Cycling can be one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise, but it isn’t always the most comfortable activity. Unnecessary discomfort when riding can be off-putting to beginning biker and make it harder to maintain a regular biking schedule. Fortunately, there are many ways to make riding a bike easier on your body while still allowing you to get in enough exercise. These four solutions can ensure a more comfortable bike ride.
Enhanced Bike Seat
Standard bike seats can sometimes lead to soreness when sitting on them for prolonged periods of time. There are now seats on the market that have been designed to provide greater comfort. A seat made with a gel cushion will be a great addition to your bicycle. Some seats have backrests that can ease much of the strain from the back. Extra-wide seats are also available if you want some additional width and support. Comfortable seats are especially important for those who are going to be biking on rough terrain. Bumps and jolts can knock a beginning biker against their seat, causing pain and bruising that can really impact the experience for the worse. If you’re going to spend a lot of time on a bike, be sure to invest in a comfortable seat.
Shock Absorption
The shock that you feel as your bike travels over roadways and pathways can take a toll on more than just your tailbone. Rough terrain can jolt your body and cause you to experience soreness and fatigue quicker. The strain on your wrists can cause swelling and, eventually, nerve damage. On top of that, a sudden jolt can often cause bikers to bite their tongue or lip unexpectedly and painfully. With bike shock absorbers, those jolts will be absorbed by the absorption springs rather than by your arms, legs, and spine. Many of the best bike absorbers for sale are compact in size and fit easily onto most types of bicycles. If you’re going to be often biking on rough terrain, ensure that your bike is properly outfitted with shock absorbers to protect your comfort and health.
Proper Cycling Attire
Wearing the proper clothing as you cycle can give you greater comfort throughout your entire ride. Many custom cycling kits are made from breathable fabrics that feel good on the skin and contain sweat-wicking properties. This can act as a barrier between your skin and the sun while also keeping you cool The best cycling shoes are lightweight and provide adequate support without being too confining. These will ensure that your cycling motions don’t put too much strain on your ankles and arches. Gloves with padded palms make gripping the steering wheel easier on the hands and protect them from the wind. Wearing a waterproof thermal jacket on a cold day can help you stay warmer. These also act as a barrier against the wind, preventing dry skin and chills.
Attachable Mirrors and Blinkers
Looking behind you is important when turning on your bike. However, the hunched position you’re in on your bike is not ideal for craning your neck around and can actually strain your neck and back. Not every biker is experienced enough to feel comfortable taking their hands off of the handlebars to signal their turns, either. If you’re tired of craning your neck to see what’s behind you or using your arms to signal turns, mirrors and blinkers that attach to your bicycle can be an excellent investment. These accessories can make your riding experience safer and more comfortable. It’s easy to attach bicycle mirrors to your handles for better visibility. Bicycle blinkers work like car blinkers and make signaling a turn more apparent to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. These additions allow you to keep a firm grip on the wheel, keep your head facing forward, and your focus and balance intact.
You’ll want to make the most out of each cycling experience so that you’ll feel more encouraged to keep riding consistently. While many are turned away by the discomforts of bike riding as an exercise method, these discomforts can be mitigated. By enhancing the comfort of each cycling adventure, you’ll be have a better time enjoying your ride and even further protect your health.
Not just a Better Body: Spring into a Happier, Healthier Lifestyle
By Joshua Mansour, M.D.
As we enter into Spring and the weather improves, many people naturally think about “getting summer-ready.” They work towards eating healthier and exercise in an effort to lose some weight to be “beach-bound.” Although many people focus mainly on the aesthetics resulting from dieting, there are actually numerous health benefits including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, decreased risk of diabetes, and even cancer prevention that can be secondary benefits.
With the weather starting to warm up, the sun starting to shine, and the cold fronts decreasing in severity, people are now sprinting to the door to get outside. The data on the advantages of being active is far from new. The World Health Organization had written a piece greater than a decade ago warning people of the complications of a sedentary lifestyle. It has been found to be one of the top ten leading causes of death and disability in the world at that time. Physical inactivity not only increases mortality, but can severely increase the risk of several different diseases including but not limited to heart disease, high cholesterol, Diabetes Mellitus, and obesity.
