New partnership formed to improve lives of Albertans with digestive disease
CALGARY, Dec. 20, 2018 /CNW/ -The University Hospital Foundation (UHF), Ministry of Alberta Economic Development and Trade, and Shire Pharma Canada ULC (Shire Canada) through the Calgary Health Trust (CHT), have jointly invested $1.7 Million to create a pan-provincial Collaboration of Excellence to advance long-term health outcomes, quality of life, and economic prosperity for Albertans suffering with digestive diseases.
According to a recent National Digestive Disorders Prevalence and Impact Study, approximately two-thirds of Canadians suffer from digestive disorders. Often, people with digestive diseases suffer in silence or are treated with medication for their symptoms, with little understanding of how changes in nutrition may lead to significantly better health outcomes. To address this, Shire Canada, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and the University Hospital Foundation recognized the need to invest in a new partnership for research and treatment of digestive diseases using nutrition-based therapies for the benefit of all Albertans.
Dr. Maitreyi Raman, Medical Director - Southern Alberta Home Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Program, is the clinical lead on the project. "Our major objectives are to develop novel research to support the advancement of nutrition therapy in inflammatory bowel disease, develop novel nutrition and dietary therapies in the setting of liver cirrhosis, and then optimize how we provide care to patients with intestinal failure," said Dr. Raman.
About the AsCEND Collaboration
The provincial partnership for Alberta's Collaborations of Excellence for Nutrition in Digestive Diseases (AsCEND) is supported by an interdisciplinary team comprised of Shire Canada, the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, the University of Alberta – Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and the University of Calgary.
AsCEND will support education and training, post-graduate physician nutrition fellowships, and clinical patient support and development, focused on three main pillars:
Discovery: Developing and evaluating nutrition-based therapies in gastrointestinal disease.
Patient Experience: Using personalized medicine to provide evidence-based nutrition care to patients with GI disease.
Knowledge Sharing: Providing nutrition-focused training and education to patients and practitioners, and advocating for enhanced nutrition delivery in acute and primary care.
"At Shire, we have long believed we have a unique opportunity to champion the underserved patient communities," said Eric Tse, General Manager for Shire Canada. "We are delighted to be a part of the AsCEND collaboration to help accelerate the development of new treatments and nutrition based therapies, remove obstacles to diagnosis and increase access to therapies that are so greatly needed for those who face digestive disease."
"Alberta is home to world-leading healthcare and research teams in gastroenterology, nutrition and inflammatory bowel diseases. The UHF is proud to be a partner in this collaboration as we know it will have a positive impact the health of Albertans living with these conditions", says Christy Holtby, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships with the University Hospital Foundation. "We're so grateful for the support from community members through our Foundation to help fund this ground-breaking collaboration."
"This partnership is an excellent example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors, and our foundations in both Edmonton and Calgary can work together to make a transformational impact on healthcare outcomes for Albertans," adds Dr. Chris Eagle, CEO of Calgary Health Trust. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside University Hospital Foundation and Shire Canada in bringing this opportunity to Alberta."
"Alberta's health innovators are making our province proud – attracting international attention and investment," says the Minister of Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Deron Bilous, "World-renowned life-sciences experts want to help our researchers and entrepreneurs create new products and businesses based on Alberta discoveries. That means healthier lives for people around the world – and new jobs and a more diversified economy here at home."
About the AsCEND Partners
The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to advance patient care, research and healthcare education at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. You can find more information at www.universityhospitalfoundation.ab.ca/.
The Ministry of Alberta Economic Development and Trade focuses on economic growth and diversification by supporting innovation and research; expanding access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises; promoting trade, investment and market access initiatives; and leading Alberta's negotiations on trade agreements. Please visit our website at http://economic.alberta.ca
Shire is the global biotechnology leader serving patients with rare diseases and specialized conditions. We seek to push boundaries through discovering and delivering new possibilities for patients across our portfolio of therapeutic areas including Immunology, Hematology, Genetic Diseases, Neuroscience, Internal Medicine, and Ophthalmics. For more information, please visit: www.shirecanada.com.
