EPIGENE THERAPEUTICS INC. announces presentation on NEO2734, an oral dual inhibitor of both BET and CBP-P300, at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium

Data demonstrate significant activity of NEO2734, with superior effects to those of either standard BET inhibitors or CBP-P300 inhibitors, in multiple models of both SPOP mutated and SPOP wildtype prostate cancer.

MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Epigene Therapeutics Inc. announces that data on NEO2734, its investigational, first-in-class, dual inhibitor of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal domain (BET) family of proteins, as well as, the Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) and E1A interacting protein of 300 kDa (EP300 or P300) will be presented at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) taking place in San Francisco, USA from February 14^th to February 16^th. The data being presented will include a poster presentation on NEO2734's activity in an array of molecularly defined pre-clinical models of prostate cancer.

"Our increasing understanding of molecular aberrations in prostate cancer is helping us to develop a profile of potential key disease drivers in patient subsets. Some of these emerging novel molecular targets offer developmental therapeutics opportunities, including in the area of epigenetic modifiers" said Prof. Silke Gillessen Sommer, Professor in Division of Cancer Sciences and Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Christie NHS Trust, University of Manchester, UK and member of the Epigene Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board."SPOP mutations in prostate cancer are associated with multiple adverse disease features, sensitivity to PARP inhibitors, and resistance to BET inhibitors. SPOP normally marks BET proteins for ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Prostate cancer-associated SPOP mutants do not interact with BET proteins, leading to their elevation in SPOP-deficient prostate cancer and thus resistance to BET inhibitor-induced cell growth arrest or apoptosis. NEO2734 is unique in its ability to inhibit both the BET family and the CBP-P300 paralogs. The data being presented at ASCO GU on its ability to significantly inhibit prostate cancer growth in cell lines, organoids, and xenograft models is very interesting. NEO2734's striking activity in SPOP mutated prostate cancer, which markedly contrasts with the lack of activity of either standard BET inhibitors or CBP-P300 inhibitors alone, is potentially particularly important. These data extend on the prior information presented on NEO2734 activity in prostate cancer at the ESMO 2018 meeting. They also provide a clear rationale for the inclusion of patients with advanced SPOP mutated or wild-type disease in forthcoming clinical studies of NEO2734. It will also be particularly interesting to seek possible synergy between NEO2734 and the PARP inhibitors which would give us an opportunity to optimize treatment by combining substances with different mechanism of action against prostate cancer"

"Our group has a specific focus on epigenetic pathways in prostate cancer, especially on key transcription factors and their downstream targets.  We find the consistent superiority of NEO2734 over both BET inhibitors and CBP-P300 inhibitors particularly exciting" said Prof. Jindan Yu, Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. "It is intriguing that the effect of single agent NEO2734 in these models can be mimicked by the simultaneous administration of both BET inhibitors and CBP-P300 inhibitors, while either alone only has moderate effect. The BET inhibitors have shown modest clinical activity in prostate cancer but at a level that has not merited regulatory approval. CBP-P300 has been established as a potentially important target in prostate cancer but we have no relevant clinical data yet. It is consistent with the data generated in multiple cancer types that NEO2734 has unique activity as a single agent in prostate cancer – independent of SPOP status. We are working to extend these data into the context of androgen-blockade resistant prostate cancer in order to help further define which subsets of patients should be afforded a high priority in clinical studies of NEO2734."

"PARP inhibition is emerging as a promising approach for some patients with advanced prostate cancer" said Dr. Yves Collette, Group Leader, Integrative Structural and Chemical Biology, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Marseille, France. "NEO2734's robust activity in both SPOP mutated and wildtype in vivo models of prostate cancer is remarkable. SPOP mutations are associated with relative sensitivity to PARP inhibitors – this is consistent with SPOP's established role in maintaining normal cellular DNA repair processes. NEO2734 has the ability to simultaneously modulate multiple established targets in prostate cancer. We are particularly interested in how NEO2734 may interact with PARP inhibitors in prostate cancer, especially in SPOP mutated disease where we may have a multi-faceted cell-killing approach in a poor prognosis subset of patients. The ability to impact multiple pathways is potentially very exciting and we hope to strengthen the rationale for combining NEO2734 with PARP inhibitors in clinical studies."

Poster details: 

Activity of NEO2734, a novel dual inhibitor of both BET and CBP-P300, in SPOP-mutated prostate cancer. 
(Abstract #62, Poster session A: Prostate Cancer. Moscone West Building) 
Thursday, 14 February 2019 from 11:30 (PST) to 13:00 and 17:30 to 18:30

Full session details and data presentation listings for the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium can be found at: https://gucasym.org/

About Epigene Therapeutics Inc.

Epigene Therapeutics Inc. is a Montreal, Quebec-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of epigenetic modifying agents for the treatment of patients with cancer. 

SOURCE Epigene Therapeutics Inc.

Carrot Wins Global Innovation Award At World Government Summit

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Carrot Rewards, the Canadian startup that revolutionized the promotion of public wellness, was just announced as the global winner of the OECD's 2019 Edge of Government Award. 