Physical inactivity can also play a role and can even increase your risk of cancer. The America Cancer Society indicates that about 1/5 of all cancer deaths in the United States each year are linked to excess body weight, poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, and decreased physical activity. According to the National Cancer Institute and the Mayo Clinic, you can aid in lowering your risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight by helping decrease certain hormone levels that may play a part. An increase in hormones such as insulin and related hormones in obesity can encourage colorectal cancer. It has been shown that even by decreasing your weight by 10% can you reduce your risk of cancer. Although cellular and genetic factors that continue to be discovered play a major role, there is no denying that a healthy diet and physical activity contribute to cancer prevention.
At this time many people start thinking about losing body fat and potentially seeing the appearance of abdominal muscles and definition. There is a common saying that “abs are made in the kitchen”. Although some may be thinking about how they will look in the mirror or in front of others, eating healthy can pose several other benefits. The National Institute of Health, The American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, The American Heart Association, and The National Heart and Lung Institute recommend increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in our daily diets. Integrative medicine physician Dr. Eddie Fatakhov explains that “Eight to ten servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a certain amount of whole grains, is what we should be consuming every day; however, most Americans do not even consume three to four servings daily.”
Dr. Fatakhov explains that “by consuming more grains, vegetables, and fruits we can ourselves and do our part to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants and natural substances. Additionally, increased consumption, may in cases, help to reverse the existing damage, caused by the free radicals.” Several studies have shown that nutrition can play a very important role in cancer prevention and have a significant impact on breast, colon, oral cavity, lung, prostate cancer to name a few. Eating foods such as vegetables that are loaded with antioxidants and fiber can further help dysmorphic cells from developing. While it may not be known exactly which factors have the greatest effect, the evidence is even supported by the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.
Thus, there is no reason we all should not live longer lives, maintain our energy, sex drive, and other faculties throughout our entire life span by being more active and eating healthier. While different people may have different reasons for starting now, there is no better time to start than today. So, this summer when you look in the mirror smiling about your progress, know that you are making even greater strides that meet the eye, in your journey towards a happier and healthier life.
About Joshua Mansour, MD:
Dr. Joshua Mansour is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist working and in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy in Stanford, California. Recently he has managed to have over 10 recent abstracts and over 10 recent manuscripts published in esteemed journals and given countless presentations at conferences and other institutions. He has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals, and lead multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that smoking, not wearing sunscreen and going to bed with your makeup on hardly produces the coveted look of Instagram’s “glass skin.” Aside from these three ‘skin sins’ there are many others that are not so obvious. We turned to Denver Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Manish Shah who is a big believer in pre-juvenation and a holistic approach to youth.
Inconsistent Dieting
“Many people think caring for your skin is skin-deep,” quips Dr. Shah. “It is not.“ Inconsistent or inadequate nutrition that has your body mass and weight moving in a yo-yo motion up and down the scale can contribute to ruined elasticity and reduced collagen in the skin. This is part of the reason why specialists will recommend a two-pound maximum weight loss goal per week because your skin needs time to adapt to the loss of mass. Dr. Shah explains that the skin needs to be nourished from the inside as well and many of the trend diets like keto and paleo focus on one group of food and though it can help keep a caloric deficit, it can also create a deficit of the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin looking healthy.
Drinking Too Much Coffee
“Excessive amounts of caffeine can increase the levels of insulin and cortisol in the system,” explains Dr. Shah. Insulin increases inflammation and cortisol is known as the stress hormone. This combination could mix up your sleeping habits and contribute to continued stress which can lead to sleep deprivation. “Sleep deprivation prevents that regenerative rest our skin and mind need to stay healthy.”
Neglecting the Skin Around Your Eyes
"The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and has very few oil glands," says Dr. Shah. Pamper your eyes and stave off signs of aging by choosing a daily eye cream that includes peptides. Dr. Shah explains, “They work to stimulate collagen production and prevent fine lines. Be sure to check the label.” Other notable ingredients that reduce puffiness, lines, wrinkles, and under eye circles are caffeine and nicotinic acid (a form of the B vitamin niacin).
Expecting Instant Results from Beauty Treatments
Most of us are guilty of trying a face cream or anti-aging treatment once or twice and then giving up on it before it has had a chance to work. A majority of anti-aging treatments take up to a month to begin showing positive effects. Dr. Shah explains, “This is due to the cycle of your skin, which undergoes a period of cellular structure renewal over a span of 30 days. In our instant gratification mode, we often toss a product before giving it time to work.”
