On average, approximately how many times a month do you visit a pharmacy?

Record number    

0 Less than once a month  37%

1     32%

2     14%

3+     15%

88 DK (vol)   2%   

99 Refused (vol)   0

When you visit a pharmacy, how often do you speak with or interact with the pharmacist on duty?

1 Always    28%

2 Sometimes   27%

3 Rarely    29%

4 Never    16%

8 DK (vol)   1%

9 Refused (vol)   0

Why do you NOT speak with the pharmacist on duty? [N = 155]

1 They are never available    3%

2 I find the other pharmacy staff helpful enough  9%

3 I don’t need to speak with them    66%

4 I don’t know what they do beyond filling prescriptions 7%

8 DK (vol)      9%

9 Refused (vol)      6%

Why do you speak with the pharmacist on duty? Choose as many reasons as apply.  [N = 833]

1 Prescription drug counseling    65%

2 Over the counter drug counseling   10%

3 Medical device counseling    4%

4 Injectable drug counseling    1%

5 Immunizations       0

6 Other       0

8 DK (vol)      35%

9 Refused (vol)      6% 

How often, if at all, do you go online to look for information about your health or a specific symptom?

1 Always       21%

2 Sometimes      30%

3 Rarely       22%

4 Never       27%

8 DK (vol)      0

9 Refused (vol)      0

Why do you NOT use online sources for information about your health? N = 273

1 I don’t trust online information    13%

2 The information is often contradictory   3%

3 I go directly to a doctor or other health professional 53%

4 The information is hard to understand   0

5 I do not have access to online information  13%

6 I get anxious when I read the results    3%

7 Other [vol]      14%

8 DK (vol)      1%

9 Refused (vol)      1%

Which of the following sources are you the most likely to use for getting information about your health? [N = 727]

1 WebMD or other general purpose health website   40% 

2 A government source, such as the Centers for Disease Control  8%

3 A source that’s affiliated with a hospital or medical facility 20%

4 A source that’s related to a specific condition or disease  15%

5 Other (vol)       14%

8 DK (vol)       2%

9 Refused (vol)       0

On a scale of one to ten, with ten meaning the information is USEFUL, and one meaning the information is NOT USEFUL, how would you rate the information you get online about your health? [N = 727]

Average 7

What do you do with the information that you get online about your health? Do you… [N = 727]

1 Self-treat based on the website’s recommendation  15%

2 Discuss with my doctor      53%

3 Change my behavior       11%

4 Nothing       16%

8 DK (vol)       4%

9 Refused (vol)       2%

Question wording and order

First I’d like to ask you some questions about pharmacies.  And by pharmacy, I mean a place you go to purchase over the counter and prescription drugs.

PS1 Have you been to a pharmacy in the last few months? 

1 Yes

2 No 

8 DK (vol) 

9 Refused (vol) 

PS2 On average, approximately how many times a month do you visit a pharmacy?

Record number

888 DK (vol) 

999 Refused (vol) 

PS3 When you visit a pharmacy, how often do you speak with or interact with the pharmacist on duty?

1 Always  ASK PS5

2 Sometimes ASK PS5

3 Rarely  ASK PS5 

4 Never  ASK PS4

8 DK (vol) 

9 Refused (vol) 

PS4 Why do you NOT speak with the pharmacist on duty?[rotate options]

1 They are never available    GO TO ON1

2 I find the other pharmacy staff helpful enough  GO TO ON1

3 I don’t need to speak with them    GO TO ON1

4 I don’t know what they do beyond filling prescriptions GO TO ON1

8 DK (vol)      GO TO ON1

9 Refused (vol)      GO TO ON1

PS5 Why do you speak with the pharmacist on duty? Choose as many reasons as apply. [Rotate options]

1 Prescription drug counseling

2 Over the counter drug counseling

3 Medical device counseling

4 Injectable drug counseling

5 Immunizations 

6 Other

8 DK (vol) 

9 Refused (vol) 

Now I have some questions about where you go for medical information.

ON1 How often, if at all, do you go online to look for information about your health or a specific symptom?