Calgary Health Trust raises money to advance healthcare within Calgary. Funds raised benefit Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, South Health Campus, many community health programs and 12 Carewest care centres in our community. For more information about Calgary Health Trust and its strategic priorities, visit www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
A team led by Ashok K. Shetty, PhD, a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicineat the Texas A&M College of Medicine, associate director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and a research career scientist at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, part of the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, is working on a better and permanent treatment for epilepsy. Their results published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences(PNAS).
Seizuresare caused when the excitatory neurons in the brain fire too much and inhibitory neurons—the ones that tell the excitatory neurons to stop firing—aren’t as abundant or aren’t operating at their optimal level. The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain is called GABA, short for gamma-Aminobutyric acid.
Over the last decade, scientists have learned how to create induced pluripotent stem cellsfrom ordinary adult cells, like a skin cell. These stem cells can then be coaxed to become virtually any type of cells in the body, including neurons that use GABA, called GABAergic interneurons.
“What we did is transplant human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived GABAergic progenitor cells into thehippocampusin an animal model of early temporal lobe epilepsy,” Shetty said. The hippocampus is a region in the brain where seizures originate in temporal lobe epilepsy, which is also important for learning, memory and mood. “It worked very well to suppress seizures and even to improve cognitive and mood function in the chronic phase of epilepsy.”
Further testing showed that these transplanted human neurons formed synapses, or connections, with the host excitatory neurons. “They were also positive for GABA and other markers of specialized subclasses of inhibitory interneurons, which was the goal,” Shetty said. “Another fascinating aspect of this study is that transplanted human GABAergic neurons were found to be directly involved in controlling seizures, as silencing the transplanted GABAergic neurons resulted in an increased number of seizures.”
“This publication by Dr. Shetty and his colleagues is a major step forward in treating otherwise incurable diseases of the brain,” said Darwin J. Prockop, MD, PhD, the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine, director of the Texas A&M Institute for Regenerative Medicine and professor at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. “One important aspect of the work is that the same cells can be obtained from a patient.” This type of process, called autologous transplant, is patient specific, meaning that there would be no risk of rejection of the new neurons, and the person wouldn’t need anti-rejection medication.
“We will need to make sure that we’re doing more good than harm,” Shetty said. “Going forward, we need to make sure that all of the cells transplanted have turned into neurons, because putting undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells into the body could lead to tumors and other problems.”
“A great deal of research is required before patients can be safely treated,” Prockop said. “But this publication shows a way in which patients can someday be treated with their own cells for the devastating effects of epilepsy but perhaps also other diseases such as Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Shetty cautioned that these tests were early interventions after the initial brain injury induced by status epilepticus, which is a state of continuous seizures lasting more than five minutes in humans. The next step is to see if similar transplants would work for cases of chronic epilepsy, particularly drug-resistant epilepsy. “Currently, there is no effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy accompanying with depression, memory problems, and a death rate five to 10 times that of the general population,” he said. “Our results suggest that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived GABAergic cell therapy has the promise for providing a long-lasting seizure control and relieving co-morbidities associated with epilepsy.”
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About Texas A&M University Health Science Center Texas A&M University Health Science Center is transforming healththrough innovative research, education and service in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health and medical sciences. As an independent state agency and academic unit of Texas A&M University, the health science center serves the state through campuses in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Learn more at vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu or follow @TAMHSC on Twitter.
Rock Solid Research On How To Prevent Dementia And Maintain A Healthy Brain
Chattanooga, TN, Dec. 19, 2018 ― Dr. Timothy R. Jennings speaks expertly on a subject that concerns over 5.5 million people across the nation: how to prevent dementia and keep our mind sharp as we age. A psychiatrist and international speaker, Jennings introduces his new book, recently rated #1 by Amazon in books on dementia, The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind.
Dr. Jennings prescribes simple, everyday actions we can take to stave off disease, promote vitality, and prevent dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's. "The choices we make now can help us to keep our minds sharp and maintain our independence as we age,” says Jennings.
