One topic of concern to some mothers with breast implants is whether they present any health risk to their baby through possible contamination of their breast milk. In particular, they ask about whether silicon, silicone gel or platinum used in implants can leak into their breast milk.
Silicon and Silicone
Moms should know that silicon occurs naturally. It is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is thought to be essential for connective tissues and is found in tendons, bone, skin, hair and nails. Silicon is used as an anti-foaming agent in fruit juice and is found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and proshtheses. The only known health hazard results from inhaling crystalline silica dust into the lungs causing silicosis. Silica dust is never used in implants.
Breast implants contain silicone gel, a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen and other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen.
Research has reported cases of esophageal dysmotility (slow movement through the esophagus) in infants that were nursing from mothers with silicone implant). Another study reported “rheumatoid-like symptoms” transferred to a child from a breastfeeding mother with silicone implants). However, this study examined only two children.
A larger study did not show any adverse outcomes in infants of breastfeeding mothers with silicone implants. Another study found that there were actually higher levels of silicon in cow's milk infant formulas than in human milk. (It should be noted that this study was funded by the plastic surgery industry.)
The silicon-containing anti-colic agent simethicone has been widely used for decades and there have not been shown to have any toxic side effects to infants.The American Academy of Pediatrics therefore recommends that mothers with silicone breast implants should breastfeed if they choose to.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs does not feel that the evidence currently justifies classifying silicone implants as a contraindication to breastfeeding.
Bottom line: There is very little reliable data about breastfeeding with implants. Given that silicon is so abundant in our environment, and that there are overwhelming advantages of breastfeeding we strongly encourage women with breast implants to breastfeed if they wish to.
PLATINUM
While the limited evidence available suggests there is little risk from silicon, this may not be the case with platinum, which is used in silicone and saline implants. Platinum is a toxic metal that is especially damaging to early development.
There have been some studies showing significant levels of platinum in silicone breast implant gel and envelopes. Platinum has also been shown to leak out of the implant and accumulate in the tissues of women exposed to silicone breast implants . The question then becomes should women with saline or silicone breast implants be concerned about platinum?
Our research has found only one study to date that looked at platinum in breast milk in mothers that had silicone breast implants. It included 18 women with silicone breast implants and 5 women without ( the control group). The authors examined blood, urine, hair, nails, sweat and the breast milk of these women.
The concentration of platinum in blood did not differ between mothers with exposure to silicone through implants and those without. Both groups did have detectable levels of platinum thought to be related to environmental exposure. Similarly the concentration of platinum in urine did not differ between mothers with exposure to silicone through implants and those without.
However, there was a significant difference in platinum concentration in the hair, nails, sweat and breast milk in the implant group versus the control group, where no platinum was detected.
The study concluded that women with silicone breast implants had much higher levels of platinum than women without implants whereas saline implants did not contain any platinum. However, the methodology of the study has been questioned.
Bottom Line: Due to the small sample size, more research needs to be done to replicate these findings. However, it does raise some questions about platinum in breast milk. If mothers are concerned about platinum or silicone in their breast milk, Lactation Lab offer custom test kits to measure the levels of the components of their milk, along with recommendations for how to address any concerns.
KushCo Holdings, Inc. to Offer Certified Biodegradable, Compostable and Sustainable Packaging Solutions for the Cannabis Industry
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., March 12, 2019 – KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) (“KushCo” or the “Company”), in line with its previously announced sustainability initiatives, today announced it has signed a long-term development and distribution agreement with IEKO Corporation (“IEKO”), for the production of compostable and biodegradable packaging products for use in the cannabis and CBD industries.
Pursuant to the agreement, IEKO will work with KushCo to develop formulations and products designed for the unique demands of the cannabis and CBD industries, while ensuring that all new products are environmentally friendly by featuring proprietary, biodegradable materials from renewable resources. All packaging solutions produced under the agreement will be tested using ASTM and BPI standards to guarantee proper certification. Additionally, IEKO will provide dedicated research and development, quality control and account management personnel.