Chosen from over 500 submissions from around the world, Carrot received this top innovation recognition at the World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE, where more than 4,000 senior government delegates gathered to explore new trends, technologies and innovative solutions for the benefit of their citizens.

"Our entire extended team of employees, government partners and stakeholders across Canada and the UK is beaming with pride today," said Andreas Souvaliotis, Founder and CEO of Carrot Rewards. "Our goal has always been to touch and improve as many lives as possible, and this type of global recognition by the OECD is the best fuel to accelerate our growth across the world."

About Carrot Rewards
Carrot Rewards is an AI-driven wellness app and brand engagement platform that leverages behavioural economics and nudge theory to motivate and reward users for making better lifestyle choices. Carrot maximizes appeal and engagement by offering users a choice of rewards from the most popular consumer loyalty programs — in Canada, users can earn Aeroplan® Miles, SCENE® points, Petro-Points™, More Rewards® points, Drop points or RBC Rewards — each time they interact with the app.  

With over one million downloads, Carrot has been recognized as Canadian App of the Year by MobileSyrup, ranked as a Top 10 Canadian Loyalty Program by the Bond Brand Loyalty Report and as one of the Top Fastest Growing Companies by Canadian Business and Maclean's.

The Carrot Rewards platform was created in collaboration with Canadian government agencies, health NGOs and the private sector and is now being replicated in other markets, beginning with the United Kingdom in the spring of 2019.

For more information, please visit: www.carrotapp.com
Twitter & Instagram: @carrot_rewards
Facebook: /carrotrewards

Available for Interviews: 
Andreas Souvaliotis, Founder and CEO, Carrot Rewards
Lorne Solway, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Carrot Rewards

SOURCE Carrot Rewards

I’m In Here Somewhere: Memoir of a Food Addict

Chad Dean’s Story – As told to and written by Celeste Prater

Genre: Memoir – Biography

I'M IN HERE SOMEWHERE Book Trailer

Buy Links for Memoir:

Print Book | Amazon| Barnes & Noble| KOBO  | BLIO  | GOOGLE PLAY  | ITUNES

You can find Celeste at:

Website | Twitter| Facebook| Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | Google+ | Tumblr

You can find Chad at:

Facebook

Book Blurb

Flipping through channels, growling at commercials, and then BAM! Something HUGE fills your screen. “Good grief!” you shout, eyes bugging.

Sorry. That might’ve been ME, Chad Dean, awkwardly invading your living room. If you fled, I fully understand. Whether you stuck around to watch in morbid curiosity or just plain horror, I thank you for taking that time out of your day to observe the quick one-year glimpse into a personal battle that was hard, embarrassing, scary, and downright frightening at times.

Though I transformed quickly on the TV, it was not enough to show how in the heck I got to that point in the first place. I’m not alone in these struggles. I’m not the only fat person that ever existed. And I’m certainly not the only human disgusted at the unsightly substance trapped beneath their skin.

Join me as I delve a little deeper below those layers. Perhaps a light might come on sooner than mine.

A Peek Inside

(Please choose only 1 for your blog post. Thank you!)

Excerpt #1:

Excuses. That should’ve been my middle name.

HOLD UP!You felt it, didn’t you? That microsecond recoil, or derisive eye-roll, toward a silly little word urging you to put this book down and walk away. Why is that, do you think? Seriously?

Here’s my stab at a theory: Because this oneof many, many words in our vocabulary is excruciatingly POWERFUL. In fact, I believe the word “Excuses” is so potent that it can trigger an unconscious guilt and blossom into a lie so fast it’ll make your head spin. 

Ugh! The blinding truth hurts sometimes. We cry foul when others lie to us—even ending friendships for the smallest infraction. Yet, we elaborately mask the ones we tell ourselves so very easily.

Maybe some of these lies below might sound familiar to you. Either one or more spilled out of your own mouth at one time, or you know of someone that has become prolific in the game of self-delusion.

LIE: I’m big-boned, so I carry the weight differently.

• TRUTH:You have no bones in your butt or gut. Got it?

LIE: When I eat something sweet, I cancel it out by drinking diet-cola instead of regular.

• TRUTH:You have obviously developed a new “happy math.” How’s that working out for you? Artificial sweetener actually increases sugar cravings. Look it up.

LIE: I want to exercise, but I’m always tired.

• TRUTH:You’re carrying forty pounds more weight than your frame intended—put there by none other than yours truly. No one else. Yep. Four, ten-pound bowling balls of extra baggage. Duh. You’re going to be tired. Think how hard it’s going to be after ten more.

LIE: My job doesn’t allow me time to work out or eat right.

• TRUTH:So, if I understand that line of reasoning, you work a solid 24-7 in a sedentary position and are not allowed to pack your lunch. You’re stuck having to order fast-food takeout delivered right to your desk or vehicle. Really? Not even a thirty-minute break? Unless it pays a million an hour, I’d quit that job. Seriously.

LIE: I bought a stationary bicycle. I can exercise and watch TV at the same time. Win-win.

• TRUTH:Go ahead. Glance over to the corner and try to remember when that dusty hunk of metal became a new way to hang clothes or prop your feet.