Taking Medications With Side-Effects on the Skin
Certain medications like corticosteroids for asthma and arthritis cause the skin to thin and weakens blood vessels. Medicine to treat seizures can cause heightened sensitivity to sun damage in the skin which is a common perpetrator in premature aging. Blood pressure medications that block calcium channels have been studied in relation to their inhibition of collagen production by obstructing the absorption of vitamin C by the cells. Vitamin C is an important part of collagen production. “If these medications are being prescribed to you by your physician then the benefits outweigh their effect on collagen production. There is no need to stress over this, as long as you take care of your skin in other ways you should be fine,” explains Dr. Shah.
Consuming Excessive Amounts of Salt
“By all measures, an excess of salt in your diet is detrimental to your kidneys, your cardiovascular health and, yes, your skin,” says Dr. Shah. Salt absorbs moisture and it can aid in making your skin look dry and less vibrant. Reducing your sodium intake and sticking to a moisturizing routine should help your skin stay healthy and smooth.
Facial Expressions
Every time you move that beautiful face, your skin wrinkles a little bit. Most of the time your face bounces back and those little wrinkles disappear once new skin cells grow.
Soap
While you may think that soap is your skin’s best friend, this is actually not the case. The reason for this is that your skin has an acid mantle which is a natural protective barrier of the skin. When you wash with soap – which is generally alkaline – it can remove this protective layer of oils and dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles. Dr. Shah says that “While it is not advisable to stop washing entirely, try swapping the soap for a PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser, and bear in mind that there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin.”
Tugging on Your Skin While Applying or Removing Makeup
To minimize the damage to the skin around your eyes, follow these quick tips from Dr. Shah:
Use your ring finger to pat on products around your eyes, including serums, oils, moisturizers, and concealers. Your ring finger is the least likely to pull or tug at your skin.
Apply eyeliner and eyeshadow by gently closing your eyelids, rather than by pulling them taut. If you’re struggling to apply without pulling, consider investing in products that are made to apply smoothly, like cream or gel formulas.
Have patience when removing makeup from the eye area. Use cotton or another soft product, coated well with your favorite makeup removing solution. Hold the cotton over your closed eye without wiping, allowing the product to break down the makeup. After a minute or so, wipe gently to remove the makeup.
Picking Your Skin
You're not a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. You should not be picking at your pimples, ingrown hairs, or anywhere else on your face. It's one of the biggest assaults against your skin and can have permanent effects. "The more people press and manipulate blemishes, the more inflammation they create underneath," explains Dr. Shah. "The result is scars, pockmarks, and discoloration that can become permanent.”
Licking Your Lips Constantly
There's a myth out there that claims people can get addicted to lip balm. "These people just have dry skin and miss the feeling of the balm when it's gone," says Dr. Shah. Lip licking can become a bad habit. But when you moisten your lips that way, you actually wind up making things worse. The water in your saliva evaporates, leaving lips dry and cracked. "Saliva can contain bacteria and irritants, so you can end up with a rash around the lips as well," says Dr. Shah. Try a lip balm such as Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Original Beeswax with Vitamin E & Peppermint Oil.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Entertainment Industry Recommendations on Depicting Suicide One-of-a-kind collective recommendations reinforce the entertainment industry’s role in suicide prevention
The first-ever national recommendations for depicting suicide in entertainment content were released today by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention. The recommendations aim to help members of the entertainment industry—content creators, scriptwriters, producers—tell more balanced and authentic stories involving suicide and suicide prevention. Substantial evidence shows that the way movies and other forms of entertainment media depict suicide and mental illness can have positive or harmful effects on viewers. Studies have found that the way the media covers suicide can influence behavior negatively, by contributing to increased suicidal behavior among viewers, or positively, by encouraging help-seeking and recovery. To assist the entertainment industry in promoting accurate portrayals of suicide – a key goal of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention – the Action Alliance collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) to develop the recommendations, which were informed by both representatives from the entertainment industry and the suicide prevention fields. “Engaging with the entertainment industry is an important strategy to suicide prevention, “said Marie Gallo Dyak, chief executive officer, EIC. “The National Recommendations for Depicting Suicide serve as a resource for content creators to offer guidance when they are including suicide in a story. The goal is to portray the scene without presenting a visual image that can lead to unintentional consequence. The dialogue is authentic while also offering hope to those struggling.” “Our industry is in a unique position to educate, inspire, and empower,” said David McFarland, award-winning producer/writer for film & television and social impact advisor for the entertainment and sports industries. “Content creators, using the recommendations, can craft more authentic and balanced stories that can make a significant difference in the lives of people in communities across the country.” The National Recommendations for Depicting Suicide includes nine recommendations to help content creators craft stories about survival, hope, and healing:Convey