KushCo Holdings’ Chief Executive Officer, Nick Kovacevich commented, “It’s our responsibility to reimagine our products today to ensure the viability of our planet tomorrow. Customers are demanding an environmentally conscious solution for their everyday packaging needs. Partnering with Bob Meers and IEKO is a huge win for us. It’s inspiring to see the former CEO of Reebok and Lululemon so impassioned about the environment and I’m honored to be a part of the eco-sustainability movement our customers are yearning for. With a demonstrated ability to design and produce ground-breaking products, we are confident in the capabilities of the IEKO team and look forward partnering with one of California’s top packaging engineers.”
Robert J. Meers, Chief Executive Officer, “Our partnership allows us to be a vertically-integrated formulating, compounding, processing, and producing solution committed to making 100 percent commercially compostable, sustainable packaging without exception. Partnering with KushCo gives us the ability to continue to develop the next generation of renewably resourced, zero-waste packaging materials and we are thrilled to be partnering with a company that shares our commitment to the IEKO mission of ‘do no harm.’”
To be added to the distribution list, please email ir@kushco.com with “Kush” in the subject line.
KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) (www.kushco.com) is the premier producer of ancillary products and services to the cannabis and hemp industries. KushCo Holdings’ subsidiaries and brands provide, product quality, exceptional customer service, compliance knowledge and a local presence in serving its diverse customer base.
Founded in 2010, KushCo Holdings has now sold more than 1 billion units to growers, processors and producers across North America, South America, and Europe.
The Company has been featured in media nationwide, including CNBC, Los Angeles Times, TheStreet.com, Entrepreneur, and business magazine Inc. While KushCo Holdings provides products and solutions to customers in the cannabis and CBD industries, it has no direct involvement with the cannabis plant or any products that contain THC or CBD.
For more information, visit www.kushco.com or call (888)-920-5874
Vogelzang Law Raises Funds at American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb
Chicago, IL (March 12, 2019) —
Vogelzang Law made a strong showing over the weekend at the American Lung Association’s annual Fight for Air Climb. The climb, which takes place in the Presidential Towers in downtown Chicago, invites participants to climb 180 skyscraper floors to raise awareness and funding in the fight for better lung health.
Team Vogelzang Law successfully climbed all four towers this year, raising $934 between the law firm’s six participants. As a whole, the American Lung Association raised nearly $500,000 at the climb on March 10th. These funds will support educational initiatives, important research, and community outreach efforts on behalf of lung health. As a law firm completely dedicated to mesothelioma clients, Vogelzang Law knows the importance of clean air and healthy lungs. The team remains committed to a cure and hopes to continue to find ways to positively impact the Chicago community.
The 2019 Fight for Air Climb was a huge success in support of individuals and families facing lung disease. Vogelzang Law proudly supports the American Lung Association's mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease.
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About Vogelzang Law
Vogelzang Law is a boutique asbestos litigation law firm representing victims of mesothelioma. Backed by Lead Counsel Nicholas Vogelzang’s nearly 20 years of asbestos law experience, we have the knowledge and resources required to pursue complicated cases with compassion and wholehearted advocacy.
Feel Your Best: 4 Tips for Creating a Personalized Approach to Optimum Health
Health is a deeply personal subject that cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person is biologically different with varying needs based on their age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, lifestyle choices, and relationships. With that being said, it’s hard to believe that one expert has all the answers considering how wildly different each person is.
In order to feel your best, you’re going to want to take a personalized approach to optimum health. The following four tips will help you with your journey to wellness.
Develop a Dream Team of Healers
Your personal ‘Dream Team’ may consist of your physician, massage therapist, chiropractor, therapist, acupuncturist, and dietician. Having access to the best healers in the industry is advantageous. Life science data validationensures that the practitioner that you’ve chosen to work with is licensed. That way, you’re working with someone who is legally capable of helping you heal.
Learn to Listen to Your Body
The body gives us subtle clues all the time to how it’s feeling. For example, drinking a glass of water when a mild headache manifests can help combat dehydration, the source of your ailment. When things don’t feel right, see what you can do to make yourself feel better. If a pain or illness persists, contact your doctor immediately for an appointment.