LIE: I found a new workout CD, and it only takes twenty minutes. So excited to start it in the morning.

• TRUTH:You hit the snooze button three times, snuggled into your warm pillow, and promised that tomorrow will be the “New Start” to being healthy. Mondays suck and weekends are off limits. Everyone knows that. Hmm…

LIE: Something urgent came up so I can’t walk with you tonight. I’ll go with you tomorrow.

• TRUTH:Your favorite show was on. Bad friend. Bad.

LIE: I ate a salad at lunch, so it’s okay to have ice cream after dinner. 

• TRUTH:Really? A little forgetful on the adjectives, aren’t we? It was a tacosalad loaded with cheese and sour cream…and you ate the outside crispy bowl.

LIE: I’ll start working out after the holidays (my favorite).

• TRUTH:Christmas comes SO fast after Thanksgiving. Amazing, isn’t it? Chocolate-filled Valentine’s Day zips up immediately after that fierce New Year’s resolution has barely left your mouth. Hell, when you think about it. Every day’s a holiday feast when you have beckoning brownies, soda, candy, burgers, pizza, and cupcakes floating across TV screens or sitting on paper plates at the office party—tempting, smelling so good, beautifully wrapped, and begging me to…wait. I digress. Let’s not forget why I’m here…

So where do Iget off telling youto quit lying to yourself and others? Easy. Been there, done that, got a master’s degree in it. If I’d kept it up, they might’ve carved “Dr. Denial” on my headstone.

We could go on and on with pithy one-liners on how to innocently deceive oneself about balancing weight with food and exercise, but here’s a brutal truth that I desperately needed to confess…and fast!

I was in a severely destructive relationship with DENIAL, the beautiful cousin of EXCUSES. It was profoundly obvious and squatting right in front of my big fat nose. So close, in fact, everything else lost focus in the light of that vicious bitch—my failing health, my loving family, my work…everything.

Bottom line… I was dying.

Yeah. No joke, cookie. I sat there looking into every knowing eye that uncomfortably flitted away from mine and continued filling my veins with the pretty poison and hanging on to every comforting word doled out by the reigning Empress DENIAL.

 “There you go. Just onemore. Atta boy. I’ll never judge you,” she’d whispered softly into my ear.

Oh, yes. This big man was gleefully traipsing down the road paved with chocolate and lined with donuts while steadily committing food suicide. Yes, I’ll say it again. “S U I C I D E.”

It’s an ugly word chock full of sadness and heartache, yet the scrumptiously delicious things I was continuously shoving into my mouth on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis might as well have been a loaded gun.

Click. POW! Lights out.

Excerpt #2:

Night and day. That’s the only way to describe it. From one month to the next, everything had changed. I’m not talking about just another day of logging my body’s post-surgery metamorphosis, I’m referring to my overall outlook on life. I felt fantastic, rejuvenated, gleeful, optimistic, purposeful, and whatever other adjective you want to slap on to account for my stupid grinning face.

“But Chad, you only lost nine pounds this month,” you might be thinking. “Who cares?” is my response. Yes, I was ecstatic to see a minus in the column, but more jubilant that the film had been peeled away from my eyes. Maybe that’s how much being blind to the truth weighs—another damn bowling ball.

I’d committed some major “stupid” and pulled off several miracles. I finally decided to understand their significance. To appreciate them.

• Stupid 1:I’d been close to death by smothering my body in layers of fat all from a driving need for instant self-gratification in the form of food.
• Stupid 2:I’d been unable to work and provide for my family because of that choice.
• Stupid 3:I’d come dangerously close to leaving the love of my life a widow and fending for herself with two young children.
• Stupid 4:I clutched my jewel-encrusted “King of the Excuses” crown in a white-knuckled grip and refused to give up the reign of power.

Miracle 1:I scared the hell out of myself, swallowed my pride, and sought out professional help.

Miracle 2:Going on nothing but crossed fingers,My 600 LB Lifesnatched me from an open volcano trying to suck me into the bowels of hell

.

Miracle 3:I survived major surgery to stop me from steadily killing myself.

Miracle 4:I became a father and husband again, not a burden to shoulder.

Miracle 5:I survived anothermajor surgery to stop me from accidentallykilling myself.

Miracle 6:I woke the hell up, threw that heavy crown as far as I could, and turned my vision outward. Selfish, selfish Chad disappeared that day. Good riddance.

Remember way back at the start of the book where I’d been trying to assign some reason as to why I overate? I’d said, “If some motives are sub-conscious, then how would I know what’s brewing in that gray, murky area and pulling on my puppet strings?” The answer was so obvious, I almost wanted to pop myself upside the head. I’d actually revealed it with my next line of, “This need, or drive, may be beneath the layer of consciousness yet obviously very dominate in the patterns we establish,” but quickly covered it with, “I can’t just simply point one out and yell, “Hey, sneaky bastard. Yeah, you. I know what you’re up to. Get the hell out of my head!” Yup. The master of denial at your service. Blame it on something else.