that suicide is complex and often caused by multiple factors.Show that help is available.Portray characters with suicidal thoughts who do not go on to die by suicide.Connect viewers to resources.Portray everyday characters who can be a lifeline.Depict the grieving and healing process of people who lose someone to suicide.Avoid showing or describing the details about suicide methods.Consult with suicide prevention messaging experts and people with personal experience.Use nonjudgmental language. The new collective recommendations draw on suicide prevention best practices tailored for practical use by the entertainment industry. The Action Alliance will work with its many partners to continue providing information and resources—as part of its Real Stories Initiative—to help the news and entertainment sectors effectively develop news coverage and on-screen depictions that educate the public about suicide and suicide prevention. “As the tenth leading cause of death in our country, suicide takes the lives of too many,” said Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz. “We need to do all we can to raise public awareness, screen individuals and get them the care and treatment they need.” “The entertainment industry has a powerful impact on audience understanding of suicide and suicide prevention,” said Mark Weber, deputy assistant secretary for public affairs/human services at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Action Alliance Executive Committee member and Changing the Conversation Priority Group Lead. “The recommendations are offered as a tool to support the creative community in their efforts to tell compelling stories that can help prevent suicide.” # # # FOR NEWS MEDIA PARTNERS: Research shows that the media may influence suicide rates by the way they report on suicide. Evidence suggests that when the media tell stories of people positively coping in suicidal moments, more suicides can be prevented. We urge all members of the media working on these stories to refer to the Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide for best practices for safely and accurately reporting on suicide (such as including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK [8255]). For stories of persons with lived experience of suicidality and finding hope, refer to www.lifelineforattemptsurvivors.org. NATIONAL ACTION ALLIANCE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION: The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is the public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and make suicide prevention a national priority. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides funding to EDC to operate and manage the Secretariat for the Action Alliance, which launched in 2010. Learn more at theActionAlliance.org, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following the Action Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that smoking, not wearing sunscreen and going to bed with your makeup on hardly produces the coveted look of Instagram’s “glass skin.” Aside from these three ‘skin sins’ there are many others that are not so obvious. We turned to Denver Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Manish Shah who is a big believer in pre-juvenation and a holistic approach to youth.
Inconsistent Dieting
“Many people think caring for your skin is skin-deep,” quips Dr. Shah. “It is not.“ Inconsistent or inadequate nutrition that has your body mass and weight moving in a yo-yo motion up and down the scale can contribute to ruined elasticity and reduced collagen in the skin. This is part of the reason why specialists will recommend a two-pound maximum weight loss goal per week because your skin needs time to adapt to the loss of mass. Dr. Shah explains that the skin needs to be nourished from the inside as well and many of the trend diets like keto and paleo focus on one group of food and though it can help keep a caloric deficit, it can also create a deficit of the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin looking healthy.
Drinking Too Much Coffee
“Excessive amounts of caffeine can increase the levels of insulin and cortisol in the system,” explains Dr. Shah. Insulin increases inflammation and cortisol is known as the stress hormone. This combination could mix up your sleeping habits and contribute to continued stress which can lead to sleep deprivation. “Sleep deprivation prevents that regenerative rest our skin and mind need to stay healthy.”
Neglecting the Skin Around Your Eyes
"The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and has very few oil glands," says Dr. Shah. Pamper your eyes and stave off signs of aging by choosing a daily eye cream that includes peptides. Dr. Shah explains, “They work to stimulate collagen production and prevent fine lines. Be sure to check the label.” Other notable ingredients that reduce puffiness, lines, wrinkles, and under eye circles are caffeine and nicotinic acid (a form of the B vitamin niacin).
Expecting Instant Results from Beauty Treatments
Most of us are guilty of trying a face cream or anti-aging treatment once or twice and then giving up on it before it has had a chance to work. A majority of anti-aging treatments take up to a month to begin showing positive effects. Dr. Shah explains, “This is due to the cycle of your skin, which undergoes a period of cellular structure renewal over a span of 30 days. In our instant gratification mode, we often toss a product before giving it time to work.”
Taking Medications With Side-Effects on the Skin
Certain medications like corticosteroids for asthma and arthritis cause the skin to thin and weakens blood vessels. Medicine to treat seizures can cause heightened sensitivity to sun damage in the skin which is a common perpetrator in premature aging. Blood pressure medications that block calcium channels have been studied in relation to their inhibition of collagen production by obstructing the absorption of vitamin C by the cells. Vitamin C is an important part of collagen production. “If these medications are being prescribed to you by your physician then the benefits outweigh their effect on collagen production. There is no need to stress over this, as long as you take care of your skin in other ways you should be fine,” explains Dr. Shah.