Make Mental Health a Priority
With so much emphasis on physical health, it’s important to remember to tend to your mental health, too. Talk therapy is a big help. It allows you to air your grievances and work through difficult feelings as they come up in your life. Having a safe place to emote and express yourself benefits your overall health and wellness.
Identify Imbalances and Deal with Them Immediately
When something is off-kilter, you’ll know it. Learning to recognize the areas of your life that don’t feel right allows you to improve them and lower your levels of stress. You feel in control of your life and health because of your self-awareness and willingness to change what doesn’t sit well with you.Take into account the things that make you different and then find ways to make them work for you and your wellness routine. Your personalized approach to health is worth the effort. It’s something that resonates with you and a plan that you’ll stick to long-term. Your health will flourish the more you make y
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF 2019’s TRENDY WORKOUTS?
Just like fashion, music and interior design, fitness goes through fads. Who hasn’t seen an Insta post of “Goat Yoga?” For those who bopped around to Madonna, we can’t forget Jazzercise, step aerobics, The Thigh Master, Tae-Bo, The Abdominizer, Buns of Steel, and the list goes on. Just because all “the cool kids” are doing a certain workout, does not mean it’s right for you. We turned to Vince Sant, Certified fitness trainer with ISSA and CEO of Vshred.com a fitness platform. Vince certainly speaks from a place of knowledge, with close to 1 million YouTube subscribers tuning in for his advice.
Wearable Technology
Whether they’re fitness trackers, pedometers, or calorie counters, this market has reached scheduled 4 billion in sales as of 2017. One study showed that non-wearers experienced more weight-loss because they relied on personal effort and, literally, sweat, to guide their workouts vs. a numerical data indicator. Vince suggests that “Sweat and good old-fashioned fatigue may be more reliable than data numbers on your wrist. After a few weeks or months, the novelty of knowing your step totals or resting heart rate wears off--even faster if you know about inaccurate those numbers can be.”
Spinning
People choose spinning for a variety of reason including weight loss, cardio and stress relief. Spinning is great for weight loss if done correctly and with a sensible diet that produces a caloric deficit. Vince Sant cautions that ”Spinning excessively can actually lead to atrophy of the muscles in your legs which is the opposite of strengthening them. The simple truth is that losing weight without strength and weight training can and will lead to atrophied and weakened muscles throughout the body”. Although cycling helps build some muscle, doing excessive amounts of cycling without the addition of strength training is not a comprehensive well-rounded workout.
Boxing
Boxing is a great workout for your entire body. It has stress relief benefits, helps concentration and eye-hand coordination. The improved endurance and stronger muscles you build translate effectively into life outside the ring, giving you the ability to perform everyday movements with energy and a decreased risk of injury.
Vince points out that, “With contact, boxing injuries can be a factor. Even while wearing head and mouth protection, sparring and competition can lead to minor injuries such as bruises and split lips and more serious injuries such as broken bones and concussions.” Vince suggests limiting boxing trained to shadow boxing, striking focus mitts and the smaller focus pads and hitting the heavy bag and speed bag, along with classic boxing training modalities such as running and jumping rope.
HIIT Training
HIIT training is a type of metabolic workout where you use both cardiovascular and strength training. Your aerobic and anaerobic systems will both be used throughout the routine, meaning glycogen and fat will both be used as fuels. Most of these training sessions last between 10-40 minutes. Vince says that “The biggest risk of this type of training is an injury caused by lack of supervision or know-how of the person training.” Studies show that your resting metabolic rate can be increased for the 24 hours after you do these types of workouts and that it may burn fat more efficiently than long aerobic workouts. Vince says, “The key is to recognize signs of fatigue that can lead to poor form and injury.”
Metabolic Training
This is a combination of cardio and strength conditioning. As examples, think of P90X, CrossFit, Insanity, or high-intensity circuit training. Metabolic training is about increasing "the storage and delivery of energy for any activity." If you do this type of training the correct way, you can burn more calories, get ‘afterburn,’ build endurance, strength, and fitness while having variety. Since this type of exercise seems to have so many benefits, why doesn’t everybody just do it? “The problem,” says Vince Sant, “Is that it’s just too intense for many beginners.” The cons of this workout are that there is a high attrition rate, a risk of injury and muscle soreness. If you are set on doing this program, Vince advises to bone up on more basic fitness first.
