Supporting Canadians through their gender affirmation journey
Sun Life launches new extended health coverage to help people transitioning
TORONTO, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life") is proud to offer gender affirmation coverage through Extended Health Care plans. Everyone experiences gender in their own unique way, for some this may mean being born a male but identifying as a female – or vice versa. Sun Life's extended coverage will help people transitioning embody their authentic selves.
"We know there can be a significant impact on an individual's mental, emotional and physical well-being when they do not feel connected to their gender," said Marie-Chantal Côté, Vice-President, Market Development, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Gender affirmation procedures and hormone therapies can help a person feel empowered to align their body with their gender expression."
While everyone's experience with gender affirmation is different, Sun Life's offering will provide financial support to plan members by reimbursing expenses covered by their workplace plan. Employers can offer core or enhanced coverage which includes:
Core Coverage: coverage for basic surgical procedures not covered under the individual's provincial or territorial health care plan. For example, the reduction of the Adam's apple and/or voice surgery.
Enhanced Coverage: additional coverage for surgical procedures to align feminine or masculine features to the transitioned gender. Such as, facial bone reduction and/or cheek augmentation.
In conjunction with the person's provincial or territorial health care plan, Sun Life's core coverage will reimburse some procedures not covered by their place of residence. While most medicare plans cover the basic surgical procedures for transitioning, many do not cover surgeries that feminize or masculinize an individual's features.
"When it comes to health and wellness, we understand that no two needs are the same, which is why we continue to evolve and diversify our health benefit plans, helping to meet the needs of all Canadians," said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Having additional support through gender affirmation can make a meaningful difference and help plan members live happier and healthier lives."
Gender affirmation coverage will be available to employers who wish to add it to their existing group Extended Health Care plans, beginning April 2019.
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.
About Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2018, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $951 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Aurora Cannabis and CanniMed Therapeutics Introduce Product Identification Numbers (PINs) to Medical Cannabis Products
TSX: ACB | NYSE: ACB
Helps Canadian Medical Cannabis Patients Receive Reimbursement Under Drug Benefit Plans
EDMONTON, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. ("Aurora" or the "Company") (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) (Frankfurt: 21P; WKN: A1C4WM) announced today that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary CanniMed Therapeutics, have added product information numbers (PINs) to 78 medical cannabis products to better facilitate and track insurance coverage for their Canadian patients. The products that received PINs include dried flower, capsules, soft gels, topicals and oils.
PINs help employers and insurance companies classify and incorporate health care products into benefit coverage plans. Patients submitting claims to their third-party insurer can now identify specific products and thereby speed up the adjudication and medical coverage process. MedReleaf, another wholly-owned subsidiary of Aurora, introduced PINs to 57 medical cannabis products in 2018.
"This is great news for insurance companies, employers and most importantly our patients," said Aurora CEO Terry Booth. "Introducing PINs for medical cannabis products will make the claims process more seamless, enabling insurance companies to add these products to their formularies while providing patients and employers with a simplified process to complete claims. It's another step toward enhancing patient access, something Aurora cares deeply about."
About Aurora
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with funded capacity in excess of 500,000 kg per annum and sales and operations in 24 countries across five continents, Aurora is one of the world's largest and leading cannabis companies. Aurora is vertically integrated and horizontally diversified across every key segment of the value chain, from facility engineering and design to cannabis breeding and genetics research, cannabis and hemp production, derivatives, high value-add product development, home cultivation, wholesale and retail distribution.
Highly differentiated from its peers, Aurora has established a uniquely advanced, consistent and efficient production strategy, based on purpose-built facilities that integrate leading-edge technologies across all processes, defined by extensive automation and customization, resulting in the massive scale production of high-quality product at low cost. Intended to be replicable and scalable globally, our production facilities are designed to produce cannabis of significant scale, with high quality, industry-leading yields, and low per gram production costs. Each of Aurora's facilities is built to meet EU GMP standards, and its first production facility, the recently acquired MedReleaf Markham facility, and its wholly owned European medical cannabis distributor Aurora Deutschland have achieved this level of certification.