Consuming Excessive Amounts of Salt
“By all measures, an excess of salt in your diet is detrimental to your kidneys, your cardiovascular health and, yes, your skin,” says Dr. Shah. Salt absorbs moisture and it can aid in making your skin look dry and less vibrant. Reducing your sodium intake and sticking to a moisturizing routine should help your skin stay healthy and smooth.
Facial Expressions
Every time you move that beautiful face, your skin wrinkles a little bit. Most of the time your face bounces back and those little wrinkles disappear once new skin cells grow.
Soap
While you may think that soap is your skin’s best friend, this is actually not the case. The reason for this is that your skin has an acid mantle which is a natural protective barrier of the skin. When you wash with soap – which is generally alkaline – it can remove this protective layer of oils and dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles. Dr. Shah says that “While it is not advisable to stop washing entirely, try swapping the soap for a PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser, and bear in mind that there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin.”
Tugging on Your Skin While Applying or Removing Makeup
To minimize the damage to the skin around your eyes, follow these quick tips from Dr. Shah:
Use your ring finger to pat on products around your eyes, including serums, oils, moisturizers, and concealers. Your ring finger is the least likely to pull or tug at your skin.
Apply eyeliner and eyeshadow by gently closing your eyelids, rather than by pulling them taut. If you’re struggling to apply without pulling, consider investing in products that are made to apply smoothly, like cream or gel formulas.
Have patience when removing makeup from the eye area. Use cotton or another soft product, coated well with your favorite makeup removing solution. Hold the cotton over your closed eye without wiping, allowing the product to break down the makeup. After a minute or so, wipe gently to remove the makeup.
Picking Your Skin
You're not a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. You should not be picking at your pimples, ingrown hairs, or anywhere else on your face. It's one of the biggest assaults against your skin and can have permanent effects. "The more people press and manipulate blemishes, the more inflammation they create underneath," explains Dr. Shah. "The result is scars, pockmarks, and discoloration that can become permanent.”
Licking Your Lips Constantly
There's a myth out there that claims people can get addicted to lip balm. "These people just have dry skin and miss the feeling of the balm when it's gone," says Dr. Shah. Lip licking can become a bad habit. But when you moisten your lips that way, you actually wind up making things worse. The water in your saliva evaporates, leaving lips dry and cracked. "Saliva can contain bacteria and irritants, so you can end up with a rash around the lips as well," says Dr. Shah. Try a lip balm such as Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Original Beeswax with Vitamin E & Peppermint Oil.
Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time, he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who has undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
SeabuckWonders Receives Best of Natural Beauty Award from Better Nutrition
Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Cleanser Wins in the “Natural Beauty Face” category—Here’s Why Chicago, IL – March 13, 2019 – SeabuckWonders’ Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Cleanser has won the 2019 Better Nutrition Health + Beauty Awards in the “Face” category. Each year in spring, Better Nutrition magazine chooses the top health and beauty products from the natural products industry. Here’s why SBW’s facial cleanser stands out from the rest.
SeabuckWonders exfoliating cleanser is specifically formulated for daily use, while other exfoliators can only be used a few times per week. SBW uses natural exfoliating beads made from jojoba esters that provide a very gentle grit. The gentle exfoliation is enough for a daily deep clean but not enough to cause the harsh abrasions that many cleansers do.Great for all skin types! Every skin type can benefit from exfoliation because it increases health by sloughing away dirt and dead skin cells. SBW uses a blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry oil, which provides nourishment to the skin. Sea buckthorn oil is incredibly balanced, and it helps bring balance to nearly every skin type.Not only does sea buckthorn oil feed the skin with rich omegas and antioxidants- it helps keep the skin supple and moisturized after exfoliation. SeabuckWonders Exfoliating Cleanser is Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free, Ashley KoffApproved and Vegan. Be sure to see all the winners on Betternutrition.com. All winners will be announced April 2019.