These demons that I liked to point out and accuse for leading me astray are me. I’m battling myself constantly. We all are. I don’t care what episode in your life may have planted the damn things in the first place, if you continue to allow them to park inside your brain, you own them.

“But they’re hidden and stealthy,” some might continue convincing. “How can you possibly fight something in the dark?” That line sounds very plausible and can be such a good excusefor continued ignorance. I refused to play the game. We’re not puppets on a string, and if you feel like you are, then you’ve tied the threads yourself. WE make the patterns, no one else. The key is reading the damn things. Start looking at YOUR ACTIONS and subsequent fallout. If you’re not getting a good return on your thought patterns, then, duh, something’s wrong. You wouldn’t keep betting on the broken-down nag that continues coming in last, would you? Hell, no. Same thing applies. Keep this next statement at the forefront of your brain, it’s that important.

If you refuse to understand yourself, how can you ever be understood by another? Pleading cries of, “You don’t understand” or “Help me” fall on deaf ears for an eternity, and rightly so. Read the book of your life and take a good, hard look at the story. Your answers are right there. Just because the plot isn’t completed yet doesn’t mean you can’t come to some mind-opening conclusions before finally reaching THE END.

How many chances do you think we get in one life? What if we’re reincarnated over and over until we finally learn a hard lesson and adjust? Good grief! I must have been a righteously stubborn shit through a few others. This round was viciously driving it home to show me the error of my ways.

Maybe we’re like a cat and get nine chances in the one life given. If so, I’m glad that my rose-colored glasses got cracked because I don’t have much more left on the tab. That’s for sure.

Perhaps everything is a matter of chance. We get one shot at it. To build or destroy it as we go and then turn to worm dirt afterward. If so, what a damn waste to spend it so frivolously.

Q&A SESSION

What made you decide to write a memoir?

By time my follow-up episode aired, I’d gathered a pretty large following on Facebook. Soon, I began receiving messages that they would love to know more about my life and that I should write a book. I didn’t know the first thing about writing or how to get published, so I just told them that I would think about it. It’s very humbling to hear the viewers say that the family and I inspired them to continue their path to better health. Just as many also told me they found the courage to begin their own journey. That motivated me to spill out my life in the hopes that I can inspire at least one more person to save their own life like I did. My greatest hope is that someone will recognize their issues and stop from ever tipping over into morbid obesity.

How did Celeste get the honor of writing your book?

Crazy story. It was what you might call a “happy accident.” Before I ate myself into a body that could barely breathe, I loved riding motorcycles. Early 2018, I stopped in a bike shop not far from my house to look at used bikes. The manager recognized me and asked if I ever thought about writing a book. Destiny! I soon learned that his business partner had a sister that was an author and was here in Texas. After one phone call, I was making plans for Celeste to visit. We hit it off immediately. Same sense of humor and tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Two weeks later, she was in my living room with the first chapter and a rough outline. Out came the recorder and she started grilling me from birth all the way to that exact moment. She didn’t go easy on me. The questions were hard, probing, and unapologetic. She came back two months later with a completed manuscript and read it to me and Ayesha. Nailed it! She’d crawled into my head and put all of my ramblings and our shared “ah ha!” revelation moments into a polished story. We didn’t have to change a thing. –and yes, she’s helping me write my blog answers. She’s my official writer. Two peas in a pod. Lol!

Is this a “tell-all” book about your experience on My 600 LB Life?

Not in the least. I give insights to other things occurring with me and Ayesha during that time-period, but it doesn’t offer up any behind-the-scenes inner workings of the show. So, if you’re looking for any dirt on the production company or TLC, then you’ve come to the wrong place. This book reflects my respect for those two organizations, and especially Dr. Now. Without them I would be dead. Slinging mud is not the intention of this book. I wanted to show the world how easy it is to become “blindly obese.” As my story unfolds, I’m analyzing myself and pointing out all the missed moments where I should’ve come to my senses and stopped myself from ever reaching the size you see when I began the show. I wanted to find the WHY of the nonsense I heaped on myself.

What advice can you offer to those that are fighting a weight issue?

I’m not referring to those that have a true medical issue, but to those with a food addiction like mine. Quit allowing yourself to fall into the trap of excuses and denials of your problem. You’ll see this throughout my book. I blame no one but myself for reaching that massive amount of weight. Mine was an extreme case, however even forty to fifty pounds over is leading to, or already causing, internal issues. I wrecked my spleen and liver, which are now thankfully recovered. Every day I thank the stars that I didn’t annihilate my heart. Think about the stress to your ligaments and bones. Yes, it’s hard to change your lifestyle, but it’s even harder to try to recover what you’re steadily destroying day by day. Ignore your desire to turn a blind eye to reality. Trust me—it’s not fun to pay the piper later. Yes, I survived, but I have scars on the inside and out. Stop the cycle now…and live!

What type of response have you had with the book so far?