Body Weight Training
These are simple, effective exercises to improve balance, flexibility, and strength without machinery or extra equipment. Examples include:
Push-ups
Pull-ups
Dips
Squats
Lunges
The pros of this method include high repetitions and increased endurance. There is no equipment required, it is convenient and can be done at home or while traveling. There is less risk of injury while working several muscle groups at once. Vince says, “Some of the cons include that it may be difficult to achieve an intensity that is near the individual’s one-rep max. It also may be difficult to execute for those who are overweight.”
Vibration Boards/Platforms
“These are an absolute no,” says Vince Sant. He adds, “Vibration boards do not, and will not, work better than traditional exercises like barbells or cardio. The theory is that the vibration signals are transferred into body tissues, tendons, and muscles, which increases muscle contractions and ultimately improves muscle strength, coordination, and balance. In the long term, such contractions would increase muscle mass and energy expenditure, leading to better control of blood sugar levels. But these are still theories. The overall effects of whole-body vibration therapy remain elusive, as scientific studies vary largely in the vibration parameters used.”
If you are confused, what is the best method to adopt for your workout?
Vince stresses that “a workout should be fun, convenient, not cause repetitive injury. It should involve a warm up and cool down, have appropriate gear, be mindful of weather, be aware of your body. If something is causing pain beyond burn, stop that exercise. Workouts should take into consideration pre-existing injuries. For example, if you have chronic knee pain, swimming is a good option, while jumping and squats are not. Vince sums it up with, “For the most well-rounded workout, be sure to incorporate, balance, aerobics, flexibility, and strength training.”
Vince Sant
Fitness Expert & Co-Founder V Shred
Vince Sant, 25, is the Co-Founder of V Shred, the fastest growing online fitness and nutrition portal in the world. As an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, Former Model Turned Fitness Expert, Instagram Fitness Guru & YouTube Sensation, Vince’s mission is to offer the masses a sustainable and transformative lifestyle-based training program designed to put the fun back into fitness and nutrition.
In 2015, Vince co-founded V Shred along with Nick Daniel, Roger Crandall, Kevin Pearn, who sought out to create a healthy fitness movement specifically designed to deliver profound changes in your body with the minimal amount of workout time.
Vince is responsible for creating some of the world's most popular fitness and nutrition programs such as Fat Loss Extreme and Toned in 90 Days for women and men and Ripped in 90 Days for men.
V Shred is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit http://www.vshred.com
The Profound Connection Between Poverty and Burn Injuries By Celia Belt
Late one night in December of 2000, I found myself driving home from another long day of volunteering on the burn unit. It wasn’t much different from any other day; I’d been volunteering for nearly three years and it had become a second home to me. I’d spent time in several patients’ rooms and in the waiting rooms with their families, offering emotional care and an ear to listen. I was quite accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells that exist on the burn unit. After all, I myself had spent much of my childhood on many a burn unit. I also spent a good deal of time with the case workers and staff offering my assistance—not just my emotional assistance, but also financial assistance. That included exchanging ideas for ongoing patient care and making one phone call after another to rehabilitation facilities in a desperate attempt to find scholarship beds for those soon leaving the burn unit or negotiating with compression garment companies on the extremely high cost of their wound garments for our patients.
As with most days, I received more nays than yays, and I knew I would need to write more grants, host more fundraisers, and dig into my own pocket to help these poor souls return their lives to some form of dignity and normalcy. It occurred to me that it was a constant battle to find the necessary medical and counseling support these injured souls so badly needed. It was also a reminder that many had much in common: poverty. Workplace hazards, abuse, neglect, and poor living conditions all seem to be common elements of many burn survivors. It’s easy to understand that when people are working in compromised conditions and living in substandard housing, they are being exposed to hazards that include the very real possibly of being burned. There’s also a darker side to burns, abuse and neglect. Each year, thousands of incidents of abuse are reported here in the U.S. Children, women, and men have been set on fire, doused with acid, flammables, and boiling water due to the anger and rage of another human being. Many of these incidents are covered in the news and we find ourselves in shock and awe, yet the concern many times ends there, with very few people taking the time to reach out and find a means of helping these burn survivors find a way back to health and home.