.About SeabuckWonders SeabuckWonders was the first company to introduce sea buckthorn to United States consumers. Providing only Himalayan, USDA Certified Organic Sea Buckthorn oil for over 20 years. Consumers can depend on the highest quality sea buckthorn oils when choosing SeabuckWonders. The SeabuckWonders Difference What separates their products from other brands? SeabuckWonders products contain the highest amount of sea buckthorn oil compared to competitors. SeabuckWonders products are available at select retailers or online at: http://www.seabuckwonders.com/products/
CAULIPOWER, THE BETTER-FOR-YOU PIZZA, NOW AVAILABLE IN 1000+ RETAILERS
LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2019 –CAULIPOWER®, delicious pizza that loves you back, has expanded to more than 1,000 retailers having launched only last year. Proudly made in Canada, CAULIPOWER is now available in freezer aisles across the country, including Loblaws, select Sobeys locations, Metro Inc., Longo’s, Walmart Canada, Whole Foods, Costco Wholesale, many independent retailers, and more to come throughout the year.
“We are delighted that CAULIPOWER is proving such a hit and it’s less than a year since we launched, “ said Gail Becker Founder and CEO CAULIPOWER. “People told us they wanted a frozen pizza that tastes like the real thing, and is better-for-you. With a cauliflower crust, our pizza really can be your new favorite vegetable.”
CAULIPOWER has reinvented pizza with a game-changing cauliflower crust that tastes like traditional thin crust pizza, but is more nutritious, with fewer calories and is naturally gluten-free. The brand disrupted both the U.S and Canadian market as the #1 better-for-you pizza option with Margherita, Three Cheese, Veggie, and Plain Cauliflower Pizza Crust varieties. CAULIPOWER pizzas are lower in calories, sugar, fat and sodium and higher in protein, fiber, and vitamins than most traditional and gluten-free pizzas.
Fans are encouraged to share their pizza moments on social with #PizzaLovesYouBack. For more information and to find a retailer near you, please visit:
CAULIPOWER ingeniously reinvents your favorite comfort foods to be lavishly nutritious, righteously delicious and accessible to all. CAULIPOWER products use real cauliflower and nothing synthetic, creating vitamin-rich and naturally gluten-free options that are lower in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. Innovators and originators of a white-hot grocery category, CAULIPOWER is the #1 better-for-you pizza, #1 cauliflower crust pizza, #1 gluten-free pizza, and fastest growing pizza brand in North America. Founder, CEO and mom of two sons with Celiac Disease, Gail Becker left a global executive position to launch the company in 2017 after realizing that the food industry was in no hurry to offer effortless, healthy options that taste like the real thing. Every CAULIPOWER purchase benefits OneSun, a program installing edible teaching gardens in underserved public schools. CAULIPOWER is brought to you by Vegolutionary Foods, a family of convenient, veggie-forward, meal-hacking products. Find one of CAULIPOWER’s 20,000 retailers in North America and get recipe inspiration at eatCAULIPOWER.ca or join the @CAULIPOWERED community on social.
Venus Concept Launches Venus Heal™, an Innovative Treatment Modality for Soft Tissue Injuries
Introducing Venus Heal™, now cleared in Canada to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, such as muscle spasms, back pain, and soft tissue injuries.
TORONTO, March 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Venus Concept Ltd., an innovative global medical technology leader, announces the launch of its latest medical device, Venus Heal™, in Canada. With over 11,000 systems installed worldwide, Venus Concept has expanded their suite of leading medical devices and incorporated their most advanced technology into this latest innovation.
Venus Heal™ is powered by RP3 technology, which synergistically combines the benefits of Multi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF), Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields (PEMF), and massage. RP3 works to increase tissue temperature, resulting in pain relief, myorelaxation, increase of local blood circulation, and reduced edema. In addition to its compact and portable design meant to adapt to a specialist's needs in-clinic or on-site, the device also includes advanced technological features for superior patient comfort and consistent treatment efficacy.
Treatments with Venus Heal™ have been helping Elias Theodoreau, world-ranked professional Mixed Martial Artist, to compete at the highest level in his sport. "Venus Heal™ played a very important role in my recovery from my last fight. It also allows me to accelerate recovery from the day-to-day grind that training puts on my body," says Theodoreau. "Luckily, with Venus Heal™ in my corner, I am able to compete at 100 per cent of my ability on fight night."
"We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of Venus Heal™ in Canada, namely because this state-of-the-art technology makes it an industry first for accelerated soft tissue healing," says Domenic Serafino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Venus Concept. "Whether patients are athletes with acute injuries or workers with repetitive strain injury, Venus Heal™ offers the newest modality and the best solution to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries and conditions. Combined with Venus Concept's unique business model, our customers realize a higher ROI with low-risk ownership. It's the perfect solution for all rehabilitation professionals."
About Venus Concept® Ltd.
