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.
###
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
Azrieli Foundation and Brain Canada mark Brain Awareness Week with $1-M grant program for Early-Career Investigators
MONTREAL, March 11, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - The Azrieli Foundation in partnership with the Brain Canada Foundation are pleased to mark Brain Awareness Week with the announcement of the 10 recipients of the Early-Career Capacity Building Grants competition. The grants support early-career investigators who are conducting transformative research to advance understanding of the brain, in illness or health.
Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, feels strongly about funding this research. "We are committed to these investigators who are in the early stages of their careers as they are in a unique position to advance innovative research projects. They often have difficulty securing their first grant through traditional funding, yet they approach their research with a high risk/high reward approach, and that is something that we want to support."
This initiative provides an opportunity for the researchers to begin building their careers in Canada, and is in alignment with the federal government's priority of supporting early-career researchers conducting world-class research.
The funding, provided by the Azrieli Foundation and Brain Canada, with the financial support of Health Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund, provides each of the 10 recipients a $100,000-grant, for a total investment of $1M. The grantees were selected from 84 applicants, following a national open call and rigorous review process involving Canadian and international researchers and clinicians.
"Brain Canada has always believed in the importance of supporting the next generation of researchers," said Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "With this new grant program we are helping ensure that Canada has a robust pipeline of talent, and remains at the forefront in the field of brain research".
The researchers are located at institutions across Canada, with some of the funded projects focusing on specific diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's, autism, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and others targeting multiple areas. The findings from their research have the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of nervous system function and dysfunction and the impact on health.
Grant recipient, Matthew Parsons, PhD, a researcher at Memorial University of Newfoundland noted: "Most funding opportunities require the applicant to show a significant amount of preliminary data that support the hypothesis of the project. This requirement makes it difficult for a new lab to explore new territory and take risks – risks that often times lead to great discoveries. The Early-Career Capacity Building Grant will enable my lab to think outside the box when researching brain cell communication in neurodegenerative disease, and provides the perfect complement to our research that is funded through more conventional funding opportunities."
For a complete list and photos of the recipients, click here.
About the Azrieli Foundation:
For 30 years, the Azrieli Foundation has funded institutions as well as operated programs in Canada and in Israel. It invests in eight priority areas, with the common thread of education running throughout its funding. The Foundation generously supports scientific and medical research, higher education, youth empowerment and school perseverance, Holocaust education, music and the arts, architecture and quality of life initiatives for people with developmental disabilities. https://azrielifoundation.org/about-us/our-mission/
About Brain Canada and the Canada Brain Research Fund
Brain Canada is a national registered charity that enables and supports excellent, innovative, paradigm-changing brain research in Canada. Since 1998, Brain Canada has made the case for the brain as a single, complex system with commonalities across the range of neurological disorders, mental illnesses and addictions, brain and spinal cord injuries. Looking at the brain as one system has underscored the need for increased collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and a smarter way to invest in brain research that is focused on outcomes that will benefit patients and families. Brain Canada's vision is to understand the brain, in health and illness, to improve lives and achieve societal impact.
The Canada Brain Research Fund is a public-private partnership between the Government of Canada and Brain Canada, designed to encourage Canadians to increase their support of brain research, and maximize the impact and efficiency of those investments. Brain Canada has committed $115 million from private donors and non-federal partners—now numbering more than 100—which Health Canada has matched with $120 million. For more information, visit https://braincanada.ca/.
SOURCE Brain Canada Foundation
ARE YOU REALLY A SOCIAL DRINKER OR COULD YOU BE AN ALCOHOLIC?
Increasingly, women are going head to head with men when it comes to binge drinking. It’s not surprising: society normalizes, encourages, and promotes drinking so heavily that it can be nearly impossible, at times, to know what’s “normal” or not. A 2015 report by the National Institutes of Health, says an exploding number of Americans are in the drinking danger zone. According to the report, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, nearly one-third of American adults at some point in their life have an Alcohol Abuse Disorder, and only 20% seek treatment. Drinking may seem harmless but overindulging in alcohol is responsible for more than 80,000 deaths in this country per year and is the third leading cause of preventable deaths. We turned to Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW) of Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida to outline the differences between social, problem and alcoholic drinking.