Right before the memoir released, Ayesha and I were invited to New York to appear on the Today Show. Meeting Al Roker was mind-blowing. Great guy! Right afterward, I did interviews with the New York Post, Life and Style, and In Touch Weekly. There were a lot more interviews when I returned to Texas and still more to come. We’re getting a lot of 5 Star review ratings and praise on the story. The response is overwhelming. I’m extremely grateful to have these opportunities for reaching those that are just looking for a bit of inspiration to turn their lives around, or to simply enjoy reading a story of someone narrowly escaping a self-imposed tragedy.

Chad’s Bio

Chad Dean as seen on TLC’s “My 600 LB Life,” was once quoted as saying, “The board game most closely resembling my life is Candy Land. I would eat anything and everything I wanted, whenever I wanted.” But those days are long gone. He’s now in that coveted 5% experiencing gastric bypass and successfully maintaining the weight loss after two years. He credits his brilliant physician, a production company willing to take a chance, the unwavering support of his loving family, sound fitness advice, and a blatant truth-telling friend that never bent under the pressure of the addicted.

During that arduous journey, Chad fought hard, stumbled, got back to his feet, and battled like a warrior to right the wrong he’d done to his body. You can’t endure such hills and valleys without glancing over your shoulder to see what demons were still chasing you. What he found was a burning question as to why he’d ended up in that predicament in the first place. By spilling out intimate details of his life on the pages of “I’m In Here Somewhere,” his greatest hope is that others may learn from his mistakes, recognize their own decline into addiction, and pass on the knowledge to others that are still in gripping denial. The one thing that Chad never lost in this epic battle was his irreverent humor, positivity, and strong confidence. They may have faltered a few times, but you will definitely see them full force in his honest, no holds-barred Memoir of a Food Addict. He welcomes your curiosity, encourages your bravery at taking a peek, and applauds you for sticking around. Happy reading!

Celeste’s Author Bio

Celeste sends a resounding thanks to Chad and his family for allowing her to write his memoir, “I’m In Here Somewhere: Memoir of a Food Addict”—her first ever. However, it isn’t her first foray into writing. She’s also a published author of the award winning, bestselling romance series FUELED BY LUST and THREE DIVISIONS trilogy. Celeste has received countless praises for her unique writing style, ability to create memorable characters and mesmerizing worlds for the reader to romp, dream, and drool. Action, suspense, mystery, and sizzling hot, lovable hunks continue to bring on “Top Picks,” “Best Book,” “Book of the Month,” “Best Banter,” and International “Reader’s Choice Favorite” accolades.

Her decidedly favorite professional review comment from Long and Short Reviews, “Book one caught my attention, book two had me hooked and asking for more, book three caused my addiction, and book four fed my habit. Now I’m left sitting here hoping for more, like a junkie strung out on alien men,” has gleefully kept her nose to the keyboard and sharing with the world the Fueled By Lust Insedi warriors and the lucky females who snag them.

Currently, she is trying her talented hand within the non-romance Paranormal / Crime Thriller genre and hopes to have another novel ready very soon.

PICS

Meal Prep Tips From A Pro

What’s the easiest way to stay on track for achieving your goal body? Meal prep! It eliminates the possibility of veering off track from your diet, grabbing junk food on the go or giving in to your cravings at meetings during office hours.

What is meal prep? We have all heard the saying that failing to plan is planning to fail. And this is in fact the truth. The best way to stay on track and achieve the goal body that you have always dreamed of is by making sure that you properly prepare your meals aka meal prep in advance. Meal prep isn’t the same for everyone. The best way to start prepping is to find 1 or 2 days a week where you can hash out a few hours to prepare your meals in advance. 

I personally love Sunday’s. It sets me up for the week and I love starting out a new week with a goal. The goal is to stay on track with my meals. If I make all my food on a Sunday I know that I have no reason or excuse not to stay on track. This day may not work for you. So, find a day that works in your schedule. It can also be any time of day. You don’t have to cook in the evenings. It’s a personal preference. 

The following are 6 Pro meal prepping Tips 

Tip #1

Make your food in bulk.

The best way to get your foods cooked efficiently is to prepare them in bulk. Crock pots, barbeques and baking in the oven are great options for bulk cooking proteins. A rice cooker is always a solid investment to batch cook carbs. Pasta and potatoes (sweet, red, yellow etc) can be cooked in bulk as well in a pot on the stove. 

Tip #2

Use Seasonings and sauces.

No one wants to eat the same meals repeatedly. It becomes monotonous, boring and bland. Don’t be afraid of seasonings and sauces. And do not be afraid of sodium. Sodium contains nutrients and electrolytes that help keep the muscles full, from cramping and keep proper water retention in the body. So get creative with seasonings and sauces but just avoid the ones that contain extra sugars.

Tip #3

Get Creative.

When most people hear the phrase “meal prep” they think boring. This does not have to be the case. Like mentioned above seasonings and sauces help but you can also get creative with ingredients. For example: For breakfast, most people think egg whites, oatmeal and berries. Sure, that’s great but have you ever thought of mixing the egg whites and oatmeal in a blender and making it into a batter? The batter can then be made into a pancake or even put in a waffle maker for a delicious waffle. You can then take the berries heat them up quickly and make them into a delicious compote! And pancakes and waffles are great to eat in a rush! Remember if you are thawing them, or reheating them you don’t have to put them in the microwave because if you want to keep them crispy pop them in the toaster or toaster oven for that delicious crisp!