An easy-to-use guide to maintaining brain and body health throughout life, The Aging Brain is based on solid, up-to-date scientific research, and the interventions discussed can prevent progression toward dementia, even in those already showing signs of mild cognitive impairment. The recommendations also may help reduce disability and depression.
"This book isn't just for people hoping to slow the aging process,” says Jennings. "It's also for anyone who is a caregiver to someone at risk of or already beginning to suffer from dementia. It offers a hopeful, healthy way forward.”
Jennings, who maintains a private practice in Chattanooga, TN, has authored several books, including The God-Shaped Brain and The God-Shaped Heart. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Fellow of the Southern Psychiatric Association, and is president and founder of Come and Reason Ministries.
The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind Baker Books Released: June 2018 ISBN-10: 080107522X ISBN-13: 978-0801075223
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TIP SHEET
Reviews for The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind:
Dr. Caroline Leaf, Cognitive Neuroscientist, Communication Pathologist and Author: "Great advice and excellent science on aging! It's well worth following and applying these principles so as to age the way we are supposed to.”
Rodney A. Poling, MD, DFAPA, medical director, Behavioral Healthcare Center, Columbia TN., and board-certified geriatric psychiatrist: "A well-researched and commonsense book aimed at helping one understand the complexities of dementia, while offering recommendations for maintaining healthy brain function into our later years.”
Michael Lyles, psychiatrist, author, and speaker: "Dr. Jennings clearly describes how to practically manage the medical and lifestyle variables that can positively impact brain health and the process of aging. Age is a number, but getting old is a lifestyle.”
Immuno-oncology drug development and personalized medicine will continue to reshape the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, says GlobalData
Immuno-oncology (I-O) drug development will remain at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The company’s latest annual outlook report, ‘The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry – 2019’, reveals that 31% of global industry respondents believe that immuno-oncology will have the greatest impact on the pharmaceutical sector in 2019 among a range of industry trends.
Claire Herman, Global Director of Therapy Analysis and Epidemiology at GlobalData, comments: “Immuno-oncology therapeutics have already been proven effective in the treatment of a range of cancers, including melanoma, kidney cancer, lymphoma, and other malignancies. The pace of immuno-oncology R&D remains rapid and its scope has expanded to include combination treatment. More and more, this therapeutic approach is regarded as a potential game-changer. Despite some trial disappointments in 2018, in 2019 we will see more development, more approvals, and more uptake for I-O drugs.”
The related field of personalized medicine is likewise expected to play a pivotal role in the industry during the coming year, with 19% of survey respondents identifying it as the most impactful anticipated trend. Personalized medicine spans disease areas and stands to transform not just cancer therapy, but the treatment paradigm across multiple diseases.
Herman continues, “Personalized medicine is revolutionizing disease treatment and patient outcomes. In recent years, as the direction of drug development has shifted from a one-size-fits-all blockbuster model to a more finely targeted approach that aims to develop drugs with higher efficacy in specific patient subpopulations, new targeted drugs have begun reaching the market across multiple indications. These new drugs are overhauling the treatment paradigm.”
“While successful implementation of a personalized medicine-driven strategy requires a fundamental shift in the commercial model for most Pharma companies, the investment is worthwhile. In fact, over time, it is likely that targeted therapies will be the standard of care in a wide range of diseases.”
The fact that, taken together, more than half of survey respondents identified I-O or personalized medicine as the trend expected to have the greatest impact on the industry in 2019 is an indicator of the optimism surrounding these new directions. Other trends, including real-world evidence, remote patient monitoring, and biosimilar uptake, were also highly rated. But ultimately, industry stakeholders believe that trends closer to the clinic will have the most transformative short-term effect.
COUNTDOWN TO NEW YEAR’S EVE: HOW TO GET GREAT SKIN BEFORE THE BALL DROPS ON 2018
As luck would have it, most women seem to experience skin care problems just when they want to look their best. Every woman can relate to waking up with a huge zit right at the tip of her nose, or huge dark circles under the eyes, and the list goes on. There are pre-emptive measure one can take with less than two weeks until the New Year to ward off these skin care evils. We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board certified plastic surgeon for guidance on what to do without breaking the bank or having invasive surgery.