Addicted alcoholics hide their habit
Carrie Carlton says, “When people veer from social drinking to alcoholism, they usually try to conceal their drinking from those who are close to them. This is a warning sign because they deliberately wish to hide their drinking habit from their loved ones so as not to alarm or disappoint them. The fact is, the more they try to hide their drinking habit, the more serious their drinking problem becomes.”
Missing work
Alcoholics tend to miss work, damage other people’s lives, and not fulfill obligations because they stay busy drinking. Social drinkers will drink at specific times when they are usually free so that no important work is hampered. Social drinkers make sure that they do not over-drink, which ensures that they can tend to important obligations. “If they start ignoring these obligations because of drinking, they have likely become alcoholic,” says Carlton.
You’re a weekend warrior.
“If you don’t drink daily, but are drinking regularly, such as binges every Friday night, that’s a red flag,” says Carlton. While research shows that having about seven alcoholic beverages per week lowers your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, abstaining all week only to guzzle five or six glasses in a single sitting negates any of alcohol’s potential health benefits. Moreover, binge drinking can raise blood pressure and interfere with certain medications.
Drinking just “creeps up on you.”
Have you ever told yourself you were going to have only a drink or two at happy hour, and before you knew it you’d downed five? One of the clues that you may be a binge drinker is not knowing your limits—or feeling surprised when you've "suddenly" passed them. “Like diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems, drinking problems develop gradually and alcoholism is progressive,” says Carlton.
Drinking and driving
Alcoholics end up in alcohol-related accidents, while social drinkers do not. However, for a social drinker, they know that drinking and driving is not permitted and can be fatal. So, even if they over-drink on a particular social occasion, they don’t get behind the wheel.
You wonder if there will be enough alcohol available
“This most likely means that you are probably chasing the buzzed feeling and are unable to enjoy yourself without the fear of losing that high” says Carrie Carlton. “It is most definitely a warning sign of addiction and it can be a sign of obsessive thinking around alcohol, which should absolutely raise red flags.”
You “Pre-Game It”
Perhaps you are going on a blind date and don’t want your date to think you drink too much so you have 2 drinks at home and 2 drinks while on the date. You know you’ve had 4 drinks, but your date perceives you as a “normal” drinker. You are aware of your true quantity and have the buzz to go along with it.
You hide alcohol
If you don’t want your spouse, roommate or family member to see you drinking, perhaps you hide alcohol in a closet or bathroom cabinet and put your drinks in a colored paper cup so only you know you’re drinking. Carrie Carlton says, “alcoholics will do this to be able to indulge in their addiction while attempting to “act sober” and deceive others around them.”
You switch drinks or try to make rules for yourself that you don’t follow
Many people will negotiate with themselves. For example, “I will switch from 4 glasses of wine to two Vodkas” or “I will only drink on weekends,” “I will only go to happy hour when I have a new client win.” “Normal” drinkers don’t make these kinds of bargains with themselves because their lives don’t revolve around alcohol or attempts to control consumption of it,” says Carlton.
A ”problem drinker” versus an alcoholic
Carrie Carlton explains that, “A problem drinker is able to self-correct when they are given sufficient reason to do so – negative consequences, painful hangovers, birth of a child, new responsibilities, etc. An alcoholic, on the other hand, is unable to permanently cut back or stop drinking even when they have numerous reasons to do so. When faced with serious consequences and reality, an alcoholic may temporarily stop or limit themselves, but they will invariably return to their regular excessive drinking patterns.”
What to do if you’re not sure you have a problem
Carrie Carlton suggests, “If you are not certain you are an alcoholic, seek the advice of a therapist, or attend an AA meeting and speak with those who have long term sobriety to see if they share similar thoughts and experiences. If you feel that you need more than therapy to stop drinking, in patient treatment (rehab) may be the course of action you need to get both the therapy and tools to live a sober life.
Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW), Clinical Supervisor at Beachway Therapy Center
Carrie holds a BSW and MSW in social work from Florida Atlantic University, an MA from Barry University (Miami), and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also has a background in medical social work. Her understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and family systems guide her treatment of addicts and families. Her clients thrive under her guidance because of her honesty, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing the severe impact of addictions on both the addict and the families, Carrie is dedicated to consistently serve her clients.