Tip #4

Invest in BPA Free Containers.

Good quality containers are worth the investment. Remember you will be using these to reheat your foods every day. BPA is the way to go for this as you don’t want any harmful chemicals getting into your foods and in turn your body. Its also good to buy containers that have separate compartments for your macronutrients and micronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vegetables).

Tip#5

Freeze extra meals.

Some veggies and meat keep better than others in the fridge but remember you can freeze your meals and take them out when you need them. Especially do this if meal prepping twice a week isn’t a good fit for you. Its ok to freeze them in the container, freezer bag if its bulk or even vacuum sealed and reheat later. 

Tip #6

Buy a water jug.

Often hunger is confused with dehydration. Too many times people feel that they are hungry when its thirst.  Try and have a BPA free water jug, bottle or container with you always and sip it throughout the day. This will help keep you hydrated, full and keep you from reaching for snacks that aren’t your prepped food. 

Remember that there isn’t a wrong way or a right way to meal prep. It should be whatever works for you to help keep you on track. Experiment with prepping and find a way that it fits for you and your schedule. And remember for best results it can help to hire a coach to help you with your meal plan. This will insure that the food you are eating is individualized and planned strictly for your lifestyle, goals and exercise habits.

Apple, PC, HD, DM:  No, we are talking about Healthcare!
By Joshua Mansour, M.D. 

I was in the hospital when I heard the word apple.  Without hesitating I reached in my pocket to see if I had my phone.  By the way, they were talking about the fruit, not the product.  This got me thinking, has technology and our products now become more important than our health?  
 
Technology surrounds us and has become a large part of how we live on a daily basis. I’m not saying that technology and its progression and evolution is all bad, but certain aspects may pose a health risk.  I mean I am writing this article on my laptop right now to try and reach out and help others.  Technology has served many positive aspects and revolutionized how we take care of patients today.

There used to be the common phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.  This may still remain true but in a different light.  People have become so preoccupied with their gadgets that they are not taking the time to take care of themselves, let alone visit a doctor.

If I was to write the word apple on a piece of paper then ask someone about the word, I bet many people would think I was talking about the company.  You wouldn’t think I was talking about the fruit the boasts antioxidants and fiber and may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke, cholesterol, and diabetes.  Oh, diabetes you say?

 If I was to do the same thing with the letters DM, a person would be quicker to think I was talking about Direct Messaging someone on Instagram than Diabetes Mellitus.  This disease, caused by an elevated level of glucose in your body that can lead to kidney disease, nerve damage, high blood pressure, eye problems, strokes, sexual health issues, and even HD.

That’s HD, as in Heart Disease, not the High Definition screen which with many people spend hours a day watching.  Ironically, sitting for hours in front of an HD can eventually lead to the other type of HD.  There is actually an increase in risk with sedentary behavior such as sitting for prolonged hours in front of your HD television and Heart disease.

Although the screen is now high definition, your eyesight is now not.  Increased screen time can lead to a multitude of visual defects including, myopia (near sidedness), retinal damage, eye strain, and blurred vision-- the opposite of high definition, not to mention the headaches, neck, shoulder, and back strain associated with sitting and staring in the same position for hours at a time.     

While technology in many ways has given us greater access to information and improved communication among others, our obsession with it can have detrimental effects on our health. Many of us use a Personal Computer (PC) every day, but when is the last time that we saw a PC (Primary Care) doctor?  

 The World Health Organization posted an article over a decade ago warning people that a sedentary lifestyle can be one of the top ten leading causes of death and disability in the world. Physical inactivity as a whole not only increases mortality, but can severely increase the risk of heart disease (HD), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Physical inactivity can lead to poor diet and nutrition as well.  It is a slippery slope with a downward spiral that studies have now shown 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.  Although there are genetic factors as well as cellular factors that continue to be discovered play a role, there is no denying that a healthy diet and physical activity contribute to cancer prevention.

Instead of being outdoors, while indoors locked to our computer screens, we risk Vitamin D deficiency (recently shown to be linked to an increase in cancer) as well as, again, an inactive and sedentary lifestyle.  While sitting indoors many of us will eat processed food or snack on food high levels of nitrates or sodium, that have been linked to several deleterious health effects, including cancer.  At the same time, we will binge eat, while multitasking on our devices, and lose sight of portion control.  As I said, it’s a slippery slope. 

 So, the next time you find yourself spending too much time in front of a screen, think about your health and what you may be doing to your body.  After all, we each only get one.

 Follow my journey from the begining @DoctorJosh_MD     

Joshua Mansour, M.D. is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist in Stanford, California doing work in the field of  Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy.

How Does Kidney Disease Affect a Workout Routine?

Having chronic kidney disease can affect virtually every aspect of your life, and this includes your workout routine. Research has repeatedly shown that exercising is one of the best things a person with kidney disease can do to protect their overall health as it can help you to manage the various other health issues that come along with the disease. The only problem is that kidney disease also tends to make people suffer from other issues that can affect their ability to workout, such as weakness, shortness of breath, lack of energy and muscle or joint pain. Therefore, it is essential that you understand exactly how kidney disease can affect your workout routine and that you follow these basic tips to ensure you get the full benefits exercise can provide without putting yourself at risk.

