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.

Clever Leaves First Colombian Company to Export Medical Cannabis to Canada

Health Canada has authorized Clever Leaves to import dry cannabis flower for scientific purposes

Bogotá, Colombia, February 7, 2019 -- Ecomedics S.A.S., (“Clever Leaves” or the Company”), a leading vertically-integrated Colombian licensed producer of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis serving the global market, has become the first Colombian company authorized to export cannabis into Canada. This will be the first inter-permit to bring cannabis into Canada for scientific purposes from Colombia.

“This is a milestone in the history of Colombia and the medical cannabis industry, as it illustrates that Colombia is positioned to become a global leader in a highly technical industry. Foreign investment, job creation, innovation in pharmaceutical technology are just some of the benefits that Clever Leaves generates for the country and the global cannabis and pharmaceutical markets,” says Andrés Fajardo, CEO of Clever Leaves.

Health Canada, Canada’s government agency responsible for national public health and oversight of the medical cannabis industry, issued six authorizations to Clever Leaves on January 16 to import dry cannabis flower for scientific purposes. On January 29, the Colombian National Narcotics Fund (El Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes or the “FNE”) granted the approvals necessary to export the material from Colombia. Clever Leaves will begin the export in mid-February.

“Colombia has the unique potential to become a global leader in the cannabis value chain, creating a sustainable plank of economic development for the country. As the demand for medical cannabis increases, Clever Leaves has the advantage to position itself as the leading exporter for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis,” says Kyle Detwiler, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Swan Holdings, Inc. (“Northern Swan”), Clever Leaves´ financial sponsor that helped secure the import permit with Health Canada.

Clever Leaves met all the requirements of Health Canada to obtain the import permit, which demonstrates the high quality of its cultivation practices, extraction facilities, operating procedures, and management team. The company is currently cultivating medical cannabis in the first phase of a 1.5 million square foot agricultural production facility.

Colombia has worked diligently in recent years to become one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive medical cannabis markets in the Southern Hemisphere. With a clear regulatory framework and the potential for large-scale, low-cost production, Colombia could become one of the largest global export leaders of medical cannabis.

About Clever Leaves

Founded in 2016, Clever Leaves is cultivating medical cannabis in the first phase of a 1.5 million square feet agricultural production facility which is compliant with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (“GACP”).  The Company began operating an EU Good Manufacturing Practices (“EUGMP”)-compliant extraction laboratory in November 2018 which anticipates securing EUGMP certification in late 2019. Clever Leaves will produce approximately 29,000 kg and 77,000 kg of dried flower product in 2019 and 2020, respectively, which will be processed into approximately 2,900 kg and 7,700 kg of medical cannabis oil extract in 2019 and 2020, respectively.  The Company is already recognized as a standard-bearer of job creation in Colombia with approximately 200 employees with plans to employ over 500 professionals by the end of 2019.

About Northern Swan

Northern Swan is an investment firm focused on transformative investments in the international cannabis industry in geographies where the sector is federally legal. With offices in New York, Toronto, Bogota, and Frankfurt, Northern Swan invests in and assists emerging companies develop low-cost production capacity and distribution capabilities to improve distribution globally and generate brand value. Prior to founding Northern Swan, its management team has collectively invested in excess of $3 billion of capital at Blackstone, KKR, and Och-Ziff.

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors.

Healthcare-associated Infections will be Canada's second leading cause of death by 2050… and OptiSolve will help reduce them

OptiSolve^® awarded $4.5 million Genome Canada grant

TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - OptiSolve^® and the Kelley Lab at the University of Toronto will combine novel nanomaterials with a genomics-based approach to allow for precise identification of pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). This second phase development of OptiSolve's Pathfinder^®technology will let hospitals, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes rapidly detect and identify harmful agents, such as MRSA, C. difficile, and influenza, with the resultant benefits of proactive prevention and quick interventions.

This leap forward in technology was made possible on Monday, February 4 when the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced the awarding of a $4.5 million Genome Canada grant to OptiSolve and the Kelley Lab. The OptiSolve grant focuses on the Detection and Identification of Surface Microbial Contamination in High-Risk facilities.

According to a recent report by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are currently the country's fourth leading cause of death and could move up to second place by 2050. Attention to cleanliness and disinfection of surfaces plays a large role in reducing HAIs. However, historically it has been difficult to measure cleaning effectiveness and meaningfully improve processes or related training. There is a clear need for a system that can identify disease-causing bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

OptiSolve, a division of family-owned Canadian company Charlotte Products Ltd. (CPL), has developed an environmental monitoring system and optical sensor technology, called Pathfinder, which is used to image and assess surfaces for microbial contamination (see photo). Dr. Shana Kelley and her team are working with the company to further enhance the OptiSolve offering to allow for recognition and identification of specific pathogen species to Reveal the Invisible.

"The current OptiSolve offering already provides breakthrough precision cleaning capabilities to improve environmental health and safety in all types of facilities - from hospitals to food manufacturing plants to educational facilities and offices – just to name a few. However, this grant takes us to the next level because we will be able to identify deadly pathogens such as C. diff and listeria on surfaces, in real time. We couldn't be more pleased," said Tony Ambler, chairman of Charlotte Products Ltd.

The service and technology will significantly reduce HAIs while enabling environmental services and infection prevention managers to avoid taking a "worst-case scenario" approach to outbreaks, which can include bed closures and cancellation of procedures. The result will be improved health of patients, residents, staff, and visitors as well as healthcare savings and risk mitigation. This first-to-market technology will contribute to economic growth and employment for highly qualified personnel.