In addition to the Company's rapid organic growth and strong execution on strategic M&A, which to date includes 16 wholly owned subsidiary companies – MedReleaf, CanvasRX, Peloton Pharmaceutical, Aurora Deutschland, H2 Biopharma, Urban Cultivator, BC Northern Lights, Larssen Greenhouses, CanniMed Therapeutics, Anandia Labs, HotHouse Consulting, MED Colombia, Agropro, Borela, ICC Labs and Whistler – Aurora is distinguished by its reputation as a partner and employer of choice in the global cannabis sector, having invested in and established strategic partnerships with a range of leading innovators, including: Radient Technologies Inc. (TSXV: RTI), Hempco Food and Fiber Inc. (TSXV: HEMP), Cann Group Ltd. (ASX: CAN), Micron Waste Technologies Inc. (CSE: MWM), Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO), Capcium Inc. (private), Evio Beauty Group (private), Wagner Dimas (private), CTT Pharmaceuticals (OTCC: CTTH), Alcanna Inc. (TSX: CLIQ) and High Tide Inc. (CSE:HITI).
Aurora's Common Shares trade on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol "ACB", and are a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
For more information about Aurora, please visit our investor website, investor.auroramj.com
Neither the TSX, NYSE nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX and NYSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Terry Booth, CEO Aurora Cannabis Inc.
Forward looking statements
This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the potential offering of any securities by the Company; uncertainty with respect to the completion of any future offering; the ability to obtain applicable regulatory approval for any contemplated offerings; the ability of the Company to negotiate and complete future funding transactions, as well as the risks identified under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly 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 expressly required by applicable law.
SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.
CIBC introduces all-encompassing banking offer for physicians
New Full Service Physician Package provides tailored wealth management, business and personal banking services, and advice
TORONTO, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) announced today a comprehensive banking offer for physicians spanning business and personal banking designed to help them achieve their goals from residency to retirement.
Starting today, physicians joining or already banking with CIBC across Canada will have access to customized product offers and solutions that meet their unique needs, supported by a team of experts who offer an all-encompassing approach to business, personal banking and investment advice.
"We know life as a physician can be busy and challenging – from managing complex patient care and overseeing business needs to looking after personal finances and planning for the future," says Andrew Turnbull, Senior Vice-President, Business Banking, CIBC. "That's why we're introducing an offer for physicians that provides peace of mind with a one-stop solution that meets their banking needs through every step of their career."
Access to tailored advice from a team of experts in business, personal banking and investment needs
Exclusive, market-leading rates on business and personal lending
Funding for up to 100% of practice start-up and expansion costs
Preferred pricing on personal investments (for physicians and spouses)
Specialized Business Operating Account for physicians with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
Premium personal chequing accounts and credit cards (with fee waiver options)
New offer for medical and dental students
Tomorrow's doctors and dentists need tailored financial advice from the moment they are accepted to school.
"CIBC has created a banking bundle for medical and dental students that recognizes their need for flexibility, value, and experts who understand the journey to become a practicing professional," Mr. Turnbull says.
Enrollment in CIBC Imperial Service, with access to one-on-one financial planning and advice from advisors specialized in medical and dental student needs
Exclusive CIBC Prime -0.25% rates on market-leading borrowing up to $350,000
Waived fees on premium chequing accounts with unlimited transactions during school
"A physician's financial journey begins when they start their education," adds Mr. Turnbull. "It's important to have integrated banking services from medical school all the way through to retirement so that their financial well-being is set up for today and tomorrow."
About CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.
SOURCE CIBC
Local leaders join forces with LLSC in a unique fundraising campaign to help support 3-year-old boy with leukemia
MONTREAL, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is proud to kick off its first-ever Man & Woman of the Year campaign. This unique fundraising opportunity taps into the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to help fund groundbreaking research and advance blood cancer cures.