The effects on these damaged souls, both physically and physiologically will take years, and for many, there will be no healing. There is also the issue of insurance, the fact that a substantial number of them are under-insured or have no insurance at all. Many lack a supportive family or close-knit group of friends to aid in their road to recovery. Those unfortunate enough to sustain these life-changing injuries find themselves on burn units, suffering the most horrific of injuries and enduring pain that is beyond description. Their bills frequently fall to the general public to bear, and when they are released, most will never receive the ongoing rehabilitative care they so desperately need to return to some form of a normal life, to say nothing of the counseling support both they and their families need. Their return home is bleak, and they may find themselves unable to work, and some have lost their homes and all they own in the accident. Families find it difficult to adjust, and many experience domestic violence, divorce, and depression. Some, sadly, resort to suicide.
I began my volunteer work on the burn unit in early 1998 and within months of my volunteering I co-founded Moonlight Fund, a nonprofit for burn survivors. I had no choice, as I saw firsthand the multitude of burn patients that so desperately were in need of support. I searched the country for nonprofit and government support and found little-to-none. Burn injuries are considered “taboo” in our society and even today, there remains little support. These disfiguring injuries remain a demographic issue and it is not an easy task to raise funds for this group of disabled individuals. I have found myself competing for grants against fellow nonprofits that care for pets, children and more, let’s say “friendly” groups. I must fight tooth and nail to convey to people that this is a real need. There are more than 500,000 burn injuries in the U.S. each year. You may have some living among you, yet you may never notice them. Burn survivors tend to isolate, shopping at late night venues that offer safety from the harmful rays of the sun and the prying eyes of others; simply put, they find safety in the Moonlight.
Not until the war began producing large numbers of burn injuries, did our nation begin seeing burn survivors as warriors. Our burned military members were more comfortable going out in public and I hoped the tide was turning for all. This group of burn survivors was receiving the type of medical and psychological care needed to heal, and that provided the confidence they needed to be more visible and return to a more normal life. Our country ensured that they received the best of care and it became even more heartbreaking to see that our civilians had no access to such fine care. As those days have now passed, I see a return to times of the past, and once again, I see very little in the way of care and services for burn survivors. I pray each day that it does not take another war to open people’s eyes to the very real needs of burn survivors. They are people, they have families, lives, pets, hobbies, hopes, and ambitions, just as we all do. Perhaps you can remember that one time in your life when you had that one real bad break. Well, my friends, I am dealing with thousands of people who have had more than one bad break.
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Celia Belt, a burn survivor, is the founder of the award-winning Moonlight Fund Inc., a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional assistance to burn survivors and their families. She is the author of Remarkably Intact: Angels Are No Strangers to Chains (Broer Books, paper, $18.95). For more information, visit: www.remarkablyintact.com.
FOQUEST® Receives Approval for Expanded Indication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD
First and only methylphenidate product approved in Canada that provides control of ADHD symptoms throughout the day
PICKERING, ON, March 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Purdue Pharma (Canada) announced today that Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for an expanded indication for FOQUEST® (methylphenidate HCl controlled-release capsules), for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents six years of age and older.1 This announcement follows the December 6, 2017 Notice of Compliance for FOQUEST for the treatment of ADHD in adults 18 years of age and older.2
FOQUEST is the first methylphenidate product approved in Canada that provides ADHD patients with symptom control throughout the day, and an onset of action within one hour.3
"In clinical trials with children and adolescent patients, it was shown that FOQUEST demonstrated significant improvements in ADHD symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity," said Dr. Roxanne Goldade, Community Pediatrician and Chief of the Section of Community Paediatrics in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Calgary. "As a fast-acting, longer lasting methylphenidate formulation, this provides an additional treatment option that can be a valuable part of a comprehensive management program for younger Canadians living with ADHD."