Venus Concept® is a leading global medical technology company that develops, commercializes, and delivers safe, efficacious, and easy-to-use non-invasive technologies and related practice enhancement services in a unique, industry-disruptive subscription-based business model. Venus Concept's devices have been designed in cost-effective and proprietary ways that enable the company to excel in multiple medical industries. The company has expanded its subscription platform and is now selling its devices in over 60 countries, including 27 with direct offices. Venus Concept has more than 400 global employees whose customer-centric approach has supported the company's rapid growth. For more information, please visit www.venusconcept.com.
SOURCE Venus Concept
New FDA Commissioner: What this means for Cancer Testing and Treatment
By Joshua Mansour, M.D.
The head of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Norman “Ned” Sharpless, will be temporarily appointed as acting commissioner of the Food and Drug administration amid the news of Dr. Scott Gottlieb stepping down for personal reasons. Dr. Sharpless oversees billions in grants for research and federal funding at his current position. Time will tell if the appointment of this new commissioner or his successor will open up more dialogue regarding and addressing funding for research, expense of diagnostic and genetic testing, drug development, treatment regimens.
Cancer testing and cancer therapy continue to evolve at a rapid pace in hopes of helping as many patients as possible rid this terrible monster. Millions of people are affected by cancer and according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, each year 18.1 million cancer new cases are diagnosed worldwide and approximately 9.6 million deaths occur from the disease. This number will only continue to rise with increased lifespan, improved diagnostics, and environmental influences. By 2030 these numbers are expected to grow to 21.7 million new cases and 13 million cancer deaths. This devastating illness continues to affect patients and their families in several ways. While these patients are struggling for their lives, at the same time many of them are struggling to pay the bills for their treatments and make ends meet. A typical cancer patient’s treatment can exceed $100,000 dollars a year with medical office bills, prescriptions, cancer treatments, and testing, in addition to the other miscellaneous items.
Billions of dollars globally are donated to cancer research yearly. However, only approximately 2% of this money will actually be used on developing a treatment that can be used in practice. In addition, much of the money that is spent on cancer research in pursuit of promising new treatments is unfortunately spent pursuing dead ends. In May 2016 the largest study of clinical development success rates showed that only about 5.1% of the treatments will even pass clinical trials. Although not all research will at first succeed, and this part of the process, what remains concerning is funding for projects that may make outlandish claims without scientific evidence to back them up.
This then raises another economic question - are eccentric assertions of the success of tests and treatments being made for financial gains for further additional funding? Recently a company participated in an interview where they have claimed to find the “cure for cancer” in one year. Although this may grab headlines, this statement is likely premature and does not have the backing yet for such a claim. Is it possible that the goal of such statements is to receive further funding for continued research and development and is this the best use of the money without more evidence? False positives and exaggerated results have reached alarming rates. There will have to be further due diligence and accountability prior to shelling out these research funds.
Lately, the development of a more personalized approach with genetic and mutation-specific testing has been implemented to determine if particular treatments will be beneficial to a patient. This precision testing has proved to be effective for certain cancers that may have germline and somatic alterations that can be targeted. In certain situations, approval of off-label drugs can be approved to treat the patient. While this can many times save a patient from unnecessary chemotherapy that may not benefit them or point them in a direction towards a regimen that will be more effective, it is unfortunately expensive to develop, run, and process and there is no guarantee that there is a treatment available that is specific to the patient’s disease.
Currently, the development of new cancer drugs that target specific pathways, molecules that interrupt signal transmission, activation/inhibition of proteins, antibody therapy, immunotherapy, and other cellular therapy have been rising. These therapies can stop cancer cells from multiplying, induce cellular destruction, or lead to a dynamic immune response to attack. Companies and organizations are investing more and more in these complex drugs that will hopefully decrease the need for older cytotoxic drugs that are designed to kill rapidly proliferating cells with little expense to the type of cell. This archaic (yet many times still effective) non-specific method may lead patients to experience severe adverse effects nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and decreased cell counts requiring transfusions and hospitalizations.
The affordability of these new drugs that are being released raises another concern. Just because a new drug passes clinical trials doesn’t mean that it will be approved to be immediately administered, and cost plays a large part in this process. Analysis of the new cancer drug approvals by NICE shows that only about 51% of approved therapy is affordable for routine use and patients may not be benefitting from them. Ideally, physicians would be able to administer a drug that they believe would give their patient the best chance of survival with the least amount of suffering. However, this is not the case and the financial logistics concerning this can be improved just as much as the therapies we currently have to treat cancer.