In its inaugural year in Canada, candidates from Montreal, Quebec will form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honour of 3-year-old Adamo, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in September of 2018. The individual who raises the most funds during the ten-week campaign will be recognized as the national Man & Woman of the Year.
"We are thrilled to have local leaders participate in this year's competition," says Alicia Talarico, President of the LLSC. "The candidates have all been touched by cancer in some way and they embody the idea that when a community comes together, anything is possible. Every voice, every action and every dollar is needed to help change the future for people affected by a blood cancer."
LLSC is the leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers and ensuring that patients have access to life-saving treatments. Each year, more than 22,000 Canadians are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. Through its fundraising programs, LLSC has invested more than $40 million in research to better understand the underlying causes of the disease, develop better therapies, and save more lives. The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year campaign will be used for:
Research to advance targeted therapies that are saving lives;
Blood cancer services, information, and support for patients;
Public education for healthcare professionals and the blood cancer community
"We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of our community," said Grace and Pino Bocchino, Adamo's parents. "To be surrounded by this much love and kindness makes us feel like we're not alone in this. This is an extraordinary initiative and will go a long way in supporting kids like Adamo."
There are many ways to support Man & Woman of the Year candidates, including by making a donation throughout the ten-week campaign. Visit the Man & Woman of the Year website at www.mwoy.ca to learn more.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit www.llscanada.org
For personalized disease, treatment or support information, patients can contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
For further information:
Sofia Guay, Regional Director, Quebec Region, 514-875-1000, Sofia.guay@lls.org
NeuroCatch™ Platform Receives Health Canada Medical Device Licence for Brain Function Assessment
Objective brain function assessment system revolutionizes the ABCs of cognitive function Soon to be available to clinicians and researchers in Canada
SURREY, BC, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - NeuroCatch Inc. has received a Health Canada medical device licence for Canada's first and only objective, rapid neuro-physiological brain function assessment system, through the measurement of event-related potentials (ERPs), that is easy-to-use, cost-effective, and readily accessible: the NeuroCatch™ Platform. NeuroCatch Inc. is a brain-focused health technology company committed to translating research innovations into real-world medical devices and applications.
A wholly owned subsidiary of HealthTech Connex, Inc. whose president and chief scientific officer is renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ryan D'Arcy, NeuroCatch Inc. created the NeuroCatch Platform as a scientific, evidence-based approach for the clinical utilization of ERPs, and an objective, rapid neuro-physiological brain function assessment system that is easy-to-use, cost-effective, and readily accessible to clinicians and researchers. It consists of a portable, all-in-one hardware and software system that captures electroencephalograph (EEG) data and automatically extracts critical ERP brainwave information and rapidly translates this information into an easy to use clinical report.
"NeuroCatch Inc. is proud to receive a Health Canada medical device licence for our objective brain function assessment system and bring this highly significant tool and medical resource directly to clinicians and researchers. This system is based on years of evidence-based science and research completed by our incredible team," says Kirk Fisher, CEO of NeuroCatch Inc. "Now clinicians and researchers have a readily deployable, rapid and highly accurate system that can help them make objective brain function assessments."
With the Health Canada Class II medical device license, NeuroCatch Inc. is poised to bring the NeuroCatch Platform to brain-focused clinicians and researchers throughout Canada, the first being the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic at the Health and Technology District.
"We are excited to be the first in Canada to offer the NeuroCatch Platform as a brain function assessment tool for our clients," says Sonia Brodie, Clinic Enterprise Manager at the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic. "As a neuro-rehabilitation therapy clinic focused on clients with neurological conditions, it is extremely valuable to have such a device that our therapists can easily use to objectively and accurately measure brain function."
How the NeuroCatch Platform works: The NeuroCatch Platform consists of EEG electrodes embedded in a mesh cap, which wirelessly interface with the custom software platform. The NeuroCatch software enables the user to setup a client for a scan: an approximately 6-min proprietary audio stimulus sequence that has been specifically designed to elicit desired brain responses.