Facial Extractions by a licensed aesthetician- Dr. Manish Shah says, “When done correctly extraction facials can clear closed comedones (AKA those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that never come to a head, yet never really go away), remove whiteheads and blackheads, and give your skin a newer, fresher foundation for your skincare products to penetrate. Basically, extractions can be the kiss of life for your lifeless broken out skin.”
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
If you plan on ringing into 2019 with a few glasses of bubbly, Dr. Shah recommends moderating your alcohol consumption leading up to the big day. He explains, “Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and cause it to appear less fresh and vibrant, which can certainly hinder your skin care efforts.”
Cleanse your Face Every Night- You have just arrived home at 2 am from a holiday Party. It may be tempting to flop into bed without washing your face. Don’t do it! Dr. Shah says that, “Sun damage isn’t the only environmental factor you have to worry about. Small micro particles from air pollutants might just hurt your skin, too. Play it safe by remembering to take a minute to cleanse your face to remove debris that could be weakening your skin. In addition, that foundation and pressed powder you have been wearing all night can clog your pores and cause breakouts.”
Start Exfoliating
Want brighter, younger-looking skin? It starts with a great at home exfoliator! Dr. Shah explains that, “As your skin replenishes itself, dead skin cells start to build up on the top layer, leaving you looking dull. Exfoliating regularly removes this layer, revealing fresh, healthy skin. Regular exfoliation also allows your moisturizer and other topical products to penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.”
Clean Your Makeup Brushes
You would not eat food on dirty dishes, would you? Applying makeup with dirty brushes is not so different. Not only will dirty brushes give you a spotty application, but they can harbor bacteria, dirt and oil, leading to acne and breakouts which necessitates piling on even more makeup to cover it up.
Don’t Squeeze Your Pimples!
Here's a secret that many a supermodel or actress use: Steroid shots. Dr. Shah explains that, "when we discuss treating acne with cortisone or "steroid" shots, we are referring to the process of gently placing a very dilute quantity of a "glucocorticoid" steroid into the cyst. Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid molecules that are naturally produced by our bodies and have numerous functions including the regulation of human metabolism, immunity, and inflammation. They have very potent anti-inflammatory effects, so they are often used to treat inflammatory diseases in medicine. They can be formulated as creams to treat skin rashes or as pills to treat systemic disease. They can also be injected directly into local areas of inflammation such as in arthritic joints and inflamed acne cysts. Within one or two days of injection into a cyst, the steroid will shrink the inflammation producing relief of pain and almost immediate cosmetic improvement."
Peels
Look for AHA/BHA/PHA peels that will exfoliate the skin and help release the top layers of dead skin cells allowing for a more radiant underlay to come through.
Microdermabrasion
This professional treatment exfoliates at a deeper level (similar to a peel), with a mechanical handheld device that buffs away the upper layers of the skin.
Add vitamin C to your routine.
Dr. Shah suggests applying several drops of vitamin C serum underneath SPF each morning to target free radical damage, help lighten brown spots, and even out your skin tone.
Moisturizer
It may seem obvious, but when it comes to dewy, glowing skin, moisturizing is essential. "When your skin is dry, it looks dull, so hydrating ingredients can help bring back that glow," says Dr. Shah. For skin types already prone to shine, adding moisture may seem like the last thing you need, but an oil-free hydrator with ingredients like hyaluronic acid could actually help reduce your sebum production and even out slickness into a sleek glow.
Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time, he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.
Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Expected Study Locations Announced for Pivotal Huntington Disease Clinical Trial
(KITCHENER, ON) DECEMBER 19, 2018 – Roche Pharmaceuticals announced today the expected locations of the clinical trial sites in Canada that will be participating in the Phase III GENERATION HD1 study. The locations that are anticipated to participate are:
Edmonton, Alberta - University of Alberta
Vancouver, British Columbia - University of British Columbia
Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Hospital
Toronto, Ontario - Centre for Movement Disorders
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
Montreal, Quebec - Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal
This announcement comes just one year after the phase Ia/IIb trial showed that the drug successfully lowered the harmful huntingtin protein in spinal fluid that causes Huntington disease (HD) and was deemed initially safe and well tolerated.