About Beachway Therapy Center
Beachway provides a continuum of care, from PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) to Outpatient services. The facility offers a fully individualized treatment plan that meets the clinical and medical needs of each client usually lasting between 30 and 90 days. Beachway provides an extremely low client to therapist ratio and under high level professional supervision, clients can begin to recover in a safe, residential-like environment. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, 12-Step orientation, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy,) trauma-informed practices and a wide variety of supportive group therapies are offered.
“SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK” BEGINS MARCH 10TH
10 Sleep Hygiene Tips from a NYC Neuropsychologist
Lack of sleep is such a universal problem that the National Sleep Foundation has proclaimed the week of March 10th as Sleep Awareness Week.
How do you assess your bedroom habits and optimize your nighttime routine for better sleep? To find out, we turned to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York-based neuropsychologist and faculty member at Columbia University.
Studies show that sleep quality is directly related to sleep hygiene. So could it be that your nighttime habits are causing you to lose out on the benefits of quality sleep?
Dr. Hafeez says that “not only are people unaware of why they are suffering from insomnia or not getting quality sleep but they are unaware of the effects this has on their health, daily functions and brain.” The New York-based Neuropsychologist explains that a large part of insomnia is a result of poor sleep hygiene.
The National Sleep Foundation defines sleep hygiene as “a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness.”
Here are 10 behaviors that could be causing a decline in your sleep quality and tips from our neuropsychology expert explaining how to fix them!
Working Out Too Late Into The Night
Working out can help de-stress the body and reduce anxiety. However, “if done too close to your bedtime your body might still feel the adrenaline and pump of the workout and it might be difficult to fall into a sedative state,” says Dr. Hafeez.
Having A Smoke Or Some Caffeine Too Close To Bedtime
“Nicotine is a stimulant and it is well known to cause insomnia. Depending on how your body processes nicotine you could be putting yourself at risk for low quality sleep which means a lack of REM sleep,” warns Dr. Hafeez. This stage of sleep is where we recharge the most throughout the night. In other cases, people unassumingly snack on chocolate or have a soft drink that contains caffeine and that caffeine will keep you in a state of alert and it will be more noticeable that you are alert as you stare at the roof without any other activity. “Caffeine is great at work when you need a little help staying alert, but at night it can cause you to miss out on that much-needed recharge,” Dr. Hafeez says.
Using Your Bed For More Than Just “Bed” Functions
Much like productivity professionals advise maintaining a designated area
for studying or work, sleep experts say your bed should be used almost exclusively for sleeping and sharing intimate moments with our spouse or lover. This is because, “the brain has a hard time adjusting to sleep mode if it gets used to being on the bed all the time, eating, watching tv, studying or just hanging out. You’ll have a harder time shifting into actual ‘bedtime,’ explains Dr. Hafeez.
Eating Too Late Into The Night
For late night munchers, it is no strange notion that after a binge session at 3 a.m it may be a little difficult to fall asleep. “Your system is stuffed. Depending on how much you eat you may feel bloated or hyperactive. This can result in you feeling uncomfortable. If you’re on a diet you may feel guilty for breaking your regimen,” says Dr. Hafeez. All of these things cause your brain and system to be preoccupied with all but falling asleep.
Though It Is A Sedative, Alcohol Will Ruin Your REM Sleep
Many people say they sleep better after drinking. That may be true for a glass of wine with a light dinner but “a restful sleep is not the same as blacking out or drinking so heavily that you find yourself inebriated prior to sleep,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Alcohol disrupts the way our body absorbs liquid, thus causing urgent and frequent needs to go to the restroom to urinate. Dr. Hafeez also says alcohol tends to disrupt the restful stage of REM.
Going To Bed Angry Will Make It More Difficult To Fall Asleep
Not only is “don’t go to bed angry” good relationship advice, it turns out it ’s great psychological and sleep hygiene advice. Dr. Hafeez explains that “if you are able to leave things off with someone in a better place or in a place of ‘we will work this out in the morning because we care for each other,’ you have a better chance of letting your body relax into sleep.” If you aren’t able to calm your frustration for the night you may find your mind circling the problem until the sun comes up.
Clinging to Your Cell Phone While Trying To Doze Off
This is a major issue in today’s digital age. People are tuned in to their phones too late into the night, reports show. “As more and more people opt to have their phone by their bedside and go to bed staring at their screens there is an increase in phone-related insomnia. Our eyes stay alert with the light of the screen explains Dr. Hafeez. “The constant scrolling and continued processing of information make it so your brain never begins relaxing,” she says. Tips for avoiding this issue are to leave your phone across the room. This also helps when waking up in the morning and having to walk across the room to turn your alarm off.