The NeuroCatch Platform provides an objective neuro-physiological assessment using three key ERPs using a standard medical ABC format: Auditory Sensation (N100]); Basic Attention (P300); and Cognitive Processing (N400). The data is then output into a NeuroCatch Platform Report, which clinicians can use to assist them in evaluating their patients.
The NeuroCatch Platform is also currently being used for investigative research in several locations across Canada and the U.S., including the Mayo Clinic, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and the Bruyère Research Institute.
For more information on the NeuroCatch Platform, visit www.NeuroCatch.com.
About the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic: The Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic (SNC) is a neuro-rehabilitation clinic in Surrey, British Columbia, focusing on comprehensive therapies using advanced, non-invasive brain technologies to help treat people with neurological conditions. The clinical team consists of multidisciplinary therapists expertly trained with the latest, innovative technologies to support the brain's ability to heal, adapt, retrain and transform itself. The SNC is proud to be Western Canada's first clinic to have access to the cutting-edge PoNS Heuro Treatment. https://snpc.tech
About NeuroCatch Inc.: NeuroCatch Inc. is a neuro-health technology company focused on translating neuroscience research innovations into real-world medical devices and consumer products. Located within the Health and Technology District in Surrey, British Columbia, NeuroCatch Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HealthTech Connex Inc. It's first medical device, the NeuroCatch Platform, is Canada's first and only objective, rapid neuro-physiological brain function assessment system that is easy-to-use, cost-effective and readily accessible.
The company's mission is to revolutionize the way the brain is measured by transforming groundbreaking research & development into commercial devices that can positively impact brain health around the world. www.NeuroCatch.com
SOURCE NeuroCatch Inc.
Medavie Health Services New Brunswick named as finalist in the 2019 PwC Canada Vision to Reality Awards
DARTMOUTH, NS, March 28, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Medavie Health Services New Brunswick (MHSNB) has been named as a category finalist in the 2019 PwC Canada Vision to Reality (V2R) Awards. The awards recognize the most innovative organizations in the country for their hard work and creativity, turning visions into reality.
In the Accelerator category, MHSNB is recognized for launching an integrated health care system with the Government of New Brunswick in January 2018. MHSNB has brought together the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program (EMP) and Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB) into a single public service entity that is enabling both services to reach their full potential and build capacity within New Brunswick's primary health care setting. This integrated approach is the first of its kind in Canada, working to shift delivery of care from hospitals into patients' homes and communities, where they are healthiest and happiest.
"Medavie Health Services New Brunswick is honoured to be recognized by PwC Canada as a Vision to Reality Award finalist," said Richard Losier, President of MHSNB. "We need to think differently about how we deliver health care. We need to provide care that serves our patients – our clients – with better outcomes and in the way they want. We strongly believe our approach to an integrated health care system will improve the lives of New Brunswickers and make a difference for patients and their families, health care providers and New Brunswick's overall health system. It's also a model of health care that has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of many more Canadians as other provinces take note and consider a similar approach."
The PwC Canada V2R Awards recognize Canadian organizations and their innovative accomplishments in four categories, defined by revenue levels. The awards are open to any Canadian-controlled, headquartered or organization with operations in Canada (e.g. publicly held, privately held or public sector with management team and activities related to the innovation located solely in Canada) able to demonstrate their innovations within their category. The entries are then judged by an independent panel of industry and innovation experts who review and rate each applicant's innovation description.
"We're thrilled to recognize our V2R Awards finalists who represent innovators of all sizes and industries. Selected by the independent panel of judges, the finalists demonstrate that innovation is thriving across every region in Canada," said Chris Dulny, Chief Innovation Officer, PwC Canada. "The Awards celebrate some of the country's best innovators and bring together a network of leaders to collaborate and share ideas. Ultimately, this type of collaboration helps make Canada a more competitive place for innovation and we're proud to be a part of that."