SOURCE OptiSolve, a division of Charlotte Products Ltd.

Learn To Live An Empowered And Purposeful Life By Utilizing Natural Strengths And Traits 

Elkhart, IN, February 6, 2019 ― One of the biggest regrets people have in life is that they didn't do what they wanted to do and instead did what everyone else told them to do. But it's possible to break the cycle by simply deciding now to live a life of intention.

Craig C. Sroda, founder and former CEO of Pinnacle of Indiana, provides actionable, step-by-step instructions for living a more purpose-driven life in The Ultimate Manual — a personal life coach in a book. 

With 232 pages of clear, customizable exercises, The Ultimate Manual guides readers on a journey of discovery that will provide insight into the following areas:

•    Strengths
•    Emotional Intelligence
•    Love Languages
•    Turning Points
•    Life Wheel Evaluation
•    Time Usage
•    Core Values
•    Legacy Thinking, and more

Additionally, Sroda teaches readers how to take everything they've uncovered and synthesize it into a unique, one-page life plan — a dashboard of sorts to keep front and center that will help readers stay on track and accomplish their goals. 

Anyone of virtually any age who is seeking purpose and looking for affirmation for their life direction will find valuable information between the covers of The Ultimate Manual that will help them live their lives on purpose — with purpose — and minimize regrets.

Author Craig Sroda's mission is to guide people toward ways that work for them to live their lives intentionally. His goal is to influence 100,000 people to create a life plan by 2022. With the ripple effect, those 100,000 people will influence one million through their five domains of life: personal, family, vocation, community and faith.

Sroda co-founded and served as CEO of Pinnacle of Indiana — one of Indiana's largest Microsoft partners — for 18 years. His passion is helping individuals operate in their "sweet spot”— a place where their passion and strengths intersect so they can maximize their potential. Sroda's previous books include You in the Sweet Spot and Intentional Living and Leadership. After completing his first life plan and exposing priorities of his faith, his wife, three daughters and wanting to help others live on purpose, he sold his company. He is committed to helping others recognize their natural strengths and know their "why.” 

For more information and support, please visit www.craigsroda.com.

The Ultimate Manual
Released: November 2018 
Available from Amazon.com

Reviews:

Mickey Hay, Ph.D. and Erin Cressy, Ph.D., Leadership Consultants at Cressy Consulting: "Craig Sroda is a magnificent curator of the best thinking in personal and professional development, and he brilliantly synthesizes the best of the best to create this accessible manual for anyone wanting to get and stay on purpose. Roll up your sleeves, digest every page and complete every worksheet because everything in this book has been created with thoughtfulness and heart. Use it to create a happier, sweeter, more productive and success-filled life!”

Scott Franko, Founder, Designer, Author, and Speaker at Franko Design: "I've personally experienced working with Craig as he coached me through the life plan process. You will go through that same process with Craig in this book as he guides you through the steps that will lead to more clarity and intention for you and your life. This truly is the 'ultimate manual' for taking a proactive approach to learning about yourself and how that understanding can change your life.” 

Tim Leman, CEO at Gibson, author of rEvolution: Turn Crisis Into Clarity and Ignite Growth: "Craig Sroda has truly put together the 'ultimate manual' for anyone looking for an impactful yet simple guide to creating a life plan. Pulling from free tools and resources on the web, he walks you through in a step-by-step fashion a process to learn about yourself and gain clarity on what you want in life and most importantly how to go about getting it. Whether you're a seasoned professional needing a restart, a stay-at-home parent thinking about what's next or a recent college graduate, Craig's Ultimate Manual is for you!”

How to Get Back to the Gym When Suffering from Bronchitis

Bronchitis can be a nasty illness. It can be awful to experience incessant coughing, congestion, and breathing difficulties. If you’re dealing with a bout of bronchitis, your goal should be to get back to normal as soon as possible. If you look after yourself well, you can return to your workout sessions after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Proper healing should always be your number one aim.

Pamper Yourself for a While

Refrain from the urge to hit the gym until you’re recovered fully from bronchitis. Going back to the gym prematurely may actually inhibit the full healing process. If you want to recover perfectly, then you need to pamper yourself for a while. Rest at home. Eat a good and healthy diet. Avoid overexerting yourself and tiring your body out.

Ask Your Doctor for Feedback

If you have bronchitis, then you need to seek treatment from a doctor. Speak with your doctor about your workout objectives. Ask him or her when he thinks you should be able to resume your typical workout duties. Be sure to take his or her guidance, too. Going back to the gym before you’ve healed properly can only be detrimental to you and to your well-being. If you feel awful, your workout sessions won’t be too effective, either.

Get Tips from Other Workout Buffs

Most workout buffs have experienced sicknesses such as bronchitis at some point. If you want to get back on track, you should reach out to a workout enthusiast who truly knows what he or she is doing. Request tips about suitable timelines for getting back to working out. Tried and tested exercise lovers may be able to help you make a timeframe choices that’s sound and that makes complete sense.

Head to an Urgent Care Clinic

Bronchitis symptoms can feel practically unbearable at times. If you want to manage bronchitis discomfort, heading to an urgent care cliniccan give you a lot of relief. It can also give you the opportunity to get suggestions from capable and experienced doctors and healthcare professionals in general. Request counsel from the clinic’s doctors and nurses with regard to suitable exercise options for people who are recovering from bronchitis.

Working out is a vital part of staying healthy. Proper recovery, however, is something that calls for a certain amount of time. Rushing back into workouts is never optimal. Time is an undeniable recovery asset.