The GENERATION HD1 study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of RG6042 treatment given once per month or once every two months (bi-monthly) over a period of 25 months (approx. two years). This global study will enrol up to 660 patients with manifest HD at 80-90 sites in approximately 15 countries around the world. The study will start to enrol by early 2019.
Participants of the study will be randomized to one of three treatment study arms: monthly, bi-monthly or placebo monthly. This means for every two participants randomized to RG6042, one will receive placebo. The study is designed to test the potential effects of RG6042 compared to placebo. The study is “double-blind” so neither the participant nor investigator or site staff will know which study arm the participant is assigned.
“This is a hopeful time for the HD community and this announcement is another positive step forward,” says Robin Markowitz, HSC’s CEO. “Roche’s decision to run clinical trials in Canada speaks to the calibre of our doctors and scientists, who are leading the way in HD research. It also speaks to the level of engagement within the Canadian HD community. I applaud the volunteers who have stepped up and who will continue to step up for research. Their bravery pushes us closer than ever towards meaningful treatments.”
If families have specific questions about participating in clinical trials we recommend they contact their local Movement Disorders or Huntington disease clinic. We will also continue to update the HSC website with the most current information at www.huntingtonsociety.ca/roche-rg6042-update.
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Huntington disease (HD) is a debilitating brain disorder that is fatal and incurable. About one in every 7,000 Canadians has HD and approximately one in every 5,500 is at-risk of developing the disease. Many more are touched by HD whether as a caregiver, a family member, or a friend. HD causes cells in specific parts of the brain to die. As the disease progresses, a person with Huntington disease becomes less able to manage movements, recall events, make decisions and control emotions. Many describe the symptoms of HD as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington Society of Canada(HSC) is a respected leader in the worldwide effort to end Huntington disease. HSC is the only Canadian health charity dedicated to providing help and hope for families dealing with Huntington disease across Canada.
INSTAGRAM “HEALTH FOODS” THAT ARE SURPRISINGLY UNHEALTHY OR CALORIC
From Whole Foods to pricey health food stores, cafes, and coffee shops, certain foods and ingredients have become trendy among health and calorie counting foodies. Who has not heard of matcha, Acai, cold-pressed juice, and gluten-free baked goods? In a perfect world, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could find food and drinks that are delicious, healthy and not calorie laden? While certain Instagram accounts may have you convinced these “magic foods” exist, Dr. Niket Sonpal is a NYC gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine who cautions health enthusiasts to do a deeper dive into what they are eating and imbibing
Gluten-Free Baked Goods
Despite the fact that less than one percent of Americans are believed to have celiac disease, customers and food brands alike have gotten caught in the gluten-free food obsession. Dr. Sonpal explains that “To mimic the taste and texture of wheat gluten, companies will use corn, oat, and rice flours, which aren’t necessarily better for you.” One study found that participants who consumed rice-flour-based baked goods had higher levels of metals within their system than the control group, which is linked to rice’s natural arsenic and metal content.
Smoothie Bowls
Their vibrant colors and pleasant toppings give smoothie bowls the appearance of a well-balanced breakfast, but don’t be fooled: they are loaded with sugar. Unlike traditional smoothies that come in useful, portion-controlled bottles, smoothie bowls tend to be larger and have more surface area, which makes it easy to add additional toppings. For example, the Chunky Strawberry Bowl from Jamba Juice contains 590 calories and 58 grams of sugar.
Acai
Google “acai berry” and a wealth of purported benefits like weight loss and antiaging results will return. Does this trendy health food hail from Brazil really live up to the hype? Dr. Sonpal says that “While the fiber-rich fruit does tout more antioxidant properties than pomegranates and blueberries, many health claims don’t mention that it logs in 247 calories per 100 grams, 26 grams of which are carbohydrates.” The takeaway? Unless you are using acai at home and controlling your portions, an acai bowl could cost you almost 600 calories per serving!