1 Always  ASK ON3

2 Sometimes ASK ON3

3 Rarely  ASK ON3 

4 Never  ASK ON2

8 DK (vol) ASK ON3

9 Refused (vol) ASK ON3

ON2 Why do you NOT use online sources for information about your health?[rotate options]

1 I don’t trust online information    GO TO ASP1

2 The information is often contradictory   GO TO ASP1

3 I go directly to a doctor or other health professional GO TO ASP1 

4 The information is hard to understand   GO TO ASP1 

5 I do not have access to online information  GO TO ASP1

6 I get anxious when I read the results    GO TO ASP1

7 Other [vol]      GO TO ASP1

8 DK (vol)      GO TO ASP1

9 Refused (vol)      GO TO ASP1

ON3 Which of the following sources are you the most likely to use for getting information about your health? [Rotate options]

1 WebMD or other general purpose health website

2 A government source, such as the Centers for Disease Control 

3 A source that’s affiliated with a hospital or medical facility

4 A source that’s related to a specific condition or disease

5 Other (vol)

8 DK (vol) 

9 Refused (vol) 

ON4 On a scale of one to ten, with ten meaning the information is USEFUL, and one meaning the information is NOT USEFUL, how would you rate the information you get online about your health?

Record number

11 Depends (vol)

18 DK (vol

19 Refused (vol)

ON5 What do you do with the information that you get online about your health? Do you…[Rotate options]

1 Self-treat based on the website’s recommendation

2 Discuss with my doctor

3 Change my behavior 

4 Nothing

8 DK (vol) 

9 Refused (vol) 

Weighted Sample characteristics

Akira Opens First Physical Healthcare Clinic to Reimagine Primary Care

Union Health clinic in downtown Toronto will seamlessly integrate face-to-face healthcare with virtual care for improved patient experiences

TORONTO, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Akira, one of Canada's leading digital health companies, announced today that it is applying its healthcare expertise to launch Union Health, a technology enabled, innovative, in-person clinic in downtown Toronto that is reimagining the way patients and clinicians interact. 

Akira's healthcare app and cross-Canada primary care providers have already successfully completed tens of thousands of virtual medical consultations for patients who need prescriptions, referrals to specialists, lab work requests, and overall medical advice. With the opening of Union Health, patients can now use the Akira app to book appointments, securely message the clinic, view their medical results, and access mental health and nutritional support. 

While Akira app users can currently use secure text and video chats directly on their mobile phone or computer to resolve more than 50% of issues that would usually take them to a doctor's office, Union Health can now address the other half of their concerns.

"We are excited to bring virtual and face-to-face care together at Union Health in a way that will benefit patients and our health system as a whole," said John Mozas, CEO and co-founder of Akira. "We see tremendous opportunity to build on Canadians' access to timely and personalized healthcare."

Akira recognizes that technology has been underutilized at the patient level and should be leveraged to enhance a patient-doctor experience that can sometimes be difficult and inconvenient. Akira's objective is eventually to use the app to help patients determine if they actually need an in-person visit, and to provide specialist consultations using its technology platform. 

Managing Union Health's operations, Akira will be able to ensure continuity of care and proactive communication to patients in need of attention by digitally integrating patient medical records using TELUS Health's electronic medical record technology. Together, Akira and Union Health are meant to further enhance Canada's strong healthcare system, providing another tool in physicians' toolkit to provide great patient care.

In its flagship location at TELUS Harbour, 25 York Street, Toronto, just south of Union Station, Union Health is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in-person doctor visits will be covered under the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Users of the Akira app can still access care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in French and English, and can now also connect to the clinic directly using the same platform.

About Akira Health   
Akira Health is a digital healthcare company focused on creating best-in-class technology to enable exceptional patient care and clinical operations, measured in both experience and outcomes. The Akira app builds upon services offered both in the public healthcare system and through an individual's health benefits plan, facilitating the innovative delivery of primary care and other patient-centred healthcare services. The Akira app is designed to allow patients to seek care directly through their mobile phone and stay connected, wherever they go, by instantly connecting to doctors and nurse practitioners - safely, securely, when and where they need it. Akira is an easy, convenient way to ask questions, get treated, renew prescriptions, get referrals, and keep well. https://akirahealth.ca 

About Union Health
Union Health is a physical primary care clinic that unites primary and virtual care, always delivered by friendly, caring, and empathetic clinicians. Working within our publicly-funded system, Union Health is reimagining the delivery of primary care in Canada for patients and healthcare providers alike, encouraging and enabling proactive healthcare in-person and digitally, across the spectrum from illness to wellness. 