PwC Canada will be announcing the V2R Awards winners during an awards ceremony to be held May 9th in Toronto.
About Medavie Health Services New Brunswick Medavie Health Services New Brunswick is the subsidiary of Medavie Health Services responsible for the optimal operation and management of Ambulance New Brunswick and the Extra-Mural program, an integrated, service-led primary health care organization.
Medavie Health Services is part of Medavie, a health services organization. Together with Medavie Blue Cross, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that will improve the wellbeing of Canadians.
SOURCE Medavie Blue Cross
Training Feel Impossible? 4 Common Causes of Foot Pain in Runners
Running and foot pain often go hand in hand, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. By knowing some of the most common causes of foot pain in runners, you can take action to protect your feet better and ensure more comfort while running. Here are four of the main causes of foot pain that often affect runners.
Ill-Fitting Shoes
Shoes that are of the wrong size can wreak havoc on your feet and cause persistent pain. Shoes that are too small can make the feet more confined and susceptible to injury while footwear that’s too big can rub on the heels and other areas of the feet while running and leave blisters, calluses, and lesions. It’s also important to have shoes that are fitted to provide enough support in the arches and other areas of the feet that running actively engages.
Stress Fractures
The excessive pounding on the bones from running may cause stress fractures to form in the feet. As Active.comexplains, stress fractures are often hard to diagnose because they tend to progress slowly over time and don’t always show up clearly on X-rays. If you happen to get a stress fracture, the best thing to do is to take time off from running and other athletic activities that result in high impact on your feet until the fracture heals.
Plantar Fasciitis
The first sign of this condition is usually intense pain felt at the bottom of the feet. According to WebMD, plantar fasciitis results when the fibrous tissue on the bottom of your feet known as the fascia is stretched too much and forms small tears. Causes of plantar fasciitis may range from ill-fitting shoes to training too aggressively. Treating the root cause usually resolves plantar fasciitis. Orthotics and inserts that are worn inside shoes are sometimes prescribed to help ease pain and facilitate healing.
Tendonitis
One of the main tendon’s susceptible to inflammation while running is the posterior tibial tendon, which helps to support arches. In addition to pain at the bottom of your feet, you may experience symptoms like swelling and throbbing when tendonitis is present. A foot doctor or physical therapist can show you stretches and exercises to treat tendonitis. Icing your feet regularly can also be effective in reducing inflammation.
Finding the source of your foot pain and implementing the right solution can help keep you running longer with less pain. Consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist, who can diagnose the cause of your foot pain and administer treatment to ease your suffering.
Ready-to-use most cost-efficient and effective way to counter hospital-acquired infections: Clorox® Professional Products Canada
TORONTO, March 27, 2019 /CNW/ - NYSE: CLX, NYSE: CLX.B - When it comes to fighting hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), the efficiency and efficacy of ready-to-use disinfectants is unparalleled. Lower priced dilutables may be attractive but research has shown1 that price tag could bear a higher cost when it comes to cross-contamination, quality control issues and low compliance.
Ready-to-use products like Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes offer a consistent approach to combatting HAIs.
"In Spring, the hectic flu season may be behind us but the germs still stick around on surfaces," explains Barley Chironda, Infection Control Specialist at Clorox Professional. "You need to ensure you're using effective products and ready-to-use products are a sure way of knowing you have the right concentration – you're eliminating the chances of error."
Using products that have consistent dilution is vital, as human error can lead to quality control issues1. Those errors can have serious consequences, not just financial but fatal repercussions as well.
According to a report by Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, more than 200,000 patients get infections every year while receiving healthcare in Canada, and more than 8,000 die as a result.2 Treatment has proven to be more costly than prevention, totalling an estimated $129 million in 2010 alone.3
"Hospitals and health care facilities are high-risk areas," says Chironda. "It's is important to ensure a safe patient environment."