Choose Appropriate Exercises

The decreased exercise ability that accompanies later-stage kidney cancer leads many patients to suffer various cardiovascular issues. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in patients with chronic kidney cancer, which is why it is so important to begin an appropriate exercise regime early on. This means making sure to exercise three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. In addition, it’s important to focus on aerobic exercises such as biking, jogging or swimming as these will help to strengthen your heart and lungs. As well, you should consider doing at least occasional strength training to help keep your muscles strong and prevent joint pain.

Focus on Balance and Flexibility

Weakness and the various other conditions that can occur as a result of kidney disease puts individuals at an increased risk of injuries and falls. Therefore, it is also vital that you focus some of your exercise time on improving your balance and flexibility. Just a few minutes of balance exercises a couple of times a week can go a long way toward preventing falls. Similarly, improving your flexibility can provide increased mobility and also prevent muscle tension and stiffness that could lead to pain or injury.

Make Sure to Start Slow

Your kidney disease may eventually make it to where you can no longer workout in the same way you once did, which is why it’s always important to talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. The fact is that, no matter what you do, kidney disease will always weaken your body. For this reason, it is essential that you make sure to start each session slow to get your heart, lungs, and muscles warmed up and ready before you dive into the more vigorous part of the routine. Furthermore, you should also low your exercise down gradually with a cool-down period instead of simply ending your routine abruptly since this could cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous.

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

Depending on the stage of your kidney disease, it may be necessary to replace some of the fluids you sweated out during your exercise. This is why it’s also important to discuss everything with your renal dietician as they may want to monitor your fluid intake and urine production more closely to help ensure that you stay hydrated. Should you find yourself suddenly feeling lightheaded or dehydrated, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. In some cases, they may simply instruct you to drink more, but in more serious cases, they may need to administer fluids to you through a smart IV pumpor other intravenous method. To avoid this, you should also take steps to ensure you don’t sweat too much. This means wearing less clothing, not working out during the hottest parts of the day and making sure not to push yourself too hard.The fact that exercise can provide so many benefits to people with kidney disease means it is definitely something you need to be doing. At the same time, you need to make sure that you’re doing it smartly and not putting your body under any added stress. Therefore, it is vital that you discuss your exercise plans with your doctor and understand exactly 

Seventy-five organizations recognized as Employee Recommended Workplaces for 2019

Morneau Shepell and The Globe and Mail to announce category winners on March 19

TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Morneau Shepell and The Globe and Mail announced 75 Employee Recommended Workplaces for 2019, in the third annual Employee Recommended Workplace Award. The selected organizations have achieved high standards for healthy workplaces, as reported by their employees, and have earned the right to use the Employee Recommended Workplace badge in their communications materials to identify them as employers of choice.

From this group, winners in 12 business categories, representing organizations from across Canada, will be announced on March 19 at The Globe and Mail Solving Workplace Challenges Summit to be held at The Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. The category winners will also be profiled nationally in The Globe and Mail, Canada's leading news media organization. 

The Employee Recommended Workplace Award recognizes excellence in achieving a healthy, engaged and productive workforce. It is the only award of its kind that is based entirely on feedback from employees. Employees were asked to complete a short confidential survey, from which they received a personal assessment identifying potential areas for improvement across all elements of Total Health – physical, mental, work and life. Participating organizations also received a summary report on the health of their workforce, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in HR planning.

"As more workplaces focus on employee health and well-being, it's reassuring to see a wide range of employers represented in the 2019 Employee Recommended Workplaces, including organizations of all sizes, from all corners of Canada and from both the private and public sectors," said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer, Morneau Shepell. "We are proud to partner with the Globe and Mail to recognize employers who are succeeding in this space and to inspire others to improve their offering in employee wellness."

"It's encouraging to know that employee well-being is being discussed more openly in the workplace and to see an increase in the number of employers making this a priority each year," said Phillip Crawley, publisher and chief executive officer, The Globe and Mail. "We look forward to recognizing the great work of the winners on March 19, 2019, and we are excited to see this program continue growing for the years to come."

The list of the 75 Employee Recommended Workplaces for 2019 is provided below.

The 2020 Employee Recommended Workplace Award program will launch in April 2019. For more information on the awards and to register online, please visit employeerecommended.com.

For tickets to The Globe and Mail Solving Workplace Challenges Summit, where the awards will be presented, please visit globeandmailevents.com/swc2019. 

About Morneau Shepell 
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee well-being, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is a total well-being solution that combines employee assistance, wellness, recognition and incentive programs. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the Company also helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 24,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,500 employees in offices worldwide, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

About The Globe and MailThe Globe and Mail is Canada's foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, we reach 6.8 million readers through our print and digital formats, including Report on Business magazine reaching 1.6 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.