A neurobiological disorder that results in difficulty regulating attention, impulsiveness and/or hyperactivity,4,5 ADHD affects approximately 5-9 per cent of Canadian children. Students with ADHD are at a higher risk for lower academic achievement, grade retention, special education, disciplinary referrals and dropping out of high school.6
"Today's news is an exciting development for young Canadians and their families who now have a new option to help manage their ADHD," said Purdue Pharma (Canada) President and CEO David Pidduck. "We are particularly proud of this milestone because FOQUEST was researched and developed here in Canada and is a great example of how Canadian innovation is helping to improve quality of life for those living with ADHD."
About FOQUEST FOQUEST is a once-daily, long-acting methylphenidate controlled-release capsule that has an onset of action within one hour and has a duration that manages symptoms throughout the day. Available in seven capsule strengths, FOQUEST allows for flexible dosing and offers a sprinkle option for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.7 The capsules have a patented multi-layer release, or MLR®, delivery system which allows for both a rapid initial release and a controlled release of medication throughout the day.
FOQUEST Paediatric and Adolescent Pivotal Trials The Health Canada approval of an expanded indication for FOQUEST with children and adolescents six years of age and older was based on positive results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical trials.
The first pivotal trial included 304 children aged 6 to 12 years to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety. This study met its primary endpoint noting that subjects treated with FOQUEST had statistically significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms compared to subjects that received placebo (p<0.0001) based on results from the clinician-rated SKAMP rating scale at the end of four weeks. SKAMP is a 13-item scale that assesses the manifestations of ADHD in a classroom setting and each item is rated on a 7-point impairment scale.
The second pivotal trial included 354 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety. This study met its primary endpoint noting that subjects treated with FOQUEST had statistically significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms compared to subjects that received placebo (p=0.0067) based on results from the clinician-rated ADHD-5-RS total score at the end of four weeks. The ADHD-5-RS (ADHD Rating Scale 5) is an instrument to assess the 18 DSM symptoms of ADHD that are rated on a 4-point scale from Never or Rarely to Very Often, allowing for tracking of ADHD symptoms in terms of number and severity.8
Adverse events observed with FOQUEST treatment mainly reflect side effects commonly associated with methylphenidate use. Very common adverse events reported by patients treated with FOQUEST were headache, insomnia, decreased appetite and abdominal pain. Most of the events were mild to moderate in severity.9
About MLR® Bead Technology The MLR® (multi-layer release) technology is a unique controlled-release delivery system patented by Purdue Pharma. MLR® capsules are composed of multi-layered beads. The first layer is a coating of immediate-release, or IR, methylphenidate (20%), followed by specialized inner layers that act by delaying the release of additional medication, after which the remaining dose of methylphenidate (80%) is released in a controlled manner.
About ADHD in Canada Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that is often hereditary and results in difficulty regulating attention, impulsiveness and/or hyperactivity. Symptoms impact most aspects of daily living including organizational and time management skills. ADHD at all ages has a significant impact on our social and economic systems, with a potential estimated cost to the Canadian economy of more than $7 billion each year.10
About Purdue Pharma (Canada) Purdue Pharma (Canada) is a research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare company which has operated in Canada for more than 60 years. Its employees are committed to improving the health and quality of life of Canadians. The company has a broad portfolio of prescription and non-prescription medications including: prescription treatments for pain, ADHD, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and various ophthalmic conditions, as well as Consumer Health products. The company supports evidence-based education for the safe use of its products. Its headquarters, located in Pickering, ON, include integrated research & development, formulation and manufacturing operations. Privately held and founded by physicians, Purdue Pharma (Canada) is independently associated with the worldwide Purdue/Napp/Mundipharma network of companies. Learn more at www.purdue.ca
8 DuPaul GJ, Power TJ, Anastopoulos AD, Reid R. ADHD Rating Scale-5 for Children and Adolescents: Checklists, Norms, and Clinical Interpretation. New York: Guilford Press; 2016
If you’ve recently undergone cholesterol testing or you’re about to, you might be confused by all the numbers and abbreviations. Getting familiar with the standard terms related to cholesterol might take some reading, but it’s always going to benefit you to learn what your doctor will be referencing when you discuss the test results. Let’s have a closer look at cholesterol levels in general and what they mean:
What You’ll Be Testing For
You’re likely going to encounter several abbreviations in your test results. Your total blood cholesterol level shows the bigger picture, as it is a measure of several cholesterol components. However, it’s impossible to analyze and interpret its values without observing the benefits of the cholesterol components, too. They are:
LDL — low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad” cholesterol that is prone to building up on artery walls and increase the risk of heart disease;
HDL — high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol, which works against LDL and protects you from heart disease;
VLDL — very low-density lipoprotein, the component of lipids that carries triglycerides which is the chemical form of fat; it forms plasma lipids.