And the ability to save time, avoid cross-contamination, and ensure disinfectants are the proper saturation and concentration every time helps to offset the growing threat of HAIs, an issue the environmental service, administrative team and clinical teams can't afford to overlook.
While ready-to-use wipes like Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes can be disposed of safely after use, reusable cotton and microfiber towels used alongside dilutables provide a safe-haven for microorganisms to linger4.
Ready-to-use has also proven more time-efficient. A study1 found environmental services staff and employees spent 21 per cent less time per patient room when utilizing ready-to-use products, cost savings that equated to $38.58 per employee per day.
It adds up, says Chironda.
"I often hear cost as a barrier to implementing ready-to-use products in hospitals," he says. "But both personal experience and studies have shown that the benefits of guaranteed concentration, improved safety, and ease of use, is well worth the cost."
1. Wiemken, T. L. et al. The Value of Ready-to-Use Disinfectant Wipes: Compliance, Employee Time, and Costs. Am. J. Infect. Control 2014, 42, 329–330. 2. Government of Canada. The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2013 – Healthcare-associated infections – Due diligence. 2013. https://bit.ly/2AVgHs4. Accessed September 28, 2018. 3. Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Healthcare-Associated Infections. https://bit.ly/2ecb77j. 4. Sifuentes, L. Y. et al. Microbial Contamination of Hospital Reusable Cleaning Towels. Am. J. Infect. Control. 2013, 41, 912–915
Testosterone For Women, Estrogen For Men? Wrong Levels Bring Problems
By Don Colbert, M.D.
You don’t normally think of women needing testosterone and men needing estrogen. But when those levels drop for women and men, respectively, or are way out of balance, a wide range of symptoms may be suffered.
Fortunately, there are ways to correct those levels and restore health.
Ladies first.
Testosterone is considered the manly hormone, yet few women know that they have quite a bit of it in their bodies, primarily when they are young. In their 20s and 30s, their testosterone is in the normal range, but after 40 is when we start to see the decline in levels.
There are numerous factors that push testosterone levels lower – menopause, medications, stress, aging, removal of ovaries, and more. And with that drop, myriad problems can occur. Blood work is needed to confirm suspicions, but persistent symptoms of low testosterone in women are hard to argue away. Among those symptoms are aching joints, depression, inability to sleep, lack of sex drive, migraines, and weight gain.
But the great news is, it’s fixable.
The hormone health zone for testosterone in women
The first hormone women need to optimize is testosterone. It may sound a little strange to recommend testosterone therapy for women, but with it they can benefit enormously. Depression and anxiety usually lift. They can slow or sometimes reverse cellulite, lose weight (especially belly fat), tighten skin, restore libido, improve memory, strengthen the heart, and boost energy levels and stamina.
The benefits of boosting testosterone go further; low testosterone is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, and weak bones. Low testosterone levels give women many of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, which serves as another strong motivator for women to keep their testosterone levels up.
Sadly, most doctors are taught to prescribe only low doses of estradiol (in pill format, which is not good) and no testosterone whatsoever. In fact, doctors usually choose not to address hormone issues at all. They will tell you “normal ranges,” and if you happen to be low, they will usually prescribe you a medication for the symptoms. But that will never get your health back.
What your body needs is bioidentical hormone therapy. You may need to find another doctor, someone who will treat your low-testosterone symptoms with bioidentical testosterone.
I have found boosting testosterone levels with pellets to be effective and efficient. They raise levels quickly, and you don’t need to come back for another treatment for three to four months, and sometimes six months. Testosterone injections are the next-best method if pellets are too pricey, followed by testosterone creams.
I suggest women in their 40s start monitoring their testosterone levels. The time to start optimizing them is when the hormone levels go below 50-60 percent of upper range or when symptoms develop. When your testosterone levels are optimized, life is great!
Now for you men
Yes guys, it’s true: Even men need estrogen. There’s just a delicate balance that needs to be understood.