Employee Recommended Workplace Award 2019 Winners 

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

National Study Finds Americans Do Not Know The Facts Or Their Risk For Heart Disease

Boca Raton, Fla., February 5, 2019 — While 7 out of 10 Americans acknowledge heart disease as the number one killer of both men and women, a national survey conducted by MDVIP and Ipsos finds that people still worry more about cancer (62 percent) than they do a heart attack (55 percent). A staggering 62 percent of Americans failed the "Heart Attack IQ" quiz, proving a concerning lack of knowledge about heart disease, the risk factors and prevention.

            Heart Attack IQ Quiz        % of Americans
            A Grade    (90%+)              -
            B Grade (80-89%)              3%
            C Grade (70-79%)            12%
            D Grade (60-69%)            23%
            Fail           (0-59%)            62%

"The healthcare community has made important strides in raising public awareness about heart disease, yet our research shows a significant gap in how much people understand about the disease and their own risk for a heart attack," said Dr. Andrea Klemes, Chief Medical Officer of MDVIP. "Considering that at least 80 percent of cardiac events are preventable, primary care physicians are a first line of defense in helping prevent, and potentially reverse, the disease through more comprehensive risk assessment, better education and health coaching that together lead to long-term lifestyle changes in patients."

The survey reveals many Americans are uncertain, if not ill-informed, about the risk factors for a heart attack and what increases a person's odds for having one.

Confusion Over Cholesterol And Heart Disease

Most Americans (75 percent) don't know that a heart attack happens when a blood clot forms over a plaque lesion in the arteries. Three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) are not aware that most heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels.

High levels of cholesterol encourage the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque in the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. When the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, a blood clot forms which leads to a heart attack. Inflammation in the arteries is the trigger for a cardiovascular event.

Only 14 percent of American adults have had their inflammatory markers checked within the last year, while more than half (54 percent) have had their cholesterol levels checked during the same period.

Fat And Heart Disease

Another common misconception found in the survey is that all fat is bad:

•    More than half of Americans (52 percent) falsely believe that people with heart disease should eat as little fat as possible, not taking into account the value of unsaturated fats in foods like salmon and nuts that can actually help reduce the risk of a heart attack.
•    Americans also struggle with differentiating between bad fats. When presented a list of four foods (medium French fries, 3 oz. filet mignon, one scrambled egg, one cup of ice cream), only 9 percent correctly identified the cup of ice cream, which is the highest in saturated fat, as the worst for cholesterol.

Heart Attack Prevention: A 'Primary' Concern

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in heart disease education and prevention, yet less than half of Americans (42 percent) say they've actually discussed their heart health with their PCP. Similarly, only 42 percent have been coached by their PCP on specific lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise and meditation to help prevent or manage heart disease.

"People don't always consider lifestyle a part of medicine, but it is a discipline today that is proven to prevent and even reverse or 'undo' multiple chronic conditions such as heart disease," said Dr. Dean Ornish, founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and best-selling author, with his latest book titled Undo It! (ornish.com). "Changes to everyday choices regarding diet, exercise, stress management and relationships are simple, but require proper guidance and ongoing support. Primary care physicians like those in the MDVIP network, who make lifestyle coaching an integral part of preventive care and have more time to spend with their patients, can have a major impact on improving the heart health and overall well-being of their patients."

With Heart Disease, Gender Matters

Only 26 percent of women are aware that females have a lower chance of surviving a first heart attack compared to males. The survey also shows women lag behind men when it comes to heart disease knowledge and prevention.

•    Only 31 percent of women (vs. 53 percent of men) have asked their primary care doctor for advice on how to manage or prevent heart disease.
•    Only 55 percent of women (vs. 67 percent of men) say they are knowledgeable about the risk factors for heart disease.
•    Only 43 percent of women (vs. 56 percent of men) consider themselves well-informed when it comes to the best screening methods for heart disease.

Dr. Klemes added, "Whether you're male, female, in your 30s or 90s, heart disease doesn't discriminate. This is why people need to partner with a physician who will go beyond the basics to provide a more complete picture of their risk and put together an action plan that proactively addresses it. Our outcome data on MDVIP members is black-and-white proof that when doctors actually have time to work closely with patients and employ more advanced testing, they can identify risk earlier, take more preventive action and keep them out of the hospital."

About the Heart Attack IQ Survey 

These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted November 15 - 16, 2018, on behalf of MDVIP. For the survey, a sample of 1,006 adults ages 18 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii were interviewed online, in English. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of ±3.5 percentage points for all respondents. For more information about Ipsos' online polling methodology, please visit our Public Opinion Polling and Communication.

About MDVIP

MDVIP leads the market in membership-based healthcare that goes far beyond concierge medicine services. With a national network of over 950 primary care physicians, MDVIP is at the forefront of consumer-directed care. MDVIP-affiliated physicians limit the size of their practices, which affords them the time needed to provide patients with highly individualized service and attention, including a comprehensive annual preventive care program and customized wellness plan. Published research shows that the MDVIP model identifies more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, delivers more preventive health services, and saves the healthcare system millions of dollars through reduced hospitalizations and readmissions. For more information, visit www.mdvip.com.