The Room Temperature Is Not Optimized For Sleep
Optimal room temperature is commonly thought to be 60-67 degrees according to the national sleep foundation. “Your body has a way of regulating temperature relative to the temperature of the room in order to relax you into sleep,” says Dr. Hafeez. If the room temperature is too hot or too cold it can cause discomfort that will wake you up throughout the night or keep you from falling asleep at all.
Poor Lighting Environment
If a room is getting too much light coming in from the window or from your bedroom hallway it can be difficult to sleep. “Many people with light sensitivity will use blackout curtains to optimize the room for sleep. When clocks move forward and the sun rises at an earlier time people often struggle to acclimate themselves to the new time because the sunlight is waking them up,” says Dr. Hafeez
Napping During The Day
Sleep is a recharge for the day's activities. If you are constantly napping or napped too heavily during the day, your mind won’t be as tired as it usually is once it’s time to tuck into the sheets for the night. “Napping if necessary is not a bad thing. But one 20 to 30-minute nap is very different than sleeping all day and then struggling at night to sleep,” says Dr. Hafeez.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with her via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or
Ready to Come out of Winter Hibernation? 4 Ways to Get Fit Before Spring Arrives
It can be easy to pack on a few extra pounds during the winter. It is something that happens to a lot of people, and it can end up causing negative health impacts as well as lower self-esteem levels. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to shed those few hibernation pounds before spring finally arrives. The following information provides helpful tips you may want to consider when starting your journey to better health and fitness.
Begin Counting Calories
Calories are one of the most important factors when it comes to weight loss. Therefore, you will want to begin keeping track of how many calories you are consuming each day. It can be helpful to use a BMI calculator to determine which weight range is healthiest for your height and weight. You don’t want to be over or underweight because this can cause many health issues. You might also want to consider consulting a physician before starting a diet or exercise program because they can help you to get on the right track.
Start an Exercise Routine
Exercise is also another important factor in weight loss. If you are healthy enough to exercise and have been given the okay from your doctor, you can begin to create a plan that works for you. It can be fun and relaxing to get out and go for a walk each day or you can join a gym. If it is still cold in your area, you might want to consider indoor winter training.
Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables should make up a large portion of your diet. They provide many beneficial vitamins and nutrients, and they are typically low in calories. This means you can consume a large amount without going over on your daily calorie limit.
Avoiding Fast Foods and Processed Foods
Typically, fast food and processed food is not good for you. It lacks a lot of the essential nutrients your body needs, it’s high in calories, and it may contain harmful additives. By cutting out many of these foods, you will likely begin consuming fewer calories per day, which can result in weight loss. You will also likely begin to feel better because you are taking better care of your body.
Overall, losing weight can be an incredibly challenging and intricate process. It will require a lot of your time, effort, and dedication. However, it will be worth it in the long run because, if you are overweight, this can cause multiple health conditions. Getting in shape for spring may be easier than you think if you just work hard and stick to your plan!
HealthPRO's Cynthia Valaitis named one of the 100 Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Cynthia Valaitis, President and CEO of HealthPRO, Canada's procurement services organization, was named one of 100 Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain.
Launched for the first time this year by the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA), the top 100 list celebrates achievers in Canada's supply chain sector and key contributors to the success of their organizations who serve as role models for others within the profession.
"I am both humbled and honoured by this recognition," says Ms. Valaitis. "At HealthPRO, we are privileged to work with an incredible group of supply chain experts and clinicians from across Canada's healthcare system, whose expertise contributes to delivering healthcare contracts for the highest quality products at the best value."
Cynthia has led the organization since 2013 and has been a key contributor to its success since 1996. The 100 women will be recognized at the SCMA Gala on May 30thin Montreal.
About HealthPRO Procurement Services Inc.
HealthPRO is Canada's healthcare procurement services organization, representing the purchasing interests of more than 800 hospitals across the country. Through our national collective efforts, we source high quality products and services at the best value, while advancing issues that matter, including patient safety, innovation and assurance of supply. For more information, please visit www.healthprocanada.com.
SOURCE HealthPRO Procurement Services Inc.
TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER
Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!