Estrogen is one of those things that is good for you in the proper amounts but bad if you have too much or too little of it. Just the right amount of estradiol is good for bone strength, sperm count, cholesterol metabolism, healthy libido, and clear thinking, just to name a few of the known values of estrogen in men.
Usually, however, it is too much estrogen in men that is much more common. This occurs when testosterone levels decrease due to aging, obesity, lifestyle, a lack of exercise, stress, endocrine disruptors, and so on. Too much estrogen has been found to promote abnormal clot formation or blood clots, and excessive estrogen levels may also increase the risk of stroke.
A healthy man usually needs to maintain at least a 10-to-1 ratio of testosterone to estrogen. When the ratio is far below 10-to-1, estrogen levels are too high, and that brings with it a host of ailments. Among the symptoms I’ve seen in men who have too much estrogen in their bodies are brain fog, blood clots, gynecomastia (man boobs), lack of erections, lack of sex drive, and low sperm counts.
There’s also a higher risk for prostate cancer and heart disease when estrogen (estradiol) levels in men are too high.
Too little estrogen, and you also have a lack of sexual interest, few erections, and no libido. It’s also not healthy for the brain to have super-low estrogen levels, nor is brain fog a symptom that anyone enjoys.
The hormone health zone for estrogen in men
Optimizing estrogen levels in men usually coincides with their testosterone levels. They are linked; raise testosterone, and estrogen usually rises; lower testosterone, and estrogen usually lowers. Remember, the goal is for at least a 10-to-1 ratio.
When men start using testosterone cream, shots, or pellets, some of the testosterone aromatizes, or converts, to estrogen. Some men have excessive aromatization, especially older men and men who are obese. To stay in the estradiol hormone health zone, men will need to take a hormone-regulating supplement called DIM (Diindolylmethane), 150 mg twice a day. It is the safest way to lower estrogen without the fear of going too low.
For men who have never had their estrogen levels checked and believe they might have the symptoms of high or low estrogen, ask for blood work that gives you your estradiol level. Then you and your doctor will know what to do to treat it. Estrogen levels are usually pretty easy to treat in men.
It may be surprising that men need to watch their estrogen levels, but it’s one of those things that they must be aware of. When we were learning to drive, we were all taught to watch for the “blind spots.” Those spots aren’t dangerous in and of themselves. But when you need to take action, the blind spots are suddenly very important.
Don Colbert, M.D. (www.drcolbert.com), is the author of Dr. Colbert's Hormone Health Zone. He has been a board-certified family practice doctor for more than 25 years and has offices in Orlando, Fla., and Dallas. The author of over 40 books, he wrote two New York Times best-sellers – The Seven Pillars of Health and Dr. Colbert’s “I Can Do This” Diet – has sold more than 10 million books and treated 50,000-plus patients. Dr. Colbert is a frequent show guest of Christian leaders Joyce Meyer, John Hagee, and Kenneth Copeland and has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Fox News, ABC World News Tonight, and in periodicals such as Newsweek and Reader’s Digest.
Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program Offers Unique Solutions for Canadian Physicians at Every Stage of Their Career
TORONTO, March 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program ("the Program"), a robust suite of banking services tailored to Canadian physicians at every stage of their careers. Developed in collaboration with MD Financial Management ("MD"), the only national financial services firm exclusively dedicated to the financial well-being of Canada's physicians and their families, the program will contribute to the well-being of physicians by helping to provide financial peace of mind.
"Scotiabank appreciates the unique financial demands placed on physicians in their personal and professional lives," said Glen Gowland, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank. "We've built the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program to meet those demands, with tailored financial solutions to help physicians at any stage in their career—whether they've just begun studies or are starting up or winding down their practice—wherever they study or practise in Canada."
The Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program leverages Scotiabank's wide range of products, services and expertise to create solutions that meet the varied financial considerations of students, residents, and practicing and retired physicians. Medical students, for example, will benefit from education financing with flexible, competitive repayment terms and pricing. Practicing physicians will be able to take advantage of a range of exclusive benefits that support them in building and managing their business. Retiring physicians, meanwhile, will be able to access customized investment opportunities to help enable their lifestyle after their career has ended.
The Program is the perfect complement to the comprehensive, physician-centric financial management services already available—and honed over the last five decades—at MD. Physicians who wish to do so can also take advantage of MD's highly talented roster of wealth management advisors and portfolio managers; MD's self-directed services (MD Direct Trade™); and MD's autonomous investor services (MD ExO Direct®).
"Together, through the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program, MD clients can truly access all the financial solutions they need through one comprehensive offering and one trusted advisor," said Brian Peters, President and CEO of MD. "Scotiabank and MD's proud history of 237 years of combined experience is the solid foundation to help our clients achieve their goals."
Physicians and physicians in training who are interested in learning more about the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program can visit www.scotiabankhealthcareplus.com
FURTHER BACKGROUND
Programs Tailored for Medical Students, Residents, and Practicing and Retired Physicians
Scotiabank has created specific plans to provide banking that grows with physicians at every stage of their medical career.
Early Career: For many medical students and residents, debt is a major concern. More than 83 per cent of Canadian medical graduates report debt related to their medical education, with an average debt load of more than $160,000, according to the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.1
Studies also show that debt among some medical students and graduates is directly related to higher levels of burnout, preventing them from learning and performing at the highest level.2
Scotiabank has developed a plan that offers all early career physicians financial peace of mind and lets them focus on what matters most — their education and profession.
The Scotia Professional® Student Plan includes:
Education financing with flexible, competitive repayment terms and pricing.
A comprehensive personal banking package with fee savings and rewards.
Access to preferred banking solutions with industry-leading pricing, and no annual reviews or re-applications.
Practicing Physicians: For practicing physicians, Scotiabank has created a targeted plan that helps them grow and manage their practice while taking care of themselves and their loved ones.
In addition to the support of a dedicated advisor, physicians have access to a national team of Healthcare & Professional Specialists, who provide advice and access to specialized products and services tailored to physicians.
Support includes:
A comprehensive personal banking package with access to a team of advisors who understand the unique and specialized needs of medical professionals throughout their career cycle.
Competitive rates on lending products, with bonus rates on savings and term deposit products.
Premium credit cards for personal and business needs.
Retired Physicians: For physicians approaching or beginning retirement, the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program focuses more on Private Banking3 and investment opportunities that make it easier for physicians to enjoy their retirement.
In addition to a comprehensive personal banking package, retired physicians can benefit from:
Access to the Total Wealth Credit SolutionTM.
Transactional banking support.
A leading-edge concierge and travel management service.
A customized line of credit that lets them take advantage of investment opportunities whenever they arise.
Commitment to the physician community: Scotiabank continues to reinforce its ongoing commitment to the well-being of Canada's physician community, with close to $50 million contributed to the enhancement of health in Canada over the last four years—including the recently announced $1.6 million contribution for Well Doc Alberta in collaboration with MD and the Canadian Medical Association—and, now, with the launch of Scotiabank Healthcare+.
About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees4 and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.
About MD Financial Management Inc.
With 50 years of physician-focused experience, MD has one main goal: to help Canada's physicians achieve financial well-being. MD has more than $49 billion in assets under administration and is dedicated to serving Canada's physicians and their families. MD provides financial products and services, the MD Family of Funds and investment counselling services through the MD Group of Companies. For a detailed list of these companies, visit md.ca.
______________________________________ 1 "Future MD Canada," Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, https://afmc.ca/sites/default/files/qa/Q3c.pdf 2 "Medical student debt and major life choices other than specialty," Nov. 11, 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229497/ 3 For clients with a minimum of $1 million in investable assets. 4 Employees are reported on a full-time equivalent basis.
SOURCE Scotiabank
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