Almond milk
The fact that it’s dairy-free and low in calories has made it the default milk among many people who try to eat healthily. Dr. Sonpal explains that “though unsweetened almond milk, like dairy milk, is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, it’s really low in protein. (Just 1 or 2g protein in a one-cup serving.)
Protein Bars
Protein bars, which are sometimes also energy bars, contain numerous artificial ingredients and have as much nutritional value as a milk chocolate bar. That said, some protein bars can be healthy if they contain healthy, whole, and very few ingredients that make up the bar. Dr. Sonpal cautions, “If you see upwards of 15 ingredients in your protein bar, I would say stay away from it.”
Avocado
If you look at all the salads, grain bowls, and other healthy dishes on Instagram, you'll probably notice that the people posting them seem to be eating a great deal of avocado. "Avocados are very nutritious and packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber,” says Dr. Sonpal. Many Instagrammers go overboard. "An entire medium avocado contains 250 calories and 23g fat," Sonpal says. "Keep your serving size to a quarter of a medium avocado, which would be 60 calories and 6g of fat."
Veggie Chips
The pieces of actual veggies in veggie chips are so thin and processed that most of the nutrition from the vegetable is gone. “Instead, try whole-grain pretzels, baked corn chips, crackers made with seeds and nuts, or popcorn,” Dr. Sonpal suggests. To keep from turning a bag of chips or box of crackers into a meal, divide them up into sensible portions ahead of time.
Cold-pressed juices Cold pressed juices have risen in popularity over the past few years, and with the hefty price tag tacked on to them (one serving of juice can be as much as $12!) one would assume guzzling some would provide you with all the nutrients you could possibly need. Unfortunately for your wallets, and your diets, that is not the case. While made of whole, raw fruits and veggies, the fiber from these foods are often stripped during the juicing process. On top of that, fruits like apples can be added to cut the bitter flavor of leafy greens, which can bump the carbohydrate content up to 20-30 grams of carbs per juice! Dr. Sonpal warns that “because there is no fiber or protein in these juices, guzzling one can cause blood sugar levels to spike too, leaving you right back where you started: hungry and craving something nutrient dense.”
Matcha Lattes
Matcha is one food trend that has taken the center stage. Some restaurants offer matcha pancakes. While matcha is packed with antioxidants and provides detox health benefits that cannot be disputed, ordering up a latte may not be the magic elixir you bargained for. A 12-ounce matcha latte from a popular coffee chain packs 24 grams of sugar and will set you back 190 calories.
Agave Nectar
Agave syrup is derived from the sweet nectar of the Agave tequila plant and is often perceived as a “natural” alternative to processed cane or beet sugar or other zero-calorie sweeteners. The syrup is touted by manufacturers as a safer sweetener for diabetics because it is lower on the glycemic index (a measurement of how certain foods affect blood sugar levels), Dr. Sonpal says that “no reliable human studies exist reinforcing this claim. Agave syrup is just like any other sweetener- no better, no worse”.
About Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
6 Benefits of Snail Slime for Your Skin
Expert Dermatologist Explains Why Snail Mucin is a Must for Anti-Aging
Snail slime, otherwise known as snail secretion filtrate (SSF) or snail mucin is naturally created by snails to protect, renew and restore themselves. It has become a popular ingredient in skincare offering great results when used on human skin.
Dr. Andrea Godoy is a Brazilian Dermatologist for former Victoria’s Secret bombshells Alessandra Ambrosio and Ana Beatriz Barros, and Lead Advisor for Brazilian Skin. Their skincare products include snail mucin, among other key ingredients. SSF has six main benefits for the skin and is a powerful anti-aging property, especially at clinical levels. Brazilian Skin extracts the SSF without causing any harm to the mollusk.
1. It optimizes overall skin health.
Packed with zinc, iron, manganese and copper peptides, plus incredibly high quantities of vitamins A and E, snail mucin helps to restore skin and heal it quickly.
Dr. Godoy explains that, “The beneficial ingredients within SSF are plentiful, they include: Allantoin which stimulates skin and regeneration healing, anti-irritation and smoothing actions, proteins which aid in skin nutrition and improving skin texture and luminosity. Snail mucin seals in moisture and allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin. It prevents dryness and makes the skin look dewy, with fewer allergenic ingredients.”