At the end of the day, patients are living longer as their diagnosis is being made earlier and the treatments are improving. For good reason, money is being poured into the research and development of better tests and management. Virtually every person knows a person who has been affected by cancer, and collectively we are hopeful for continued evolution of treatment, care, and soon, a cure.
About Joshua Mansour, MD:
Dr. Joshua Mansour is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist working and in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy in Stanford, California. Recently he has managed to have over 10 recent abstracts and over 10 recent manuscripts published in esteemed journals and given countless presentations at conferences and other institutions. He has helped design and implement clinical studies to evaluate current treatment plans, collaborated on grant proposals, and lead multi-institutional retrospective studies that have been published.
Precision BioLogic's CRYOcheck™ Factor VIII Inhibitor Kit Cleared for Sale in U.S.
HALIFAX, March 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Precision BioLogic Inc., a leading developer of hemostasis diagnostic products, is pleased to announce FDA 510(k) clearance and the launch of its CRYOcheck Factor VIII Inhibitor Kit in the U.S. This clearance follows approvals received from regulatory authorities in Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, where the kit launched in February of this year.
The presence of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors reduces therapy effectiveness and is one of the most complex and costly complications for people with hemophilia A. Because of this, it is important for clinical laboratories to have a testing system that can accurately and precisely quantify FVIII inhibitors in patient samples.
Precision BioLogic developed the CRYOcheck Factor VIII Inhibitor Kit to address this challenge. It contains standardized components and a validated procedure to prepare patient samples for performing a modified Nijmegen-Bethesda assay as per the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation1. A modified Nijmegen-Bethesda assay is used to determine FVIII inhibitor levels in people with hemophilia A.
According to Paul Empey, President & CEO of Precision BioLogic, FDA 510(k) clearance of the CRYOcheck Factor VIII Inhibitor Kit is an exciting milestone for the company but more importantly, a step forward for patient care. "Enhancing patient care is at the core of everything we do at Precision BioLogic," he explains. "Our kit will standardize the preparation of patient samples for inhibitor titer measurement. This, in turn, will help labs deliver accurate results for the diagnosis and routine monitoring of FVIII inhibitors."
To eliminate FVIII depleted plasma as a potential source of variant and standardize inhibitor titer measurement, the kit was developed with the following components:
Imidazole Buffered Pooled Normal Plasma
Imidazole Buffered Bovine Serum Albumin
Negative FVIII Inhibitor Control
Positive FVIII Inhibitor Control
Like all of Precision BioLogic's CRYOcheck products, kit components are frozen, allowing for fast and easy preparation.
About Hemophilia A and Inhibitors
Hemophilia A is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by insufficient clotting factor VIII (FVIII) in the blood. People with hemophilia A experience prolonged bleeding, which can lead to permanent joint damage and life-threatening hemorrhages. The standard treatment for people with hemophilia A without inhibitors is intravenous (IV) FVIII replacement therapy with recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) or plasma-derived FVIII (pdFVIII) concentrates. Prophylaxis, the regular infusion of clotting factor concentrates, is used to prevent bleeds thereby minimizing joint damage.
Unfortunately, up to 30% of people with hemophilia A develop inhibitors, an immune response to treatment with clotting factor concentrates. Inhibitors make it more difficult to manage and treat hemophilia. In fact, according to the World Federation of Hemophilia, apart from access to care and treatment, inhibitors are the most serious challenge in hemophilia care today.2 While routine blood tests may suggest the presence of anti-FVIII antibodies, specialized testing is important to confirm not only the presence of inhibitors but also the quantitation to effectively adjust treatment. Current methods for inhibitor testing vary from lab to lab.
About Precision BioLogic Precision BioLogic Inc. is a privately-held company that develops, manufactures and markets the CRYOcheck line of frozen products used by medical professionals and researchers around the globe to diagnose coagulation disorders. Precision BioLogic also has several active initiatives with pharmaceutical partners who seek to ensure that the diagnostic implications for their novel therapeutic agents have been well characterized. In November 2018, Precision BioLogic acquired Affinity Biologicals, enabling the company to expand its clinical and research offerings to include an extensive line of coagulation-related antibodies as well as other products and services. For more information, visit www.precisionbiologic.com.
1 Miller CH, Platt SJ, Rice AS, Kelly F, Soucie JM, the Hemophilia Inhibitor Research Study Investigators. Validation of Nijmegen-Bethesda assay modifications to allow inhibitor measurement during replacement therapy and facilitate inhibitor surveillance. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10: 1055–1061.