SOURCE Akira Health

BI Health Group Speaks Directly To Patients

Follow These Steps After An Accident To Get Back To Full Health

VANCOUVER, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ - In the wake of major changes announced recently by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), CBI Health Group, the country's largest community healthcare provider, is offering some advice to patients injured in automobile collisions.

Tanja Yardley, CBI's National Healthcare Innovation Lead, says there can be confusion after a vehicle accident, particularly when there is injury involved, but CBI urges patients to follow a three-step plan to put them on the road to better health as soon as possible.

"Anyone involved in an accident needs to remember three basic things. Firstly, sooner is better when it comes to getting rehab services. Secondly, educate and empower yourself, and thirdly remember there is more to accident recovery than just the physical and all of those needs should be addressed."

Yardley added that putting off healthcare decisions because people are unfamiliar with exactly what to do could be detrimental. 

"Under the new measures patients have access to a no-fee, comprehensive and individually-tailored treatment plan with CBI and other providers through ICBC in the first 12 weeks after an accident.  When barriers are removed and people have early access to affordable treatment, we definitely see better health outcomes. 

Yardley says the most important priority following any type of accident is getting back to good health as soon as possible.

CBI has been in the business for more than 40 years has a 95 per cent patient satisfaction record due in large part to our "patient first" mentality, she added.

"We want people to get back to being healthy and productive for themselves, their families and even the economy as a whole and that's what our approach strives to achieve," Yardley said. 

About CBI Health Group
CBI Health Group is Canada's largest integrated community healthcare network. In 800 communities, with over 250 facilities and 112 transitional and residential homes, our services are provided by a dedicated team of more than 13,000 employees that include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, registered massage therapists, kinesiologists, chiropractors, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, physicians, nurses, caregivers, dietitians, social workers and behaviour therapists. The CBI group of companies includes CBI Health Centres, CBI Home Health, We Care Home Health Services, Monarch House, CBI Workplace Solutions, and CBI Assessment Services.

For more information https://www.cbi.ca/

SOURCE CBI Health Group

FlexITy Partners with GetWellNetwork Delivered By FlexHealth® - Patient Engagement Technology for Canadian Healthcare Providers

FlexITy is uniquely Canadian and was recently selected by Mackenzie Health to deliver "smart" patient engagement technology at their new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ -FlexITy, an award-winning technology company is delighted to announce a FlexHealth solution which is designed in partnership with GetWellNetwork® to deploy "smart," patient-centric solutions in Canada. Our exclusive relationship with GetWellNetwork, combined with our deep understanding of the technology, security and data privacy needs of healthcare providers, has enabled us to deliver an advanced and innovative patient engagement platform that is well-positioned for Canadian healthcare.

"Technology has a vital role to play in improving patient care and patient outcomes," said Peter Stavropoulos, CEO and President, FlexITy. "As a leading provider of technology and service solutions in Canada, we were very selective in determining that digital patient engagement provider GetWellNetwork is the right partner and their solution GetWell Inpatient™ is the right technology for us to expand our FlexHealth practice, a fully digital patient engagement and care experience for Canadian healthcare organizations."

"Care delivery models are changing rapidly and patients today are expecting more personalized and consumer-like experiences regardless of the care setting, condition or stage of the patient journey they're in," said Michael O'Neil, founder and CEO, GetWellNetwork. "The Canadian market is one that we've been considering for some time, but we needed the right partner to jointly deliver the right solution. FlexITy is that partner and we are delighted that Mackenzie Health selected FlexITy with GetWell Inpatient as the right patient and family engagement solution for their new hospital."

Mackenzie Health will deploy GetWell Inpatient, powered by FlexITy and GetWellNetwork, at the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, currently under construction and set to open in late 2020. The solution will integrate with Mackenzie Health's electronic medical record to deliver personalized health support – helping patients understand their condition, learn about medications, control their environment, prepare for discharge and more. The 1.2 million sq. ft. hospital will provide 350 patient beds with the ability to increase capacity to 550 beds. As the first new hospital in York Region in more than 30 years, it will join Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, alongside Mackenzie Health's community-based locations, in providing access to state-of-the-art healthcare to residents. This technology will be in place at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital in late 2020. Plans to implement some features gradually at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital will occur after 2020.

"We are thrilled to partner with FlexITy to deploy the innovative GetWell Inpatient digital solution at Mackenzie Health," says Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health. "This 'smart' patient- and family-centered technology will integrate with Mackenzie Health's electronic medical record and support healthcare professionals in delivering personalized health support at the bedside. This is a key step forward on our 'smart' hospital vision to provide our community with exceptional healthcare."