LDL Levels
Generally, the normal range of LDL varies depending on whether you already have blood vessel or heart disease. If you do, your treatment goal will be to bring down your LDL levels below 70. If you’re only high-risk, it should be less than 100. However, if you’re not suffering from any of these diseases and you’re not considered to be high risk, then these are the ranges you’ll be looking at:
Less than 100 — optimal;
Between 100 and 129 — near or above optimal;
Between 130 and 159 — borderline high;
Between 160 and 189 — high;
Above 190 — very high.
HDL Levels
HDL levels are somewhat easier to interpret, as there are only two options. If it’s less than 40, that’s considered to be low and could be a risk factor. However, HDL above 60 is a good thing, as it is the level at which HDL is effective at lowering the risk of heart disease.
Triglyceride Levels
The optimal time for measuring triglycerides is after an overnight fast, including both food and alcohol. An excess of triglycerides might be a risk factor of coronary artery disease, so keeping it low is a good thing. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:
Less than 150 — normal;
Between 150 and 190 — borderline high;
Between 200 and 499 — high;
Above 500 — very high.
Keeping Cholesterol Levels Normal
Fortunately for those who find their results worrying, there are various ways of keeping your cholesterol levels under control. Since risk factors include alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity or being overweight, being physically inactive, and eating a diet high in carbs, cutting back on these behaviors will help get your levels in check.
However, if changing your diet and harmful habits overnight are proving too challenging, there’s the option of taking natural supplements that help fight cholesterol. Cholesterade is undoubtedly going to be a powerful ally in keeping your cholesterol levels healthy.
VALENS SIGNS MULTI-YEAR CANNABIS AND HEMP EXTRACTION
AGREEMENT WITH
THE GREEN ORGANIC DUTCHMAN
Kelowna, B.C., March 11, 2019 – Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (OTC: VGWCF) (the “Company” or “Valens”), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing is pleased to announce that it has entered into a multi-year extraction services agreement (the "Agreement") to provide cannabis and hemp extraction services to The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (“TGOD”) (TSX:TGOD) (US:TGODF), a premium global organic cannabis company with operations focused on medical cannabis markets in Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as the Canadian adult-use market.
Under the terms of the initial 2-year agreement, TGOD will supply Valens with an annual minimum of 30,000kg in the first year, increasing to 50,000kg in year two, of cannabis and hemp biomass which Valens will process into premium quality resins and distillates using certified organic extraction processing methods. TGOD intends to use the concentrated cannabinoid resins and distillates to produce oils, sprays and capsules as well as oils for vaporization and future edible, beverage and topical products. Valens expects the first shipment to arrive and begin processing early Q2.
Valens has been working closely with TGOD to expedite the pathway to organic certification for the company’s organic processing methodologies. Upon certification, Valens will offer a 1-year exclusivity to TGOD for certified organic extraction processing services.
“The ability to partner with skilled and specialized extraction operators such as Valens will add significant bench strength to TGOD’s already robust extraction capabilities in Canada, Poland and Jamaica,” said Brian Athaide, Director and CEO of TGOD. “We believe the importance of high-quality cannabis oils will continue to greatly increase as patients and consumers look for safer and healthier delivery methods.”