2. It’s a potent way to hydrate skin.
When we consider that 98% of SSF is comprised of water, it is excellent for dry skin which often has wrinkles and fine lines due to dryness.
3. Research shows it has anti-aging potential.
Beyond sealing in moisture, and helping skin to heal, new research has shown SSF may have anti-aging potential, too.
How do skin care companies like Brazilian Skin get the snail mucin from the snail into their products? Dr. Godoy states, “When snails are put under mild stress conditions, they excrete a thick fluid as a means to protect themselves.” When concentrated, this snail mucin aids human skin by hydrating, preventing aging and improving wrinkles and scars.
4. It’s a protection powerhouse.
When looking at ways to protect skin from premature aging, UV rays, pollution, dryness, it’s the copper and antimicrobial peptides along with hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, and glycoprotein that makes snail mucin such a powerful skin shield.
When you use a serum that includes clinical levels of skin mucin, you’re going to see a difference in the overall appearance of your skin within a few days.
5. It fades scarring and stretch marks.
“There are two key components to snail filtrate that boost tissue repair and promote rapid cell renewal. First are fibrinolytic enzymes which can be thought of as cellular nourishment for the skin. The other is glycolic acid which serves as a natural exfoliant which handles the scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. When you look at these two components plus everything else found in snail filtrate, it’s obvious that it is a powerful ingredient,” Dr. Godoy illustrated.
6. It kills bacteria and blasts acne.
The little snail that could continues to amaze with the ability to kill bacteria that live on the skin’s surface causing acne. “Snail mucin is full of natural antibiotics so when using products with high concentrations of it, skin clears and remains clear with consistent use,” says Dr. Godoy.
With this abundance of naturally occurring benefits for a variety of skincare issues, it’s a no-brainer why snail mucin is more commonly featured as an ingredient in skincare products lately.
What does the research show?
In Brazilian Skin’s research on the benefits, results from a small study with varied ages, both men and women had skin moisturization increase 30-40% after using protelixan and skin elasticity increased by 17%.
While there is limited research on the anti-aging properties of snail mucin, Dr. Godoy believes the addition of SSF in Brazilian Skin products contribute to the drastically amazing results their skincare line achieves, specifically in regard to anti-aging. Along with Dr. Godoy, Wilson Chueire, Founder of Brazilian Skin, also believes this and affirms their Bratoxin formula, which features SSF, increases skin moisture by 54% over 24 hrs.
Product information:
Currently, Brazilian Skin’s regimen comes in the form of a Facelift Kit ($229.00) with three serums: the Age Reversing Bratoxin ® which is the daytime serum, the Triple Cell Complex Acai mask which delivers the best results when worn overnight, and Bratoxinsta ® a more direct wrinkle treatment serum that when applied to deeper wrinkles, radically reduces their appearance within 60 seconds.
Meet Dr. Andrea Godoy- A leading Brazilian Dermatologist
After graduating from the University of Medical Sciences of Santos in Brazil in 1999 with a Specialist Medical Degree in Dermatology, Dr. Godoy has spent years discovering the most cutting-edge technologies and treatments to keep her patients looking young and beautiful. She has traveled all over the world attending countless workshops, conventions and pieces of training (i.e. the Photo Dynamic Therapy in Milan, 2005.)
As a top Dermatologist for Brazilian Supermodels, Dr. Godoy has also co-authored “Foundations on Dermatology” and “Treatise on Dermatological Surgery, Cosmetic and Laser.”
The Day After Christmas: The Silent Killer
Christmas is a time of family, happiness, and joy. It is a day to relax, share love and exchange gifts with our friends and family, wishing each other success in the upcoming year. It is indeed a shining moment when we gather around the Christmas tree to open our presents. Besides gifts, a Christmas feast is an inevitable part of the celebration. We enjoy eggnog, canapes, chicken wings, cinnamon rolls, and all the other dishes that make this day special. It all seems magical. It feels like nothing can go wrong. But if we tell you that the day after Christmas is a day with the most heart attacks recorded of all the year, you wouldn’t be so quick to grab another piece of pie, would you?