For patients, FlexHealth-Powered by FlexITy with GetWell Inpatient will mean more control, increased convenience, deeper knowledge and a better experience. For healthcare professionals, it will mean spending less time filling out paperwork, accurately capturing data in real-time and creating efficient workflows that allow more time at the patient's bedside.

FlexITy will further continue to invest in resources in order to collaborate into Mackenzie Innovative Institute (Mi²) for the advancement and research of innovative healthcare in Canada. 

"One of the biggest opportunities with this technology solution is the level of control and independence we can give directly to patients," says Richard Tam, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Mackenzie Health. "The 'smart' pathways and intelligence we're building into this technology will unlock a world of choice for all patients and families."

About FlexITy Solutions 
FlexITy is an award-winning integrator of smart technology and service solutions, built on powerful and digitally advanced secure platforms, and delivered with decades of IoT expertise and services. FlexHealth-Powered by FlexITy, is a suite of patient-centric solutions that integrate interactive mobile applications, secure health IT and data and optimize healthcare management.  FlexHealth engages patients and families, empowers clinicians and delivers outcomes that matter.

www.FlexHealth.ca, 866.779.FLEX(3539).

About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork is the Precision Engagement healthcare company. Our solutions engage patients and families, empower clinicians and deliver outcomes that matter. From inpatient to outpatient, to physician practices and urgent care clinics, to patients on the go, GetWellNetwork offers the only cross-continuum platform that performs across every care setting. Learn more at getwellnetwork.com or follow @GetWellNetwork on social media.

About Mackenzie Health 
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional healthcare provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services. In March 2017, the organization received its second consecutive award of Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for its commitment to safety and quality patient care. This is the highest rating a Canadian healthcare provider can receive. Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future. With over 500,000 residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca  

SOURCE FlexITy Solutions Inc.

For further information:

Press Contact: Nympha Lee, Director of Marketing and Communications, FlexITy Solutions, 1.866.779.3539, nympha.lee@flexity.com

To Coincide with the Boston Marathon, 

Safety Wearable Technology Company, Run Angel 

Announces New Charity Partnership with Angel Flight Northeast

BOSTON – APRIL 11, 2019– Safety wearable technology company, Run Angel Ltd., has partnered with Angel Flight Northeast, a non-profit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients to access life-saving medical care.

"Angel Flight Northeast is a story of courageous men, women and children who have an incredible will to live. Partnering with Angel Flight Northeast in advance of the one of the greatest running events of the year, the Boston Marathon, was an obvious choice for us," said Ellen Caren, Founder of Run Angel. "We at Run Angel, share in Angel Flight Northeast’s commitment and dedication in helping those most in need, especially in an emergency situation.”

Run Angel™ is an innovative safety wrist wearable that emits a very loud siren from its patent pending acoustic chamber design to attract attention in an emergency and connects with smartphone devices to send emergency alerts to loved ones by SMS & email, showing the date, time and location of the wearer. 

“We are honored and humbled that Run Angel has chosen Angel Flight NE as their charity of choice with a percentage of the proceeds from their Limited-Edition Boston Angel, inspired in the colors of the renowned Boston Marathon, going to support our mission,” said Larry Camerlin, President and Founder of Angel Flight Northeast. “Much like our mission to make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and their families, Run Angel’s personal safety wearable makes a difference in the lives of those who wear it as well as in the lives of those they care about and love.”

Angel Flight Northeast is a non-profit that coordinates free air transportation services for patients who need to travel outside of their area for specialized medical care. This is made possible with the volunteer corps of over 500 private pilots who combine their love of flying with the spirit of grassroots volunteerism by flying patients and their families to the critical health care they need along with the assistance of commercial aviation partners. Founded in 1996, AFNE have scheduled over 77,000 flight requests and have flown more than 15 million miles. For more information regarding Angel Flight Northeast, please visit www.angelflightne.org/

A blue and yellow Limited Edition ‘Boston Angel’ is now available from www.runangel.com at $80. The device has been tested out by a fantastic young woman by the name of Allison McCarthy. 