“We are excited to work with TGOD, Canada’s premier certified organic producer,” said Tyler Robson, CEO of Valens GroWorks. “Organic resonates with consumers, and Valens looks forward to helping accelerate TGOD’s time to market with the launch of its hemp-derived CBD product line in the coming months.”
About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX:TGOD) is a publicly traded, premium global organic cannabis company, with operations focused on medical cannabis markets in Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as the Canadian adult-use market. The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD's products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a planned capacity of 219,000 kgs and is building 1,643,600 sq. ft. of cultivation and processing facilities across Ontario, Quebec, Jamaica and Denmark.
TGOD's Common Shares and warrants issued under the indenture dated November 1, 2017 trade on the TSX under the symbol "TGOD" and "TGOD.WT", respectively.
For more information on The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., please visit www.tgod.ca.
About Valens GroWorks
Valens GroWorks Corp. is a research-driven, vertically integrated Canadian cannabis company focused on downstream secondary extraction methodology, distillation and cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing with three wholly-owned subsidiaries located in and around Kelowna, BC. Subsidiary Valens Agritech (“VAL”) holds a license to cultivate cannabis and produce cannabis oil under the Cannabis Act, as well as a license to conduct analytical testing for the cannabis industry. VAL currently has extraction processing and supply agreements with various leading producers across Canada. Subsidiary Valens Labs is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant Based Science. Subsidiary Valens Farms is in the process of becoming a purpose-built facility in compliance with European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the product from this facility can be exported anywhere in the world where Cannabis is nationally legal for medical or adult usage purposes. For more information, please visit http://valensgroworks.com. The Company’s investor deck can be found specifically at http://valensgroworks.com/investors/
FDI: Endodontics White Paper Calls for Treatment to Consider Impact on Patient Health and Well-being
GENEVA, March 11, 2019 /CNW/ - FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) released its first white paper on endodontic care today, providing an important resource for dentists, national dental associations (NDAs) and other oral health actors.
Endodontic care treats the damage done to the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues in and around the tooth. This damage is often caused by untreated dental caries, which affects a staggering 2.4 billion people worldwide.
The White Paper on Endodontic Care defines the scale of the global burden of endodontic disease and proposes patient-centered solutions to improve endodontic health. The paper was published as part of FDI's Endodontics in General Practice initiative, supported by Dentsply Sirona.
Rather than focusing purely on the roots of the tooth, this paper calls for endodontic care to address a broader set of health outcomes that directly affect the patient, including teeth retention and impact on overall health. Patients are concerned with eliminating pain and keeping the affected tooth healthy and strong over the long term. Considering the patient's perspective in the provision of endodontic care has significant implications for existing treatment guidelines.
"A comprehensive approach to endodontic care puts the patient first," said FDI President Dr Kathryn Kell. "We need to shift away from treatment outcomes that focus solely on technical goals and clinical symptoms after treatment and take a closer look at how we can deliver better care to our patients."
The paper summarizes results of a survey completed by FDI member NDAs to identify obstacles to providing endodontic care. Members reported that limited access to care is an on-going challenge in many countries, and misconceptions of endodontics as a complex or painful procedure frequently deter patients from seeking treatment.
"Untreated endodontic conditions can drastically affect one's quality of life, causing craniofacial pain, difficulty chewing, and trouble sleeping," said Dr Terri Dolan, VP and Chief Clinical Officer at Dentsply Sirona. "We are proud to support FDI's work to actively address these challenges and propose tangible solutions to improve endodontic health worldwide."
Endodontics (in Greek, 'endo' means 'inside' and 'odont' means 'tooth') is the branch of dentistry concerning the conservation and treatment of dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of the tooth. FDI's Endodontics in General Practice project guides general dentists on the provision of endodontic care.
About FDI World Dental Federation
FDI is the main representative body for more than 1 million dentists worldwide, with a vision of leading the world to optimal oral health. Its membership comprises some 200 national member associations and specialist groups in over 130 countries.
About Dentsply Sirona
Dentsply Sirona is the world's largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with over a century of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets dental and oral health products as well as consumable medical devices under a portfolio of world class brands.
SOURCE FDI World Dental Federation
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