People Tend to Be Less Responsible During Holidays
All this relaxation can turn into carelessness and can be costly, especially for older people and those with heart problems. Think about it this way: if you have cholesterol problems, you are probably disgusted with all the medications, recommended diets and other pieces of advice your doctor has given you over the years. It’s Christmas! You want to celebrate, relax, and forget about all that stuff. You want to have a few drinks with your friends, talk with them, and enjoy all the festivities the day has to bring.
Unfortunately, the illness doesn’t care about the holidays. Something that you would describe as giving yourself a little break, doctors call signing a death sentence. The change in your habits during the holidays can cause severe problems. Because of all this excitement, you probably forgot to go to the gym, or if it’s cold outside, you maybe didn’t even leave the house. You drank more alcohol than usual, and you certainly ate a lot more than you should have. Your heart is challenged to surpass all these unexpected obstacles, and very often, it can’t. The consequences can be fatal.
How Can You Prevent Unwanted Events?
You should pay extra attention to a few details so you can enjoy your Christmas while not putting your health in jeopardy. First of all, try to have a light breakfast. Some oatmeal combined with fresh fruit would be a great choice. For your lunch, sneak some garlic, avocados, salmon or walnuts onto your plate. These foods lower the cholesterol in your blood, and they will help you make a healthy balanced Christmas menu. Remember, it is important to be moderate in both eating and drinking.
It is OK to have a drink or two, but don't go too far. Have a glass of water between drinks and stop before you start feeling tipsy. Adding a food supplement during holidays is not a bad idea, either. Cholesterade is an excellent choice since it reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol. It is 100 percent natural, and it tastes good too.
The tips above are pretty much essential for your health not only during Christmas but throughout the whole year. Try to be responsible, enjoy, relax, but don’t do something regretful. It will make your holidays even more enjoyable.
Lipofilling, Expanded Stem Cells Are a Valuable Alternative to Breast Implants
Autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) expansion avoids fat resorption,allowing to maintain results achieved after fat grafting
4 years follow-up results of Bioscience Institute Liposkill Plus body shaping approachpresented at Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Easy availability of donor tissue, absence of scars, short recovery times: several advantages have made lipofilling a promising technique for breast augmentation, asymmetry correction and reconstruction, but fat resorption can severely limit results. Nowadays, an approach based on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) injection allows to maintain the breast volume achieved after fat grafting. The first ever evidences of ADSCs advantages come from the 16th Annual IFATS Meeting organized by the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science in Las Vegas (USA), where Bioscience Institute presented the results of a 4-years follow-up of patients subjected to autologous expanded ADSCs implant for breast augmentation.
Breast volume MRI analysis was performed under the medical supervision of Bioscience Institute medical director, Roberto Viel, before and 4 years after ADSCs treatment, revealing that appropriate injection allows to maintain 100% of the volume achieved with fat grafting. When patient BMI increased, total breast volume increased too, reaching 109 to 135% of total breast volume achieved with fat injection, demonstrating fat graft behaves like fat in other parts of the organism.
Such results have been made possible by Liposkill Plus, a body shaping approach based on expansion of autologous ADSCs to be injected in patient's breast to obtain a double aesthetic goal: improving breast volume without breast implants and eventually removing fat from undesired deposits (e.g. abdomen, tights). ADSCs expansion is fundamental for long-lasting results, allowing to get the minimum right dose of cells for injection (100-150 thousand cells/ml of fat for a volume between 400 to 800 ml). «Cells expansion is the only technology available to achieve the correct ratio between cells and fat,» explained by Giuseppe Mucci, Bioscience Institute CEO. «Results are totally natural both aesthetically and to touch, and it is possible to reshape other parts of the body too, such as glutes. Moreover, some ADSC can be cryopreserved, allowing other uses in the future, such as skin aging treatment. With such features, Liposkill Plus represents a valuable alternative to traditional breast augmentation surgery.»
SOURCE Bioscience Institute S.P.A
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