“I love Run Angel’s device because I go on a lot of runs by myself, so safety is always on my mind. By wearing the Run Angel device, it gives me peace of mind that if something happens to me medically or as result of an attack, I know that there is way that I can be found,” noted Allison McCarthy. Allison is running the marathon to raise funds and awareness for Angel Flight NE in honor of her family member – Jessica – who Angel Flight NE have been flying from Boston to New York for specialized care. “The Run Angel device adds a layer of protection for

all those things you cannot prevent but can help mitigate with this safety measure.”

“Run Angel demonstrates the importance of staying safe while staying active,” said Catie Riordan, VP of Consumer Retail, Enterprise Ireland. “We are so proud to support Run Angel and it is so fantastic to see them teaming up with Angel Flight NE for a meaningful and worthwhile partnership.”

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland's international trade, innovation, leadership, and competitiveness.  In this way, we support sustainable economic growth and regional development and help create and sustain employment in Ireland.

IMAGES FOR USE: 

Boston Run Angel

Allison McCarthy wearing the Boston Angel in training for the Boston Marathon

Media Advisory - New Disruptive Health Technologies, Accessibility and Affordability of Drugs and Devices on the Agenda - 2019 CADTH Symposium in Edmonton, April 14 to 16

OTTAWA, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Big system changes are transforming the Canadian health system. At the 2019 CADTH Symposium,  Canada's top health sector experts have news and insights to share about the potential impact of changes like the introduction of national pharmacare, evolving strategies to deal with the opioid crisis, and breakthrough therapies for rare diseases with big prices tags.

Senior policy-makers, health care providers, patients, researchers, and pharmaceutical and medical device industry leaders will gather in Edmonton from April 14 to 16 to discuss how Canada can manage health technologies, adapt to transforming health systems, and better respond to disruption and complexity in health care.

Topics to be discussed include:

• What are the challenges and opportunities for artificial intelligence in health care?  
• How can we expect new disruptive technologies to make an impact on the health system and patient care? 
• Where is gene therapy headed and how do we prepare for it? 
• What values should we be looking at in the debate around pharmacare? 
• How do we treat opioid dependency in dispersed populations? 
• What are the social, medical, and public health costs and benefits of cannabis? 
• How can our health care system manage expensive drugs for rare diseases? 

Featured speakers include:

• Dr. Brian O'Rourke, President and CEO, CADTH 
• Mitch Moneo, Assistant Deputy Minister, Pharmaceutical Services Division, British Columbia Ministry of Health 
• Dr. Vinay Prasad, Associate Professor of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University 
• Colleen Flood, Professor, University of Ottawa, and University Research Chair in Health Law & Policy 
• Frédéric Rupprecht, World Wide Vice-President, Head of Health Economics and Market Access Centre of Excellence for Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices

Key Dates and Times

Monday, April 15

9:30 a.m. — The official opening and opening plenary, "Disruptive Innovation: The Hope and Hype of Transformation," will bring together a diverse group to discuss disruptive new technologies we can expect to see soon, the expectations patients have for health system transformation, and how hype can derail evidence-driven transformation.

11:15 a.m. — "Managing the 'Expense' in Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases"  brings together panellists who will outline the steps being taken to improve decision management, timeliness, and the availability of expensive drugs for rare diseases. 

1:30 p.m. — "Opioid Dependency Treatment for Dispersed Populations, The Alberta Rural Opioid Dependency Program Experience and Results" will examine the success and lessons learned from a program that treated participants in their home communities, including Indigenous communities, via telemedicine.

Tuesday, April 16

7:30 a.m. — Breakfast sessions, including key issues such as a harm reduction policy in Alberta, patient compensation in health research, and how to equip the next generation of health economists. 

1:00 p.m. — "Building the RWE Blueprint: A Coordinated Approach to RWE Use in Pharmaceutical Regulatory and Reimbursement Decisions in Canada" will provide an overview of the current landscape for RWE in Canada, and encourage discussion about next steps to ensure that RWE is being used consistently and appropriately to add value to pharmaceutical decision-making across Canada.

2:45 p.m. — The closing plenary, "The Transformation Challenge," will provide an opportunity for informed dialogue and debate on the challenges and opportunities associated with health system transformation and key issues using an interactive format, with participation from a panel of experts and the audience.

About CADTH

When Canada's health care decision-makers need to know what the evidence says, they ask CADTH. CADTH is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for providing Canada's health care decision-makers with objective evidence to help make informed decisions about the optimal use of drugs and medical devices in our health care system. CADTH receives funding from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the exception of Quebec (www.cadth.ca).

SOURCE Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)